最新美国发明专利第2011-04-26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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US07932273B2	3-[(2-{[4-(hexyloxycarbonylaminoiminomethyl) phenylamino]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-5-carbonyl)pyridin-2-ylamino]propionic acid ethylester methansulfonate and its use as a medicament Ethyl 3-[(2-{[4-(hexyloxycarbonylaminoiminomethyl)phenylamino]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carbonyl)pyridin-2-ylamino]propionate methanesulfonate in the crystalline modifications I and II and as the hemihydrate and the use thereof as a pharmaceutical composition.
US07932270B2	Certain chemical entities, compositions, and methods Chemical entities that modulate smooth muscle myosin and/or non-muscle myosin, and chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of diseases and conditions associated with smooth muscle myosin and/or non-muscle myosin are described.
US07932267B2	Use of α-glucosidase inhibitors to treat alphavirus infections The present invention provides methods for treating a flavivirus infection, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in an individual suffering from a flavivirus infection. In some embodiments, the methods involve administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an agent that inhibits enzymatic activity of a membrane-bound α-glucosidase inhibitor. In other embodiments, the methods involve administering to an individual in need thereof effective amounts of an α-glucosidase inhibitor and at least one additional therapeutic agent.
US07932266B2	Isoquinoline derivatives as calpain inhibitors The invention relates to derivative compounds of partially-reduced isoquinoline with substitution of a sec-butyl group at position 3 with calpain inhibitor activity. The inventive compound comprises an ester or amide derived from (3-sec-butyl-1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-4-yliden)-acetic acid and (3-sec-butyl-1-thioxo-2, 3-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-4-yliden)-acetic acid. Compounds having formula I or II can be used in the preventive or therapeutic treatment of a degenerative disease.
US07932263B2	Therapeutic treatment A combination comprising candesartan and rosuvastatin for the prevention or treatment of arteriosclerosis and for the prevention of cardiovascular events is described.
US07932259B2	Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives substituted with a cyclic amino group An object of the present invention is to provide an antagonist against CRF receptors which is effective as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for diseases in which CRF is considered to be involved, such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, eating disorder, hypertension, gastric diseases, drug dependence, epilepsy, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, cerebral edema, cephalic external wound, inflammation, immunity-related diseases, alopecia, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders, epilepsy, dermatitides, schizophrenia, etc. This problem can be solved with a pyrrolopyrimidine or pyrrolopyridine derivative substituted with a cyclic amino group represented by formula [I] below which has a high affinity for CRF receptors and is effective against diseases in which CRF is considered to be involved.
US07932248B2	1H-indazoles, benzothiazoles, 1,2-benzoisoxazoles, 1,2-benzoisothiazoles, and chromones and preparation and uses thereof The present invention relates generally to the field of ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), activation of nAChRs, and the treatment of disease conditions associated with defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially of the brain. Further, this invention relates to novel compounds (indazoles and benzothiazoles), which act as ligands for the α7 nAChR subtype, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and methods of use thereof.
US07932243B2	Bile preparations for gastrointestinal disorders The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions to offset, ameliorate and/or alleviate one or more unwanted and/or adverse gastrointestinal effects. For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to compositions that include a bile acid, a carbohydrate and/or a pharmaceutical compound, wherein the pharmaceutical is associated with an adverse gastrointestinal effect in a subject (e.g., mammal or human). Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutical compounds may include a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a gastric irritating drug (e.g., an antibiotic, an adrenal cortocoid steroid and an anti-cancer drug) and combinations thereof. The disclosure further relates to methods of ameliorating or eliminating at least one adverse gastrointestinal effects of a composition, comprising administering to a subject an aqueous solution comprising a bile acid and a carbohydrate.
US07932238B2	Anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic composition for the intestine comprising branched maltodextrins The invention concerns a fiber-enriched anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic composition for the intestine, characterized in that it comprises branched maltodextrins having between 15 and 35% of glucoside bonds, 1 to 6, a reducing sugar content less than 20%, a polymolecularity index less than 5 and a number molecular weight Mn not more than 4500 g/mole.
