最新美国发明专利第2011-03-29期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US07915031B2	DNA fragments array from biomining microorganisms and method for detection of them The present invention discloses an array of DNA fragments from biomining microorganisms and a method to identify readily and simultaneously said microorganisms in a sample. This method is a useful tool in biomining, in every circumstance where a global understanding of the present microbiological diversity is required, or simply to assess the presence of some microorganism with biomining relevance, either on the mineral, or in a bioleaching heap, in the biomining laboratory or in any other circumstance involving biomining microorgarisms.
US07915028B2	Tissue regeneration substrate, complex thereof with cells, and method for its production A tissue regeneration substrate comprising a film with a honeycomb structure composed primarily of a polymer compound and a phospholipid. A tissue regeneration complex comprising the tissue regeneration substrate and cells held in the tissue regeneration substrate. The substrate is particularly suitable for regeneration of cartilage tissue, and allows growth of cartilage tissue in a three-dimensional fashion.
US07915026B2	Host cells for production of isoprenoid compounds Methods for synthesizing isopentenyl pyrophosphate are provided. A first method comprises introducing into a host microorganism a plurality of heterologous nucleic acid sequences, each coding for a different enzyme in the mevalonate pathway for producing isopentenyl pyrophosphate. A related method comprises introducing into a host microorganism an intermediate in the mevalonate pathway and at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence, each sequence coding for an enzyme in the mevalonate pathway necessary for converting the intermediate into isopentenyl pyrophosphate. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences, enzymes, expression vectors, and transformed host cells for carrying out the methods.
US07915018B2	Method for producing L-amino acids using bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family There is disclosed a method for producing L-amino acid, for example L-threonine, L-lysine, L-histidine, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine or L-glutamic acid, using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, wherein the bacterium has been modified to enhance an activity of D-xylose permease.
US07915017B2	Process for the treatment of lignocellulosic biomass A process for the treatment of biomass to render structural carbohydrates more accessible and/or digestible using concentrated ammonium hydroxide with or without anhydrous ammonia addition, is described. The process preferably uses steam to strip ammonia from the biomass for recycling. The process yields of monosaccharides from the structural carbohydrates are good, particularly as measured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the structural carbohydrates. The monosaccharides are used as animal feeds and energy sources for ethanol production.
US07915016B2	cDNA production from cells after laser microdissection The present invention provides a new procedure for the synthesis of cDNA from single cells after microdissection. It has the advantage that it is cost-efficient and can be carried out quickly with only few steps, even by less skilled laboratory employees. For the first time, the time-consuming and risky step of RNA isolation is omitted during cDNA synthesis from single cells by performing lysis and cDNA synthesis in the same reaction tube and in one buffer solution, which provides reliable and contamination-free results. The buffer is composed of NP40, carrier-RNA and Super RNAsin, as well as dNTPs and cDNA synthesis primers.
US07915011B2	Host cell modifications that improve peptide production and downstream processing Disrupting the expression of endogenous Escherichia host cell genes gcvA and spr provides mutant host cells having increased heterologous peptide production. The addition of a genetic modification to the coding region of gene yejM further enhances peptide production and facilitates easier downstream processing. Recombinant Escherichia host cells are provided as well as methods of using such host cells for heterologous peptide production.
US07915009B2	Activation and inhibition of the immune system Activation of the immune response by NF-kB inducers, induction of an anergic response by NF-kB inhibitors and the inhibition and activation of immune response by the administration of an activator or inhibitor of NF-kB is disclosed. Examples of NF-kB inhibitors include IkBα, PSI, a nucleotide sequence encoding IkBα anti-sense nucleic acid encoding an NF-kB sequence, such as Rel B, and anti-NF-kB antibodies. Examples of NF-kB inducers include NIK, MEKK, IKK2, TFRRF2, and Rel B. Also disclosed are vectors encoding inducers and inhibitors of NF-kB, for example adenoviral vectors.
US07914998B2	Neurotransmitter signaling can regulate life span in C. elegans The present invention features methods of identifying modulators of longevity. Also featured are organisms, cell systems and compositions for performing those methods. Further featured are therapeutic methods for the use of modulators identified according to said methodologies.
US07914997B2	Polynucleotides for use as tags and tag complements, manufacture and use thereof A family of minimally cross-hybridizing nucleotide sequences, methods of use, etc. A specific family of 210 24mers is described.
US07914993B2	Process for starch liquefaction and fermentation The presently disclosed subject matter provides improved processes for processing starch from plant sources, including processes for starch liquefaction, for simultaneous liquefaction and saccharification, and for the preparation of ethanol. These processes can be performed without a pH adjustment and at relatively low temperatures. The processes can involve the use of starch-containing plant material derived from plants that express starch-digesting enzymes. The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to improved processes for the preparation of other starch-derived products, including dried distiller grain (dried distiller grain) and dried distiller grain and solubles (dried distiller grain and solubles), and to the starch-derived products, themselves.
US07914992B2	Treatment of PRDC in pigs The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition comprising a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for the prevention and treatment, including a reduction in the severity of, duration of, and manifestations of, porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) in animals, preferably in pigs.
US07914989B2	Capture moieties for nucleic acids and uses thereof A unimolecular probe for hybridization to a molecule comprising a target nucleic acid sequence, the probe includes: a first nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target sequence (target-binding sequence); and a second nucleic acid sequence complementary to a portion of the first nucleic acid sequence and capable of hybridization therewith to form a first intramolecular duplex. In use, the target and target-bind sequence hybridize to form a duplex. A probe can be used to detect a molecule containing the target sequence, act as a primer for synthesis or amplification, etc.
US07914984B2	Conformationally flexible cationic conjugated polymers Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving cationic conjugated conformationally flexible polymers are provided. A method for the synthesis of cationic water-soluble polymers with linkages along the polymer main chain structure which disrupt the ability of the polymers to form extended-rod structures is provided. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.
US07914983B2	Detection method for gene expression Provided is a novel approach for generating oligonucleotide probes and the use of these probes in gene expression profiling, by hybridization to test oligonucleotides on arrays or beads. This approach involves labeling of the complement oligonucleotide probes using a mixture of dye or hapten labeled-ddNTPs in solution. The labeled oligonucleotide probes are then used to hybridize to the test oligonucleotides on the solid support. Success in hybridization is monitored by associated signal on the solid support. This approach greatly reduces hybridization time, due to the simplification of the probe content. It is especially useful when analyzing a small number of genes, such as a signature set of genes for a disease or condition.
US07914975B2	Multiple exposure lithography method incorporating intermediate layer patterning A method of patterning a semiconductor substrate includes creating a first set of patterned features in a first inorganic layer; creating a second set of patterned features in one of the first inorganic layer and a second inorganic layer; and transferring, into an organic underlayer, both the first and second sets of patterned features, wherein the first and second sets of patterned features are combined into a composite set of patterned features that are transferable into the substrate by using the organic underlayer as a mask.
US07914973B2	Method of forming a pattern in a semiconductor device and method of forming a gate using the same A method of forming a pattern in a semiconductor device is described. A substrate divided into cell and peripheral regions is provided, and an object layer is formed on a substrate. A buffer pattern is formed on the object layer in the cell region along a first direction. A spacer is formed along a sidewall of the buffer pattern in the cell region, and a hard mask layer remains on the object layer in the peripheral region. The buffer layer is removed, and the spacer is separated along a second direction different from the first direction, thereby forming a cell hard mask pattern. A peripheral hard mask pattern is formed in the peripheral region. A minute pattern is formed using the cell and peripheral hard mask patterns in the substrate. Therefore, a line width variation or an edge line roughness due to the photolithography process is minimized.
US07914971B2	Light exposure mask and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the same The present invention provides a light exposure mask which can form a photoresist layer in a semi-transmissive portion with uniform thickness, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in which the number of photolithography steps (the number of masks) necessary for manufacturing a TFT substrate is reduced by using the light exposure mask. A light exposure mask is used, which includes a transmissive portion, a light shielding portion, and a semi-transmissive portion having a light intensity reduction function where lines and spaces are repeatedly formed, wherein the sum of a line width L of a light shielding material and a space width S between light shielding materials in the semi-transmissive portion satisfies a conditional expression (2n/3)×m≦L+S≦(6n/5)×m when a resolution of a light exposure apparatus is represented by n and a projection magnification is represented by 1/m (m≧1).
US07914970B2	Mixed lithography with dual resist and a single pattern transfer An inorganic electron beam sensitive oxide layer is formed on a carbon based material layer or an underlying layer. The inorganic electron beam sensitive oxide layer is exposed with an electron beam and developed to form patterned oxide regions. An ultraviolet sensitive photoresist layer is applied over the patterned oxide regions and exposed surfaces of the carbon based material layer, and subsequently exposed with an ultraviolet radiation and developed. The combined pattern of the patterned ultraviolet sensitive photoresist and the patterned oxide regions is transferred into the carbon based material layer, and subsequently into the underlying layer to form trenches. The carbon based material layer serves as a robust mask for performing additional pattern transfer into the underlying layer, and may be easily stripped afterwards. The patterned ultraviolet sensitive photoresist, the patterned oxide regions, and the patterned carbon based material layer are subsequently removed.
US07914968B2	Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern A positive resist composition including a resin component (A) and an acid-generator component (B), the resin component (A) including a structural unit (a1) derived from hydroxystyrene, and a structural unit (a2) having an acetal-type acid dissociable dissolution inhibiting group, and the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1-i) having at least one anion moiety selected from the group consisting of anion moieties represented by general formula (b-3), (b-4), and (b-5), an acid generator (B1-ii) having an anion moiety represented by general formula (b-6) shown below, or an acid generator (B1-iii) having a cation moiety represented by general formula (b′-3) shown below: wherein X″ represents an alkylene group of 2 to 6 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with a fluorine atom; Y″ and Z″, U″, V″, and W″ each independently represents an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with a fluorine atom, [Chemical Formula 2] R10″—SO3− (b-6) wherein R10″ represents a hydrocarbon group which may or may not have a substituent, wherein R7″ to R9″ each independently represents a phenyl group or naphthyl group that may or may not have a substituent; with the proviso that the case where all of R7″ to R9″ represent phenyl groups which do not have a substituent is excluded.
US07914967B2	Fluorine-containing compound, resist composition for immersion exposure, and method of forming resist pattern A resist composition for immersion exposure including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon irradiation, and a fluorine-containing compound (C) having a group represented by general formula (c) shown below and containing at least one fluorine atom: wherein Q represents a group in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from a monovalent hydrophilic group; and R1 represents a hydrocarbon group of 2 or more carbon atoms which may have a fluorine atom.
US07914966B2	Modified polymers and their use in the production of lithographic printing plate precursors Radiation-sensitive negative working element comprising (a) a substrate with a hydrophilic surface and (b) a layer on the hydrophilic surface of the substrate, wherein said layer comprises a modified polymer obtainable by reacting (i) a polymer with —COOH, —SO3H, —P03H2 and/or —PO4H2 in the side chains, wherein the polymer is soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions and the solubility is not changed by IR radiation, and (ii) a salt with an inorganic or organic cation, wherein the modified polymer is soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions and the solubility is not changed by IR radiation, said layer being soluble in aqueous alkaline developer, but is rendered insoluble in aqueous alkaline developer by IR radiation.
US07914960B2	Additive containing charge transport layer photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and where the charge transport layer contains at least one of an ammonium salt.
US07914959B2	Image bearing member, image forming method, and image forming apparatus An image bearing member including a substrate, a photosensitive layer, provided overlying the substrate and a cross linking charge transport layer provided overlying the photosensitive layer, wherein the area of the photosensitive layer which is most distant from the substrate contains a charge transport material, a binder resin and a filler.
US07914958B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A semiconductor device manufacturing method has forming a first resist pattern on the semiconductor substrate, and then, forming a first pattern on the semiconductor substrate by the use of the first resist pattern, and forming a second resist pattern on the semiconductor substrate by using an imprinter, and then, forming a second pattern on the semiconductor substrate by the use of the second resist pattern. The forming the first pattern, the first pattern smaller than a design pattern corresponding to the design data for forming a plurality of patterns on a semiconductor substrate being formed.
US07914955B2	Masks, lithography device and semiconductor component One problem of projection optics concerns pupil apodization which leads to imaging defects. As here proposed, the illumination system is configured to illuminate the mask inhomogeneously. As a result, inhomogeneities in reflectivity caused by the mask itself are at least partly counteracted. This compensation not only makes the apodization over the pupil become more symmetric but also makes the intensity variation smaller overall.
US07914952B2	Lithographic pellicle The present invention is directed to provide a pellicle that can control the deformation of the photomask to a minimum without particular consideration of the flatness of a pellicle frame even in the case where a pellicle is affixed to a photomask for lithography. In the pellicle of the present invention, the pellicle comprises a photomask adhesive for affixing the pellicle to a photomask, the photomask adhesive having a flat surface, wherein the flatness of the surface is no more than 15 μm.
US07914949B2	Method for testing a photomask A method, a recording medium and an apparatus for testing a photomask are provided. In the disclosed method, a particular region of a photomask is selected, either from a physical instance of the photomask, or from the photomask as represented by a digital representation thereof. The particular region is then characterized by identifying a pattern type present in the particular region. A lithographic process stress condition is determined for the particular region, considering the pattern type, and thereafter, a result of lithographically patterning a feature is determined by simulating a photolithographic exposure, using the particular region of the photomask under the lithographic process stress condition. Then, it is decided whether the particular region of the photomask is acceptable based on the result of the simulated exposure only under the lithographic process stress condition.
US07914942B2	Fuel cell vehicle The fuel cell vehicle, includes a fuel cell generating electricity by an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; an accessory for the fuel cell; and a fuel cell system box mounted on a vehicle body and housing the fuel cell and the accessory, wherein the fuel cell system box is formed in a vessel shape which has a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, the first side wall supporting at least one pipe through which a fluid supplied to the fuel cell flows, and the first side wall is constituted of a material having a specific gravity that is greater than that of the bottom wall and the second wall.
US07914934B2	Hydro-oxy fuel generator The Hydro-Oxy Fuel Generator is an electro/chemical system that can convert ions (Hydronium ions and Hydroxide ions to gases (Hydrogen and Oxygen). The system can be easily mounted on vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, trains, etc.) to produce Hydrogen and Oxygen gases, wherein, gases can be used as an alternative fuel source.The basic objective of this invention is to create a viable source of fuel that reduces the dependency on fossil fuels.
US07914932B2	All-solid-state battery An all-solid-state battery having a high output power and a long life, exhibiting high safety, and being produced at a low cost is provided. The all-solid-state battery has a cathode comprising a cathode material, an anode comprising an anode material, and a solid electrolyte layer comprising a solid electrolyte, wherein the cathode material, the anode material, and the solid electrolyte are a compound shown by the following formulas (1), (2), and (3), respectively: MaN1bX1c (1) MdN2eX2f (2) MgN3hX3i (3) wherein M represents H, Li, Na, Mg, Al, K, or Ca and X1, X2, and X3 are polyanions, each of N1 and N2 is at least one atom selected from the group consisting of transition metals, Al, and Cu, and N3 is at least one atom selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ge, Hf, Zr, Al, Cr, Ga, Fe, Sc, and In.
US07914929B2	Aqueous dispersion with a starch and lithium and titanium mixed oxide base for a lithium storage battery electrode A dispersion comprises at least one aqueous solvent, a lithium and titanium mixed oxide such as Li4Ti5O12 and an organic binder comprising a starch-type polysaccharide. The starch-type polysaccharide comprises amylose and amylopectin, with a ratio between the weight proportion of amylose and the weight proportion of amylopectin that is less than or equal to 25%. Such a dispersion can be used to achieve a lithium storage battery electrode.
US07914925B2	Thin-type secondary battery and method of producing the same, and secondary battery module To provide a high capacity thin-type secondary battery suitably formed into a module and having no thickness fluctuation, excellent quality stability, and excellent heat radiation properties, by using a sheet-like separator having expansion anisotropy due to penetration of an electrolytic solution. A method of producing a thin-type secondary battery includes the steps of: sandwiching a sheet-like separator having expansion anisotropy due to penetration of an electrolytic solution, by a sheet-like electrode pair; inserting the separator sandwiched by the electrode pair and injecting the electrolytic solution, into a thin-type outer wrapper having an opened portion; penetrating the electrolytic solution into the separator without fixing motion of the separator in a maximum expanding direction and in a state where the maximum expanding direction of the separator and a penetrating direction of the electrolytic solution are substantially parallel to each other; and sealing the opened portion into a tightly sealed state.
US07914914B2	Low embodied energy sheathing panels with optimal water vapor permeance and methods of making same Sheathing panels are produced by methods which do not require natural resources such as wood and use significantly reduced embodied energy when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum sheathing panels. A novel binder, consisting in one embodiment of monopotassium phosphate and magnesium oxide, and combined with various fillers, is incorporated with hollow tubes or water soluble fibers to create a gypsum board-like core which can be formed into a suitable sheathing panel handled and installed in a typical manner. The panel is manufactured to have a desirable shear resistance and water vapor permeability, important performance elements in building envelope design. The manufacturing process results in a panel that does not require mature trees as source material, does not off gas, and involves much lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make traditional wood or gypsum-based sheathing panels.
US07914912B2	Actively switchable nano-structured adhesive Described herein is a microstructure having a substrate and a plurality of nano-fibers attached to the substrate. Each nano-fiber moves between the first and second states without an external mechanical load being applied to the nano-fibers. Each nano-fiber is configured to move between a first state and a second state in response to applied electricity, magnetism, chemical solution, heat, or light. Each nano-fiber is straight in the first state and curved in the second state, and when the nano-fibers are in the second state and in contact with a contact surface, the nano-fibers adhere to the contact surface.
US07914911B2	Anthracene derivative and light emitting element and light emitting device using the same It is an object of the present invention to provide a luminescent material that has resistance to repeated oxidation reactions. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element that is high in luminous efficiency. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element that has a long life. An aspect of the present invention is an anthracene derivative represented by a general formula (1). In the general formula (1), R2 to R4 and R7 to R9 are individually any one of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a group represented by the following structure formula (2), and R1, R5, R6, and R10 are individually any one of hydrogen and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
US07914908B2	Organic electroluminescent device having an azatriphenylene derivative Azatriphenylene derivatives and their use in the electron-transporting layer of an electroluminescent device that comprises an anode, a spaced-apart cathode, and at least one electron-transporting layer disposed between the spaced-apart anode and cathode. Such EL devices provide lower drive voltage, improved power efficiency, and longer operational lifetime.
US07914906B2	Organic electro-luminescence device An organic electro-luminescence device includes a substrate, the first electrode layer, a hole injecting layer, a hole transporting layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transporting layer, an electron injecting layer and the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is formed over the substrate. The hole injecting layer is formed over the first electrode layer. The hole transporting layer is formed over the hole injecting layer. The light emitting layer is formed over the hole transporting layer. The electron transporting layer is formed over the light emitting layer. The electron transporting layer includes carbazole derivative and n-type material. The electron injecting layer is formed over the electron transporting layer. The second electrode layer is formed over the electron injecting layer.
US07914905B2	π-conjugated aromatic ring-containing compound and organic electroluminescent device A π-conjugated aromatic ring-containing compound represented by the formula (1) below is relatively stable and useful as a light-emitting material for light from blue-violet region to red region. [In the formula, R1-R6 independently represent a hydrogen atom or the like; A and D independently represent a pyridine ring, pyrimidine ring, pyridazine ring, pyrazine ring, furan ring, pyrrole ring, pyrazole ring, imidazole ring, thiophene ring, benzothiadiazole ring, thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine ring, furo[3,4-b]pyrazine ring, 6H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine ring or the like; a1, a2 and a3 independently represent 0 or 1; and n1 and n2 independently represent an integer of 1-5.]
US07914904B2	Component in a combustion system, and process for preventing slag, ash, and char buildup Disclosed herein is a component in a combustion system comprising a composite, the composite comprising silicon carbide; and a refractory metal silicide comprising a phase selected from Rm5Si3, Rm5Si3C, RmSi2, and a combination thereof; wherein Rm is a refractory metal selected from molybdenum, tungsten, and a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a process for preventing slag, ash, and char buildup on a surface, comprising disposing a first surface of the composite on the surface; replacing a component comprising the surface with a component consisting of the composite; or a combination thereof.
US07914903B2	Layered composite including cubic boron nitride In a layered composite including a substrate comprising a number of individual layers disposed on the substrate, at least one of the individual layers includes cubic boron nitride formed by material deposition, the cubic boron nitride including oxygen added during deposition of the material.
US07914899B2	Electrical insulation film Certain embodiments of the present technology provide a capacitor film comprising a polypropylene material. The capacitor film comprises xylene solubles of at least 0.5 percent by weight. In certain embodiments the xylene solubles are in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 percent by weight. The film also comprises a crystalline fraction melting in the temperature range of 200° C. to 105° C. determined by stepwise isothermal segregation technique. The crystalline fraction comprises a part, the part representing at least 10 percent by weight of said crystalline fraction, and wherein the part melts at a melting rate of 10° C./min. Certain embodiments present a capacitor film where the part melts at or below 140° C. In other embodiments, the said part melts at or below the temperature T=Tm−3° C., wherein Tm is the melting temperature of the capacitor film and/or the polypropylene material, and the part represents at least 45 percent by weight of the crystalline fraction.
US07914897B2	Superhydrophobic coating A composition for coating comprising at least one compound of formula (I): RSi(R<1>)n(X<1>)3-n, and optionally at least one compound of formula (II): RSi(R<2>)m(X<2>)3-m, wherein R is a straight-chain or branched C(1-24) alkyl group, R is an aromatic group, such as an optionally substituted carbocyclic and heterocyclic group comprising five-, six- or ten-membered ring systems, which is linked by a single covalent bond or a spacer unit, such as a straight-chain or branched alkyl residue having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, to the Si- atom, R<1> and R<2> are, independently of each other a lower alkyl group, such as a straight chain and branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X<1> and X<2> are independently of each other a hydrolysable group, such as a halogen or an alkoxy group and n, m are independently of each other 0 or 1, with the proviso that if n and m are independently of each other 0 or 1, X may represent the same or different groups.
US07914887B2	Thermoplastic resin film and label paper employing the same A thermoplastic resin film (i) which has a degree of dimensional change through heating and cooling (α) in the range of from −2% to 2% as measured by thermomechanical analysis in the range of from room temperature to 135° C., or which has a degree of thermal shrinkage of 1.8% or lower upon heating at 130° C. for 30 minutes or longer; and a label paper employing the same. The label paper has suitability for heated-roll fixing type electrophotographic printers and is satisfactory in curling after printing.
US07914883B2	Transparent conductive laminated body A transparent conductive laminated body comprising: a transparent film substrate having a thickness of 2 to 200 μm, and a first transparent dielectric thin film, a second transparent dielectric thin film and a transparent conductive thin film that are formed on one side of the substrate in this order from the side of the substrate, wherein the first transparent dielectric thin film is formed by vacuum deposition, sputtering or ion plating and comprises a complex oxide containing 0 to 20 parts by weight of tin oxide and 10 to 40 parts by weight of cerium oxide relative to 100 parts by weight of indium oxide, and the relationship: n2
US07914879B2	Thick fusing belt for a color electrophotographic printer An endless fusing thick belt for an electrographic imaging device having a flexible tubular configuration of predetermined diameter, said endless fusing thick belt comprising; an outside surface toner release layer comprised of a coating and a sleeve; a silicone rubber layer positioned inside said outside surface toner release layer; a rigid material layer positioned inside said silicone rubber layer; and a silicone base layer positioned inside and affixed to the internal surface of said polyimide layer using an adhesive.
US07914870B2	Limited life medium A limited-life storage medium comprises a flowable agent. In one example, the storage medium is an optical disc. In a ready-to-read condition, the center of mass of the disc does not coincide with the center of rotation. When the disc is read, the unbalanced rotation of the disc causes vibration that migrates the flowable agent into contact with a metal data-carrying layer, where the flowable agent interferes with the readability of the data so as to limit the useful life of the disc. The movement of the flowable agent improves the balance of the disc, and reduces the vibration.
US07914868B2	Thermoplastic single ply protective covering Improved single ply, water proof roof coverings having an extruded pressure sensitive rubber-based adhesive backing for attachment to a substrate such as the roof of a building or a transport vehicle, the adhesive consisting of polyisobutylene and at least one polymer comprising conjugated diene monomers.
US07914865B2	Frosted articles, frosting liquids, and frosting methods A solid frosted article including a substrate, a film formed on the substrate, the film comprising a frosting coating, the frosting coating comprising thermoset acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate copolymer, and methylated melamine-formaldehyde resin, and wherein the one of a solid frosted article is glass block, glass panel and glass bottle. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US07914863B2	Liquid crystal alignment solution A liquid crystal alignment solution is provided. The liquid crystal alignment solution includes a first polyimide-polyamide acid and a second polyimide-polyamide acid. The first polyimide-polyamide acid is represented by formula (A), and the second polyimide-polyamide acid is represented by formula (B), in which T1, T2, T3 and T4 are each independently a tetravalent residue of a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride; D1, D2, D3 and D4 are each independently a divalent residue of a diamine; and m, n, p and q are each independently an positive integer, wherein m/(m+n)≦0.5 and p/(p+q)≧0.5.
US07914860B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal composition is provided that has a wide temperature range of a nematic phase, has a suitable optical anisotropy, has a large negative dielectric anisotropy and has a large specific resistance, and a liquid crystal composition is provided that can increase an optical anisotropy and has a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, preferably −20° C. or less, while satisfying the aforementioned characteristics. A liquid crystal display device containing the liquid crystal composition is also provided. The liquid crystal composition of the invention has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains a liquid crystal compound having terphenyl having one or two fluorines replacing hydrogen as a first component and a liquid crystal compound having phenylene having two halogens replacing hydrogens as a second component. The liquid crystal display device of the invention contains the liquid crystal composition.
US07914858B1	Process to seal housing components to contain low density gas A method and apparatus for sealing disk drive housing castings and the resulting housings. A housing component of a data storage device is placed in an environment of decreased pressure where a first tank that is an autoclave is pressurized at a selected pressure and the environment is a first tank that encloses the housing component. A second tank that is an autoclave is pressurized at substantially the same pressure as the first tank while the second tank is fluidically coupled to the first tank and encloses a sealant. The sealant is applied to a surface of the component when it is under decreased pressure by transferring the sealant from the first tank to the second tank. A pressure of at least one atmosphere is further applied so that a portion of the sealant contactingly permeates voids in the housing component before the sealant is subsequently cured.
US07914856B2	Method of preparing wetting-resistant surfaces and articles incorporating the same The present invention provides methods for manufacturing an article having a wetting-resistant surface. The method includes providing a mixture comprising a plurality of micron-sized first particles and a plurality of nano-sized second particles, and a binder; depositing the mixture onto a substrate to form a wetting-resistant surface via a thermal spray process. The mixture is deposited without substantial melting of the first and second particles. The wetting-resistant surface has wettability sufficient to generate, with a reference fluid, a static contact angle of greater than about 90 degrees.
US07914855B2	Method of making a stain-resistant flooring material The present invention provides a flooring material including a base portion, a coating portion being positioned in contact with an upper surface of the base portion and creating an upper surface of the flooring material, wherein the coating portion is substantially free from contaminants from the base portion which decrease the stain resistance of the coating portion and wherein the coating portion includes a first particulate material which at least partially penetrates the base portion and is proud from the upper surface of the flooring material.
US07914853B2	Process for forming filled bearings from fluoropolymer dispersions stabilized with anionic polyelectrolyte dispering agents The present invention provides a process for making a filled fluoropolymer bearing comprising providing an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent in an amount sufficient for stabilization. The dispersion contains less than about 300 ppm fluorosurfactant based on the weight of the dispersion. The dispersion is coagulated to make a mush and a bearing filler is added to the dispersion prior to or after making the mush. The mush containing bearing filler is applied onto a bearing substrate to produce a coated substrate which is sintered and formed into a bearing.
US07914851B2	Method of manufacturing hot-dipped galvanized steel sheet A spangle-free, hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, and a method and device for manufacturing the same. The hot-dip galvanized steel sheet is characterized in that a solidified zinc crystal of hot-dip galvanized layer has an average crystalline texture particle diameter of 10 to 88 μm and there is no solidification traces of dendrites upon observing under a microscope at a magnification of 100×. The method comprises dipping a steel sheet in a bath of a zinc-coating solution containing 0.13 to 0.3% by weight of aluminum; air-wiping the steel sheet to remove an excess of the coating solution; spraying water or an aqueous solution on the air-wiped steel sheet, using a steel sheet temperature in the range of a hot-dip galvanization temperature to 419 ° C. as a spray initiation temperature and using a steel sheet temperature in the range of 417 ° C. to 415 ° C. as a spray completion temperature; passing sprayed liquid droplets of water or aqueous solution through a mesh-like high-voltage charged electrode which is electrically charged with a high voltage of −1 to −50 kV; and allowing the electrode-passed liquid droplets to be bound to the surface of the steel sheet and hereby being served as solidification nuclei of molten zinc.
US07914848B2	Tape-manufacturing system having extended operational capabilities A tape-manufacturing system for coating at least one tape substrate such as, for example, for the manufacture of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) conductor is disclosed. The tape-manufacturing system includes at least two electron beam (e-beam) deposition sources, at least one assist source and, optionally, a controller. Each e-beam deposition source may be in-process repairable. Each e-beam deposition source is capable of communicating an evaporant material with at least a portion of at least one tape substrate to deposit a coating thereon. The at least one assist source is capable of communicating a beam of a species to the coating. The controller communicates with the at least two e-beam deposition sources and the at least one assist source.
US07914847B2	Reactor surface passivation through chemical deactivation Protective layers are formed on a surface of an atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. Parts defining a reaction space for an ALD or CVD reactor can be treated, in situ or ex situ, with chemicals that deactivate reactive sites on the reaction space surface(s). A pre-treatment step can maximize the available reactive sites prior to the treatment step. With reactive sites deactivated by adsorbed treatment reactant, during subsequent processing the reactant gases have reduced reactivity or deposition upon these treated surfaces. Accordingly, purge steps can be greatly shortened and a greater number of runs can be conducted between cleaning steps to remove built-up deposition on the reactor walls.
US07914844B2	Stable dispersions of polymer-coated graphitic nanoplatelets A method of making a dispersion of reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets involves providing a dispersion of graphite oxide nanoplatelets and reducing the graphite oxide nanoplatelets in the dispersion in the presence of a reducing agent and a polymer. The reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets are reduced to an extent to provide a higher C/O ratio than graphite oxide. A stable dispersion having polymer-treated reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets dispersed in a dispersing medium, such as water or organic liquid is provided. The polymer-treated, reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets can be distributed in a polymer matrix to provide a composite material.
US07914837B2	Process for producing hydrated oily base food Addition of a large amount of a food additive such as an emulsifier to a food is undesirable, since it is feared that not only the flavor of the food is damaged but also the secure sense for the qualities of the product and consumers' buying intention are worsened thereby. It is intended to provide a process for conveniently producing a hydrated oily base food such as a chocolate drink powder while reducing the content of an emulsifier. Namely, an oily base food having a high hydration nature can be produced even by using a small amount of an emulsifier by densely mixing a small amount of a hydrophilic material, which contains a hydrophilic emulsifier as the essential component, with an oil-containing material, or shaping an oil-containing material into flakes or a powder as the final product by roll refining.
US07914836B2	Pizza with segmented crust A pizza includes a dough member and at least one topping disposed on the dough member. The dough member defines a substantially flattened shape and includes a central portion and a border portion. The central portion defines a perimeter. The border portion extends about the perimeter of the central portion. The border portion of the dough member is divided into a plurality of dough segments, each dough segment being turned relative to the perimeter of the central portion.
US07914831B2	Synergistic anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical compositions and related methods using curcuminoids or methylxanthines The invention provides compositions containing a fraction isolated or derived from hops and a methylxanthine. The invention additionally provides compositions containing a fraction derived from hops and a curcuminoid. The invention also provides methods of using such compositions to reduce inflammation.
US07914830B2	Composition for inhibiting thrombosis The present invention provides a composition for inhibiting thrombus formation, comprising a given plant component derived from amla, tea, hibiscus, cocklebur, gymnema, Hizikia fusiforme or carrageenan, which can be used for foodstuff, quasi-drugs, medicaments and feeds.
