最新美国发明专利第2011-04-19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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US07927795B2	Gene expression profiling in primary ovarian serous papillary tumors and normal ovarian epithelium Gene expression profiling and hierarchal clustering analysis readily distinguish normal ovarian epithelial cells from primary ovarian serous papillary carcinomas. Laminin, tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1 and 2 (TROP-1/Ep-CAM; TROP-2), claudin 3, claudin 4, ladinin 1, S100A2, SERPIN2 (PAI-2), CD24, lipocalin 2, osteopontin, kallikrein 6 (protease M), kallikrein 10, matriptase and stratifin were found among the most highly overexpressed genes in ovarian serous papillary carcinomas, whereas transforming growth factor beta receptor III, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha, SEMACAP3, ras homolog gene family, member I (ARHI), thrombospondin 2 and disabled-2/differentially expressed in ovarian carcinoma 2 (Dab2/DOC2) were significantly down-regulated. Therapeutic strategy targeting TROP-1/Ep-CAM by monoclonal chimeric/humanized antibodies may be beneficial in patients harboring chemotherapy-resistant ovarian serous papillary carcinomas.
US07927794B2	Methods for identifying a biosynthetic pathway gene product The present invention provides isolated, genetically modified host cells, where a host cell is genetically modified with a nucleic acid that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding a biosynthetic pathway enzyme. Synthesis of the enzyme in the host cell results in conversion of a substrate for the enzyme into a biosynthetic pathway intermediate, which intermediate is produced in an amount effective to inhibit growth of the genetically modified host cell. The present invention further provides compositions and kits comprising a subject genetically modified host cell. Subject host cells are useful for identifying a gene product having activity in a biosynthetic pathway. The present invention further provides methods of identifying a gene product having activity in a biosynthetic pathway.
US07927793B2	Cell lines and host nucleic acid sequences related to infectious disease Host nucleic acids and host proteins that participate in viral infection, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A, and Ebola virus, have been identified. Interfering with or disrupting the interaction between a host nucleic acid or host protein and a virus or viral protein confers an inhibition of or resistance to infection. Thus, interfering with such an interaction in a host subject can confer a therapeutic or prophylactic effect against a virus. The sequences identified can be used to identify agents that reduce or inhibit viral infection.
US07927791B2	Methods for identifying small molecules that modulate premature translation termination and nonsense mediated mRNA decay The present invention relates to a method for screening and identifying compounds that modulate premature translation termination and/or nonsense-mediated messenger ribonucleic acid (“mRNA”) by interacting with a preselected target ribonucleic acid (“RNA”). In particular, the present invention relates to identifying compounds that bind to regions of the 28S ribosomal RNA (“rRNA”) and analogs thereof. Direct, noncompetitive binding assays are advantageously used to screen libraries of compounds for those that selectively bind to a preselected target RNA. Binding of target RNA molecules to a particular compound is detected using any physical method that measures the altered physical property of the target RNA bound to a compound. The structure of the compound attached to the labeled RNA is also determined. The methods used will depend, in part, on the nature of the library screened. The methods of the present invention provide a simple, sensitive assay for high-throughput screening of libraries of compounds to identify pharmaceutical leads.
US07927789B1	Self-referencing biodetection method and patterned bioassays The invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting biomolecular interactions. The detection can occur without the use of labels and can be done in a high-throughput manner. The invention further relates to self-referencing colorimetric resonant optical biosensors and optical devices.
US07927787B2	Methods and systems for analysis of nutraceutical associated components The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be used for analysis of nutraceutical associated components.
US07927785B2	Methods for in vitro expansion of hematopoietic stem cells The invention relates to methods of obtaining compositions for generating multipotent hematopoietic stem progenitor cells comprising expansion of hematopoietic stem cells in the presence of HDACI and IDM. Methods of obtaining compositions enriched in hematopoietic megakaryocyte progenitor cells are also provided. Compositions enriched for stem cells and populations of cells obtained therefrom are also provided by the invention.
US07927780B2	Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, novel compound and method of producing the same, and acid generator A compound represented by formula (I); and a compound represented by formula (b1-1): wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R3— or —S—R4—, wherein each of R3 and R4 independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q1 represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y1 represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; M+ represents an alkali metal ion; and A+ represents an organic cation.
US07927776B2	Toner for electrophotography A toner for electrophotography is provided that includes a binder resin, a colorant, a charge control agent, and a releasing agent, wherein the toner has a complex viscosity (η) of about 4.0×101 Pa·s to about 1.6×103 Pa·s at a temperature ranging from about 40° C. lower than a toner fixing temperature to about 10° C. higher than the toner fixing temperature and has a specified activation energy of 15 to 85 KJ/mol. By defining viscosity dependency in a linear modulus region of a toner and comprehensively defining thermal and rheological properties with respect to fixing conditions, a fixing phenomenon can be generalized and the quality of a toner can be evaluated.
US07927774B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member having high durability and hardly causing sensitivity decrease even if short wavelength light, particularly light having a wavelength of 380 to 450 nm is used as exposure light, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The present invention includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising a support and a photosensitive layer which is provided on the support and contains a charge generation material and a charge transport material, characterized in that the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member contains an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid polyester resin with a weight average molecular weight of 80,000 or more having a specific repeating structural unit, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
US07927768B2	Alignment mark of mask A lithography mask is disclosed, comprising an alignment mark, including a first bar, a second bar crossing the first bar, and a specific pattern having different signatures with the first and second bars connecting to the second bar.
US07927765B2	Adjustable mask blank structure for an EUV phase-shift mask The invention concerns a process for forming an optical component comprising: a—formation of a multi-layer stack (32, 34) with an adjustment layer (30) made of a metal-semiconductor mix formed in or on the stack, b—etching a part of the multi-layer stack, including at least a part of the adjustment layer, c—an annealing step to contract the adjustment layer within less than 1 nm.
US07927762B2	Fuel cell cathode manufacturing method and fuel cell manufacturing method The method of manufacturing a cathode for a fuel cell in accordance with the present invention is a method of manufacturing a cathode for a fuel cell equipped with a catalyst layer containing a catalyst, and includes a potential providing step of providing a precursor layer containing the catalyst with a potential higher than 1.3 V with reference to a standard hydrogen electrode, so as to form the catalyst layer.
US07927755B2	Ceramic thin plate member A thin plate member is a thin plate member that is formed by sintering, contains a ceramic layer, and comprises a thin part having two or more types of layers laminated, each of which is made of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient, and a thick part that is made by laminating plural layers including at least all of the layers constituting the thin part, and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the thin part. The thin part has a shape warping in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the thin plate member. By virtue of this configuration, the internal electrical resistance of the thin part can be reduced. Further, the thin plate member can be provided that is difficult to be deformed with respect to the internal stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between layers.
US07927753B2	Direct oxidation fuel cell and method for operation thereof The invention relates to a method for operating a direct oxidation fuel cell in which at least one fluid fuel is transported from a fuel reservoir via a fluid distribution structure to a membrane electrode assembly, the transport of the fuel being effected passively, i.e. without convection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding direct oxidation fuel cell.
US07927752B2	Individual cell shorting during startup and shutdown using an integrated switch An electrical shorting device for a fuel cell is provided, wherein the shorting device includes an electrically conductive body and an actuator coupled to the conductive body and adapted to selectively position the body between an electrically conductive and a non-electrically conductive position to selectively provide electrical communication between an anode plate and a cathode plate of the fuel cell. The shorting device facilitates electrical shorting of individual cells during the startup and shutdown of the fuel cell to eliminate the electrical potential across a proton exchange membrane that causes a degradation of a catalyst layer disposed on an a surface of an electrode of the fuel cells.
US07927749B2	Microbial fuel cell and method A microbial fuel cell includes a cell housing having first and second chambers. The first chamber is adapted for containing a fluid including a biomas. The second chamber is adapted for containing an oxygenated fluid. A cathode extends into the cell housing second chamber and an anode segment of an electrode assembly extends into the cell housing first chamber. The electrode assembly has multiple, substantially aligned, fibers. The outer surfaces of the fibers of the anode segment are adapted for receiving a biofilm.
US07927747B2	Additives for non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium secondary battery using the same Disclosed is an electrolyte for batteries, comprising: (a) an electrolyte salt; (b) an organic solvent; (c) a first compound having an oxidation initiation voltage (vs. Li/Li+) higher than the operating voltage of a cathode; and (d) a second reversible compound having an oxidation initiation voltage higher than the operating voltage of the cathode, but lower than the oxidation initiation voltage of the first compound. Also disclosed is a lithium secondary battery comprising said electrolyte. In the lithium secondary battery, two compounds having different safety improvement actions at a voltage higher than the operating voltage of the cathode are used in combination as electrolyte components. Thus, the safety of the secondary battery in an overcharged state can be ensured, and at the same time, the deterioration of the battery can be prevented from occurring when it is repeatedly cycled, continuously charged and stored at high temperature for a long time.
US07927745B2	Negative electrode for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including the same A negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a current collector and a negative active mass disposed on the current collector. The negative active mass includes a negative active material including a lithium vanadium composite oxide and a crystalline structure aid for inhibiting deterioration of a crystalline structure. The negative active material can inhibit an irreversible crystalline structure change during charge and discharge, and does not incur decomposition of an electrolyte resulting in improvement of a cycle-life of a rechargeable lithium battery.
US07927742B2	Negative-limited lithium-ion battery A rechargeable lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode that includes a first current collector and a first active material. The battery also includes an electrolyte and a negative electrode that includes a second current collector and a second active material, where the second active material includes a lithium titanate material. The positive electrode has a first capacity and the negative electrode has a second capacity, the second capacity being less than the first capacity such that the rechargeable lithium-ion battery is negative-limited.
US07927734B2	Lithium secondary battery and fabrication method thereof A lithium secondary battery which includes a battery unit having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween. A can accommodates the battery unit, and a reinforcing means is disposed above the can to increase a thickness of the can. A cap assembly is joined to an upper end of the can and the cap assembly has a cap cover and a safety means. The cap assembly is insulated from the can by a gasket.
US07927732B2	Battery cell design and method of its construction A compact, robust, multifunctional and highly manufacturable rechargeable battery cell is provided. The cell design dedicates minimal internal volume to inert components of the cell. This is accomplished, in part, by providing multiple functionalities to individual cell components.
US07927730B2	Battery cover latching assembly for portable electronic device A battery cover latching assembly is for use in a portable electronic device. The battery cover latching assembly includes a battery cover (10), a housing (40) and a locking member (20). The battery cover has a hook (122) formed on end thereof and a receiving hole (116) defined adjacent the hook. The housing has a catching portion formed on one end thereof. The locking member has an operating portion (22) and a cylindrical post (24) extending from one side of the operating portion. A latching portion (244) extends radially from the post and adjoins the operating portion. The operating portion is received the receiving hole of the battery cover. The post of the locking member is rotatably engaged with the catching portion of the housing. The latching portion of the locking member is releasably locked with the hook of the battery cover.
US07927728B2	Battery module interface Disclosed herein are a battery module interface including a printed circuit board provided at the front and rear thereof with power connectors and communication connectors for connection with a battery module and an external circuit and a sheathing plate coupled to the printed circuit board such that the rear connectors are exposed to the outside, a battery module having the battery module interface mounted thereto, and a middle- or large-sized battery pack including a plurality of battery modules.
US07927727B2	Secondary battery, cap assembly thereof and method of mounting safety valve therefor A secondary battery may be manufactured with an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. A container encases the electrode assembly. A hole formed on one end of the container with a stepped configuration that opens with different diameters on opposite sides of a cap plate and a safety valve mounted in the stepped surface of the hole, is configured to rupture and tear open upon occurrence of a predetermined internal battery pressure.
US07927726B2	Rechargeable battery The present invention discloses a rechargeable battery that has an improved mounting structure for an electrode terminal and a second protective device used therein. This improved structure improves the function of the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery comprises an electrode assembly that has first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator for insulating the electrode plates from each other, all of which are wound together. It also includes a can that contains the electrode assembly therein, a cap assembly that has a cap plate for sealing a top opening of the can, an electrode terminal that is insulated and inserted into a terminal through-hole formed on the cap plate, and a terminal groove formed on the top of the terminal through-hole with a shape corresponding to that of the head of the electrode terminal so that the head of the electrode terminal can be housed therein. The rechargeable battery of the present invention also includes a protective device groove spaced at a predetermined distance from the terminal groove and a second protective device housed in the protective device groove with one end connected to the top surface of the electrode terminal.
US07927725B2	Magnetic recording medium, production method thereof and magnetic disc apparatus A magnetic recording medium for use in digital magnetic recording, which comprises a nonmagnetic substrate having deposited thereon a magnetic layer, wherein with respect to the in-plane direction, the magnetic recording layer comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic regions separated from each other by an antiferromagnetic region. A production method of the magnetic recording medium and a magnetic disc apparatus are also disclosed.
US07927723B1	Film stacks to prevent UV-induced device damage A film stack includes an interlayer dielectric formed over one or more devices. The film stack further includes a first layer having a high extinction coefficient formed on the interlayer dielectric and a second layer having a low extinction coefficient formed on the first layer. The first and second layers prevent ultraviolet induced damage to the one or more devices while minimizing reflectivity for lithographic processes.
US07927722B2	Dispersion strengthened rare earth stabilized zirconia A process for forming a coating on a substrate, such as a turbine engine component, is provided. The process comprises the steps of: providing a first rare earth oxide stabilized zirconia composition; providing a second composition selected from the group consisting of a yttria stabilized zirconia composition, a ceria stabilized zirconia composition, alumina, a chromia-alumina composition, a gadolinia stabilized zirconia composition, and mixtures thereof; blending the first rare earth oxide stabilized zirconia composition with the second composition to form a blended powder; and depositing the blended powder onto the substrate. Articles having the coating formed from the above process are also described.
US07927720B2	Quinoxaline derivative and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device using quinoxaline derivative An object is to provide a novel quinoxaline derivative. Another object is to provide a light-emitting element with low driving voltage. Another object is to provide a light-emitting element with low power consumption. Another object is to provide a light-emitting device and an electronic device with low power consumption by using such a light-emitting element. A quinoxaline derivative which has a structure in which at least one of carbon at a 2-position and carbon at a 3-position of quinoxaline, and carbon of 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring are bound via an arylene group is provided.
US07927719B2	Silanylamine-based compound, method of preparing the same and organic light emitting device including organic layer comprising the silanylamine-based compound Silanylamine-based compounds represented by Formula 1 are provided. Methods of preparing the compounds and organic light emitting devices including organic layers comprising the silanylamine-based compounds are also provided. The silanylamine-based compounds have excellent electrical stability and electron transporting capabilities. Thus, the silanylamine-based compounds may be effectively used for red, green, blue, and white fluorescent and phosphorescent materials used to form hole injection layers, hole transport layers, and emissive layers in organic light emitting devices. Organic light emitting devices using these compounds have high efficiency, low driving voltages, high luminance and long lifetimes.
US07927714B2	Barium-doped bond coat for thermal barrier coatings A metallic article for high temperature applications such as a turbine engine component is protected by a thermal barrier coating system on the article's metallic substrate. The thermal barrier coating system includes a bond coat layer of aluminum containing alloy on the metal substrate, an alumina layer on the bond coat layer and a ceramic thermal barrier layer on the alumina layer. The bond coat layer is doped with elemental barium that enhances the creep resistance of the alumina layer, thus, minimizing spallation of the ceramic thermal barrier layer.
US07927713B2	Thin film semiconductor material produced through reactive sputtering of zinc target using nitrogen gases The present invention generally comprises a semiconductor film and the reactive sputtering process used to deposit the semiconductor film. The sputtering target may comprise pure zinc (i.e., 99.995 atomic percent or greater), which may be doped with aluminum (about 1 atomic percent to about 20 atomic percent) or other doping metals. The zinc target may be reactively sputtered by introducing nitrogen and oxygen to the chamber. The amount of nitrogen may be significantly greater than the amount of oxygen and argon gas. The amount of oxygen may be based upon a turning point of the film structure, the film transmittance, a DC voltage change, or the film conductivity based upon measurements obtained from deposition without the nitrogen containing gas. The reactive sputtering may occur at temperatures from about room temperature up to several hundred degrees Celsius. After deposition, the semiconductor film may be annealed to further improve the film mobility.
US07927706B2	Multiple layer glass panels having adjustable tint The present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glass panels having adjustable tint, and, more specifically, the present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glass panels comprising agents that cause a change in light transmission properties when subjected to an electric field.
US07927704B2	Two-component systems for producing flexible coatings The present invention relates to two-component coating systems for producing flexible coatings. The coating systems comprise polyurethane prepolymers with allophanate structures and also amino-functional polyaspartic esters as curing agents.
US07927703B2	Adhesive blends, articles, and methods Described are adhesive compositions containing a mixture of a pressure sensitive adhesive, a high Tg polymer, and a crosslinker to form a compatibilized blend that is optically clear. Methods of using the adhesive compositions, and multilayer assemblies such as optical elements prepared using the adhesives, are also provided.
US07927701B2	Vapor grown carbon fiber reinforced composite materials and methods of making and using same This invention provides vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF) reinforced continuous fiber performs for the manufacture of articles with useful mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. Continuous fiber preforms are treated with a catalyst or catalyst precursor and processed to yield VGCF produced in situ resulting in a highly entangled mass of VGCF infused with the continuous fiber preform. The resulting continuous fiber preforms are high in volume fraction of VGCF and exhibit high surface area useful for many applications. Furthermore, this invention provides for a continuous fiber preform infused with VGCF so that the carbon nanofibers are always contained within the fiber preform. This eliminates the processing steps for isolated carbon nanofibers reported in other carbon nanofiber composite approaches and therefore greatly reduces risk of environmental release and exposure to carbon nanofibers.
US07927699B2	Porous zirconia powder and production method of same The present invention provides a porous zirconium powder having improved heat resistance of total pore volume, and a simple production method thereof. More specifically, the present invention provides: (1) a porous zirconium powder in which total pore volume following heat treatment for three hours at 1000° C. is at least 0.75 ml/g, and total volume of pores having a diameter of 10 to 100 nm following heat treatment for three hours at 1000° C. is at least 30% of the total pore volume, and (2) a production method of a porous zirconia powder comprising: forming a basic zirconium sulfate by adding a sulfating agent to a zirconium salt solution; forming zirconium hydroxide by neutralizing the basic zirconium sulfate; and heat-treating the zirconium hydroxide, wherein, when adding the sulfating agent to the zirconium salt solution, the sulfating agent is added to the zirconium salt solution having a temperature of 100° C. or higher in an autoclave.
US07927698B2	Fibers and nonwovens comprising polyethylene blends and mixtures Fibers (including bicomponent fibers) comprising polymeric blends and polymeric mixtures that incorporate a blend of a first polyethylene and a second polyethylene are described. The first and second polyethylenes have a predetermined relationship for the density and the melt index of the individual polyethylenes.
US07927696B2	Visible light absorbing film, structural member having this visible light absorbing film and visible light absorbing ink which forms visible light absorbing film The visible light absorbing film according to the present invention is formed by a visible light absorbing ink having been coated on one side or both sides of a substrate which has solar radiation reflecting properties and whose visible light reflectance is 10% or more, and is characterized in that the degree of reduction of visible light reflectance is 0.9 or less as defined by degree of reduction of visible light reflectance=[visible light reflectance (%) after coating of the ink]/[visible light reflectance (%) before coating of the ink], and the degree of reduction of solar radiation reflectance is 0.25 or more as defined by degree of reduction of solar radiation reflectance=[solar radiation reflectance (%) after coating of the ink]/[solar radiation reflectance (%) before coating of the ink].
US07927694B2	Waterproofing sheet It comprises three layers: a first layer of plastic material that provides the whole with mechanical strength, a second intermediate layer of foam forming a union between the first and second layer, and a third layer of impermeable plastic material and is characterized in that the first layer (2) is mase on an elastomeric polyolefin of high strength and elasticity, in that the second layer (3) is of closed-cell, physically or chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, and in that the third layer (4) is of polyolefin with high tear resistance. A light waterproofing sheet is obtained which withstands extreme meteorological conditions, is resistant to chemical agents, while it also has optimum mechanical properties at a lower thickness thanks to the material of which the first layer is comprised and unlike other sheets existing it has no ageing limit, which means that once the sheets have been fitted they do not have to be replaced.
US07927693B2	High capacity hydrogen storage material and method of making the same The present invention provides a high capacity hydrogen storage material in which a plural mesopore channels and fractal networks of nanopore channels communicating therewith and connecting to the micropores are formed in a microporous material, wherein a plural metal particles are formed on the surface of the mesopore and nanopore channels and of the micropores. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for making the hydrogen storage material through oxidizing the microporous material so as to form a plural mesopore channels and fractal networks of nanopore channels, both of which are connected to the micropores to form a base for the deposition of metal particles capable of decomposing hydrogen molecules into hydrogen atoms. The high capacity hydrogen storage material is capable of increasing the capacity of hydrogen storage, and besides, the oxidizing process for making the hydrogen storage material is simple and has merits of saving cost.
US07927691B2	Film adhesive of thermoset resin, curing agent and fibrous micropulp A prepreg composite material that includes a fiber layer and a resin comprising a thermoset resin component, a curing agent and a fibrous micropulp. The micropulp component is an aramid fiber having a volume average length of from 0.01 to 100 micrometers. The prepreg is useful in composite panel construction for minimizing fluid permeation into the cured structure. This prepreg is particularly suitable for making honeycomb sandwich panels. Film adhesives, liquid and paste resins containing aramid fiber micropulp are also disclosed.
US07927689B2	Information carrier precursor and information carrier produced therewith Information carrier precursor comprising a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one layer; and at least one substance, optionally provided pattern-wise, capable of and available for interacting in situ with at least one species diffusing through the receiving layer configuration to produce a functional species, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque, porous, has the capability of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and comprises at least one pigment and at least one binder; a method for producing the above-mentioned information carrier precursor; a method for producing an information carrier; and information carriers produced therewith.
US07927681B2	Fastening assembly and cushion having fastening assembly A fastening assembly and a cushion having the same are provided. The fastening assembly includes a first strip and a second strip. The first strip has a first surface protrudingly provided with a plurality of hooks, and a second surface to which the second strip is bonded. The fastening assembly further includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer, both comprising a magnetic substance. The first protective layer is disposed lengthwise along both lateral sides of the first surface of the first strip so as to form sidewalls respectively and embed some of the hooks. The second protective layer is attached to the first protective layer so as to cover the hooks on the first surface of the first strip.
US07927675B2	Recording sheets for ink jet printing A recording sheet for ink jet printing is provided, which consists of a support having coated thereon at least one ink-receiving layer consisting of binders and at least one nanoporous inorganic compound, wherein the recording sheet contains a polynuclear aluminum hydroxo complex with 30 aluminum atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the nanoporous inorganic compound is modified by a treatment with the aluminum hydroxo complex with 30 aluminum atoms.
US07927674B2	Foldable party decoration A decoration in a variety of shapes and including a substantially flat main body and a string. The main body has a plurality of extensions extending from a base portion. Each extension has an aperture therethrough at its free end. The string passes through each aperture in a same direction. The extensions are foldable such that the ends with the apertures are stacked and the string passes through the apertures in a line. Accordingly, the decoration forms a curved surface. Two edges of the main body can be attached to form a closed loop structure. The extensions may extend from both ends of the base portion to form fully enclosed surfaces, for example a sphere.
US07927667B2	Spray apparatus and method for the repair of can ends This invention generally relates to a spray apparatus and a method useful in the repair of coating adhered to can ends used in the food and beverage packaging industries. The spray apparatus has one or more elongated shafts rotatably coupled to a frame. One or more bearing members are rotatably coupled to the shafts. One or more plates are rotatably coupled to the bearing members. One or more spray guns are coupled to the plates. The spray guns of the spray apparatus are structured to apply fluid to the can end with a solid stream emitted from the spray guns in a circular pattern. A method for the repair of coating adhered on a can end is provided as well.
US07927666B2	Aligned carbon nanotube-polymer materials, systems and methods The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nanostructures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within polymers or other flexible materials to provide a flexible skin-like material, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a carbon nanotube/polymer composite material having a plurality of carbon nanotubes formed into a predetermined architecture, with each of the plurality of nanotubes having a desired width and length. The architecture of the plurality of nanotubes defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanotubes, and also defines the approximate spacing between nanotubes and/or groups of nanotubes. The carbon nanotube architecture is at least partially embedded with a polymer matrix in a manner that the architecture is stabilized in the predetermined architecture. The polymer matrix may also be formed to have a desired predetermined thickness.
US07927661B2	Methods of depositing a metal oxide layer or film using a rare earth metal precursor Methods of depositing a single or mixed metal oxide layer or film are described herein. The methods use a rare earth metal precursor are described herein. The rare earth metal precursors have a general formula M[OCR1(R2)(CH2)X]3, wherein M is a rare earth metal, R1 is H or an alkyl group, R2 is an optionally substituted alkyl group and X is selected from OR and NR, wherein R is an alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group.
US07927660B2	Method of manufacturing nano-crystalline silicon dot layer A method of manufacturing a nano-crystalline silicon dot layer is provided. A silicon layer is formed over a substrate. The silicon layer includes crystalline silicon region and amorphous silicon region. An oxidation process is performed to oxidize the amorphous silicon region and the surfaces of the crystalline silicon region to form a silicon oxide layer containing nano-crystalline silicon dots.
US07927659B2	System and method for depositing a material on a substrate A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate includes introducing a material and a carrier gas into a heated chamber. The material may be a semiconductor material, such as a cadmium chalcogenide. A resulting mixture of vapor and carrier gas containing no unvaporized material is provided. The mixture of vapor and carrier gas are remixed to achieve a uniform vapor/carrier gas composition, which is directed toward a surface of a substrate, such as a glass substrate, where the vapor is deposited as a uniform film.
US07927657B2	Liquid processing apparatus and liquid processing method In a liquid processing apparatus for forming a coating film on a polygonal substrate by spin coating in an ambient with a descending clean air flow, a spin chuck includes a support plate for substantially horizontally supporting the substrate thereon. Air flow control members are provided on the spin chuck such that the air flow control member being disposed adjacent to a periphery of the polygonal substrate supported on the spin chuck, wherein the air flow control member is not provided near corner portions of the substrate supported on the spin chuck. The liquid processing apparatus may includes an air flow regulation ring which is provided with an air inlet having an opening surrounding an outer periphery of the air flow control member, wherein the air inlet communicates with the exhaust unit.
US07927655B2	Method for fabricating dehumidifying element including superabsorbent polymer and apparatus thereof A method for preparing a dehumidifying element including a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) comprises mixing SAP particles with inorganic salt particles, exposing the SAP particles and the inorganic salt particles to a high humidity atmosphere thereby absorbing the deliquescent inorganic salt by the SAP, and drying moisture inside the SAP that has absorbed the inorganic salt. Accordingly, an amount of the inorganic salt absorbed by the SAP is minutely controlled thus to precisely control a degree of an ion exchange therebetween, thereby freely controlling a hygroscopic property of the dehumidifying element including the SAP. Furthermore, since the SAP particles and the inorganic salt particles are physically mixed together, the mixture ratio therebetween is entirely uniform, and therefore, the reliability of the product can be obtained.
US07927654B2	Methods and apparatus for spatial light modulation The invention relates to methods of manufacturing display devices which include the steps of depositing a layer of a dielectric material directly on a substantially transparent substrate, depositing a layer of metal directly on top of the dielectric material, forming a plurality of apertures in the layer of metal, forming a control matrix on top of the metal layer, and forming a plurality of light-modulating shutter assemblies on top of and in electrical communication with the control matrix such that the control matrix controls the light modulation functionality of the plurality of shutter assemblies.
US07927653B2	Metal mold repair method and metal mold repair paste agent Providing a metal mold repair method and a metal mold repair paste agent which are capable of repairing cracks with simple work.A repair paste agent containing components that become an alloy is directly applied to a surface of a metal mold having a crack so as to cover the crack part, subsequently a surface of the repair paste agent is coated with an oxidation inhibitor and the repair paste agent is made to penetrate the inside of the crack by heating and becomes an alloy, thereby filling up the crack.
US07927652B2	Method for manufacturing field emission electron source A method for manufacturing a field emission electron source, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a substrate, a carbon nanotubes slurry, and a conductive slurry; applying a conductive slurry layer onto the substrate; applying a layer of carbon nanotubes slurry onto the conductive slurry layer; and solidifying the substrate under a temperature of 300 to 600 degrees centigrade so as to form the field emission electron source.
US07927651B2	Biosensor having nano wire for detecting food additive mono sodium glutamate and manufacturing method thereof There is provided a biosensor capable of increasing a detecting sensitivity of a target substance of glutamate, by using a nano wire having excellent electrical characteristics and by immobilizing a receptor of glutamate to be detected on a substrate which is disposed between a nano wire and another nano wire and a method for manufacturing the same. The biosensor for detecting glutamate according to the present invention can be manufactured with an arrangement in which the nano wire is selectively arranged on a solid substrate in a matrix. Since this biosensor can prevent the degradation of the nano wire in the electrical characteristic, it can sensitively detect glutamate even through a small amount thereof is contained in a food so that it can be effectively used in detecting the food additive existing in the processed foodstuffs.
US07927650B2	System and method for loading a beneficial agent into a medical device The beneficial agent is applied into the holes in a medical device in a dry particulate form and is adhered in the hole in a manner that allows release of the drug in a controlled manner. The drug material would be formed into particles and placed in the holes. The solvent would be added to partially liquefy and adhere the drug into the holes. After application of the solvent, the particles are adhered together in a substantially uniform drug containing matrix. The particles may include drug alone or drug in combination with other materials including a matrix.
US07927648B2	Composition and method for enhancing eggs A blend is provided for enhancing or replacing eggs in foods. The blend, when mixed with natural liquid eggs, liquid egg substitute or whole egg powder and water, provides an edible egg product having a higher level of protein and lower levels of cholesterol and fats per serving than the levels normally found in natural eggs. The blend includes major amounts of a soy protein concentrate and minor amounts of lecithin. The lecithin is preferably a de-oiled lecithin obtained from soy beans. In an alternative embodiment, the blend includes a soluble dietary fiber, such as a digestion resistant maltodextrin soluble dietary fiber, in addition to the soy protein and lecithin. The dietary fiber is present in an amount less than the amount of the soy protein but greater than the amount of lecithin.
US07927646B2	Refrigeration-temperature spreadable butter-based product A method of forming a butter product comprises forming a primary oil-in-water emulsion by dispersing liquified stearine butterfat in a butter serum, the liquified stearine butterfat forming stearine globules within the butter serum. The primary oil-in-water emulsion is dispersed into an olein butterfat component forming an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion, and the oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion being cooled to form the butter product which is spreadable at a temperature of less than about 45° F.
US07927640B2	Calcium fortification of bread dough Calcium additives useful for fortifying baked goods, such as bread products, with calcium are disclosed. The calcium additives are particularly useful for fortifying leavened baked goods with calcium. Methods for preparing the calcium additives and using the calcium additives to fortify baked goods are also disclosed. Generally, the calcium additives comprise intimate admixtures calcium carbonate and an acid such as citric acid.
US07927638B2	Fermented milk drinks and foods and process for producing the same Fermented milk drinks and foods containing fermented milk components obtained by fermentation with lactic acid bacteria together with a growth promoter for lactic acid bacteria selected from among ginger extract, tea extract, green onion extract, or oleic acid and derivatives thereof, and a process for producing the fermented milk drinks and foods involving the step of culturing lactic acid bacteria in a medium containing the growth promoter for lactic acid bacteria. These fermented milk drinks and foods can contain a large number of viable cells of lactic acid bacteria and sustain the activity (acid producing ability) of the bacteria at a high level.
US07927636B1	Hydroxycitric acid compositions, pharmaceutical and dietary supplements and food products made therefrom, and methods for their use in reducing body weight Hydroxycitric acid compositions which comprise approximately 14 to 26% by weight of calcium, and approximately 24 to 40% by weight of potassium or approximately 14 to 24% by weight of sodium, or a mixture thereof, each calculated as a percentage of the total hydroxycitric acid content of the composition, together with dietary supplements and food products containing such compositions and methods for utilizing such compositions, dietary supplements and food products to reduce body weight in mammals are disclosed.
US07927635B2	Nematicides from Juglandaceae and methods of use thereof The invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting nematode damage to plants. The compositions comprise acid extracts or alcohol extracts from jugloneproducing members of the Juglandaceae. The methods comprise applying the compositions of the invention to soil contacting roots of nematode-susceptible plants.
US07927634B2	Compositions and methods for treating angiogenesis-related diseases, wounds and cosmetic use of components of Angelica sinensis, and methods of preparation thereof Compositions and methods for treating angiogenesis-related diseases and for skin care in mammals is disclosed that includes, as an active pharmaceutical agent, an effective amount of purified extract from Angelica sinensis, or a fraction or a lyophilizate thereof, or one or more active component contained in said extract.
US07927632B2	Compositions for sterilizing spores of spore-forming microorganisms comprising the extracts of torilidis fructus Disclosed are a composition comprising an organic acid extract of Torilidis Fructus, which has a sterilization effect on spores of spore-forming microorganisms including fungi and bacteria, and a method of sterilizing spores and vegetative cells using the composition.
US07927631B2	Formulations and treatments for well-being A formulation for well-being in humans including: extracts from the herbal varieties, Polygonum multiflorum, Panax quinquefolium, Gingko biloba, and Equisetum arvense; beta sitosterol methyl sulfonyl methane; soy isoflavones; levo-arginine; inositol; niacin; pantothenic acid or salts thereof; alpha-tocopherol; biotin; pyridoxine hydrochloride zinc (or amino acid chelate thereof); and colostrum.