US07932236B2	Glycolipids Novel synthetic gangliosides and pharmaceutical compositions containing such synthetic gangliosides are described. Methods of making the novel synthetic ganglioside compounds and compositions as well as their use in the field of neuroprotection is also described.
US07932234B2	Bispecific oligonucleotide for the treatment of CNS malignancies CNS malignancy is treated in a subject suffering from a CNS malignancy by administering to the subject an antisense oligonucleotide having a sequence of bases that is complementary to portions of both the gene encoding IGFBP-2 and the gene encoding IGFBP-5, and which is of sufficient length to act as an inhibitor of the effective amount of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5, in an amount effective to reduce effective levels of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 in cells of the CNS malignancy.
US07932231B2	Compositions and methods for stimulating gastrointestinal motility The present invention relates to a method of treating a transient impairment of the motility of the gastrointestinal system resulting from postoperative ileus in a patient wherein said method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a peptidyl analog of ghrelin to said patient.
US07932227B1	Lacritin-syndecan fusion proteins The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for the regulation of lacritin, syndecan, and lacritin-syndecan interactions and the signaling pathway downstream of lacritin-syndecan interactions. The invention also relates to regulating lacritin-syndecan interaction to regulate ocular cell survival in response to an insult or injury, in protecting against ocular inflammation, and in promoting ocular wound repair.
US07932221B2	Solvent for cleaning A solvent for cleaning that offers particularly superior results for cleaning pigment-dispersed photosensitive resin compositions used for forming color filters and black matrix patterns. The solvent for cleaning has a hydrogen bonding parameter (δH) among the Hansen solubility parameters that falls within a range from 5 to 10.
US07932219B2	Grease composition and method for production thereof, and rolling bearing having the grease composition sealed therein The present invention provides a grease composition which prevents frictional wear of a lubricating surface in a high load-applied state or in a state in which sliding motion is generated and is durable for a long time, a method of manufacturing capable of easily determining an addition ratio of an extreme-pressure agent of the grease composition, and a rolling bearing in which the grease composition is enclosed. A grease composition is composed by adding a thickener and an extreme-pressure agent containing sulfur in a molecular structure thereof to base oil. The extreme-pressure agent is added to the base oil so that a product of an amount (mgS/g) of active sulfur contained in the extreme-pressure agent and an addition amount (wt %) of the extreme-pressure agent with respect to an entire amount of the grease composition is in a range of 3 to 13.
US07932212B2	Inhibition of placenta growth factor (PlGF) mediated metastasis and/or angiogenesis The present invention concerns methods and compositions for inhibiting angiogenesis and/or tumor growth, survival and/or metastasis. In particular embodiments, the methods and compositions may concern ligands against placenta growth factor (PlGF), such as BP-1, BP-2, BP-3 or BP-4. Some methods may comprise administering one or more PlGF ligands, alone or in combination with one or more other agents, such as chemotherapeutic agents, other anti-angiogenic agents, immunotherapeutic agents or radioimmunotherapeutic agents to a subject. The PlGF ligands are effective to inhibit angiogenesis, tumor cell motility, tumor metastasis, tumor growth and/or tumor survival. In certain embodiments, PlGF ligands may be administered to subjects to ameliorate other angiogenesis related conditions, such as macular degeneration. In some embodiments, PlGF expression levels may be determined by any known method to select those patients most likely to respond to PlGF targeted therapies.
US07932208B2	Transparent, stable titanium dioxide sols A method of preparing stable, transparent photocatalytic titanium dioxide sots is disclosed which involves thermal treatment of a suspension of amorphous titanium dioxide in the presence of certain alpha-hydroxy acids. The sots comprise titanium dioxide particles in the anatase form having a crystallite size less than about 10 nm and exhibit excellent stability and transparency at basic, neutral, and acid pH.