US07914829B2	Oral composition a first composition (a) and a second composition (b) as a combination product for separate or consecutive administration in the cosmetic treatment of the human body The present invention relates to a composition suitable for oral delivery and including a first composition (a) containing a green tea extract and vitamin C, and optionally at least one metal compound selected from zinc, chromium and mixtures thereof, and a second composition (b) containing at least one metal compound selected from iron, copper, zinc, chromium and mixtures thereof, with the proviso that zinc and iron are not simultaneously present in the same composition, said composition being suitable for separate or consecutive use as a mixture in the cosmetic treatment of the human body.
US07914826B2	Method for promoting sleep Supplemental compositions, and methods for administering same to a user, are provided for promoting a restful night's sleep by speedily inducing a person to fall asleep and to maintain sleep, as well as alleviating minor aches and pains so as to further improve the quality of a person sleep. The supplemental composition may include at least an extract of Valerian Root, an extract of Willow Bark and Melatonin or a derivative thereof. The supplemental composition may be provided for consumption at least one time daily, e.g., prior to sleep.
US07914825B2	Encapsulated vaccinium extracts with balanced gastrointestinal release The invention relates to Vaccinium fruit extracts, related preparations, production methods and uses.
US07914823B2	Method and composition for the topical treatment of diabetic neuropathy A method and composition for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy is disclosed. The composition comprises a cold compounded mixture of a compound that promotes synthesis of nerve growth factor, an aldose reductase inhibitor and an antioxidant formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It has been found that this combination of active agents provides significant, effective relief of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, as well as at least partial recovery of lost neurological function in some cases. In view of the consensus in the art that effective combinations of various active agents have not been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, the present invention provides a surprising and unexpected effect. In addition, the topical compositions of the present invention, when used in effective amounts to treat diabetic neuropathy, do not exhibit the severe side effects of many prior art compositions proposed for treatment of this ailment.In a second aspect, a method for the topical administration of a composition in accordance with the present invention for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy is disclosed. In the method, an effective amount of the composition of the invention is topically administered to the areas of the body that have been adversely affected by the diabetic neuropathy on a regular basis over a period of time sufficient to provide the beneficial effects of relief from the symptoms and at least some recovery of the damaged nerve tissues.
US07914820B2	Film coating for tablets and caplets The present invention relates to novel coating compositions for application to solid dosage forms such as tablets or caplets, solid dosage forms coated with the composition, and methods of preparing said coating compositions.
US07914816B2	Endoparasiticidal agents for voluntary oral ingestion by animals The present invention relates to pharmaceutical presentations for animals which are administered orally and which are accepted readily by the animals (for example dogs, cats and horses), to processes for their preparation and to their use, in particular as endoparasiticides.
US07914815B2	Method for delivery of pharmaceuticals for treating or preventing presbyopia Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for delivering pharmaceuticals to the lens of the eye to treat or prevent presbyopia. According to the embodiments, pharmaceuticals may be applied by providing the pharmaceuticals to the eye and promoting delivery of the pharmaceuticals into the lens capsule and/or lens fibers of the lens of the eye. Methods include iontophoresis, nano-medication, and photonic activation to deliver the pharmaceuticals to treat or prevent presbyopia.
US07914811B2	Brittle-coating, soft core dosage form The present invention provides an oral dosage form for delivering active agents having a soft core with an active agent particles, which have an average size of greater than about 50 μm, and a brittle shell encasing the soft core, wherein the weight ratio of drug particles to shell being from about 1.0:0.5 to about 1.0:15.
US07914808B2	Hybrid biologic/synthetic porous extracellular matrix scaffolds Methods of making a hybrid biologic/synthetic scaffold for repairing damaged or diseased tissue are provided. The methods include the step of suspending pieces of an extracellular matrix material in a liquid to form a slurry, and coating a synthetic mat with the slurry, or mixing or layering the slurry with a synthetic polymer solution. The liquid is subsequently driven off so as to form a foam. Porous implantable scaffolds fabricated by such a method are also disclosed.
US07914801B1	Metabolizable oil emulsion adjuvants and vaccines for enhancing immuno-properties of antibodies and their subpopulations Water-in-oil priming emulsion vaccines increase the titers and/or avidity indexes of antibodies following a second dose of a commercial or experimental vaccine resulting in increased protection for disease in animal.
US07914800B2	LTB4 as vaccine adjuvant The present invention relates to a vaccine adjuvant for enhancing immune response of an individual to a vaccine, which comprises an immune-enhancing effective amount of an LTB4 agent in association with a pharmaceutically effective vaccine carrier.
US07914797B2	Influenza vaccine The present invention relates to influenza vaccines for human and veterinary use. In particular, the present invention provides a vaccine able to effect long term and cross-strain protection by including at least two influenza virus epitopes expressed as a chimeric polypeptide wherein at least one epitope is influenza A virus matrix protein epitope and the second epitope is a haemagglutinin peptide epitope.
US07914795B2	Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane protein-106 polypeptide, gene sequence and uses thereof The invention discloses the Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane protein-106 (OMP106) polypeptide, polypeptides derived therefrom (OMP106-derived polypeptides), nucleotide sequences encoding OMP106 polypeptides, and antibodies that specifically bind the OMP106 polypeptide and/or OMP106-derived polypeptides. Also disclosed are immunogenic, prophylactic or therapeutic compositions, including vaccines, comprising OMP106 polypeptide and/or OMP106-derived polypeptides. The invention additionally discloses methods of inducing immune responses to M. catarrhalis and M. catarrhalis OMP106 polypeptides and OMP106-derived polypeptides in animals.
US07914792B2	Methods and compounds for raising antibodies and for screening antibody repertoires The present invention relates to compositions and methods for raising antibodies generally comprising 1) providing highly immunogenic vesicles bearing at least one target antigen and 2) immunizing animals with the said antigen-bearing vesicles to induce antigen-specific antibody responses. The invention also relates to methods of screening antibody repertoires comprising 1) providing vesicles bearing at least one target antigen and one marker and 2) isolating antibody-producing cells or particles with defined antigen specificity using the said antigen- and marker-bearing vesicles. Antibodies with defined antigen specificity can then be prepared from isolated antibody-producing cells using known methods of the art. This invention can be used in experimental, research, therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic areas.
US07914790B2	Human IgM antibody lysing activated lymphocytes under mediation by homologous complement A human IgM monoclonal antibody responding to HIV-infected cells too, which is characterized by lysing activated human lymphocytes, etc. under the mediation by a homologous human complement, is obtained. Using the thus obtained monoclonal antibody, it is intended to provide an immune reaction controlling remedy, etc. containing the human IgM monoclonal antibody which responds specifically to activated lymphocytes and induces cell lysis under the mediation by a homologous complement. Using the human IgM monoclonal antibody responding to activated human lymphocytes, it is also intended to provide an HIV remedy, etc. characterized by lysing and eliminating activated lymphocytes to thereby treat transplantation rejection and autoimmune diseases caused by an over-response of T lymphocytes as well as HIV infection.
US07914789B2	HEMCM42 antibodies The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human secreted proteins.
US07914785B2	B-cell depleting agents, like anti-CD20 antibodies or fragments thereof for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome The present invention relates in a first aspect to a B-cell depleting anti-CD20 antibody or a CD20-binding antibody fragment thereof for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof which are preferably humanized for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in a subject afflicted with said disease.
US07914784B2	Anti-IGF-IR antibodies and uses thereof The present invention relates to novel antibodies capable of binding specifically to the human insulin-like growth factor I receptor IGF-IR and/or capable of specifically inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of said IGF-IR receptor, especially monoclonal antibodies of murine, chimeric and humanized origin, as well as the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences coding for these antibodies. The invention likewise comprises the use of these antibodies as a medicament for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of cancers overexpressing IGF-IR or any pathology connected with the overexpression of said receptor as well as in processes or kits for diagnosis of illnesses connected with the overexpression of the IGF-IR receptor. The invention finally comprises products and/or compositions comprising such antibodies in combination with anti-EGFR antibodies and/or compounds and/or anti-cancer agents or agents conjugated with toxins and their use for the prevention and/or the treatment of certain cancers.
US07914781B2	Compositions for inhibiting atherosclerosis The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the reduction of atherosclerotic plaques and the decrease in the level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, serum LDL cholesterol, and serum HDL cholesterol.
US07914776B2	Solid dispersions of opioid antagonists Solid dispersions of stable, amorphous opioid antagonists, particularly [[2(S)-[[4(R)-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3(R),4-dimethyl-piperidinyl]methyl]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropyl]amino]acetic acid, with improved water solubility and bioavailability are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preventing or treating a side effect associated with an opioid. In addition, methods of treating or preventing pain, ileus, and opioid bowel dysfunction are disclosed.
US07914775B2	Composition for treating keratinous materials comprising a cationic associative polyurethane polymer and a protecting or conditioning agent The invention concerns a composition for treating keratinous fibers, in particular human keratinous fibers such as hair, comprising in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least a protecting or conditioning agent, and further at least a cationic associative polyurethane polymer. The invention also concerns methods and devices using said composition.
US07914773B2	Hair care composition comprising a dendritic macromolecule A cosmetic and personal care composition comprising a hydrophobically functionalised dendritic macromolecule.
US07914766B1	Inorganic resins for clinical use of 213Bi generators Applicant's invention is a radionuclide generator resin material for radiochemical separation of daughter radionuclides, particularly 213Bi, from a solution of parental radionuclides, the resin material capable of providing clinical quantities of 213Bi of at least 20-mCi, wherein the resin material comprises a silica-based structure having at least one bifunctional ligand covalently attached to the surface of the silica-based structure. The bifunctional ligand comprises a chemical group having desirable surface functionality to enable the covalent attachment of the bifunctional ligand thereon the surface of the structure and the bifunctional ligand further comprises a second chemical group capable of binding and holding the parental radionuclides on the resin material while allowing the daughter radionuclides to elute off the resin material. The bifunctional ligand has a carbon chain with a limited number of carbons to maintain radiation stability of the resin material.
US07914765B2	Reactor and process for the continuous production of hydrogen based on steam oxidation of molten iron The present invention provides a reactor and gasification process for the continuous controlled production of hydrogen (H2) and a by-product synthesis gas (mixture of CO+H2+CO2), such a process called a hydrogen priority poly-generation process (HPPP). The reactor uses a circulating molten iron process, which is capable of gasifying a variety of carbonaceous materials including low rank coals and biomass. The process employs an iron steam oxidation-reduction cycle in a multi-chamber reactor including a multi-vessel reactor system, where in one compartment or vessel hydrogen is produced by steam oxidation of molten iron; and in a second compartment or vessel the iron is regenerated by carbon reduction of molten iron oxide thereby producing a by-product synthesis gas (CO+H2+CO2), and excess heat which can be used to produce steam, and in a third step the iron is purified before being returned to the steam oxidation step in the process. An embodiment of this process uses low rank coals having high ash levels in a reactor, which is designed to continuously extract ash from the molten iron bath. A second embodiment uses low ash carbon materials such as highly beneficiated coals in a simpler process that produces pure streams of hydrogen and CO.
US07914763B1	Process and apparatus for preparing manganese thiosulfate (MnTS) solution An efficient semi-continuous preparation of manganese thiosulfate (MnS2O3, MnTS) from manganese hydrosulfite and sulfur at elevated temperature is described. Manganese hydrosulfite is prepared from commercial manganese carbonate and sulfur dioxide. The resulting product is an emulation of liquid manganese thiosulfate and solid by-products. A manganese thiosulfate solution is produced according to the invention by use of certain mole ratios of MgCO3 to sulfur, and certain parameters such as the temperature of the reaction process and the pH conditions, including rate and duration of SO2 purging, which causes the by-products to be reduced to less than 2% by weight. The resulting manganese thiosulfate is a pinkish liquid with concentration up to 20%.
US07914761B2	Hydrogen fluoride compositions The present invention provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer. The compositions of the invention are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.
US07914755B2	Method of preparing ceramic powders using chelate precursors Wet-chemical methods involving the use of water-soluble hydrolytically stable metal-ion chelate precursors and the use of a nonmetal-ion-containing strong base can be used in a coprecipitation procedure for the preparation of ceramic powders. Examples of the precipitants used include tetraalkylammonium hydroxides. A composition-modified barium titanate is one of the ceramic powders that can be produced. Certain metal-ion chelates can be prepared from 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and ammonium hydroxide.
US07914748B2	Exhaust purification apparatus of internal combustion engine An exhaust purification apparatus of an internal combustion engine purifying exhaust gas by removing SOx from the exhaust gas is provided. In the exhaust purification apparatus provided with sulfur oxide trapping material for trapping sulfur oxides exhausted from an internal combustion engine, aggregates of the sulfur oxide trapping material (41) are arranged able to contact the exhaust gas in spaces (44) separated by partitions comprised of a porous material (42) having permeability.
US07914746B2	Method and apparatus for protective atmosphere recycling A recycling apparatus for spent protective atmosphere gas contaminated with fouling organic decomposition byproduct materials. The recycling apparatus includes a compressor having an inlet connected to a spent protective atmosphere gas supply line, and a solvent supply configured to supply solvent to a gas passage at or upstream of the compressor. The recycling apparatus also includes a first chamber connected to an outlet of the compressor, where the first chamber is configured to receive compressed gas from the compressor and to collect a mixture including the solvent and any contaminants entrapped or dissolved in the solvent.
US07914742B2	Analyte meter protectors and methods Analyte meter protectors, meters that include the same, and methods.
US07914740B2	Biosensor utilizing a resonator having a functionalized surface Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.
US07914737B2	Multi-level diagnostic apparatus with a lift system A new multi-level apparatus is disclosed for high throughput processing of samples. The apparatus does not need interruptions for reloading disposables.
US07914735B2	Use of physical barriers to minimize evaporative heat losses A detection system includes a detection device and an anti-evaporation device. The detection device comprises a region configured to merge at least two small drops and to detect a potential transient signal generated by the merger of the drops. The an anti-evaporation is configured to enclose the region and limit evaporation from the region. A method for detecting a signal includes the following steps: depositing drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions on a detection device within a drop-merging region; placing an anti-evaporation device over the drop-merging region to form a seal around the drop-merging region; merging the drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions; and measuring a signal occurring within the merged solution drops.
US07914734B2	Scanning analyzer for single molecule detection and methods of use The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.
US07914730B2	Equipment and method for hardening treatment of metallic parts Equipment for metallic part hardening treatment comprising a support (10) and at least one working unit (50). The support is adapted to rotate the metallic part (20) during a hardening treatment. The working unit (50) comprises an inductor winding (51) to be positioned in front of a portion of said metallic part for heating said surface. According to the invention, the support (10) comprises one fixed spindle (11) to secure a first end (21) of the metallic part and one mobile tail stock (12) to contact a second end (22) of the metallic part. Therefore, only one end of the metallic part is secured whereas the other end is free to expand. The mechanical stresses applied to the metallic part during the hardening treatment are reduced and the distortion of the metallic part is prevented. Such equipment is well suited to crankshaft hardening treatment.
US07914729B2	Precision notch machining fixture and method A fixture includes an enlarged plate having slots in an upper surface, and support members are secured to the plate at the slots. The fixture is utilized to machine parts that are initially flame-cut from a large plate/sheet of hot-roll steel. A plurality of notches are flame-cut into the perimeter of the part. The support members engage the flame-cut slots to secure the part to the plate for machining a first side of the part. Precision notches are machined into the part, and precisely-shaped protrusions on the support members are closely received in the precision notches to precisely locate the part for further machining on a second side thereof.
US07914728B2	Method for manufacturing porous honeycomb structure A method for manufacturing a porous honeycomb structure, which comprises a mixing and kneading step, a forming and then drying step, and a firing and then cooling step of firing a dried honeycomb article to form a fired honeycomb article and then cooling the fired honeycomb article to prepare a porous honeycomb structure, wherein the fired honeycomb article is cooled from the firing temperature under a cooling condition of a temperature falling speed of 100° C./hr or less at least in a temperature region of 800° C. or lower.
US07914725B2	End disk A plastic end disk for a hollow-cylindrical filter element has an end face plastic layer and a neighboring plastic layer. The end face plastic layer is transparent for infrared radiation. The neighboring plastic layer is absorbent for infrared radiation. The plastic end disk is connected to a folded filter medium in that the end face plastic layer is trans-irradiated with an infrared radiation source, wherein the infrared radiation is absorbed in the neighboring plastic layer so that a portion of the neighboring plastic layer and a portion of the end face plastic layer are completely melted. The infrared radiation source is removed and the filter medium is pressed into a melted area of the end face plastic layer. The filter medium is secured in the pressed-in position in the end face plastic layer until a fixed connection of filter medium and end face plastic layer has been formed.
US07914724B2	Methods for extruding a honeycomb article with a skin surrrounding a central cellular structure Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming a circumferential skin surrounding a central cellular structure of an extruded honeycomb article. The method and apparatus may be used to produce defect-free skins and/or skins having large thickness and a high degree of particle alignment thereby preferably exhibiting CTE comparable to the extruded webs. These benefits are achieved by providing a die and method wherein a flow, Q, exiting any two active ones of a plurality of peripheral slots forming the skin is substantially equal. Also disclosed is a thick-skinned ceramic article having a thick extruded skin (ts′>5 tw′) with an I-value comparable to the webs.
US07914722B2	Method of treating rubber composition with cure inhibitor to create soft skin in golf ball core A method of making a golf ball including the steps of providing a preform including an uncured polybutadiene composition; coating the preform with a cure-altering material including a hydroquinone compound, a benzoquinone compound, a resorcinol compound, or a quinhydrone compound; curing the coated preform at a predetermined temperature to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness greater than the first to define a negative hardness gradient; and forming a cover layer about the core to form the golf ball.
US07914721B2	Process for producing a ceramic material For producing a ceramic material, a mask having a predetermined shape is located on a substrate, and a spacing is formed between the substrate and the mask. An aerosol, which contains a carrier gas and raw material particles dispersed in the carrier gas, is jetted out onto the substrate, and the jetted-out aerosol is caused to flow into the spacing between the substrate and the mask. The raw material particles, which are contained in the aerosol, are deposited in the spacing between the substrate and the mask, and a molded body having the same shape as the shape of the mask is formed.
US07914720B2	Electroconductive structure, manufacturing method therefor, and separator for fuel cell The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a conductive structure having high electrical conductivity, and a method for manufacturing a dimensionally accurate separator for a fuel cell having high electrical conductivity. In the present invention, the cavity surface temperature of a mold is kept equal to or higher than the crystal melting temperature (Tm) of composite material until the shaping of the composite material melted in the mold is completed, and after the completion of the shaping process, the cavity surface temperature of the mold is controlled to be equal to or higher than a temperature 20° C. lower than the crystallization temperature (Tc) of the composite material but equal to or lower than a temperature 20° C. higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material to harden the composite material.
US07914719B2	Process for the manufacture of a spun fleece made of filaments Process for the manufacture of a spun fleece web made of filaments and particularly made of filaments made of thermoplastic synthetic material. The filaments are spun out of a mixture comprising at least one polymer and at least one hydrophilic additive and are plaited to form the fleece web. The fleece web is heated to a temperature of at least 30° C. and/or moistened with an aqueous liquid. The fleece web is thereafter hydrodynamically compacted.
US07914714B2	Methods and apparatus using electrostatic atomization to form liquid vesicles The methods of the invention employ electrostatic atomization to form a compound droplet of at least two miscible fluids. The compound droplet comprises a core of a first fluid and a layer of a second fluid completely surrounding the core. The first fluid contains the agent to be encapsulated and the second fluid contains an encapsulating agent. The first and second liquids are miscible. The encapsulated droplets can contain a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polynucleotides such as DNA and RNA, proteins, bioactive agents or drugs, food, pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, antifoulants, dyes, oils, inks, cosmetics, catalysts, detergents, curing agents, flavors, fuels, metals, paints, photographic agents, biocides, pigments, plasticizers, propellants and the like and components thereof. The droplets can be encapsulated by a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, lipid bilayers and polymer shells. An additional complete or partial layer of a third fluid can be formed on the outside of the second fluid layer. The third fluid can contain a targeting or steric stabilizing agent.
US07914713B2	Ink-based electromagnetic-wave shielding film for display device An electromagnetic-wave shielding film of a display panel and a plasma display device are manufactured by transcribing a conductive ink material onto a substrate by an off-set process, and firing the conductive ink material to form a conductive material.
US07914712B2	Cellulose acylate film, polarizing plate, optical compensation film, and liquid crystal display device using the same A cellulose acylate film characterized in that it has a shear rate dependency of melt viscosity of 0.1 to 2 and/or a temperature dependency of melt viscosity of 0.1 to 3. The cellulose acylate film is capable of suppressing generation of cutting wastage at the time of cutting.
US07914711B2	Use of mother stamper for optical disk molding Optical disks are formed using mother stampers having a spiral groove and/or a spiral pattern of pits corresponding to the pattern from an original laser cut. The mother stamper is the mirror image of the corresponding father stamper. Injection molding of polycarbonate material or other suitable material using the mother stamper forms an optical disk having lands and bumps corresponding to the original laser cut. A phase-change material having constructive change in phase and thickness is deposited over the polycarbonate material to create the disk. Data is written to and read from the lands, and tracking is performed on the wobbled lands.
US07914708B2	Conductive masterbatch and resin composition including the same The present invention is to provide a conductive masterbatch using a polyamide resin, the conductive masterbatch that has an excellent kneadability/manufacturability and formability and an excellent dispersibility of conductive fillers such as a carbon black, and shows stable conductivity even when a large amount of such conductive fillers are contained therein, and a resin composition containing the conductive masterbatch. That is, the present invention is to provide the conductive masterbatch, which includes at least a conductive filler selected from carbon blacks and carbon nanotubes, a polyamide resin, and a copolymer which contains at least a vinyl monomer having a functional group reactive with the polyamide resin and a styrene as monomer units, and in which the content of the conductive filler is in the range of 10% by mass to 40% by mass, and the resin composition containing the conductive masterbatch.
US07914707B2	Additive for non-aqueous electrolyte and secondary battery using the same Disclosed is a compound represented by the following formula 1: wherein, each of R1˜R13 independently represents —H, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, —OH, —SH, —COOH, —PO3H2, —NH2, —NO2, —O(CH2CH2O)nH (wherein, n is an integer of 1˜5), C1˜C12 alkyl group, C1˜C12 aminoalkyl group, C1˜C12 hydroxyalkyl group, C1˜C12 haloalkyl group, C2˜C12 alkenyl group, C1˜C12 alkoxy group, C1˜C12 alkylamino group, C1˜C12 dialkylamino group, C6˜C18 aryl group, C6˜C18 aminoaryl group, C6˜C18 hydroxyaryl group, C6˜C18 haloaryl group, C7˜C18 benzyl group, C7˜C18 aminobenzyl group, C7˜C18 hydroxybenzyl group, C7˜C18 halobenzyl group, or nitrile group (—CN); and at least one of R4˜R13 is nitrile group (—CN). A non-aqueous electrolyte comprising: (i) a lithium salt, (ii) a solvent, and (iii) a compound represented by formula 1; and a secondary battery comprising the non-aqueous electrolyte are also disclosed. When the compound represented by formula 1 is added to a non-aqueous electrolyte, it is possible to improve the safety of a secondary battery in an overcharged state.
US07914706B2	Charge transport compositions and electronic devices made with such compositions The present invention relates to charge transport compositions. The invention further relates to electronic devices in which there is at least one active layer comprising such charge transport compositions.
US07914698B2	Compositions comprising a fluoroolefin The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.
US07914694B2	Semiconductor wafer handler A semiconductor wafer handler comprises a ring (70) attached to a hub (80) by a plurality of spokes (90). Vacuum is applied to the surface of the semiconductor wafer through orifices (100) containing in the ring (70). Water and/or nitrogen can be applied to the surface of the semiconductor wafer through orifices (110) contained in the spokes (90).
US07914690B2	Method for manufacturing metallic panel having ripple luster A method for manufacturing a metallic keypad panel having a ripple luster. First, a metallic thin plate is prepared. The metallic thin plate is subjected to an etching process, thereby forming a plurality of hollowed portions on the metallic thin plate. The hollowed portions are used to define a pressing region for the keypad and icons for the surface of the pressing region. The metallic thin plate is cut to form a metallic keypad panel having a predetermined shape. An electroplated layer is coated on the surface of the metallic keypad panel. Then, a layer of protective film is adhered on one side surface of the metallic keypad panel. The metallic keypad panel is disposed into a transparent mold. After an ultraviolet curable resin is injected into the mold, a light source illuminates the transparent mold to cure the ultraviolet curable resin in the mold to form a pattern layer. Finally, after the protective film on the other surface of the metallic keypad panel is peeled off, an adhesive layer is applied on the other surface of the metallic keypad panel. An elastic layer having a plurality of protrusions is adhered on the surface of the adhesive layer. Via the above steps, the metallic keypad panel is manufactured completely.
US07914689B2	Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
US07914686B2	Electrode system for electrokinetic floatation of paint sludge using low voltage DC current A process using an electrical signal for electrokinetic floatation of solids and semi-solids in paint sludge water includes collecting the paint sludge water into a tank. The process further includes generating the electrical signal from a bottom of the tank to separate the solids and semi-solids from the water in the paint sludge water to induce electrokinetic floatation of the solids and semi-solids to a top surface in the tank. After separating the solids and semi-solids from the water, the process includes removing the solids and semi-solids from the tank.
US07914685B2	Rocks and aggregate, and methods of making and using the same Compositions comprising synthetic rock, e.g., aggregate, and methods of producing and using them are provided. The rock, e.g., aggregate, contains CO2 and/or other components of an industrial waste stream. The CO2 may be in the form of divalent cation carbonates, e.g., magnesium and calcium carbonates. Aspects of the invention include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with a water to dissolve CO2, and placing the water under precipitation conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate containing precipitate product, e.g., a divalent cation carbonate.
US07914684B2	Method and apparatus for treating mixed waste by pyrolysis A method and apparatus for treating mixed waste by pyrolysis. Organic mass is carbonized by heating to carbon in a pyrolysis reactor (3) in an oxygen-free environment. Pyrolysis gases are distilled for oil and the gases are used for energy production. Solid matter resulting from pyrolysis is sieved for separating inorganic coarse particles from a carbon fraction. The carbon fraction is milled in two operations, first with a roller mill (8) and then with a jet mill (10), a removal of metal being performed between the operations. The pulverized carbon fraction is classified by means of ionizing particle separators (11, 12, 13). The multi-stage particle separation is followed by discharging clean air and recovering fine carbon.
US07914682B2	Method for removing impurities from a urea solution A method of removing impurities from a urea solution comprising contacting the aqueous solution with an ion exchange resin and adsorbing the impurities from the urea solution, and the system therefore.
US07914681B2	Hemodialyzer capable of intermittent repetition of infusion and water removal operation According to the present invention, there is provided a hemodiafiltration apparatus capable of easily and efficiently removing medium to large molecule solutes at a low cost. Provided is a hemodialysis apparatus which uses a hemodialyzer accommodating a hollow yarn membrane in hemodiafiltration to cause a dialysis fluid to flow from a dialysis fluid circuit side to a blood circuit side by forceful back-filtration via the hemodialyzer, and to cause a fluid in the blood circuit to reflux to a dialysis fluid circuit side by filtration via the hemodialyzer, the hemodialysis apparatus being characterized in that a flux operation of the fluid from the dialysis fluid side to the blood circuit side by the back-filtration, and a reflux operation of the fluid from the blood circuit side to the dialysis fluid circuit side by the filtration are repeated intermittently and for at least a plurality of times.
US07914676B2	Method for removing sulphate and heavy metals from waste water In a method for removing sulphate and heavy metals from waste water: a) in a first treatment step (I) hydrogen sulphide is guided through the waste water, heavy metals that are present in the waste water are precipitated as sulphide, and are removed from the waste water, b) in a second treatment step (II), calcium sulphate is precipitated from the waste water by adding a precipitation auxiliary agent, c) the calcium sulphate is removed in the second treatment step (II) and one part thereof is guided to a third treatment step (III) in which sulphate is converted into hydrogen sulphide with the aid of sulphate-reducing bacteria, d) hydrogen sulphide formed in the third treatment step (III) is guided back to the first treatment step (I).
US07914675B2	Anaerobic purification of heated waste water The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water in an anaerobic reactor, said process comprising burning the biogas produced in the purification, in a gas-burner, using the hot gases obtained thereby for indirect heating of water in a hot water boiler, which boiler is connected with the reactor by means of a line between the gas head of the boiler and a compartment through which the waste water flows, such as a conditioning tank or the anaerobic reactor, which line ends underneath the water level in the said compartment at such a level that a pressure of between 0.25 and 3 m of water column is maintained in the gas head of the boiler, in which boiler steam is generated which enters the said compartment through the said line and heats the waste water, and wherein the said boiler is further provided with a valve to let off steam in case the amount of biogas is in excess of the amount needed to heat the waste water.
US07914670B2	Bituminous froth inline steam injection processing An inline bitumen froth steam heater system including steam injection and static mixing devices is provided. The system heats and de-aerates input bitumen froth without creating downstream processing problems with the bitumen froth such as emulsification or live steam entrainment. The system is a multistage unit that injects and thoroughly mixes steam with bitumen resulting in output bitumen material having temperature of about 190° F. The system conditions a superheated steam supply to obtain saturated steam at about 300° F. The saturated steam is contacted with bitumen froth flow and mixed in a static mixer stage. The static mixers provide surface area and rotating action that allows the injected steam to condense and transfer its heat to the bitumen froth. The mixing action and increase in temperature of the bitumen froth results in reduction in bitumen viscosity and allows the release of entrapped air from the bitumen froth.
US07914664B2	Nitric oxide sensor Electrodes comprising ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are disclosed. The ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are located within the electrode or as a coating thereon. The electrode is especially suited for measuring the presence and/or concentration of nitric oxide in a sample.
US07914659B2	High-capacity chlorine dioxide generator A high capacity chlorine dioxide gas generator includes an anolyte loop for generating chlorine dioxide gas and a cooling system connected to said anolyte loop. A chlorine dioxide solution generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source, an absorption loop fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream, and a cooling system that functions in the chlorine dioxide gas source or the absorption loop. A method of generating chlorine dioxide solution includes providing a chlorine dioxide gas source, dissolving chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream using an absorption loop fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source, and cooling the chlorine dioxide in at least one of the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop.
US07914658B2	Electroplating apparatus An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.
US07914656B2	Matrixes, arrays, systems and methods The present invention relates to matrixes, arrays, systems and methods for analyzing biomolecules by their isoelectric point, optionally, in combination with a second dimension analysis. The assortment of matrixes, arrays and systems provided herein are useful for causing a biomolecule under the influence of an electrical field to accumulate into an buffer that comprises a pH value that is the same as the isoelectric point of the biomolecule. The methods of this invention are useful for, e.g., research and diagnostic purposes.
US07914655B2	Potentiostatic circuit arrangement on a biosensor for digitisation of the measured current A circuit arrangement, an electrochemical sensor, a sensor arrangement, and a method for processing a current signal provided by a sensor electrode are disclosed. The circuit arrangement includes a sensor electrode, a first circuit unit, electrically coupled to the sensor electrode and a second circuit unit, including a first capacitor, whereby the first circuit arrangement is embodied to hold the electrical potential of the sensor electrode in a given first reference range about a set electrical potential and, when the sensor electrode potential falls outside the first reference range, the first capacitor and the sensor electrode are coupled such that a matching of the electrical potentials is possible. The second circuit unit is embodied such that, when the electrical potential of the first capacitor falls outside a second reference range, this event is detected and the first capacitor brought to a first electrical reference potential.
US07914654B2	Method and apparatus for depositing a magnetoresistive multilayer film This application discloses a method and apparatus for manufacturing a magnetoresistive multilayer film having a structure where an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned-magnetization layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer and a free-magnetization layer are laminated on a substrate in this order. A film for the antiferromagnetic layer is deposited by sputtering as oxygen gas is added to a gas for the sputtering. A film for an extra layer interposed between the substrate and the antiferromagnetic layer is deposited by sputtering as oxygen gas is added to a gas for the sputtering. The film for the antiferromagnetic layer is deposited by sputtering as a gas mixture of argon and another gas of larger atomic number than argon is used.
US07914651B2	Reducing power consumption in electro-refining or electro-winning of metal A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.