US07927627B2	Nanoparticulate fibrate formulations The present invention is directed to fibrate compositions having improved pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced fed/fasted variability. The fibrate particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.
US07927625B2	Sugar-coated agent A sugar-coated agent that includes a core, a film layer that mainly includes a film component, the outer surface of the core being coated with the film layer, a sugar coating layer that mainly includes a sugar coating component, the outside of the film layer being coated with the sugar coating layer, and a middle layer that includes a film component and a sugar coating component and is provided between the film layer and the sugar coating layer, wherein within the middle layer, the concentration of the sugar coating component at the interface between the middle layer and the sugar coating layer is higher than the concentration of the sugar coating component at the interface between the middle layer and the film layer.
US07927623B2	Tablets quickly disintegrated in oral cavity Intraorally rapidly disintegrating tablets which, when ingested, disintegrates in the oral cavity rapidly without presenting unpleasant taste, can be quickly absorbed in the digestive tract and express efficacy are provided. The intraorally rapidly disintegrating tablets contain a drug being hardly water-soluble under neutral or alkaline conditions and being highly water-soluble under acidic conditions yet presenting unpleasant taste, which tablets can be prepared by combining the medicinal substance with a water-soluble acidic substance, coating either or both of the substances with a water-soluble coating agent being insoluble in alcoholic solvent, further adding a water-soluble binding agent being soluble in alcoholic solvent and a water-soluble saccharide, subjecting the resultant mixture to compression, and treating the products with an alcoholic solvent.
US07927620B2	Medical devices having antifouling character According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which include (a) a substrate and (b) a coating that includes an antifouling copolymer, an adhesive copolymer, or both. Antifouling copolymers for use in conjunction with the present invention contain (i) at least one antifouling polymer block having multiple pendant alkoxy functional groups along the polymer backbone and (ii) at least one additional polymer block. Adhesive copolymers for use in conjunction with the present invention contain (i) at least one adhesive polymer block having multiple pendant ring-hydroxyl-substituted aromatic groups along the polymer backbone and (ii) at least one additional polymer block.
US07927619B2	In situ bulking composition The present invention relates to a hydrated, biocompatible tissue-augmentation compound and methodology for its implantation into mammalian tissue. The tissue-augmentation compound is comprised of: living tissue, optionally body derived fluids, and at least one NCO-terminated hydrophilic urethane prepolymer derived from an organic polyisocyanate, and oxyethylene-containing diols or polyols in which essentially all of hydroxyl groups are capped with polyisocyanate.
US07927617B2	Preparation comprising at least one conazole fungicide The invention relates to preparations, in particular plant-protective preparations which contain a mixture of at least two different active plant-protective substances, wherein a) at least one active substance is selected from a conazole group (active substance 1) and b) another active-plant protective substance (active substance 2) whose water solubility at a temperature of 20° C. is less than 20 g/l., c) at least one type of copolymer CP consisting of M monomers comprising α) at least one type of monoethylenically unsaturated monomer M1 comprising at least one sulphonic acid group and β) at least one type of neutral monoethylenically unsaturated monomer M2, wherein the quantitative ratio between the active substance 1 and the other active plant-protective substance 2 ranges from 1:10 to 10:1. Said invention also relates to novel copolymers CP which are embodied in the form of polymers consisting of at least three types of different monoethylenically unsaturated monomers M and comprise, in the polymerization incorporated form, α) at least one type of monoethylenically unsaturated monomer M1 comprising at least one sulphonic acid group, β1) at least one type of neutral monoethylenically unsaturated monomer M2 whose water solubility at a temperature of 20° C. is less than 30 g/l and β2) at least one type of neutral monoethylenically unsaturated monomer M2b whose water solubility at a temperature of 20° C. is greater than 50 g/l.
US07927614B2	Anti-aging treatment using copper and zinc compositions Composition and methods for alleviating or eliminating age related skin conditions by providing an effective amount of one or more copper, zinc and copper-zinc compositions are disclosed. Treatment is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more copper or zinc salts and/or copper-zinc compounds or complexes, particularly copper-zinc malonate active ingredient.
US07927613B2	Pharmaceutical co-crystal compositions A pharmaceutical composition comprising a co-crystal of an API and a co-crystal former; wherein the API has at least one functional group selected from ether, thioether, alcohol, thiol, aldehyde, ketone, thioketone, nitrate ester, phosphate ester, thiophosphate ester, ester, thioester, sulfate ester, carboxylic acid, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid, sulfonic acid, amide, primary amine, secondary amine, ammonia, tertiary amine, sp2 amine, thiocyanate, cyanamide, oxime, nitrile diazo, organohalide, nitro, s-heterocyclic ring, thiophene, n-heterocyclic ring, pyrrole, o-heterocyclic ring, furan, epoxide, peroxide, hydroxamic acid, imidazole, pyridine and the co-crystal former has at least one functional group selected from amine, amide, pyridine, imidazole, indole, pyrrolidine, carbonyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, phenol, sulfone, sulfonyl, mercapto and methyl thio, such that the API and co-crystal former are capable of co-crystallizing from a solution phase under crystallization conditions.
US07927599B2	Chondrocyte therapeutic delivery system Systems and methods for modifying the environment of target cell using genetically altered chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express a therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes.
US07927595B1	Methods for downregulating CCR5 in T cells with anti-CD3 antibodies and anti-CD28 antibodies Methods for modulating HIV-1 fusion cofactor expression by manipulating an accessory molecule on the surface of T cells, such as CD28, are described. The invention encompasses methods for modulating HIV-1 fusion cofactor expression by stimulating or inhibiting one or more intracellular signals which result from ligation of a surface receptor on a T cell which binds a costimulatory molecule. In one embodiment, expression of an HIV-1 fusion cofactor, such as CCR5, is downregulated by stimulating a CD28-associated signal in the T cell.
US07927594B2	Antibodies directed against amyloid-beta peptide Monoclonal antibody 9TL and antibodies derived from 9TL directed against amyloid-beta peptide and methods of using same for diagnosing and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Aβ peptide associated diseases are described. Methods of using antibodies directed against amyloid-beta peptide having impaired effector function for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Aβ peptide associated diseases are also described.
US07927591B2	Conformation specific antibodies The disclosure provides, inter alia, binding proteins (e.g., antibodies) that bind to an integrin in an activated conformation, e.g., activated LFA-1 (“aLFA-1”), e.g., relative to a non-activated conformation of LFA-1. In one embodiment, the binding proteins inhibit at least one function of an aLFA-1, e.g., inhibit a binding interaction between aLFA-1 and a cognate ligand of aLFA-1, e.g., an ICAM protein. The binding proteins can be used to treat or prevent an inflammatory disorder or other disorder.
US07927590B2	Compositions and methods for inhibiting growth of smad4-deficient cancers The present invention is in the fields of cell biology, immunology and oncology. The invention relates to the discovery that there is a relationship between the expression levels of the tumor suppressor gene smad4 (also known as dpc4) and integrin αvβ6, and the responsiveness of patient populations to αvβ6-active compounds and compositions (e.g., antibodies and other ligands that bind αvβ6), particularly in cancer cells from such patient populations, more particularly on carcinomas such as pancreatic carcinomas. The invention thus provides methods for determining the responsiveness of tumor cells (particularly those from pancreatic tumors) to such αvβ6-active compounds and compositions by examining the expression of αvβ6 and smad4 by the tumor cells, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment/prevention of tumor progression using ligands, including antibodies and small molecule drugs, that bind to integrin αvβ6 on the surfaces of tumor cells and/or that block one or more components of the TGF-β pathway, particularly in smad4-deficient tumor cells.
US07927584B2	Lactic bacteria useful as probiotics An isolated strain of Enterococcus faecalis GALT deposited under number CECT 7121 of the group of lactic bacteria is disclosed, which is capable of surviving and colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of humans and/or animals and showing beneficial probiotic activity for the health of humans and animals. The strain E. faecalis GALT and/or a culture supernatant and/or metabolites thereof shows no in vitro multiresistance to antibiotics of common use in human clinics as glycopeptides, such as vancomycin, teicoplanine; carbapenemes, such as impipenem, meropenem; and ampicillin. The strain E. faecalis GALT contains no red blood cell-destroying hemolysins of human, ovine and equine origin; and it does not produce any gelatinase, DNase and decarboxylases.The strain E. faecalis GALT is useful for the preparation of a composition intended for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders associated with colonization by pathogenic microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract; for use as a regulator of the immune response in human and animals, as well as for the preparation of a composition.The invention is also directed to methods and uses of the strain E. faecalis GALT.
US07927582B2	Method and composition for producing enhanced fingernails A method for increasing the strength, thickness and surface smoothness of a finger nail composed primarily of keratin but also containing small amount of calcium.
US07927574B2	Method for regenerating a solid reactant A method for regenerating a solid reactant includes streaming the solid reactant into an inlet port of a contact or vessel and heating the solid reactant inside the contactor vessel, streaming a purge oxidant into an oxidant port of the contactor vessel to reduce a partial pressure of gas released from the solid reactant, venting the gas from a gas port of the contactor vessel, and removing the solid reactant from a discharge port of the contactor vessel.
US07927573B2	Multi-stage process for purifying carbon dioxide and producing acid Carbon dioxide is purified by processes employing NOx-rich sulfuric acid that can be formed by removal of SO2 from the carbon dioxide.
US07927569B2	Methods for producing gallium and other oxo/hydroxo-bridged metal aquo clusters Metallic clusters can be produced by contacting a metal salt such as a metal nitrate with an organic reducing agent. Metals can be selected from a group consisting of metals exhibiting octahedral coordination, and nitrates of the selected metal or metals are contacted with, for example nitrosobenzene. Binary, tertiary, or other clusters can be produced.
US07927568B2	Method of and apparatus for CO2 capture in oxy-combustion A method of and an apparatus for capturing CO2 from flue gas emanating from a carbonaceous fuel combusting power plant, which includes a source of oxygen and a combustion chamber for combusting the fuel with oxygen and thereby producing flue gas that includes CO2, water and excess oxygen as its main components. At least a portion of the flue gas is compressed to a pressure higher than about sixty bar, the compressed flue gas is cooled in a primary CO2 separating unit for capturing a first portion of the CO2 by condensing it to produce a liquid CO2 stream and a high pressure vent gas stream that includes oxygen and excess CO2, the liquid CO2 stream is discharged from the power plant, and the high pressure vent gas stream is conducted to a secondary CO2 separating unit for capturing a second portion of the CO2 by adsorbing it to an adsorbing material.
US07927566B2	Extraction of radionuclides by crown ether-containing extractants The present invention relates to a treatment of high-level waste of radiochemical production containing radionuclides and macro-admixtures including sodium. The method of extraction of radionuclides by processing acidic aqueous waste solutions by extractants containing macrocyclic compounds selected from the group of crown ethers having aromatic fragments containing alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl substituents of a linear and/or branched structure, and/or cyclohexane fragments containing alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl substituents of a linear and/or branched structure, and/or fragments of —O—CHR—CH2O—, where R is the normal or branched alkyl or hydroxyalkyl in organic solvents containing polyfluorinated telomeric alcohol 1,1,7-trihydrododecafluoroheptanol-1 having the formula H(CF2CF2)nCH2OH, where n=3, and a mixture of polyoxyethylene glycol ethers of synthetic primary higher aliphatic alcohols of a fraction C12-C14 of a general formula CnH2n+1O(C2H4O)mH, where n=12-14, m=2 is proposed. A possibility of selection of quantitative and qualitative composition of the extractant depending on the waste composition and the object to be achieved of joint or individual extraction of radionuclides results in universal technology. A method of regeneration of extractants containing crown ethers allowing one to carry out the operation of extraction of radionuclides in a commercial scale under countercurrent dynamic conditions, with regeneration of the extractant for reuse is also proposed.
US07927563B1	Kit for separation of biological fluids For containing a biological fluid and draining a constituent of the biological fluid, a kit includes a barrel, a piston assembly, a removable element, which is configured to move the piston assembly, a drainage element, which interacts with the piston assembly, and an interacting element, which interacts with the piston assembly. The kit allows for fluid separation without risk of contamination from the biological fluid itself or contamination of the biological fluid itself. Further, the kit offers the advantage of involving no needles or other sharp elements.
US07927558B2	System and apparatus for detecting breach of exposure protection equipment A method, system, and apparatus are provided for use with exposure protection systems or equipment such as respiratory protection devices. One system is provided for detecting a breach of an exposure protection device by an amount of a target substance. The system includes an exposure protection device that isolates a protected environment from an external environment potentially including a target substance. The device includes a protective covering that includes a substantially transparent window. The system also includes a detector or detector element for indicating the presence of the target substance. Such a detector is capable of producing a visually observable indication upon detection of the level of target substance.
US07927556B2	Catalytic naphtha reforming process A process and apparatus for catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons wherein the effluent stream from the first and/or second reactor of a reforming train with several reactors in series is cooled in a multistage process to remove aromatic compounds in the reacting medium prior to being reheated and returned to subsequent reactors for additional reaction to occur. The partial removal of aromatic compounds enhances the driving force for the conversion of paraffins and naphthenes by making the equilibrium more favorable to such conversion. The removal of aromatic compounds reduces the size of downstream process equipment thereby reducing capital costs and lowering energy usage. It is possible to add additional feed streams to reactors downstream of the intermediate reactor effluent cooling step thereby making the process unit capable of processing more feedstock to produce more product.
US07927555B2	Charging of a reactor The present invention relates to a process for charging a reactor with a catalyst, to the resulting charged reactors, and to the use thereof for carrying out catalytic gas phase reactions.
US07927554B2	Air purifier An air purifier has an air flow cavity bounded by cavity walls and a source of ultraviolet light emitting ultraviolet light within the cavity. The cavity walls have an ultraviolet light reflective coating. A plurality of photocatalytic particles are associated with the reflective coating. The photocatalytic particles are of a type which leads to production of oxygen and hydroxyl free radicals when illuminated with ultraviolet light in the presence of water.
US07927552B2	Method of mixing fluids and mixing apparatus adopting the same Provided are a method of and an apparatus for rapidly and effectively mixing fluids even in a laminar flow regime with a very low Reynold's number by applying AC power with a resonant frequency to more effectively induce electrokinetic instability. Also provided are a method of and an apparatus for mixing fluids in which the degree of mixing of the fluids can be varied with time by applying AC power with a lower frequency than a resonant frequency to synchronize a pattern of mixing fluids with the AC power.
US07927550B2	Microfluidic connection A microfluidic connection comprising a carrier element having a microfluidic channel fixed between a feeding element and a backplate. The feeding element comprises a channel adopted for feeding a fluid into the microfluidic channel of the carrier element. The backplate comprises a recess arranged opposing the feeding element and comprising an elastic thrust piece.
US07927548B2	Specimen sample collection device and test system A specimen sample collection device includes a handle having a sufficiency indicator and an absorbent pad partially contained within said handle. A specimen sample collection device and test system includes a handle having a sufficiency indicator, an absorbent pad partially contained within said handle, a pad compression tube insertable over said absorbent pad within said handle and around an end of said handle, and a collection tube having one or more sample chambers, attachable to said pad compression tube, and wherein said compression tube defines one or more chambers, and wherein when said collection tube is attached to said pad compression tube, the chambers are in fluid communication with said pad compression tube. A specimen sample collection device including a sufficiency indicator made up of a light pipe indicator window. A specimen sample collection device including an absorbent pad split and divided into two lengths connected at a base. A specimen sample collection device including a bar code identification. A specimen sample collection device and test system including a lock and key securing mechanism. A specimen sample collection device including a handle one or more analyte test strips A specimen sample collection device and test system including a reader.
US07927546B2	Device for the analysis of liquid samples The present invention relates to devices for the analysis of liquid samples, comprising a rotational-symmetric rotor (1) which is insertable into a sample container (11), wherein an annular gap (32) is provided between the sample container (11) and the rotor (1), and the rotor (1) has at least one flow channel (7) for transporting liquids and/or gases into and/or from the interior of the sample container (11), wherein on the rotor (1) and, optionally, on the sample container (11), means for centred mounting of the rotor (1) are provided.
US07927544B2	Paracorporeal respiratory assist lung A paracorporeal respiratory assist lung is configured with an annular cylindrical hollow fiber membrane (fiber bundle) that is rotated at rapidly varying speeds. Fluid (for example, blood) is introduced to the center of the device and is passed radially through the fiber bundle. The bundle is rotated at rapidly changing velocities with a rotational actuator (for example, a motor or magnetic coupling). The rotation of the fiber bundle provides centrifugal kinetic energy to the fluid giving the device pumping capabilities and may create Taylor vortexes to increase mass transfer. Rotation of the fiber bundle increases the relative velocity between the fluid and the hollow fibers and increases the mass transfer. The porosity of the fiber bundle may be varied to enhance gas exchange with the blood. Alternatively, a rotating core may be used with a stationary fiber bundle.
US07927538B2	Light-curing slips for the stereolithographic preparation of dental ceramics Slip based on a polyreactive binder, polymerization initiator and filler, which contains (A) 5-65 wt.-% polymerizable binder, (B) 0.001-1.0 wt.-% photoinitiator and (C) 35-90 wt.-% surface-modified ceramic and/or glass ceramic particles relative to the overall mass of the slip, and process for the preparation of ceramic mouldings by rapid prototyping processes using the slip.
US07927535B2	Supporting assembly for a lock of a motor vehicle, and method for fabrication of said assembly A supporting assembly for a lock of a motor vehicle having a shell made of plastic material, which defines a housing for a part of the mobile members of the lock and with at least one metal element, which supports respective pins for hinging the aforesaid mobile members. The shell, which is made of plastic material, is co-molded on the metal element.
US07927534B1	Process to make a waterway connector A process is described which uses overmolding to create an all plastic waterway within a faucet leading up to an inlet port for a spout. The waterway connector has at least two arms and a central connector and wherein the process includes the steps of: at least partially inserting one end of a tube into a first split mold; inserting at least two pins at least partially into the mold, a first pin inserted into the at least one end of the tube and a second pin inserted essentially normal to the direction of insertion of the first pin; injection overmolding a first geometry onto the one end of said tube and forming a profile for fluid transfer with the second pin and associated mold surfaces, the profile having a terminal lip; at least partially inserting two of the profiles with terminal lips into a second split mold, each of the profiles being a mirror image of the other, onto a core having a mating profile for each lip, the mating profile on said core comprising opposing grooves; and injection overmolding a second geometry about the lips to form a leak-proof upwardly extending connector. The process optionally contains the step of crosslinking the waterway connector.
US07927533B2	Method for manufacturing image display device A thin image display device having a resin interposed between an image display unit and a protection member having a light-shielding member is manufactured. In the manufactured image display device, display defects caused by the deformation of the image display unit do not occur, and high-brightness and high-contrast display can be achieved. In addition, the resin in the area where the light-shielding member is formed can be sufficiently cured. The method for manufacturing an image display device includes the step of forming a cured resin layer by interposing a photo-curable resin composition between a base including the image display unit and a light-transmitting protection member including a light-shielding member and then photo-curing the photo-curable resin composition. In this method, a resin composition having a curing shrinkage ratio of 5% or less, yielding a cured product having a storage elastic modulus at 25° C. of 1.0×107 Pa or less, and forming the cured resin layer having a light transmittance of 90% or more in a visible range is used as the photo-curable resin composition. The photo-curable resin composition is photo-cured by irradiating it with rays of light at least from an outer side surface with respect to a forming surface of the light-shielding member.
US07927523B2	Densification of C-C composites with pitches followed by CVI/CVD Method of manufacturing pitch-based carbon-carbon composite useful as a brake disc, by: (a) providing annular carbon fiber brake disc preform; (b) heat-treating the carbon fiber preform; (c) infiltrating the carbon fiber preform with pitch feedstock by VPI or RTM processing; (d) carbonizing the pitch-infiltrated carbon fiber preform; (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) to achieve a density in the carbon fiber preform of approximately 1.5 g/cc to below 1.7 g/cc; and (f) densifying the preform by CVI/CVD processing to a density higher than 1.7 g/cc. Employing lower cost VPI and/or RTM processing in early pitch densification cycles and using more expensive CVI/CVD processing only in the last densification cycle provides C-C composites in which the pitch-based components resist pullout, resulting in a longer wearing composite.
US07927522B2	Polarized lens and method of making polarized lens An eyeglass lens is made of layers which include an outer, convex hard coating, a layer of hard epoxy, a PVA film, a layer of soft epoxy, a layer of adhesive, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. The major steps in producing the lens are to 1: prepare a clean, soft PVA film; 2: form the PVA film into the desired curved shape using a convex mold; 3: add hard epoxy to the outer, convex side of the PVA film; 4: add soft epoxy to the inner, concave side; 5: add the base material to the inner, concave side; and 6: harden and package the lens.
US07927520B2	Method for lighting apparatus and display apparatus The lighting apparatus includes a light source, a housing that contains the light source inside and has an exit port for outputting light from the light source, and an optical sheet that is placed in the exit port. The optical sheet includes a lens structure that is placed at a light exit side and aligns an output direction of incident light from the light source, a reflector that is placed at a light incident side and reflects light emitted by the light source, and a light transmitting opening that exists in the reflector and transmits incident light from the light source. The light transmitting opening is placed in a position deviated from an optical axis of the lens structure. The display apparatus includes the lighting apparatus.
US07927517B2	Coating solution for forming high dielectric constant thin film and method for forming dielectric thin film using the same Disclosed herein are a coating solution for the formation of a dielectric thin film and a method for the formation of a dielectric thin film using the coating solution. The coating solution comprises a titanium alkoxide, a β-diketone or its derivative, and a benzoic acid derivative having an electron donating group. The method comprises spin coating the coating solution on a substrate to form a thin film and drying the thin film at a low temperature to crystallize the thin film. The titanium-containing coating solution is highly stable. In addition, the coating solution enables formation of a thin film, regardless of the kind of substrates, and can be used to form dielectric thin films in an in-line mode in the production processes of PCBs.
US07927516B2	Method for synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles A method for synthesis of high quality colloidal nanoparticles using comprises a high heating rate process. Irradiation of single mode, high power, microwave is a particularly well suited technique to realize high quality semiconductor nanoparticles. The use of microwave radiation effectively automates the synthesis, and more importantly, permits the use of a continuous flow microwave reactor for commercial preparation of the high quality colloidal nanoparticles.
US07927514B2	Microcapsule-based hardener for epoxy resin, masterbatch-based hardener composition for epoxy resin, one-part epoxy resin composition, and processed good Provided is a microcapsule-based hardener for an epoxy resin, which have a core (C) formed using a hardener (H) for the epoxy resin as a starting material and a shell (S) for covering the core (C) therewith. Since it is characterized in that the hardener (H) for the epoxy resin has an average particle size exceeding 0.3 μm and not greater than 12 μm; a content of a small-particle-size hardener for epoxy resin defined to have a particle size 0.5 time or less of the average particle size of the hardener (H) for the epoxy resin is from 0.1 to 15%; and the shell (S) has, on the surface thereof, a binding group (x) capable of absorbing infrared rays having a wave number of from 1630 to 1680 cm−1, a binding group (y) capable of absorbing infrared rays having a wave number of from 1680 to 1725 cm−1, and a binding group (z) capable of absorbing infrared rays having a wave number of from 1730 to 1755 cm−1, it is excellent in storage stability and at the same time, in reaction rapidity.
US07927510B2	Calcium hypochlorite compositions comprising zinc salts and lime The present invention is directed to a granular water treatment composition, comprising: 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 55 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a water treatment tablet, comprising 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 10 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.
US07927509B2	Cyclic process for the efficient generation of chlorine dioxide in dilute solutions An efficient cyclic process and related compositions for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH. The cyclic process provides a means of safe and effective use of chlorine dioxide with reduced concern of chlorite accumulation in the aqueous system. The disclosed chemistry used to support the cyclic process can be applied independently or in various combinations that are effectively inert. This dramatically reduces safety concerns since the chlorine dioxide is produced in-situ to the application and in dilute concentrations. Also, the process allows for regeneration of inert anions such as bromide and chlorite thereby reducing operating cost.
US07927502B2	Azeotropic compositions comprising fluorinated compounds for cleaning applications The present invention relates to compositions comprising fluorinated olefins or fluorinated ketones, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, or fluoroether and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, these compositions are azeotropic or azeotrope-like. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.
US07927501B2	Rare earth element magnet and method of manufacturing same A magnet comprising magnetic powder containing at least one rare earth metal element, and an oxide binder for binding the magnetic powder, wherein an inter-face distance of the binder determined by diffraction analysis is 0.25 to 2.94 nm. The disclosure also discloses a method of manufacturing a magnet comprising; compacting magnetic powder containing at least one rare earth element under pressure in a mold; impregnating the compacted magnetic powder molding with a precursor solution of an oxide material; and heat-treating the compacted magnetic molding impregnated with the precursor thereby to impart an inter-face distance determined by diffraction analysis to the binder in the compacted molding. The distance is 0.25 to 2.94 nm.
US07927495B2	Separation and cleaning of a suspension comprising magnetic microparticles A device (10) is described for automatically separating solid and liquid phases of a suspension (78) and for purifying magnetic microparticles (76) loaded with organic, e.g., biological or biochemical substances. The device includes a process area (12) with devices, which move in a cyclic manner for transporting the magnetic microparticles (76) in the x-direction. A first guide (14) is used for supplying sample containers (P) in the x-direction and second guides (18) are used for supplying reagent containers (R) in the y-direction to the process area (12). The second guides (18) in the y-direction extend at an angle (α) of 30 to 150 ° to the x-direction. A carrier element (24), including carrier plates (24a, 24b, 24c) can be moved back and forth in the x-direction and can be lifted and lowered in the z-direction. The reagent containers (R) can be positioned according to the grid of the transfer elements (28), shown configured as rod-shaped permanent magnets or electromagnets, by introduction into the process area (12), taking place at an angle (α) and can be rejected by ejection in the same direction into a waste collector.
US07927493B2	Low phosphorus water treatment methods A water or wastewater treatment system to reduce phosphorus or other pollutant concentrations in water or wastewater may include an optional primary treatment stage in fluid communication with a biological secondary treatment stage. The secondary treatment stage may, in turn, be fluidly connected with a tertiary treatment stage, which may include a chemical treatment portion for reducing phosphorus or other pollutants to desired levels. The precipitated phosphorus and other solids or sludge produced from the chemical treatment portion may be recycled upstream for reuse in the primary, secondary, and/or tertiary treatment stages. Such recycle may reduce the amount of added chemicals required in the tertiary treatment stage to phosphorus or other pollutants to desired amounts.
US07927492B2	Filter assembly, bioreactor catch basin and method of using the same Provided is a filter assembly for a bioremediating catch basin. The filter assembly comprises a container having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a carrier substance, such as a foam, which carries a microorganism capable of digesting hydrocarbons; and optionally an adsorbent material. The filter assembly also optionally has structures for overflow conditions which allow the exit of water, but not floating contaminants from the catch basin. Also provided is a replaceable cartridge for the filter assembly. Also provided is a method for bioremediation of polluted water.
US07927491B2	Integrated bio-digestion facility Methods and systems for processing organic waste material are provided. These methods and systems include integrating an anaerobic bio-digester and nutrient recovery module with a bio-production facility, which can locally provide feedstock for the bio-production facility, and can locally provide organic material for the anaerobic bio-digester. Methods and systems for integrating an anaerobic bio-digester with a gas cleaner are also provided, which can recover nutrients while cleaning the biogas produced by the anaerobic bio-digester.
US07927490B2	Oil spill recovery system An oil spill recovery system includes a first separator tank and a second separator tank. The first separator tank has a first volume and the second separator tank has a second volume that is different from the first volume. Each of the first separator tank and the second separator tank include an intake pipe having a plurality of branch outlets that receive an oil-water mixture and facilitate separation of the water from the oil.
US07927483B2	Filter with self-positioning cartridge arrangement An aquarium filter arrangement including a filter housing and a filter cartridge having self-spacing structure. The self-spacing structure being designed to automatically space the filter cartridge in an operable filtering position. The operable filtering position being a position at which the filter cartridge is seated against a single rib formed in the housing.
US07927482B1	Method and system for containing and removing dental waste A dental waste containment and removal system and method for containing and removing dental waste produced at a dental services facility involves transferring dental waste containing a contaminant such as mercury from a patient's mouth into a dental waste container under a vacuum pressure such that the dental waste is temporarily retained within the dental waste container. The dental waste may then be removed from the dental waste container from a remote location, such as from the exterior of the dental facility, by pumping or suctioning the dental waste, and transported to a treatment facility.
US07927481B2	System for the recovery of washing liquids used in showers, wash basins and/or baths System for the recovery of washing liquids used in showers, wash basins, and/or baths, including a first decantation tank provided with at least one inlet connected to a downflow point of washing water, a second collection tank, an overflow partition wall adapted to separate the two tanks, a sewer drainage at the bottom of the decantation tank, adapted to be closed by a plug that can be raised by a float in the collection tank according to the liquid level therein, a drawing pump in the collection tank, controllable by a relay, or electrical float, indicating the liquid requirements of a fixture, a pipe connecting the pump of the collection tank with the fixture, the relay, or electric float, electrically connected with the pump and a valve of the fixture and controlled by a float in the collection tank for closing the electrical power supply to the pump and opening the electrical power supply of a valve for liquid flow to the fitting.
US07927480B2	Process for desulfurization of cracked naphtha A process for the desulfurization of a fluid catalytically cracked naphtha wherein the valuable olefins are retained and recombinant mercaptans are prevented from forming, resulting in a low sulfur naphtha. Embodiments disclosed herein may allow for more flexibility in varying the end point of the naphtha used in gasoline blending.
US07927472B2	Optical film thickness controlling method, optical film thickness controlling apparatus, dielectric multilayer film manufacturing apparatus, and dielectric multilayer film manufactured using the same controlling apparatus or manufacturing apparatus To provide a method of controlling film thickness of dielectric multilayer film, such as optical thin film, with high precision, an optical film thickness controlling apparatus and a dielectric multilayer film manufacturing apparatus that can control the film thickness based on the same method, and dielectric multilayer film manufactured using the controlling apparatus or manufacturing apparatus. An optical film thickness controlling apparatus includes a film formation device 15 having a rotatable substrate 23 and a sputtering target 28, a photodiode 16 that detects each of a plurality of monochromatic light beams applied to the rotatable substrate along a radius thereof at predetermined intervals, and an A/D converter 17, in which a movable shutter 29 that moves along the direction of the radius of the rotatable substrate 23 to shut off film formation on the substrate 23 is provided between the substrate 23 and the target 28. From each of the monochromatic light beams detected by the photodiode 16 and the A/D converter 17, a quadratic regression function of reciprocal transmittance is calculated by a least squares method, and a CPU 18 and a motor driver 19, which indicate motion of the movable shutter based on each predicted value of the film growing time when the latest surface layer film reaches to predetermined optical film thickness, move the movable shutter 29 to shut off the film formation at the film formation region where the predetermined optical film thickness is reached to.
US07927464B2	Vapor compression distillation system including an integrated motor/compressor unit A vapor compression distillation system (10) is provided and includes a fluid inlet (12) for receiving a fluid, a fluid outlet (14) for a distillate that has been distilled from the fluid, a heat exchanger (16) connected to the fluid inlet (12) and the fluid outlet (14) to transfer heat from the distillate to the fluid; and an integrated motor/compressor unit (18) connected to the heat exchanger (16) to receive vaporized distillate therefrom and to supply pressurized distillate thereto. The system 10 may further include a coolant system (20) connected to the integrated motor/compressor (18) to supply a coolant flow thereto. The system (10) may also include an air oil mist system (22) that is connected to the integrated motor/compressor unit (18) to supply an air oil mist thereto for bearing lubrication and cooling.
US07927463B2	Tritium distillation device The present invention provides a novel tritium distillation device, which includes a container, a radiator covered on top of the container with a protrusion at the bottom, a conduit penetrating the container with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being arranged in correspondence with the protrusion, and a heating device fixed below the container. The method of operating the tritiated water distillation includes the steps of adding environmental tritiated water in the container, covering the radiator on top of the container closely, heating environmental tritiated water to cause tritiated water steam to be condensed to the bottom of the radiator, and collecting the tritiated water condensation dropped from the protrusion with conduit. The present invention uses a simple structure to ease assembly and reduce the cost of cooling water source.
US07927461B2	Method for manufacturing an aramid paper with an applied plasma treatment An aramid paper made from aramid fibrid and short fiber and formed into a paper shape has two sides and a surface and includes a thermal bonding face located in at least one of the sides of the aramid paper, the thermal bonding face having such a property as to be directly thermally bondable with another sheet of aramid paper of the same material or a polyester film at a thermal bonding temperature ranging from 90° C. to 200° C. when a plasma treatment is applied to the surface of the aramid paper. The plasma treatment has an intensity ranging from 30 W·min/m2 to 1500 W·min/m2, and the thermal bonding face has a composition ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) ranging between 150% and 230% of a theoretical value of an atom number ratio.
US07927458B2	Paper articles exhibiting water resistance and method for making same This invention relates to a process for preparing sized paper and paperboard which incorporates in the paper and paperboard at the size press size a composition comprising one or more “hydrophobic polymers” wherein hydrophobic polymers, the amount of such polymers and the weight ratio of starch to such polymer in the composition are selected such that the paper and paper board exhibits a Cobb Value equal to or less than about 25 and to a sized paper or paperboard web formed by the process.