US07932206B2	Magnesium dichloride-based adducts and catalyst components obtained therefrom Solid Lewis adducts comprising MgCl2, a Lewis base (LB) belonging to ethers, esters, ketones, silanes or amines and an alcohol ROH, in which R is a C1-C15 hydrocarbon group optionally substituted with heteroatoms containing groups, which compounds are in molar ratios to each other defined by the following formula MgCl2(ROH)m(LB)n in which m ranges from 0.05 to 6, n ranges from 0.08 to 6. The solid Lewis adducts herein can be used to prepare catalysts having good morphological stability, and high polymerization activity.
US07932204B2	Method of regenerating catalyst in a fluidized catalytic cracking unit Systems and methods of improving synthesis gas quality in a fluid catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. In one example, a method comprises reacting a first stage regeneration gas comprising oxygen with spent catalyst from a reactor in a first stage of a regenerator to consume the oxygen in the first stage regeneration gas. This reaction produces a synthesis gas output and partially regenerated catalyst. The method further comprises reacting a second stage regeneration gas comprising oxygen with the partially regenerated catalyst in a second stage of the regenerator to regenerate the partially regenerated catalyst. This reaction produces the first stage regeneration gas for reaction with the spent catalyst in the first stage of the regenerator. Through the first and second stage reactions, the spent catalyst is regenerated and the synthesis gas quality is improved.
US07932203B2	Method for producing an oil-binding agent and oil-binding agent produced according to the method A method for producing an oil-binding agent of granular open-porous structure with a silicate ceramic matrix by using recovered paper material and clay. The method is characterized in that, in each case based on the entire raw material, 35 to 60 wt.-% sewage sludge with a water content of between 70 and 85 wt.-%, 25 to 55 wt.-% recovered paper material with a water content of between 35 and 55 wt.-%, 10 to 25 wt.-% clay and optionally 1 to 3 wt.-% zeolite, 1 to 2 wt.-% quicklime and/or up to 3 wt. % fly ash are mixed to a homogeneous mixture. The raw material thus obtained is subsequently processed in order to form particles having an average diameter of 4 to 6 mm. The particles are then dried and subsequently burnt at 950 to 1050° C. The oil-binding agents produced according to said method have a bulk density of between 0.4 and 0.75 kg/1 and a oil-binding capability of 0.7 to 1.0 1 oil per oil-binder.
US07932202B2	Y2O3 sintered body and corrosion resistant member for semiconductor/liquid crystal producing apparatus A corrosion resistant member made of the Y2O3 sintered material that contains 99.9% by weight or more Y in terms of Y2O3, and has a difference in mean crystal grain size between the surface and the inside region of the Y2O3 sintered material not larger than 30 μm.
US07932199B2	Sintered compact A sintered cubic boron nitride (cBN) compact for use in a tool is obtained by sintering a mixture of (i) cubic boron nitride, (ii) aluminum oxide, (iii) one or more refractory metal compounds, and (iv) aluminum and/or one or more non-oxide aluminum compounds. The sintered bodies may have sufficient strength and toughness to be used as a tool material in solid, i.e. not carbide supported, form, and may be useful in heavy machining of cast irons.
US07932196B2	Microporous stretch thinned film/nonwoven laminates and limited use or disposable product applications Breathable laminates of a film and nonwoven with increased toughness and the ability to undergo strain without splitting for applications as components of personal care products and other uses. The film is formed using a carrier/letdown resin approach where the filled carrier resin is an ethylene polymer or copolymer having a density at least 0.003 g/cc higher than the letdown resin which is also an ethylene copolymer but has a density in the range of less than about 0.915 g/cc and a melt index less than about 6. The resin phases may be dry blended, formed into a film, stretched and bonded to a nonwoven support layer.
US07932191B2	Particulate compositions and their manufacture A composition comprising particles which comprise a core material within a polymeric shell, wherein the core material comprises a hydrophobic substance, in which the amount of the polymeric shell forms at least 8% of the total weight of the particles, wherein the polymeric shell comprises a copolymer formed from a monomer blend which comprises, A) 5 to 90% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated water soluble monomer, B) 5 to 90% by weight of a multifunctional monomer, and C) 0 to 55% by weight other monomer, and wherein the amount of the polymeric shell and the proportions of. A, B and C are such that the particles exhibit a half height of at least 350° C. The invention includes a process for the manufacture of particles and the use of particles in articles, such as fabrics, and coating compositions, especially for textiles.