US07914649B2	Papermaking belt for making multi-elevation paper structures A papermaking belt for making a fibrous structure having: a framework having: a first layer and a second layer, each of the first and second layers having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and the first layer having a plurality of deflection conduits extending in the Z-direction between the top and bottom surfaces of the first layer and structured to receive therein fibers of the fibrous structure; the first layer comprising a substantially continuous, substantially discontinous or substantially semicontinuous patterned network; wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of discrete protuberances; and the top surface of the second layer forming the web-side of the framework; and a reinforcing element having: a paper facing side and a machine facing side opposite to the paper facing side; wherein the second layer at least partially penetrates the reinforcing element or the bottom surface of the second layer is coplanar with the bottom surface of the first layer.
US07914648B2	Device for web control having a plurality of surface features A papermaking apparatus having a machine direction, cross machine direction, and a z-direction. The papermaking apparatus also has a web stabilization device. The web stabilization device has a plurality of surface features that have a feature depth of greater than about 0.02″.
US07914643B2	Balloon catheter having improved balloon seal The end cap is preferably formed of a relatively high durometer material with an inner surface on an outer surface of the shaft and on an outer surface of the balloon skirt section, and contacts a compression member on the balloon outer surface. The configuration prevents or inhibits failure at the balloon seals which otherwise results from the compression member moving or the balloon pulling off the shaft and out from under the compression member during inflation of the balloon. As a result, the balloon catheter of the invention has an improved consistent burst pressure and/or failure mode.
US07914635B2	Fiber-containing composite and method for making the same A unitary, fiber-containing composite comprises (a) a first region comprising a plurality of first binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, (b) a second region disposed above the first region, the second region comprising a plurality of second binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, and (c) a transitional region disposed between the first region and the second region. The transitional region comprises concentrations of the first binder fiber, the second binder fiber, and the bast fiber. The concentration of the first binder fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the first region and least proximate to the second region, and the concentration of the second binder fiber and the bast fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the second region and least proximate to the first region. A method for producing a unitary, fiber-containing composite is also described.
US07914630B2	Method for producing mat-surfaced austenitic stainless steel strips The subject of the invention is a process for the continuous manufacture of an austenitic stainless steel strip having a dull surface appearance, consisting in subjecting an austenitic stainless steel strip to a heat treatment in a bright annealing furnace inside which an inert or reducing flushing gas circulates, which gas has a dew point above −15° C., and then in pickling the strip using a suitable acid pickling solution.
US07914629B2	High strength thick steel plate superior in crack arrestability The present invention provides high strength thick steel plate superior in crack arrestability high in strength, free of deterioration of HAZ toughness, and free of anisotropy, that steel plate containing, by mass %, C: 0.03 to 0.15%, Si: 0.1 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.5 to 2.0%, P: ≦0.02%, S: ≦0.01%, Al: 0.001 to 0.1%, Ti: 0.005 to 0.02%, Ni: 0.15 to 2%, and N: 0.001 to 0.008% and having a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities as chemical components, having a microstructure of a ferrite and/or pearlite structure with bainite as a matrix phase, and having an average circle equivalent diameter of crystal grains with a crystal misorientation angle of 15° or more of 15 μm or less in the regions of 10% of plate thickness from the front and rear surfaces and of 40 μm or less in the other region including the center part of plate thickness.
US07914625B2	Sequencing diverter valve system for an appliance A sequencing diverter valve system in a washing appliance includes a fluid distribution manifold having a fluid inlet for receiving washing fluid and a plurality of fluid outlets. A fluid responsive rotating drive arm is connected to a drive reduction mechanism which, in turn, is operatively connected to a rotating sequencing valve for shifting the valve through a plurality of discrete positions at a rate of rotation less than the rate of rotation of the drive arm. As it rotates, the sequencing valve sequentially directs the washing fluid to a respective one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets.
US07914624B2	Systems and methods for charging a cleaning solution used for cleaning integrated circuit substrates Inventive methods, systems and compositions of cleaning integrated circuit (“IC”) substrates are described. The cleaning methods of the present invention include: charging a solution, which contains at least a solute selected to promote cleaning of the IC substrate, to produce a charged solution, such that at least a portion of the solute is present as clusters in the charged solution; and conveying the charged solution for cleaning the IC substrate.The cleaning systems of the present invention include: a charging chamber for holding a solution, which contains at least a solute selected to promote cleaning of the integrated circuit substrate; and a first acoustic energy source capable of vibrating the solution in the charging chamber to produce a charged solution such that at least a portion of the solute is present as clusters in the charged solution.The cleaning compositions of the present invention include: a solvent; and a solute selected to promote cleaning of the IC substrate, wherein at least a portion of the solute is present in cluster form in the solution and the solute and solvent are present in a volumetric ratio that is between about 3×10−5:1 and about 1×10−24:1.
US07914623B2	Post-ion implant cleaning for silicon on insulator substrate preparation A combination of a dry oxidizing, wet etching, and wet cleaning processes are used to remove particle defects from a wafer after ion implantation, as part of a wafer bonding process to fabricate a SOI wafer. The particle defects on the topside and the backside of the wafer are oxidized, in a dry strip chamber, with an energized gas. In a wet clean chamber, the backside of the wafer is treated with an etchant solution to remove completely or partially a thermal silicon oxide layer, followed by exposure of the topside and the backside to a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution contains ammonium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, DI water, and optionally a chelating agent, and a surfactant. The wet clean chamber is integrated with the dry strip chamber and contained in a single wafer processing system.
US07914621B2	Vapor deposition source and vapor deposition apparatus having the same A vapor deposition source has a reduced size by disposing a crucible, a heating portion, and a nozzle portion in one defined space. A vapor deposition apparatus deposits deposition materials on a substrate using the vapor deposition source. The vapor deposition source includes a housing, and the crucible is mounted in the housing for vaporizing the deposition materials. The heating portion is installed adjacent to the crucible in the housing for heating the crucible. The nozzle portion injects the vaporized deposition materials into a substrate disposed at an exterior of the housing through an injection nozzle. The vapor deposition source is manufactured in a smaller and lightweight form in comparison with conventional vapor deposition sources in which a crucible and a nozzle portion are arranged in different spaces. The diameter and number of injection nozzles of the invention are restricted to block radiant heat discharged from the vapor deposition source, so that deposition materials are uniformly deposited. Furthermore, the output power of a conveyer for conveying the vapor deposition source is reduced. In addition, a plurality of vapor deposition sources is arranged in a line to perform concentrated deposition of deposition materials so that quality of the resultant product is improved.
US07914617B2	Nano-engineered inks, methods for their manufacture and their applications Nanoparticle dispersions, inks, pastes, lotions and methods of their manufacture are disclosed. Multifunctional, nanocomposite, hollow nanoparticles, and coated nanoparticle dispersions are also discussed.
US07914615B2	Continuous process for preparing pigment flush A process for continuous flush of a pigment press cake involves applying a dispersant to the press cake to produce a fluidized press cake, continuously feeding the fluidized press cake into a twin screw extruder and mixing it with a neutralizing agent in the extruder, mixing the neutralized press cake with a liquid organic medium in the extruder to produce an organic flush phase and a water phase, and removing at least part of the water phase from the extruder through one or more parts of the extruder.
US07914607B2	Domestic appliance comprising an adsorption unit and method for operating a domestic appliance of this type A domestic appliance including an adsorption unit and further including a process air conduit, wherein an adsorption container operates as a heat exchanger for heating a stream of air flowing in the process air conduit and being applied to the adsorption container, with the adsorption unit configured for alternate and reversible operation in a first operating state in which a stream of air flowing in the process air conduit is applied to the adsorption container and which adsorbs adsorptive evaporating in the phase transition container, and in a second operating state in which the adsorbing agent is heated by the heater and the adsorptive is desorbed, with desorbed adsorptive condensing in the phase transition container, the domestic appliance including an assembly operatively associated with the adsorption unit for applying a stream of air flowing in the process air conduit to the adsorption container in the second operating state.
US07914605B2	Method and apparatus for separation of particles from a flow of gas A method and apparatus for the separation of particles from a flow of gas, where both large, heavy and small, light particles are separated off from the gas by the combined effect of an electrostatic attraction force and a centrifugal force in a centrifugal separator of the type that comprises a rotor that has a plurality of adjacent surface elements with intermediate gas flow gaps and that is mounted in such a way that it can rotate in a surrounding casing, which casing has an inlet for unclean gas and an outlet for clean gas and an outlet for separated-off particles.
US07914604B2	Air conditioning system with modular electrically stimulated air filter apparatus An air conditioning system includes an air flow pathway extending through a housing from an inlet to an outlet. Air conditioning apparatus is disposed in the airflow pathway between the inlet and the outlet conditioning an air stream passing through the air flow pathway from the inlet to the outlet. A modular electrically stimulated air filter apparatus is carried by opposed, parallel frameworks mounted in series in the air flow pathway between the inlet and the air conditioning apparatus filtering entrapping contaminants in the air stream flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. The opposed parallel frameworks are mounted to opposed supports affixed to the housing.
US07914601B2	Cold start-up method for a direct smelting process A method of cold starting a molten bath-based direct smelting process for producing molten iron in a vessel (3) is disclosed. The method includes a step of preheating the vessel before supplying solid feed materials into the vessel. The method also includes a subsequent step of supplying an oxygen-containing gas and solid feed materials including material for forming slag, iron-containing feed material, and carbonaceous material into the vessel and generating heat and forming a bath of molten material that includes molten iron and molten slag in the vessel. This step includes supplying feed materials to promote formation of molten slag over molten iron in an early stage of developing the molten bath.
US07914600B2	Continuous production of titanium by the metallothermic reduction of TiCl4 A method for production of titanium particles or other metal of interest by a metallothermic reduction reaction of TiCl4 or other metal chloride in a reaction zone which comprises conducting the reaction in a fluidized bed reaction zone, and recycling particles to the reaction zone to build up particle size.
US07914599B2	Slag conditioner composition, process for manufacture and method of use in steel production A slag conditioner containing MgO, carbon or a filler and a binder is mixed and formed under pressure to produce aggregates which can have the form of a briquette. The slag conditioner is used to improve the operating performance and refractory life in steel melting furnaces. A slag conditioner comprising by weight a mixture and 2% to 25% binder for bonded agglomerates or larger particles of said mixture, the mixture comprising: 20% to 90% burned aggregates comprised of particles less than 8 mm of which at least 30% is 0.2 mm or greater and containing between 35% and 94% MgO; up to 50% slag-making carbonaceous or other additive; and up to 50% light burned magnesite.
US07914598B2	Air treatment system An air treatment system includes features for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. In one embodiment, a sensor air passage utilizes a low pressure region created by the blower to draw air through the passage. In another embodiment, a filter frame includes a plurality of connectors formed integrally with the filter frame. In another embodiment, a screen is positioned adjacent to the blower intake. The screen includes a plurality of angled strands oriented in a particular direction. In another embodiment, a remote control holder is formed integrally with the housing. In another embodiment, a gasket is positioned between the blower and the housing, forming a seal between the blower and the housing.
US07914595B2	Fume removal method for a reflow furnace and a reflow furnace In a conventional reflow furnace equipped with a fume removal device, fume solids adhere to the inside of piping connecting it to the removal device, and a great amount of trouble was required for removal of the fume solids. The present invention maintains a fumes-containing gas discharged from a furnace at a temperature of at least the liquefication temperature of the fumes until the gas reaches a removal device so that fume solids do not adhere to the inside of piping. A removal device installed on a reflow furnace according to the present invention comprises an elongated-hole filter and a labyrinth filter, and fumes are completely removed by both filters.
US07914594B2	Air filtering device and cleaning system of semiconductor manufacturing apparatus with the same An air filtering device and an air cleaning system of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus to reduce cost and increase manufacturing productivity. The air filtering device may include a frame having an open aperture coupled to an air supply line. A buffer frame configured to be inserted into the frame may include a plurality of slot parts, each slot part having a plurality of air in/out apertures through which air may flow in or out from the buffer frame. A plurality of filters may be releasably fastened to the plurality of slot parts to filter pollution material contained in air flowing through the air in/out apertures. An air interrupter for interrupting air flowing through the air in/out apertures may be used when replacing the plurality of filters, thereby providing purified air to the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus during the replacement.
US07914592B2	Method for manufacturing cotton towels The present invention relates to the production of textiles and more particularly pertains to a method for manufacturing cotton towels comprising the steps of: combining a yarn of 120S combed long staple cotton and a yarn of 10S combed long staple cotton by means of a double winder and winding onto a bobbin or bobbins after combining; feeding the bobbin or bobbins of the combined yarn into a double twister for plying; winding the plied yarn onto a bobbin and weaving into greige; impregnating the greige in the solution of a combined desizing, scouring and bleaching machine to be soaked and steamed for removing the sizes and the impurities in the cotton yarn; treating the greige by means of deoxidization, dyeing, enzymatic desizing, softening, relaxation drying and sewing into towels. The present invention adopts the 120S combed long staple cotton for plying which achieves a definitive binding effect on the loosened fibers on the surfaces of the yarn, thereby forming fewer fluffs on the surfaces of the towel. The present invention eliminates the step of removing the water-soluble filaments, reduces the labor intensiveness of the workers, relieves the pressure on the sewage treatment and alleviates the problems of the environmental pollution.
US07914591B2	Process for the lightening dyeing of keratin materials using at least one anhydrous dyeing composition comprising at least one alkaline agent and at least one oxidizing composition Provided is a process for dyeing keratin materials, comprising applying to the keratin materials: a) at least one anhydrous composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance, at least one surfactant, at least one alkaline agent, and at least one colored or coloring species; and b) at least one aqueous composition (B) comprising at least one oxidizing agent; wherein: the at least one fatty substance is present in the at least one anhydrous composition (A) in an amount of greater than 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the at least one anhydrous composition (A); and the at least one colored or coloring species comprises at least one oxidation dye and/or at least one direct dye; on the condition that when the at least one anhydrous composition (A) comprises, as the at least one colored or coloring species, only at least one direct dye, the at least one fatty substance is present in an amount ranging from 40 to 80% by weight, relative to the total weight of the at least one anhydrous composition (A). Also provided is a multi-compartment device comprising: the composition (A) and the composition (B) as defined above.
US07914589B2	Fluorine-containing urethanes Fluorine-containing urethanes represented by the general formula: [Rf-A1-Z—X1—OC(═O)NH—]mI[—NHC(═O)O—Y1]n[—NHC(═O)O—(ClCH2—)X2O)a—R1]k (1) wherein I is a group derived from a polyisocyanate by removal of the isocyanato groups; Rf is perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 21 carbon atoms; A1 is a direct bond or an organic group of 1 to 21 carbon atoms; Z —SO2—; X1 is a divalent, straight-chain or branched, C1-5 aliphatic group which may have at least one hydroxyl group; X2 is a trivalent, straight-chain or branched, C2-5 aliphatic group; Y1 is a monovalent organic group which is optionally hydroxylated; and R1 is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
US07914588B2	Synthesis of fluorescent metal nanoclusters Fluorescent metal nanoclusters were prepared.
US07914584B2	Prosthesis system with trunnion and removably coupled head A prosthesis includes a trunnion having a first end defining a uniform cross-section and a second end adapted to be fixed to a prosthesis stem. A ceramic head has a first bearing surface on which a second prosthesis fixed to a second bone can articulate. The ceramic head defines a recess. The first end of the trunnion is fixedly received within the recess. The second end of the trunnion is releasably connectable to the prosthesis stem by a taper connection.
US07914583B2	Wrist implants An implant system and apparatus configured to permit motion of the wrist in at least one physiological direction, as well as in a dart thrower's motion, and constrain motion of the wrist in at least one non-physiological direction are provided. The implant according to one embodiment includes a distal component and proximal component. Each of the distal and proximal components includes a primary articulating portion and a secondary articulating portion. Primary and secondary articulating portions include at least one component having either a substantially convex or a substantially concave shape. The secondary articulating portion is configured to be radially and volarly disposed in relation to the primary articulating portion.
US07914579B2	Tissue engineered tendons and ligaments Connective tissue, including neo-tendons and ligaments, has been constructed using biodegradable synthetic scaffolds seeded with tenocytes. The scaffolds are preferably formed from biodegradable fibers formed of a polymer such as polyglycolic acid-polylactic acid copolymers, and seeded with cells isolated from autologous tendon or ligament by means of enzymatic digestion or direct seeding into tissue culture dishes from explants. The cell polymer constructs are then surgically transplanted to replace missing segments of functioning tendon or ligament.
US07914578B2	Method and apparatus for expanding tissue An implantable tissue expander for supporting a body tissue including a support member positioned with respect to the body tissue and adapted to expand to a support configuration, in the support configuration, the support member shaping the body tissue.
US07914574B2	Axially nested slide and lock expandable device The invention relates generally to expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen and, in particular, to an axially nested, diametrically expandable, slide and lock vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The axially nested vascular device desirably achieves both competitive crossing profiles while maintaining other key features, such as, for example, radial strength and luminal patency. The collapsed profile can also be made very thin without compromising radial strength. Thus, the vascular device can advantageously be deployed in small and difficult to reach areas or vessels. The axial nesting substantially eliminates radial overlap between mating structural elements thereby desirably allowing for a low, uniform profile.
US07914560B2	Spinal facet implant with spherical implant apposition surface and bone bed and methods of use Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.
US07914559B2	Locking device and method employing a posted member to control positioning of a stabilization member of a bone stabilization system A locking device and method are provided for a bone stabilization system which includes a bone anchor, a coupling mechanism and a stabilization member, wherein the coupling mechanism couples the stabilization member to the bone anchor. The locking device includes a seating member and a posted member. The seating member is operatively associated with the coupling mechanism for securing the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism, and is configured with an opening therein. The posted member, which includes an interface member and a post extending therefrom, is configured for disposition between the seating member and the stabilization member with the post extending therefrom being received into the opening in the seating member when the seating member is employed to secure the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism. The post is sized to engage and facilitate control of the stabilization member as the seating member operatively engages the coupling mechanism.
US07914557B2	Orthopedic fixation device and orthopedic fixation system In order to improve an orthopedic fixation device for connecting a first anchoring element (12) which has a connecting section (26) and can be anchored in or on a bone (18) to a connecting element (14) which can be connected to a second anchoring element which can be anchored in or on a bone, wherein the fixation device is movable relative to the connecting element and to the anchoring element in an adjusting position and can be secured on the connecting element and on the anchoring element in a fixing position, such that the connecting element can be secured on the anchoring element in a particularly simple manner it is suggested that a single tensioning member (50; 122; 166; 172) which is supported so as to be movable be provided for transferring the fixation device from the adjusting position into the fixing position and vice versa.
US07914555B2	Expandable percutaneous sheath Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to introduce a formed in place orthopedic fixation rod such as for use in spinal fixation procedures.
US07914553B2	Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft Methods and apparatus for treating defects in the annulus fibrosis are described. The methods include providing first and second elongate fastening members, each having a first end and an anchor on the first end that is substantially transverse when deployed. The first end of the first and second elongate fastening members are positioned distal of the outer layer and at least one inner layer of the annulus fibrosis. The defect is then closed by interlocking the first and second elongate fastening members. Alternatively, second ends of the elongate fastening members may be linked, resulting in reducing the size of the opening of the defect. Devices having first and second elongate fastening members, each having a first end, a second end, and an anchor on the first end that is substantially transverse when deployed; and a connector that links the first and second elongate fastening members are also described.
US07914544B2	Minimally invasive valve repair procedure and apparatus A clip of a self-closing type is used for valve repair. The clip is generally U-shaped with two end points separated from each other when constrained to be in an open configuration, but tends to coil up to assume its natural closed configuration if the constraint is removed. At least one end point is connected through a suture to a tissue-penetrating needle. A needle holder has an outer tube and an inner member which has a slit at the front and is slidable inside the outer tube. A double-arm clip assembly with each of the end points of the clip attached through a suture to a separate needle may be used for valve repair and may contain two of such clips mutually connected by a flexible connector whereby two leaflets are held together by the connector, with the two clips each anchored to a corresponding one of the leaflets.
US07914539B2	Tissue fixation device A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage. The body comprises a cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion. The cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of thin-walled window covers such that after implantation the window covers are resorbed first relative to other portions of the cylindrical portion for defining a plurality of apertures on the cylindrical portion.
US07914538B2	Suture anchor inserter An inserter for inserting a suture anchor into bone. The inserter has external markings that uniquely identify the orientations and the relative longitudinal positions of at least two suture passages through a suture anchor releasably engaged with the inserter. The markings assist a surgeon in determining a preferred placement and orientation of the anchor at an operative site during a surgical procedure.
US07914528B2	Ablation catheter tip for generating an angled flow The present invention provides an ablation catheter tip for use with an irrigated catheter device comprising an inner cavity and at least one passageway that leads to an orifice, wherein the fluid flow from the orifice promotes a circular, vortex, or spiral flow around the catheter tip from the acute angle formed at the orifice with respect to a line tangent to the surface of the ablation electrode at the orifice. The present invention further provides for an ablation catheter tip, for use with an irrigated catheter device, comprising an inner cavity and at least one curved passageway that leads to an orifice, wherein a line drawn tangent to the arc of the curve forms an acute angle measured with respect to a line drawn tangent to surface of the ablation electrode at the orifice of the passageway. Additionally, the present inventions provides a method for cooling an ablation catheter tip and a method for generating, with a low-volume irrigation flow, a rotational, spiral, or vortex flow around the ablation catheter tip.
US07914527B2	Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.
US07914526B2	Cryosurgical catheter A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.
US07914524B2	Surgical clamp having trasmurality assessment capabilities A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation mechanism is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.
US07914523B2	Method for the treatment of mammalian tissues A method and device for causing a predetermined physiological change in a mammalian tissue. The method includes irradiating the tissue with a radiation having a power density in the tissue substantially larger than an activation threshold power density, the tissue being irradiated under conditions suitable to cause the predetermined physiological change. The device can emit radiation and forms to the anatomy of a patient. The device can both cool the patient and treatment head using one cooling system.
US07914522B2	Roll-pitch-roll surgical tool A robotic surgical tool includes an elongate shaft having a working end and a shaft axis, and a pair of linking arms each having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is pivotally mounted on the working end of the shaft to rotate around a first pitch axis to produce rotation in first pitch. A wrist member has a proximal portion pivotally connected to the distal end of the linking arm to rotate around a second pitch axis to produce rotation in second pitch. An end effector is pivotally mounted on a distal portion of the wrist member to rotate around a wrist axis of the wrist member to produce rotation in distal roll. The wrist axis extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the wrist member. The elongate shaft is rotatable around the shaft axis to produce rotation in proximal roll. At about 90° pitch, the wrist axis is generally perpendicular to the shaft axis. The proximal roll around the shaft axis and the distal roll around the wrist axis do not overlap. The use of the linking arms allows the end effector to be bent back beyond 90° pitch. The ability to operate the end effector at about 90° pitch and to bend back the end effector renders the wrist mechanism more versatile and adaptable to accessing hard to reach locations, particularly with small entry points such as those involving spinal, neural, or rectal surgical sites.
US07914519B2	Catheter device There is provided a connector for coupling to a guiding catheter including a housing defining a conduit communicating with the interior of the guiding catheter, the housing including first and second housing portions which are manually positionable in various relative mutual axial orientations, a selectably openable normally closed valve associated with the conduit for selectable sealing thereof, the selectably openable valve having an open state, a closed state and at least one partially open state realized by suitable relative mutual axial orientation of the first and second housing portions and permitting at least one elongate element to extend therethrough, even when the valve is, in the closed state, the selectably openable valve including a spring which urges the valve towards the closed state and an automatically engageable and manually disengageable valve state governing mechanism operative for automatically retaining the valve in, a state other than the closed state against the urging of the spring.
US07914517B2	System and method for manipulating a catheter for delivering a substance to a body cavity A system and method for adjusting a catheter to create a medicated atmosphere in an organ, or body cavity is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter, such as an aerosolization catheter, that can be manipulated during use and an introduction device for the introduction and manipulation, by rotational and/or axial positioning, of the aerosolization catheter. The method includes inserting the catheter into a body cavity via an introducer apparatus and adjusting an angle or orientation of the exit end of the catheter so that a substance provided to the catheter will be controllably applied to the body cavity at desired locations.
US07914510B2	Template system for multi-reservoir implantable pump A template system for use in conjunction with a multiple reservoir or chambered implantable infusion pump is disclosed. The template system preferably includes at least one template having opening(s) for guiding a needle or syringe to various ports of the multiple reservoir pump. Preferably, each template includes at least two surfaces for cooperating with a like portions of the implantable pump, for properly seating the template on the pump. A kit is also disclosed including three templates for guiding injections into different ports of the pump.
US07914507B1	Reusable adjustable diaper The invention, a reusable adjustable diaper, includes: a multi-ply member having a first curvilinear portion connecting by a medial portion to a second curvilinear portion; a first elastomeric member connected to a first curved segment of multi-ply member and having a first plurality of fastening areas; a second elastomeric member connected to a second curved segment of multi-ply member and having a second plurality of fastening areas; a first plurality of fasteners connected to first curvilinear portion; a second plurality of fasteners connected to second curvilinear portion and disengagably fastenable with first plurality of fasteners; a third fastener connected to multi-ply member and disengagably fastenable with first elastomeric member at each of first plurality of fastening areas; and a fourth fastener connected to multi-ply member and disengagably fastenable with second elastomeric member at each of second plurality of fastening areas.
US07914505B2	Irrigation system The irrigation system comprises a reservoir (1) for irrigating liquid, a probe (3) for arrangement in a user, conduit means (6,7,10,11) for conducting the irrigating fluid from the reservoir to the probe, and a fixation member (5) for fixation of the probe in the user. Pumping means (9) are provided for pumping gas into the reservoir (1) to transfer the irrigating liquid from the reservoir to the probe (3). The fixation member includes an inflatable cuff (5), and the system includes a control unit (8) which may be set in at least a cuff inflating position and a liquid transferring position.
US07914504B2	Infiltration cannula An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during an infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula includes: a tubular needle and a hub. The tubular needle has a proximal end and a distal end. The tubular needle also has a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern about the distal end. The apertures are configured to infiltrate fluid into the subcutaneous tissue of a patient. The hub is configured to be held by a person performing the infiltration procedure. The hub has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is attached to the proximal end of the tubular needle and the second end includes a connector configured to connect to an input source for receiving the fluid to be infiltrated into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The fluid flows from the connector, through the hub and into the tubular needle.
US07914499B2	Multi-cartridge fluid delivery device A fluid delivery device for administering a first medicament and a second medicament includes a first fluid reservoir configured to contain the first medicament and a second fluid reservoir configured to contain the second medicament. The fluid delivery device may include one or more basal drive mechanisms to provide a basal delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments. The fluid delivery device may further include one or more bolus drive mechanisms to provide a bolus delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments.
US07914496B2	Access assembly with ribbed seal A ribbed seal for use in endoscopic surgery is intended to be incorporated into a cannula assembly to limit the escape of insufflation gasses from a body cavity by forming a fluid-tight seal around an instrument inserted through the cannula assembly. The ribbed seal includes a relatively flat, disk shaped elastomeric overmold portion having a central aperture sized slightly smaller than the instrument such that the aperture must expand to accommodate the instrument. Molded together with the elastomeric overmold is an array of slender ribs disposed about the aperture. The ribs are designed to be relatively flexible under lateral loads. This allows the seal to bend easily as the surgical instrument is inserted through the aperture thereby maintaining a low insertion and glide force. On the other hand, the ribs are designed to be relatively rigid when loaded axially. This rigidity provides robust radial support for the instrument inserted through the center of the array of ribs. The seal performs a centering function for the instrument due to its combined elasticity and stiffness. Finally, the seal also allows for an instrument to be removed easily while maintaining the required atmospheric integrity.
US07914489B1	Safety syringe An improved syringe and spring clip therefor used in single use (aspirating and non-aspirating) syringes in which the syringe has an improved, X-shaped nose piece for assisting the attachment of a sheath and an improved spring clip for both ensuring better operation of the single use aspect of the device and for ensuring that only a predetermined amount of medicine is loaded into the syringe when the syringe is loaded with medicine.
US07914486B2	Catheter having an improved balloon-to-catheter bond A balloon catheter assembly includes a first tubular member with a proximal portion and a distal portion and a lumen extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. A balloon has a proximal waist length, a distal waist length and an expandable region therebetween disposed about the distal portion. A tie layer is disposed between the proximal waist length or distal waist length and the first tubular member. The tie layer comprises a polyester polymer and a polyamide polymer.
US07914477B2	Apparatus for the continuous separation of biological fluids into components and method of using same The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core and other components wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids; this apparatus is particularly useful for the administration of extracorporeal photopheresis in that it enhances the collection of the desired blood components, the return of the treated blood, and the speed with which the therapy is administered.
US07914470B2	Ultrasonic method and device for wound treatment An apparatus and method are provided for applying a medicament to tissue, and delivering ultrasonic energy from a non-contact distance from the tissue to the medicament and to the tissue, wherein the ultrasonic energy has intensity capable of penetrating the wound tissue to a beneficial depth to provide a therapeutic effect to the tissue, and of sonicating the medicament for causing the medicament to penetrate the tissue to a beneficial depth to provide a therapeutic effect to the tissue.
US07914469B2	Cellulite ultrasound treatment A treatment system and method for reducing body perimeter, primarily aimed at reducing cellulite and/or fat at a region of treatment. Ultrasound waves and pressure exertion are applied to the region of treatment, preferably simultaneously. The pressure exersion may include manual or mechanical massage, and/or electrical muscle stimulation. An optional ultrasonic transducer head is utilized to apply also pressure and massage. Preferable frequencies and intensities of the ultrasound and the stimulation are also provided.
US07914464B2	Surgical biopsy system with control unit for selecting an operational mode A surgical biopsy system is provided for removing at least one tissue sample from a surgical patient. The surgical biopsy system comprises an elongated, hollow piercer and a cutter rotatably and axially positionable relative to the piercer. The piercer has a lateral port for receiving the tissue sample into the piercer. The surgical biopsy system further comprises a power transmission source operatively connected to the cutter for rotating and translating the cutter, a control unit, and a display mounted in a display frame for showing an operator a plurality of operational modes of the surgical biopsy system. The surgical biopsy system further comprises at least one control button operatively connected to the control unit by a circuit and remotely located from the control unit. The operator may actuate the control button(s) to select any one of the operational modes and the selected operational mode is visually identifiable on the display.
US07914462B2	Methods for processing cell block A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well. The processing station includes an automated fluid delivery system operable to dispense a fluid into the collection well, and a controller operatively coupled to the fluid delivery system, wherein the controller causes the fluid delivery system to selectively dispense fluids into the collection well based at least in part on a flow rate across the filter determined at least in part based on changes in the monitored fluid level in the collection well.
US07914460B2	Condensate glucose analyzer The present invention provides systems and methods for analyzing glucose present in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). In certain embodiments of the invention, electrochemical- or coulometric-based sensing technologies are used to analyze EBC for the presence and/or concentration of glucose.
US07914459B2	Ventilator patient synchronization A method and apparatus that provides an expert system for determining respiratory phase during ventilatory support of a subject. Discrete phase states are partitioned and prior probability functions and observed probability functions for each state are defined. The probability functions are based upon relative duration of each state as well as the flow characteristics of each state. These functions are combined to determine phase probabilities for each state using Bayes' theorem. The calculated probabilities for the states may then be compared to determine which state the subject is experiencing. A ventilator may then conform respiratory support in accordance with the most probable phase. To provide a learning feature, the probability functions may be adjusted during use to provide a more subject specific response that accounts for changing respiratory characteristics.
US07914456B2	Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic elasticity imaging device An ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface coming into contact with a contact surface of a subject, an ultrasound wave transmit/receive section which transmits an ultrasound wave to the subject via the ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface and the contact surface and receives an ultrasound wave reflected in the subject, and a pressing mechanism for performing a pressing operation for applying a pressure to the contact surface perpendicularly to the ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface via the ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface.
US07914451B2	Determining attributes using ultrasound Systems and methods are described for determining tissue attributes using ultrasound energy. Various characteristics of a medium, such as an animal tissue, can be estimated using techniques such as signal trace analysis and angular-dependency analysis of reflectivity. Such techniques can be performed in conjunction with a spectral decomposition analysis. Attributes can be cross-plotted so as to facilitate user analysis and better understanding of the medium. Attributes obtained in the foregoing manner do not necessarily need to conform to standard values, especially when attempting to detect and characterize an anomaly within the medium. Relative differences of attribute values within the medium can provide information about the anomaly. Additional information about the anomaly can be provided by an observation of the anomaly by an expert.