US07927456B2	Absorbent sheet A method of making a cellulosic web includes: forming a nascent web from a papermaking furnish, the nascent web having a generally random distribution of papermaking fiber; b) transferring the web having a generally random distribution of papermaking fiber to a translating transfer surface moving at a first speed; drying the web to a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent including compactively dewatering the web prior to or concurrently with transfer to the transfer surface; fabric-creping the web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric with a patterned creping surface, the fabric creping step occurring under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric wherein the fabric is traveling at a second speed slower than the speed of said transfer surface, the fabric pattern, nip parameters, velocity delta and web consistency being selected such that the web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric such that the web has a plurality of fiber-enriched regions arranged in a pattern corresponding to the patterned creping surface of the fabric, optionally drying the wet web while it is held in the creping fabric. Preferably, the formed web is characterized in that its void volume increases upon drawing.
US07927452B2	Layered sheets and processes for producing the same Provided herein is a process for producing a layered sheet. The process involves preparing a cell dispersed urethane composition by a mechanical foaming method. The cell dispersed urethane composition is applied to a base material sheet and cured to produce a polyurethane foam layer of uniform thickness. A releasing sheet may be utilized to make the thickness of the polyurethane foamed layer uniform. Also, provided herein is a layered sheet produced by the above process. The polyurethane foamed layer may have spherical fine cells having an average cell diameter of 20 to 300 μm. The polyurethane foamed layer may have a specific gravity of 0.2 to 0.5. The polyurethane foamed layer may also have a Asker C hardness of 10 to 50 degrees.
US07927446B2	Method of producing multicolored films Multicolored film composites are produced by laminating a support film with at least two different-colored top films. The surface of the top films or of the film composite is provided with a surface structure. The support film is a film of thermoplastic foam material, and the top films are laminated on in temporal succession and in overlapping relationship onto the support film.
US07927440B2	Bonding method and method of manufacturing a display device Air bubbles or foreign objects in a transparent adhesive layer that bonds a transparent plate and a plate-like member together in full-surface contact are detected without fail. For the detection, an optical fiber or the like is used to irradiate the adhesive layer with light from a side, the cast light is guided through the adhesive layer, and a state of the adhesive layer is checked with the guided light. A check that discriminates defects in the adhesive layer from defects in the bonded transparent plate is thus made possible.
US07927430B2	Paint paraphernalia method and apparatus What is provided is a protective environment for paint paraphernalia and wet paint being used in a painting process. Examples of paint paraphernalia includes paint brushes, paint rollers, paint trays, and paint cans. The protective environment in one form is a flexible polyvinyl chloride of at least ½ mil in thickness. The flexible polyvinyl chloride is arranged two provided a three sided connecting edge with the fourth side left unconnected for an opening into the interior portion of the protective environment. The protective environment is placed over the paint paraphernalia and marked with various paint paraphernalia characteristics to aide in the temporary storage and reuse of the paint paraphernalia during a painting job.
US07927426B2	Method of pipeline remediation with a scoop A retrievable pig for cleaning blockage material from a pipeline, comprising a string of tubing within the pipeline from a proximate location at the entrance to the pipeline to a distal location within the pipeline, a pig assembly comprising a flexible cup which will collect pipeline blockage material, a seal which engages the internal bore of the pipeline being cleaned, and a connection to the distal end of the string of tubing; pushing the pig assembly with fluid in the annular area between the internal bore of the pipeline and the outer diameter of the string of tubing until the pig assembly engages the blockage material, and pumping a flow of fluid thru the internal string of tubing to a location beyond a portion of the blockage material, the flow of fluid urging the pig assembly and the portion of the blockage material towards the proximate location.
US07927423B1	Vapor deposition of anti-stiction layer for micromechanical devices A vapor deposition system includes a filter-diffuser device connected to a vapor inlet within a vacuum chamber for simultaneously filtering inflowing vapor to remove particulate matter while injecting vapor containing perfluordecanoic acid (PFDA) into the chamber through radially arranged porous metal filters to enable the deposition of a uniform monolayer of PFDA molecules onto the surfaces of a micromechanical device, such as a digital micromirror device.
US07927420B2	Light weight metal fire door core The present invention describes a fire resistant building material composition, useful for example as a fire door core and to a method of making this composition where the building material of the present invention is prepared from an aqueous slurry of calcined gypsum, paper fibers, a water insoluble organic binder, fiber reinforcement and a set retarder.
US07927419B2	Settable compositions comprising cement kiln dust and swellable particles A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed herein, including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: introducing a settable composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the settable composition comprises: a cementitious component comprising a hydraulic cement and cement kiln dust; a swellable particle; and water; and allowing the settable composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment comprises a settable composition comprising: a cementitious component comprising a hydraulic cement and cement kiln dust, a swellable particle, and water.
US07927417B2	Cementitious composition and apparatus and method for manufacturing the same A cementitious composition capable of forming high early strength cement when admixed with water may comprise, for each 100% by weight, no more than about 60% by weight C3S, at least about 4% by weight C2S, and between about 7% and about 11% by weight SO3, wherein the cementitious composition has a particle size distribution such that substantially all of its particles are of a size of about 10 microns or smaller. A cementitious composition may have a ratio of weight % SO3 to weight % Al2O3 of at least about 1.5 and a particle size distribution such that substantially all of its particles are of a size of about 10 microns or smaller. An apparatus and method for making such a cementitious composition are also described.
US07927416B2	Modified pigments and methods for making and using the same A method of producing a modified pigment by sulfonating a pigment and subsequently oxidizing the pigment. The modified pigment may have sulfonic acid and carboxyl surface modifying groups attached to the surface of the pigment. Charge balancing counterions such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and NR1R2R3H+, where R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or C1-C5 alkyl groups, may be associated with the surface modifying groups. The modified pigment is combined with water to produce a dispersion that can be used in such applications as coatings, paints, papers, adhesives, latexes, toners, textiles, fibers, plastics and inks.
US07927415B2	Zeolite starch adhesive for corrugated cardboards and method for making the same The present invention relates to a starch adhesive mixed with zeolite powder to provide suitable absorption function for corrugated cardboards, and a method for making the adhesive. The adhesive comprises: corn starch as main ingredient, zeolite powder suitably mixed with said corn starch, water, and additives like caustic soda and borax. The corn starch is mixed with zeolite powder in an amount of zeolite powder being 20˜33% of the total weight of corn starch and the zeolite powder, and said adhesive is prepared and adjusted to have a lower gelation temperature. The present invention solves the problem that the initial adhesive strength of adhesive would decrease because of addition of the zeolite powder to the adhesive and would make the drying time longer and then deteriorating the initial adhesive strength. The present invention will make it more efficient and predictable for the mass production of the zeolite starch corrugated cardboards.
US07927413B2	Method and apparatus for making asphalt concrete using foamed asphalt cement A foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly is adapted for use in connection with a mixer for mixing aggregate materials and asphalt cement to make asphalt concrete. The foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly includes a foamed cement mixing chamber, a first inlet for liquid asphalt cement and a second inlet for water, each of which is in fluid communication with the foamed cement mixing chamber. An outlet for foamed asphalt cement is also provided, which outlet is in fluid communication with both the foamed cement mixing chamber and the mixer. The invention also comprises a method for making asphalt concrete using foamed asphalt cement. The method includes introducing aggregate materials into the mixer and heating the aggregate materials to a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F. The method also includes introducing liquid asphalt cement and the water to the foamed cement mixing chamber so as to produce foamed asphalt cement, and introducing foamed asphalt cement into the mixer and mixing it with aggregate materials at a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F. to produce asphalt concrete. The invention also includes an apparatus for making asphalt concrete which includes a foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly.
US07927412B2	Pigment ink composition and coating material A pigment ink composition has high transparency and good color characteristics such as a high OD that are not inferior to those of dyes, even though pigment particles are used, and also has good weatherability and remaining ability on the coating and printing medium surface that are inherent to pigment particles. The pigment ink composition contains pigment particles including at least needle pigment particles, a dispersant, and a solvent. The needle pigment particles have a needle shape with an aspect ratio of at least 3, an average aspect ratio of at least 5 and at most 7, an average short dimension of at least 20 nm and at most 30 nm, and a distribution of short dimension with a standard deviation of 2.0 nm or less. The needle pigment particles are covered with the dispersant.
US07927410B2	Near infrared dye composition A near infrared dye composition includes a microcapsule that includes an inner core region and an outer shell. The inner core region includes a cross-linked polymer-near infrared dye aggregate. The outer shell includes nanoparticles.
US07927409B2	Multi-colored images viewable under non-visible radiation A set of colorants for printing a multi-colored image when viewed under non-visible radiation outside of the visible spectrum can include a first colorant and a second colorant. The first colorant can be capable of absorbing non-visible radiation and shifting the wavelength of the non-visible radiation to a visible wavelength, thus producing a visible color. Likewise, the second colorant can be capable of absorbing the non-visible radiation and shifting the wavelength to a second visible wavelength, thus producing a different visible color.
US07927408B2	Inlet particle separator systems and methods An inertial inlet particle separator system for a vehicle engine includes an inertial inlet particle separator and an adjustment mechanism. The separator includes a fluid inlet coupled to a scavenge channel and to a clean channel such that a first amount of fluid passing through the fluid inlet enters the scavenge channel and a second amount of fluid passing through the fluid inlet enters the clean channel. The scavenge channel is defined by a first wall and a splitter, and the clean channel is defined by a second wall and the splitter. The splitter and the second wall are stationary with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the inertial inlet particle separator and configured to adjust a size of the scavenge channel. Although not necessarily, the adjustment mechanism may also be coupled to the scavenge fan speed.
US07927406B2	Water droplet generating system and method for generating water droplet The water droplet generating system includes a vessel, an opening/closing valve, a moisture absorbent member, and a condenser portion. The vessel has an opening portion. The opening/closing valve opens and closes the opening portion. The water absorbent member absorbs and releases water vapor depending on a change of humidity. The condenser portion is communicated with the inside of the vessel and cools water vapor released from the moisture absorbent member to be at a dew point of water vapor or less. When the opening portion is opened, the moisture absorbent member absorbs water vapor in atmosphere. When the opening portion is closed, the moisture absorbent member releases water vapor, and the condenser portion condenses water vapor, which is released from the moisture absorbent member, to generate a water droplet.
US07927405B2	Porous composite article Porous composites comprise a porous membrane having a structure defining a plurality of pores extending therethrough, nonporous discontinuous surface layer affixed to said porous membrane, in which the nonporous discontinuous surface layer forms regions of gas permeability, and regions of gas impermeability, and a coating disposed upon the porous composite which renders at least a portion of the porous composite oleophobic.
US07927404B2	Reactor having a downcomer producing improved gas-liquid separation and method of use A downcomer for a reactor for downwardly conducting a multi-phase mixture, the downcomer includes a transport section having an interior comprised of inner and outer regions separated horizontally by a vertical barrier, and a baffle structure disposed on an inner surface of the barrier. The baffle structure is arranged to induce the mixture to flow in a downward generally helical path such that denser components of the mixture are centrifugally urged outwardly away from a center of the downcomer and less dense components migrate toward the center. The barrier includes openings enabling the denser components to travel from the inner region to the outer region to be collected herein.
US07927400B2	Static dissipative filtration media A filtration media that incorporates a static dissipative media layer for dissipating the static charge that builds up as a fluid, such a fuel, passes through the filtration media. The filtration media includes a filter media suitable for filtering fluid, and a static dissipative media layer. The static dissipative media layer has a surface resistivity level that is sufficient to classify the media layer as static dissipative rather than conductive.
US07927398B2	Multistage electromagnetic purification method for molten metal A multistage electromagnetic purification method of molten metal, which employs a multistage separator composed of two or more multichannel straight-pass separators bonded together with inorganic high-temperature adhesive. Each stage of the separators is set up in such a manner that the region of centerline of each channel in the former separators is occupied by the sidewall of the next separators at the corresponding position therein; while simultaneously the position in the next separators becomes a region close to sidewall. The multistage separator eliminates the “dead zone” of electromagnetic separation, realizes the transformation from “weak zone” to “strong zone” of electromagnetic separation, and significantly increases removal efficiency of inclusions in the melt with great volume under the effect of induced magnetic field.
US07927397B1	Concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product based fertilizer A concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product based fertilizer product is created by mixing concentrated separator by-product, a by-product of the de-sugaring of beet molasses, and fish soluble by-product, a by-product of the production of fish meal. The raw mixture of concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product is then heat treated and optionally filtered to remove suspended particular matter. The heat treated mixture of concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product is then cooled to yield the concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product based fertilizer product.
US07927395B2	Centrifugal separator The invention relates to a centrifugal separator for cleaning of gas from solid or liquid particles suspended therein which are of greater density than the gas. A main object of the present invention is to accomplish a centrifugal separator which does not have said inactive regions and thereby achieves efficient separation of particulate contaminants from a gas. This object is achieved by the centrifugal separator initially defined, which is characterised in that the interspaces between the separation discs at least at their radially outer parts are substantially open for flow of the gas in the circumferential direction and that mutually adjacent separation discs are arranged at mutual spacing such that rotation of the rotor causes a pumping action in the interspaces, which pumping action drives the gas from the gas inlet, through the interspaces between the separation discs and out via the gas outlet.
US07927392B2	Twist and lock connection for pleated filter element with flange-to-flange locking means A baghouse and filter assembly are provided for at least partially removing particulate matter from a gas stream. The filter assembly includes first and second filter portions to be coupled together by a coupler for establishing fluid communication between the first and second filter portions when connected. The coupler includes a first coupling portion including a side wall defining an interior passage through which the gas stream can pass in an axial direction between the first and second filter portions, and one or more flanges projecting from said side wall, the one or more flanges supporting a plurality of male studs. The coupler further includes a second coupling portion including a plurality of female keyhole-shaped receivers spaced apart for receiving at least a portion of the male studs and coupling the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion.
US07927391B2	Ceria based glass polishing composition and a process for the manufacture thereof The invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of a ceria based polishing composition, comprising (a) suspending an inorganic cerium salt or cerium hydroxide with a cerium content calculated as cerium oxide in the range of 50%-100% based on Total rare earth oxide (TREO) in an aqueous medium thereby obtaining an aqueous suspension, (b) treating said aqueous suspension with an acid or a salt of an acid selected from the group of HF, H3PO4 and H2SO4, thereby obtaining a solid suspended in said aqueous medium, (c) separating said solid from said aqueous medium, and (d) calcining the separated solid at a temperature between 750° C. and 1,200° C. and grinding the calcined solid to grain sizes in the range of 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm.
US07927387B1	Comprehensive gasoline and diesel fuel additive A comprehensive fuel additive for gasoline, diesel and ultra low sulfur diesel fuels intended to improve engine combustion efficiency, improve diesel fuel cetane levels, improve diesel and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel lubricity, reduce engine component friction, reduce engine deposit buildup, reduce gasoline and diesel fuel bio-contamination and reduce pollutant exhaust emissions produced by gasoline and diesel fuel powered internal combustion engines. The present invention further provides a fuel additive that does not increase the sulfur level of diesel fuel beyond 15 ppm.
US07927375B2	Dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom intervertebral spinal disc prosthesis The subject invention provides a modular six-degrees-of-freedom spatial mechanism for spinal disc prosthesis, with up to three rotational and up to three translational degrees-of-freedom within the entire workspace of a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU). The prosthetic disc mechanism consists of up to three independent cylindrical joints, each joint providing one linear and one rotational degree of freedom. The superior and inferior vertebral plates of the device anchor to the superior and inferior vertebrae of an FSU and the device maintains an inseparable mechanical linkage between those vertebrae for all normal motions and positions of the FSU. The device utilizes resilient spring elements, components that self-adjust in position and orientation, in conjunction with a fiber reinforced boot and toroidal belt, as well as a unique hydraulic damping system to accommodate dynamic and static forces and sudden shocks on the FSU. The device can adjust to maintain the appropriate, but changing, intervertebral spacing during normal FSU motion. Scaling, conjoined with cushioned, joint-limit stops, allows the device to realize almost any nominal spinal articulation, from the cervical to lumbar regions.
US07927374B2	Artificial spinal disc The present invention relates to methods and devices for the treatment of disc disease and spinal deformities with an artificial disc replacement.
US07927369B2	Intraparietal reinforcing device for biological cardiac prosthesis and reinforced biological heart valve prosthesis An intraparietal reinforcing device is designed to be integrated into a biological valvular prosthesis consisting of a biological cardiac valve having a valve plane formed by leaflets attached laterally to an external wall along commissurae. The device can be placed in the organic tissue of the valve, and includes a base and a stabilizing part mounted thereon. The device can be inserted inside the external wall of the valve to reinforce the valve's structure and to maintain the valve's shape after implantation. The stabilizing part includes at least two intraparietal shafts, designed to be inserted into the valve tissue and positioned on the base so that, once the device is put in place on the valve, they are displaced laterally to the intersection point of the intersection line of the external wall with the commissurae and of the valve plane. A biological prosthesis may be provided with such a device.
US07927366B2	Stent A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).
US07927365B2	Methods and apparatus for stenting comprising enhanced embolic protection coupled with improved protections against restenosis and thrombus formation Apparatus and methods for stenting are provided comprising a stent attached to a porous biocompatible material that is permeable to endothelial cell ingrowth, but impermeable to release of emboli of predetermined size. Preferred stent designs are provided, as well as preferred manufacturing techniques. Apparatus and methods are also provided for use at a vessel branching. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a coating configured for localized delivery of therapeutic agents. Embodiments of the present invention are expected to provide enhanced embolic protection, improved force distribution, and improved recrossability, while reducing a risk of restenosis and thrombus formation.
US07927364B2	Methods and apparatus for stenting comprising enhanced embolic protection coupled with improved protections against restenosis and thrombus formation Apparatus and methods for stenting are provided comprising a stent attached to a porous biocompatible material that is permeable to endothelial cell ingrowth, but impermeable to release of emboli of predetermined size. Preferred stent designs are provided, as well as preferred manufacturing techniques. Apparatus and methods are also provided for use at a vessel branching. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a coating configured for localized delivery of therapeutic agents. Embodiments of the present invention are expected to provide enhanced embolic protection, improved force distribution, and improved recrossability, while reducing a risk of restenosis and thrombus formation.
US07927362B2	Laser ablated elastomer sheath profiles to enables stent securement The stent placement dilation balloon assembly comprises a catheter having a distal end, a distal end portion, and a proximal end, a balloon mounted to, about, and around the distal end portion of the catheter. The assembly further includes an elastic sheath positioned about and around the balloon. The outer surface of the sheath includes a profile which encourages stent securement. A stent is mounted on the sleeve for placement in a vessel in a human body.
US07927356B2	Dynamic constructs for spinal stabilization Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchors engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connector assembly engageable with the anchors to provide a desired stabilization effect. The connector assembly can include a connecting element and a bumper element engageable to the first and second anchors.
US07927355B2	Crosslink for securing spinal rods A crosslink member for securing spinal rods is disclosed having connector ends that include a brace and a locking member, each having an arcuate face resting on and securing a spinal rod. The locking member is secured by a cam member that rotates relative to the locking member and that cams against the connector to displace the cam member. The crosslink includes a male connector with a cylindrical cross rod received by a cavity in a female connector. The cross rod is secured by a pivotable clamp device in the female connector, and the cross rod connector and female connector may pivot, rotate, and telescope relative to each other. To reduce size without sacrificing pivot sweep, the cross rod has beveled edges, and the cavity of the female connector has windows to provide pivot clearance.
US07927354B2	Percutaneous spinal implants and methods Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes a first body coupled to a second body. The first body and the second body collectively configured to be releasably coupled to an implant device configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. A first engaging portion is coupled to the first body, and a second engaging portion is coupled to the second body. The first engaging portion and/or the second engaging portion is configured to be received within a first opening defined by the implant device. The first body configured to be moved relative to the second body such that a distance between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is moved between a first distance and a second distance and simultaneously a length of the implant device is moved between a first length and a second length.
US07927353B2	Taper-locked adjustable connector A connection assembly between a spinal implant rod and a vertebral anchor. The assembly has a longitudinal member, a housing, a rod interface washer, and a compression member. The longitudinal member has an aperture at one end and a wedge at the other. The housing has a passageway to accept the shank of a bone screw and a bore to accept the wedge. The bore is open to the passageway so that when the wedge is pulled from the bore it pushes against the shank of the bone screw, trapping the bone screw between the wedge and the sidewalls of the passageway. Threading a setscrew into the aperture presses a spinal rod against the washer, presses the washer against the housing, and pulls the wedge against the shank of the bone screw. Further tightening of the setscrew then locks the bone screw and rod together.
US07927350B2	Plaque liberating device A device and method for liberating plaque from a lumen after a medical procedure has been formed. The device includes a catheter having a first expandable member and a second expandable member.
US07927347B2	Apparatus and methods for reducing embolization during treatment of carotid artery disease Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return sheath with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. Apparatus is also provided for occluding the external carotid artery to prevent reversal of flow into the internal carotid artery. The pressure differential between the artery and the vein provides reverse flow through the artery, thereby flushing emboli. A blood filter may optionally be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient.
US07927345B2	Lancet cartridges and lancing devices A lancet cartridge has a U-shaped support with a pair of anchor portions, a base portion, and a pair of deformable leg portions connecting the anchor portions to the base portion. The pair of deformable leg portions change shape from an initial shape to an extended shape in response to an external applied force and recover to a retracted shape upon removal of the force. The lancet cartridge also has a lancet having a tip end, an opposing base end, and an axis extending between the tip end and the base end. A portion of the lancet is disposed between the pair of deformable leg portions of the U-shaped support. The lancet is movable between a starting position, an extended puncturing position, and an ending position along the axis of the lancet in a path defined by the U-shaped support. When the lancet is in the starting position, the tip end of the lancet is disposed at least partially through the base portion of the U-shaped support, and the U-shaped support is in the initial shape. When the lancet is in the extended puncturing position, the tip end of the lancet is extended through the base of the U-shaped support, and the U-shaped support is in the extended shape. When the U-shaped support recovers to its retracted shape upon removal of the force, the lancet is retracted to the end position.
US07927343B2	Methods, systems, and apparatus for performing minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft surgery A system for performing vascular surgery includes a first retractor blade and a second retractor blade and a fulcrum device. The first retractor blade includes a first grasping bar, and the second retractor blade comprises a second grasping bar. The first retractor blade and the second retractor blade are adapted to engage opposing edges of a subcostal incision in a patient. The fulcrum device includes a first fulcrum slot and a second fulcrum slot formed through opposing edges of the fulcrum device. The first fulcrum slot is adapted to receive the first grasping bar and the second fulcrum slot is adapted to receive the second grasping bar, such that the fulcrum device is adapted to apply leverage from the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade to spread the edges of the incision and to allow access to a chest cavity of the patient.
US07927341B2	Nail plate and jig therefor A humeral fracture fixation system is provided and includes a nail-plate fixation device having a plate-like head portion, an intramedullary nail portion, and a bent neck portion therebetween which creates an angle between the plate and nail portions. The upper surface of the nail portion is substantially straight for contact with the endosteum and the nail portion includes threaded holes for machine screws. The head portion includes locking holes for receiving fixed-angle bone support elements, and K-wire alignment holes. The front of the head portion includes suture holes while presenting a smooth profile. A specific implantation jigs and a screw guide cannula are also provided.
US07927336B2	Guide assembly for guiding cuts to a femur and tibia during a knee arthroplasty An assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint in preparation for installing a femoral and tibial knee components. For example, the assembly can include tibial and femoral IM rods to which are connected through a torque bolt that allows controlled adjustment of the distraction of the tibia and femur during cut positioning in a range of flexion angles. Also, the assembly is usable with relatively small, noninvasive approaches to the knee joint by way of relatively narrow, low profile components that attach to tibial and femoral IM rods. Further, the assembly includes several quick-release components to allow fast assembly and disassembly in a surgical setting. Each of these aspects, along with the ability of the assembly to accurately guide initial reference cuts to the tibia and femur, promotes an improved outcome for the patient.
US07927335B2	Instrument for preparing an implant support surface and associated method An instrument for preparing a surface of a joint is provided. The glenoid surface is adapted for receiving a prosthetic component having a feature closely conforming to the surface. The prosthetic component provides a bearing surface for a head portion of a long bone. The instrument includes a guide having a first feature and a second feature and a tool. The tool is used for cooperation with the first feature for preparing the surface. The first feature is adapted to at least partially control the position of the tool as it prepares the surface. The second feature is adapted to assist in positioning of the guide with respect to the joint.
US07927333B2	System for the minimally invasive treatment of a bone fracture, especially of a proximal humeral or femoral fracture The invention relates to a system for the minimally invasive treatment of a bone fracture, especially of a proximal humeral or femoral fracture. The inventive system has an osteosynthesis plate having a supporting section in the cortical substance and an additional fastening section on the bone. A second linking section of the guide element and the shaft of the fixing element are configured as an axially displaceable anti-tilt slide bearing. The system has at least one anti-twist screw in the supporting section for preventing the detached bone fragment from rotation.
US07927330B2	Multi-port side-fire coagulator An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.
US07927327B2	Medical instrument having an articulatable end effector A medical instrument includes a flexible tube, a distal member, a flexible end-effector activation wire, a proximal member, and a flexible first cable. The distal member is connected to the distal tube portion. The activation wire is positioned within the tube. The proximal member is attached to the tube. The first cable is positioned outside the tube, is substantially transversely constrained by the proximal member, and has a first distal cable portion attached to the distal member. Lengthwise translation of the first cable articulates the distal member with respect to the proximal member. Another instrument includes a drive screw which articulates an end effector (e.g., a grasper) pivotally connected to a tube. An additional instrument includes a drive screw which articulates a distal medical instrument member pivotally connected to a tube. A medical end effector (e.g., a snare) is positionable in a lumen of the distal medical instrument member.
US07927325B2	Implantable pump connector for catheter attachment A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.
US07927320B2	Disposable waste containment article and a combination of two articles worn simultaneously A disposable waste containment article is disclosed along with a combination of using two articles simultaneously. The article includes a bodyside layer having a first surface and an outer perimeter, and a garment facing layer having an outer perimeter approximately coincident with the outer perimeter of the bodyside layer. An absorbent layer is positioned between the bodyside layer and the garment facing layer. A seal secures the bodyside layer to the garment facing layer. The seal is located inward of the outer perimeters. An ingress is formed in the bodyside layer and is aligned with one of the waste orifices present in a human body such that waste from the human body can pass through the ingress and be collected in the waste containment article. The waste containment article also includes a body adhesive for securing the first surface to the wearer's body.
US07927311B1	Post-surgical drainage bulb support sling A lightweight comfortable support sling formed of soft flexible fabric material is supported around the back of the neck of postoperative patients in an inverted U-shaped configuration with the opposed ends of the sling hanging down along the front or sides of the patient's torso. Multiple conventional post-surgical fluid drainage receptacles can be secured at each end of the sling by hook and loop fasteners and adjustably positioned at locations adjacent to the body of the wearer to allow easy access and avoid tangling and stress on the drain tubes. While still having the drainage receptacles attached, the sling can be separated in the middle and easily removed from the patient's neck to relieve pressure, then re-fastened for ambulation. The sling is capable of supporting ten or more drainage bulbs.
US07927306B2	Disposable infusion device with prime indicator A disposable wearable infusion device comprises a base that is arranged to adhere to the surface of a patient, a source arranged to provide a liquid medicament to be delivered to a patient, an outlet through which the medicament is delivered to the patient, a pump that pumps the medicament, and a conduit that conducts the pumped medicament to the outlet. The device further comprises a prime indicator that provides a visible indication that the conduit is substantially full with medicament from the reservoir to the outlet.
US07927300B2	Ultrasonic operation apparatus for detecting initial resonance frequency and for shifting to PLL operation In an ultrasonic operation apparatus according to the present invention, in order to detect the initial resonance frequency (Fro) promptly once a foot switch is pressed, under the control of a sweeping speed control circuit, the D/A converter D/A converts 8-bits of signals (phase difference amount signal Δθ) representing the amount of the phase difference detected by the phase comparator, and the output of the D/A converter is output to a VCO so as to become a clock for a sweep circuit. When a phase difference amount between θi and θv is large and a drive frequency setting signal (Fs) is far from Fro, the sweeping speed for Fro detection is increased. When a phase difference amount between θi and θv is small and Fs is close to Fro, the sweeping speed for Pro detection is decreased.
US07927298B2	Method and apparatus for inducing and detecting ankle torsion A force applied to the foot of a patient causes the foot to rotate inwardly. After measuring the rotational displacement of the foot inwardly as the function of the applied force, the force is removed and the displacement of the foot is measured again. Next, a force is applied to the foot of the patient that causes the foot to rotate outwardly. After measuring the rotational displacement of the foot outwardly as a function of the applied force, the force is removed and the displacement of the foot is measured again. The displacements versus applied forces are plotted on a Cartesian coordinate system to produce a hysteresis curve. The data obtained and the hysteresis curve produced therefrom provides a quantitative measure of the motion quality and motion quantity of the foot and its corresponding ankle and is subject to detailed analytic and medical analysis.
US07927292B2	Self-powered vibration sensor An apparatus, system, and method for monitoring vibration using a self-powered vibration sensor, a programmable interactive device, and a remote server. The self-powered sensor is capable of transforming vibrations into equivalent RF pulses, which are recorded and manipulated by the programmable interactive device. The programmable interactive device communicates the RF pulses to the remote server for further analysis, processing, and feedback. These interactions result in an objective monitoring of the vibration, which provides corrective feedback for beneficial transformation of behavior. The corrective feedback may be provided on a programmable interactive device such as a mobile phone, PDA, etc.
US07927291B2	Blood acquisition suspension system A body fluid sampling device includes a firing mechanism that is configured to be automatically cocked and fired. In one form, the device includes an electric motor that is operable to cock the firing mechanism and fire an integrated lancet/sampling device to form an incision in skin. Subsequent to formation of the incision, the integrated lancet device is temporarily removed from the skin to promote bleeding from the incision. After a specified period of time, the integrated lancet device is then repositioned against the skin in order to collect a fluid sample.
US07927285B2	Nasal mask for carbon dioxide gas measurement A nasal mask is adapted to attached on a face of a subject so as to cover a nose of the subject. A shell has a contact edge adapted to be brought into close contact with the face of the subject, thereby forming a sealed space therein. An attachment portion is disposed in the shell and has an inner space. The attachment portion is configured to detachably engage with a sensor disposed outside the shell and operable to measure concentration of carbon dioxide gas expired from the nostrils. A guide member is disposed inside the shell and forming a passage adapted to introduce expired gas from the nostrils into the inner space. The shell is formed with an inlet adapted to introduce external gas into the sealed space. The expired gas is guarded by the guide member from the external gas introduced through the inlet. The attachment portion is formed with an outlet adapted to discharge the expired gas from the inner space to the sealed space.
US07927278B2	Split-screen display system and standardized methods for ultrasound image acquisition and multi-frame data processing A standardized acquisition methodology assists operators to accurately replicate high resolution B-mode ultrasound images obtained over several spaced-apart examinations utilizing a split-screen display in which the arterial ultrasound image from an earlier examination is displayed on one side of the screen while a real-time “live” ultrasound image from a current examination is displayed next to the earlier image on the opposite side of the screen. By viewing both images, whether simultaneously or alternately, while manually adjusting the ultrasound transducer, an operator is able to bring into view the real-time image that best matches a selected image from the earlier ultrasound examination. Utilizing this methodology, dynamic material properties of arterial structures, such as IMT and diameter, are measured in a standard region over successive image frames. Each frame of the sequence has its echo edge boundaries automatically determined by using the immediately prior frame's true echo edge coordinates as initial boundary conditions. Computerized echo edge recognition and tracking over multiple successive image frames enhances measurement of arterial diameter and IMT and allows for improved vascular dimension measurements, including vascular stiffness and IMT determinations.
US07927276B2	Apparatus and method for forming an ultrasound image Embodiments of the invention may provide an apparatus and method for forming an ultrasound image, wherein an ultrasound signal is transmitted and received along a scan line determined based on a virtual common point at each of a plurality of transducers.In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the image frames (as many as desired) for forming a composite image may be obtained, thereby ultimately causing the quality of the ultrasound image to be enhanced.
US07927275B2	System and method of aquiring blood-vessel data A system and method is provided for substantially synchronizing the acquisition of blood-vessel data to an identifiable portion of heartbeat data. Specifically, a data-gathering device is adapted to acquire heartbeat data and blood-vessel data from a heart-monitoring device and a data-gathering probe, respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blood-vessel data is acquired during a cyclical portion of the heartbeat data. By identifying a cyclical (or commonly reoccurring) portion of the heartbeat data and acquiring blood-vessel data during this cyclical portion (or during an interval that substantially corresponds thereto), the blood vessel can be analyzed as if it were standing still—i.e., not expanding and relaxing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heart-monitoring device includes an EKG device, the data-gathering device includes an intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) device and a computing device, and the data-gathering probe includes at least one transducer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the data-gathering system further includes a retraction device adapted to move the data-gathering probe though a blood vessel at a substantially steady speed.
US07927270B2	External mechanical pressure sensor for gastric band pressure measurements A merely exemplary external pressure sensing system comprises a connecting member and a pressure sensor. The connecting member is operable to connect to a syringe barrel and a needle. The connecting member comprises a conduit permitting communication of fluid from the syringe barrel to the needle when the connecting member is connected to the syringe barrel and the needle. The pressure sensor is in communication with the conduit. The pressure sensor is configured to sense pressure of fluid within the connecting member. The connecting member is configured to permit the pressure sensor to sense the pressure of the fluid while the fluid is communicated from the barrel to the needle. The pressure sensor is configured to provide a visual indication of sensed pressure. The visual indication may be provided by a variety of components, including but not limited to a diaphragm, a disc, a needle, or a slider.