US07932189B2	Process of forming an electronic device including a layer of discontinuous storage elements An electronic device can include a layer of discontinuous storage elements. A dielectric layer overlying the discontinuous storage elements can be substantially hydrogen-free. A process of forming the electronic device can include forming a layer including silicon over the discontinuous storage elements. In one embodiment, the process includes oxidizing at least substantially all of the layer. In another embodiment, the process includes forming the layer using a substantially hydrogen-free silicon precursor material and oxidizing at least substantially all of the layer.
US07932187B2	Method for fabricating a semiconductor device A semiconductor device has a first interlayer insulating film formed on a substrate, having a first interconnection buried therein, and having a depressed portion and an insulating barrier film formed on the first interlayer insulating film. A second interlayer insulating film is formed to fill in the depressed portion, cover the upper surface of the insulating barrier film, and have a second interconnection buried therein.
US07932177B2	Field-effect transistor A field-effect transistor is provided, which includes an organic thin film and which can realize a low threshold voltage while a stable, high field-effect mobility is ensured at the same time. In a field-effect transistor provided with a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconductor film, a gate insulating film, and a substrate, the gate insulating film is formed from a plurality of insulating layers. Here, a first insulating layer in contact with the semiconductor film is formed from poly-p-xylylene formed into a film by a CVD method. A second insulating layer is formed from, for example, cyanoethylpullulan, and the dielectric constant is specified to be higher than that of the first insulating layer.
US07932176B2	Self-aligned barrier layers for interconnects An interconnect structure for integrated circuits incorporates manganese silicate and manganese silicon nitride layers that completely surrounds copper wires in integrated circuits and methods for making the same are provided. The manganese silicate forms a barrier against copper diffusing out of the wires, thereby protecting the insulator from premature breakdown, and protecting transistors from degradation by copper. The manganese silicate and manganese silicon nitride also promote strong adhesion between copper and insulators, thus preserving the mechanical integrity of the devices during manufacture and use. The strong adhesion at the copper-manganese silicate and manganese silicon nitride interfaces also protect against failure by electromigration of the copper during use of the devices. The manganese-containing sheath also protects the copper from corrosion by oxygen or water from its surroundings.
US07932174B2	Method of making a semiconductor device having improved contacts A semiconductor device and fabrication process wherein the device includes a conductive layer with a localized thick region positioned below the contact hole. In one embodiment of the invention, the thick region to which contact is made is formed by means of an opening in an underlayer of material. This embodiment of the device includes an underlayer of material having an opening therein; a layer of thin conductive material formed on the underlayer and in the opening; and overlayer of material having a contact hole therethrough formed on the layer of thin conductive material; a conductor contacting the layer of thin conductive material through the contact hole; and wherein the opening in the underlayer is positioned below the contact hole and sized and shaped to form a localized thick region in the layer of thin conductive material within the opening.
US07932168B2	Method for fabricating bitline in semiconductor device A method of a fabricating a bitline in a semiconductor device, comprising: forming an interlayer insulation layer that defines a bitline contact hole on a semiconductor substrate; forming a contact layer to fill the bitline contact hole; forming a bitline contact by planarizing the contact layer; forming a bitline stack aligned with the bitline contact; forming a high aspect ratio process (HARP) layer that extends along the bitline stack and the interlayer insulation layer while covering a seam exposed in a side portion of the bitline stack by excessive planarization during formation of the bitline contact; and forming an interlayer gap-filling insulation layer on the HARP layer that gap-fills the entire bitline stack.
US07932164B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor substrate by using monitor substrate to obtain optimal energy density for laser irradiation of single crystal semiconductor layers Methods for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor device by which a high-performance semiconductor element can be formed are provided. A single crystal semiconductor substrate including an embrittlement layer and a base substrate are bonded to each other with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated along the embrittlement layer by heat treatment to fix a single crystal semiconductor layer over the base substrate. Next, a plurality of regions of a monitor substrate are irradiated with laser light under conditions of different energy densities, and carbon concentration distribution and hydrogen concentration distribution in a depth direction of each region of the single crystal semiconductor layer which has been irradiated with the laser light is measured. Optimal irradiation intensity of laser light is irradiation intensity with which a local maximum of the carbon concentration and a shoulder peak of the hydrogen concentration are observed. A single crystal semiconductor layer is irradiated with optimal laser light at energy density detected by using the monitor substrate, whereby a semiconductor substrate is manufactured.