US07914447B2	Confocal scanning endoscope system and image display area adjustment method thereof There is provided a confocal scanning endoscope system, which is provided with a light source that emits light, a scanning unit that deflects the light emitted by the light source so that the light scans on a subject in two dimensions, an objective optical system that directs the light deflected by the scanning unit to the subject, an extraction unit that extracts only part of the light returning from a convergence point at which the light is converged by the objective optical system on an object side, an image formation unit configured to form an image based on the part of the light extracted by the extraction unit, and a display area adjustment unit configured to measure Encircled Energy of the part of the light extracted by the extraction unit and to adjust a display area of the image based on the measured Encircled Energy.
US07914446B2	Video inspection system A video inspection system provides capability to view objects not satisfactorily accessible by direct line of sight. The video inspection system includes a fluid ejection nozzle to clear the workpiece area to be inspected, an adjustable focus camera and connections to remote image data processing equipment. The video inspection system includes a sapphire lens cover to protect the optical lens and a tip protection boot to protect the viewing head from damage by contact with the work being inspected.
US07914445B2	Torque-transmitting, variably-flexible, corrugated insertion device and method for transmitting torque and variably flexing a corrugated insertion device A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible, corrugated insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument and a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument. A vacuum-activated device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. A corrugated tube transmits torque from the proximal end toward the distal end. A method for transmitting torque and variably flexing an insertion device for receiving an instrument includes providing a hollow body, transmitting torque along the hollow body with a corrugated tube, applying suction to create a vacuum in the hollow body for placing the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition, and relieving the vacuum for placing the hollow body in a relatively flexible condition.
US07914444B2	Endoscope system and endoscope An endoscope system includes a first endoscope that includes a first distal end portion, a first observation window provided at the first distal end portion, a first objective optical system optically coupled to the first observation window and having a first viewing angle, and a first treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a first distance away from the first observation window; and a second endoscope that includes a second distal end portion, a second observation window provided at the second distal end portion, a second objective optical system optically coupled to the second observation window and having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle, and a second treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a second distance longer than the first distance.
US07914441B2	Endoscope An endoscope includes an insertion portion and a treatment instrument insertion channel, and is inserted into a body cavity; an operation portion which is connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion; and a treatment instrument raiser which has a guiding surface for guiding a treatment instrument, and able to rise according to an operation from the operation portion. The raiser includes a slit which is formed on a distal end side of the guiding surface and with which a guide wire guided toward the distal end side opening can be engaged, and a guide wire guiding unit which is formed on an outer periphery of the guiding surface and serves to guide the guide wire into the slit. The guide wire is guided into the slit by the guiding unit, when the raiser is raised by the operation from the operation portion.
US07914440B2	Endoscope An endoscope according includes a treatment instrument riser which guides a distal end of a treatment instrument projected from a distal end opening provided in a channel for inserting the treatment instrument in an insertion portion to a desired position; a driving mechanism which is rotatably fitted onto an axis provided in an operation portion covered with an outer packaging member, and drives the treatment instrument riser; a guide-wire securing unit which secures a position of a guide wire projected from the distal end opening provided in the channel in the insertion portion; a guide-wire securing operation member which operates the guide-wire securing unit; and a securing unit which secures a position of the guide-wire securing operation member in a state where the position of the guide-wire is secured.
US07914439B2	Implantable penile prosthesis pump Pumps for use with inflatable implantable penile prostheses in accordance with the invention include features that can provide for free fluid flow during inflation and deflation modes of the pump. Pumps may also include a bypass chamber that is fluidly connected to the fluid passageway by a bypass input channel and a bypass output channel. The bypass chamber comprises a bypass check valve biased toward a closed position.
US07914438B2	Ventricular restoration patch A ventricular patch to restore the ventricular architecture of the heart includes a sheet of biocompatible material having a generally oval configuration, and a continuous ring fixed to the sheet. The ring has a generally oval configuration similar to the generally oval configuration of the sheet of biocompatible material. The ring defines a central generally oval region of the patch inside the ring and a circumferential region of the patch outside of the ring. The central generally oval region has a major axis and a minor axis. The ratio of the major axis to the minor axis is about 4:1.
US07914437B2	Transobturator methods for installing sling to treat incontinence, and related devices Described are methods of treating urinary incontinence using a urinary sling and a tissue path that passes through the obturator foramen, along with related surgical implants, devices, systems, and kits.
US07914436B1	Method and apparatus for pumping blood At least one aspect of the invention is directed to a pump system for pumping blood though a body passageway. The pump system includes a distal section having at least one inlet to receive blood, a pumping section in fluid communication with the distal section to receive blood from the distal section, and a pump constructed and arranged to be positioned within the pumping section to draw blood into the pumping section in a first phase of operation and to pump blood out of the at least one outlet valve in a second phase of operation. The pump system may be configured such that the at least one inlet is in fluid communication with the pumping section in both the first phase of operation and the second phase of operation. At least one other aspect of the invention is directed to a pump system for pumping blood from one of the right atrium and the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
US07914435B2	Everting gynecological brachytherapy applicator and method An everting applicator for brachytherapy of body cavities such as the vagina has a flexible sleeve secured to a distal mandrel, both the sleeve and the mandrel having internal lumens. The flexible sleeve has a diverging opening at its distal end, preferably bell-shaped or cone-shaped, such that when the open end is pushed against the mouth of a vagina, the sleeve will evert back upon itself, progressively unrolling to an inside out configuration wherein, fully inserted, the sleeve is fully everted back over the exterior surface of the mandrel. A radiation source, isotopic or electronic, is then inserted into the mandrel lumen to commence a therapeutic irradiation procedure of tissues of the vagina.
US07914432B2	Method for making a pressed paperboard container An improved apparatus for making disposable pressware features a pneumatic feeding system which accelerates a paperboard blank into a forming die. In a typical embodiment, a pair of adjustable air knives propel a paperboard blank into the forming cavity.
US07914431B2	Self-cleaning mower ground roller assembly mounting system A self-cleaning mounting system for a ground roller assembly to be used on a mower such as a flail mower including a stationary sleeve bearing positioned on mounting shafts extending from either end of the ground roller. The stationary sleeve bearing is positioned in a housing which is vertically positionably with respect to the mower housing. The housing includes a stationary helical flight and a seal guard which fits within the ground roller. The stationary sleeve bearing is protected on either end from dirt and debris getting between the inside surface of the stationary sleeve bearing and the outside surface of the mounting shafts on either end of the ground roller.
US07914430B2	Roll A roll is supported at the middle thereof, for a paper, board or finishing machine is composed of two sections, a so-called inner shell (54′) and an outer shell (52′), supported by one another in the middle area of the roll (50′). The nominal stiffness of the manufacturing material of the inner shell (54′) of the roll is substantially greater than the nominal stiffness of the manufacturing material of the outer shell (52′) of the roll.
US07914428B2	Multi-directional body swing, turn and twist trainer with interchangeable and adjustable attachments An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training of the body allows a user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues enjoining all the muscles in these areas. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a main frame, two foot platforms and hanging members for attaching the foot platforms to the main frame. The exercise apparatus is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures. In another embodiment, a movable upright bar is connected to a supporting frame for training the upper body of the user. The apparatus has multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories for allowing several types of exercises.
US07914420B2	Sensing applications for exercise machines Sensing applications for exercise machines are described. An example sensing application for profiling a workout session of an exercise machine comprises selecting at least one workout parameter or inputting at least one physical characteristic of a user and operating the exercise machine in compliance with the at least one workout parameter selected. The method further comprising reading output signal values from a sensor in which the output signals are generated by a user impact to the exercise machine during the exercise session and processing the output signals. The method further comprising determining workout matrices to profile the exercise session using the processed output signals and providing feedback information based on the workout matrices.
US07914414B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission of the present invention has 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 may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US07914413B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission that is structured such that the first clutch, the third clutch, and the fourth clutch are disposed in an axial direction more toward the speed-reduction planetary gear than the planetary gear unit; friction plates of the first clutch are disposed so as to be offset in the axial direction with respect to friction plates of the third clutch and friction plates of the fourth clutch; and the friction plates of the fourth clutch are disposed such that at least a portion thereof coincides in the axial direction with the friction plates of the third clutch on an inner peripheral side of the friction plates of the third clutch.
US07914410B2	Bicycle chain connecting link A bicycle chain connecting link basically has a first link plate, a second link plate, a first link pin and a second link pin. The first link plate has a longitudinal slot. The second link plate has a pair of pin attachment openings. The first and second link pins each have a first pin end retained to the first link plate and a second pin end releasably coupled in the pin attachment openings of the second link plate to be separated from the second link plate and reattached to the second link plate. At least one of the first pin ends of the first and second link pins is slidable within the longitudinal slot of the first link plate in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal slot of the first link plate.
US07914409B2	Oil-free chain In an oil-free roller chain, the inner faces of the outer link plates have recesses that receive the ends of bushings, and the inner faces of the inner link plates have recesses that receive the ends of rollers surrounding the bushings. Each such recess is formed by punching, so that the outer surface of each plate has a bulged portion opposite each recess. The diameters of the bulged portions are greater than the diameters of the corresponding recesses. The bushing can have an oil passage located midway between its ends and serving as an oil reservoir supplying oil to the gap between the bushing and the roller and between the bushing and a connecting pin.
US07914406B2	Arrow vane and arrow with vane A vane that can be mounted to a projectile to provide stability of flight, without substantially degrading speed due to added weight and/or causing clearance concerns. The vane is approximately 1.85 inches long and 0.465 inches high with a front-edge and a back-edge that meet at a point. The back-edge arcs down towards the base of the vane while the front edge degrades in a substantially linear fashion to the base of the vane.
US07914405B1	Collapsible pet toy having timed pop back action The toy assembly is a ball or similar object that can be temporarily compressed into a disc-shaped object. A short time after compression, the toy pops back into its original ball-like shape. The toy assembly has a body that can be selectively configured between an expanded shape and a compressed shape. The body is naturally biased into its expanded shape. A binding hole is defined on a first side of the body. A nub extends inwardly from the body opposite the binding hole. The nub passes into the binding hole with a friction fit when the body is in its compressed shape. The friction fit creates a friction force that temporarily counteracts the natural bias of the body. After a predetermined period of time, the friction fit fails and the body of the toy pops back into its original shape.
US07914404B2	Ball bat including visual indication of whether internal structural tampering with the ball bat has occurred A ball bat includes a barrel having a radially inner surface. Graphics, or an indicator layer including graphics, that provide a visual indication of whether tampering, such as shaving, has occurred to the radially inner surface of the barrel are affixed to, applied to, or integral with the radially inner surface of the barrel. A transparent or translucent cap, or a cap including a window, is optionally attached to an end of the barrel to provide visual inspection of the internal graphics. The cap itself may additionally or alternatively include internal observable features, or external engraved or etched features, that make the cap difficult to replicate or counterfeit.
US07914402B2	Rebounding soccer practice net The Present invention is a portable apparatus for use in practice drills and educational settings which returns soccer balls to a kicker in a controlled manner. The invention utilizes an upwardly inclined net which directs a ball upwards into an energy absorbing pocket rather than immediately rebounding the ball back to the kicker. The pocket then absorbs the energy of the ball and then sends the ball back down to the kicker in a controlled manner. The goal of the invention is to increase the user's accuracy and to allow for increased amounts of kicks as the controlled return allows for less reset time between kicks.
US07914400B2	Baseball practice systems Baseball practice systems are provided. In this regard, a representative baseball practice system includes: a backstop; a ball; a suspension assembly operative to suspend the ball in a strike zone, the suspension assembly having a first cantilevered arm and a damping assembly, the damping assembly being operative to damp motions of the ball as the ball returns to a rest position after having been struck, the cantilevered arm supporting a portion of the damping assembly; and a tether assembly comprising at least one line operative to assist in establishing the rest position of the ball.
US07914398B2	Golf training aid The present invention is a golf swing training aid to help train golfers how to better hit a golf ball with a golf club. The training aid consists of a generally T shaped member having a central portion, an elongated pointer portion extending from the central portion and first and second side arms extending from the central portion in opposite directions. The pointer portion is oriented perpendicular to the first and second side arms. The aid further includes a tower member pivotally connected to the central portion of the T shaped member, the tower member being movable between an upright position wherein the tower member extends perpendicularly upward relative to the central portion and a lowered position wherein the tower member is pivoted towards the pointer portion. The tower member is dimensioned and configured to support a golf ball when the tower member is in its upright position. The central portion of the T shaped member has a space dimensioned and configured to receive the tower member when the tower member is in its lowered position.
US07914396B2	Golf club head A hollow golf club head includes a head main body having a face opening portion on a face side, and a face member that closes the face opening portion. A part or all of an upper edge of the face opening portion and an upper edge of the face member extends to a crown portion.
US07914394B2	Club heads with contoured back faces and methods of manufacturing the same Embodiments of club heads with contoured back faces and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US07914389B2	Golf putter training device A golf putter training device is described. The training device includes a bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the putter shaft and a second end connected to a support shaft, a first visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on a first side of the plane, and a second visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on the second side of the plane. In another embodiment, the training device includes a third and fourth visual guide. In yet another embodiment, the training device includes visual indicators.
US07914380B2	Game device and game system A multi-player game system (100) includes a lobby server (3) and a plurality of game devices (A1, A2, . . . and B1, B2, . . . ). When there is a preceding entry game device in a competition waiting state, since the server device has already received an entry request from the preceding entry game device, the lobby server (3) indicates the preceding entry game device as an opponent to a new entry game upon receiving an entry list request from the new entry game device. This indication is issued irrespective of the round of the knockout competition in which each of the new entry game device and the preceding entry game device is. The game device manages the round of the knockout competition in which the game device is, progresses the game device to the next round on the basis of determination as to whether or not the game device has won, and causes a display of the game device to show an image corresponding to the round.
US07914378B2	Gaming apparatus having a configurable control panel A gaming apparatus for facilitating game play. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a display unit, and a player control panel. The player control panel may include a curved surface centered around at least one axis. The gaming apparatus also may include a touch screen, the touch screen conforming to the curved surface of the player control panel. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the display unit may be caused to display a game display. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected and display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.
US07914375B2	Gaming device for a flat rate play session and a method of operating same The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. During the play, payouts are made either directly to the player in the form of coins or indirectly in the form of credits to the player's credit account. In accordance with one embodiment, a player may enter into a contract, wherein the contract specifies the flat rate play session as described above.
US07914374B2	Budget-defined flat rate play contract parameters According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session or contract costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session or contract spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. In some embodiments, an expected cost of the flat rate play session or contract may be determined. In some embodiments, a flat rate play session or contract and/or one or more parameters thereof may be determined based upon a price (or other parameter) that a player is willing to pay for flat rate play at a gaming device.
US07914372B2	Method and apparatus for providing an advantage to a player in a bonus game A gaming method includes receiving a wager from a player, displaying an image representative of a primary game, determining if a bonus event trigger has occurred, displaying an image representative of a bonus game, the bonus game including a representation associated with the player and a representation associated with an opponent, the representations each having at least one attribute associated with the bonus game, if the bonus event trigger occurs, and determining a payout associated with an outcome of the bonus game. The method also includes offering the player at least one advantage option, the at least one advantage option affecting at least one of the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the player and the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the opponent. A gaming machines and system may be provided to carry out such a method.
US07914370B2	Method and apparatus for playing games A system and methods of playing wagering games of chance in which a player receives points based on game play, the points being usable toward either a cumulative jackpot or entry into another game which may be a game of skill or chance. In one example, a system and method for a “double chance” game links progress in a second game to the results of a first game. A player receives a chance at playing the second game based on winning or losing the first game, thereby providing the player with two chances to win for one entry into a game session. A player participating in the first game receives points, based on a result of the first game, that may be used to play a second game or may be redeemed for one or more prizes, as discussed below. The points may embody the player's chance for winning the second game. In one example game format, the points may be awarded for “losing” the first game, thereby providing a dual incentive to a player to play the game—the player may achieve the game's payout by winning the game or may accrue points by losing the game. In such a manner, a player's interest in playing the first game may be increased because of additional chances to win offered by the second game (or selection of prizes) associated with the points the player receives during play of the first game.
US07914364B2	Hybrid filling system A system for encasing food products in film is described. The system comprises a mixer, a sealer in fluid communication with the mixer, a swivel mounted to a downstream side of the sealer, a stuffing horn mounted to a downstream side of the swivel, and a clipper. The stuffing horn is movable from a first position adjacent to said clipper, to a second position remote from said clipper.
US07914362B2	Method of evaluating the quality of a lapping plate Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a evaluating the quality of a lapping plate. In one embodiment, information that indicates the quality of a lapping plate is received while the lapping plate is being used to lap a slider, and the information is used to evaluate the quality of the lapping plate while the lapping plate is being used to lap the slider.
US07914356B2	Method of manufacturing plasma display panel A method of manufacturing a plasma display panel including a sealing step of arranging a front plate formed with a display electrode, a dielectric layer, and a protective layer on a transparent substrate and a rear plate formed with an address electrode, a barrier rib, and a phosphor layer so as to face each other and sealing a periphery of the front plate and the rear plate with a sealing material, where the sealing step includes a sealing material application step of applying the sealing material to the rear plate, a tentative firing step of tentatively firing applied sealing material, and a sealing step of arranging the front plate and the rear plate so as to face each other and sealing the plates by softening and melting the sealing material, and the sealing material is configured by a glass frit having bismuth oxide.
US07914355B2	Method of manufacturing display apparatus with SAW touch sensor First electrodes partially configuring light-emitting elements are patterned in the form of stripes on a first major surface of a transparent substrate. Next, piezoelectric elements functioning a SAW touch sensor are formed on a second major surface of the transparent substrate. Next, the light-emitting elements forming step of forming light-emitting elements on the first electrodes which are patterned in advance is sequentially executed. After the formation of the piezoelectric elements, since the step of forming the light-emitting elements is executed, the light-emitting elements can be prevented from being damaged by receiving heat in the formation of the piezoelectric elements.
US07914353B2	Spark plug and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing a spark plug and a spark plug manufactured by the method in which a gasket used for securing the air-tightness when mounting the spark plug on an internal-combustion engine is prevented from falling out from the metal shell with a simple step.
US07914351B2	Electrical connectors with improved electrical contact performance Electrical connectors are generally discussed herein having a housing having a bore and a groove having a canted coil spring positioned therein. A pin is inserted through the bore and is electrically connected with the canted coil spring. The canted coil spring may be coated with a noble metal and the housing and the pin may be made from non-noble metals.
US07914350B1	Apparatus, system, and method for creating an electrical connection to a tool An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for creating an electrical connection with an electrically conductive element. The apparatus includes a first contact element having an engagement surface for engaging a first side of the electrically conductive element and a second contact element positioned opposite the first contact element includes an opposing engagement surface for engaging a second side of the electrically conductive element. The first contact element is slideable past the second contact element to form a scissor-like jaw. A valley formed in at least one of the engagement surface and the opposing engagement surface of the first and second contact elements creates a stage. At least one of the first and the second contact elements are made of an electrically conductive material that conducts an electrical current between the electrically conductive element and at least one of the first and second contact elements.
US07914349B2	Connection clamp for both top post and side terminal battery contact A single battery connection device that allows for connection both to a battery post and to a battery side terminal. Regardless of whether the device is connected to the battery post or side terminal, the device may be used as part of a four-point Kelvin connection to the battery. Also, a method of connecting to either to a battery post or to a battery side terminal using a single device.
US07914347B2	Low resistance connector for printed circuit board An electrical connector has first and second connector bodies. The first connector body has an inclined surface and the second connector body has arms that correspond to the inclined surfaces. At the end of the inclined surfaces are generally flat portions forming a ledge that prevent the connector bodies from separating. To unmate the connector bodies, one connector body is rotated relative to the other, causing the arms to move from the generally flat portion to the outer surface of the second connector to allow them to be moved axially away from one another.
US07914345B2	Electrical connector with improved compensation An electrical connector including an array of conductors having at least one differential pair of conductors that extends between a mating end and a loading end of a housing. The conductors are configured to engage a selected mating contact of a mating connector at a mating interface. The electrical connector also includes a plurality of traces that extend between the mating and loading ends. Each trace is electrically connected to a corresponding conductor proximate to the mating end and/or the loading end. Also, the electrical connector includes a first interconnection, path formed by the conductors that extends from the mating interface to the loading end and a second interconnection path formed by the traces that extends from the mating interface to the loading end. The differential pair transmits current that is split, between the first and second interconnection paths where at least one interconnection path provides compensation.
US07914341B2	Audio signal switcher An audio signal switcher includes a jack switcher and a plug switcher. The jack switcher includes an audio jack and a first USB port. The audio jack includes a left track segment and a right track segment which are coupled to a first data pin and a second data pin of the first USB port, respectively. The jack includes a ground segment divided into a left ground ring and a right ground ring which are connected together to couple to a ground pin of the USB port. The plug switcher includes an audio plug and a second USB port. The second USB port also includes a data pin, a second data pin, a power pin, and a ground pin. The audio plug also includes a left track segment, a right track segment, and a ground segment, which are isolated coupled to at least three pins of the second USB port.
US07914337B1	Electrical connector with adjacent terminals bent outward An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals and a shielding shell. A base on the insulating body includes a first solder portion, a second solder portion and a connection portion. The first solder portion and the second solder portion are located on the one end of the base, and the connection portion is located on the other end of the base. The first terminals run through the base, and are arranged parallel to each other and located on two sides of the first soldering portion and the connection portion. The second terminals run through the base, and are separately located on two sides of the second soldering portion and the connection portion. At least two of the second terminals are bent outwardly at a predetermined angle, so that the cross talk between two adjacent second terminals can be reduced. The shielding shell sleeves on the connection portion. Additionally, the thicknesses of the first solder portion and the second solder portion both are 1.20 mm so that the cross talk of the second terminals located at the two sides of the second solder portion can be reduced.
US07914334B2	Adapter having flexible cable The invention relates to a device or connecting multi-conducting plugs that can be inserted into said device in respectively opposite directions. The device of the invention includes two sockets (1, 2) for receiving the plugs, an internal multi-conducting link (3) connecting the sockets, and a housing (4a, 4b) for maintaining the sockets in opposite directions, the internal link being in the form of a ply folded into a bayonet and having on both sides of an intermediate portion (33) two end portions (31, 32) physically connected to the respective inner faces (12, 22) of the sockets (1, 2).
US07914328B2	Connector A shielded connector which makes a shell unnecessary while ensuring a shielding function. A housing holds a housing plurality of contacts each including a contact portion brought into contact with an associated one of contact portions of a plurality of mating contacts. The connector is provided with a shield member including a shield plate body which partitions the contact portions of the contacts into two groups, a first spring portion which is brought into contact with an inner wall surface of a shell of a mating connector, and a second spring portion which is brought into contact with the inner wall surface of the shell.
US07914325B2	Connector, printed circuit board, connecting device connecting them, and method of testing electronic part, using them The invention has an object of providing a connector for connecting between a printed circuit board and a test device, capable of easily attaching and detaching the connector at low cost. The connector includes at least one conducting pin 28 that is protruded from a connector body, and at least one fixing pin 30 that is extended substantially in parallel with the conducting pin. The fixing pin 30 is longer than the conducting pin 28.
US07914324B2	Cassette for use within a connectivity management system A cassette includes a housing having a plurality of plug cavities configure to receive plugs therein, and a contact subassembly received in the housing. The contact subassembly has a circuit board and a plurality of contacts coupled to the circuit board, with the contacts being arranged in contact sets that are received in different plug cavities to mate with different ones of the plugs. The cassette also includes a connectivity sensor coupled to the housing. The connectivity sensor is electrically connected to the circuit board of the contact subassembly, and the connectivity sensor has a plurality of sensor pads configured to interface with sensor probes of the plugs when the plugs are loaded into the plug cavities.
US07914323B2	Connector apparatus A connector apparatus includes a main body and a cover. The main body includes a fixed member and a receiving member. A plurality of connectors is fixed in the fixed member. The receiving member is configured for receiving another connector. The cover is detachably mounted to the receiving member to cover the another connector in response to the another connector being installed in the receiving member.
US07914321B2	Connector for flexible printed circuit board A connector adapted for receiving a flexible printed circuit board therein includes an insulating housing having a base board, a plurality of electric terminals disposed in the insulating housing and a shell slidably mounted onto the insulating housing. An end of the base board protrudes upward to form a preventing wall. A top of the preventing wall extends forward to form an elastic board. Each of the electric terminals has a base arm and an elastic arm. The base arm is disposed in the base board and the elastic arm is located under the elastic board. The flexible printed circuit board is inserted between the base arms and the elastic arms. The shell has a top board protruding downward to form at least one pressing portion slidably moving along the elastic board for pressing the elastic board downward so as to further press the elastic arms against the flexible printed circuit board.
US07914319B2	Interconnector system engagement sensor An electrical connector assembly includes a housing supporting a plurality of terminals for a primary circuit and at least two terminals for a sensor circuit. A mating header includes terminals corresponding to the primary circuit and to the sensor circuit. A conductive link is disposed in either the housing or the header to short the sensor terminals disposed therein. Once the mating components of the connector are attached, the sensor circuit is completed through the conductive link and an indication of a proper connection can be verified.
US07914317B2	Reverse cam release mechanism A releasable locking mechanism is provided that includes a carrier, at least one projection and an actuator. The projection extends from the carrier and is rotatable along a rotational axis between a locked state and an unlocked state. The actuator is operably coupled to the projection and is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position whereby in the first position the projection is rotated to the locked state and in the second position the projection is rotated to the unlocked state, the first axis being substantially perpendicular with the rotational axis.
US07914316B2	Lock attachment for audio-visual connector The combination of an electronic connector plug and an attached locking clip, wherein the connector comprises a cable, a plug housing surrounding one end of the cable, and a plug supported in the housing, such that the plug extends from the front of the housing and is electrically connected through the housing to the cable. The clip surrounds the housing and can be locked onto an electrical component by a lock screw such that the advancing screw also urges a clamp against the housing thereby securing the plug into the jack of the component. The electrical component is preferably an audio-visual (AV) device having an HDMI socket.
US07914312B1	Connector having a support board moving upward to ensure contact between a flexible circuit board contacts and electrical terminals A connector includes an insulating housing defining a receiving recess for receiving a flexible printed circuit board and a pair of receiving cavities located at two sides of the receiving recess, a plurality of electrical terminals disposed in the insulating housing, and a slidable cover mounted to the insulating housing and having a base board. A portion of the base board is recessed downward to form a gap and an inmost edge of the gap extends to form a supporting board. Two opposite ends of the base board extend to form a pair of fixing arms. A front portion of each of the fixing arms is protruded downward to form a sliding block. The slidable cover is pushed to the insulating housing with the sliding blocks sliding into the receiving cavities that drives the supporting board moving upward so that ensure a firm contact between the flexible printed circuit board and the electrical terminals.
US07914310B2	Universal serial bus connector with antenna capabilities An electrical connector (male and female) that support conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals and includes one or more additional compact coaxial connectors to enable advanced communications and/or functionality between electronic devices and/or accessory devices. In one embodiment, an electrical connector includes a contact support member housed at least partially within a housing. A plurality of first contacts are mounted on a contact support member, wherein each of the plurality of first contacts is configured to electrically connect with the associated connector along a first plane parallel to a plane of insertion for the associated connector into the port. At least one compact coaxial connector is located adjacent the housing to receive one or external antennas. The male connector includes an elastic member coupled to the one or more compact coaxial connectors, so that the male connector can be secured to a compliant female adapter and a conventional USB connector (e.g., a female USB connector not having one or more coaxial connectors positioned adjacent the housing.
US07914309B2	Electrical connector comprising a mat seal and a ramp system for compressing the mat seal The electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a rear skirt extending rearward with respect to the rear face of the insulative housing, a mat seal disposed in the rear skirt against the rear face, a rear grid, disposed in the rear skirt, against the mat seal. The electrical connector includes a mobile part, a guide rail that is transverse to the front-rear direction (XX′), for transversally guiding the mobile part, and a ramp system such that, when the mobile part is guided by the guide rail, the ramp system pushes the rear grid against the mat seal so as to compress the mat seal.
US07914308B2	Electrical disconnect An electrical disconnect for detachably connecting segments of a drip loop of an electrical service line of a structure, the drip loop having a structure side segment and a service line segment, the electrical disconnect having a first portion connected to the structure side segment of the drip loop, the first portion comprising at least one male electrical conductor extending therefrom and a second portion connected to the service line segment of the drip loop.
US07914306B1	Environmental protective covering for universal serial bus connectors Environmental protection methods standard USB electrical connectors normally suited only for indoor use that allows said connectors to be used in the harsh outdoor environment of powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and other special purpose vehicles. The resulting environmentally protected USB electrical connectors provide a small, lightweight, easy to mount, low-cost power source for a wide variety of low power accessories as well as data transfer where available.
US07914301B2	Electrical connector and manufacturing method thereof An electrical connector includes a fixing member having a support seat; a plurality of terminals, each having an embed section embedded within the fixing member along an extension direction via an insert-molding process and a contact section exposing from the support seat of the fixing member; and an insulated body for seating on the support seat of the fixing member. The insulated body has an insert face formed with a plurality of terminal holes. The insert face is dented inwardly so as to form a plug reception chamber in spatial communication with the terminal holes. When the insulated body is seated on the support seat of the fixing member, the contact sections of the terminals pass through the terminal holes in the insulated body and are retained within the plug reception chamber.
US07914298B2	Solar box and two position solar connectors A connecting box, gland nut, and electrical connector for the solar connector industry is disclosed. The connecting box, the gland nut, and the electrical connector require a tool to disengage, are being resistant to external environmental stressors, and/or provide the ability to monitor information regarding the connecting box, the gland nut, and/or the electrical connector.
US07914297B2	Electric connection box An electric connection box include a power supply lead frame, a plurality of external connection terminals, a housing member having connector housing portions formed integrally at its outer peripheral portion and also having the lead frame and the external connection terminals insert molded therein, a plurality of transistors surface mounted in a bare chip condition on an upper surface of the lead frame, a circuit board mounted within the housing member, and bonding wires connecting the transistors, the external connection terminals and the circuit board to each other.
US07914296B1	Interconnecting assembly with conductive lever portions on a support film The invention provides an interconnecting assembly including a main structure having first and second portions, an inner terminal on the main structure, a support film having first and second portions, an inner contact and outer terminal formed on opposing sides of the support film, a conductive lever portion on the support film and connecting the inner contact and outer terminal, wherein the inner contact contacts the inner terminal and the first portions are moved relatively towards one another so that the second portion of the film is pivoted together with the conductive lever portion and the outer terminal away from the second portion of the main structure, the outer terminal being depressible towards the main structure from a first position to a second position and returning to the first position when a force depressing the outer terminal is removed.
US07914291B2	Electrical hose swivel connector An electrical hose swivel connector may be used to connect a vacuum hose to a hair clipping device. The hair clipping device may need power, which may be delivered from a power source and through a power cord. The power cord may be in electrical communication with this electrical hose swivel connector to deliver power to the hair clipping device. This electrical hose swivel connector can allow for easier use of the hair clipping device, which may be used with the vacuum hose without causing tangling, twisting, or knotting in the power cord.
US07914285B2	Portable apparatus for visualizing and practicing wall finishes A portable apparatus for visualizing or practicing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture includes a substrate having a primed first surface and a second surface having means for securing the substrate to a mounting surface, such as a wall. A method for visualizing and practicing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture includes the steps of (a) applying a paint color, finish, technique, or texture to a first surface of the substrate; (b) textually identifying onto the substrate the paint color, finish, technique, or texture applied thereto; (c) securing the substrate to a first portion of the mounting surface; (d) removing the substrate from the mounting surface; and (e) securing the substrate to a second portion of the mounting surface.