US07927269B2	Patient carestation A patient carestation for providing care to a patient including at least one environmental sensor sensing information concerning the environment surrounding the patient and providing electronic signals indicative of that environment. There are also physiological sensors sensing information relating to physiological conditions of the patient other than skin temperature and providing electronic signals indicative of physiological conditions of the patient. There may also be therapeutic sensors providing data based on therapy administered by peripheral apparatus and an input receiving patient information. A signal processor receives the signals from the physiological sensors, the environmental sensor, the therapeutic sensor and the patient information input and combines those signals into an integrated combination of signals for use by the caregiver. The integrated combination of signals can be used in a smart alarm or to generally appraise the caregiver at a central location as to the status of the patient.
US07927263B1	Exercise equipment with dock-and-lock and spotter platform Exercise equipment includes a stationary dock and a user support frame engaging the dock in docking relation, including application as a weight training rack and bench including a weight rack frame and a bench frame releasably lockable to the weight rack frame at a plurality of selectable locking locations therealong. A pair of collapsible spotter platforms are mounted to respective upstanding support posts.
US07927262B2	Compact multi-function exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus that provides a complete body workout, folds up into a small footprint, and can be hidden inside of a closet or decorative cabinet. The two arms rotate both horizontally and vertically, and move up and down, permitting the cable ends to be positioned anywhere from near the ground to well over head, thus allowing for infinite exercise variation. Cable ends that exit the arms freely and move independently of each other simulate working out with free weights. The counterweighted arms combined with convenient locking levers facilitate rapid and effortless arm repositioning. A counterweighted fold out seat assembly with leg extension completes the versatile and compact workout station.
US07927256B2	Adjustable exercise device and a device for adjusting an exercise device An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.
US07927255B2	Trampoline with dual spring elements A trampoline provides higher performance and greater shock absorption capability by utilizing pairs of springs to connect the rebounding mat to the supporting frame. The springs in each pair are coupled to a common junction on the periphery of the rebounding mat, being disposed vertically with respect to each other. The upper spring in each pair is directly connected to the rebounding mat and the trampoline frame to initially to tension the mat in the equilibrium position. The lower spring in each pair is coupled to the frame and then to rebounding mat via a linkage arm such that it comes substantially under tension only as the corresponding upper spring is stretched. Depending on the level of impact force on the trampoline mat both springs extend, such that their combined stored energy propels the user upward on the return bounce. However, as each spring pair engages in stages the shock of the users initially landing is gradually absorbed.
US07927253B2	Sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof A sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, an input is provided to an electronic game based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects, for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action within the game, or a game score of the electronic game.
US07927252B1	Conditioning apparatus and related methods In one embodiment, a conditioning apparatus for conditioning the hips and core structure of a user includes a target having printed thereon a movement pattern, and an illumination source spaced apart from the target. The illumination source is configured to be positioned about the user and to project a light upon the movement pattern for use as a visual reference point in response to movement of the user.
US07927249B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, first, second and third planetary gear sets, a first interconnecting member, a second interconnecting member and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The planetary gear sets each have first, second and third members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with another of the first, second, and third members.
US07927248B2	Eight speed automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes 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 be either clutches or brakes.
US07927245B1	Hydraulic motor apparatus A hydraulic motor assembly having a motor and gear reduction set mounted in a housing. The housing may be formed of separate components, including the external surface of the ring gear and the hydraulic motor port block. The motor assembly may also include pressure relief valves or neutral valves in the motor port block and a brake assembly mounted in the port block or on the motor housing to provide braking for the output axle.
US07927243B2	Transmission belt A stock rubber is provided with chopped aramid fibers and chopped polyester fibers blended in the rubber component, which is EPDM. The chopped polyester fibers are longer than the chopped aramid fibers. A transmission V-belt is obtained and molded from the stock rubber. When molding, the chopped aramid fibers and the chopped polyester fibers are oriented in a width direction of a belt body of the V-belt.
US07927241B2	Driven pulley for a continuously variable transmission The driven pulley (10) comprises a first sheave (12) and a second sheave (40) coaxially mounted around a main shaft. The first sheave (12) is fixed with reference to the main shaft while the other sheave (40) is allowed to slide and rotate with reference to the main shaft. The driven pulley (10) is designed with a roller mounting unit (74) facilitating the assembling or the replacement of the rollers (70).
US07927240B2	Lighted archery nock with variable light emissions The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a controller that controls illumination of the light. The controller can control emission of the light to conserve battery life, and can respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that secure the replaceable battery.
US07927236B2	Method of training a golfer to correctly position their hands on a golf club grip A method of using a golf training aid to train a golfer to correctly position their hands on the grip of a golf club. The training aid is temporarily engaged on the grip in the correct position by aligning a positioning aid on the training aid with the ball-striking of the club. The correct positioning of the hands is ensured by providing thumb and finger placement indicators on the training aid. The golfer is trained to use the correct amount of force to hold the club by heeding pressure sensors provided in the training aid.
US07927234B2	Golf ball dimple patterns with multiple phyllotactic elements A golf ball is disclosed having a plurality of dimples on its surface, the dimples being arranged in patterns determined by the science of phyllotaxis. Phyllotactic patterns are used to ascertain the placement of dimples in each polygonal face of a polyhedron based dimple pattern. Phyllotactic patterns provide for the arrangement of multiple spiral shaped strings of dimples within individual polygonal faces of a golf ball surface, with each polygonal face area having its own phyllotactic origination point at its center. The resulting multiple axes of symmetry in the overall dimple pattern provide improved symmetry of flight performance.
US07927233B2	Golf ball with multiple cover layers A golf ball having a core and two or more cover layers, wherein the multiple cover layers are formed from materials that are substantially the same composition with the same Shore hardness, but are modified in some way to alter the processing or performance characteristics of the golf ball, or the layers have the same hardness and at least one cover layer is formed of a polymer blend including a polyurethane composition, and at least one cover layer is formed of a different polymer blend.
US07927231B2	Golf club head A golf club head according to this invention includes a hollow head body, cylindrical body, weight member, and fixing member. The hollow head body has a projection formed along the periphery of the sole, a recess formed inside the projection, and an opening formed in the projection so as to extend from the toe side to the back side. The cylindrical body is provided in the recess of the head body, and includes its one end which engages with the inner wall of the projection on the heel side, and its other end which extends to the vicinity of the opening and can move along the opening. The weight member is retractably, detachably inserted in the cylindrical body. The fixing member is a detachable member which fixes the other end of the cylindrical body onto the projection.
US07927229B2	Golf club heads and methods to manufacture the same In one embodiment, a golf club head comprises a body comprising a first material, a front end, a rear end, a bottom wall portion, a top wall portion, and a first aperture into the first material and located in a wall surface of the bottom wall portion. The golf club head also comprises a first insert comprising a second material different than the first material and located in the first aperture. The golf club head comprises a club head mass; the first insert comprises an insert mass, the club head mass comprises the insert mass; the insert mass comprises more than half of the club head mass; the first insert comprises less than half of a volume of materials of the golf club head; and the materials of the golf club head comprise the first material and the second material. Other examples and related methods are described herein.
US07927228B2	Golf swing training mat A golf swing training aid to allow a golfer to learn the correct swing path utilizes a mat having three visual guidelines displayed thereon or therethrough. One guideline is aimed at the target. A second guideline would guide the club head on the back swing and a third guideline would show a greater inside angle to the target line that the club should make on its approach to the ball. A pair of bars are attached to the golf mat which would aid in correctly aligning the golfer's body to provide the proper stance when addressing a golf ball.
US07927225B1	Device for shot tracking A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.
US07927217B2	Network game system, game server system, client system, network game processing method, and recording medium To prevent a network response to a game server from deteriorating, a flag information management unit of a game server is provided. The flag information management unit manages flags indicating information on player characters (PC) in response to requests from client systems (or communication terminals)s occurring during network game progress. A flag information transmission unit transmits only the information linked to the managed flags to the client systems (or communication terminals). Then, on the sides of the client systems (or communication terminals), a control unit controls a CD-ROM drive in accordance with the information, and the necessary information is reproduced from a CD-ROM.
US07927212B2	Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine A disclosed player tracking unit provides a display, a wireless interface device designed or configured to communicate with a portable wireless headset, and a logic device designed or configured to communicate with the display, the wireless interface device, a master gaming controller that controls a game played on a gaming machine, and a player tracking server. The logic device can further communicate with the portable wireless headset using the wireless interface device. The portable wireless headset can include one or more earpieces configured to be worn by a player. Various messages, alerts, music, etc. can be sent from the player tracking unit to the portable wireless headset.
US07927211B2	Gaming environment including portable transaction devices A gaming environment includes portable transaction/tracking devices for rendering services and tracking game play. In one embodiment, the gaming environment includes at least one table game and a portable transaction interface capable of receiving and sending information over a wireless communication link to/from a player tracking server adapted to store player identification and player game play data. One embodiment of a method comprises the tracking of player game play in such a gaming environment using the portable transaction device or interface. Player identification information and player game play data is input to the portable transaction device and transmitted to the player tracking server for association with a player's rating file. Graphical information may be generated and displayed to the user of the portable transaction device regarding the gaming environment. This information may be used by the user to identify players or their location.
US07927210B2	Accounting service in a service-oriented gaming network environment An accounting service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for retrieving accounting information such as gaming machine meter information from gaming machines on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
US07927209B2	Wagering games with pooling of awards Method and system are disclosed for operating wagering game terminals where each terminal contributes an award to an award pool. A bank controller aggregates the awards, reapportions, and randomly assigns them back to the wagering game terminals. The reapportioned award assigned to a given wagering game terminal may be less than, the same as, or greater than the award contributed by that terminal. At regular or irregular intervals, the bank controller may shuffle the reapportioned awards and reassign them. As a result, the volatility of the wagering game terminals increases significantly while the payout percentage of each wagering game terminal remains the same over time. Alternatively, instead of randomly reassigning the reapportioned awards, the players may be allowed to pick the reapportioned awards. The reapportioning may also occur randomly and the assigning on an as-needed basis.
US07927202B2	Video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer program product for processing a video game It is an object that a normally selectable command or a command for specifying an appropriate action in accordance with the state of a player character can be easily selected through a simple operation by a player. In a command control process, at least one normal action specifying command for specifying a normal action that the player character can normally carry out is selectably displayed; at least one local action specifying command for specifying a local action that the player character can locally carry out in accordance with a state of the player character and corresponds to the state of the player character is selectably displayed when the player character becomes the corresponding state; and an action of the player character is controlled in response to the command selected, through operation by the player, from the displayed at least one normal action specifying command and the displayed at least one local action specifying command.
US07927199B2	Grain cleaning assembly support frame movable in two planes A harvesting machine including a chassis and a cleaning shoe. The cleaning shoe is supported by the chassis. The cleaning shoe includes a frame and at least one grain cleaning element. The frame is moveable in a first plane relative to the chassis. The at least one grain cleaning element is supported by the frame. The at least one grain cleaning element is movable in a second plane different from the first plane.
US07927198B2	Harvester corn cobs separating A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a suction fan or a single blower fan or a series of blower fans for blowing air through material from a conveyor and into a spreading guide which disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.
US07927196B2	Louver module A louver module includes a louver module body that extends in a length-wise direction, a width-wise direction and a height-wise direction such that the length-wise direction, the width wise-direction and the height wise direction are oriented perpendicularly relative to one another. The louver module body has a plurality of air passageways extending through the louver module body generally in the width-wise direction. Each one of the plurality of air passageways has a serpentine configuration.
US07927195B1	Fowl cleaning device A device for removing a breast from a fowl has a base supporting a platform with a slot open to one side of the platform. An upright channel member extended through the slot is secured to the base and platform. The channel member accommodates a bar having a lower end pivoted to the lower end of the channel member to allow the bar to be moved from an upright position to a generally horizontal position to remove a breast from a fowl positioned on the platform and around the channel member.
US07927193B2	Backup assembly for a sanding device A back-up assembly for a sanding device, where the back-up assembly includes a driving disk rotating around a rotational axis, rigid segment plates, a flexible pad layer positioned between the rigid segment plates and the driving disk, and semi-flexible wedges located at the bottom of each rigid segment plate. Rigid segment plates are arranged circumferentially and spacedly around the rotational axis of the driving disk and are secured to the bottom surface of the driving disk by the flexible pad layer. Further, adjacent rigid segment plates are allowed to move with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the driving disk.
US07927191B2	Hand-held power tool for a rotating tool with a guard The invention relates to a portable power tool (44) for a rotating, preferably disk-shaped tool. Said portable power tool comprises a machine housing (43), having a machine neck (22) to which a protective hood (1) can be detachably secured to at least partially cover the tool. Said protective hood (1) comprises a protective hood neck (2) and a clamp (29) is provided for the detachable securing. In order to provide an anti-rotation lock (48) which is effective between the machine neck (22) and the protective hood (1), a respective profiled structure (15) is arranged/configured on the clamp (29) and on the protective hood neck (7) or on the protective hood neck (7) and on the machine neck (22) or on the protective neck (7) and on the clamp (29) and on the machine neck (22).
US07927188B2	Powder delivery rate control for air abrasive instruments A micro-abrasive blasting device and method for perturbation control using a plurality of delivery conduits of various lengths and/or apertures. The user is able to individually open and close bypass conduit pinch valve(s) external to micro-abrasive blasting device to affect the perturbation intensity internal to the mixing chamber. By selectively opening and closing flow through delivery conduits it is possible to provide a more consistent perturbation rate and select the perturbation intensity internal to mixing chamber.
US07927186B2	Method for producing glass substrate for magnetic disk In the production of a glass substrate for magnetic disk, the present invention provides a method for producing a glass substrate for magnetic disk including a step of polishing a main surface of a circular glass substrate using a polishing pad made of a foamed resin while feeding a polishing liquid containing an abrasive, in which a polishing pad made of a foamed resin having an international rubber hardness of 45 IRHD or less, the hardness being measured at a dry state before contact with a slurry by the M method defined in JIS K6253, is used as a starting polishing pad and polishing is started after a polishing surface of the starting polishing pad is subjected to a dressing treatment to adjust the pad so that an open pore area ratio is 8% or more and an average circle equivalent diameter of open pores is 10 μm or more, in order to suppress an increase in roll-off in the polishing step of the main surface of the circular glass plate.
US07927185B2	Method for assessing workpiece nanotopology using a double side wafer grinder A method of processing a semiconductor wafer using a double side grinder of the type that holds the wafer in a plane with a pair of grinding wheels and a pair of hydrostatic pads. The method includes measuring a distance between the wafer and at least one sensor and determining wafer nanotopology using the measured distance. The determining includes using a processor to perform a finite element structural analysis of the wafer based on the measured distance.
US07927182B2	Polishing system with in-line and in-situ metrology A computer-implemented method for process control in chemical mechanical polishing in which an initial pre-polishing thickness of a substrate is measured at a metrology station, a parameter of an endpoint algorithm is determined from the initial thickness of the substrate, a substrates is polished at a polishing station, and polishing stops when an endpoint criterion is detected using the endpoint algorithm.
US07927180B2	Brassiere with edge bonding of side panel layers A brassiere is provided having a front piece incorporating two breast cups and with two side pieces extending around the upper body of an individual wearing the brassiere, the first ends of which are fastened to the front piece at the sides and the second ends of which can be connected together in the back area of the individual. According to the invention, each of the side pieces includes two layers of a textile material, namely an outer layer and an inner layer. The layers are fastened together at the free edges in such a way that the layer of the textile material forming the outside is folded over toward the inside to form marginal edges and that these edge areas are connected by an adhesive layer with the opposite side of the textile material forming the inside.
US07927179B2	Non-slip strap for an undergarment A brassiere shoulder strap has a layer of strap material having an inner surface with an inner surface area shape and an outer non-slip surface, and a support fabric having an inner surface and overlying the inner surface of the layer of strap material. The inner surface of the support fabric corresponding to the inner surface area shape of the layer of strap material. Folded free side edges of the layer of strap material and the support fabric are all stitched together to interconnect the layer of strap material to the support fabric.
US07927176B2	Pop-up play set A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.
US07927173B1	Toy vehicle launched from a connector clip A toy vehicle and launching system. The male section of a strap connector is attached to the toy vehicle. The male section has elongated arms that extend from the back of the toy vehicle. Separately, the female section of a strap connector is provided. The female section has a connector body with a front opening and side openings. The elongated arms from the male section are insertable into the connector body through the front opening. The elongated arms pass into the connector body until they reach an engaged position. At the engaged position, the elongated arms engage the side openings and retain the elongated arms within the connector body. The elongated arms store spring energy. When released from the engaged position, the energy stored in the elongated arms acts to accelerate the toy vehicle out and away from the connector body.
US07927169B2	Method of manufacturing thin film, substrate having thin film, electron emission material, method of manufacturing electron emission material, and electron emission device A method of manufacturing a thin film, including: mixing carbon nanofibers into an elastomer including an unsaturated bond or a group having affinity to the carbon nanofibers, and dispersing the carbon nanofibers by applying a shear force to obtain a carbon fiber composite material; mixing the carbon fiber composite material and a solvent to obtain a coating liquid; and applying the coating liquid to a substrate to form a thin film.
US07927167B2	Getter material and evaporable getter device using the same, and electron tube The present invention provides a getter material configured by a pressed powder mixture comprising Ba—Al alloy powder and Ni powder, wherein when the pressed powder mixture is heated in a vacuum atmosphere or an inert gas atmosphere, a temperature at which an exothermic reaction starts is ranging from 750° C. to 900° C. According to this getter material, since the temperature at which the pressed powder mixture starts the exothermic reaction is set within a range from 750° C. to 900° C., there can be provided a getter material and an evaporation type getter device capable of suitably controlling an evaporation amount of getter components under a stable condition, and is excellent in responsiveness because a time ranging from a starting time of heating the getter material to a starting time of evaporation of the getter components can be shortened. In addition, the metal container to be filled with the getter material is free from deformation and melting, and a heat-evaporation process time of the getter material can be shortened, so that there can be provided the evaporation type getter device excellent in responsiveness because a time required for the electron tube to attain to a predetermined vacuum degree can be also shortened.
US07927165B2	Process and apparatus for manufacturing a container for accommodating an HG source for a discharge lamp A manufacturing process and apparatus used to produce a container which is capable of accommodate an Hg source for a discharge lamp. The manufacturing includes producing a helical cutout in a coil former, inserting a flexible strip-like wire fabric into the helical cutout, automatically producing a coiled hollow-cylindrical strand at an outlet of the coil former by means of the strip-shaped wire fabric being moved through the helical cutout, and producing a coiled hollow-cylindrical container from the strand.
US07927160B1	Variable pitch propeller A propeller assembly has first and second propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. The first and second propeller blades are pivotable with respect to the propeller hub about corresponding first and second pivot axes to vary a pitch of the first and second propeller blades. A support member has a first end at least partially disposed within the first propeller blade and a second end at least partially disposed within the second propeller blade. The first end has a first central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the first pivot axis. The second end has a second central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the second pivot axis. A gear case having a propeller and a marine outboard engine having a propeller are also disclosed.
US07927154B2	Bi-pin connector and a lamp employing the same A bi-pin connector for a luminaire includes a base and pins that can rotate relative to the base. The pins can also translate relative to a light fixture housing in a direction transverse to the axis about which the pins rotate. A luminaire including the bi-pin connector is also disclosed.
US07927153B2	Communications connector with multi-stage compensation A communication connector uses compensation circuitry to compensate for crosstalk in a network connection. Capacitors are connected between specific conducive paths in said communication connector. Inductive stubs are utilized in the compensation circuitry to improve the overall compensation performance.
US07927151B2	Audio plug with core structural member Plugs with core structural members and methods for manufacturing plugs with core structural members are provided. A plug can include a core structural member that may increase the structural integrity of the plug. The plug can further include contact pads and traces, and each trace can electrically couple with one of the contact pads and extend along a plug axis towards the proximal end (e.g., base section) of the plug. In orientation-specific embodiments, the traces may be disposed on the surface of the plug. However, in other embodiments, the traces may be disposed below but near the surface of the plug. The plug may also include one or more insulating layers to prevent contact pads and traces from shorting.
US07927150B2	Connectors including spring tabs for holding a contact module A connector configured to hold a contact module. The connector includes a housing that has an interior surface defining a cavity that extends between first and second ends of the housing. The cavity is configured to receive and hold the contact module therein. The connector also includes a spring tab that is located in the cavity and oriented to project from the interior surface toward the first end of the housing. The spring tab is integrally formed with the housing. Also, the connector includes a ridge portion that is located in the cavity and oriented to project from the interior surface. The contact module is retained between the ridge portion and the spring tab.
US07927149B2	Interconnection assembly for printed circuit boards An apparatus electrically interconnects pins that project from the rear side of a backplane in separate arrays corresponding to respective circuit boards at the front side of the backplane. The apparatus comprises a connector board assembly extending across the rear side of the backplane between separate arrays of pins. The connector board assembly has signal routing circuitry that electrically interconnects those separate arrays of pins. This enables the respective printed circuit boards to be electrically interconnected independently of any signal routing circuitry within the structure of the backplane. Accordingly, the apparatus preferably includes a backplane that is free of signal routing circuitry for interconnecting pins that extend through the backplane.
US07927142B2	Electrical connector having a curved metal shell for anti-mismating An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1), and a metal shell (3) covering the insulative housing (1). The insulative housing (1) has a base (11) and a tongue (12) extending forwardly from the base (11). The metal shell (3) has a top wall (31), a bottom walls (32), and a pair of side walls (33). The top wall (31), bottom wall (32) and side walls (33) define a receiving space (34) therebetween. The bottom wall (32) has two first walls (321) extending opposed to each other from a lower end of the side walls (33), two oblique second walls (322) extending inwardly and upwardly from two first walls (321), and a third wall (323) connecting two second walls (322) together. The third wall (323) is higher than the second walls (322) along an up to down direction.
US07927139B2	Electrical leadthrough module and method for production thereof In order to connect together the conductors of the leadthroughs of an electrical leadthrough module in a dependable and simple manner, the invention specifies an electrical leadthrough module that comprises at least two separated electrical leadthroughs, each with at least one conductor passing through an insulating element and protruding on both sides of the insulating element, wherein the conductors of the electrical leadthroughs are connected electrically together by a rod arranged to be axially displaceable with respect to the conductors.
US07927138B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector that is reduced in size by appropriately combining connection terminals and a connector housing. Terminal insertion openings (15) for terminal accommodating holes (14) are formed in the rear face of the connector housing (11). The terminal insertion openings (15) each have an elliptic cross-section, and the ellipses are arranged so as to be aligned in a specific direction. Oblong sections of connection sections, having a narrow width, of the connection terminals are inserted into the terminal accommodating holes (14), along the terminal insertion openings (15). The connection terminals are engaged with elastic case lances and connection sections provided in the terminal receiving holes and are fixed in position.
US07927132B1	Junction box and conductive terminals therein Disclosed are a conductive terminal and a junction box having the conductive terminals. The conductive terminal comprises a conducting wire cover, a terminal main body, a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The terminal main body serially comprises a conducting wire base, a sheet body, a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion. The conducting wire cover comprises a first base, a top, a first bend, a first tongue piece and a second bend. The conducting wire base comprises a pair of lodging parts and a third opening. The first clamping member comprises a pair of third wings, which clamps the first gripping portion. The second clamping member comprises a second tongue piece and a third tongue piece. The pair of the forth protrusions of the second tongue piece engages with the second gripping portion.
US07927131B2	Battery connector with contact terminal having improved retaining force A battery connector adapted to hold a battery, comprises an insulative housing, a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact. The insulative housing defines a receiving chamber which having a horizontal bottom. The first conductive contact comprises a retention portion retained in the periphery of the receiving chamber, a resilient portion extending in a horizontal direction from the retention portion and pivotal about an axis of the retention portion along a vertical direction, a hook portion extending from a distal end of the resilient portion, and a spring arm extending from a location adjacent the distal end of the resilient portion. The second conductive contact is disposed in the bottom and having a resilient contacting portion for electrically engaging with the battery.
US07927122B2	Connector assembly having an improved connection mechanism A connector assembly has a first connector and a second connector matable with the first connector. The first connector includes a first contact having a first contact portion and a first housing configured to hold the first contact. The second connector includes a second contact having a second contact portion that is brought into contact with the first contact portion and a second housing configured to hold the second contact. The connector assembly further includes a positioner operable to position the second contact portion in a first direction so that the second contact portion corresponds to the first contact portion when the second connector is moved relative to the first connector along the first direction. The connector assembly further includes a movement guide operable to guide a relative movement of the second connector relative to the first connector along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a state in which the second contact portion has been positioned in the first direction until the second contact portion is brought into contact with the first contact portion.
US07927121B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector (1) comprises an insulative housing (2), a plurality terminals received in the housing (2), a stiffener (3) engaged with the housing (2), a clip (5) and a lever (4) pivotably mounted on two opposite sides of the stiffener (3). The lever (4) comprises a pair of locating portions (424) pivotably received in the stiffener (3), an offset actuating portion (422) between the locating portions (424), and an operating portion (43) extending upward and frontward from an end of the locating portions (424) and bent far away from the housing (2).
US07927114B2	Card edge connector having additional ground contact facilitating grounding of inserted memory module A card edge connector includes an elongated housing defining a plurality of first and second terminal grooves at opposite sides thereof. A key is located between said first and second terminal grooves. A plurality of first and second terminals are respectively received in said first and second terminal grooves. The outmost of the first terminal together with the outmost of the second terminal are arranged as grounding terminals and form a diagonal configuration to contact with grounding pad defined on the memory module for eliminating EMI.
US07927113B2	Pumping assembly with a grounding connection having sharp edges to bite into an insulating layer of the pump housing Electric fuel pumps are already known with a pump housing and a ground terminal, which is provided on a terminal cover, for making contact with an electrical ground, in which the pump housing and the ground terminal are connected to one another via a ground connection, which has a first contact section for making contact with the pump housing and a second contact section for making contact with the ground terminal. The first contact section is provided on the outer circumference of a terminal cover and, after installation, is pressed with a contact pressure against the inner face of the pump housing. Since the inner face of the pump housing has increasingly been provided with an electrically insulating anticorrosion coating, however, when the terminal cover is pressed into the pump housing, touching contact with the pump housing does take place which is usually also electrically conductive, but as a result of the electrically insulating coating has a high electrical resistance. In the case of the conveying assembly according to the invention, the impedance of the contact-making is reduced. The invention provides that the first contact section is designed to have sharp edges in such a way that, when it is pushed into the pump housing, it passes locally through an electrically insulating layer formed on the pump housing.
US07927111B2	Electrical junction box To provide an electrical junction box wherein terminals juxtaposed in the box can be supported, when fuses or the like are fitted in the terminals. An electrical junction box is provided on an outer surface with electrical component containing sections. Terminals are juxtaposed in the containing sections. The terminals are connected to an internal circuit member. Each terminal is provided on opposite side edges in a width direction with recesses or protrusions. Support pins project from the electrical junction box or an insulation plate contained in the box so that each support pin is disposed between the adjacent terminals to extend in a direction perpendicular to the terminals and is fitted in the recesses or protrusions.
US07927110B1	Connector clip A connector clip adapted for holding a flat cable directly against a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a pair of vertical walls mounted on the PCB with a width same to the flat cable, a pair of horizontal walls extending inwards from the vertical walls to commonly define a receiving room to receive the flat cable with a front opening from which the flat cable is inserted and a pressing cover disposed between the pair of horizontal walls in a horizontal plane. The pressing cover slants upwards to the front opening and has a pair of locking tabs bending to the front opening. The pressing cover is moved into the receiving room to press against the flat cable and the locking tabs interlock with the horizontal walls to block the pressing cover from moving away from the receiving room so that the flat cable is fitly retained in the receiving room.
US07927104B2	Educational game apparatus Disclosed is an educational game apparatus for playing a game by a plurality of players. The educational game apparatus comprises a playing rack member, a pair of dice, and a winner indication member. The playing rack member comprises a pair of lateral members, and a plurality of transverse members coupled to configure a turn record section, a score record section, and a number section. The turn record section records turns played by a player during the game, and records a lucky number selected by the player. The score record section records scores accumulated by the player during the game. The number section includes a plurality of blocks each with a set of numbers inscribed thereon. The pair of dice is tossed to turn a block from the plurality of blocks to score points. Further, the player with highest points secures the winner indication member on the playing rack member.
US07927103B1	Mathematics teaching kit A kit for teaching mathematics that will allow students to reason and understand basic mathematical principles. The kit uses moldable materials such as: dough, clay, and commercially available plastically moldable materials e.g. “Playdough®”. The material is extruded to proper length and width befitting elementary youngsters. Cutters are used to fractionate the material. The fractions are used to solve elementary fractions, percentages, geometry, and algebra problems.
US07927098B2	Surgical anchor device An orthodontic anchor device (10) for a surgical traction element is described. The anchor device includes a fixing device (12), which can be fixed in or to a bone in the mouth region, as well as a clamping device (18) coupled to the fixing device (12). The clamping device (18) has at least one locating region for the traction element as well as an oblique surface which can rotate relative to the locating region or which co-operates with a rotatable element. In order to produce a clamping force which fixes the traction element, a relative rotation takes place between the oblique surface and the rotatable element or between the oblique surface and the locating region.
US07927097B2	Plastic bracket with mechanical retention and production method thereof The invention relates to a bracket which is intended for use in orthodontics and which is made entirely from plastic using an injection molding process. The inventive bracket comprises the basic elements of any bracket, such as the base which is fixed or cemented to the tooth, the arch groove in the mesial-distal direction and flanges for standard wire ligatures or elastomers. The invention is essentially characterised in that, as with metal brackets, the fixing base provides mechanical retention and, as such, does not have to be coated with any type of chemical additive during the cementing procedure.
US07927094B2	Composite nozzle cap The present invention provides a composite nozzle cap having a first part made of metal and an outer tip of a polymeric material. The first part mechanically secures the nozzle into the nozzle housing by engaging the nozzle housing and pressing against a base flange on the nozzle to clamp the flange between the first part of the nozzle housing. The second part extends away from the nozzle housing and is mechanically secured to the first part. An inner face of the second part contacts the nozzle tip to prevent melt flow between the second part of the nozzle tip. An outer face of the second part contacts the gate insert to avoid melt flow between the second part and the gate insert. As the second part is of a polymeric material, it avoids the heat transfer concerns associated with a metallic interface between the nozzle tip and the gate insert.
US07927092B2	Apparatus for forming a slurry polishing pad Methods and apparatus for forming a semi-spherical polishing pad for polishing semiconductor surfaces, provide for: placing a polishing pad pre-form on a dome-shaped forming surface, the polishing pad pre-form including a circular body having a center and an outer peripheral edge, and a plurality of slots extending from the outer peripheral edge towards the center; disposing a bladder opposite to the dome-shaped forming surface and the polishing pad pre-form; inflating the bladder with a fluid such that the dome-shaped forming surface of the bonnet form presses against the polishing pad pre-form from one side and the bladder presses against the polishing pad pre-form from an opposite side; and maintaining the pressing step for a predetermined period of time to achieve the semi-spherical polishing pad.
US07927089B2	Mold, apparatus including mold, pattern transfer apparatus, and pattern forming method A deformable mold includes a first surface at which an imprinting pattern is formed. The imprinting pattern (i) is used to imprint a pattern on a substrate and (ii) has a variable size, which varies based on an amount of deformation of the imprinting pattern. A second surface is located opposite from the first surface in a direction of thickness of the mold. A plurality of heat generating members that generate heat have a permeability to ultraviolet light and are disposed at one of (i) the second surface and (ii) between the first surface and the second surface, and the plurality of heat generating members directly contact the mold in order to control the amount of deformation of the imprinting pattern to vary the size of the imprinting pattern. A controller independently controls the plurality of heat generating members and the controller controls at least one of the heat generating members so as to effect anisotropic size correction of the mold in an in-plane direction of the mold.
US07927087B2	Method and apparatus for molding with reduced cull formation An apparatus and process are provided for molding electronic devices in a mold, which apparatus comprises at least one runner in the mold connected to a mold supply pot for channeling a molding compound from the mold supply pot to the electronic devices. A plunger assembly is also provided that comprises a main body, and a supplementary body configured to be movable relative to the main body. The plunger assembly is locatable in the mold supply pot and is drivable in a direction towards the runner for forcing the molding compound into the runner. In order to avoid or reduce cull formation, a width of the runner at an opening connecting the runner to the mold supply pot is smaller than a width of the main body of the plunger assembly.
US07927084B2	Magnetic trap for ferrous contaminants in lubricant A compressor is having a tubular vertical shaft, which rotates about its vertical axis, a cylinder block for supporting the tubular vertical shaft, a rotor for driving the rotation of the tubular vertical shaft, and a stator affixed to the cylinder block. Lubricant is channelled from the lower end of the tubular vertical shaft through an inlet of its interior path to the outlet. A magnet is disposed within the interior path to trap ferrous contaminants in the lubricant before the lubricant is distributed to other parts of the compressor.
US07927081B2	Pump and motor arrangement A pump station comprising includes a motor and pump arrangement, a tank for holding a liquid; and a frame for supporting the tank generally above the motor and pump arrangement. The motor and pump arrangement includes a motor having a drive shaft rotatable about a first longitudinal axis and a pump having a drive shaft rotatable about a second longitudinal axis oriented parallel to the first longitudinal axis. A drive mechanism interconnects the drive shaft of the motor and the drive shaft of the pump. A mounting assembly is provided and includes a lower portion mounted to a portion of one of the motor and the pump; and an upper portion to which the other of the motor and the pump is mounted. The lower portion and the upper portion are configured and selectively movable in such a manner that the drive shaft of the motor and the drive shaft of the pump, during translation movement relative to each other, are constrained from rotational movement relative to each other.