US07932157B2	Test structure formation in semiconductor processing Test structures are formed during semiconductor processing. The test structures allow performance characteristics to be monitored as the process proceeds. The test structures are formed with a single mask that is used in a manner that also allows alignment marks to be formed which do not interfere with one another as subsequent levels are patterned. The manner of using the mask also allows different types of test structures having different features to be formed. The different types of test structures can provide insight into performance characteristics of different types of devices.
US07932156B2	Bipolar transistor having a second, base-comprising region consisting of a first layer, a second, constrictive, layer, and a third layer The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) with a substrate (12) and a semiconductor body (11) of silicon comprising a bipolar transistor with an emitter region, a base region and a collector region (1,2,3) first conductivity type, a second conductivity type opposite to said first conductivity type and the first conductivity type, respectively, with a first semiconductor region (3) comprising the collector region or the emitter region being formed in the semiconductor body (11), on top of which a second semiconductor region (2) comprising the base region is present, on top of which a third semiconductor region (1) comprising the other of said collector region and said emitter region is present, said semiconductor body (11) being provided with a constriction at the location of the transition between the first and the second semiconductor region (3, 2), which constriction has been formed by means of an electrically insulating region (26, 27) buried in the semiconductor body (11). According to the invention a part of the semiconductor body that is formed above the buried electrically insulating region (26,27) is monocrystalline. This enables a strong lateral miniaturization of the device and results in excellent high frequency properties of the transistor. Such a device (10) is possible thanks to its manufacture with a method of manufacturing according to the invention.
US07932152B2	Method of forming a gate stack structure A method of forming an integrated circuit structure on a substrate, the substrate includes a primary region and a secondary region. A first layer of a first material of a first thickness is formed over the substrate. A portion of the first layer is removed over the primary region to expose the substrate. The structure is exposed to an oxidizing medium. This forms a second layer, for example, of an oxide material primary region of the substrate. The second layer has a second thickness. Additionally, at least a portion of said first layer is converted to a third layer, for example, of an oxynitride material. The third layer has a third thickness.
US07932150B2	Lateral oxidation with high-K dielectric liner Disclosed are methods of making and using a high-K dielectric liner to facilitate the lateral oxidation of a high-K gate dielectric, integrated circuit structures containing the high-K dielectric liner and/or oxidized high-K gate dielectric, and other associated methods.
US07932138B2	Method for manufacturing thin film transistor A method for manufacturing a thin film transistor with improved current characteristics and high electron mobility. According to the method, when an amorphous silicon thin film is crystallized into a polycrystalline silicon thin film by metal-induced crystallization, annealing conditions of the amorphous silicon thin film and the amount of a metal catalyst doped into the amorphous silicon thin film are optimized to reduce the regions of a metal silicide distributed at grain boundaries of the polycrystalline silicon thin film. In addition, oxygen (O2) gas or water (H2O) vapor is supplied to form a passivation film on the surface of the polycrystalline silicon thin film.
US07932137B2	Thin film transistor and manufacturing method of the same To achieve TFT having a high light-resistance characteristic with a suppressed light leak current at low cost by simplifying the manufacturing processes. The TFT basically includes a light-shielding film formed on a glass substrate that serves as an insulating substrate; an insulating film formed on the light-shielding film; a semiconductor film formed on the insulating film; and a gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor film. Each layer of a laminate that is configured with three layers of the light-shielding film, the insulating film, and the semiconductor film is patterned simultaneously. Further, each layer of the laminate is configured with silicon or a material containing silicon.