US07914284B2	Dental filing tool A dental filing tool and method for use includes providing a unitary injection-molded handle with integral finger pads, indicia markings, and an abrasive filing strip embedded into the handle vertical arms; inserting the tool between teeth to cut and file restorations; and, disposing after use. A method for making a dental filing tool is provided, including the steps: selecting a strip; providing the strip with abrasive means; providing the strip with mounting holes; providing an injection mold with a horizontal and first and second vertical arm channels, each of the vertical arm channels having flattened opposing outer edges to form integral finger pads; and, first and second mounting pins spaced distally to hold the strip in tension; mounting the strip onto the pins within the mold; injecting plastic by injection molding means to form the dental filing tool; cooling the dental filing tool until resilient; and, removing the filing tool.
US07914282B2	Apparatus for reducing pollution from a flare stack Apparatus for reducing pollution from a flare stack includes a platform disposed on or near the top of the flare stack and a plurality of baffles and filters disposed on the platform. A first plurality of upwardly extending stainless steel baffles is disposed around the flare stack while a second plurality of baffles is disposed about the outer periphery of the platform. A first and a second plurality of filters are disposed between the first and second plurality of baffles. The first plurality of filters associated with a fan, blower or pump for drawing flare gas into and out of the filter.
US07914281B2	Gas combustion apparatus and combustion gas setting device thereof The present invention relates to a gas combustion apparatus, composed by a storage tank, a combustion gas setting device, an ignition device, a housing, a combustion device and an outer tube. When the pushing rod of the adjusting unit is forwardly pushed from the bottom end of the vertical slot of the adjusting slot and is rotated into the horizontal slot, the first resilient member is compressed and the gas discharging nozzle is stretched by the adjusting unit, and the gas discharging valve gate is rotated in the gas adjusting valve seat, so a combustion gas supplying status is obtained and the output amount of combustion gas can be adjusted; when the pushing rod of the adjusting unit is forwardly pushed to the top end from the bottom end of the vertical slot of the adjusting slot, the first resilient member is compressed and the gas discharging nozzle is stretched by the adjusting unit, so the adjusting unit is released from the gas discharging valve gate, then the setting unit is rotated and the gas discharging valve gate is rotated in the gas adjusting valve seat, therefore the output amount of combustion gas of the gas discharging valve is able to be reset.
US07914280B2	Combustion method and apparatus A method comprises providing a combustion apparatus having an outer vessel and an inner conduit. The outer vessel has a first wall that defines an internal volume. The inner conduit is at least partially positioned within the internal volume and provides a fluid passageway that is in communication therewith. The method further comprises introducing oxygen into the internal volume in a manner such that the oxygen swirls within the internal volume and around the inner conduit. Furthermore, the method comprises introducing fuel into the internal volume, and combusting the fuel and oxygen at least partially therewithin. The combustion of the fuel and oxygen produces reaction products and the method further comprises discharging at least some of the reaction products from the internal volume via the fluid passageway of the inner conduit.
US07914278B2	Internally heated nozzle adapter A nozzle adapter for an injection molding machine includes a body and one or more retainers mountable to an outer surface of the body. When the body and a retainer are assembled together they cooperate to define a cavity adapted to contain a cartridge heater between the body and the retainer. Access to allow replacement of the cartridge heater can be gained by removing the retainer from the body without removing the entire nozzle adapter from the injection molding machine.
US07914276B2	Variable-pitch moulding units and moulding machine An assembly including units for molding polymer materials, the units being arranged successively in a mobile line, each of the molding units including a mold, the mold including two parts mutually mobile about a pivot pin, the movement of the two parts relative to each other being produced upon opening and closing of the mold. The assembly includes rollers co-operating with a track, each of the rollers being connected by link rods to the two pivot pins of adjacent molding units, the path described by the rollers against the track and the path described by the pivot pins being urged to be brought closer together on a predetermined travel of the molding units, such that the distance between the pivot pins of the adjacent molding units is increased during the travel.
US07914274B2	Molding apparatus A molding apparatus includes a first mold half, a first mold core received in the first mold half, a second mold half opposite to the first mold half, a second mold core and a plurality of spacers. The second mold core includes a sleeve and a core insert. The sleeve is received in the second mold core. The sleeve includes a receiving hole defined therein, and a plurality of parallel grooves defined in an inner surface in the receiving hole. The grooves are angularly equidistantly spaced from each other. The core insert is received in the receiving hole of the sleeve. The plurality of spacers is configured for being selectively disposed in the corresponding grooves. Each of the spacers is configured for being sandwiched between the sleeve and the core insert.
US07914270B2	Extruding tread components directly into a tire mold A method may include the steps of: (a) providing a tire mold; (b) providing an extruder operatively connected to a head with a die assembly; (c) inserting at least a first compound into the first extruder; (d) forming an extrudate from the die assembly; (e) applying the extrudate directly from the die assembly into the tire mold to form a tire tread component; and, (f) controlling movement of the tire mold to correspond to the extrudate delivery.
US07914264B2	Controllable drive for a motor vehicle, in particular for a coolant pump A controllable drive (1) suitable for a motor vehicle coolant pump (2) comprises a rotatably mounted shaft (5), a driven member (7) which is rotationally fixedly mounted on the shaft (5), a driving member (9) which is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft (5), and a coupling region (7/8) which is arranged between the driving and driven members (9, 7) and holds a viscous fluid. At least one first flow path and at least one second flow path connect a fluid reservoir to the coupling region (7/8), and an actuation device (11a, 11b, 12, 13, 14) changes at least one passage opening of at least one flow path. A coupling housing (8, 8a, 8b) is connected to the driving member (9), and the actuator (14) is arranged within the coupling housing (8, 8a, 8b).
US07914254B2	Integrated support/thermocouple housing for impingement cooling manifolds and cooling method A impingement cooling system for heavy duty turbines that includes a manifold affixed to a casing of the heavy-duty turbine, wherein the manifold includes a plurality of impingement holes in the surface of the manifold and a blower that provides air flow across the plurality of impingement holes of the manifold to cool the casing of the heavy-duty turbine to control the clearance between a tip of a turbine blade and a shroud of the heavy-duty turbine.
US07914253B2	System for regulating a cooling fluid within a turbomachine A system for regulating a cooling fluid within a turbomachine. The system may include a plurality of bypass chambers, wherein each of the plurality of bypass chambers allows for the cooling fluid to pass from the compressor section to the at least one wheelspace area. The system may also include a plurality of bypass plugs, wherein each of the plurality of bypass plugs is insertable into a bypass chamber opening on each of the plurality of bypass chambers.
US07914252B2	Fan array fan section in air-handling systems A fan array fan section in an air-handling system includes a plurality of fan units arranged in a fan array and positioned within an air-handling compartment. One preferred embodiment may include an array controller programed to operate the plurality of fan units at peak efficiency. The plurality of fan units may be arranged in a true array configuration, a spaced pattern array configuration, a checker board array configuration, rows slightly offset array configuration, columns slightly offset array configuration, or a staggered array configuration.
US07914247B2	Wheel trap assembly for wheeled support apparatus A wheel trap assembly for receiving and retaining a wheel of a wheeled support structure is advantageously provided. The wheel trap assembly generally includes a frame and a wheel receiving structure that is pivotably supported within the frame, a wheel received upon the wheel receiving structure being shifted, with pivoting of the wheel receiving structure with respect to the frame, to a wheel landing surface supported by the frame.
US07914243B2	Method and apparatus for weld profiling A method for removing a weld crown from a weld joint between first and second work pieces includes steps of positioning a rotary milling tool proximate to the joint and at an offset angle to set a cutting arc relative to the joint. The milling tool is positioned so the cutting arc intersects the weld crown, weld toes, and parent metal on each side of the weld joint. As the milling tool traverses the joint to cut away the weld crown, the milling tool may tilt from side to side to compensate for misalignment between the work pieces along the weld joint. An apparatus for weld crown removal holds a milling tool at an offset angle, and provides a tracking mechanism to permit the milling tool to track misalignment between the work pieces, maintaining the cutting arc in intersection with the weld toes and parent metal along the weld joint.
US07914241B2	Tapping tool A tapping tool having a guide body, a driver for longitudinal movement of a tap within the guide body, and a pump for lubricating the tap. A keyway in the outer body of guide body mates with an indexing key in a rotatable indexing holder of a turret press, which causes the guide body to rotate in sync with the turret press. A driver cylinder is centrally disposed in the guide body. The driver is adapted for sliding, mating engagement within the driver cylinder. A chamber in the lubrication pump holds the lubrication which is ejected by the pump onto the tap. Lubrication is ejected onto the tap through a normally closed ejector inlet that is opened by downward movement of a plunge pin against the lubrication in the chamber. The ejector is sized to restrict the flow of lubrication from the ejector outlet, which creates back pressure in the lubrication chamber. The back pressure forces a ball to close the lubrication conduit when the plunge pin moves downward.
US07914239B2	Conveyance system for web of packaging cushions A conveyance system comprises a production machine for manufacturing a web of packaging cushions, a duct downstream from the production machine, a blower to provide an air flow through the duct to apply a conveyance force for conveying the web of packaging cushions, and a friction contact area downstream from the production machine and upstream from the duct entrance. The web of packaging cushions passes beneath and contacts the friction contact area to create a friction force opposing the conveyance force so that the conveyance force is not transmitted along the web of packaging cushions to the production machine.
US07914238B2	Free standing support A load support includes an outer tube and a plunger at least partially slidably disposed within the outer tube. Gravity-set wedging members are disposed between an outer surface of the plunger and an inner surface of the outer tube for setting the plunger and outer tube in place with respect to each other, wherein the wedging members are substantially self-setting under gravity. The wedging members gouge the outer surface of the plunger and the inner surface of the outer tube upon inward axial movement of the plunger within the outer tube.
US07914236B2	Screw pile substructure support system A screw pile substructure support system is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a screw pile substructure support system including a tubular pile having a centerline, wherein the tubular pile includes a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section attached by a weld, a pile tip including a first pile tip end attached to the tubular pile, an end plate having a substantially flat surface disposed perpendicular to the centerline of the tubular pile, a tapered portion disposed between the first pile tip end and the end plate, and a helical flight attached to an exterior surface of the tapered portion, wherein the helical flight extends along the exterior surface for a distance of at least one quarter of a circumference of the tapered portion, wherein the end plate is fixedly attached to the pile tip.
US07914231B2	Leaching chamber having a diagonally ribbed top A leaching chamber having opposing inwardly and upwardly running sidewalls extending toward a top portion is provided, wherein the leaching chamber includes a plurality of peak and valley corrugations formed by the sidewalls and extending over the top portion and a plurality of diagonally opposed ribs, the plurality of ribs extending diagonally across at least a portion of the top portion to form at least one X shaped pattern.
US07914228B2	Multi-purpose construction module This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction module. The module may be used, for example, as a mold for settable materials such as concrete. A plurality of modules may be aligned together in different configurations for use as a temporary road or support for use on unstable terrain, such as arctic tundra or wetlands. In yet another application the module may be deployed as a storage or shelving unit. The module comprises a deck and a plurality of wall elements projecting from the deck and defining a plurality of honeycomb-like compartments. The module may be used in conjunction with a mating cover for enclosing the module compartments. In one embodiment the cover may be coupled to the module in two different orientations. In one of the orientations connectors may be coupled to an outer surface of the cover. The connectors are useful for joining separate modules together and for providing the assembly with enhanced structural integrity, for example to support heavy loads. In one embodiment heated water or other fluid may be circulated through the modules to regulate the temperature of construction panels formed from the modules, such as flooring or roofing panels.
US07914226B2	Non-removable safety pin A non-removable safety pin (20) for an excavator coupler for securing a latching hook thereof. The safety pin (20) comprises a head (26), a shaft (24), a distal end (22) and a longitudinal axis starting at the head (26), extending along the shaft (24) and terminating at the distal end (22), wherein either or both of the shaft (24) and the distal end (22) are keyed so as to have an element thereon that extends relative to a side of the shaft. The element prevents removal of the safety pin from a hole (36) in which the safety pin (20) is inserted.
US07914225B2	Release pin A release pin for selective engagement with at least one work piece, the pin extending in a longitudinal direction with an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion including a shank having an exterior portion extending in the longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end and the inner portion further including a locking arrangement near the second end. The shank exterior being sized to pass through an associated bore extending into an associated surface of an associated work piece. The outer portion being joined to the inner portion near the first end and including an abutment extending transverse to the longitudinal direction and being shaped to engage the associated surface when the shank is positioned in the associated bore such that the outer portion is defined by the abutment and has an outer longitudinal height extending in the longitudinal direction outwardly from the abutment and the associated surface when the pin is secured to the associated work piece. The outer longitudinal height being less than 1 inch.
US07914219B2	Apparatus and method for moving a cover The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for moving a cover. The apparatus includes a base. The apparatus also includes a cover pivotably coupled to the base. The apparatus also includes a set of flexible bands. A first end of each of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the cover. A second end of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the base. The set of flexible bands are adapted to bias the cover into an open position. When the cover is opened by a user, the set of helical springs are elongated when the cover is forced beyond its open position.
US07914216B2	Printer and method of interrupting printing operation in continuous transport process A method of interrupting a printing operation in a continuous transport process in which a first roller and a second roller transports plural printing mediums including a first medium on a tray in a transport direction to a printing area at which the printing operation is performed to each printing medium, the second roller is arranged at a downstream side of the first roller in the transport direction, and a third roller comes in contact with the first roller at a contact point to transport the printing mediums together with the first roller and is separated from the first roller not to transport the printing mediums, the method includes: separating the third roller from the first roller, when a trailing end edge of the first medium at least apart of which is disposed in the printing area is located at an upstream side of a predetermined point in the transport direction, and driving the second roller to transport the first medium after the third roller is separated from the first roller. The predetermined point is arranged at a downstream side of the contact point in the transport direction.
US07914215B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording sheet, a casing which houses the image forming unit and holds the image forming units, a conveying roller which applies a conveying force to the recording sheet by contacting with the recording sheet, a first roller which is fixed to a position confronting the conveying roller, the first roller pushing the recording sheet toward the conveying roller and being rotatable, a second roller which is arranged at a position confront the conveying roller and downstream side of the first roller in a conveying direction, the second roller being displaceable, and a roller displacing mechanism which displaces the second roller in such a manner as to change a distance between the second roller and the conveying roller.
US07914213B2	Device for printing receipts using two printing units, particularly on thermal paper, and related printing method A printing device (11) for printing receipts (12), each bearing constant data (41a) that render the receipt (12) identifiable, and variable data (41b), indicating the operations to be documented on the receipt in question, comprising: a roll (16) of thermal paper suitable for feeding a continuous ribbon (16a) of thermal paper a first ink jet printhead (22), and a second thermal printhead (23), in which the first ink jet printhead (22) is provided for printing on the thermal paper ribbon (16a) the constant data (41a) due to figure on a new receipt (12), independently from and prior to the relative variable data (41b) becoming available, and in which the second thermal printhead (23) is provided for subsequently printing the variable data (41b), once available, so as to complete printing of the new receipt (12). The printing device is particularly useful, making the printing and issue of a receipt faster, after the relative variable data have been input, thereby reducing waiting time for the user that the receipt is to be issued for.
US07914212B2	Protecting assembly for a camera A protecting assembly (20) for a camera used in a portable electronic device (10) is provided. The protecting assembly (20) includes a positioning member (14) fixed to a body section (11) of the electronic device (10) and a protecting member (16). The protecting member (16) is mounted on the positioning member (14) and arranged over the camera (12). A process for protecting a camera using the protecting assembly (20) is also provided.
US07914208B2	Reclosable fastener strip A reclosable fastener strip for securing to a film web comprises first and second elongated profile strips having interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances. Each hook, as extruded, has a half arrowhead-shaped tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck connecting the tip and tail. Each recess has a base with a pair of generally upstanding neck elements disposed on opposite ends of the base. The base does not extend laterally beyond the neck elements. Each protuberance, as extruded, has a rounded tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck portion connecting the tip and tail. The profile strips are readily secured to the web without entrapping air between the profile strips and the film web and form an vacuum tight seal. The interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances are sized, constructed and arranged to provide a vacuum tight seal upon interconnection thereof.
US07914205B2	Precision temperature sensor A temperature sensor circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature sensing element operable to provide a temperature voltage that is linearly related to the absolute temperature of the circuit. The temperature sensing element includes a first bi-polar junction transistor and a second bipolar junction transistor connected between a supply voltage and a common ground, wherein the base of first bipolar junction transistor is connected to the base of the second bipolar junction transistor, a first resistor connected between an emitter of the first bipolar junction transistor and the common ground and a second resistor connected between the common ground and a first node, wherein the temperature voltage is provided to the first node across the second resistor. The temperature sensor circuit also includes a current supply element operable to supply a common current to a collector of the first bipolar junction transistor, the second bipolar junction transistor and to the second resistor, respectively, an early voltage element operable to compensate for variations in voltage, a base current element operable to provide a steady base current to the bases of the first and second bipolar junction transistors, a channel modulation element operable to compensate for channel modulation and a leakage element operable to compensate for epi-substrate leakage between the circuit and a substrate on which it is formed.
US07914204B2	Apparatus and method for measurement of temperature using oscillators A temperature sensor includes: a first oscillator that generates a first frequency signal; a second oscillator that generates a second frequency signal; a multiplexer that selectively passes the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal; and a frequency-to-digital converter that converts a frequency difference between the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal into a digital code.
US07914200B1	Mixing blade assembly with trailing scrapers and method An apparatus and method for mixing feedstock within a vessel wherein the feedstock is moved along a heat transfer surface within the vessel. A mixing blade assembly includes a mixing blade and at least one mixing blade support member moved within the vessel to sweep forward along a path of travel extending adjacent the heat transfer surface. Feedstock is circulated within the vessel by the mixing blade, and the mixing blade support member includes a mixing surface confronting the heat transfer surface. The mixing surface is spaced from the heat transfer surface and is configured such that feedstock material is squeezed between the mixing surface and the heat transfer surface so as to be subjected to mixing shear and heat transfer between the squeezed feedstock material and the heat transfer surface. A scraper blade is located on the mixing blade support member in position to trail behind a trailing face of the mixing blade support member and is engaged with the heat transfer surface during movement of the mixing blade support member along the path of travel so as to scrape feedstock material from the heat transfer surface and direct the squeezed feedstock material to the mixing blade to be mixed with the feedstock circulated within the vessel by the mixing blade.
US07914199B2	Apparatus and methods for fabricating a frozen food product An apparatus for a frozen food product, such as an ice cream or frozen-yoghurt product, produces an aerated and flavored base mix. The base mix is provided in a liquid form to the apparatus and is mixed with a gas in the apparatus to aerate the base mix. Flavor is added to the aerated base mix in a turbulence tube of the apparatus, and the aerated and flavored base mix is then deposited out of the turbulence tube onto a cold plate of the apparatus as a thin layer material. The cold plate may be disposed such that it is in open view of a customer. One or more solid-food mix-in additives can be added to the aerated and flavored base mix on the cold plate. The aerated and flavored base mix is allowed to at least partially freeze on the cold plate with the additive(s) dispersed therein to produce a frozen food product, which is then manually scraped from the cold plate and served to a customer. The apparatus for fabricating the frozen food product (with the assistance of a human operator) can define a small footprint and can be designed as a portable cart or a mobile or stationary counter. A method of making a frozen food product with the apparatus is provided.
US07914195B2	Display device A display device has a light guide plate formed with a display pattern by a plurality of diffusion dots having translucency in a display pattern formed region, a light shielding layer, and a light source. A plurality of the light guide plates are arranged facing each other, and the light shielding layer is sandwiched between the light guide plates. Light from the light source is selectively introduced to one of the light guide plates to display the display pattern of the light guide plate. The light shielding layer has a surface facing an observer's side formed by a low reflectivity material and a surface facing a side opposite to the observer's side formed by a high reflectivity material. A region facing the display pattern of the light guide plate positioned on the side opposite to the observer's side than the light shielding layer is cut out.
US07914193B2	LED light fixture An LED light fixture system includes an LED module having a plurality of LEDs attached thereto and directed inwardly toward a secondary optic. The LED module is releasably attached to an interior surface of a peripheral frame. The frame includes an openable portion positioned to allow the LED module to be inserted or removed through an opening created when the openable portion is in an open position. The openable portion is movable from the open position to a closed position and provides an electrical connection between the LEDs attached to the LED module and a source of electrical current when the openable portion is in the closed position.
US07914191B2	Surgical instrument docking device Described herein is a surgical instrument that includes a tubular member having first and second opposite ends and a longitudinal axis, an instrument dock extending from the first end of the tubular member that includes an opening for receiving a rod, and a light source. Light from the light source is directed out of the opening in the instrument dock. In a preferred embodiment, the article of manufacture includes a nose cone and a tail cone that actuates the light source.
US07914188B2	Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle A rearview minor system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror mount for attaching the mirror assembly to an attachment element at an interior of a vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a base portion disposed generally at a windshield of the equipped vehicle when the mirror mount is attached to the attachment element at the interior of the equipped vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a video camera disposed at the base portion, and the video camera has, when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, a field of view towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle. The base portion of the interior rearview mirror assembly encompasses a rain sensor when the mirror mount of the mirror assembly is attached to the attachment element.
US07914187B2	Automatic lighting system with adaptive alignment function An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes a detection device, an illumination source and a control. The illumination source is directed generally forwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle, and has an adjustable principal axis of illumination. The detection device may be operable to determine a gaze direction of a driver or driving instructor of a vehicle or may detect a sign or other object of interest, such as a deer or pedestrian or the like, generally forwardly and sidewardly of the vehicle. The control is operable to adjust the principal axis of illumination of the illumination source in response to an output of the detection device so as to provide enhanced illumination at areas sideward and forward of the vehicle.
US07914183B2	LED lamp having elastic members for securing LED module to heat sink thereof An LED lamp includes an LED module, a heat sink having a base abutting an upside of the LED module, a plurality of posts extending through the LED module and into the base of the heat sink, and a plurality of elastic members engaging the plurality of posts respectively and elastically abutting an underside of the LED module to secure the LED module to the base of the heat sink. The LED module is sandwiched between the base and the elastic members, and is thereby secured to the base of the heat sink.
US07914181B2	Display with lighting device The present invention discloses a display with a lighting device comprising a display body having a housing and a power supply panel. The lighting device mounted at the bottom of the housing comprises a transparent base having a receiving cavity and a light source body disposed within the receiving cavity and powered by a power supply. Mounted at the bottom of the display body, the lighting device has the light downwards to illuminate the whole keyboard area of the medical diagnostic device such that the structure is tight without occupying extra space, thereby no inconvenience occurs during doctors' operation. Moreover, the entire lighting device is designed in a modularized manner, and therefore it is convenient for renewal and maintenance.
US07914176B2	Linear light fixture In a first embodiment the invention is for use with a light-fixture assembly for elongate light tubes of the type that includes (a) an elongate support frame and (b) a cross-structure at each of the opposite ends thereof and has at least one lamp holder thereon. The improvement of the embodiment wherein the cross-structures each include at least one folding arm movable between a stowed position substantially parallel with the support frame and a deployed position substantially perpendicular to the support frame.
US07914173B2	Lamp assembly The invention relates to a lamp assembly for illuminating a surface comprising a cavity (5) having a substantially diffuse reflective surface (6), said cavity having an open aperture (7) facing said surface to be illuminated, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (9 A, 9B, 9C) capable of emitting visible light (LA, LB, LC). The light emitting diodes are arranged on or near said diffuse reflective surface of said cavity such that light emitted from said light emitting diodes is capable of reflecting from said diffuse reflective surface towards said surface to be illuminated.
US07914172B2	Light control system A unified lighting system including a plurality of light emitting devices, wherein each light emitting device generates a color output in response to a plurality of light settings and a modification to the light settings of one light emitting device is automatically propagated to the other light emitting devices, thereby providing a substantially uniform color output of the lighting system.
US07914171B2	Air-handling luminaire An air-handling luminaire comprises a recessed troffer housing having a first pair of opposed walls and a second pair of opposed walls, the housing having a light output opening and a lens extending across the light output opening, at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls being substantially vertical and having at least one flow through opening for fluid communication from a volume beneath the recessed troffer housing to a plenum above the recessed troffer housing and, a rail extending from near a lower edge of the recessed troffer housing upwardly within the recessed troffer housing and adjacent the at least one flow through and concealing the at least one flow through opening.
US07914165B2	Beverage bottle with accessories A configurable beverage container comprises a container body defining a central axis and bounded by non-opaque sides, an openable top, and a bottom defining a cavity in which a liquid can be retained. The container body includes a connector, such as a set of female thread portions, located on a lower end of the container body adjacent the container body bottom. The configurable container further includes an accessory having an accessory connector (e.g. male thread) located on a top end thereof and another (e.g. female thread) on a bottom thereof, with the top end configured to be coupled to the container body connector along a long axis of the container body. Examples of accessories include a first-aid kit, a GPS, a power source, and a flashlight. The flashlight accessory may further include an inward-shining light adapted to shine into the beverage container cavity and turn it into a lantern. Multiple accessories may be coupled in serial fashion in any configuration.
US07914164B2	Discharge tube, ferrule, lighting device, display device and television receiver A ferrule includes a body having a cylindrical shape. Elastic gripping portions are arranged on the body so as to bulge radially inwardly. The elastic gripping portions can have elastic contact with the outer circumferential surface of a glass tube. The body of the ferrule is mounted to the glass tube via the elastic gripping portions capable of elastic and radial deformation. Thereby, the variations in outer diameter of the glass tube can be absorbed, and therefore the dimensional control with high precision is not required for glass tubes at the time of manufacturing. This leads to cost reduction.
US07914163B2	Ventilation fan and light A ventilation fan and light (10) is disclosed having a housing (12) and a light kit (13). The housing includes a housing box (15) with a conventional fan scroll (17) having an electric fan (16) mounted therein. The housing also includes a ceiling plate (21) configured to cover the housing box from view. The ceiling plate includes a decorative features (22) and an array of air intake ports (23) extend through the ceiling plate and positioned within a decorative feature to camouflage the air intake port from view. The light kit includes a plurality of light arms (26) which terminate with a light housing (27) and diffusor (28). The spacial relationship between the ceiling plate and the majority of the light kit structure further obscures the air intake ports from view, prevents the build up of heat within the housing, and creates a better airflow pattern within the room in which the light is mounted.
US07914160B2	Projection television A projection television includes: a mirror holder made up of a metal bracket fixed with its one end attached to a cabinet and a mirror holder cover made of synthetic resin having a square-cornered U shape part into which the other end of the bracket is fitted; and a mirror having an edge supported by the mirror holder and changing the optical path of projected light.
US07914159B2	Method for manufacturing lens using opaque or semi-opaque material An exemplary lens (50) includes a central transparent portion (44) and a peripheral portion (35). The central transparent portion is configured for converging or diverging the light beams transmitted therethrough. The peripheral portion surrounds and extends from the central transparent portion. The peripheral portion is comprised of a shading material.
US07914150B2	Method of driving a spatial light modulator and projector To reduce the color break-up and to provide high quality projection images. A method of driving a spatial light modulator, including generating a sub-frame pulse signal for a first colored light R1 through R8, B1 through B8, generating a sub-frame pulse signal for a second colored light G1 through G8, arranging the sub-frame pulse signals for the respective colored light so that at least three of the sub-frame pulse signals for the first colored light R1 through R8, B1 through B8 adjoin either one of the sub-frame pulse signals for the second colored light G1 through G8 during at least one frame of the image, and driving a plurality of movable mirror elements in accordance with the sub-frame pulse signals for the respective colored light arranged in arranging the sub-frame pulse signals, the movable mirror elements being alternatively moved at least to a first reflecting position and a second reflecting position.
US07914140B2	Printer unit with LCD touch screen on lid A printer unit includes a casing. The casing defines an internal cavity and includes a lid which can be opened to expose the internal cavity. An upright media supply tray extends from the casing and is configured to support print media. A picker mechanism is mounted to the casing. The picker mechanism is configured to engage the print media in the supply tray and feed individual sheets of the print media into the internal cavity. A print engine is positioned in the internal cavity. The print engine includes a media transport means which can transport the individual sheets and feed them past a printhead assembly for printing. An output tray is retractably mounted relative to the casing and is configured to collect printed sheets of print media from the print engine. A user interface in the form of an LCD touch screen is mounted on the lid and can enable a user to control the operation of the printer unit.
US07914139B2	Cloth holding frame A cloth holding frame is removably set on a frame driving mechanism in a printer including a print head. The cloth holding frame holding the cloth to be printed is detachably provided with the ink tray to receive a jet of ink from the print head by a flushing, and is moved to a flushing position based on a moving distance and, in association therewith, a type of the cloth holding frame set in the printer. Accordingly, the maintenance time for the flushing becomes shorter. The speed of the printing process is enhanced. The controlling operation of the frame driving mechanism to perform the flushing becomes simplified, and the printer can be downsized.
US07914137B2	Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder, and ink jet printer An ink container for containing ink to be supplied to an ink jet head to which the ink container is detachably mountable, includes an ink supply port for supplying the ink to the ink jet head; a air vent for fluid communication with ambience; a claw-like projection provided on a first side of the ink container; a latching lever provided on a second side opposite from the ink container, the latching lever being resiliently supported on the ink container and having a latching claw.
US07914136B2	Cartridge unit assembly with ink storage modules and a printhead IC for a printer The invention relates to a cartridge unit assembly for a printer. The assembly includes a main body having a rectangular frame. An ink storage module assembly has ink storage modules. The rectangular frame has a number of compartments therein for operatively locating the ink storage modules. An ink outlet molding is fast with the main body, the molding having ink outlets corresponding to each of the ink storage modules. A printhead assembly has an ink distribution assembly in fluid communication with the ink storage modules. A printhead integrated circuit (IC) is located on the ink distribution assembly to receive ink. An air sleeve is configured to direct pressurized air from an air source across the IC.
US07914131B2	Inkjet printhead assembly having releasably attached printhead modules An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink feed structure defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply passages and a plurality of spaced apart sets of ink outlets in fluid communication with respective ink supply passages. A plurality of printhead modules are releasably attached to the ink feed structure. Each printhead module is in fluid communication with a respective set of ink outlets, and each printhead module includes an elongate printhead chip configured to eject ink supplied from the ink feed structure. Each printhead chip is obliquely angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ink feed structure. A capping arrangement configured to cap nozzles on each printhead chip.
US07914128B2	Liquid ejecting head, piezoelectric element, and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head includes a piezoelectric element in which a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode are laminated in this order, and a flow path forming substrate in which the piezoelectric element is formed above one surface thereof and a pressure generating chamber being communicated with a nozzle opening is provided, in which the upper electrode is formed so as to extend over an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer and an upper portion of side faces of the piezoelectric layer, and a protective film is formed above portions of the piezoelectric layer, which are not covered by the upper electrode.
US07914124B2	Liquid supplying device and liquid ejection apparatus A valve unit supplies ink supplied from a plurality of ink cartridges to a recording head. The recording head includes a plurality of nozzle rows respectively corresponding to the plurality of ink cartridges. The valve unit includes a plurality of liquid supply passages and at least one flow passage formation body. Each liquid supply passage supplies the ink supplied from the corresponding ink cartridge to the corresponding nozzle row. Each liquid supply passage includes a common portion functionally in common with another liquid supply passage. The common structure of the plurality of liquid supply passages is formed in the same flow passage formation body.
US07914118B2	Integrated circuit (IC) incorporating rows of proximal ink ejection ports The present invention relates to an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) for a printhead. The IC includes rows of elongate nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement defines an ink ejection port at one end and has an internal cantilevered actuator anchored at the other end so that the actuator can move to eject ink out though the ink ejection port. The rows are arranged in pairs with the ports of one of the rows being proximally located to the ports of the other row, for each pair.
US07914116B2	Droplet discharge head, manufacturing method thereof, and droplet discharge apparatus A droplet discharge head includes a nozzle substrate having a nozzle opening for discharging a liquid as a droplet; a flow path substrate having a flow path for the liquid, the flow path communicating with the nozzle opening; and a diaphragm constituting a wall surface of the flow path. The nozzle substrate, the flow path substrate, and the diaphragm are bonded together in layers using an adhesive, and a liquid-resistant film resistant to the liquid is continuously formed on surfaces of the nozzle substrate, the flow path substrate, and the diaphragm, the surfaces being in contact with the liquid.