US07927074B2	Fan rotor A fan rotor includes a hub (10), a plurality of blades (20) radially disposed around the hub, and a magnet (30) located in an inner side of the hub. The hub includes a top wall (12) and a sidewall (14) surrounding the top wall. A plurality of spaced first ribs (17) is disposed between the top wall of the hub and a top wall of the magnet. A plurality of spaces (171) is formed between adjacent first ribs for accommodating equilibrium clay (50) therein.
US07927068B2	Expandable impeller pump An impeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, the blades being arranged in at least two blade rows. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blades extend away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which at least one of the blades is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may also have an operational configuration in which at least some of the blades are deformed from the deployed configuration upon rotation of the impeller when in the deployed configuration. The outer edge of one or more blades may have a winglet, and the base of the blades may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blades.
US07927064B2	Pelton turbine system and method A Pelton turbine is disclosed that includes at least one needle valve injector assembly and at least one high efficiency injector assembly. The high efficiency injector assembly provides a generally unimpeded flow path for water from a distributor to a runner of the turbine. The high efficiency injector assemblies and needle valve injector assemblies are operated in cooperation to provide the overall desired flow rate through the turbine and to increase the efficiency of the turbine. A high efficiency injector assembly may be retrofitted for a needle valve injector assembly to improve the efficiency of existing turbine systems.
US07927060B2	Priority hydraulic flow diverter control assembly A priority hydraulic flow diverter control assembly for a refuse collection vehicle hydraulic system provides proper and efficient flow in an auxiliary hydraulic circuit regardless of the primary flow so that refuse cart lifters and the refuse cart operate safely and efficiently. A pressure sequence valve diverts hydraulic fluid flow from the refuse cart lifter circuit into the downstream main hydraulic system when downstream back pressure is low, and into the system tank when back pressure is high. This allows all hydraulic operated equipment to operate at their intended speed whether at high or low system back pressure.A differential pressure sensing valve and flow regulating valves provide a precision flow. Harmful and undesirable vibrations and noise associated with pulses in hydraulic system pressure are reduced using a control orifice located in the valve body. A relief valve ensures that the diverter control assembly is compatible with other manufacturer's products.
US07927057B2	Ocean commerce transfer system A non-permanent system for the unloading and loading of ocean-going cargo vessels is described using a cargo transfer system which is supported by dirigibles or airships. The cargo transfer system is comprised of a moving transfer cable, a cargo lifting device and a cargo staging device. The system is used to transfer cargo between at least one sea terminus and at least one land terminus. Cargo is moved along the transfer cable from one terminus to another by means of dirigibles or airships. The sea-terminus of the system may be a floating temporary dock or a large ocean vessel such as an aircraft carrier. The system can be developed so that it is fully transportable and can be assembled and launched from a large ship, as well as recovered for movement to another location. The system may also be used at inland ports. The system can be sized to the port requirements using one transfer system or multiple systems.
US07927056B2	Casing-in machine with book delivery The invention pertains to a book casing device with support plates of a circulation conveyor that transport the books astraddle in a vertical position and with a book delivery unit consisting of a stripping element that is arranged in the plane of motion of the support plates and features a through-opening for the support plates, wherein the downwardly moving books are supported on said stripping element in order to be released from the support plates, and with a delivery device for the subsequent lateral delivery of the books referred to the plane of motion of the support plates. In order to realize a reliable and gentle delivery of the books with high cycle rates, the invention proposes that the delivery unit comprises at least one means for continuously supporting a book while the book is transferred from the stripping position into a delivery position. The books are preferably transferred into their delivery position while being supported by the stripping element.
US07927051B2	Rivet and riveted structure using same An exemplary rivet includes a main body, and a riveting portion extending from the main body. The riveting portion has a first flange, and a second flange nearer to the main body than the first flange. The first flange and the second flange cooperatively defines a receiving cavity. A distance between a side surface of a portion of the second flange and a center axis of the rivet is greater than the distance between a side surface of the first flange and the center axis of the rivet.
US07927048B2	Device and method for machining gear wheels in an indexing method with a reduced indexing time The invention relates to a device (20) comprising a workpiece spindle (21) for receiving a gear wheel (25), a tool spindle (29) for receiving a tool and several drives (X, Y, Z, B, C, A1) for machining the gear wheel in individual divisions. According to the invention, one tooth gap of the gear wheel is machined and then the tool is displaced in relation to the gear wheel in order to remove the tool from the tooth gap. The gear wheel is then rotated by a division and the tool is placed against the wheel again to machine another tooth gap. One of the drives (C) can be controlled in such a way that the relative displacement involves a tilting displacement, which modifies the relative angle between the tool and the gear wheel, the tilting displacement being co-ordinated with the displacement of a division.
US07927036B2	Quick connect with male and female terminals A quick connect assembly having a female terminal exhibiting an interior passage communicating with a connecting end. The passage is defined by inwardly facing surfaces associated with a plurality of linearly extending and peripherally arrayed beams, the passage exhibiting an enlarged profile an inwardly recessed distance from the connecting end. A male terminal includes a projecting portion generally matching the enlarged profile. The male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, causing the beams to outwardly deflect, following which the beams inwardly retract concurrent with the projecting portion seating within the inner profile. A linearly displaceable and sleeve shaped covering cap is spring supported upon the male terminal and displaceable between a first anti-biased position permitting outward deflection of the beams and a second biased position seating over projecting ends of the beams to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the terminals.
US07927030B2	Printing control method and apparatus This invention relates to a printing control method and apparatus, a computer program product, and the like in which printing data is held in a hierarchical structure and a printing job is issued to a printer to cause the printer to print. In the printing control method according to the present invention, different setting values can be set in the lower and upper layers of the hierarchical structure as printing setting data containing double-sided printing or single-sided printing setting. When a setting value different from that of the upper layer is set in the lower layer of the hierarchical structure, the printer is instructed on a setting in the lower layer for each printing data to which the setting value is applied.
US07927019B2	Slewing bearing structure A slewing bearing includes: an outer ring section having first and second circumferential grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface in parallel; an inner ring section formed on an inner side of the outer ring section and having first and second circumferential grooves formed on an outer circumferential surface in parallel in correspondence to the first and second circumferential grooves of the outer ring section; a first row of rolling elements provided in the first circumferential groove of the outer ring section and the first circumferential groove of the inner ring section; and a second row of rolling element provided in the second circumferential groove of the outer ring section and the second circumferential groove of the inner ring section. The inner ring section rotates via the first and second rolling element rows around a rotation axis in a relatively opposite direction to the outer ring section.
US07927017B2	Lower a-frame bushing assembly Bearing assembly that is of integral construction or manufacture and is capable of internal lubrication. The all metal construction gives a long lasting, easily installable, easy to lubricate, smooth ride bushing assembly.
US07927016B2	Slider for linear motion rolling guide unit A slider for a linear motion rolling guide unit can ensure a smooth rolling movement and a reliable lubricating capability and eliminate the need for accurate dimension control to reduce the manufacturing costs. A turning corner 9 in an end cap 2 is made up of a pair of arced paths 9c connecting with a rolling path in the casing 1, and a straight path 9d providing a connection between the arced paths 9c and extending in a direction approximately perpendicular to the rolling path. The lubricating member A mounted in the end cap 2 has a lubricating face 18a exposed to the linear path 9d, and maintains a relation of the lubricating face 18a intersecting the outer peripheral faces of the arced paths 9c. A recessed area 19 is formed between the outer peripheral face of each arced path and the lubricating face 18a in a surplus length region extending outward from the intersection between the lubricating face 18a and the outer peripheral face of the arced path 9c.
US07927013B2	Computed tomography rotor, and gantry embodying same A rotor, and a gantry and a computed tomography apparatus with such a rotor, has recess to accommodate at least one component of an image data acquisition device, and the recess is dimensioned such that the component can be inserted therein in a radial direction proceeding away from a rotation center of the rotor and is positively connected with the rotor by an abutment structure provided on the component, as well as by spot connections. This positive fit thus acts in the direction of the centrifugal forces arising upon rotation of the rotor, such that an ejection of the component from the rotor is effectively prevented even given a failure of the spot connections (for example bolt connections) between the rotor 1 and the component.
US07927010B2	Disposable, pre-calibrated, pre-validated sensors for use in bio-processing applications Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.
US07926999B2	Planar light-emitting device and display apparatus having the same A planar light-emitting device includes an elongate first lightguide plate (13) having a light entrance end surface (13a) disposed facing an exit surface (12a) of a light-emitting package (12), a reflecting side surface (13b) extending substantially at right angles to the light entrance end surface to reflect light entering through the light entrance end surface, and a light exit side surface (13c) facing the reflecting side surface, and a flat plate-shaped second lightguide plate (14) having a light entrance side edge surface (14a) facing the light exit side surface (13c). The first lightguide plate is configured to satisfy the condition of t1
US07926998B2	Light control film and backlight unit using the same A light control film providing improved n front luminance and appropriate light diffusion, without problems of interference pattern, glare etc., has a rough surface constituted so that, for a curved surface portion of the rough surface, having an approximately square area of 1 mm2 or larger and defined at an arbitrary position on the rough surface by using data for heights of the rough surface measured at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal and transverse directions, an average of slopes of the curved surface portion (θnv degrees) of the rough surface, with respect to a base plane of the film, should be not less than 27 degrees and not more than 70 degrees at substantially any position on the light control film.
US07926996B2	Electronic apparatus and illuminating device having a translucent member with incident lines of protrusions A light emitting element is mounted on the surface of a board. The light emitting element emits light. The light passes through a translucent optical member. The light enters the translucent optical member through a incident surface. The lines of protrusions make the incident surface jagged. The jagged surface resulting from the protrusions enables diffusion of the light entering through the incident surface. The light spreads along the surface of the board. Simultaneously, the emitted light is partly reflected on the incident surface. The reflected light is reflected on a reflecting surface placed behind the light emitting element. The reflected light then enters the translucent optical member. The translucent optical member is thus allowed to illuminate over a wide range with a sufficient brightness. An impressive illumination can be realized.
US07926993B2	Projector unit A projector unit is provided with a mechanism for changing the spatial distribution of a light beam. The projector unit includes a housing, an action element having a revolving shaft, a first diaphragm for cropping the light beam, wherein the first diaphragm is fixedly coupled to the shaft of the action element, a second diaphragm for cropping the light beam, wherein the second diaphragm is rotatingly coupled to the shaft of the action element, a first biasing element disposed between the second diaphragm and the housing, wherein the first biasing element regulates a positioning of the second diaphragm relative to the housing, and a second biasing element disposed between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, wherein the second biasing element regulates a spacing between the first biasing element and the second biasing element.
US07926991B2	Connecting device for vehicle-mounted light source device and light source device connected thereto A connecting device is provided which allows easy replacement with a light source device having a light emitting diode serving as a light source at low cost and without changing a vehicle-side connection configuration and the shape of a socket for attaching a bulb-type lamp. There is also provided a light source device connected to the connecting device. A power source adapting connector has an external shape formed so as to conform to a socket for attaching conventional bulb-type lamps. The power source adapting connector includes: a connector housing which contains therein a female connector and has positive and negative electrodes on the exterior thereof; the female connector which is contained in the connector housing and is to be connected to a male connector of a light source unit; and an attaching/detaching plate which is attached to an open end portion (upper end portion) of the connector housing.
US07926988B2	Pocket flashlight Flashlights are provided herein that can be removable attached to a magnetic surface. A flashlight can include a body having a bulb end and a clip end, a light source connected to the bulb end, and one or more magnets attached to the body flashlight. In one example, a flashlight includes a pocket clip attached to the clip end, and the one or more magnets can be attached to the pocket clip.
US07926977B2	LED lighting system for a cabinet sign A lighting system generally includes a plurality of electrically interconnected modules. Each module includes a support, circuitry on the support, at least two light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the support and electrically connected to the circuitry, and a housing over the support for covering the circuitry. A first LED on a first surface of the support emits light in a first general direction and a second LED mounted on a second surface of the support emits light in a second general direction, which is opposite the first general direction.
US07926976B2	Deformable illumination module Deformable illumination module with a plurality of circuit boards that have at least one optical emitter arranged thereon and that are connected into forming a chain by way of two electrical power supply wires. The electrical power supply wires run without interruption across all circuit boards of the chain creating a parallel connection of the circuit boards.
US07926973B2	Semiconductor light emitting apparatus A semiconductor light emitting apparatus can be configured to reduce color variations and intensity variations with a simple configuration. The semiconductor light emitting apparatus can include a substrate having conductive members including chip mounting areas and electrode areas, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting device chips mounted in the chip mounting areas on the substrate, a reflector formed on this substrate so as to surround the semiconductor light emitting device chips, and a fluorescent material and a light diffusing material arranged distributedly inside this reflector. The semiconductor light emitting apparatus can be configured so that the semiconductor light emitting device chips emit light only from their top surfaces, and a first light transmitting resin containing the fluorescent material is applied only to the top surfaces of the semiconductor light emitting device chips.
US07926972B2	Shop light fixture A shop light fixture includes reflector. The reflector is of a planar sheet like configuration bent at a left side and a right side. The reflector has a reflector front side and a reflector rear side. A ballast assembly has a ballast front side and a ballast rear side. The ballast front side is mounted to the reflector front side. A first socket and fourth socket are mounted to the ballast front side. A second socket is mounted to the reflector rear side in alignment with the first socket such that the first socket in cooperation with the second socket can receive a first florescent tube. A third socket is mounted to the reflector rear side, and the third socket is electrically connected to the second socket. The third socket and fourth socket receive a second florescent tube.
US07926971B2	Battery pack assemblies and portable lighting devices employing same A portable electronic device, such as a flashlight, with a battery pack assembly is provided. The battery pack assembly has a cylindrically shaped housing with a base and a cover that form a chamber to hold a battery pack. A printed circuit board is installed in the cylindrically shaped housing to provide multiple functions to the portable electronic device.
US07926970B2	In-grade lighting fixture An in-grade light fixture has a lamp compartment having an open upper end with a lens cover covering the open upper end. The lens cover may have a joint connection to permit travel from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A junction box is adjacent to the lens cover along an upper portion of the compartment. If a ballast is utilized for proper supply of power to the lamp, a ballast compartment is adjacent an open lower end of the lamp compartment. A hydraulic isolation chamber extends vertically downward from the junction box to the sealed ballast compartment. The hydraulic isolation chamber is filled with a potting material and prevents wicking of moisture into the ballast compartment.
US07926968B2	Dual mode luminous ball pen A dual mode luminous ball pen is disclosed. The luminous pen includes a pen shaft; a tapered transparent tip portion disposed on a proximal end of the shaft; a refill, a switch portion, a lamp, a control portion, and a button. The switch portion disposed inside the pen shaft and connected to the tip portion for rotating a sleeve. The lamp includes at least a cell, a first light emitting diode (LED), and a second LED, and can be rotated together by the sleeve to supply/cut-off a power supplied by the cell to the LEDs. The control portion is disposed on the switch portion to turn on one of the first and second LEDs. The button is depressed into the pen shaft to rotate the control portion.
US07926962B2	Portable electronic device A portable electronic device includes a main body, a camera positioned in the main body, a fill-in light emitting unit positioned in the main body adjacent to the camera, and an optical lens positioned between the fill-in light emitting unit and outside of the main body. The optical lens includes an incident surface facing the fill-in light emitting unit, a light emitting surface opposite to the incident surface, and a plurality of elongated V-shaped ridges formed on the incident surface. The elongated V-shaped ridges are substantially parallel to each other and symmetrical about a central portion of the optical lens. Vertex angles between symmetric elongated V-shaped ridges progressively increase along a direction away from the fill-in light emitting unit.
US07926961B2	Low background flux telescope with integrated baffle A telescope design is disclosed that has at least some of its interior facing surfaces configured with corner reflectors, so that a detector operatively coupled to the telescope views itself, instead of those surfaces. The corner reflectors may be on, for example, interior facing surfaces of a conventional baffle appended to the telescope and/or mirror supports or other structures inside the telescope housing that are within the detector's FOV. Likewise, the corner reflectors may be on interior facing surfaces of a baffle that is integrated into the telescope housing. In some such cases, the integrated baffle can be configured as both a baffle and a mirror support. The integrated baffle can be shaped to the F-cone between mirrors of a given telescope design, and/or configured to minimize or otherwise reduce the total obscuration of the baffle to improve the optical throughput.
US07926953B2	Projector with sealed structure having air circulation path A projector includes: an optical component; a sealed structure that includes an optical component casing accommodating the optical component inside, a cooling device, a plurality of duct members including a flow-path-upstream-side duct member that guides the air from the cooling device to the optical component casing, and a ringed air flow passage defined by the duct members, the optical component casing including an air inlet for introducing air into the optical component casing and an air outlet for exhausting the air to an outside of the optical component casing, the cooling device including a thermoelectric conversion element having a heat absorbing surface that faces an inside of the sealed structure and a heat releasing surface that faces an outside of the sealed structure, the duct members introducing the air into the optical component casing via the air inlet and re-introducing the air that is exhausted from the inside to the outside of the optical component casing via the air outlet again into the optical component casing via the air inlet, the flow-path-upstream-side duct member formed of a material having a heat conductivity of equal to or lower than 0.9 W/(m·k), the optical component disposed in the air flow passage, the air flow passage allowing the air circulating therein; and a circulation fan that circulates the air in the ringed air flow passage, the circulation fan disposed on a downstream side of the cooling device and an upstream side of the optical component casing along an air-flowing direction in the air flow passage.
US07926946B2	Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus and ophthalmologic imaging method An apparatus that captures a fundus image of a subject's eye includes a first extraction unit configured to extract, from a first fundus image photographed with a first light quantity, an image of a first area having intensity not less than predetermined intensity and an image of a second area other than the first area, a second extraction unit configured to extract an image of an area corresponding to the first area from a second fundus image photographed with a second light quantity based on the light quantity of the first area, a third extraction unit configured to extract an image of an area corresponding to the second area from a third fundus image photographed with a third light quantity based on the light quantity of the second area, and an image combining unit configured to combine the images extracted by the second and the third extraction units.
US07926945B2	Device and method for monitoring, documenting and/or diagnosing the fundus The present invention is directed to a device and a method for the observation, documentation and/or diagnosis of the fundus in which the diagnosis is carried out by evaluating the documented images of the fundus. The device according to the invention comprises an ophthalmological examination device, a multi-spectral sequential illumination module, an image recording module, a control and safety module, and an evaluating unit. The illumination module which is connected to the ophthalmologic examination device has at least two individual light sources and which can be regulated individually with respect to intensity and duration and which emit monochromatic light of different wavelengths. The light coming from the illumination module is imaged on the image recording module from the ophthalmologic examination device by the eye being examined. The control and safety module controls the chronological sequence, duration and intensity of the individual light sources and monitors the light stress. An evaluating unit evaluates the recordings of the fundus transmitted by the image recording module. The inventive solution serves to record monochromatic images of the retina, for example, red, green, blue, or also infrared, and to record fluorescence images.
US07926932B2	Image forming apparatus and printing control method An image forming apparatus includes a conveying path that continues to a paper feeding unit and a paper discharge unit, a conveying mechanism that conveys a sheet along the conveying path, plural liquid ejecting heads that eject liquid onto the sheet conveyed on the conveying path, a sensor that is provided in a position between the plural liquid ejecting heads and the paper discharge unit and measures the glossiness of the sheet on which the liquid is ejected, and a control mechanism that compares the glossiness of the sheet immediately after the liquid is ejected and the glossiness measured by the sensor to calculate drying time of the liquid and controls conveying speed of the conveying mechanism to equalize conveying time for the sheet from the plural liquid ejecting heads to the paper discharge unit with the drying time.
US07926927B2	Liquid container and jet printing apparatus A structure for informing a state of the ink tank by a light emitting section such as LED, capable of displaying such information at a position easily visible by the user and favorably sending the emitted light both to the user and a light receiver section on the printer side without needing electric wiring which may disturb the user's visibility or manipulation. The light emitting section is separated from the display section and a light guiding section is provided between the both. A member for suitably limiting the emission of light is provided in the display section. Thereby, it is possible to dispose the display section at the best position without needing the electric wiring on the ink tank and obtain a preferable light volume suitable both for the improvement in user's visibility and the stability of the operation of the light receiving section.
US07926923B2	Inkjet printer An inkjet printer that includes a main tank with ink, a sub-tank unit including a sub-tank, an ink supply mechanism including an ink absorber. Wherein the ink supply mechanism supplies ink from the main tank to the sub-tank. Wherein the main tank and the sub-tank are disconnected from each other when ink is not being supplied from the main tank to the sub-tank, and are connected to each other via the ink supply mechanism when ink is being supplied from the main tank to the sub-tank. Wherein the ink absorber is positioned in the ink supply mechanism so as to absorb ink from the sub-tank. Wherein the ink absorber is also positioned in the ink supply mechanism so as to present less resistance to ink flowing through the ink supply mechanism into the sub-tank than when ink is not being supplied from the main tank to the sub-tank.
US07926922B2	Ink-jet head and valve An ink-jet head of the present invention includes a discharge valve that includes a valve chamber and an opening/closing mechanism. The valve chamber has an ink supply port through which ink is supplied from outside, an outside discharge port through which ink is discharged to outside, and a reservoir discharge port through which ink is discharged to an ink reservoir. The opening/closing mechanism is able to selectively take either one of a state where a passage is formed between the ink supply port and the outside discharge port while access between the ink supply port and the reservoir discharge port is blocked and a state where a passage is formed between the ink supply port and the reservoir discharge port while access between the ink supply port and the outside discharge port is blocked.
US07926921B2	Liquid transporting apparatus A liquid transporting apparatus which transports a liquid includes a channel unit having a surface which is electroconductive and a liquid channel which includes a pressure chamber; a piezoelectric actuator applying a pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber and having a piezoelectric layer arranged to face the surface of the channel unit and to cover the pressure chamber, electrodes which are arranged in the piezoelectric layer to face the pressure chamber, and a first isolating film arranged between the piezoelectric layer and the surface of the channel unit to cover the pressure chamber; and a deterioration detecting mechanism detecting a deterioration of the first isolating film and having a second isolating film which is electroconductive and stacked on a surface, of the first isolating film, on a side of the piezoelectric layer, and which is insulated from both the electrodes and the channel unit.
US07926918B2	Method for driving head for liquid-droplet jetting apparatus, and head for liquid-droplet jetting apparatus A piezoelectric layer is provided on a vibration plate which covers a plurality of pressure chambers extending in a predetermined direction. The piezoelectric layer has a first area corresponding to a central portion in a width direction of each of the pressure chambers and a second area corresponding to both sides in a longitudinal direction of an inner peripheral portion of each of the pressure chambers. A head for a liquid-droplet jetting apparatus which has the piezoelectric layer is prepared, and when the head is driven, a first driving step for applying a drive voltage to the second area, and the first area corresponding to a pressure chamber which does not jet a liquid droplet is carried out. Thereafter, a second driving step for applying a drive voltage to the first area corresponding to a pressure chamber which discharges the liquid droplet is carried out.
US07926916B2	Adhesive joint with an ink trap and method An adhesive joint with an ink trap is provided. The joint may be employed in a cartridge for an inkjet printer. The cartridge includes a headland region attached to a printhead assembly by an adhesive layer. The adhesive joint between the headland region and the printhead assembly include notches for retaining additional adhesive in order to reduce degradation of adhesive due to ink penetration. A method of assembling the printer cartridge to include an ink trap in the adhesive joint is also provided.
US07926915B2	Inkjet nozzle assembly with thermal bend actuator defining moving portion of nozzle chamber roof An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber comprising a floor and a roof. The roof has a nozzle opening defined therein, and a moving portion moveable towards the floor. The assembly further comprises a thermal bend actuator, defining at least part of the moving portion of the roof, for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening. The thermal bend actuator comprises an upper first beam for connection to drive circuitry and a lower second beam mechanically cooperating with the first beam, such that when a current is passed through the first beam, the first beam expands relative to the second beam resulting in bending of the moving portion towards the floor of the nozzle chamber.
US07926913B2	Inkjet nozzle assembly with thermal bend actuator defining part of nozzle chamber roof An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having a floor and a roof, wherein moving portion of the roof is moveable towards the floor for ejection of ink. A thermal bend actuator defines part of the moving portion of the roof, and an active beam of the actuator defines an upper layer of the moving portion.
US07926910B2	Nozzle plate for inkjet head and method of manufacturing the nozzle plate A nozzle plate for an inkjet head and a method of manufacturing the nozzle plate includes a silicon substrate having a nozzle, a thermally oxidized silicon layer formed on an outer surface of the silicon substrate and an inner wall of the nozzle, an adhesion layer deposited on the thermally oxidized silicon layer formed on the outer surface of the silicon substrate and formed of silicon oxide, and an ink-repellent coating layer deposited on the adhesion layer.
US07926908B2	Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method There is provided an ink jet printing apparatus and a printing method capable of reducing unevenness due to a time lag. An ink jet printing apparatus comprise a printing head including a first and a second eject port array. The second eject port array is shorter than said first eject port array in said conveying direction of the printing medium. The first eject port array has a first a second. The first eject port group is disposed parallel to said second eject port array. The second eject port group is not disposed parallel to the second eject port array. In an identical printing area of the printing medium, a printing ratio of the first eject port group is lower than that of the second eject port group. The second ink contains a component that reduces dispersion stability of the first ink.
US07926907B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus includes a rotational drum for retaining a recording medium on an outer circumference of the drum; a head retention member placed opposite to the outer circumference of the drum, for retaining a print head printing on the recording medium by jetting ink from a plurality of nozzles; and a support member for supporting the head retention member at a prescribed position in relation to the drum, the support member being engaged with the rotation shaft of the drum.
US07926904B2	Inkjet recording apparatus and cleaning method An inkjet recording apparatus that includes an intermediate transfer body that has an image forming surface including an image forming region on which an image is formed by means of the ink droplets ejected from an ink ejection head and a cleaning device which makes contact with the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer body to wipe off and remove adhering material attached to the intermediate transfer body. A second cleaning device makes contact with the first cleaning device to remove adhering material attached to the first cleaning device. An ejection control device controls ink ejection from the head and a recovery device is provided which recovers the adhering material removed by the second cleaning device.
US07926902B2	Droplet ejecting device At least one liquid channel has a channel area larger than a channel area of the at least one nozzle. A nozzle plate is formed with the at least one nozzle and includes a piezoelectric section. The nozzle plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A channel structure member is fixed to the nozzle plate and is formed with the at least one liquid channel. A first electrode is provided on the first surface. At least part of the first electrode is arranged in a nozzle peripheral region of the at least one nozzle. A second electrode is provided on the second surface. At least part of the second electrode is arranged in the nozzle peripheral region of the at least one nozzle. An energy applying section applies ejection energy to liquid in the at least one liquid channel.
US07926893B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus scans a recording head in a main scanning direction to perform time-division driving for a plurality of blocks of recording elements to perform recording. The recording apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain information regarding inclination of the recording element array with respect to a main scanning direction, a first changing unit configured to change, in units of recording elements, based on the obtained information, storage positions of recording data items that are stored in a storage unit and that are assigned to recording elements in each of groups, each of the groups including recording elements belonging to the blocks in the recording element array which are consecutive, and a second changing unit configured to change, in units of groups, based on the obtained information, the storage positions of the recording data items in the main scanning direction.
US07926891B2	Support construction for at least one furniture drive A support construction is provided for fixing at least one furniture drive for a movable furniture part in a furniture body. The support construction includes two lateral holding portions and a transverse bearer extending between the holding portions. The holding portions have fixing means for preferably releasably fixing the holding portions to a respective pull-out-guide assembly.
US07926890B2	Modular checkout counter A modular checkout counter includes a center showcase having first and second ends, a generally elongated left hand showcase provided at the first end of the center showcase, a generally elongated right hand showcase provided at the second end of the center showcase, a box top assembly carried by the center showcase, a left rack assembly carried by one of the center showcase and the left hand showcase and oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the left hand showcase and a right rack assembly carried by one of the center showcase and the right hand showcase generally adjacent to the left rack assembly and oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the right hand showcase.
US07926888B2	Braking apparatus The present invention discloses a braking apparatus for a vehicle having a brake pedal. The braking apparatus includes a master cylinder having a reservoir for retaining a brake fluid. At least one hydraulically actuated brake is in fluid communication with the master cylinder and a control unit is in electrical communication with the hydraulically actuated brake. A replenishment system is in fluid communication with the master cylinder and in electrical communication with the control unit for feeding the brake fluid into the replenishment system during a first condition and feeding the brake fluid from the replenishment system into the hydraulically actuated brake during a second condition after initial depression of the brake pedal to provide consistent pedal feel and braking pressure.
US07926887B2	Brake control system and brake control method A brake control system includes at least one wheel cylinder that receives the work fluid to apply a braking force to a corresponding vehicle wheel, a wheel cylinder pressure control system that controls the control pressure applied to the at least one wheel cylinder by controlling the supply of the work fluid thereto, a first abnormality determination unit that determines whether an abnormality in the wheel cylinder pressure control system based on an initial response characteristic of the control pressure after a braking request within a predetermined abnormality determination time, and a second abnormality determination unit that determines whether the abnormality in the wheel cylinder pressure system is present based on a comparison between the control pressure and a reference pressure based on which the determination is made with respect to the abnormality within a predetermined second abnormality determination time that is set to expire before expiration of the first abnormality determination time.
US07926882B2	Ice grooving device and method A groove is formed in a body of ice using a milling cutter to form lines of weakness for breaking up the body of ice. The shaft of the milling cutter is arranged to be supported in an upright orientation such that the shaft extends through a surface of the body of ice into the body of ice. Rotating the shaft as the milling cutter is displaced along the surface forms a groove which can follow a variable path to follow natural obstacles when cutting across a body of ice on a natural body of water for example. The ice milling cutter is compact and therefore safer to use on sheets of ice as compared to heavy equipment conventionally used for breaking up ice.
US07926880B2	Seat suspension and method of manufacture A seating construction includes a perimeter frame defining an open area, and a one-piece molded seating component supported on the frame. The seating component includes a plurality of integrally-formed flexible slats defining a support surface over the open area. Resilient wires are coupled to the slats to resiliently support the slats when flexed. The component can be handled as a unit for assembly, and is retained by connecting rods that extend along the side section of the frame, with the slats each rotatably engaging mating bearing structure on the frame. A flex-limiting member in a center of the frame limits the resilient supports to a maximum deflected condition. Tabs on the molded component interconnect the slats and permit one-piece molding, but are either flexible or breakable to permit independent flexing of the slats. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.
US07926877B2	Casing for a hinge attachment of a car seat and method for its manufacturing In a casing for a hinge attachment of a car seat and to a method for its manufacture, the height of a toothed element is significantly larger than the thickness of walls of the hinge parts and the hinge parts and the toothed element form a statically compact casing unit, which has a distinctly reduced weight and simultaneously has distinctive flexible assembling characteristics, high stability under load and high accuracy. The casing and toothed element are separately produced by fine blanking and both parts are connected through a material connection or an form-fit connection.
US07926876B2	Chair lift A chair lift includes a jack movable between lowered and raised configurations and a motor in communication with the jack for moving the jack between the lowered and raised configurations. A switch is in communication with the motor to selectively actuate the motor. A mounting bracket is coupled to the jack to move vertically as the jack moves between the lowered and raised configurations, the mounting bracket having opposed first and second ends. First and second clamping mechanisms are configured for attachment to respective chair legs, the first and second clamping mechanisms being below the mounting bracket. A first flexible connecting link extends between and coupled to the mounting bracket first end and the first clamping mechanism. A second flexible connecting link extends between and coupled to the mounting bracket second end and the second clamping mechanism.
US07926875B2	Memory mechanism A memory device for blocking a component configured to move between an adjusting position and a functional position is provided. The memory device includes a housing configured to be coupled to the component, a blocking element pivotally coupled to the housing and a variable transmission mechanism coupled to the housing. The variable transmission mechanism is configured to transfer the movement of the component to the blocking element as a variable transmission when the component is moved from the adjusting position toward the functional position. According to one exemplary embodiment, the component is an adjustable easy entry vehicle seat.
US07926872B2	Vehicle seat A seat back has a seat back frame, a plane spring structure, and a headrest provided at the upper end of a seat back frame. The plane spring structure has left and right side wires, and horizontal wires extending in the horizontal direction. Connection wires are provided between the seat back frame and plane spring structure. First end portions and second end portions of the connection wires function as detachable portions. At least one of these detachable portions is detached from the seat back frame or plane spring structure by the load applied to the seat back, when a vehicle is bumped from behind.
US07926863B2	Power hinge mechanism using a push-pull cable A powered deck lid assembly includes a deck lid connected to a hinge mechanism for pivotal movement between open and closed positions relative to a trunk opening. A cable is associated with the deck lid and is lineally actuable pivotally moving the deck lid between the open and closed positions. The cable may be a push-pull cable.
US07926855B2	Coupling, and socket and plug for use in the coupling A coupling according to the present invention has a socket (2) and a plug (30) that is inserted into and connected to the socket. The socket includes a socket body (10) having a first through-hole (13b) for a plug-locking element (12b) and an elongated second through-hole (13a) for a sleeve-actuating element (50), and a sleeve (50) set around the socket body. The sleeve is urged by a spring member (15) toward a position for pressing the plug-locking element (12b) against a locking recess (34) of the plug to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket. The sleeve has a locking surface (50b) that presses the plug-locking element in the position described above. When being inserted into the socket, the plug engages with the sleeve-actuating element to move the sleeve rearward, thereby disengaging the locking surface from the plug-locking element.