US07932136B2	Source/drain junction for high performance MOSFET formed by selective EPI process In a field effect transistor (FET), halo features may be formed by etching into the surface of a silicon layer followed by a step of growing a first epitaxial silicon (epi-Si) layer on the etched silicon layer. Source (S) and drain (D), as well as S/D extension features may similarly be formed by etching an epitaxial silicon layer, then filling with another epitaxial layer. Source and Drain, and extensions, and halo, which are normally formed by diffusion, may be formed as discrete elements by etching and filling (epi-Si). This may provide a shallow, highly activated, abrupt S/D extension, an optimally formed halo and deep S/D diffusion doping, and maximized improvement of channel mobility from the compressive or tensile stress from e-SiGe or e-SiC.
US07932135B1	Method of manufacturing thin film transistor array substrate Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a TFT array substrate having a reduced number of mask processes. The method includes sequentially depositing a first conductive material, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second conductive material on a substrate, and forming a first resist pattern having three height levels on the second conductive material. The method further includes forming a gate line, a data line that crosses the gate line and has first and second slit units, a source electrode connected to the data line and having a third slit unit, and a drain electrode positioned opposite the source electrode with a channel interposed between the source electrode and the drain electrode and having a fourth slit unit, through a plurality of etching processes using the first resist pattern.
US07932132B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes: a casing, a board and a semiconductor chip. The chip includes: an element part; a heat sink bonded to the element part; an insulating layer located on the heat sink so that the heat sink is located between the element part and the insulating layer; and a side wall insulating layer covering all of end faces of the heat sink. The semiconductor chip is located between the casing and the board, so that the insulating layer is directed to the casing to enable heat radiation from the heat sink toward the casing via the insulating layer.
US07932127B2	Method of making CMOS image sensor-hybrid silicide Techniques for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor are provided. A semiconductor substrate is provided, and at least one isolation region can be formed between a periphery region of the substrate and a photo-sensing region of the substrate. A first well in the periphery region and a second well in the photo-sensing region of the substrate are formed. A third well associated with a photodiode is also formed. A gate oxide layer, polysilicon layer, and first metal layer are respectively deposited. The polysilicon layer and first metal layer are etched to form an least one gate in the photo-sensing region and at least one gate in the periphery region. At least two doped regions in the first well are formed, as well as a doped region in the second well. A silicide block layer is deposited over the photo-sensing region of the substrate. A second metal layer is deposited at least over the periphery region after deposition of the silicide block. The substrate is exposed to a thermal environment to form silicide. The second metal layer is removed by etching.
US07932114B2	Method of manufacturing GaN substrate, method of manufacturing epitaxialwafer, method of manufacturing semiconductor device and epitaxialwafer Assuming that r (m) represents the radius of a GaN substrate, t1 (m) represents the thickness of the GaN substrate, h1 (m) represents a warp of the GaN substrate before formation of an epitaxialwafer, t2 (m) represents the thickness of an AlxGa(1-x)N layer, h2 (m) represents a warp of the epitaxialwafer, a1 represents the lattice constant of GaN and a2 represents the lattice constant of AlN, the value t1 found by the following expression is decided as the minimum thickness (t1) of the GaN substrate: (1.5×1011×t13+1.2×1011×t23)×{1/(1.5×1011×t1)+1/(1.2×1011×t2)}/{15.96×x×(1−a2/a1)}×(t1+t2)+(t1×t2)/{5.32×x×(1−a2/a1)}−(r2+h2)/2h=0 A GaN substrate having a thickness of at least this minimum thickness (t1) and less than 400 μm is formed.
US07932110B2	Layers and patterns of nanowire or carbon nanotube using chemical self assembly and fabricating method in liquid crystal display device thereby Disclosed are layers and patterns of nanowire or nanotube using a chemical self assembly for forming a semiconductor layer and a conductive layer of a thin film transistor by using a nanowire and/or nanotube solution and an diamine-based self-assembled monolayer (SAM) material. The Layers and patterns including layers and patterns of nanowire or nanotube using a chemical self assembly include: a substrate having a surface terminated with amine group (—NH2) by using a chemical self-assembled monolayer (SAM) material having at least one end terminated with amine group (—NH2); and a first nanowire or nanotube layer ionically coupled to the amine group (—NH2) of the surface of the substrate.