US07914115B2	Inkjet printhead and printhead nozzle arrangement A printhead for an inkjet printer comprises a wafer assembly defining a plurality of spaced apart groups of ink supply channels and a plurality of groups of ink ejection nozzle arrangements. Each ink ejection nozzle arrangement comprises a nozzle chamber structure mounted to the wafer assembly. Each ink ejection nozzle arrangement further comprises an anchor extending from the wafer assembly in a location external to the nozzle chamber; and an elongate thermal actuator mechanism extending from the anchor and into the nozzle chamber. The thermal actuator mechanism comprises an elongate arm which terminates in a free end within the nozzle chamber, and a pair of layers of conductive material located on either side of the elongate arm. One of the layers is connected to a current supply for causing a differential thermal expansion in the elongate thermal actuator mechanism. A pit is defined adjacent each nozzle chamber structure for catching ink. The ink ejection nozzle arrangements of each group are arranged in a pair of rows, with the elongate thermal actuator mechanism of ink ejection nozzle arrangements of a first row extending away from those of ink ejection nozzle arrangements of a second row.
US07914113B2	Print head having nozzles with varied spacing and inkjet printer including the same A print head includes a first nozzle group which includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged linearly, and a second nozzle group and a third nozzle group which include a plurality of second nozzles and a plurality of third nozzles arranged linearly, and are disposed in parallel with each other and spaced from the first nozzle group by a first interval and a second interval at opposite sides of the first nozzle group, respectively.
US07914110B2	Purging fluid from fluid-ejection nozzles by performing spit-wipe operations Fluid is purged from a plurality of fluid-ejection nozzles of a fluid-ejection mechanism. A first series of spit-wipe operations is performed. A second series of spit-wipe operations is then performed.
US07914107B2	Printer incorporating multiple synchronizing printer controllers A printer includes a printhead having first and second elongate printhead modules; and first and second printer controllers receiving print data and processing the print data to output dot data to the printhead, the first printer controller outputting dot data to the first printhead module and the second printer controller outputting dot data to the second printhead module. The first elongate printhead module is informationally isolated from the second elongate printhead module, whereby no dot data passes therebetween. The first printer controller and the second printer controller communicate therebetween a synchronization signal to effect synchronization therebetween.
US07914106B2	Recording head and recording apparatus, and inspection apparatus of recording head and method thereof A temperature detection circuit acquires first temperature data detected by a temperature sensor corresponding to a heater of a recording head in a state in which no electric current is flowed into the heater, and second temperature data for the heater in a state in which an electric current is flowed into the heater. Correction data for correcting the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor is obtained based on the first and second temperature data. The temperature data detected by the temperature sensor is corrected based on the correction data.
US07914105B2	Configurable system for creating 3D object A system is provided for creating a three-dimensional object. A plurality of printheads are provided with each printhead configured to print a respective portion of the object. The system is configured to enable a first printhead that is initially configured to print a first portion to be dynamically reconfigured to print a second portion, and if a second printhead initially configured to print the second portion fails, the first printhead is dynamically reconfigured to print the second portion.
US07914099B2	Media handling system and method A media handling system for delivering media sheets to be printed from a staging location to a drum along a media path, including: at least one drive roller positioned along the media path between the staging location and the drum; a sensor positioned along the media path between the at least one drive roller and the drum; and, an encoder that provides an output responsive to the sensor; wherein, when the at least one drive roller advances a media sheet from the staging location to engage the drum, the sensor detects a position of the advancing media sheet prior to engaging the drum, and the rate of further advancing of the media sheet to engage the drum by the at least one drive roller is dependent upon the encoder output.
US07914092B2	Dresser A dresser featuring a center storage piece having a first set of drawers on one side and a second set of drawers on the other side, a set of shelves and a first concealing device and a second concealing device the first concealing device featuring a first track for a first door to slide open and shut, wherein the first track has a major bend and a minor bend, and wherein the first door features a couple of guide studs located on an upper edge of the first door and a couple of guide studs located on a bottom edge of the first door.
US07914080B2	Head restraint guide with two-way locking lever A head restraint guide for guiding and engaging an armature of a head restraint includes a guide bushing having an axial bore for receiving the armature therein. A lever is pivotally coupled within the guide bushing and includes an aperture for receiving the armature therethrough. A spring includes first and second portions biased against the armature. The first portion is adapted for engaging any of a plurality of adjustment notches on a first side of the armature. The second portion is adapted for engaging a stop notch on a second side of the armature. Pivoting the lever in a first direction disengages the first portion of the spring from the plurality of adjustment notches and allows axial adjustment of the armature. Pivoting the lever in a second direction disengages the second portion of the spring from the stop notch and allows removal of the armature from the guide bushing.
US07914079B2	Head and/or neck support A head and/or neck support for a chair, in particular for an office chair, includes a device for adjusting the swivel and height, with which the support may be moved relative to a back rest of the chair, a first receptacle for a head and/or neck cushion, and a second receptacle for fastening the support to the back rest, the support being rotatably held at one end on the second receptacle via two first swivel arms and on the other end, the first swivel arms being connected in a rotatable and swivelable manner to two second swivel arms which hold the first receptacle at the end which is opposite the swivel arms which are hingedly connected to one another.
US07914069B2	Protection device for vehicle floor pan A device to protect the floor pan of a land vehicle against mines, which device incorporates at least one layer of deformable reinforcements positioned between a plane front plate and a plane rear plate, the surface density of the front plate being greater than that of the reinforcements.
US07914066B2	Rear door structure A rear door structure including: a frame portion which supports an upper edge and both lateral edges of a rear glass; a lateral beam which extends in a vehicle width direction and connects both lateral side portions of the frame portion to each other; a reinforcing member which straddles the lateral side portion of the frame portion and the lateral beam; and a driving unit for a wiper device disposed in a space between the lateral side portion of the frame portion and the lateral beam, wherein: a first end side of the driving unit is fixed to a connection portion between the frame portion and the reinforcing member; and a second end side of the driving unit is fixed to a connection portion of between the reinforcing member and the lateral beam.
US07914065B2	Opening and closing device An opening and closing device opens and closes a shielding body that partitions space by the operation of an operating unit in a range between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. The opening and closing device includes a limit setting unit, a control unit, and an operating element. The limit setting unit can perform an operation for setting an operational limit position of the shielding body. The control unit sets a range, where the shielding body can be opened and closed by the operation of the operating unit, as a predetermined range between the set operational limit position and a fully closed position or between the set operational limit position and a fully opened position. The operating element operates the control unit so that the range where the shielding body is opened and closed is set to the predetermined range.
US07914063B2	Fuel tank cover module A fuel tank cover module for installation in a motor vehicle is described. The fuel tank cover module comprises a trough body and a hinge arm, which is fastened to the trough body and configured to receive a fuel tank cover and which is mounted pivotably about a pivot pin on the trough body and on its end remote from the pivot pin has a locking portion. The fuel tank cover module further comprises a locking element, which for locking and unlocking the fuel tank cover can be changed over by means of a control unit between a locking position, in which the locking element engages into the locking portion, and a release position, in which the locking element does not engage into the locking portion. The control unit is disposed on the outside of the trough body in the region of the pivot pin. Furthermore, the locking element engages around the trough body.
US07914061B2	Apparatus for locking double-folding seat for vehicles An apparatus for locking a double-folding seat for vehicles includes a latch plate, a guide unit, a release lever unit and a locking pin. The latch plate has a locking notch therein and is fastened to a seat frame. The guide unit is fitted over a folding shaft of the seat frame at a position spaced apart from the latch plate. The release lever unit is provided on the folding shaft so as to be rotatable. The locking pin is elastically connected to the release lever unit such that the locking pin is locked to the locking notch of the latch plate when the seat frame is folded. Furthermore, when the release lever unit is rotated, the release lever unit pushes the locking pin, so that the locking of the locking pin to the locking notch of the latch plate is released.
US07914052B1	Splined connector for a position-sensitive device such as a showerhead A showerhead or other water-dispensing assembly (100) is joined to a supply pipe (105) by a nut (110) and a collar (135). The supply pipe terminates in male threads (130). The nut includes a distal splined projecting section (120). The dispensing assembly includes a port (145) having a splined section (155), and an inner wall (160). The collar is slid onto the pipe, the nut is screwed onto the pipe, and the showerhead is held in its desired orientation while being urged toward the nut. As the distal splined projecting section enters the inner wall, the two splined sections engaged, preventing rotation of the showerhead on the pipe. The collar is then screwed onto the showerhead until it rests against the outer shoulder of the nut, thereby completing the non-rotatable installation.
US07914047B2	Support for flexible duct bend A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.
US07914043B2	Adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle The present invention provides for a steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis. A first clamping member and a second clamping member are disposed along the longitudinal axis about the column jacket. A lever is coupled to one of the first and second clamping members and rotatable between a set and adjustable positions. The lever includes a first arm and a second arm flanking the column jacket and coupled to at least one of the first and second clamping members with a portion of the locking device disposed about at least one of the first and second clamping members and engaging both of the first and second arms such that rotation of the lever moves the portion of the locking device for minimizing rotation of the lever between the set and adjustable positions when the locking device moves between a locked and unlocked positions.
US07914042B2	Support frame vehicle restraints A vehicle restraint restrains a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging a rail that is part of the vehicle's support frame, wherein the rail is normally used for adjusting the position of the vehicle's rear wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the restraint includes an adjustable-length arm attachable between the vehicle and the loading dock. The arm includes a retractable or removable pin that engages one of a series of holes in the rail or releasably engages some feature of the loading dock. In some examples, the restraint clamps onto the rail, particularly if the rail has no available open holes for a pin to be inserted. In some cases, the restraint also provides the vehicle with vertical support.
US07914040B1	Cold gas generating system A gas generating system incorporating a gas flow control mechanism including opposed wall portions defining a cavity for slidably receiving a support member therein. A gas exit passage is exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity. An opening in one wall portion enables fluid flow into the cavity. An opening in another wall portion enables a fluid flow from the cavity into the gas exit passage. A seal prevents fluid flow into the cavity when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the fluid. A support member slidably received within the cavity supports the seal against the fluid force. A mechanism is provided for moving the support member from a first position supporting the seal to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid.
US07914037B2	Gas bag cover for a vehicle occupant restraint system and method of manufacturing a gas bag cover A gas bag cover for a vehicle occupant restraint system has a plastic cap (12) with a front face (14) and a rear face (16) facing a gas bag (17), and a decorative element (18) provided on the front face (14). The decorative element (18) is welded to the plastic cap (12). Furthermore, a method of manufacturing such a gas bag cover (10) is described.
US07914035B2	Headliner system An interior trim assembly including vehicle roof structure that supports a headliner-mounted component and a headliner, a separating means proximate a mounting location perimeter of the headliner-mounted component for maintaining a mounting integrity of the headliner-mounted component upon deployment of an inflatable restraint.
US07914032B2	Motorcycle leg rest A motorcycle accessory allows a user to rest their leg in a cradle, the leg cradle supported by a body which body is in turn clamped to the frame, crash bars, forks or other parts of the motorcycle. The leg cradle may be hinged so that it can be moved between a position for supporting the leg to a position allowing the rider to put their foot onto the body in a manner similar to a highway peg. The device may be made of aluminum, metal, polymer and so on, and may be customized with indicia. Padding on the leg cradle may increase the user's level of comfort.
US07914026B2	Suspension system having a composite beam A suspension system having a composite beam. In a described embodiment, a suspension system for a vehicle having a frame is provided. The suspension system includes an axle and a beam interconnected between the vehicle frame and the axle. The beam has opposite ends, an elongated body extending between the opposite ends, and a metal end connection at one of the opposite ends. The body is made of a composite material.
US07914021B2	Offset suspension bushing Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material.
US07914019B2	Countersteering rear vehicle axle A countersteering rear vehicle axle, which under the effect of a lateral force upon the wheel that is outside during cornering and is fastened to a wheel carrier, causes a rotating movement of this wheel carrier about a virtual steering axle inclination in the toe-in direction. The wheel carrier is supported by supporting elements on an axle body extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Above and below the wheel center, in each case, two torsionally soft but bend-resistant supporting elements are provided which are essentially equally inclined with respect to the vertical direction. An upper linkage supporting element is supported, on the one side, on the wheel carrier and, on the other side, on an upper torsion supporting element which is supported on the axle body. A lower linkage supporting element is supported on the wheel carrier, on the one side, and on a lower torsion supporting element, on the other side.
US07914018B1	Furniture cart A furniture cart for holding and transporting furniture and methods of use. An implementation of a furniture cart comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. A framework assembly is coupled with the upper surface of the furniture platform. The framework assembly comprises opposing vertical side frameworks and at least one upper spanning member coupled with and integral with the opposing vertical side frameworks. Each vertical side framework comprises a front vertical member, a rear vertical member, an upper horizontal member coupled between or integral with the front and rear vertical members, and an auxiliary vertical member between the front and rear vertical members comprising an upper end coupled with or integral with the upper horizontal member. A vertical stop is coupled with the rear vertical members of the framework assembly. At least four wheels are coupled with the lower surface of the furniture platform.
US07914017B2	Portable apparatus for transporting items with a powered lifting feature One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic module associated with a hand truck structure comprising a powered lifting/lowering tray wherein the electronic module comprises a scale electrically associated with a control unit. The control unit is configured for causing a tray rise and lower as desired. The scale is mechanically associated with the tray for measuring the weight of an item placed on the scale. Such an electronic module provides for features including: automatic safety shutoff at maximum upper and lower positions, automatic weighting of a package, automatic warning when weight of package exceeds a predefined maximum weight value, power supply monitoring and warnings, time stamped data, location stamped data, transport directions, automatic customer information lookup, wireless link to remote computing device, wired or wireless link between the scale and the controller, locking feature, power management and power generation features, imaging features, audio features, and self diagnostic features.
US07914014B1	Scooter footbelt A scooter footbelt includes a footbelt strap, a right foot receptacle and a left foot receptacle carried by the footbelt strap and a strap fastener carried by the footbelt strap.
US07914012B2	Independent suspension system for in-line skates A polyurethane biasing mechanism, comprising a first surface contact area with a first mass having a durometer that provides a first resistance and a first rate of resistance responsive to application of forces. The biasing mechanism having a second surface contact area with a second mass having the same durometer that provides a second resistance and a second rate of resistance responsive to the forces. The first resistance and the first rate of resistance are different from the second resistance and second rate of resistance, a combination of which provides a rate of resistance that commensurately varies and is correspondingly responsive in relation to varying forces.
US07914005B2	Hand-held setting tool with connection means for a positioning device A hand-held setting tool (10) includes a connection element (16) for connecting the setting tool (10) with a positioning device (20) having a switching link (30) for connecting the actuation element (24) to the actuation switch (13) of the setting tool (10), and a safety device (50) for preventing actuation of the actuation switch (13) at an orientation of the setting tool (10) other than a predetermined orientation and including at least three blocking members (55a, 55b, 55c) displaceable in at least three separate channels (56) respectively, and receivable in a recess (51) formed in a first, switching element (34) of the switching link (30) with the channels (56) being inclined with respect to a plane (E) extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A) of the positioning device, and with at least three channels (56) intersecting, in some regions, an axial projection of the switching element (34).
US07914001B2	Systems and methods for determining skew contribution in lateral sheet registration This application relates to systems and methods for determining the lateral component of skew for a sheet of media. First, the skew angle of a sheet of media is determined. Then, the lateral component of the skew is determined. During a lateral registration operation, the lateral component of the skew is accounted and compensated for. In one implementation, the slope of the angle of the skew may be determined by taking the regression of the function characterizing the edge of the sheet as it passes an edge detection sensor.
US07913998B2	Recording material guiding device and recording apparatus In a recording material guiding device, a second guide member is comprised of a hopper swinging surface, an edge guide member including a second side end guide member, and a liftup preventing guide. The hopper swinging surface is engaged in an opening provided in a side surface of a reference end guide serving as a first guide member. The second guide member can be slid in a main scanning direction with respect to the reference end guide (first guide member). During recording, a gap can be formed between the second side end guide member and a side end of the recording paper by sliding the second side end guide member from a first position to a second position, so that frictional contact can be prevented at the side end of the recording paper on the second side end guide member side.
US07913997B2	Sheet feeding device, sheet feeding cassette used for the same, and image forming apparatus A sheet feeding device comprises a pick roller; a push-up board; a first friction member located in a position on the push-up board opposed to the pick roller with the sheet bundle interposed therebetween; and a second friction member located in a position on the push-up board upstream in a sheet transferring direction and not opposed to the pick roller. In the sheet feeding device, the second friction member has a most protruding part which protrudes to the sheet bundle more than a sheet bundle side surface of the first friction member, and a dynamic friction coefficient of the second friction member to the sheet is larger than that of the first friction member and smaller than that of the pick roller. Accordingly, double-paper feeding can be prevented and even the last one sheet can be fed regardless types of sheets.
US07913995B2	Method and apparatus for non-contact measurement of a media stack in an image production device A method and apparatus for non-contact measurement of a media stack in an image production device is disclosed that may include detecting the position of an unfluffed media stack, setting a desired media stack height by changing a media elevator position using a media elevator control unit based on the detected unfluffed media stack position, determining if printing and fluffing has started, wherein if it is determined that printing and fluffing has started, detecting the position of the transition between the fluffed and unfluffed portions of the media stack using the one or more sensors, determining if the position of the transition between the fluffed and unfluffed portions of the media stack is below a predetermined threshold, wherein if it is determined that the position of the transition between the fluffed and unfluffed portions of the media stack is below the predetermined threshold, setting the desired media stack height by changing the media elevator position based on the detected position of the transition between the fluffed and unfluffed portions of the media stack.
US07913989B2	Section for transporting printed products of variable cutoffs in a printing press folder A printing press folder is provided. The folder includes a cutting pair cutting a web at a cutting location to form signatures, a pair of transport cylinders forming a first nip and a pair of acceleration cylinders forming a second nip. The pair of transport cylinders receives the signatures downstream of the cutting pair at the first nip and transports the signatures away from the cutting pair. The first nip is separated from the cutting location by a first distance. The pair of acceleration cylinders receives the signatures from the pair of transport cylinders at the second nip and transports the signatures away from the pair of transport cylinders. The second nip is separated from the first nip by a second distance. The pair of transport cylinders is movable with respect to the pair of acceleration cylinders and the pair of acceleration cylinders is movable with respect to the pair of transport cylinder so the first distance and the second distance are selectively variable. A signature transport section and a method of transporting signatures of varying lengths in a printing press are also provided.
US07913987B2	Substrate mounting table for plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing apparatus and insulating film forming method A substrate mounting table includes an electrostatic chuck for attracting and holding a target substrate and a base for holding the electrostatic chuck thereon. The base includes a protruding portion having a large height; and an outer peripheral surface provided around the protruding portion at a position lower than the protruding portion by a preset height. A thermally sprayed film having a thickness equivalent to a height difference between the protruding portion and the outer peripheral surface is deposited on the outer peripheral surface such that the thermally sprayed film becomes continuous with the protruding portion. The electrostatic chuck is formed by installing an electrode between insulating members, and the electrostatic chuck is fixed to the base by using an adhesive to cover a boundary between a top surface of the protruding portion and a surface of the thermally sprayed film.
US07913983B1	Stair, ramp, or balcony railing system In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a plurality of members disposed inside generally vertical balusters; each of the members having formed therethrough a hole; a plurality of wires, cables, rods, pipes, tubes (round, oval, or multi-sided) or the like, each one disposed through one of the holes; and the members being rotatable to position the wires, cables, rods, pipes, tubes (round, oval, or multi-sided), or the like at a selected angle from horizontal.
US07913977B2	Handle with a ratchet mechanism tightening a tape winding it around an object The present invention is briefly named “The tightener” for fastening a selected securing member around an object and carrying it comprising a set of two independent devices. One of them is an ordinary clamp being in common use everywhere in the world with a strap permanently attached to it and said clamp is modified to enable connecting it with a tightening device and named a jamming clamp to distinguish one clamp from the other. The tightening device comprises a shaft with its ends and with a ratchet mechanism is mounted in a two-arms handle. Said handle operating as a lever of the ratchet mechanism turning said shaft. The securing member exiting the jamming clamp is initially pulled by hand then is pulled by winding it onto the shaft turned by said ratchet mechanism to reach needed tension in said securing member, which is the main idea of the invention and it is impossible to attain said task by pulling said securing member only by hand, automatically jammed in said jamming clamp when the pulling of it is stopped. The handle is detached if an object is prepared for transportation only, not for carrying it.
US07913975B2	Mechanized container and hamper stacker A stacker unit having an inlet area with sensors to detect ingress of a hamper or similar nestable container whereby a plurality of parallel lifting elements complimentary of the container, may grasp the container and lift it to perform a stacking operation when combined with a plurality of stacked containers. The inlet area has a plurality of walls providing structure and mounting for sensors and controls for selecting containers having an open end forming an entrance, within the entrance a plurality of guides, lifting elements and adaptors are actuated upon detection of an incoming container operable in lifting the container for stacking by utilization of a chain drive and motor having adjustable plates coupled to the lifting elements. It is also capable of lateral adjustment to suit differently sized containers utilizing attachments for the lifting of hampers, wire containers and 084C containers along with having a plurality of lockout controls for better control and safety precautions while operating a lifting and stacking procedure.
US07913971B2	Hydraulic override A valve system comprising a closure member that is linearly translatable within a valve body. A hydraulic override assembly comprises a first end that is connected to the valve body and a first rod member that is connected to the closure member. A linear actuator is connected to a second end of the hydraulic override assembly and comprises a second rod member that is operable to move the first rod member.
US07913970B2	Food preparation mould A mold 10, 30, 40 particularly for use in food preparation comprising a base 11, and a collar 12 having a continuous wall 14 that upstands from the base with a lower edge 16 of the collar abutting the base 11. The mold may be for single use with the base and the collar being formed from fiberboard and in a particular form the collar wall incorporates a releasable connection to enable opening of the collar. In one form, the collar includes tabs 25 that extend from the lower edge 16 and retaining means (18, 19, 31) which are operative to retain the tabs in relation to the base so as to retain the lower edge 16 of the collar in proximity with the base. The mold further includes in one form an insert 19 which is locatable within the mold cavity 17 and in another form a support arrangement (29, 42, 43) is provided to support the collar wall.
US07913968B2	Action wobble spring mounting assembly and method of manufacture A mounting assembly for an object is provided, including a first mounting element, a second mounting element, and a resilient spring located therebetween. An object can be secured to either one of the first mounting element and the second mounting elements. In addition or alternatively, a method of manufacturing the mounting assembly is also provided. The method includes the steps of molding a resilient spring directly to the first mounting element, attaching the second mounting element to the spring, and attaching an object to either of the first and second mounting elements. In addition or alternatively, another method of manufacturing is provided for manufacturing a plurality of mounting assemblies. In addition or alternatively, the first mounting element can include a base member and a leg member. In one example, the leg member can be movable relative to the base member.
US07913966B2	Suspension arrangement for a removable fixed load sling gear A suspension device for a detachably secured load-attachment means and being fixable to a supporting structure is comprised of a bearing bolt mounted to the supporting structure and defining a bearing bolt axis, at least one attachment member mounted concentrically to the bearing bolt axis, at least two adjacent arms extending radially between the bearing bolt and the at least one attachment member and connecting the bearing bolt to a first attachment member, and a cutout disposed between each of the at least two adjacent arms.
US07913963B2	Device stand with suction base A device stand includes a suction base and a load-supporting module mounted on the suction base. The suction base includes a suction piece, a fixing structure, a face cam, pins, and a fixing cap. The fixing structure, configured for fitting over the suction piece, includes a shaft housing and a sleeve extending upwardly from the shaft housing. The sleeve defines axial running slots. The face cam fit over the sleeve of the fixing structure. One end of each of the pins engages with the face of the face cam, the other end of each of the pins passes through the axial running slots of the sleeve and connects with the shaft of the suction piece. The fixing cap is mounted on an upper end of the sleeve. The stand can be fixed to/taken off from a flat surface easily.
US07913961B2	Hand grip for palm-held devices A hand grip with a rigid sheet base surfaced on top and bottom sides with slip-resistant, resiliently deformable material combining with contoured lateral edges for firmness of grasp. Housed in one lateral side is a spring tension device through which a pliable wire passes, adjustably loops above grip's top surface on which palm-held devices seat; wire then secures to opposed side of grip. A demountable bracket assembly connects a weight bearing rod to grip's rigid sheet. The rod has an end-cap connecting it to an open ended cylinder attachment. Lenses seat against a sill at one of the cylinder's ends; their central visual axis intersecting the grip's midline longitudinal axis. Demountable concentric ring laminations attach above cylinder's opposite opened end. These ring laminations hold additional items congruent with cylinder's alignment.
US07913954B2	Electrodynamic structure An electrodynamic structure having a periphery. The electrodynamic structure includes a power system, a plurality of collectors, a plurality of emitters, and conductive paths. The plurality of collectors are disposed on the periphery of the electrodynamic structure and configured to collect electrons. The plurality of emitters are disposed on the periphery of the electrodynamic structure and configured to emit electrons. At least 20% of the periphery of the electrodynamic structure is utilized for electron collection and electron emission. The conductive paths are configured to conduct current between the power system, the collectors, and the emitters to provide at least one of power generation and electrodynamic propulsion.
US07913953B2	Solar sail launch system and solar sail attitude control system Fuel less ACS for solar sails, using furl- and unfurl able ballast-sail-foil-segments for simultaneously displacement of center of mass and center of solar radiation pressure into opposite directions to each other.Solar-Sail-Launch-System for direct launch of the System-Sail including already docked in daughter units and payload in the sailcraft's central docking station.Unlike todays launch able solar sail designs the System-Sail features ample solar cell arrays and additional SEP-thruster-units for steering and propulsion, while the solar sail rather serves for longtime fuel less attitude controls and station keeping.The SEP-Sailcraft may also serve as a carrier-ship for daughter-units in asteroid exploration missions and is able to deliver prospector landers back to LEO with furled in foils.
US07913942B2	Refiner A refiner (1) comprising a stator (2) and a rotor (6) that comprise a planar portion and a conical portion after the planar portion, which in turn comprise refining surfaces (4, 8) provided with blade bars (15, 18, 24) and blade grooves (16, 19, 25) therebetween, and the planar portions (4′, 81) of the refining surfaces (4, 8) of the stator (2) and the rotor (6) comprising at least two refining zones (14, 17, 23) in the direction of the radius (R) of the planar portion. At least the planar portion (8′) of the refining surface (8) of the rotor (6) is provided with blade bars (18) in its outermost refining zone (17) in the direction of the radius (R), the blade bar angle (α) of the blade bars being arranged so as to provide pumping blade bars, and their blade bar angle (α) being greater than the blade bar angle (α) of the blade bars (15, 24) in the previous refining zone (14, 24) in the direction of the radius (R) of the planar portion (8′) and that the blade bar angle (α) is 5-50 degrees so that the blade bars (18) in the outermost refining zone (17) have an overall pumping effect on the material to be refined.
US07913940B2	Asphalt shingle recycling system and method The asphalt roofing material is delivered into a treatment chamber of a processor. Hot oil is passed through a jacket surrounding the treatment chamber. Heated asphalt forms a hot solid and/or a liquefied slurry. The hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry is then removed from the treatment chamber. The asphalt roofing material in the treatment chamber can be agitated to promote mixing. The asphalt is heated to a temperature in the range from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 650 degrees Fahrenheit within the treatment chamber. The solid and/or liquefied slurry is milled after it has been removed from the treatment chamber. The solid and/or the liquefied slurry is cooled after it exits the treatment chamber, preferably to a temperature in the range of approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry is passed through a hammer mill after the hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry exits the treatment chamber to reduce the particle size of the solid particles.
US07913939B2	Method to transform bulk material The invention provides low-cost, non-thermal methods to transform and beneficiate bulk materials, including low rank coals such as peat, lignite, brown coal, subbituminous coal, other carbonaceous solids or derived feedstock. High pressure compaction and comminution processes are linked to transform the solid materials by eliminating interstitial, capillary, pores, or other voids that are present in the materials and that may contain liquid, air or gases that are detrimental to the quality and performance of the bulk materials, thereby beneficiating the bulk products to provide premium feedstock for industrial or commercial uses, such as electric power generation, gasification, liquefaction, and carbon activation. The handling characteristics, dust mitigation aspects and combustion emissions of the products may also be improved.
US07913937B2	Descaling spray nozzle assembly A spray nozzle assembly for directing thin, straight line, high pressure liquid spray onto moving steel slabs for penetrating and removing scale buildup in steel processing operations. The spray nozzle assembly includes a high impact attachment tube for accelerating liquid flow, a tungsten carbide spray tip at a discharge end of the high impact attachment tube for directing a flat spray pattern, an inlet defined by a strainer at an upstream end of the high impact attachment tube, and a staged vane section intermediate the inlet and spray tip for reducing liquid turbulence in the flow passageway. The vane section comprises a pair of axially spaced vanes each having a plurality of radial vane elements that define a plurality of laminar flow passageways, with the laminar flow passageways of one vane being circumferentially offset to the laminar flow passageways of the other vane.
US07913936B2	Device for sound attenuation in a flow duct A silencer in a flow duct (10) comprises at least one plate-shaped element (12) which extends essentially parallel to the throughflow direction (16) of the flow duct. Integrated in the plate-shaped element (12), preferably in the downstream region, are means (13, 14) for feeding and for spraying a liquid (15) into the throughflow of the flow duct. The spraying means are preferably arranged in such a way that the liquid (15) is sprayed at an angle of at least 30° to the throughflow (16). The silencer according to the invention is used, for example, in the intake duct of a gas turboset.
US07913930B2	Spray boom with dampening device A spray linkage (10) for a crop sprayer includes a support (16) and a central frame (18) pivotally connected to the support (16), the central frame (18) being pivotable about an axis (32) from a neutral position. At least one hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) is fastened at one end to the support (16) and at the other end to the central frame (18). To damp the spray linkage (10) during oscillating movements, at least a first hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) has a first and a second hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50), a first hydraulic line (52, 54) is provided which discharges into the first hydraulic chamber (44, 46) and a second hydraulic line (54, 52) is provided which discharges into the second hydraulic chamber (48, 50). Restrictor structure (58, 60, 62, 64) throttles hydraulic flow from a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) while hydraulic flow into a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) is relatively unthrottled.
US07913924B2	Security document database A security document database, the database storing security document data including identity data at least partially indicative of an identity of the security document and attribute data at least partially indicative of one or more attributes of the security document. The security document database allows a computer system to use received indicating data to perform an action associated with the security document.
US07913915B2	Token with structure to prevent damage during molding A token and method and apparatus for making the token, wherein the token includes a flat body made of a plastic material. The flat body has at least two parallel faces and a cavity which opens to at least one of the at least two parallel faces. The edges of the body include edge spots of a separate plastic material. The cavity receives an electronic identification device. At least one cover made of a plastic material is included. The method includes making the flat body, in two basic steps. First, by forming a pre-molded slug having a cavity and a lip extending above and around the periphery of the cavity using upper and lower dies. Next the slug is assembled with other components including an electronic identifier disc and a cover. In the final forming stage, the assembly is pressed using plates or dies to deform and flatten the lip to join the components by the flowing plastic of the lip and the cover, and compress the assembled components to the final thickness desired for the token. The process utilizing the pre-mold slug with a lip avoids excess plastic material flowing outwardly to obscure the edge spots, while preventing damage to the electronic identifier.
US07913913B2	Selectively illuminating marking apparatus and method for its use A data receiving and illuminatable marking instrument and spaced emission source is disclosed. The marking instrument may be a full duplex marking apparatus that communicates with spaced emitters transmitting infrared electromagnetic energy encoded with unique data packets. The marking instrument illuminates a portion of the marking implement in response to the data received from the data transmitting device. A method for using the above invention likewise is disclosed.
US07913912B2	On-demand point-of-sale scanner access Associating and/or disassociating a mobile point-of-sale scanner device with a particular shopper. Shoppers may be identified, for example, using biometrics or by scanning a loyalty card. As an example of using biometrics, the shopper's fingerprint may be scanned as a trigger of the scanner is activated to scan an item's barcode. The fingerprint is preferably transmitted, along with the scanned barcode, to a server or other device for comparison to previously-stored information. The scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the fingerprint corresponds. In another embodiment, scanned loyalty card information is preferably transmitted (optionally, along with a scanned barcode), such that the scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the loyalty card corresponds. Disassociating the scanner from a shopper is preferably triggered using a sensor (such as a light) that forms part of the scanner device, whereby the sensor is activated when the shopper releases the scanner device. A timer may be used to filter out accidental activation of the sensor.