US07926854B2	Pipe joint block for fluid transfer A connection block employs a support block with two parallel through holes that pass through parallel first and second flat block surfaces. First and second insert pipes have elongate portions and flanges. The elongate portions press-fit into the connection block and the flanges, not at pipe ends, abut against the first flat surface of the connection block when the pipes are installed. Upon installation, the ends the elongate portions of the pipes are formed into a flange by flattening the end against the second connection block surface. The junctures of the elongate portions and the first flanges form a flange radius that contacts a radius of the support block when the pipes are installed into the block. The elongate portions residing within the first and second through holes make a full contact fit against the inside diameters of the through holes. The flanges are perpendicular to the elongate portions.
US07926847B2	Deflector device for partially overlapping frontal collision of motor vehicles A deflector device for motor vehicles, the front part of the chassis which comprises a left-hand and right-hand longitudinal beam, arranged before a front wheel and configured by a deflector that projects from the longitudinal beam in a substantially horizontal manner and backward at an angle to protect said front wheel in the case of a collision. The deflector device prevents the vehicles from being caught and being pushed off the road in the event of a partially overlapping frontal collision. The deflector device comprises a deflection element which can be longitudinally displaced from a rest position to an operational position, said deflection element consisting of a slider guided on or in the deflector and a forward-facing shoulder.
US07926843B2	External filter for cushion damage prevention An inflator includes a generant chamber that houses a quantity of gas generant. The chamber has a plurality of gas exit holes that are positioned along the length of the generant chamber. A filter is added exterior of the chamber. In fact, the filter may be positioned on the exterior of the generant chamber. Straps may encircle the inflator. The straps are attached to studs that will operate to mount the inflator. The position of the straps may be adjusted and tailored to apportion the amount of inflation gas that is directed into each chamber of a multi-chambered or two-chambered airbag.
US07926841B2	Vehicle occupant protection device A vehicle occupant protection device has a large-area, inflatable gas bag which includes a gas bag wall having an impact surface for the occupant and which has a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion is provided with at least one elongated opening which can expand and therefore permits a movement of the impact surface upon impact of the occupant and prevents the latter from slipping off from the gas bag.
US07926838B2	Side impact protection airbag system A side impact protection airbag system includes an inflator, a retainer and an airbag. An interior space of the airbag is divided into a pelvis portion protecting chamber and a chest portion protecting chamber by a dividing part. A gas ejecting part of the inflator and an opening in the retainer are provided between a fixing end portion of the airbag and an end portion (a connecting portion) of the dividing part which lies a side facing the fixing end portion. A circumferential portion on a wall part which is separate from the opening is made to constitute an interruption wall which interrupts the passage of an inflation gas to the dividing part side, and the interruption wall is provided between the gas ejecting part and the connecting portion.
US07926836B2	Elastomeric spring vehicle suspension An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail. The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two elastomeric shear springs, an elastomeric progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.
US07926835B2	Wheeled golf bag arrangement A golf club bag assembly is shown for carrying a plurality of golf clubs therein. The bag assembly comprises an elongated spine having upper end and a lower end, an upper frame member attached to the upper end of the spine at a first acute angle with respect thereto, a lower frame member attached to the lower end of the spine at a second acute angle with respect thereto, a resilient enclosure attached to the spine and the upper and lower frame members, and wherein the first angle is equal to the second angle.
US07926831B2	Folding cargo deck assembly for a fifth-wheel truck A folding deck assembly is provided which is mounted on a fifth wheel truck rearwardly of the cab of the truck. The folding cargo deck assembly may be selectively moved from a stowed position rearwardly of the cab of the truck to a position which extends rearwardly from the cab so that the cargo deck assembly may support cargo thereon when the truck is not being used to pull a trailer.
US07926830B2	Hitch adapter A hitch adapter for use with a forwardly extending tongue of an implement which enables the hitch on the forward end of the tongue to be converted from a clevis-type hitch to a hitch ball-type hitch. The hitch adapter of this invention may also be used with hitch balls having different diameters.
US07926826B2	Load sensor device and steering apparatus for vehicle having the same A wheel-side end of a connection link is freely inclined relative to the wheel. A shaft-side end of the connection link is movable substantially in a width direction of the vehicle for steering the wheel. A steering shaft body is substantially in a rod shape extending substantially in the width direction. A steering shaft end is fixed to one end of the steering shaft body and freely inclined relative to the shaft-side end. The steering shaft body and the steering shaft end are movable substantially in the width direction according to an operation of a steering device. A load sensor is interposed between the steering shaft end and the steering shaft body for detecting load applied in an axial direction of the steering shaft to detect force applied to the wheel.
US07926824B2	Roller skate braking system A roller blade having a frame, at least two rolling systems and a braking system. The frame has a plate on which the rolling systems and a foot blocking device are mounted in line. The braking device includes a braking component. The plate has two portions, one of which, a so-called fixed portion, receives the braking component, and the other one, a so-called mobile portion, receives at least one of the rolling systems positioned under the braking component in order to come into contact with the latter and slow it down when the mobile plate moves closer to the fixed portion. The roller has an actuation device of the braking system arranged on the frame so as to be notably controlled with the foot or leg of the user, the braking system having a triggering device capable of being actuated under the action of the actuation device for passing from a position for blocking the plate during skating, to a position for unblocking the latter during braking allowing both fixed and mobile portions to move closer to each other.
US07926823B2	Method and device for damping vibrations The invention relates to a method for damping vibrations on chassis bearings of motor vehicles, and a device for implementing the process. A process and a device are to be presented with which outstanding vibration damping and vibration isolation and noise insulation can be achieved over a wide frequency range with consideration of the driving states and roadway conditions which occur in motor vehicles. For this purpose it is proposed that the driving state of the motor vehicle and/or the roadway conditions are detected by way of sensors and that the at least one chassis bearing is modified to different characteristics to change its stiffness and/or damping depending on the detected parameters. The device is formed with sensors for detecting the driving state of the motor vehicle and for roadway conditions, with an electronic control device for processing the acquired signals and for selection of various controllable characteristics and at least one chassis bearing, the stiffness and/or damping of which can be modified.
US07926818B2	Gasket and structure for sealing between two members A gasket to securely contact a box type body when both a body and a cover are downsized and thinned. Fluid leakage is prevented through a seal by lessening repulsion of the seal at the time of sealing clearance between. A clearance between the box type body and the cover is made such that a main body is adhered to a bottom surface of the cover having a peripheral wall. A step face is formed by the main body and a lip portion formed at the tip side of the main body. A contact surface is formed by a side wall of the main body and a peripheral wall. The step surface is positioned outside with respect to the lip portion.
US07926814B2	Annular seal assembly for insertion between two relatively rotatable members and method for its use A seal assembly including first and second rigid shields and a sealing member carried by the first shield and having a first and second annular sealing lip in sealing engagement with respective sliding surfaces of the second shield. The first sealing lip carries in a radial seat thereof a toroidal spring exerting a radially eccentric thrust on the first sealing lip with respect to an elastic hinge defined by a common root portion of the lips, having a center of rotation located along a line extending through a V-shaped sealing edge of the first lip and forming a 20° to 60° angle with a radial plane. The root portion is defined between two opposite annular recesses having a U-shaped cross-section and bottom walls facing each other, substantially aligned along the aforementioned line.
US07926813B2	Poker game A conventional deck of fifty-two playing cards is modified by the addition of at least one extra card which can be of any of the conventional card ranks, which can be of a fifth suit or a duplicate of one of the conventional cards and which is preferably an Ace. This is additional card can also be of any rank of the conventional cards, but can having a suit designation of all of the suits, and is preferably an Ace of all of the suits. This modified deck of playing cards is used to play video poker.
US07926810B2	Roulette apparatus with ball-delivery system, and method A roulette apparatus enables and enhances roulette gaming. The roulette apparatus comprises a roulette wheel assembly, a ball-delivery tower, ball-conducting conduit, and disguised wheel monitoring equipment. The ball-delivery tower comprises a tower support portion and a tower arm. The tower arm may enclose and partially disguise the wheel-monitoring equipment. The tower support portion provides a certain vertical dimension for maximizing roulette ball potential energy. The ball-conducting conduit extends intermediate a ball inlet and a ball outlet. The ball outlet is positioned for outletting the roulette ball upon an upper wheel surface of the roulette wheel assembly. The tower and the ball-conducting conduit convert roulette ball potential energy to roulette ball kinetic energy and further function to effect a self-launching roulette ball for enhancing the roulette gaming experience.
US07926808B1	Modified roulette game A modified roulette game is disclosed. A conventional roulette wheel is segmented into multiple sections. In one version the roulette wheel is segmented into six sections which are uniquely color-coded. A roulette game layout is correspondingly color-coded such that individual number wager areas and section wager areas match the color-coding from the wheel sections. With six sections, winning section wagers are paid at 5 to 1. More or less than six wheel sections are conceivable. The modified roulette game disclosed is ideal for single zero and double zero roulette wheels. Indeed, the concept eliminates player apprehension associated with playing roulette facilitated by the two types of roulette wheels.
US07926807B2	Double sheet feed detector and method A feeder head includes suction belts to sequentially feed top sheets from a stack of sheets (e.g., paper). Before the belts receive suction and drive power, a suction cup raises the top sheet at a location between the belts to produce a corrugated shape in the top sheet which induce separation of a second sheet that might be adhered to the top sheet. A double sheet detector includes a pair of rollers forming a nip through which a fed sheet passes, causing the rollers to separate. The amount of separation is transmitted to a transducer which generates a signal proportional to the sheet thickness. Signals from the transducer are frequently sensed and averaged, so that signal variations resulting from irregularities in the shape of the rollers are canceled out.
US07926802B2	Feed apparatus for printing press A feed apparatus for a printing press includes a first sucker device and a second sucker device. The first sucker device includes a guide nozzle, a sucker which is supported by said guide nozzle to be vertically movable and includes a chuck hole at a bottom for chucking the sheet, and a spring which biases said sucker toward a distal end of said guide nozzle. The guide nozzle includes a first air passage for drawing the sheet and a second air passage for drawing said sucker. The sucker includes a closing portion which closes said second air passage when said sucker is located at an upper limit against a biasing force of said spring.
US07926792B2	Dispersing fragrances A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
US07926790B2	Impact slider for guardrail An impact slider assembly for a guardrail including a slider connected to a first rail and a slider substantially surrounding the first rail, so that in use, the slider gathers and retains the first and any subsequent rails which telescopically overlap with each other during an impact.
US07926783B1	Safety type quick release connector A safety type quick release connector has a body, a socket base, a sealing valve, a moving base, a pushing assembly and an outer sleeve. The body has an inlet pipe, an outlet tube and a first spring. The socket base is connected to the body and has an outer flange, multiple ball holes and multiple first balls. The sealing vale is mounted in the socket base and has at least one air inlet, an annular groove and a second spring. The moving base is connected to the sealing valve and has an outer flange, an annular lip, multiple ball holes and multiple second balls. The pushing assembly is mounted around the moving base and the sealing valve and has a pushing collar, a third spring and a seal collar. The outer sleeve is mounted around the socket base and the sealing valve between the body and the pushing assembly.
US07926781B2	Electronic device with support leg An electronic device includes a main body, a cover, and two support legs. The main body defines two receiving portions. The cover is rotatably connected to the main body. Two resisting portions are formed on the cover. The support legs are rotatably received in the receiving portions of the main body respectively. When the cover rotates relative to the main body, the resisting portions resist the support legs to rotate, thus driving the support legs protruding out from the main body.
US07926780B2	Vibration dampening structure for electronic device A vibration dampening structure (10) for absorbing vibrations generated by an electronic device includes a screw (30) and a dampening element (50) placed around the screw. The screw includes a head (31) and a shank (32) extending from the head. A retaining slot is defined in the shank. The dampening element includes a resilient shock-absorbing member (53) fittingly surrounding the shank of the screw. At least one resilient hook (515) protrudes from a first end of the resilient shock-absorbing member and engages in the retaining slot of the screw. A plurality of shock-absorbing pads (531) protrudes from a second end of the resilient shock-absorbing member opposite to the first end. The shock-absorbing pads are configured for abutting on the electronic device.
US07926779B2	Pump bracket 90° mounting A new and unique L-shaped bracket for mounting a pump is provided, featuring a rear bracket member having a rear cavity portion for receiving and supporting one end of the pump; and a bracket support perpendicularly extending from the rear bracket member, having one or more retaining clips for frictionally engaging and coupling to the other end of the pump.
US07926778B2	Support having a transmission mechanism using a thin connecting piece A support having a transmission mechanism using a thin connecting piece includes a support base body, a transmission plate, a supporting plate and at least one thin connecting piece. The support base body has a base and brackets extending upwardly from the base. The distal end of the bracket is provided with a fixing sleeve. One end of the transmission plate is pivotally connected to the bracket. The supporting plate connected to the other end of the transmission plate. The supporting plate is provided with pivoting sleeves. The thin connecting piece is disposed on the transmission plate. Via this arrangement, the supporting plate can be kept vertical in synchronization with the swinging of the transmission plate. Thereby saving the space greatly and reducing the whole volume occupied by the support and peripheral elements. In this way, the assembling process is simplified, the productivity is increased, and the cost is reduced.
US07926771B2	Mounting apparatus for mounting objects to support structures of a tent An apparatus for mounting objects to structural members of a tent is provided. The mounting apparatus comprises a pair of jaws, a jaw adjustment arrangement and an object mounting union. The pair of jaws are operably pivotally connected to one another. Each jaw includes an engaging portion for engaging the structural member of a tent frame. The engaging portions are in opposed relation to one another and define a mouth therebetween. The jaw adjustment arrangement operably adjustably limits a maximum width of the mouth. The object mounting union is used to secure an object to the pair of jaws.
US07926765B1	Pipe locator and support An plumbing pipe locator and support is provided for fixing plumbing pipes in position relative to studs in a building. The pipe locator and support comprises an elongated supporting strap having upper and lower sides extending along opposing sides of a longitudinal axis. A first plurality of longitudinally aligned, larger pipe openings are interspersed with a second plurality of smaller, aligned fastener openings that extend into ends of the strap. The upper and lower sides undulate to provide a substantially uniform width between first holes and the adjacent sides and the second holes and the adjacent sides. This undulating surface can provide a strap using less material, with reduced manufacturing time, and a strap that can bend without forming creases or stress fractures.
US07926764B2	Device for launching unmanned missiles from an aircraft A device for launching unmanned missiles from an aircraft with a pallet, on which at least one container is provided to receive a missile. The container has an upper container section that has a pylon for the suspended, detachable support of the missile. The container has a lower container section that is embodied as a support area for the missile.
US07926762B2	Cargo-hold floor for aircraft The invention relates to a cargo-hold floor for aircraft which is received on a grid structure (1). The grid structure (1) comprises essentially longitudinal members (2) and crossmembers (3). Exchangeably arranged floor plates (80), furthermore roller conveyor apparatuses (50) and lashing points (10) for the fastening of cargo articles, such as pallets, containers or vehicles, are received on the grid structure (1). Furthermore, locking units (98) are provided, which comprise lock elements (100) capable of being folded open and of being folded away. The lashing points (10) are located at the intersection points of the longitudinal members (2) and of the crossmembers (3). The roller conveyor apparatuses (50) and the locking units (98) are always located at the same installation location both in their erected position and in their countersunk drive-over and stowage position.
US07926752B2	Recording medium destruction and discarding system, recording medium destruction and discarding method, recording medium destruction and discarding apparatus, recording medium management apparatus, and recording medium management system A recording medium destruction and discarding system for destroying and discarding a recording medium, includes: a registration unit that registers an identification information appended to the recording medium associated with an attribute information of the recording medium; a reading unit that reads the identification information appended to the recording medium; a determination unit that determines whether or not the recording medium may be destroyed and discarded based on the attribute information registered in the registration unit associated with the identification information read by the reading unit; and a destruction and discarding processing unit that performs a destruction and discarding process based on the determination result of the determination unit.
US07926748B2	Generator for air-powered electrostatically aided coating dispensing device A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The device further includes a first port adapted to supply compressed gas to the coating dispensing device and a second port adapted to supply coating material to the coating dispensing device. The device further includes a multi-phase generator having a shaft. A turbine wheel is mounted on the shaft. Compressed gas coupled to the first port impinges upon the turbine wheel to spin the shaft, producing multi-phase voltage. The device further includes an electrode adjacent the nozzle and coupled to the multi-phase generator to receive electricity therefrom to electrostatically charge the coating material.
US07926747B2	Variable orifice black liquor nozzle A nozzle for the spraying of black liquor in a recovery boiler has discharge orifice inserts that can be removed and replaced with other inserts, to provide variable spray patterns, by changing the size and/or shape of the orifice of the nozzle, without requiring replacement of the entire nozzle body, to enable fine tuning of the atomization of the spray.
US07926745B2	Fuel injection valve A fuel injection valve includes a valve seat (11) that has a valve seat portion (11a) with a conical space defined therein and tapered toward an injection hole (11b), a needle (12) that has a valve portion (12b) formed with a curved surface for abutment with the valve seat portion (11a) and a column-shaped sliding portion (12a) located upstream of the valve seat portion (11a), and a swirler (10) that holds the sliding portion (12a) in a slidable manner, wherein fuel to be injected from the injection hole (11b) is adjusted by opening and closing a gap between the valve portion (12b) and said valve seat (11a), and assuming that a radius of curvature in an axial direction of the valve portion (12b) at a point at which the valve portion (12b) and the valve seat portion (11a) are in abutment with each other is R and an outer diameter of the sliding portion (12a) is D, R is greater than D/2.
US07926743B2	Pressurized tank sprayer with footstand A spray pump includes a tank configured to receive fluid through an opening in the tank, and a removable cap covering the opening in the tank. Attached to the cap is a first handle extending outwardly from a first side of the cap, a second handle extending outwardly from a second side of the cap opposite the first side. The spray pump further includes a removable pump operable to advance air into the tank to pressurize the tank. To stabilize the spray pump during the pressurization process, the tank includes a base portion having a first lateral foot contact portion extending outward from a first side of the tank, and a second lateral foot contact portion extending outward from a second side of the tank opposite the first side.
US07926741B2	Aerosol dispenser An aerosol dispenser has a canister to contain a liquid product to be dispensed together with a propellant present at least partly as a gas and valve to control the release of the liquid product from the canister. The dispenser also has a vapor phase tap for introducing a portion of the gaseous propellant into the liquid product as it is dispensed. The dispenser has a flow control device for varying the rate at which the propellant has is introduced into the liquid product through the vapor phase tape in dependence on the pressure of the contents of the canister. The flow control device can be used to reduce the amount of propellant gas bled into the liquid product, particularly when the dispenser is full and the pressure in the canister is high, as a way of conserving the propellant gas.
US07926737B2	Fuel injector having directly actuatable injection valve element A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is proposed having a directly actuatable injection valve element. The fuel injector has a nozzle needle, axially guided in a nozzle body, and an actuator accommodated in an injector housing. The nozzle needle is connected to a coupling piston on the nozzle-needle side and the actuator is connected to a coupling piston on the actuator side. The coupling piston on the actuator side acts on a coupling chamber and the coupling piston on the nozzle-needle side acts on a control chamber. The nozzle needle is lifted from a nozzle-needle sealing seat as a function of the pressure in the control space. An intermediate plate is provided between injector housing and nozzle body. The plate has a conduit hydraulically connecting the coupling chamber to the control chamber. The conduit contains a hydraulic throttle which has at least two sections having different cross sections of flow. The section having the smaller cross section of flow faces the coupling chamber and the section having the larger cross section of flow faces the control chamber. The throttle disclosed suppresses oscillations of the actuator in the transmission of the actuator stroke to the nozzle needle stroke.
US07926736B2	Fuel injection apparatus An apparatus for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine having a fuel injector acted on with highly pressurized fuel actuated by means of a metering valve device that is able to control the pressure in a pressure booster control chamber so that in a pressure booster pressure chamber delimited by a pressure booster piston which can be filled via a check valve with high-pressure fuel and communicates with an injection valve member pressure chamber, the pressure booster piston increases the pressure, causing an injection valve member for injecting fuel to open. To assure a correct injection quantity even if an abrupt pressure drop occurs in the high-pressure fuel source, the pressure booster piston is situated and designed so that if a pressure drop occurs in the high-pressure fuel source, then starting from its neutral position, the pressure booster piston has the capacity to execute a pressure compensation movement by means of which the pressure in the pressure booster pressure chamber is adapted to the pressure of the high-pressure fuel source.
US07926731B2	Protected storage of data on optically-readable media Protection is provided for optically readable media. Data may be scrambled, encrypted, or otherwise obscured by apportioning the data across multiple layers of a disc in a secret pattern. Pattern information may be supplied in the form of a key to authorized devices or users. The data can only be read by an optical drive with the proper hardware having access to this key. Switchable mirrored regions are provided on the optical medium to selectively block and unblock an optical reader head from reading the data. To read the data back, an authorized/licensed device may use the key to selectively switch the electrochromic regions so that the reader head may access the data while alternately focusing on different data layers, as needed, to obtain the data in the proper order.
US07926730B2	Combined multi-spectral document markings A document printed marking including a first information marking including first luminescent taggants having a first luminescence wavelength band; and a second information marking printed at least partially on the first information marking at an overlap location. The second information marking includes second different luminescent taggant having a second different luminescence wavelength band. The second luminescence wavelength band is spaced from the first luminescence wavelength band such that the first information marking and the second information marking are substantially luminescently non-intrusive with each other at the overlap location.
US07926727B2	RFID tags, RFID electronic devices and related methods for anti-theft and data transmission purposes An RFID tag is integrated with a processor of an electronic product for anti-theft purpose. The RFID tag receives an enable mark when the electronic product is checked out at a point of sale. Only when the processor receives the enable mark from the RFID tag can the start-up sequence of the electronic product be executed. An RFID tag is integrated with a sensor of an electronic product for data transmission purpose. Data measured by the sensor can be stored in the memory of the RFID tag and outputted via the antenna of the RFID tag.
US07926719B2	Electronic circuit for a contactless reader device An electronic circuit (12, 12′) for a reader device (10, 10′) for contactless communication with a transponder (20) is disclosed. The electronic circuit (12, 12′) comprises a connection (13a, 13b) to an antenna (11) of said reader device (10, 10′), which antenna (11) is designed for receiving a radio signal (TRS) from said transponder (20). Furthermore, it comprises a receiving module (14), which is connected to the antenna connection (13a, 13b) and arranged for processing an input voltage (VI) from said antenna (11) representing said radio signal (TRS). To provide satisfactory operation of the receiving module (14) and to compensate a bad matching of the antenna circuit to the electronic circuit (12, 12′) and/or bad environmental conditions where the reader device (10, 10′) is operated, the electronic circuit furthermore comprises a control module (15, 15′). Said control module (15, 15′) is arranged to compare said input voltage (VI) to a reference value (VR) and to adjust a plant of said reader device (10, 10′) in such a manner that the level of said input voltage (VI) stays in a predefined range. The invention furthermore relates to a reader device (10, 10′) and a method of operating a reader device (10, 10′).
US07926718B2	Operation support system, operation support apparatus and operation support method An operation support system, method and apparatus that transmit operation information indicating an operation to an operator and supports the operation. The system includes a reading unit that reads, from a plurality of codes affixed to parts, position information of the codes. The system also includes a calculation unit that calculates a positional relationship between the codes. The system also includes a transmission unit that transmits the operation information, based on the position information read by the reading unit, and on the positional relationship calculated by the calculation unit.
US07926713B2	Settlement server, settlement request server and settlement execution terminal An object of the present invention is to, in settlement by electronic money, reduce burden on an electronic money server and enhance convenience for users. The function of generating transaction numbers is transferred from the electronic money server to affiliated store servers, so that the transaction numbers are generated by the affiliated store servers. The transaction numbers are each associated with transaction information calculated in accordance with a calculation rule confidential to third parties, such that the electronic money server can detect the presence of alteration of the transaction information based on the transaction number. Furthermore, at the time of generating a transaction number, a seed, which is time-limited secret information confidential to third parties, is inputted to the calculation rule along with the transaction information and used for calculating the transaction number, whereby it is possible to further enhance the level of security.
US07926711B2	System and method for granting promotional rewards to both customers and non-customers Systems and methods of attracting and retaining customers of a Banking institution through an incentive program is disclosed, comprising: operating a promotional program, comprising the dispensing of a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and operating a rewards program, wherein upon a customer completing a triggering behavior, a specified reward is granted to the customer. Systems and methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises dispensing a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated checking machine (ATM).
US07926708B2	Image data recording method, method of recording finished work by image data, image data recording apparatus, and finished work recording system using image data There is provided a method of recording an image by causing a subject to truly coincide with data relating to the subject. In a finished work recording method using image data by obtaining a product to be recorded and work contents to the product to be recorded as a work recording image, RFID tags 60 (RFID tags 60a, 60b) in each of which inherent tag data is recorded are attached to the product to be recorded and to the work recording worker. Thereafter, whether the tag data are true to the image data of a subject to be worked is determined by comparing a time difference between the time at which the tag data recorded in the RFID tag 60a is read and the time at which the image data of the product to be recorded is obtained with a preset specified time. When it is determined that the tag data are truly associated with the image data, the image data associated with the tag data is recorded as a finished work. In contrast, it is determined that the tag data are falsely associated with the image data, the image data and the tag data are discarded.
US07926699B2	Method and device for transferring a solder deposit configuration Method and device for transferring a solder deposit configuration having multiple solder deposits onto a terminal surface configuration of a contact surface of a substrate (36) using a removal of multiple solder deposits from a solder deposit reservoir (25) accommodated in a solder deposit receptacle unit (11) via an isolation unit (12), which is implemented like a template and is situated above the solder deposit reservoir, to implement the solder deposit configuration implemented corresponding to the terminal surface configuration, and using a subsequent transfer of the solder deposit configuration onto the terminal surface configuration of the substrate, the solder deposit reservoir being impinged by partial vacuum through template openings (15) of the isolation unit to transfer the solder deposits from the solder deposit reservoir into the isolation unit, the solder deposit reservoir (25) being ventilated via a floor wall (20) situated diametrically opposite the isolation unit during the partial vacuum impingement (27) by the isolation unit (12).
US07926698B2	Spot heat wirebonding Methods and systems are disclosed for forming secure wirebonds between electrical contacts in electronic device assemblies. Representative embodiments of the invention are described for forming a wirebond including system components and method steps for generating electromagnetic energy from a heat source and transmitting heat to a ball formed on a bondwire. Subsequently, pressure applied to the ball at the bonding site is used in the formation of a wirebond.
US07926693B2	Centering pin with a wear-resistant sintered body and metal tip A receiving element which can be introduced into a borehole of at least one component includes a bolt presenting an outer surface that is approximately parallel and advantageously coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the bolt. The receiving element requires few materials and can therefore be produced at a low constructional cost while being provided with high dimensional stability and positioning accuracy. The bold includes an abrasion-resistant sintered material, and a metal tip provided on the front end of the shaft. The end part of the tip is engageable in a recess of the bolt, and there is a direct connection between the end part and the recess in the connection region on the front end of the bolt.
US07926692B2	Directionally biased staple and anvil assembly In accordance with the present disclosure a directionally biased staple is provided for use in all types of surgical staplers having anvil structure against which the staple is formed. The directionally biased staple may be constructed in a wide variety of cross-sectional configurations including rectangular, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc. All of the configurations are distinguished by having a bending region requiring more force to twist or malform the staple than is required to properly form the staple. Preferably, these staples have Moment of Inertia Ratios on the order of between about 1.1 to about 3.0. The staple preferably corresponds in other respects to conventional formed staples, i.e. having at least a pair of leg members interconnected by a crown portion wherein the leg members are formed by direct contact with the anvil. An anvil assembly is also provided for minimizing the malformation of staples.
US07926691B2	Variable compression surgical fastener cartridge A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation.
US07926690B1	Combustion powered driver A device for driving various objects using combustible fuel. Embodiments are contemplated in which the driver could be a post-driver, a power shovel, a jack-hammer or other devices. Typically, the device includes a body with a combustion chamber. A fuel injection valve selectively supplies fuel to the combustion chamber where it can be ignited using an ignition module. A piston is movable within the body to impact the ram responsive to combustion in the combustion chamber.
US07926689B2	Adjustable clip advance The invention concerns a clip conveyor apparatus for conveying a clip line (2) comprising a plurality of clips in a clipping machine, in particular a sausage clipping machine, comprising a drive unit (10) and an advance element (20) which is coupled with its drive end (22) to the drive unit (10) and is drivable by the drive unit (10) in such a way that its conveyor end (24) describes an elliptical path and for stepwise conveyance of the clip line (2) engages into intermediate spaces between two clips of the clip line (2) and conveys same stepwise in the advance direction (V), wherein there is provided an adjusting device (30) having a pivot axis (36) about which the transport element (20) is pivotable and which is adjustable in its position without a tool in such a way that at least one of the axes of the elliptical path described by the conveyor end (24) is variable.
US07926687B2	Motorcycle saddlebag A motorcycle saddlebag is formed of a plurality of panels. The saddlebag includes an outer panel, an inner panel, a lid, and a hinge. Some embodiments may also include a bottom panel. The lid is coupled to the outer panel by the hinge. The inner panel includes flanges extending around at least some of its perimeter edges. The outer panel is generally C-shaped shaped and receives the inner panel such that the flanges engage inner surfaces of the outer panel. The flanges are joined to the inner surfaces of the outer panel such that the outer and inner panel (and, in some embodiments, the bottom panel) cooperate to define a storage chamber. In some embodiments, portions of the outer panel extend beyond the inner panel and may be trimmed after bonding of the inner and outer panels to customize an inner contour of the saddlebag for different motorcycle applications.
US07926685B2	Single side release vehicle article carrier system and method A vehicle article carrier system having at least one single side releasable cross bar. The cross bar includes end support assemblies at opposite ends thereof. Each end support assembly includes a pivotally mounted locking member which can be locked and unlocked relative to an associated side rail. Both of the locking members can be locked and unlocked by a user manually engaging one of the locking members and pivotally moving it into an unlocked position. This causes simultaneous pivoting movement of the locking member at the opposite end of the cross bar so that both the locking members are simultaneously locked and unlocked from their respective side rails. When in the unlocked position, the cross bar can be lifted directly off of the side rails, thus eliminating the need for any disassembly of the side rails when the user desires to remove the cross bar entirely from the side rails.
US07926683B2	Device for clocked dispensing of portions of a pasty compound A device for clocked dispensing of portions of a pasty compound, having a nozzle body, which has a vertical main channel terminated on top and a feed channel for feeding the pasty compound. The nozzle body comprises a multiplicity of distribution channels running transversely to the main channel, each having an entry cross-section on the main channel and each having an exit cross-section, and a dispensing area, into which the exit cross-sections of the distribution channels open out. The distribution channels have a distribution channel area rising in the flow direction of the pasty compound.
US07926679B2	Fluid retention package system A food bowl assembly includes a bowl (12) and a food platform (14) that lies in a lower portion of the bowl. The platform supports solid food and allows grease and other fluids to flow to a lower compartment (34) that lies under the platform. The platform has support surfaces (40) on which food lies, has recesses (42) that lie slightly below the level of the support surfaces and into which fluid drains, and has drain holes (50) in the recess though which fluids flow to the lower compartment. All of the holes lie closer to the vertical axis (16) of the bowl assembly than to the rim (24) of the platform, which avoids fluids spilling out of the holes when the bowl assembly is tipped. The bottom of the bowl or the platform, forms a deflector (64) around a region below the holes, with gaps in the barrier that allow fluid to flow to the periphery of the lower compartment.
US07926678B2	Fuel cap tether A filler neck closure unit of a vehicle includes a closure cap adapted to close a fuel tank filler neck of the vehicle. Also included is a breakaway tether including a mount ring and a strap. The mount ring is coupled to the cap and formed to include a weakened, frangible section. The strap has a first end coupled to the mount ring and a second end adapted to be anchored to the vehicle which includes the fuel tank filler neck.
US07926673B2	Beverage package container Beverage package container includes an opening, which is resealable using a sealing device, where the package container is essentially or completely parallelepipedic, including a hollow, box-shaped body and the sealing device, where a corner of the parallelepipedic, hollow, box-shaped body is chamfered, at which corner a triangular surface is formed, connecting to the box-shaped body, where a tube-shaped part extends out from the surface, including the opening. The sealing device has an essentially pyramid-shaped body, designed so that it, together with the body, forms the parallelepipedic package container when it bears on the triangular surface of the box-shaped body, and a cavity for receiving the tube-shaped part, and where cooperating members are arranged, on the tube-shaped part as well as in the cavity, for removably and tight-fittingly detaining the sealing device at the tube-shaped part, so that the box-shaped body and the sealing device together form a parallelepiped.
US07926670B2	Truck mounted telescopic boom structure including a stowable jib boom with a stowable personnel basket A truck mounted telescopic boom structure including a stowable jib boom having a stowable personnel basket mounted thereon is described. A mounting structure is provided at the outer end of the innermost boom section of the boom structure and includes means for pivotally moving a work platform or basket between operative and stowed positions. When the boom structure and the jib boom are in their stowed positions, the personnel basket is positioned closely adjacent the jib boom at one side thereof so as to be within the highway width restrictions. The instant invention enables the personnel basket to be connected to the outer end of the jib boom at all times without the necessity of removing the personnel basket from the jib boom when the jib boom and the boom structure are in their stowed positions.