US07932109B2	Organic electroluminescent display and manufacturing method therefor This invention provides a means for suppressing streaks of light emission in an organic EL display having an organic light-emitting layer formed by coating by an ink jet method. A manufacturing process of the organic EL display of this invention includes: preparing a display substrate having two or more linear banks in parallel to each other, and two or more pixel regions arranged in a region between the linear banks; arranging an ink jet head such that the alignment direction of nozzles and the line direction of the linear banks are in parallel; and relatively moving the ink jet head in a direction perpendicular to the line direction of the linear banks and discharging the ink from the nozzles to apply the ink to every region defined by the linear banks.
US07932108B2	Method of preparing a sealed light-emitting diode chip A method for producing a light emitting diode chip encapsulation product, the method comprising covering a light emitting diode chip connected onto a substrate with a thermosetting film, and thermally curing the thermosetting film.
US07932107B2	Method for growing nitride semiconductor A method for growing a nitride semiconductor has a first step for forming a surface reformation layer on a sapphire substrate, a second step for raising a temperature of the sapphire substrate with the surface reformation layer formed thereon up to a growth temperature of the nitride semiconductor in an atmosphere including ammonia, and a third step for growing a nitride semiconductor layer on a surface of the surface reformation layer. Alternatively, the second step is conducted in an atmosphere including an inert gas, or an atmosphere including the inert gas and hydrogen at a concentration of 10% or less relative to the inert gas.
US07932098B2	Microfluidic system utilizing thin-film layers to route fluid Systems, including apparatus and methods, for microfluidic processing and/or analysis of samples. The systems include a microfluidic device having a substrate and a thin-film layer formed on the substrate. The thin-film layer may be included in electronics formed on the substrate. The electronics may provide electronic devices configured to sense or modify a property of the sample. The thin-film layer defines an opening for routing movement of fluid and/or sample within the device.
US07932096B2	Trioxyethylene gold nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA A method of making a nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising the steps of providing nanoclusters, combining said nanoclusters with thiolated DNA, incubating said nanoclusters and thiolated DNA mixture, combining said mixture with a solution comprising ethanol and dichloromethane; separating said mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, mixing said aqueous phase with a solution comprising dicholormethane and NaCl, and separating the mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; wherein said organic phase comprises said nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand. Further, provided is a nanocluster functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising a nanocluster, said nanocluster being functionalized with a single DNA strand, said DNA strand having a length of about 10 to about 50 bases.
US07932094B2	Method and apparatus for determining the stability of an electroless plating bath The stability of an electroless plating bath for depositing a metal (e.g., nickel) is determined by titrating a sample of the plating bath with a titrant comprising ions of a catalytic metal (e.g., palladium) and detecting hydrogen released at the titration endpoint. The quantity of titrant required to attain the endpoint provides a measure of the stability of the electroless plating bath.
US07932092B2	Computerized method and apparatus for analyzing amino acids A method for analyzing a plurality of amino acids in a fluid sample by a user is provided comprising the steps of introducing the sample into a buffer solution, passing the sample in the buffer solution through a separation column and setting a lithium ion concentration in the buffer to no more than 0.3 mols/L up to a time before β-aminoisobutyric acid (β-AiBA) is eluted.
US07932091B2	Colorant tracer for cooling water treatment formulations Water-based colorant traced formulations (products) containing one or more water treatment agents, such as phosphonates, polyacrylic acids and/or polymers, co-polymers, terpolymers thereof, azoles, molybdate, polysilicates, phosphates, zinc, polyphosphates, etc., are provided wherein the water-soluble colorant is detectable in the visible light range of about 580-640 nm and is chemically inert relative to the water treatment agent(s). Measurement of an optical property of the colorant in the treated coolant water permits the concentration of the product therein to be ascertained, and the level of the product containing can be adjusted for controlling scale, corrosion, deposition, and/or microbial activity in commercial and/or industrial cooling water systems. These products may be reliably monitored and dosed to maintain a product level in treated water of 5 to 500 mg/L.