US07913911B2	Method for updating indicia readers An indicia reader system includes an indicia reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia, the indicia reader capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; a controller capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; and, a translation interface for translating data from the controller which is in a first protocol to a second protocol for receipt by the indicia reader.
US07913909B2	Point of sale datacode reading apparatus and real-time display Moving image data output from an image sensing device is input. An image display output unit processes the moving image data and displays it on the display screen of a display as a real-time moving image. A decode processing notification unit displays the moving image data output from the image sensing device on the display screen of the display as a still image for a predetermined time from decoding of the datacode by a decoding unit.
US07913906B2	Reader/writer and manufacturing method thereof A reader/writer comprises a circuit board, a communication control portion mounted on the circuit board and configured to perform communication with IC tags, sealing resin for sealing the communication control portion; and an antenna electrically connected to the communication control portion, in which a resin layer is disposed on the sealing resin, the resin layer having a higher adhesiveness to a conductive film used as the antenna than that of the sealing resin, and the antenna is disposed on the resin layer.
US07913902B2	System and method for implementing a virtual automated teller machine Method and system for implementing a virtual automated teller machine (“VATM”) system are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a VATM host connectable to each of a plurality of registered disbursement entities (“DEs”) via a secure connection, such as an SSL connection. The system further includes an accessing computer connectable to the VATM host via a secure connection, such as an SSL connection, the accessing computer comprising a card reader for reading user information from an ATM card and having installed thereon VATM client software executable by the accessing computer to interact with the VATM host to validate user information read from the ATM card and an associated PIN entered by a user and, responsive to the validation, present the user with a list of DEs comprising at least one of the registered DEs, prompt the user to select one DE from the list of DEs from which funds are to be disbursed to the user, and specify an amount of funds to be disbursed. The VATM host sends a disbursement order to the selected DE indicating the specified amount of funds to be disbursed.
US07913900B2	System of performing a retrospective drug profile review of de-identified patients An apparatus and method for delivering targeted informational messages includes a computer system for creating a de-identified encrypted PID and de-identified patient transaction data in a retail store for transmission and storage. A subset of de-identified encrypted PIDs are associated with targeted informational messages by the system and transmitted to retail stores, where a targeted message is printed on behalf of the patient corresponding to the de-identified encrypted PID.
US07913899B2	Supplying object code defined information to users Object codes such as for example bar codes and other codes from objects such as for example tagged retail goods and other products define first, non-individualized information such as for example audio and/or video commercials etc. to be supplied to destinations (24). To increase a number of possibilities, in response to the object codes, second, individualized information such as for example personal pictures and/or movies etc. is supplied to the destinations (24) in case of being authorized to receive this second, individualized information and otherwise the first, non-individualized information is supplied. Authorized destinations (24) receive the individualized information possibly mixed with some or all non-individualized information, where non-authorized destinations (24) will only receive the non-individualized information.
US07913897B2	Carton with reclosable dispenser A carton includes a reclosable dispenser that allows a top end of the carton to be accessed and subsequently reclosed. The sides of the carton can be pressed together to vary the size of the dispenser opening.
US07913896B2	Board blank for producing a packaging corner, and packaging corner A board blank for producing a packaging corner has at least three parallel strips which are arranged next to one another and are connected to one another. A central strip of the three strips is connected to a first outer strip of the three strips by grooved portions along a first line. Cuts are made between the central strip and the first outer strip between the grooved portions. A profile of the cuts deviates from the first line in a manner extending into the central strip. The central strip and a second outer strip of the three strips are connected by a score in the board along a second line.
US07913895B2	Protective wrapping paper for rolls and methods for using same A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends.
US07913889B2	Automatic quick clear nose for nailer A fastener driving apparatus includes a motor with an output shaft. The motor is shiftable between a de-energized condition in which it can not be actuated to move the output shaft, and an energized condition in which it can be actuated to move the output shaft. The apparatus further includes a nose and a control device. The nose is shiftable between differently configured conditions, including a first condition for guiding a fastener driven by the output shaft, and a second condition for releasing a fastener that jams when the nose is in the first condition. The control device maintains the nose in the first condition while the motor remains in the energized condition.
US07913883B1	Hygienic disposable dentifrice applicator and oral periodontal cross contamination prevention system A nozzle having a valve that uses the movement and viscosity of a dispensing substance to move to closure and having no means for retracting the valve results in a single-use nozzle comprising an attachable collar with a curvilinearly extending spout for easy application of dental compounds to one's teeth either directly or by means of applying to a brush from a general container such as a toothpaste tube.
US07913881B2	Viscous material dispenser piston A piston assembly for use in a viscous material dispenser is disclosed. The assembly has a main body with an axial bore for receipt of a push rod. The body has a face including an annular recess and an endless lip surrounding the recess. A camming washer is disposed at least in part in the recess. The washer includes a perimeteral camming surface engageable with the lip. The body and washer are connected together for limited relative axial movement when the piston assembly is advanced against material in a cartridge to dispense such material. The relative movement is effective to cause the camming surface to force the lip outwardly into tight engagement with a wall of such a cartridge.
US07913878B1	Terminal orifice processor A terminal orifice processor is disclosed for processing a first and a second liquid emanating from a discharging aperture. The terminal orifice processor comprises a housing having a housing input and a housing output. A connector locates the housing input of the housing below the discharging aperture. A processing channel is interposed between the housing input and the housing output for altering the direction of the first and a second liquid emanating from a discharging aperture for processing the first and second liquids prior to exiting from the housing output. The terminal orifice processor is suitable for mixing and aerating a concentrate and a diluent from a beverage-dispensing machine.
US07913874B2	Plastic coffee container with handle A plastic container for a particulate product has a footprint and includes a base and at least two and preferably four sides upstanding therefrom which generally define a container main interior volume. A top connects to the sides and includes a large opening which is closed by a lid. One side includes a pass-through handle located therein having a generally vertical segment which may define a hollow cavity in communication with the main interior volume. The opening of the top is sufficiently large to extend over a portion of the hollow cavity; or is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5″ diameter cylinder therethrough, and has a ratio of a minimum span to a bottom diagonal of at least about 2:3. A shoulder between the top and sides has an angle of less than about 40°. The handle is configured and sized for easy grasping and holding.
US07913871B2	Garbage can and support for use with a liner An apparatus and method for releasably supporting a liner, such as a trash bag or laundry bag, within a container, such as a trash can or laundry basket. The apparatus includes a body and a base. The base includes a top opening and a bottom opening, with the area of the top opening being less than the area of the bottom opening. The base is releaseably attachable to the body using a compliant latch. Additionally, the body gradually slopes inward from the bottom opening to the top opening. The body is configured to receive a liner, which removably fits inside the body to protect the body from direct contact with soiled objects.
US07913870B2	Tamper evident container An improvement to a container of the type that includes a vacuum formed transparent base and lid, the container having opposite sides that each forms a base flap (20) and a lid flap (22) that lie adjacent and parallel to each other, wherein the container indicates if it has been opened after a store clerk has loaded food into the container. An indicator sheet (34) lies between the base and lid and has cut-out characters (60) lying in holes (62) of a carrier (64), the carrier being bonded to the base flap and the characters being bonded to the lid flap. The container is opened by a person pulling up the lid flap, with the characters lifting out of their holes as they move up with the lid flap, and with the carrier that forms the character holes remaining on the base flap. When the lid is closed by pressing down the lid flap against the base flap, there will be some misalignment of the characters with the holes that they previously lay in, creating gaps that are readily noticeable. The gaps can spell much of a word such as “opened”.
US07913868B2	Triple-flap container closure A flapper cap container closure including a cover-lid having a first flap hinged to the cap and to second and third flaps overlying the apertures of its web, whereby depressing the first flap automatically positions the second and third flaps to depress and seal off the apertures of the closure.
US07913867B2	Lid, in particular for a disposable cup A lid for a cup which provides for use of a beverage bag unit comprising a beverage bag and a drawstring connected to the beverage bag, the lid comprising: a flange for attachment to a cup; and a body unit comprising a body section including an aperture through which the drawstring is slideable, and at least one wing member operable to allow a user to squeeze and/or hold the beverage bag when in a raised position.
US07913865B2	Support device A supporting device is provided to vertically support a coupling rod of a coupling pivotably articulated in the vertical direction to a car body underframe by a bearing block. The supporting device makes contact with the coupling rod by a support, wherein the supporting device includes a mount connected to the support which is fixed to the car body underframe of the vehicle. In order to enable the interference-free retraction of the central buffer coupling toward the car body in the event of a crash, the mount includes a connecting element by which the support is connected to the mount and which defines a rotational axis about which the support can rotate relative the connecting element. Further, at least one shearing element is provided which connects the connecting element to the support and which is designed to shear off upon the exceeding of a predetermined or definable amount of torque being transmitted from the support to the connecting element via the at least one shearing element in order to allow a rotation of the support relative the connecting element.
US07913860B2	Gravity-fed storage and dispensing unit A gravity-fed storage and dispensing unit featuring two sidewalls having opposed ledges which form a plurality of separated rearwardly-directed paths, a receiving bin area, and a forwardly-directed path for products to be stored and dispensed. Products placed on a loading area on the front side of the dispensing unit are pulled by gravity down the rearwardly-directed path, into a product receiving bin, and then travel together along the forwardly directed path in two rows. The products from the different rearwardly-directed paths are interspersed in the product receiving bin area. The sidewalls of the dispensing unit have bosses which receive divider rods of varying lengths so that the width of the paths can be adjusted. Multiple units may be attached to each other in an adjacent relationship.
US07913857B2	Selective membrane having a high fouling resistance A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating is applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by covalently bonding a hydrophilic compound to residual acid chlorides of the polyamide membrane, the hydrophilic compound including (i) at least one reactive group that is adapted to covalently bond directly to the polyamide membrane, the at least one reactive group being at least one of a primary amine and a secondary amine; and (ii) at least one non-terminal hydroxyl group.
US07913853B2	RF shielding gasket for vibratory separator A gasket for a shaker screen in a vibratory separator includes an outer peripheral section including an end section from which a upper lip segment and a lower lip segment project inward to generally define a U-shaped channel, wherein the outer peripheral section is formed from an electrically conductive elastomeric material, a partial upper lip projecting inward from the upper lip segment, wherein the partial upper lip is formed from a white elastomeric material, and a partial lower lip projecting inward from the lower lip segment, wherein the partial lower lip is formed from a white elastomeric material.
US07913851B2	Separator for grinding mill A separator is used in conjunction with a grinding mill which has a suction assembly, a grinding device, regulating devices and a driving device. The separator is mounted in a main body of the grinding mill on a rotating vertical separator shaft, comprising two support rings of equal sizes and shapes, mounted on the separator shaft with parallel orientations, having radial bridges with openings in between, which are surrounded by a plurality of mounting holes; and a plurality of blades, hingedly mounted on the mounting holes by vertical rods, for separating ground particles according to size.
US07913848B2	Air filling bag with outer film strengthening structure An air filling bag with an outer film strengthening structure includes two outer films and a main check valve, where the two outer films are adhered to each other to form an air chamber by means of hot sealing, in which each outer film includes the first film sheet and the second film sheet stacked together, and a plurality of first hot sealing lines is formed by adhering the first film sheet to the second film sheet by means of hot sealing in a first direction together with a plurality of second hot sealing lines formed by adhering the first film sheet to the second film sheet by means of hot sealing in a second direction. The main check valve is positioned between the two outer films and one end thereof projects from the air chamber. Air in the air chamber can compress the main check valve to shield a first air passageway of the main check valve so as to prevent air from leaking out of the air chamber after outside air flows in the air chamber via the first air passageway.
US07913844B2	Article carrier with retention features A carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a top panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel at a first line of weakening, and a top retainer foldably connected to the top panel and the at least one side panel. The top retainer comprises a top retention panel foldably connected to the top panel at a second line of weakening, a side retention panel foldably connected to the top retention panel at a portion of the first line of weakening, and a tuck-in panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel at a third line of weakening, the second line of weakening and the third line of weakening each comprising a cut/crease line having at least one cut portion and at least one score line portion.
US07913841B2	Temporary needle holder with lateral needle holder aperture A temporary needle holder having one or more lateral surface needle holder apertures configured to receive needles therein. The lateral surface needle holder aperture is provided in addition to a top surface needle holder field and is positioned in the side of the temporary needle holder allowing sharp implements to be inserted into the lateral surface needle holder aperture to minimize tipping of the temporary needle holder. A portion of the implement positioned in the lateral needle holder aperture can rest on the support surface on which the temporary needle holder is positioned. A boundary septum is provided between the lateral surface needle holder aperture and the needle holder field on the top surface to prevent passage of the needle apparatus from the need stop field to the lateral surface needle holder aperture to prevent an inadvertent stick or puncture the skin of a practitioner.
US07913840B2	Ball carrier device A ball carrier for transporting a plurality of balls. The ball carrier includes a sleeve having a diameter adapted to receive a golf ball. The ball carrier has a first open end and second frusticonical shaped end adapted to support one or more golf balls in the sleeve. A slotted opening is disposed in the second frusticonical shaped end and is adapted to secure various balls disposed within the carrier.
US07913839B2	Merchandise security display bag A security bag for displaying items of merchandise includes a mesh bag formed of metal wire providing an internal storage chamber. A two-piece member locking device is attached to an open end of the bag. A magnetically attachable locking tine is mounted in one of the members and engages a locking projection on the second member which is slidably received into the first member to lock the bag in a closed position protecting the stored merchandise from theft. An EAS tag is secured within one of the locking members. A magnetic key moves the locking tine to an unlocked position when placed adjacent the locking tine enabling the two locking members to be separated into an unlocked position and the bag open end spread apart for removing items therefrom.
US07913836B2	Conveyor, particularly tubular conveyor A conveyor, in particular tubular conveyor, includes a conveyor belt (1) guided over head drums (2, 3) so as to form a forward traveling and returning stretch (4, 6). The conveyor belt is guided in such a way that the forward traveling and returning stretches intersect each other as seen in the horizontal projection, i.e., as seen in the direction of the drum axes, and the conveyor belt (1) travels over both head drums (2, 3) from the top toward the bottom.
US07913835B2	Conveyor roll and process for its assembly Conveyor rolls used in high temperature applications, and an end cap assembly for such rolls. The conveyor roll comprises a ceramic spool, an end cap and a tolerance ring. The end cap contains a metal ferrule and has an internal circumference adapted to fit over an end of the ceramic spool. A tolerance ring is interposed between each end of the ceramic spool and the end cap. The tolerance ring is composed of resilient metal having a plurality of circumferentially arranged corrugations. The conveyor roll can resist temporary overheating or blockage without damage.
US07913831B2	Intelligent cash box system and method for transmitting code information An intelligent cash box system is provided which comprises: a validator 2 attached in a bill handling apparatus 1; a detection sensor 45 mounted in validator 2; a control circuit 47 connected to detection sensor 45; a card 3 bearing at least a code recorded on card 3 for identifying bill handling apparatus 1; a stacker 4 attached to validator 2 for accumulating bills 44 considered as genuine by validator 2; and an intelligent storage 5 provided in stacker 4. The card 3 can be inserted into validator 2 so that detection sensor 45 detects the code on card 3 and bill information on bill 44, and forwards the code and bill information to control circuit 47 which then transmits the code and bill information to intelligent storage 5 for storage therein. The code information identifies bill handling apparatus 1 from which stacker 4 is removed, and the bill information enables to collate an amount of collected bills in a plurality of stackers 4 with an amount of bills considered genuine and stored in stackers 4 without connection of validator 2 to any control host computer.
US07913828B2	Clutch with dual area piston and independent pressure control The present invention provides a clutch having two pistons, a first piston defining a first, smaller area and a second piston, defining a second, larger area. The separate pistons are independently provided with flows of pressurized hydraulic fluid from first and second independent modulatable control valves. Engagement of the clutch may be rapid by providing hydraulic fluid to the smaller area piston, provide greater engagement force by providing hydraulic fluid to the larger area piston or a combination of speed and force by utilizing modulated or unmodulated flows of hydraulic fluid to both pistons.
US07913825B2	Electronically controlled fluid coupling device with fluid scavenge control and slip speed sensor A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An integrated slip speed sensor is provided in order to determine the output speed.
US07913824B2	Disk brake device A vehicular disk brake device having a first air discharge mouth and a first hose connection mouth connected to a center cylinder project from an outer face of the caliper case in close proximity and so that the axes of the first hose connection mouth and the first air discharge mouth are parallel. In addition, a difference of elevation h1 is provided on both tip end faces so that the tip end face of the first air discharge mouth is higher than the tip end face of the first hose connection mouth. Since an elevation difference h1 is provided on both tip end faces so that the tip end face of the first air discharge mouth is higher than the tip end face of the first hose connection mouth, obstructing components about an air valve mounted on the first air discharge mouth are avoided.
US07913823B2	Hydraulic shock absorber In a front fork in which a partition wall member is provided in an inner periphery of an inner tube, a working fluid chamber is comparted under the partition wall member and an oil reservoir chamber is comparted over the partition wall member, a main suspension spring is interposed between an upper spring bearing in a piston rod side attached to an outer tube side and a lower spring bearing in a bottom portion side of the inner tube, within the working fluid chamber of the inner tube, and a sub suspension spring is interposed between an upper spring bearing in an upper end portion side of the outer tube side and a lower spring bearing in the partition wall member provided in an inner periphery of the inner tube, within the oil reservoir chamber of the inner tube.
US07913820B2	Control system for elevator A control system for elevators controls the operations of a plurality of elevator apparatuses. The elevator apparatuses have cars and elevator doorways provided at each landing floor. The control system for the elevators is equipped with a landing call registration device, a landing call automatic registration portion, a response selection portion, a passenger traveling time period calculation portion, and an opening/closing control portion. The landing call registration device is provided at the landing floor to be operable at the landing floor. The landing call automatic registration portion sets as a car call floor the landing floor whose landing call registration device is operated, and makes a car call registration for stopping one of the cars at the car call floor. The response selection portion selects as a selected elevator that one of the elevator apparatuses which responds to the car call registration, based on information from the elevator apparatuses and information from the landing call automatic registration portion. The passenger traveling time period calculation portion sets as a selected doorway that one of the elevator doorways of the selected elevator, which is provided at the car call floor, based on information from the response selection portion, and calculates a passenger traveling time period corresponding to the selected doorway. The opening/closing control portion controls opening/closing operations of the selected doorway based on information from the selected elevator and information from the passenger traveling time period calculation portion.
US07913817B2	Oil pump unit for internal combustion engine An oil pump unit for an internal combustion engine can reduce the number of component parts to configure a simplified pump case, reducing the size and weight thereof. In an oil pump unit has a case cover put on the outside of a crankcase via a spacer and an oil tank chamber formed by the inside surface of the case cover and the spacer. The spacer is formed inside an outer circumferential wall thereof with a division wall which partitions the oil tank chamber from a crank chamber and with one pump case half-body portion forming a half-body of a pump case of an oil pump. Another pump case half-body is joined to the pump case half-body portion to form the pump case. The pump case half-body portion is formed in a lower portion thereof with an oil suction port communicating with a bottom portion of the oil tank chamber.
US07913812B2	Composite sound barrier panel A composite sound barrier panel includes a concrete substrate provided for strength and a noise attenuation layer bonded thereto. The noise attenuation layer in one embodiment is a concrete mixture of a fiber composite material and cement. In another embodiment, recycled wood chips are added to the mixture. A plurality of identical panels are pre-cast in a mold for use in forming a noise abatement wall, particularly between a residential neighborhood and a highway.
US07913809B2	Flapper configuration for marine exhaust system Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing noise and wear in a flapper configured exhaust tip for a marine exhaust system. A flapper, normally located within an exhaust tip of a marine exhaust system, is relocated upstream of the point in the exhaust system where cooling water normally contacts the exhaust pipe. An exhaust tip is coupled to the upstream portion of the exhaust system by way of an elastomeric coupling device. The flapper is positioned such that a tip thereof contacts the elastomeric coupling rather than the metallic exhaust pipe. Such contact with an elastomeric coupling device reduces noise previously produced by flapper contact with the hot exhaust pipe occasioned by destruction and/or heat degeneration of elastomeric material generally associated with the flapper device.
US07913808B2	Waterproofing loudspeaker cones A water-resistant composite paper, suitable for use as a loudspeaker component, is made from a composition including wood pulp, hydrophobic fibers, and stiffening fibers that retain stiffness when wet. In some examples, fibrillated acrylic fibers and glass fibers are used.
US07913807B2	Vehicle door structure A vehicle door structure, comprising: a loudspeaker mounting hole provide in a door inner panel of a vehicle; a first service hole provided in the door inner panel and located in the vicinity of the loudspeaker mounting hole; a second service hole provided in the door inner panel and located at a position more distant than the first service hole from the loudspeaker mounting hole; a loudspeaker mounted in the loudspeaker mounting hole; a plate-shaped member screwed to the door inner panel for closing the first service hole; and a sound absorbing member provided to close the second service hole.
US07913806B2	Enclosures for containing transducers and electronics on a downhole tool A measurement package for disposal on an apparatus such as a downhole tool or a tool like device. The measurement package including an enclosure, a first acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure, a second acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure and electronics housed within the enclosure that is in communication with the first and second transducers. Further, an acoustic transmitter and receivers can be disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure. The enclosure can contain attenuative material surrounding the transmitter and receivers, and electronics for controlling the transmitter and receivers and communicating with the downhole tool.
US07913794B2	Hood airbag device for use in a vehicle In a hood airbag device (10) for use in a vehicle, an airbag module (14) is installed in a hood (12) of the vehicle from below an inner hood panel (12) and a door (18) for covering an opening (22A) in an outer panel (24) is mounted thereto independently of the airbag module (14). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the outer hood panel (12) from being damaged when the airbag module (14) is installed, and also readily performed a fine adjustment of a dimensional deviation when the door (18) is mounted, so that the installability of the airbag module (14) and the door (18) can be significantly enhanced.
US07913793B2	Shaft-driven motorcycle with pivotally mounted swing arm and related support structure A motorcycle includes a swing arm, which is swingably supported on a vehicle body frame by a support member. A suspension link member is connected between a lower portion of the vehicle body frame and the swing arm, and a rear shock absorber is disposed extending between the suspension link member and an upper portion of the vehicle body frame. A rear wheel of the motorcycle is rotatably supported on a rear end of the swing arm, and the wheel is driven by a drive shaft extending through a hollow bore formed in the swing arm. The suspension link member is connected between a portion of the swing arm and a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, such that the portion of the swing arm which houses the drive shaft is positioned above the support member for the vehicle body frame.
US07913791B2	Energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle An energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle, with an internal combustion engine having an output shaft, includes a reservoir containing working fluid, a reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in selective fluid communication with the reversible pump/motor to deliver pressurized working fluid to the reversible pump/motor when operating as a motor, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the reversible pump/motor when operating as a pump. The energy storage system also includes an electric motor having a rotor selectively coupled to the output shaft to transfer torque to the output shaft. The reversible pump/motor is coupled to the rotor to transfer torque to the rotor when operating as a motor, and to receive torque from the rotor when operating as a pump.
US07913790B2	Structure of instrument panel area of vehicle A structure of a vehicle instrument panel area, which is capable of sufficiently ensuring a frontward displacement of a steering column adapted to be displaced frontwardly in response to an impact load applied thereto frontwardly, even under a condition that a column cover is disposed to overlap with a meter unit when viewed in an axial direction of the steering column. A meter unit 3 is attached to an instrument panel 1 through brittles portions 31g, 31g, 33g, 33g, in such a manner as to allow the attachment therebetween to be released when a column cover 5 is brought into contact with the meter unit 3.
US07913786B2	Battery mounting system A battery mounting system includes a generally planar mounting base having at least one slot. The system further includes a generally planar battery tray containing a battery and having at least one guide extending away from a bottom surface of the battery tray. The battery tray slidably engages the mounting base such that the guide engages the slot, the guide and slot cooperating to control the travel of the battery tray with respect to the mounting base.
US07913785B2	Snowmobile cooling system A snowmobile is disclosed having a frame. A tunnel is formed in a rearward portion of the frame. An engine disposed on the frame. A drive track is disposed at least in part in the tunnel and is operatively connected to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. At least one ski is operatively connected to the frame at least in part forwardly of the drive track. A straddle seat is disposed on the frame at least in part above the drive track. A steering device is operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile. A radiator is disposed between the tunnel and the track. The radiator has a first side facing the track and a second side facing the tunnel. The second side is generally opposite the first side. At least a portion of the second side is spaced apart from the tunnel.
US07913784B2	Saddle ride, fuel cell powered vehicle A saddle ride vehicle includes a fuel cell formed in a rectangular, parallelepiped shape disposed below a vehicle seat. The fuel cell is inclined toward a vehicle rear. A pivot shaft is disposed in a range X defined forwardly of a vertex P of a side-view rectangle of the fuel cell, and defined rearwardly of a vertex Q of the side-view rectangle, and is disposed in a range Y defined below the vertex P and defined above the vertex Q. Foot rest parts are disposed between a steering handle and the seat. The fuel cell is disposed on the side of the foot rest parts, so that the center of gravity G1 of the fuel cell is located on the vehicle body front side relative to the seating part center G2 in the front-rear direction of the center of gravity of the driver at the time of riding.
US07913779B2	Earth-boring rotary drill bits including bit bodies having boron carbide particles in aluminum or aluminum-based alloy matrix materials, and methods for forming such bits Rotary drill bits for drilling subterranean formations include a bit body and at least one cutting structure disposed on a face thereof. The bit body includes a crown region comprising a particle-matrix composite material that includes a plurality of boron carbide particles dispersed throughout an aluminum or aluminum-based alloy matrix material. In some embodiments, the matrix material may include a continuous solid solution phase and a discontinuous precipitate phase. Methods of manufacturing rotary drill bits for drilling subterranean formations include infiltrating a plurality of boron carbide particles with a molten aluminum or aluminum-based material. In additional methods, a green powder component is provided that includes a plurality of particles each comprising boron carbide and a plurality of particles each comprising aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy material. The green powder component is at least partially sintered to provide a bit body, and a shank is attached to the bit body.
US07913774B2	Modular connector and method A modular tool for use in subterranean formations includes a first module, a second module and one or more connectors for connecting the first and second modules. In particular, the first module includes a first collar that at least partially defines an exterior of the tool and that includes a first engagement mechanism at a first end of the collar and a second engagement mechanism at a second end of the collar. The first module also includes a fluid passageway for passing drilling fluid therethrough. The second module has a similar configuration as includes similar architecture. The one or more connectors facilitate the connection of at least one flowline fluidly connected to an exterior of the tool, and an electrical pathway for transmitting power and/or data between the modules.
US07913773B2	Bidirectional drill string telemetry for measuring and drilling control The disclosure has application for use in conjunction with an operation of drilling an earth borehole using: a drilling rig, a drill string having its generally upper end mechanically coupleable with and suspendable from the drilling rig, and a bottom hole assembly adjacent the lower end the drill string, the bottom hole assembly including a drill bit at its lower end. A method is set forth for obtaining information about at least one parameter sensed at the bottom hole assembly, including the following steps: providing at least one measuring device in the bottom hole assembly, the at least one measuring device producing measurement data representative of a measured condition at the bottom hole assembly; providing an uphole processor system at the earth's surface; providing a drill string telemetry system coupled with the at least one measuring device and coupled with the uphole processor system; and transmitting the data from the measuring device to the uphole processor system via the drill string telemetry system.
US07913769B2	Downhole safety valve apparatus and method The application discloses a safety valve including a flapper valve and a packer assembly to be installed in a bore to isolate a first zone from a second zone. Preferably, the safety valve includes a hydraulic conduit bypassing the flapper valve to allow communication therethrough when the valve is closed. Furthermore, the safety valve preferably allows unobstructed passage of tools and fluids therethrough when the flapper valve is open. The application discloses a method to install a safety valve in an existing string of tubing by deploying a packer assembly having an integral safety valve.
US07913765B2	Water absorbing or dissolving materials used as an in-flow control device and method of use A device or system for controlling fluid flow in a well includes a flow restriction member that transitions from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may increase in effective density as the water cut of the flowing fluid increases and/or disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid in the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may be formed of a water-absorbing material and/or a porous material. The pores may be water permeable but not oil permeable. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes controlling a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular with a flow restriction member. The method may include reducing a flow of water into the wellbore tubular when a percentage of water in the flowing fluid reaches a predetermined value.
US07913760B2	Seal configuration for top drive swivel apparatus and method For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.
US07913756B2	Method and apparatus for demagnetizing a borehole A demagnetizing sub having an electromagnet or a rotating magnet is used for demagnetizing magnetized material in a wellbore. By gradually reducing the magnetic field, the magnetized material within the wellbore is demagnetized.
US07913750B2	Louvered air center with vortex generating extensions for compact heat exchanger A heat exchanger assembly includes an upper and lower manifold. A plurality of tubes have flat sides and extend between the upper and lower manifold. A plurality of fins extend back and forth between and along the flat sides of adjacent ones of the tubes forming a continuous serpentine path. Each of the fins include a plurality of legs that extend between the adjacent ones of the tubes. A plurality of end portions extend along the tube sides so that adjacent legs are connected by one of the end portions to define a tube space between said adjacent legs. Each of the tubes include a plurality of spaced protrusions extending outwardly from both of the flat sides of said tubes into the tube space between the legs. A plurality of spaced projections extend inwardly from said end portions of said fins between said legs for interrupting air flow.
US07913749B2	Thermal module with porous type heat dissipater A thermal module (100) includes a centrifugal blower (20), a heat dissipater (10) and a plurality of heat transfer plates (34). The centrifugal blower includes a casing (22), a stator accommodated in the casing, and a rotor (24) rotatably disposed around the stator. The casing includes a base wall (224) and a sidewall (222) surrounding the base wall. The sidewall defines an air outlet (221) in front of the rotor. The heat dissipater is made of porous material and disposed at the air outlet of the centrifugal blower. The heat transfer plates extend into the heat dissipater so as to increase heat transfer efficiency between a heat generating electronic component and the heat dissipater.
US07913745B2	Method of continuous casting of small cross section billet A method for continuously casting a billet with a small cross section in which a curved type or vertical type continuous casting machine is used while oscillating the mold upward and downward is characterized in that the casting machine is provided with a mechanism for withdrawing speed oscillation. The mechanism has structural play in the directions of driving and reverse driving in such a manner that the amount of a play-incurred displacement from the neutral position of the structural play in the direction of billet driving or reverse driving is ±2 to ±30 mm in the direction of driving on the pinch roll circumferential length equivalent basis. The mechanism produces a returning force toward the neutral position and operational parameters such as the billet length, the specific amount of secondary cooling water, the casting speed as well as the oscillation amplitude and frequency are optimized.
US07913741B1	Screen connection pass-through for hoses, electric/power cords, telephone and cable lines Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for providing a pass through connection opening for water hoses, electrical and power cords, telephone lines, and cable lines to freely pass through screens such as screen pool enclosures, screen doors, and the like. The pass-through connectors easily attach to the screens to allow for a permanent pass through to exist between an interior space and an exterior space that is separated by a screen wall. The connectors can have a first plate with central opening and corner adjacent male protruding members with enlarged heads, and a second plate with central opening and corner adjacent female openings in similar locations. The plates can be positioned on opposite sides of the screen wall so that their respective fastening portions and their central openings are aligned to another. The plates can then be snapped together by the male members being received within each of the female openings. An opening in the screen wall can be formed through the aligned central openings of the plates, and garden hose or electrical conduit can pass through. The central plate openings can have reduced diameters by a ringed grommet. Also, a connector having a threaded end can be locked in place in the openings with a nut.
US07913740B2	Three dimensional shade A three dimensional shade to provide a three dimensional layer structure and profile includes a movable frame and a shade. The movable frame is installed on any two sliding docks movable on a track of a upper beam. The movable frame includes at least two coupling plates that are hinged together to hang the shade. A drawing element is provided to draw and perform retraction and extension operations so that the shade can be retracted and extended to form a profile same as the movable frame to achieve the three dimensional effect.