US07926668B2	Trackless retail pusher system A pusher system for biasing retail merchandise forward is provided. The pusher system includes a front wall structure, a pair of walls, a pusher, and a spring. The pair of walls are operably coupled to the front wall structure. The pair of walls are in opposing spaced relation to each other. The pair of walls are also transverse to and extend rearwardly from the front wall structure to define a receptacle for the retail merchandise. The pusher is interposed between the pair of walls. The spring acts upon the pusher such that the pusher is movable toward the front wall structure between the pair of walls under the action of the spring. The pusher is movable laterally between and guided by the walls so that the pusher is free of a central track.
US07926667B2	Rack for holding workpieces A rack (100) configured for holding workpieces is provided. The rack includes a base (10) and a plurality of fixtures (20). The base includes two lateral frames (14) and a fixing frame (16) fitted between the two lateral frames. Each of the lateral frames includes a first stopper (147) and a second stopper (148) mounted thereon. The fixing frame has two fixing poles (164) parallel to the two lateral frames. Each of the two fixing poles has a plurality of latching means (166) mounted thereon in line. The plurality of fixtures rotatably engage with the latching means of the fixing frame and are fitted between the first stopper and the second stopper.
US07926663B2	Substrate storage container and method of producing the same A substrate storage container that can be highly accurately positioned and produced at increased productivity, and a method of producing the substrate storage container are provided. The substrate container (10) comprises a container body (11) having an opening through which a substrate can be taken in and out thereof and a plurality of positioning members (16) arranged at a bottom of the container body (11). Each positioning member (16) includes a housing (17) and a plate-like member (18), the housing (17) having on one side thereof a pair of positioning slope faces (17c, 17d) and an opening on the other side thereof, the plate-like member (18) closing the opening. The container body (11) is insert-molded with the positioning members (16) used as inserts, and the positioning members (16) are integrally fixed to the container body (11).
US07926662B2	Multi-tip blister card charging system A single electronic charging system that can be used for different electronic components by changing a tip portion of a charging cord of the charging system. A plurality of tip portions are included with a single charging source that interfaces either with an AC power source, a 12 to 24 volt DC power source or a battery power source by merely threading a connector portion of the charging cord onto an electric cable.
US07926658B2	Blister package having securement mechanism and method of forming and filling the blister package A blister package and a method of forming and filling the blister package are disclosed. The blister package includes a first member having a three-dimensional bubble, a peripheral flange having a major portion and a minor portion, and at least one area bounded by a perforation line which is capable of being broken. The major portion is folded to create at least one channel and the minor portion has a hook hole formed therethrough. A securement mechanism is formed with the minor portion. The securement mechanism includes a hinged tab and first and second cooperating attachment members. The blister package further includes a second member sized and configured to be slideably received within the at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in an open position. The second member is retained within the at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in a closed position.
US07926657B1	Method and apparatus of mating boxes displaying a symbol Each of a plurality of boxes has at least one side that is configured to matably engage a corresponding side of at least one other of the plurality of boxes. The plurality of boxes each has a top that bears indicia. When the sides of the boxes are in matable engagement, the indicia appearing on the tops of the boxes cooperate to form an image. The image forms a symbol, such as a religious or patriotic symbol. To celebrate an event, memorabilia are placed in the interior volume of each of the boxes and the boxes placed in matable engagement, forming the symbol. After a ceremony commemorating the event, the plurality of boxes is separated and each box provided to a one of a plurality of persons.
US07926656B2	Fabric display package A product display package has a closure made from an elongated ribbon of fabric which wraps around the outside of the package. An elastic band attaches to opposite ends of the ribbon for tightening the fabric strip around the package. The ribbon of fabric is made from a material that corresponds to that of the enclosed article.
US07926653B2	Cigarette box and blank set for same A cigarette box has a box body (2) enclosing a filter-cigarette inner pack and having an access opening (4) at the top thereof, and a slide lid (6) attached to cover an upper portion of the box body (2), where the slide lid (6) is allowed to reciprocate along the breadth of the box body (2) to open and close the access opening (4).
US07926652B2	Cigarette dispenser A cigarette dispenser including a box for holding a number of cigarettes. The box has an open bottom that defines a discharge opening for cigarettes held within the box. A U-shaped cradle is affixed to the box adjacent the discharge opening for catching cigarettes as such pass from the discharge opening. A mounting clip is affixed to the box for releasably securing the box to a support.
US07926651B2	Bottle box package A see-though package for shipping and displaying bottles of beverage vertically upright. A rectangular box is provided for receiving and holding a bottle therein. The box is formed from a top and bottom panels connecting to side panels and back support slat members at the top and bottom of the box. A pair of spaced apart cylindrical rods extending from one side panel to the other on each side of the bottle neck adjacent the top of the body of the bottle immovably secures the bottle therein. At least one of the rods is removable and held in position by a retaining means such as a peg or lock abutting one side panel with the distal end of the rod abutting a socket formed in the opposing side panel.
US07926650B2	Interface for flexible fluid enclosures Embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible fluid enclosure interface system comprising a flexible fluid enclosure, one or more components and one or more strain absorbing interfaces in contact with the flexible fluid enclosure and the one or more components.
US07926648B2	Guide(s) mounted on a conveyor The guide (3) of the invention includes two portions: a rail (11) in the form of a relatively rigid metal strip; and a profile (12) made of a thermoplastic material and snap-fitted onto said rail (11), said profile (12) being shaped so as to have a variable section on the entire height thereof for promoting the contact between said guide and the conveyed products at the lower portion of said products. The rail (11) includes a longitudinal rib (13) for stiffening and housing the heads of the screws (14) used for securing the same on the holder (2).
US07926647B2	Systems and methods for providing an improved timing conveyor A conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a plurality of rollers, and a flight. The rollers have lower surfaces configured to engage a roller-engagement surface, and upper surfaces that substantially form a plane, such that the rollers engage the roller-engagement surface and rotate to move an object supported by the rollers over the plane. The flight includes a cam configured to engage a cam surface below the conveyor belt to impart a moment on the flight, and a projection that responds to the moment by rotating from a retracted position to an extended position.
US07926646B1	Double-sealed, bearingless, reciprocating conveyor with slat-supporting guide trough subdecks A reciprocating slat conveyor includes a plurality of laterally and substantially parallel longitudinal trough-like subdecks and a plurality of longitudinal slats adjacent to and parallel to each other. The slats are in a sliding relationship with a pair of adjacent subdecks and cover the longitudinal space between the pair of adjacent subdecks. The subdecks longitudinally support two adjacent slats at or near a slat longitudinal side edge. The subdecks conduct the movement of the slats, preferably without distinct bearing elements therebetween. Some preferred embodiments include raised double-seal system.
US07926641B2	Conveyor system for the transport of passengers/goods The invention relates to a pallet actuation system moving the pallets of a moving walkway through drive chains directly engaging the lower part of the chains of traction links. The drive chain has separate drive rollers which are made of deformable and elastic materials. The links of the traction chains are connected together by connecting shafts and have teeth and claws in the lower part to mesh with the drive chain and the rollers.
US07926640B2	Transport device for continuously removing mined material In a haulage device for the continuous removal of material excavated below ground, which can be continuously slaved between a mining machine (8) and a continuous road haulage means (2) over a defined path and narrow curve radii of the mining machine (8) while continuously hauling without interruption, the haulage device is configured as a closed-belt conveyor (9) which is movable on a suspended rail system (3), whose receiving end adjacent the mining machine (8) is coupled with a movable transfer conveyor (7) and whose end facing away from the mining machine (8) and adjacent the continuous road haulage means (2) is connected with a clamping device exerting a defined tensile stress over a defined displacement path of the transfer end of the closed-belt conveyor (8) in a displaceable transfer position onto the continuous road haulage means (2).
US07926636B2	Twin clutch apparatus for power unit, power unit incorporating same, and vehicle incorporating same A twin clutch apparatus includes a first clutch, a second clutch, and a clutch outer member shared by the first and second clutches. The clutch outer member has groove portions formed therein having a width that gradually increases towards an open-end side of the clutch outer member. A width of each protruding portion formed in friction plates of the second clutch disposed towards the open-end side of the clutch outer member is greater than a width of each protruding portion formed in friction plates of the first clutch disposed towards a closed-end side of the clutch outer member. The twin clutch apparatus, during operation thereof, is operable to control a clearance between groove portions of the clutch outer member and protruding portions of friction plates within a desirable range, to reduce force and sound produced by an impact between the clutch outer member and the friction plates.
US07926631B2	Disc brake A disc brake includes an actuation mechanism, and first and second brake pad mounting structures to be located, in use, adjacent opposing inboard and outboard faces, respectively, of a brake rotor to be braked. The disc brake further includes first and second brake pads located by the first and second mounting structures, respectively, such that upon application of the actuation mechanism, the brake pads clamp the brake rotor, and brake torque is reacted by the brake pad mounting structures. The first brake pad has a different functional requirement to the second brake pad such that fitment of the first brake pad in the second brake pad mounting structure and/or the second brake pad in the first brake pad mounting structure impairs the safety, functionality or durability of the brake. To prevent or inhibit such incorrect fitting, the first brake pad includes on a peripheral face or a rear face thereof a first formation in such a location that it may only be successfully fitted in the first brake pad mounting structure and only successfully fitted in the correct orientation with the brake fully assembled. The second brake pad includes a second formation different from the first formation such that it may only be successfully fitted in the second brake pad mounting structure and only successfully fitted in the correct orientation with the brake fully assembled.
US07926630B2	Damping device including mounting plate for holding a linear damper A mounting plate is provided for a linear damper with a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod. The cylinder of the linear damper is held between holding jaws of the mounting plate. The holding jaws of the mounting plate form a movable bearing in which the cylinder is axially displaceable. A stop is provided, which is made at least partially of a material with rubber elastic properties, which strikes against the cylinder of the linear damper during damping.
US07926627B2	Pad sets for disk brakes The present invention can include a disk brake having a pad with an engaging groove formed in the pad, the pad also includes a convex member projected from one portion of the pad, a shim is positioned between the pad and a pressing member for pressing the pad toward a disk rotor, the shim including an engaging member formed on a side of the shim, a hook that extends from the shin is engagable with the engaging groove, and the convex portion is able to contact the engaging member to restrain movement of the pad.
US07926625B2	Disk braking device and motorcycle provided with the disk braking device A disk braking device suppresses warp of friction members and deterioration in reaction at the time of braking, and provides friction members with a uniform service life, where pistons are increased in number to heighten a braking force. A piston mechanism comprises pistons arranged along an outer periphery of a disk plate. The pistons are allotted to a plurality of piston portions that have different cylinder areas s1 and (s2+s3). A pad unit is divided into a plurality of pad unit portions that have different total pressure contact areas p1 and (p2+p3) corresponding to the cylinder areas s1 and (s2+s3).
US07926621B2	Evacuation assistance device for elevator In a building, a service zone including a plurality of floors is set. The building is provided with an elevator that is assigned to the floors in the service zone as service floors. In an event of a fire in the building, an evacuation support apparatus for the elevator controls the operation of the elevator to convey those stranded in the building to an evacuation floor. The evacuation support apparatus has an emergency control device and an evacuation guidance device. The emergency control device has a rescue floor setting portion for setting at least a predetermined one of the service floors as a rescue floor, and an evacuation operation command portion for controlling the elevator such that evacuation operation is performed to vertically reciprocate a car between the rescue floor and the evacuation floor. The evacuation guidance device is installed in the building to impart to those stranded in the building evacuation information including information for specifying the rescue floor, based on information from the emergency control device.
US07926619B2	Industrial truck with cable storage device An industrial truck has a lifting mast (1) with a fixed mast (1a) and at least one movable mast (1b) that can move vertically in relation to the fixed mast. A load lifting device (2) can be moved up and down on the movable mast (1b). Located on the movable mast (1b) and/or on the load lifting device (2) is at least one electrical component which is connected with at least one electrical cable (3). The cable (3) is guided through a cable storage device (4) which is constructed according to the pulley block principle.
US07926616B2	Ladder caddy A device for attachment to a conventional type of ladder for holding tools and other diverse items in a position for convenient access by a workman on the ladder is described in two embodiments. In both embodiments the device includes a rigid, linearly elongated member carrying a pair of projections having free ends in opposing, spaced relation, the distance between the free ends being selectively adjustable by relative movement of the projections along an axis parallel to a spaced from the axis of the elongated member. In a first described embodiment, the elongated member is formed by a pair of tubular, telescopingly engaged members with one of the projections fixedly mounted to opposite ones of the pair of members. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated member is a one-piece rod with one of the projections fixedly connected thereto and the other projection mounted to a bracket which is slidable along the rod. The projections are positioned with the free ends spaced by a distance greater than the width of the ladder and the device is held with the projections outwardly adjacent openings in the ladder side rails at opposite ends of a selected one of the hollow rungs where the device is to be mounted. The projections are then relatively moved to decrease the distance between the free ends to cause the latter to extend through the openings in the side rails and into opposite ends of the selected rung, thereby releasably mounting the device to the ladder. The diverse items may then be supported by hooks mounted to the elongated member.
US07926615B2	Method of making an exhaust-noise attenuation muffler, and exhaust-noise attenuation muffler An exhaust-noise attenuation muffler includes two half-shells, each including an inner shell and an outer shell which are made through deep drawing of a sheet metal blank which can have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 0.5 m. The inner shell or the outer shell is provided with an embossment. After placing the inner shells in corresponding ones of the outer shells to form half-shells, two complementing half-shells are joined together.
US07926614B2	Particle motion sensor mounting for marine seismic sensor streamers A marine seismic streamer includes a jacket substantially covering an exterior of the streamer. At least one strength member is disposed along the length of the jacket. A sensor mount is coupled to the strength member. At least one particle motion sensor is suspended within the sensor mount at a selected location along the jacket. The at least one particle motion sensor is suspended in the jacket by at least one biasing device. A mass of the particle motion sensor and a force rate of the biasing device are selected such that a resonant frequency of the particle motion sensor within the sensor jacket is within a predetermined range. The sensor mount is configured such that motion of the jacket, the sensor mount and the strength member is substantially isolated from the particle motion sensor.
US07926613B2	Steering system for vehicle A vehicle steering system including: (a) a steering operation member; (b) a movement-amount variably transmitting device including: (b-1) a housing fixed to a vehicle body; (b-2) a differential mechanism including (i) a first element connected to the steering operation member, (ii) a second element movable relative to the first element, and (iii) a third element engaged with the first and second elements; and (b-3) a drive source for moving the third element, such that an amount of relative movement of the first and second elements is changeable depending on an amount of movement of the third element; and (c) a wheel turning device connected to the second element to turn a vehicle wheel. The movement-amount variably transmitting device further includes (b-4) a third-element-movement inhibiting device for inhibiting movement of the third element. The steering system further includes (d) a third-element-movement inhibition cancelling device for cancelling inhibition of the movement of the third element.
US07926609B2	Vehicle body structure Vehicle body structure includes: a sub frame mounted to a vehicle body frame via elastic members and having at least one of suspensions and a power source supported thereon; a collision detecting sensor; and load transmitting connection mechanisms for connecting the sub frame to the vehicle body frame once the collision detecting sensor detects a collision of the vehicle. Load transmission characteristic provided between the vehicle body frame and the sub frame by the load transmitting connection mechanism is greater than a load transmission characteristic provided by the elastic bushes.
US07926607B2	Three-wheel vehicle A three-wheel vehicle is provided, and includes a single upper frame element having left and right upper spars that each have a downward-extending portion. Left and right lower spars are connected to the upper spars. Left and right rear spars are connected to the left lower spar and the right lower spar, with a second end connected to a rear section of the single upper frame element. A rear suspension sub-frame is coupled to the rear spars, with a wheel rotatably coupled thereto, and a front suspension assembly is coupled to the upper spars, with a left and a right wheel rotatably coupled thereto. A seat is coupled to the rear suspension sub-frame, with the seat located so that when an operator is straddling the seat, a perineum of the operator is located below a plane defined by an upper-most point of each of the three wheels.
US07926605B1	System and method for providing a launch assist system A system, method and computer readable media are disclosed for providing a hydraulic system for a vehicle. The system includes at least one accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid and may also include a flywheel or other storage mechanism for storing energy. Energy may be stored either in one of the accumulators or the flywheel. A control system controls fluid flow to and from the at least one accumulator and, if included, the flow of energy to and from the flywheel such that: in a steady state mode, a first hydraulic pump/motor is energized by an engine to cause hydraulic fluid to flow and actuate a drive line attached to a second hydraulic pump/motor; in a deceleration mode, the second pump/motor is operates as a pump to transfer energy to the at least one flywheel and/or accumulator; and in an acceleration mode, energy is transferred from the at least one flywheel and/or accumulator to the second hydraulic pump/motor to actuate the driveline and accelerate the vehicle.
US07926604B2	Electrical harness clipping bar for aftertreatment device A clipping bar device is provided for use with a vehicle exhaust aftertreatment device in order to securely guide, secure, and protect wires, tubes, cables, or conduits which may pass in close proximity with the vehicle exhaust aftertreatment device. The clipping bar device may share mounting points with a heat shield, and is provided with a series of holes, so as to be compatible with multiple feature configurations. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that 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.
US07926591B2	Aqueous-based emulsified consolidating agents suitable for use in drill-in applications Methods are described for drilling a wellbore through a production zone within a subterranean formation. Some of the methods use water-based consolidating emulsions that comprise an aqueous liquid and an emulsion comprising a hardening agent external phase and hardenable resin internal phase to drill along a production zone. Other methods use water-based consolidation emulsions that comprise a first emulsion comprising a hardenable resin internal phase and an aqueous external phase and a second emulsion comprising a hardening agent internal phase and an aqueous external phase to drill along a production zone.
US07926587B2	Explosive water jet with precursor bubble A water jet assembly and method of use is provided comprising a tank with cutting fluid, fuel and oxidizer lines, and a tank discharge lines. In operation, the tank is filled with oxidizer; the oxidizer line is closed and cutting fluid is supplied compressing the oxidizer. When the fluid reaches a level, the fluid line is closed and fuel is injected. A spark generator ignites the fuel/oxidizer mixture thereby raising the tank pressure. As the pressure rises, a low pressure valve simultaneously closes at a prescribed level. The vent line and a discharge to a nozzle are opened thereby, forming a gas bubble. When the bubble reaches a desired size and pressure drops below a level, the vent closes, allowing combustion expansion to force fluid through the nozzle to form a cutting jet.
US07926586B2	Hand-held power tool with a pneumatic percussion mechanism A hand-held power tool includes a pneumatic percussion mechanism having a percussion piston reciprocating along a percussion axis and having a bore extending at an angle to the percussion axis, and an air spring for displacing the percussion piston.
US07926584B2	Hand-held power tool with air spring percussion mechanism, linear motor, and control process A hand-held power tool (1) includes a linear motor (2) having a rotor (3) which is movable along a percussion axis (A) in an axially limited manner between two reversal points (W) and which can be driven by the striking piston (5) of the power tool with the intermediary of an air spring (4), sensors designed for determining the actual state of the rotor (3) and connected to a computer (9) connected via power electronics (33) to at least one field coil (10) of the linear motor (2), with the rotor (3) being displaced against a contact element (11a, 11b) at least at one reversal point (W) and being pressed against the contact element electromagnetically; and a control process for the hand-held power tool.
US07926582B2	Soil aeration device A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.
US07926581B2	Well tool having enhanced packing element assembly A well tool having an enhanced performance packing element assembly. A well tool includes a packing element assembly for sealingly engaging a surface, the assembly including a packing element having at least one circumferential variation. Another well tool includes a packing element assembly including a packing element and a backup ring, the packing element being configured to bias the backup ring into contact with a surface opposite a circumferential portion of the backup ring, while another circumferential portion does not contact the surface. A method of setting a well tool includes providing a packing element assembly with multiple packing elements, and setting the well tool by squeezing fluid from between the packing elements via a gap, and then closing off the gap.
US07926579B2	Apparatus for subsea intervention A technique for monitoring and evaluating parameters related to the use of a compliant guide system in intervention operations. A compliant guide enables movement of a conveyance within its interior and is coupled between a subsea installation and a surface vessel. A sensor system is provided with sensors deployed in subsea locations to detect operational parameters related to operation of the compliant guide. A control system is coupled to the sensor system to receive data output from the sensor system.
US07926573B2	Circulation control valve and associated method A circulation control valve includes an opening between the valve exterior and an interior passage, an internal closure device for permitting and preventing flow through the opening, a valve device initially preventing flow through the opening, and an internal chamber. The valve device opens upon application of a pressure differential between the passage and the exterior to thereby permit communication through the opening, and the closure device displaces upon a second pressure differential between the passage and the internal chamber to thereby prevent communication through the opening. Another valve includes first and second valve devices. Communication through the opening is permitted upon application of the first pressure differential to the first device, thereby unbalancing a first piston, and fluid communication through the opening is prevented upon application of the second pressure differential to the second device, thereby unbalancing a second piston having a greater piston area than the first piston.
US07926572B2	Ballistically compatible backpressure valve A backpressure valve. The backpressure valve may be configured to maintain a substantially controlled pressure in coiled tubing uphole thereof while simultaneously being compatible with a ballistically actuated tool downhole thereof. The valve may include a housing with an uphole chamber in alignment with the coiled tubing and downhole chamber in alignment with the ballistically actuated tool. A gate mechanism disposed between the uphole and downhole chambers may thus be employed to receive a ballistic actuator from the uphole chamber for dispensing into the downhole chamber without sacrifice to pressure control within the coiled tubing.
US07926571B2	Cemented open hole selective fracing system A cemented open hole selective fracing system and method are shown. In the producing zone, an open hole is drilled therein and a production tubing is cemented in place. At preselected locations along the production tubing, the production tubing will have sliding valves located there along. The sliding valves may be selectively opened, and the cement around the sliding valve dissolved. Thereafter, the formation may be fraced immediately adjacent the opened sliding valve. By selectively opening different combinations of sliding valves, fracing can occur in stages with more fracing pressure and more fracing fluid being delivered deeper into the formation. Just as the sliding valves can be selectively opened, the sliding valves can also be selectively closed to protect the production of the well.
US07926568B2	Non-acid acidizing methods and compositions Methods of acidizing subterranean formations or well bores, and more specifically, to acidizing systems involving acid-generating fluids that comprise acid-generating compounds and associated methods are provided. An example of a method of the present invention comprises: providing an acid-generating fluid that comprises an acid-generating compound; placing the acid-generating fluid into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the acid-generating compound to produce an acid that then acidizes at least a portion of the subterranean formation or damage contained in the formation or well bore.
US07926567B2	Method for controlled gelation of silicates A process for forming a gel, which process comprises mixing an alkaline silicate solution with a polymer in solid form, the polymer being capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; and allowing the polymer to release sufficient acid to cause formation of a silicate gel.
US07926564B2	Portable well treating fluid mixing system and method A portable well treating fluid mixing system includes: a supply tank having an inlet receiving pneumatically conveyed dry treating material; a cyclone separator having an inlet coupled to the supply tank and receiving dust laden air from the supply tank, and having a first outlet venting clean air and having a second outlet venting solids; a collection container having a first inlet coupled to the cyclone separator second outlet and receiving solids from the cyclone separator and having an outlet; and, a pump having an inlet coupled to the collection container outlet and a pump outlet coupled to the supply tank. In operation, the system continuously conveys dust from the collection container back into the supply tank to maintain the separator in proper operating condition and minimizes venting of dust during the transfer of material to the supply tank.
US07926560B2	Solid rubber packer for a rotating control device A seal assembly for use with a rotating control head is provided. The seal assembly includes a rotatable member and a cavity formed between the rotatable member and a tubular radially inwardly disposed from the rotatable member. The cavity having a first surface and a second surface. The seal assembly further includes a seal member having a first end and a second end disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the cavity and sealable with the tubular between the first and the second ends due to deformation of the seal member.
US07926558B2	Cooler device A cooler device comprising a cooling portion with at least one tubular element which has an internal flow duct for guiding a first medium between a first and a second tank. A second cooling medium in contact with an outside surface of the tubular element cools the first medium as it is led through the flow duct. A first tank receives the first medium before it is led into the cooling portion. The first tank has an outside surface provided with protruding material portions which produce an enlarged contact surface with the cooling second medium so that the first medium is subjected to a first step of cooling within the first tank.
US07926555B2	Series-parallel condensing system A series-parallel condensing system comprised of an air-cooled condenser, a surface condenser, a circulating water system and a cooling tower, body of water, or other equivalent heat sink. The cooling tower, being an evaporative device, consumes water. In the simplest embodiment of the invention steam is condensed in a two-stage series process with steam first fed to an air-cooled condenser where the majority of the steam is condensed and then to a surface condenser, which in conjunction with the circulating water system and cooling tower condenses the remaining steam. This embodiment achieves the greatest degree of water conservation. The function of the surface condenser is to replace the dephlegmator of the air-cooled condenser, which results in a significant reduction in the size and cost of the air-cooled condenser and also yields improved plant performance and operational simplicity. In a second embodiment, where additional makeup water is available, a steam bypass system is added converting the system from a series condensing process into a series-parallel process. In this arrangement steam exiting the turbine flows through both the air-cooled condenser and also through the bypass system with final condensation taking place in the surface condenser.
US07926551B2	Heater core and air conditioner for an automobile equipped with same The present invention relates to a heater core and an air conditioner for an automobile equipped with the same, in which an amount of cooling water introduced into the heater core can be adjusted based on a temperature set by a user, thereby increasing a cooling and heating efficiency.The heater core comprises first and second tanks 210 and 220 which are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance; inlet pipe 211 and outlet pipe 212 which are respectively connected to the first tank 210 or second tank 220 and through which cooling water is introduced and discharged; a plurality of tubes 230 of which both ends are respectively fixed between the first and second tanks 210 and 220; a fins 250 which are provided between the tubes 230; a cooling water introduction part 330 which is formed at one side of the inlet pipe 211 and through which the cooling water is introduced; a bypass line 340 which is also formed at one side of the inlet pipe 211 and through which the cooling water is discharged without passing through the heater core H; and a flow rate adjusting means 300 for adjusting an amount of the cooling water introduced into the heater core H.
US07926550B2	Casting delivery nozzle with insert A metal strip casting apparatus and a method of casting continuous metal strip includes assembling a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls having casting surfaces positioned laterally forming a nip between for casting, and delivering molten metal through a delivery nozzle disposed above the nip capable to form a casting pool supported on the casting rolls. The delivery nozzle comprises segments each having elongate nozzle body with longitudinally extending side walls, end walls and a bottom part to form an inner trough, a nozzle insert disposed above bottom portions of the inner trough of each segment and supported relative to the nozzle body through which incoming molten metal may be delivered to the inner trough of each segment of the delivery nozzle, and the elongate nozzle body of each segment having passageways in fluid communication with the inner trough and outlet openings capable of discharging molten metal from the nozzle body outwardly into the casting pool.
US07926549B2	Delivery nozzle with more uniform flow and method of continuous casting by use thereof A method of and apparatus for casting metal strip involving assembling a pair of casting rolls laterally disposed to form a nip between them, assembling an elongated metal delivery nozzle extending along and above the nip between the casting rolls, with at least one segment having opposing side walls and end walls, an inner trough extending longitudinally within between side walls and forming passages between the side walls and the inner trough and communicating with side outlets adjacent bottom portions, introducing molten metal through the elongate metal delivery nozzle to form a casting pool of molten metal supported on the casting rolls above the nip, such that molten metal is caused to flow into the inner trough of the delivery nozzle, from the inner trough through the passages between the inner trough and sidewalls, and from the passages through the side outlets in a substantially lateral direction into the casting pool, and counter rotating the casting rolls to deliver cast strip downwardly from the nip.
US07926547B2	Strand guiding roller In the case of a strand guiding roller with at least one roller shell and with at least two supporting shafts, two supporting shafts being respectively connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a roller shell and each supporting shaft being rotatably supported in a supporting bearing, to achieve a type of construction that is simple and can withstand the high thermal and mechanical loading that occurs, it is proposed that the roller shell is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the supporting shafts carrying it on both sides by shrink-fit connections or by press-fit connections.
US07926546B2	Device for melting, storing, and feeding metal material from bar-shaped metal material intended for injection apparatus for molding metal product A device for melting, storing, and feeding a metal material is provided which can store a large amount of molten metal material corresponding to molding cycles with a compact configuration, using barrels to melt bar-shaped metal materials and a tank-and-barrel storage unit to store the molten metal material. The storage unit for the molten metal material is composed of an upper storage tank and a lower material temperature control barrel having a smaller diameter, the barrel being perpendicularly arranged under and in communication with the bottom center of the tank. The melting barrels for bar-shaped metal materials are made of barrel bodies having an inside diameter and a length appropriate to accommodate the bar-shaped metal materials. A more than one melting barrel is vertically arranged in parallel on a lid member of the storage tank, with their bottom openings facing the inside of the storage tank.
US07926543B2	Method for producing metal/ceramic bonding substrate After a molten metal of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a temperature, which is higher than the liquidus line temperature of aluminum or the aluminum alloy by 5 to 200° C., is injected into a mold, when the mold is cooled to solidify the molten metal, the molten metal injected into the mold is pressurized at a pressure of 1.0 to 100 kPa from a high-temperature side to a low-temperature side, and the mean cooling rate is set to be 5 to 100° C./minute while the mold is cooled from the liquidus line temperature to 450° C., the temperature gradient formed in the mold being set to be in the range of from 1° C./cm to 50° C./cm.
US07926542B2	Low stress dewaxing system and method A system and method for dewaxing is provided. The system includes a ceramic shell mold having a wall. Water is present within the wall of the ceramic shell mold. A wax pattern assembly is located within the ceramic shell mold. A heat source is configured for heating at least a portion of the wall of the ceramic shell mold in order to convert at least a portion of the water within the wall of the ceramic shell mold into steam for use in melting at least a portion of the wax pattern.
US07926541B2	Universal polygonal tilt drum for venetian type blinds A ladder drum for adjusting and regulating the angular orientation and closure of horizontal slats of a venetian blind, of the type incorporating ladder cords or tape ladders, having a polygonal profiled structure comprising a series of planar sidewalls defining a substantially hollow interior. The number of sidewalls defining the polygonal structure is greater than four sidewalls, and less than or equal to twelve sidewalls, with each adjacent plane sidewall having an internal angular orientation in the range of 90° to 150°. To enhance the uniform closure of the slats of a horizontal blind, the polygonal ladder drum is more preferably in the form of an uneven hexagon that is formed from injection molded plastics. The opposing top and bottom sidewalls are greater in dimension than the mediate sidewalls, and have attachment means to insert various widths of ladder tape. The mediate sidewalls have at least two opposing access slots to insert and retain ladder cords in a counter balanced relation.
US07926539B1	Flood vent access door assembly A flood vent access door assembly having a frame assembly defining a fluid entrance aperture; a door pivotally mounted in said frame assembly, where in the door includes at least one ventilation opening formed through the door; and at least one latching/release mechanism for releasably maintaining the door in a fixed position relative to the frame assembly if a level of fluid is not above a determined level and releasing the door to pivot relative to the frame assembly if the level of fluid is above the determined level, wherein the at least one latching/release mechanism comprises a float means coupled to an elongate release arm for determining the level of fluid and releasing a latch of the at least one latching/release mechanism.
US07926534B2	Pipe welder for simultaneously fusing a plurality of polyethylene pipes Disclosed are a device and method for the simultaneous fusion of multiple plastic pipe sections. A plurality of pipe sections may be rigidly held, faced off, heated, and joined at the same time using a single piece of equipment. The inventive process allows increased throughput of the fusion process without significant additional costs.
US07926528B2	Transverse tread groove profile A tire tread comprising a plurality of grooves opening on to a running surface, each groove having an average orientation and being defined by facing walls, these walls being connected together by a groove bottom, each groove being defined geometrically by a transverse profile obtained by intersecting said groove by a section plane substantially transverse to the average direction of the groove, the transverse profile of a plurality of grooves having variable curvatures, the variation of said curvatures in the section plane being mathematically continuous. A tire provided with such a tread.
US07926520B2	Apparatus and methods for filament crimping and manufacturing Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed.
US07926515B2	Modular unit A modular unit has at least one filter (10), pump (12) and cooling unit (14) fluidically connected to each other by a connection module (16) and connected to a tank unit (18). The connection module (16) opens out inside (22) the tank unit with a suction opening (20), together with the cooling unit (14) when the tank unit is connected (18). The filter unit (10) and pump unit (12) are arranged outside the tank unit (18). The modular unit can then be placed on and connected to a tank unit. The cooling unit protrudes inside the tank unit.
US07926514B2	Valve unit and reaction apparatus having the same Provided are a valve unit and a reaction apparatus having the valve unit. The valve unit includes a phase transition material, which melts and expands upon an application of the electromagnetic waves to the valve filler, and the valve filler is directed into the channel through the connection passage and closes the channel. The valve unit also includes heat generation particles, which are dispersed in the phase transition material and generate heat upon an application of electromagnetic wave energy.
US07926509B2	Method for flow rate control of clustering fluid and device for flow rate control of clustering fluid employed in the method Disclosed is a method of controlling the flow rate of clustering fluid using a pressure type flow rate control device in which the flow rate Q of gas passing through an orifice is computed as K=KP1 (where K is a constant) with the gas being in a state where the ratio P2/P1 between the gas pressure P1 on the upstream side of the orifice and the gas pressure P2 on the downstream side of the orifice is held at a value not higher than the critical pressure ratio of the gas wherein the association of molecules is dissociated either by heating the pressure type flow rate control device to the temperature higher than 40° C., or by applying the diluting gas to the clustering fluid to make it lower than a partial pressure so the clustering fluid is permitted to pass through the orifice in a monomolecular state.
US07926508B2	Water control valve system with snapping action The present invention provides a water control valve with snapping action. The valve shell of the water control valve includes a main body and combined base. A snapping assembly is arranged between the main body and combined base, being in snap-fit engagement, so that the inner space of the valve shell expands to accommodate more switching valve assemblies for better applicability. When the main body is coupled with the combined base, the overlapped portion of the main body and combined base can be reduced by configuration of the snapping assembly, thereby optimizing the utilization of the inner space. So, the switching valve assemblies of different dimensions and specifications are suitable for a wider range of applications.
US07926506B2	Tank flow path structure The fuel cutoff valve has a connection conduit that connects the connection hole to the approximately round shaped cross section tube passage. With the connection conduit, the connection hole and the flow path area are almost the same, and this comprises a curved passage part that makes the rising gas flow from the connection hole face in the horizontal direction, and a connection passage part that leads the gas flow from the curved passage part to the connection passage part. The fluid guide member that constitutes the curved passage part is a passage that has an inclined face that makes the rising gas flow that flows out from the connection hole face in the horizontal direction, and a passage upper surface formed from a flat surface continuous from the upper edge of the inclined face and arranged above the connection hole. The connection passage part is formed such that the cross section shape of the passage upper surface gradually faces the round shaped cross section of the tube passage.
US07926505B2	Transfer unit In present-day aircraft a drain mast is used on the underside of the fuselage in order to discharge grey water to the external environment. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is no need to provide such a drain mast in that a transfer unit is used as a connection unit, and buffer storage spaces are used between the wash basins and the vacuum waste-water system. The transfer unit comprises a self-opening valve with a floating body for automatic discharge. This purely mechanical function and the simple design result in low susceptibility to malfunction and in a long service life.
US07926503B2	Fluid injection system The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for efficient, durable, reliable, and cost-effective fluid injection. In particular, the present invention provides an unpowered device for automatic fluid injection dictated by pressure differential in the line. More specifically, the present invention provides a device for injecting a degreasing chemical into air relief valves in municipal wastewater systems, which operates off of the differential pressure in the pumped lines resulting from the pump operating cycles.
US07926500B2	Frame structure A collapsible free-standing frame structure includes N bowable resilient legs, where N is an integer greater than one, a multi-hinge, and a leg restraint. The multi-hinge includes a hinge body and N leg interconnectors for interconnecting the legs to the hinge body. The leg interconnectors are pivotally mounted to the hinge body for limited pivotal motion between closed positions, in which the interconnected legs are clustered around a central axis which extends through the hinge body, and open positions, in which the interconnected legs extend radially relative to the central axis. A pivot stop prevents the leg interconnectors from pivoting beyond the open positions. To erect the frame structure, the leg interconnectors are pivoted to their open positions, the interconnected legs are bowed against the pivot stop, and the distal ends of the bowed legs are attached to a leg restraint which maintains the legs in the bowed position.
US07926493B2	Device incorporating a chamber through which fluid is adapted to flow and the use of a drawer guide in such a device A drawer guide is provided for a dishwasher or other device through which there is a flow of liquid or gas. The drawer guide has guide rails and at least one rolling member assembly to guide the guide rails in a displaceable manner on another guide rail. A cage is provided for the rolling members. At least one of the guide rails has a rear rail portion with fluid passage openings that allow liquid or gas to flow through the guide rail when the device is in operation. At least one cage for the rolling members of the drawer guide can include a rear cage portion that is provided with fluid passage openings that allow liquid or gas to flow therethrough when the device is in operation.
US07926492B2	Direct application horse and livestock brush having flow regulator assembly A horse and/or livestock brush assembly releases a fluid and/or liquid solution directly onto the coat of an animal during brushing. The brush assembly includes a brush base attached to a hose and flow regulator. The brush base comprises a flexible deformable membrane with a plurality of apertures that are, optionally, aligned with apertures in brush bristles for delivery of the fluid and/or liquid solution, and is fitted within a first opening of an internal cavity in a brush base. Delivery of the fluid or liquid solution is controlled by way of the flow regulator. An optional mixing chamber housing a water soluble compound containing active ingredients may be attached to the flow regulator to form a liquid solution. The liquid solution includes perfumes, fragrances and other active compositions including insect repellant, hair conditioners, dyes, moisturizers, or antibacterial compounds. The fluid and/liquid is delivered directly to the animal's fur or hair while brushing the coat.
US07926491B2	Method and apparatus for sensing field strength signals to estimate location of a wireless implantable marker Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus for use in a system that senses an excitable wireless target capable of being implanted in a body or tissue. The apparatus includes multiple electromagnetic field sensors arranged approximately in a common plane, and multiple sense signal output paths coupled to the sensors. Each one of the sensors and corresponding output paths is configured to provide an output signal representing at least a portion of an electromagnetic field provided by the marker, where the output signal is proportional to a component of the field at the sensor, where that component is substantially perpendicular to the plane. Various other configurations regarding this apparatus, as well as the overall system and methods of exciting and receiving signals from wireless markers, are also disclosed.
US07926490B2	Systems and methods for correcting high order aberrations in laser refractive surgery Optical correction methods, devices, and systems reduce optical aberrations or inhibit refractive surgery induced aberrations. Error source control and adjustment or optimization of ablation profiles or other optical data address high order aberrations. A simulation approach identifies and characterizes system factors that can contribute to, or that can be adjusted to inhibit, optical aberrations. Modeling effects of system components facilitates adjustment of the system parameters.
US07926487B2	Respiratory mask having gas washout vent and gas washout vent assembly for a respiratory mask The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removably attached to a mask frame.
US07926485B2	Medical ventilator with compressor heated exhalation filter A medical ventilator includes a pressure generator for increasing a pressure of gas that produces heat during the operation thereof. A heat sink spaced from the pressure generator is provided for absorbing heat from the pressure generator. A bacteria filter requiring heating in excess of an ambient temperature for the effective operation thereof is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink. A heat pipe is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink and the pressure generator for conveying at least part of heat produced by the pressure generator to the bacteria filter via the heat sink.
US07926484B2	Interface accessory for use with an aerosol inhalation system An aerosol inhalation system includes a single source of gas; a connector and an accessory having a main conduit body. A nebulizer is sealingly and removably coupled to the main conduit body. A supplemental gas inlet port is in fluid communication with the connector for introducing a flow of supplemental gas from the single gas source to the patient under select conditions. The gas from the gas source that flows to the supplemental gas inlet port passes through a flow metering member that is remote from the supplemental gas inlet port that controls the flow rate of the supplemental gas to the patient interface. The flow rate of the gas through the supplemental gas inlet port is different than a gas flow rate into the nebulizer for generating the aerosolized medication.
US07926483B2	System for controlling pressure in defined environment and associated method A system and a method for treating pain in a patient suffering pain are provided. The method may include providing a system inhabitable by the patient in which pressure may be controlled. The patient may suffer from a pain inducing condition associated with a pressure change. The method may also include controlling the pressure of the environment that may be inhabited by the patient to prevent, reduce, or eliminate pressure change. The pain inducing condition may be prevented, reduced or eliminated.
US07926481B2	Solar water vapor ejector A water vapor ejector comprises a desiccant disposed in a communication path to a green house enclosure. In the day time and under sunlight exposure, the green house enclosure heats up, which dries the desiccant and generates a flow to the outside ambient through a pressure difference. The moisture trapped in the desiccant is then released to the outside ambient. In the night time, the green house enclosure cools, which generates a flow to the inside of the enclosure. The desiccant traps the moisture within the flow, ensuring a moisture-free enclosure. The cycle re-starts in the next morning when the enclosure heats up. The diurnal cycle removes the water vapor present in the enclosure and delivered to the exterior of the enclosure.
US07926474B2	Underwater catapult in which the arrow is propelled along the length of the barrel The invention relates to an underwater catapult in which the arrow is propelled along the length of the barrel. The inventive catapult comprises a system which can be used to launch a gun arrow with bungee cords along the length of the shaft. The system comprises fixed or moving pulleys which are disposed on each side at the head of the gun and fixed or adjustable anchoring points (lugs, recesses) which are open for loading under the gun and which serve as support points to the tension cords for the movement thereof. The aforementioned pulleys can be used to load the large-sectioned bungees which are linked to variable- and standard-length bungees under the catapult for loading and power utilities. The catapult can be used to store more energy and use the integral characteristics of the elastic rubber. In this way, underwater hunters can equip themselves with an arm which is very powerful, accurate and recoil free compared to those currently available.
US07926473B2	Air supply system for an internal combustion engine An air supply system for a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes an air inlet and a mixing volute for receiving charge air from the air inlet. The mixing volute is configured to impart swirl in a first direction to charge air passing from the air inlet and into the volute. An EGR injector introduces exhaust gas into charge air passing through the mixing volute, with the EGR injector being configured to impart swirl in a direction which is opposite to the swirl produced by the mixing volute. This causes the EGR gases and the charge air to become thoroughly mixed within a very short path length through the mixing volute.
US07926470B2	Compact relief valve having damping functionality A relief valve is provided for use with a fuel system. The relief valve may have a housing forming an inlet, an outlet, and a central bore fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet. The relief valve may also have a valve element disposed within the central bore of the housing and being configured to move between a flow-passing position and a flow-blocking position. The valve element may have a passageway continuously communicating the inlet of the housing with the outlet of the housing. The relief valve may also have a resilient member situated to bias the valve element toward the flow-blocking position.
US07926468B2	Cold start device for fuel injection pump A fuel injection pump provided with a diesel engine having a starter started up by a key switch. The fuel injection pump comprises a cold start device having a sparking actuator, the starter and the sparking actuator. The fuel injection pump includes an activator that activates the sparking actuator whenever the key switch is switched on.
US07926465B2	Impulse charger for motor vehicle engines An impulse charger for motor vehicle engines include impulse valves driven using driving force continuously generated by a driving apparatus so as to be instantaneously opened and closed at a high speed by a link unit in which link members are interconnected, and in which the impulse valves for all cylinders are simultaneously driven. Thus, the impulse charger provides simple drive control, reduction in necessary components, and an efficient mounting space, guarantees easy manufacturing and mounting at a low cost, and prevents noise from being generated when the impulse valves are operated.
US07926461B2	System for controlling fluid flow A system for controlling fluid flow to or from a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes a drive shaft having a rotary valve mounted thereon. The system also includes a cylinder head a cylinder head accommodating the rotary valve and at least part of the drive shaft therein, the rotary valve being arranged to selectively open or close a flow opening in the cylinder head. The system also includes a source of rotation and a mechanical drive train rotatably coupling the source of rotation to the drive shaft. The mechanical drive train has a non-circular element rotatably coupled to the source of rotation and a non-circular element rotatably coupled to the drive shaft. The non-circular elements are rotatably coupled to cause a speed variation in one of the non-circular elements upon a constant rotation of the other non-circular elements.
US07926458B2	Lubricating device A lubricating device comprises a cam shaft, plural cam portions for each valve provided at the cylinder head, a valve driving mechanism to change a rotational movement of the cam portion to an opening-and-closing movement of the valve via a slide member on which a peripheral surface of the cam portion slides, an oil passage of the cam shaft, a nozzle provided at either one of the cam portions to open at the peripheral surface of the cam portion and connect to the oil passage of the cam shaft, and a wall body having a recess portion. The recess portion collects lubricating oil ejected out of the nozzle and guides the lubricating oil collected to the peripheral surface of the other cam portion when the one cam portion is located in a position in which the nozzle is not directed to the slide member.
US07926457B2	Device for phase-shifting the rotational angle of a drive wheel relative to an output shaft A device for phase-shifting a rotational angle of a drive wheel relative to an output shaft. The device includes a planetary gear including a sun wheel, a hollow wheel and at least one planet wheel, wherein the sun wheel and the hollow wheel mesh with the at least one planet wheel. A planet wheel carrier having the at least one planet wheel is arranged thereon and is fixedly connected to the output shaft so as to commonly rotate with the output shaft. A drive wheel is connected to the planetary gear and is at least indirectly connected to the sun wheel. An actuator engages the planetary gear so that the hollow wheel is rotatable relative to the sun wheel. The actuator is disposed tangentially to the planetary gear and includes a worm engaging an outer toothing of the hollow wheel, with the sun wheel being at least indirectly connected to the drive wheel.
US07926456B2	Continuous variable valve lift system A continuously variable valve lift system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an input cam, a drive shaft, a lifter including a contact portion and pivoting around the drive shaft in response to a rotation of the input cam, a valve unit, an output cam that contacts the contact portion, pivots around the drive shaft, and opens the valve unit, a return spring supplying restoring force to the output cam, and an adjusting unit adjusting a distance between the drive shaft and the contact portion.
US07926452B1	Pet leash device A pet leash device comprising a housing with a retractor component and leash; a plurality of telescopic poles extending from the housing, wherein each telescopic pole can rotate in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the housing, wherein each telescopic pole can be locked in an extended position via a lock mechanism; wherein the leash component can extend out of the leash device at various positions via slits disposed in the housing, along the first telescopic pole, along the second telescopic pole, or along the third telescopic pole, wherein rotation of a telescopic pole rotates its respective slit away from the other slits allowing the leash component to be locked at a particular position along the leash device; a clip disposed on the leash component for attaching to a pet collar; and a clamp disposed on the housing allowing attachment to the stroller or carriage.
US07926451B2	Dual pet leash The present invention is directed to a dual pet leash, including a spherical-shaped or ellipsoid-shaped or cone-shaped or cylindrical-shaped or egg-shaped detangling element, a handle located adjacent the detangling element, and two or more pet attachment portions or straps extending from the detangling element, the pet attachment portions spaced approximately equidistant from each other, or spaced on approximately opposite sides of the detangling element. Latches for attaching to the pet attachment portions to a pet's collar or pet's harness are also provided.
US07926449B2	Fluid application systems and methods and milking systems and methods A fluid application system for automatically applying a fluid to the teats of an animal subsequent to the milking of the animal comprises a fluid delivery arrangement comprising a plurality of applicators, wherein each of the applicators is arranged in connection with a respective teat cup and is provided for applying the fluid to a teat of the animal, to which the respective teat cup is attached during the milking of the animal, in connection with a detachment of the teat cup from the teat. A control arrangement is provided for (i) determining, for a detachment of a teat cup from a teat, whether that detachment is a normal detachment or an abnormal detachment, and (ii) controlling, for the detachment of the teat cup from the teat, the applicator arranged in connection with that teat cup to apply the fluid provided that the detachment is a normal detachment and to not apply the fluid provided that the detachment is an abnormal detachment.
US07926448B2	Pet carrier garment A pet carrier garment has a full frontal liner that creates a enclosure within which a small pet can be carried close to the owner's body, thereby providing security, warmth and comfort for the pet, as well as affording ample room for the pet to move about while still keeping the pet securely confined.
US07926447B2	Pet bed A bed for a pet such as a cat or dog that includes a frame having a collapsible and expandable network of interlocking legs and a covering for the frame. The covering includes a first cover portion for extending over a top and four sides of the frame, and a second cover portion for further extending over the top side or raised floor of the frame. The network of interlocking legs includes pairs of pivoting legs interconnected via hubs and, as a whole, is resilient so as to provide a forgiving or hammock style of pet bed. The first cover portion hides the networked frame from view. The second cover portion includes a cushion to provide further resiliency to the pet bed and further includes a carpet of soft fibers on which the pet directly makes contact when lying down.
US07926445B2	Oxidizing method and oxidizing unit for object to be processed An oxidizing method for an object to be processed according to the present invention includes: an arranging step of arranging a plurality of objects to be processed in a processing container whose inside can be vacuumed, the processing container having a predetermined length, a main supplying unit of an oxidative gas and a supplying unit of a reducing gas being provided at one end of the processing container, a sub supplying unit of the oxidative gas being provided on a way in a longitudinal direction of the processing container; an atmosphere forming step of supplying the oxidative gas and the reducing gas into the processing container in order to form an atmosphere having active oxygen species and active hydroxyl species in the processing container; and an oxidizing step of oxidizing surfaces of the plurality of objects to be processed in the atmosphere. In the atmosphere forming step, the oxidative gas is adapted to be supplied from the main supplying unit of the oxidative gas and the sub supplying unit of the oxidative gas.
US07926443B2	Electrostatic coating apparatus A current sensor for detecting a full return current is connected to a high voltage generator. A leakage current detector including current sensors for detecting a leakage current is provided at the surface of the cover of a coating machine, air passages and a paint passage. Based on current detection values obtained by the current sensors, a high voltage control unit controls a power supply voltage control unit and a high voltage to be output from the high voltage generator can be raised or dropped. By employing the current detection values, the high voltage control unit can identify and provide notification of a location where the leakage current is increased and the insulation is deteriorated, and can request an operator to perform maintenance for the pertinent location. Further, upon occurrence of the insulation being deteriorated, the high voltage control unit can stop the high voltage supply.
US07926441B2	Substrate treatment method, coating treatment apparatus, and substrate treatment system In the coating treatment apparatus, in a first treatment chamber, the front and rear surfaces of the substrate held by a transfer arm are inverted by a turning mechanism, and a coating solution is applied from a coating nozzle to the rear surface of the substrate. The substrate is transferred into a second treatment chamber, in which the coating solution on the rear surface is heated by a heating unit to cure, thereby forming a coating film on the rear surface of the substrate. The formation of the coating film by the coating treatment apparatus is performed before exposure processing, whereby the rear surface of the substrate can be flat for the exposure processing.
US07926440B1	Nanostructure synthesis apparatus and method Apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures in a controlled process. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises a stage or substrate holder that is heated, e.g., resistively, and is the primary source of heating for the substrate for nanostructure synthesis. The substrate and substrate heater are enclosed in a chamber, e.g., a metal chamber, which is ordinarily at a lower temperature than are the substrate and substrate heater during synthesis. Some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for chemical vapor deposition (CVD), low pressure CVD (LPCVD), metal organic CVD (MOCVD), and general vapor deposition techniques. Some embodiments of the present invention allow for in situ characterization and treatment of the substrate and nanostructures.
US07926438B2	Subsea operations support system An underwater operations support system facilitates underwater exploration, monitoring, maintenance and construction operations associated with development of natural resources. The operations support system may include energy generation subsystems, energy accumulation subsystems, communication subsystems, docking stations, repair and maintenance robots, housings for divers, and video subsystems. Supported equipment includes ROVs, HROVs, AUVs, and other autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile robots which move materials, perform manual tasks, and survey the environment. Operational efficiency is enhanced by recharging, repairing and reconfiguring vehicles, and transferring data and commands between vehicles and a control station, without moving the vehicle to and from the surface, and without need for a surface ship to remain on site for the duration of operations.
US07926436B2	Dual axis chain support with chain pull through A chain support 11, hinged on two perpendicular axes 5, 6 which allows chain movement in two perpendicular planes. The chain support provides an improved arrangement to allow chain 4 to be pulled through the center of the apparatus to a desired length after which the chain is removably secured to the chain support.
US07926433B2	Quilt blank, method of making a quilt using a quilt blank and quilt kit including quilt blank The disclosure is directed to a quilt blank, a quilt kit including a quilt blank and method of making a quilt using a quilt blank. The disclosure describes a quilt blank including a partially completed quilt having a quilt top, backing and batting material interposed between the quilt top and the backing, all of which are secured together via a sewing or quilting pattern. The quilt top of the quilt blank includes at least one predetermined blank portion sized to receive a fabric swatch or other material selected by a user. Alternatively, the quilt blank may simply be a quilt top having a predetermined blank area to be filled with a fabric swatch or other material. The disclosure also describes a quilt kit including a quilt blank and a method of making a quilt using a quilt blank.
US07926432B2	Low NOx cyclone furnace steam generator A low NOx Cyclone furnace steam generator including redesigned or modified Cyclone furnaces, air flow distribution, and new or relocated air ports maintains and/or minimizes NOx emission levels from the Cyclone furnace steam generator while minimizing Cyclone furnace and steam generator furnace tube wastage.
US07926431B2	Plastic pallet system A plastic pallet system is provided for the support, storage, and transportation of articles. The plastic pallet system includes a plurality of top boards and a plurality of runner assemblies. Both the plurality of top boards and the plurality of runner assemblies may be formed of plastic. A method for manufacturing the plastic pallet system is also provided.
US07926430B2	Technology trough A conference table includes a technology trough assembly integrated into its worksurface. The technology trough includes one or more utility modules for providing customized utility connections to meet the users' requirements. The technology trough also includes sliding access panels that are flush with the worksurface of the table and that are adapted to slide along a horizontal plane between a closed and an open position over the utility modules such that do not interfere or obstruct visual or verbal communications between users.
US07926429B2	Angle-adjustable heat-dissipating pad for portable computer An angle-adjustable heat-dissipating pad for a portable computer conforms to the ergonomics and includes: a plate provided with a guiding slot and fixing troughs, both sides of the guiding slot being provided with a plurality of positioning regions; a support provided with a positioning post, the positioning post passing through the guiding slot with the support being detachably assembled in the guiding slot of the plate to support the plate; and a supporting pad passing through the fixing trough and connected to the bottom of the plate, thereby preventing the articles on the plate form sliding. With the positioning post of the support being positioned in the positioning region in a multi-stage manner, the plate on the support can be positioned at a plurality of angles. Furthermore, the supporting pad can support the elbow of a user and conform to the ergonomics.
US07926424B1	Liquid mist tracer for shotgun ammunition A tracer cylinder for use with a shotgun shell to provide an aiming and training aid for shotgun shooting sports, which also can be used for military and police applications. The tracer cylinder, which contains a liquid, has one or more openings, each one releasably closed with a valve. The tracer cylinder is loaded into a shotgun shell and fired. After the valve in the bottom of the cylinder is released, the liquid is extracted through the opening by physical forces, creating a long-lasting mist or fog cloud that is visible to the shooter. The shooter is provided with a consistent and durable reference, allowing him or her to make effective corrections to his or her shooting technique. The tracer cylinder can be loaded into a shot holder, with or without shot pellets.
US07926423B2	Single-step contact explosive device for breaching reinforced walls and method of use therefor A lightweight man-packable system for breaching in a single application reinforced structure such as steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls. Embodiments comprise two explosive charge arrays installed in a housing that is abutted against a wall using either studs or prop sticks. One embodiment positions a secondary linear shaped charge (LSC) or self-forming fragment charge (SFF) spaced apart from a primary high explosive (HE) charge that contacts the structure. The HE is detonated to remove concrete in a pattern sufficient to enable a human to transit the resultant opening and the secondary charge cuts the reinforcement shortly thereafter enabling a “clean” breach via a single application of the system. In select embodiments the second array is positioned on a hinged frame to increase stand-off from the first array and moves into place to detonate over the opening immediately after detonation of the first array.
US07926422B2	Plate transport speed control system An apparatus for preventing printing plate deformation (29) in a plate processor device comprising a plate transport means (19) comprising a motor (15) and plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). A one way coupler (21) connects the motor (15) and the plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). Identifying means identifies the slower rollers and decouples the slower rollers from the motor.
US07926419B1	System and method for controlling compactor systems An integrated system for: complete waste compactor/container operational control; remote fullness monitoring; and, remote performance and maintenance diagnostics. Such diagnostic information is transferred wirelessly or otherwise to one or more recipients, so as to directly provide a critical warning in real time. The waste compactor/container controller/monitor system allows for periodic substantially real-time oil viscosity measurements of the hydraulic fluid to account for changes in such viscosity. The system adjusts the timing of the compactor stroke to permit more efficient operation and inhibit damage to the hydraulic ram and/or container during use. The system provides for the monitoring and communication of substantially all aspects of compactor operation both on-site and remotely.
US07926418B2	Griddle plate having a vacuum bonded cook surface A composite griddle plate comprising a first sheet of metal defining a cook surface and a core plate of a metal having a relatively high coefficient of heat conductivity wherein the first sheet remains in intimate contact with an upper surface of the core plate with the aid of a vacuum.
US07926415B2	Capsule with biasing sealing member A capsule for containing beverage ingredients is designed to be inserted in a beverage production device in order to have water under pressure enter the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule. The capsule includes a base body and a foil member closing the base body by being attached to a flange-like rim extending from the side wall of the base body of the capsule. The capsule thereby includes a resiliently deflectable sealing member which is designed to be biased against a sealing surface of a holder of the beverage production device when the capsule is positioned in the beverage production device. The sealing engagement of the sealing member of the capsule and the sealing surface is self-reinforcing when pressurized.
US07926410B2	Hydraulic circuit for synchronized horizontal extension of cylinders A hydraulic system for synchronized movement of multiple cylinders in a horizontal plane includes a bidirectional pump, a shuttle valve cross-connected between pump outlets, flow-control check valves, and control valves which combine to reduce the number of valves in the hydraulic circuit and to reduce total cost of components for the system. The shuttle valve of the hydraulic system provides fluid for resynchronizing extension and retraction of multiple cylinder assemblies without disconnection of lines, provides air removal without disconnection of lines, allows easy addition/refill of hydraulic fluid, and allows excellent control of the extendable cylinder assemblies.
US07926408B1	Velocity, internal ballistics and external ballistics detection and control for projectile devices and a reduction in device related pollution Improvements to projectile devices (particularly air guns) include techniques for measuring and controlling the velocity of projectiles in the barrel and after leaving the barrel, allowing the use of non-toxic projectiles. Tracking of a projectile's flight by its unique sound and/or its unique electromagnetic signal or signal modulation are also provided, along with after-barrel guidance that can be used to improve accuracy. Control for discriminating between authorized and unauthorized users is also provided. A projectile device can also be used for inexpensive and harmless practice using optical and/or acoustic information gathered by targeting and imaging systems built into the device.
US07926400B2	Cutting rotor for granulating plastic castings The invention relates to a rotary cutter for the pelletization of plastic extrudates, said rotary cutter being provided with knives projecting axially away from its end surface, said knives being individually affixed to supporting surfaces of the rotary cutter by means of fastening elements. The supporting surfaces are formed by the side walls of radial grooves in the peripheral surface of the rotary cutter and by radial transverse walls in the radial grooves, said radial grooves being limited by the radial transverse walls, the knives each being inserted in hook-like manner with a projecting portion into said radial transverse walls, wherein one side of the projecting portion forms an abutment for the fastening element, said fastening element penetrating a radial transverse wall and pressing on the abutment.
US07926398B2	Cutter with optical alignment system An optical system mounted on a cutter that has a base and a housing supporting a blade. In one embodiment, the optical system may project first and second indicator lines on the base. The optical system may also include a mechanism selectively operable to adjust the first and second lines to indicate the width of the blade.
US07926395B2	Sawing machine, cutting-off method, and method of reducing noise A band saw machine includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel around which an endless band saw blade is wound. At least one of the driving wheel and the driven wheel is directly connected to an output shaft of a control motor. The output shaft of the control motor is arranged in a cylindrical bearing unit installed on a motor base supporting the control motor. The driving wheel is rotatably supported by the bearing unit.
US07926394B1	Offset force clamp An offset force clamp is provided for securely holding a workpiece to a table of a cutting machine. The clamp is a modified clamping pliers having a planar base jaw and an elongate upper jaw oriented perpendicular to one another. The base jaw is preferably mounted fixedly to a first handle of the clamp and the upper jaw is preferably mounted pivotably to a second handle of the clamp. The base jaw is configured to engage the table as the upper jaw applies an offset force to hold the workpiece so that the clamp is not cut during the cutting operation.
US07926391B2	Screwdriver with ratchet mechanism A screwdriver includes a first body having an end for coupling with a handle, a second body rotatably coupled to the other end of the first body, two pairs of engaging members, and a switch member pivotably mounted to the first body. Each pair of engaging members is slidably received in an associated transverse receiving section that includes two end openings in an outer circumference of the first body. Each engaging member includes a first end with an engaging portion. An elastic element is mounted between second ends of each pair of engaging members for biasing the pair of engaging members away from each other. The switch member is pivotable to selectively engage at least one of the engaging portions of each pair of engaging members with teeth of the second body, thereby controlling relative rotation between the first body and the second body.
US07926388B2	Hand tool A hand tool comprises a support, a handle, at least two spindles, a driver, at least two followers and at least two spanners. The handle is rotatably mounted on a middle portion of the support. The at least two spindles are respectively fixed to two opposite ends of the support by ends thereof. The driver is mounted on an end of the handle. The at least two followers are respectively rotatably attached on another end of each spindle and drivably connected with driver. The at least two spanners are attached on a surface of each follower which is away from the corresponding spindle.
US07926387B2	Change-speed control system for utility vehicle having stepless change-speed apparatus for speed-changing engine output and transmitting the speed-changed output to traveling unit A change-speed control system is provided for a utility vehicle having a stepless change-speed apparatus for speed-changing an engine output and transmitting the speed-changed output to a traveling unit. The system includes an engine speed governor for adjusting speed of the engine, an accelerator controller and a change-speed control linkage device for providing operative displacements in the stepless change-speed apparatus and the engine speed governor in association with an operation of the accelerator controller. The change-speed control linkage device sets an operation amount for the stepless change-speed apparatus and an operation amount for the engine speed governor in correlation with the operation amount of the accelerator controller, such that an acceleration ratio for the engine speed is greater than an acceleration ratio for the stepless change-speed apparatus until the engine reaches a predetermined speed and also the stepless change-speed apparatus reaches a predetermined speed.
US07926383B2	Apparatus for preventing brake pedal of vehicle from being pushed rearward An apparatus for preventing the brake pedal of a vehicle from being pushed rearward when an impact is externally applied to the brake pedal is provided. The apparatus includes a first bracket fastened to a cowl, a second bracket coupled to the first bracket and a master vac positioned beyond a dash panel, a brake pedal arm connected to a pushrod which is connected to the master vac, and rotatably installed on the second bracket, and push-prevention means hingedly coupled to the second bracket for rotating the brake pedal arm in a predetermined direction.
US07926382B2	Structure for limiting rotational range of manual plate in automatic transmission There is provided a structure for limiting the rotational range of a manual plate in an automatic transmission, which is capable of making the manual plate shareable among a plurality of types of automatic transmissions differing in the number of gear positions. In the case where the manual plate is applied to a 5-position automatic transmission, the height of a case-side drive range direction stopper that limits the rotational range of the manual plate is set such that an end of a check plate is fitted into five notches ranging from a parking range notch to a low range notch. In the case where the manual plate is applied to a 4-position automatic transmission, the height of a case-side drive range direction stopper that limits the rotational range of the manual plate is set such that the end of the check plate is fitted into four notches ranging from the parking range notch to a drive range notch. As a result, the manual plate can be shared between the 4-position and 5-position automatic transmissions, and the kinds of parts can be reduced.
US07926379B2	Gear pair consisting of a crown gear and of a pinion gear The invention relates to a gear pair consisting of a crown gear (1) and of a pinion gear (2) provided in the form of a spur gear with an axis crossing angle of 90°. According to the invention, the teeth (3) of the pinion gear (2), in order to reduce an undercut of the teeth (5) of the crown gear (1), have a pressure angle, which increases from the outside inward in a radial direction with regard to the crown gear (1), or in the event of a constant pressure angle, have a profile offset, which decreases from the outside inward in a radial direction with regard to the crown gear (1).
US07926378B2	Rack and pinion type power steering apparatus A rack shaft is supported in an inner peripheral portion of a tubular housing of a gear housing via a rack bush. An inner peripheral portion of the rack bush is formed as a peripheral surface approximately similar to a circle in which a peripheral surface constituted by a large circular arc and a peripheral surface constituted by a small circular arc are continuously provided. The rack shaft is not in contact with the peripheral surface constituted by the large circular arc, and the peripheral surface constituted by the small circular arc is formed as a support portion of the rack shaft. The support of the rack shaft by the peripheral surface constituted by the small circular arc is not accomplished when a load applied to the rack shaft is nothing or low, but is accomplished when the load is high. Further, an engaging convex portion acting as a positioning and rotation prevention for the bush is provided in an outer peripheral portion of the rack bush.
US07926376B2	Rack guide and rack-and-pinion type steering apparatus having the rack guide A rack and pinion steering device has a pinion rotatable in the R-direction, a rack bar having rack teeth meshing with the pinion and rectilinearly movable in the A-direction, a housing for rotatably supporting the pinion, a rack guide for slidably supporting the rack bar, and an elastic means for pressing the rack guide toward the pinion.
US07926374B2	Voice recognition shift control An electronic control system for a transmission includes a transmission controller selectively actuating the transmission between a plurality of gear positions including a reverse position and at least two forward positions, a manually-operable gear shifter selectively providing first command signals to the transmission controller to actuate the transmission between at least a portion of the plurality of gear positions, and a voice recognition system selectively providing second command signals to the transmission controller to actuate the transmission between only a portion of the plurality of gear positions. Preferably, the voice commands actuate the transmission only between the forward gear positions.
US07926370B2	Rotation and extension/retraction link mechanism A rotation and extension/retraction link mechanism which realizes a rotary joint having a virtual rotation axis is provided. A rotation and extension/retraction link mechanism 1 is configured so that a first link 5 having a first virtual center line 3 and a second link 9 having a second virtual center line 7 are coupled through a rotation and extension/retraction joint mechanism 11. The rotation and extension/retraction joint mechanism 11 is configured to couple the first link 5 and the second link 9 so that when the second virtual center line 7 rotates relative to the first virtual center line 3 from a state where the first virtual center line 3 entirely overlaps with the second virtual center line 7, while crossing the first virtual center line 3, an intersection between the first virtual center line 3 and the second virtual center line 7 is displaced on the first virtual center line 3 by a predetermined distance corresponding to an angle of the rotation.

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