US07913737B2	Bonding apparatus and bonding method The present invention provides a bonding apparatus and bonding method which can prevent warping of substrates by ensuring a sufficient standing time following bonding of the substrates, using a simple and compact apparatus. Substrate carrying parts 1a are formed along the circumference of a rotating turntable 1. The respective substrate carrying parts 1a are formed so that these parts pass through substrate placement positions 11 and 12, a bonding position 13, pre-curing standing positions 14a through 14d, a curing position 15, a post-curing standing position 16 and a conveying position 17 as the turntable 1 rotates. After being bonded in the bonding position 13, the substrates move through the pre-curing standing positions 14a through 14d as a result of the rotation of the turntable 1, and are allowed to stand for a fixed period of time, so that warping is corrected.
US07913735B2	Adhesive tape joining apparatus An adhesive tape joining apparatus of this invention adopts an inverted “T”-shaped layout configured with a rectangular section that extends laterally when being viewed in a plane and a protrusion section that is coupled on a center of the rectangular section. An adhesive tape joining part is disposed in the protrusion section and joins an adhesive tape to a ring frame and a wafer. A transport mechanism is disposed in the rectangular section and transports the wafer, the ring frame, and the wafer held by the ring frame. An electronic substrate processing unit is disposed in at least one of two regions adjoining to the rectangular section with the protrusion section being interposed therebetween, and is coupled to the transport mechanism.
US07913733B2	Composite tire assembly A tire for a vehicle comprises, an inner wheel (12) adapted to mount to a vehicle having a radially outer surface (34). A first ring (16) is annular and concentric with the inner wheel (12) and has a radially outer (40) and a radially inner (38) surface. An annular inner-tube (14) is securedly positioned between the inner wheel (12) and the first ring (16). A second ring (18) has a radially outer surface (46) and a radially inner surface (44) adapted to mate with first ring (16). A tread (20) is secured to radially outer surface (46) of said second ring (18).
US07913732B2	Tire insert attachment apparatus A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.
US07913727B2	Stump cutting tool for use with a stump cutting apparatus A stump cutting tool for use with a stump cutting apparatus including a rotatable cutting wheel having a pair of side surfaces. A mounting block or pocket forms part of the structure that secures the cutting tool to the cutting wheel. The cutting tool includes a cutting tooth and a tooth holder. The tooth holder includes an elongated shank and a head located adjacent one end of the shank. A bore extends through the head of the tooth holder. The cutting tooth includes an elongated shank with a head portion located adjacent one end thereof. A cutting bit is attached to the head portion. The shank of the cutting tooth disposed and secured within the bore.
US07913724B2	Inflation device An inflation device for inflating containers with non-rigid walls such as bags, which includes a body having a venturi shaped air channel. First and second air inlets lead into the air channel, with an outlet being adapted to allow air to exit from the air channel for inflating a container when joined to the outlet. The second inlet is adapted to be closed by a self-closing valve if air does not flow through the air channel. A sensor associated with the body is adapted to detect when a container, such as a bag, joined to the body has been filled to a predetermined degree and then causes the flow of air through the air channel to be interrupted.
US07913721B2	Container for the collection, storage and disposal of liquids and method The present invention is a recyclable oil drain pan intended to encourage proper disposal of used motor oil. The recyclable oil drain pan generally consists of a stiff outer container and a flexible inner container. The stiff outer container has a recessed upper surface that can be sloped towards an opening that passes through the upper surface. The opening of the outer container connects to the opening of a flexible inner container that receives the used oil. The opening can be sealed via a cap or plug to effectively contain the used motor oil. Preferably the entire apparatus would be recyclable.
US07913720B2	Automated drug preparation apparatus including serial dilution functionality An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.
US07913718B1	Noise reduction system A noise reduction system for use with a DWV system to reduce the noise emitted from the DWV system when waste water flows through the DWV system. The noise reduction system includes a sleeve and a spacer. The noise reduction system is mounted on the pipes and fittings of the DWV system.
US07913717B2	Fast acting gate The invention can be used in pipelines, any devices, man holes and arrangements, at any pressures and working conditions for closable large-diameter pipes. The object of the present invention is to improve serviceability of a gate. The inventive gate comprises a lid consisting of a flange and a bottom which is caved-in inwards the pipe, a sleeve provided with a supporting ring which is welded to the bottom, arresting elements in the form of sectors inserted into a circular recess of the pipe when they are radially displaced on the flange along clamping bolts and on the supporting ring by the action of the inclined surface of a drive nut, are arranged on the end face of the flange and on the supporting ring. The nut is embodied in the form of a truncated pyramid provided with T-slots on lateral surfaces thereof. The sectors are provided with T-shaped tenons enabling movement of the sectors along the end surfaces of strengthening ribs, control markers are mounted on the sectors, a locking plate provided with a lever, said plate lowering into a gap embodied between the sectors and locking them by the action of a pneumatic cylinder in the presence of excessive pressure inside a closable pipe is arranged inside the lid. The nut may be embodied in the form of a truncated cone. The lid is mounted on articulated joints; the pipe with the lid is covered by a casing.
US07913716B2	Sealing element and a coupling device provided with such a sealing element A sealing element including a tube-shaped body of metallic material and first and second male sealing members arranged at a respective end of the body. At least two intermediate members are arranged in series in the body between the first and second male sealing members. Each one of the intermediate members is compressible so as to be capable to store elastic energy when the body is subjected to axial compression and includes a protuberance arranged in the body and extending around the center axis of the body. A coupling device provided with such a sealing element.
US07913715B2	Relief valve including a check valve in a damping chamber A relief valve includes a body, a damping chamber in the body, a poppet in the body, wherein the poppet includes an end in the damping chamber, and a check valve in the damping chamber. The damping chamber is located adjacent an inlet side of the relief valve, and the check valve includes a sealing member to prevent fluid flow into the damping chamber at the inlet side. The sealing member is unseated during opening of the poppet to permit fluid to flow into the damping chamber at the inlet side.
US07913712B2	Fuel accessory for fuel tank and method for internally attaching same A fuel tank made of a plastic material and fitted with at least one fuel accessory attached to an inside surface of a wall thereof, wherein the fuel accessory is attached to a predetermined site at the inside surface by fusion welding. Further there is disclosed a fuel accessory for attaching to a site at an inside wall portion of a plastic material fuel tank, comprising a housing formed with an engaging surface attachable to the site. The engaging surface is fitted with a fusion melting element for fusion welding the fuel accessory to the fuel tank.
US07913710B2	Shading systems A system for improved exterior shading devices of highly adaptable configurations. The system comprises several cantilever shade structures usable in the shading of land vehicles.
US07913707B2	Umbrella having an angle adjustable function An umbrella includes an upright post, a swing mechanism mounted on the upright post and a frame mounted on the swing mechanism. The swing mechanism includes a mounting seat mounted on the upright post, a pivot seat pivotally mounted on the mounting seat and having a lower end provided with a worm wheel, a worm rotatably mounted on the mounting seat and meshing with the worm wheel, a driven gear secured on the worm, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted on the upright post, a drive gear secured on the propeller shaft and meshing with the driven gear, and a rocker arm secured on the propeller shaft. Thus, when the swing mechanism is operated, the frame is rolled and tilted relative to the upright post leftward or rightward to adjust the inclined angle the frame to provide a better shading effect.
US07913705B2	Cleaning cup system for chemical mechanical planarization apparatus The present invention is related to an improved cleaning cup arrangement for CMP systems that efficiently and effectively removes most, if not all, of any slurry material present on the abrasive conditioning disk and conditioner head as they are resting in the cup between conditioning cycles. The cleaning cup of the present invention includes an underside water knife for directing a high velocity stream of cleaning fluid against the rotating abrasive disk (or conditioning brush, which may be used instead of a disk) surface, and at least a pair of spray stems for directing columns of cleaning fluid with sufficient cleaning force against all exposed portions of the conditioner head.
US07913704B1	Systems and methods for washing-out concrete pouring equipment A system for washing-out concrete pouring equipment includes a bin for receiving waste materials washed with water from the concrete pouring equipment. The bin includes openings allowing liquid to drain into a base unit that includes sidewalls defining a receptacle for receiving the bin and a sloped bottom for conveying liquid drained from the bin to a sump. A filtering system filters particulate matter from liquid provided from the sump to recover the water.
US07913700B2	Nontobacco moist snuff composition The present invention provides a nontobacco or herbal moist snuff composition comprising an herbal component comprising, or consisting essentially of, corn silk. The present invention also provides a method of producing a nontobacco moist snuff composition having an herbal component comprising, or consisting essentially of, corn silk. Corn silk has a light texture, smooth mouth feel, uniform appearance, and a smell and taste that is nonexistent or easily disguisable. When corn silk is combined with a suitable casing component, the resulting nontobacco moist snuff composition has a light, elastic, and moist texture, a soft and smooth mouth feel, a uniform color and particle size, and a long lasting and tobacco-like smell and taste with a characteristic tobacco-like “bite.”
US07913699B2	Tobacco articles and methods Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.
US07913696B2	Self-fitting device for location in an ear canal A self-fitting device for location in an ear canal. The device includes a body having a body ear end, an opposite body user end, and a shaft extending from the ear end to the user end. A resilient bladder is joined with the body ear end and a chamber is defined inside the resilient bladder. An elongate plunger is located in the shaft. The resilient bladder is deformable between an at-rest position and an in-ear position. The elongate plunger actuates between the at-rest position and an insertion position to assist the resilient bladder to be deformed into the in-ear position. The plunger actuates in the insertion position without extending a front end portion of the bladder forward of a position of the front end portion when the bladder is in the at-rest position.
US07913683B2	Radiant tube heater A radiant tube heater has a tubular arrangement with an air duct portion forming a combustion air passage and a radiant tube portion which is heated by and surrounds a laminar flame. An inlet end of the air duct portion receives combustion air from a blower. A burner assembly mounted in the air duct portion includes a burner nozzle and a burner head for mixing gas and combustion air, this head having an inlet portion and an outlet portion wider than the inlet portion. A perforated restricting plate is mounted in the air duct portion and extends around the burner head. Air holes in this plate are sized and distributed so that the plate increases flow of combustion air through openings formed in the side of the inlet portion and allows combustion air to flow in the annular passage between the outlet portion and the air duct portion.
US07913681B2	Floor assembly for grill The present invention provides a shelf 300 for a barbecue grill frame assembly 302 of a barbecue grill. The shelf 300 has a perimeter that is cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space of the barbecue grill frame assembly 302 such that the shelf 300 is positioned within the interior space. The securing member 308 secures the shelf 300 to the barbecue grill frame assembly 302 in a first position. The securing member 308 adjusts to a second position to detach the shelf 300 from the barbecue grill frame assembly 302.
US07913679B2	Valve assembly for a compressed gas gun A valve assembly according to the present invention includes a valve housing having a first end and a second end. A selectively closeable flow path runs through the valve housing. A valve body is disposed in the valve housing. The valve body is moveable from a first position closing the flow path to a second position opening the flow path. The valve body has a channel therethrough. A secondary chamber is provided adjacent the valve body in communication with the channel. An exhaust port is provided in communication with the secondary chamber. A solenoid is provided adjacent the secondary exhaust port, the solenoid adapted to selectively open the secondary exhaust port. A compressed gas gun employing the valve assembly is also provided.
US07913677B2	Crankcase vapor purification device A vapor purifier for oil recovery from and cleansing of deleterious matter carried by oil vapors in a crankcase of an internal combustion-type engine generally includes a coil member that can separate the oil from the vapors by passing the vapors over and/or through the coil member. As the vapors impinge upon the surface(s) of the coil member, oil in the blow-by vapors condenses thereon. The vapor purifier can include a flow equalization member to maintain a normal engine intake manifold pressure for driving modes of the engine. As a result, the vapor purifier of the present invention can maintain the air to fuel stoichiometric ratio of the engine system. Additional components, such as filters and/or disks can also be included in the vapor purifier to promote oil recovery and cleansing of deleterious matter from the vapors, which act as a host for the deleterious matter.
US07913675B2	Gaseous fuel engine charge density control system A spark ignited gaseous fuel engine including an exhaust gas recirculation system and method for operating a gaseous fuel engine are provided. The exhaust gas recirculation system has an adjustable flow and is operable to supply exhaust gas to at least one engine cylinder. The engine further includes means for determining a value indicative of a charge density of a combustion mixture that includes gaseous fuel, air and exhaust gas supplied to the at least one cylinder, and adjusting a flow quantity through the exhaust gas recirculation system based at least in part on the value. The charge density may permit the controller to set a NOx output rate from the engine via a pre-determined correlation between charge density and NOx output.
US07913668B2	Engine output control system and method A method for a boosted engine including first and second injectors includes adjusting boost during a disabled condition of a first injector to compensate for lack of fuel injected from said first injector, said first injector supplying a fuel to a cylinder of said engine; and adjusting boost during a disabled condition of a second injector to compensate for lack of fuel injected from said second injector, said second injector supplying said fuel to said cylinder of said engine.
US07913667B2	Fuel supply apparatus for vehicle Fuel pipes guide fuel from a fuel tank provided in a rear area of the vehicle to a low-pressure fuel supply system and a high-pressure fuel supply system, respectively, for injecting the fuel to an engine provided in a front area of the vehicle. A branch point between the fuel pipes is arranged in the vicinity of the fuel tank to secure a long pipe length between the low-pressure fuel supply system and the high-pressure fuel supply system. This can suppress variation in fuel pressure at the low-pressure fuel supply system attributable to the fuel that is discharged from the high-pressure fuel pump within the high-pressure fuel supply system back to the fuel pipe.
US07913666B2	Method and device for controlling an injection valve of an internal combustion engine In order to reduce the quantity deviation of a fuel injection valve, it is proposed according to the various embodiments that a test injection be carried out during an overrun cut-off phase of a motor vehicle in operation. In the process, the fuel rail (2) is closed on the inlet side and the selected injection valve (1) is activated. A quantity difference between the predetermined setpoint and the actual value can be determined by measuring a pressure difference in the fuel rail (2) before and after the test injection. This results in a correction factor with which the activation for the selected injection valve (1) is corrected for subsequent injections.
US07913664B2	Alternate fuel blending system and associated method A fuel control system for controlling the use of primary fuel and alternate fuel in an internal combustion engine without cross-contamination of fuel types. Cross-contamination of fuel types may eliminate the ability to receive certain benefits or financial incentives associated with use of alternate fuel, including but not limited to RINs, credits, and subsidies. In one embodiment, primary and/or alternate fuel are controllably delivered from sources to a flow cell. If blending is desired, both primary and alternate fuels are delivered to the flow cell. The engine is fed with the resulting primary fuel, alternate fuel, or blended mixture of fuel from the flow cell. The flow cell contains a bypass inlet port adapted to receive excess fuel not consumed by the engine in lieu of the excess fuel being returned to the primary and/or alternate fuel sources. In this manner, cross-contamination of the fuel sources can be avoided.
US07913663B2	Rotary piston machine A rotary piston machine 10 includes an enclosure 12 having a cavity 14 therein with arcuate side walls 16a,b,c defining a plurality of arcuate recesses 18a,b,c and a piston member 20 rotationally disposed in the cavity 14. The piston member 20 includes opposite ends 42 and 43 configured to rotationally engage the arcuate side walls 16a,b,c and the arcuate recesses 18a,b,c such that compression chambers 26a,b,c are ultimately formed via the piston member ends 42 and 43 cooperatively engaging two arcuate recesses 18a,b,c. The two piston member ends 42 and 43 each including first and second arcuate edges 44 and 46 that sequentially engage cooperating first and second edge portions 50a,b,c and 52a,b,c of respective arcuate recesses 18a,b,c, resulting in two relatively large seals between one end of the piston member 20 and an arcuate recess 18a,b,c during rotation of the piston member 20 until forming compression chambers 26a,b,c, thereby preventing a fuel-air mixture from “leaking” during the formation of the compression chambers 26a,b,c, resulting in maximum power output from the rotary piston machine 10.
US07913662B2	Engine with cylinder disabling mechanism An engine includes engine valves disposed on intake and exhaust sides of a combustion chambers with a valve operating device for opening and closing the engine valves and an engine valve disabling mechanism for disabling opening and closing movement of the engine valves in response to hydraulic pressure. An oil pump is disposed in a lower portion of the crankcase, for supplying hydraulic pressure to the engine valve disabling mechanism. A hydraulic pressure control valve controls the supply of hydraulic pressure to the engine valve disabling mechanism depending on a vehicle operating state. An oil passage extends to the hydraulic pressure control valve and can easily be formed without affecting mounts for functional components. A pipe for delivering working oil from the lower portion of the crankcase to the hydraulic pressure control valve is disposed on a front surface of the engine.
US07913652B1	Elevating animal bathing tub An elevating animal bathing tub having an elevating platform and a tub formed of light weight strong material secured to the platform. The tub is provided with a downward directed skirt and the elevating platform is provided with an upward directed skirt that telescopes with the skirt on the tub to shield the elevating apparatus. The tub is provided with an entry cutout so that when the tub is in the lowered position an animal to be bathed can easily enter the tub. The tub is configured to accept utilities and attachments specific to the tasks to which the tub is to serve.
US07913651B1	Modular animal and gear containment and transport system An animal and gear transportation system for positioning in a cargo space of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may comprise a kennel module including a base portion mountable on a bed of the cargo space, and the base portion is elongate with opposite ends. The kennel module may include a containment portion defining an interior capable of receiving an animal, with the containment portion being mounted on the base portion and being elongate with opposite ends and sides extending between the ends. The containment portion may be slidable with respect to the base portion such that the containment portion is movable between a retracted position in which the containment portion is substantially fully positioned over the base portion, and an extended position in which the containment portion is at partially cantilevered with respect to the base portion.
US07913643B2	Film forming apparatus and film forming method A film forming apparatus is provided which includes a device A that generates liquid fine particles having controlled particle diameters; a device B including a via for guiding the generated liquid fine particles while controlling a temperature thereof; a device C that sprays the guided liquid fine particles; and a device D including a space for forming a transparent conductive film by coating the sprayed liquid fine particles onto a subject to be processed.
US07913642B2	Film coating medical devices The present invention relates to a coating assembly and methods that employ the coating assembly to control the thickness of therapeutic or other coatings delivered to a medical device during a coating process. In one embodiment the coating assembly may include a coating plate having a coating transfer surface and a shoulder having a first height, a mandrel moveable over the coating transfer surface, and a coating dispenser positioned in fluid communication with the coating transfer surface. The invention also includes a method of coating a medical device. This method may include placing a medical device on a mandrel, dispensing coating onto a coating transfer surface of a coating plate, moving the mandrel and the medical device over the coating transfer surface of the coating plate so that coating resident on the coating transfer surface transfers to an exposed surface of the medical device, and removing the medical device from the mandrel.
US07913641B2	Apparatus for coating a cylinder in particular a wiping cylinder of an intaglio printing press There is described an apparatus (1) for coating a cylinder (C), in particular a wiping cylinder of an intaglio printing press, with a plastic composition comprising, inter alia, heating means (6) for applying radiant heat to the cylinder throughout its length, the heating means being disposed in a movable hood part (7) adapted to be moved on top of the cylinder for applying heat thereto or away from the cylinder to allow mounting or dismounting of the cylinder (C) on or from the apparatus. In the closed state, the hood part forms an interior space enclosing the cylinder. The hood part includes a hood body (71) and a window panel (72, 73) mounted on a front side of said hood body to allow a human operator to monitor deposition of the plastic composition onto the surface of the cylinder. The hood body and window panel are constructed in such a manner that, when the hood part is moved on top of the cylinder, the window panel lies above the position where the coating unit (4) cooperates with the cylinder during coating.
US07913640B2	Moisture indicator for heat and moisture exchange devices There is provided a moisture indicator for a heat and moisture exchange (HME) device that uses a pre-colorant and an activator applied to an inner surface of the HME device. The colorant undergoes a color change of Delta E (ΔE) of equal to or greater than 3 units upon exposure to moisture but not upon exposure to high humidity. The colorant is visually obvious to the unaided human eye under normal light conditions through the body of the device. The HME device with the visual indicator for moisture can indicate to the care-giver that it is time to change the HME device.
US07913637B2	Marine seating system and apparatus A boat comprising an assembled modular seat formed from two individual, modular seating components. Each seating component includes a base and a seating frame secured thereto. The seating frame further includes a front wall, a back wall, and a connecting structure extending therebetween. The connecting structure forms a void or depression extending substantially entirely between the front wall and the back wall of the seating frame. Extending from the front wall to the back wall and across the depression formed by the connecting structure is a layer of tightly stretched, resiliently extensible fabric support material. The support material, which may be attached directly to the seating frame, can then be covered by cushioning material and/or a final covering, such as foam and/or vinyl, respectively, to form the final seating surface.
US07913633B2	Fertilizer spike insertion tool In one embodiment of the invention a fertilizer spike insertion tool includes a hammer coupled to a spring. When loaded the hammer is retained by a detention member and the spring is loaded (e.g., compressed or expanded). On releasing the detention member and unloading the spring, the hammer forcibly impacts a footrest and drives a hollow metal core into soil making a hole for a fertilizer spike.
US07913625B2	Ammunition assembly with alternate load path An ammunition round assembly with alternate load path is disclosed herein. The ammunition round assembly includes a projectile, a body engaging the projectile, and a non-combustible base at least partially enclosing the body. A structural member having first and second engagement portions opposite to each other is positioned inside an interior space defined by the body and the base. The first engagement portion firmly engages the base, and the second engagement portion firmly engages the projectile to provide an alternate load path between the projectile and the base.
US07913623B1	MEMS fuze assembly A MEMS fuze having a moveable slider with a microdetonator at an end for positioning adjacent an initiator. A setback activated lock and a spin activated lock prevent movement of the slider until respective axial and centrifugal acceleration levels have been achieved. Once these acceleration levels are achieved, the slider is moved by a V-beam shaped actuator arrangement to position the microdetonator relative to a secondary lead to start an explosive train in a munitions round.
US07913622B2	Method for drying a printing ink on a printing substrate in a printing press, and a printing press A method for drying a printing ink (114) on a printing substrate (14) in a printing press (30), and a printing press (30). The printing substrate (14) is moved along a path (16) through the printing press (30) and printed on by at least one printing ink (114) at a first position (18) of the path (16). At a second position (124) of the path (16), in a conditioning apparatus, a treatment agent (118) is applied to the printing substrate (14) to accelerate the drying of the printing ink (114) on the printing substrate (14) and includes, in particular, an infrared absorber which has an absorption wavelength that is essentially resonant to the wavelength of the light (12) of the radiant energy source (10). The printing substrate (14) may be dried by the action of radiant energy at a chronologically later point in time, at at least one third position (116) of the path (16), by a drying device, in particular by a narrow-band radiant energy source (10).
US07913621B2	Plate feeding apparatus and plate feeding method A plate feeding method includes a suction-holding step for causing suction pads to suck and hold an upper surface adjacent an end edge, remote from nip rollers, of each plate, a moving step, while swinging the suction pads about a moving unit, for moving the moving unit toward the nip rollers, thereby inverting a portion adjacent the end edge of each plate P, and subsequently moving the end edge of the plate inverted to a position to be pinched by the nip rollers, a pinching step for causing the nip rollers to pinch the end edge of the plate having been inverted, a releasing step for canceling suction-holding of the plate by the suction pads, a pressing step for pressing the plate with a support roller, and a transporting step for rotating the nip rollers to transport the plate P.
US07913615B2	Automated dual cooking surface grill and method A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.
US07913609B2	Machine gun ammunition holder incorporating center of gravity downward ejection-deflector Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns and weapons that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The ammunition holders include a side plate that both moves the center of gravity of the left side supported ammunition holder to move in a right direction underneath the machine gun until the ammunition holder is balanced relative to the machine gun. The side plate further deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun and instead deflect the spent cartridges to one side of the machine gun away from both the machine gun and an operator of the gun. The ammunition containers can be ammunition belt boxes. The ammunition containers can be ammunition pouch bags.
US07913606B2	Inductive power transfer The present invention generally concerns inductive power transfer systems and their components. More particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, devices and methods for transferring modulated current between a launcher and at least one guided missile.
US07913602B2	Method and apparatus for cutting a ribbon of rubber-coated fabric A method for cutting a ribbon of rubber-coated fabric includes dragging a free end of the ribbon past a working position of a punching device, forming a notch between two adjacent reinforcing cords of the ribbon using the punching device, moving a counter-blade of the punching device away from the working position, inserting at least one cutting blade through the notch, and performing first and second cuts of the ribbon. An associated apparatus includes a punching device and a cutting device. The punching device includes an incision tool, an abutting counter-blade, and control devices for moving the incision tool and the abutting counter-blade toward and away from the ribbon. The cutting device includes at least one cutting blade and a control device for moving the at least one cutting blade toward and away from the ribbon.
US07913599B2	Device for cutting through a binding strip A device for parting a strip (6) of binding material that has been fitted around an article (5), such as a roll of sheet material or bundle of sections and the like, comprising a housing (1) provided with a support (12) for supporting the device with respect to the article (5), two blades (7, 8) connected to the housing (1), at least one blade (8) of which can be moved with respect to the housing (1), drive means (37) for moving the blades with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position for cutting through and/or snipping through the strip (6) when the housing (1) is bearing on the article, and a clamp (16) for holding the parted strip. The clamp (16) and one of the blades can be brought into interaction with one another to clamp the strip (6) between them.
US07913597B2	Machine for the automatic recovery of paper and tube separated from cutting scraps into rolls of logs or the like A machine for the recovery of white cellulose paper from a trimming roll of white cellulose paper on a cardboard core where the machine has a conveyor belt on which the trimming rolls are arranged with the axis vertical, and the trimming rolls are inserted on a guide bar which, with appropriate actuators, cuts the rolls while the cardboard core is retained on the bar and the paper is allowed to fall and sent to recovery.
US07913596B2	Turret tool rest and machine tool A turret tool rest is provided with a tool rest body, which is rotatable around the vertical axis, on a lower saddle. A turret is provided on a side surface of the tool rest body, and an anti-vibration mechanism is provided on a side surface that is adjacent to the side surface at a right angle. Indexing can be performed by selecting from the turret and the anti-vibration mechanism by rotation of the tool rest body.
US07913595B2	Clutch device for tool holders or for workpiece chucking device A clutch device for tool holders or tool chucking or workpiece chucking devices is used for the releasable form-fitting engagement of a drive shaft, comprising a spindle of the tool holder or chucking devices, said spindle being coaxial with the drive shaft. The drive shaft and the spindle have separate dog elements, whereby, between the two dog elements, a clutch element is arranged that compensates for alignment errors between the drive shaft and the spindle and that can be moved in a limited manner between the drive shaft and the spindle. The clutch element is in form-fitting engagement with the dog elements of the drive shaft and of the spindle.
US07913590B2	Socket apparatus A socket apparatus includes a socket, at least one detent and an elastic element. The socket includes a bit-receiving recess in an end, a mandrel-receiving recess in an opposite end, at least one vent in communication with the mandrel-receiving recess and at least one aperture in communication with the mandrel-receiving recess. The detent is inserted in the aperture so that the detent includes a portion disposed in the mandrel-receiving recess. The elastic element is used to bias and keep the detent in the aperture.
US07913589B2	Adjustable wrench that clamps a workpiece exactly and tightly A wrench includes a handle, and a driving unit pivotally mounted on the handle. The handle has an end portion provided with a support surface. The driving unit includes a first jaw having a first end pivotally mounted on the end portion of the handle, and a second jaw having a first end pivotally connected with a second end of the first jaw and a second end that is movable to abut the support surface of the handle and the first end of the first jaw. Thus, the second end of the second jaw abuts the support surface of the handle tightly and closely so that the force applied by a user is transmitted to the wrench directly so as to drive the wrench to operate the workpiece in an energy-saving manner.
US07913588B2	Insulation stripping tool with striker means An insulation stripping tool of the pliers-type includes an adjustable pull rod stop device for limiting the extent of travel of the longitudinally displaceable pull rod and the cutting and stripping blades connected thereto, thereby to produce only partial removal of a length of severed insulation layer from an insulated conductor. An adjustable conductor stop device is mounted on at least one of the cutting and stripping blade holders for limiting the extent to which the end of the insulated conductor is inserted into the open mouth of the stripping tool. A stationary scale is mounted on one of the handles adjacent the adjustable conductor stop device.
US07913583B2	Transmission shift control mechanism and method of installation A transmission gear selector including a pivotal shift lever with a grip portion and an attachment structure that is operably coupled to an automatic transmission for shifting the transmission. A locking member pivots with the shift lever and is moveably engageable with an engagement surface that defines a park position detent. When the locking member is engaged with the park position detent, the shift lever cannot be moved out of the park position. The mechanical linkage includes a driver-operated member which, when actuated, causes the mechanical linkage assembly to bias the locking member out of engagement with the park position detent. A solenoid disposed within the grip portion is coupled with the mechanical linkage assembly and includes a plunger that can prevent the mechanical linkage from biasing the locking member out of the park position detent. An installation method for a gear selector is also disclosed.
US07913581B2	Dual clutch transmission with multiple range gearing A vehicle powertrain comprising dual torque input clutches and a multiple speed transmission with ratio range gearing is disclosed. The range gearing provides increased gear ratio coverage. A transition between a low speed ratio range and a high speed ratio range is achieved with no torque interruption. A shift from one gear ratio to an adjacent gear ratio in a speed ratio range during a shift sequence is preceded by preselecting the adjacent gear ratio.
US07913579B2	Magnetostrictive load sensor and movable unit comprising same A magnetostrictive load sensor includes a coil with a through hole, a load sensing member disposed in the through hole, first and second magnetic circuit defining members which are joined together so as to cover the coil and which together define a magnetic circuit to pass a magnetic flux that has been generated by current flowing through the coil, and a housing that houses the coil. The load sensing member and the first and second magnetic circuit defining members are arranged together. Each of the first and second magnetic circuit defining members includes a first portion that contributes to defining the magnetic circuit and a second portion that is arranged so as to extend from the first portion and extend out of the magnetic circuit. The housing holds and fixes together the respective second portions of the first and second magnetic circuit defining members.
US07913578B2	Vehicle seat and passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat The submarine phenomenon can be prevented and the accuracy of a passenger's weight measurement is improved. A vehicle seat includes a pair of fixed lower rails fixed on the floor of a passenger compartment, a pair of movable upper rails that are engaged with the fixed lower rails so as to be slidable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to each of the fixed lower rails, a sub frame which is disposed at an upper side of the movable upper rails, load sensors and that lie between the sub frame and the movable upper rails, brackets and which are disposed so as to erect them on each of the movable upper rails, and a submarine pipe 11 which is crossed between the brackets. The submarine pipe is disposed to be slidable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right bracket.
US07913576B1	Flow scale with basket feature A flow scale apparatus includes a substantially vertical flow path along which material can flow, a plurality of spreader baffles substantially aligned horizontally and positioned in the flow path, a plurality of basket baffles located downstream from the spreader baffles in the flow path and substantially aligned horizontally, and a sensor. The basket baffles are secured together and configured to be displaceable such that portions of the material in the flow path contact each of the basket baffles to displace the basket baffles relative to the spreader baffles as a function of a weight of the material in the flow path. The sensor is configured for sensing displacement of the basket baffles and generating an output signal.
US07913575B2	Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device according to the present invention improves a measuring accuracy. An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device includes an ultrasonic measuring portion in which a first ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and a second ultrasonic transmitter-receiver are provided to a measurement passage, and first to fifth partitioning plates are set substantially in parallel with an ultrasonic wave propagation path that connects the first ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic transmitter-receiver, whereby first to sixth flat passages are laminated/formed in the measurement passage by the partitioning plates. In this ultrasonic flow rate measuring device, the first ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic transmitter-receiver are arranged such that the ultrasonic measuring portion 20 measures the flow rate of the flat passage that is offset from the center along the lamination direction of the flat passages.
US07913574B2	Universal spherical tension adapter A tension adapter is disclosed for a materials testing machine. The tension adapter includes a shank and a sleeve. The shank includes an enlarged head with a machined convex spherical bearing surface which forms a ring around the periphery adjacent to one end of the shaft. The opening of the sleeve includes a machine concave spherical bearing surface around the periphery thereof to form a seat for the convex spherical bearing surface. The sleeve further includes inner walls which are conical in order to allow the shank to rotate or pivot from the vertical orientation about the pivot point formed by the spherical bearing surfaces. The rotation or pivoting of the shank allows the tension adapter to align so that only tension forces are applied during materials testing.

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