US07932085B2	Modified leukotoxin gene and protein The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding a modified leukotoxin protein, wherein the modification comprises the removal of nucleic acid sequences encoding amino acids within hydrophobic transmembrane domains of full length leukotoxin protein, preferably from Mannheimia haemolytica. The modified leukotoxin proteins are useful in vaccine compositions effective against Mannheimia haemolytica in animals.
US07932082B2	Device and method for extracting a smear sample A device is disclosed for extracting a smear sample. The device includes a cavity, into which a sample carrier carrying a smear sample can be introduced. Liquid can be introduced into the cavity through at least one liquid feed connected to the cavity, and the liquid can be removed from the cavity through at least one liquid discharge connected to the cavity.
US07932076B2	Compositions for culturing spirochetes The present invention relates to methods and compositions for culturing spirochetes and treating spirochetal diseases. For example, the present invention provides serum-free media for culturing spirochete bacteria in vitro. The present invention further provides methods for identifying spirochete susceptibilities to antimicrobials and antimicrobial compositions and cocktails. The present invention also provides methods for treating subjects suspected of having a spirochete infection.
US07932074B1	Multivalent human-bovine rotavirus vaccine The present invention provides vaccine compositions for protection against human rotaviral disease without significant reactogenicity. Human×bovine reassortant rotavirus comprising each of the four clinically most important VP7 serotypes of human rotavirus are combined in a multivalent formulation which provides a high degree of infectivity and immunogenicity without producing a transient febrile condition. Methods for producing an immunogenic response without producing a transient febrile condition are also provided.
US07932070B2	High fidelity DNA polymerase compositions and uses therefor The subject invention relates to compositions comprising an enzyme mixture which comprises a first enzyme and a second enzyme, where the first enzyme comprises a DNA polymerization activity and the second enzyme comprises an 3′-5′ exonuclease activity and a reduced DNA polymerization activity. The invention also relates to the above compositions in kit format and methods for high fidelity DNA synthesis using the subject compositions of the invention.
US07932067B2	Detection, isolation and uses of renalase (monoamine oxidase C) The present invention provides for the identification, isolation and uses of mammalian Monoamine Oxidase C (MAO-C), also known as renalase.
US07932066B2	Unique associated kaposi's sarcoma virus sequences and uses thereof This invention provides an isolated peptide encoded by a nucleic acid which is at least 30 nucleotides in length and has a sequence which uniquely defines a herpesvirus associated with Kaposis' sarcoma, which herpesvirus is present in and recoverable from the HBL-6 cell line (ATCC Accession No. CRL 11762).
US07932063B2	Treatment of biomass to obtain fermentable sugars Biomass is pretreated using a low concentration of aqueous ammonia at high biomass concentration. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.
US07932062B2	Vector constructs Improved vector constructs useful in the expression of double-stranded RNA are provided. The constructs are particularly useful for expression of double-stranded RNA in vitro and in vivo.
US07932061B2	Method enabling the use of extracellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) extracted from plasma of serum to detect, monitor or evaluate cancer or premalignant conditions This invention relates to the use of tumor-derived or associated extracellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) found circulating in the plasma or serum fraction of blood for the detection, monitoring, or evaluation of cancer or premalignant conditions. Specifically, this invention enables the extraction of circulating RNA from plasma or serum and utilizes nucleic acid amplification assays for the identification, detection, inference, monitoring, or evaluation of any neoplasm, benign, premalignant, or malignant, in humans or other animals, which might be associated with that RNA. Further, this invention allows the qualitative or quantitative detection of tumor-derived or associated extracellular RNA circulating in the plasma or serum of humans or animals with or without any prior knowledge of the presence of cancer or premalignant tissue.
US07932055B2	Soluble heterodimeric CD94/NKG2 receptors fusion proteins Soluble versions of heterodimeric receptors, e.g., CD94/NKG2 receptors, and methods of producing and using such constructs, are described. The constructs comprise soluble fragments of, each receptor monomer, and some constructs further comprise at least one immunoglobulin Fc domain. Exemplary constructs are those wherein (1) each soluble fragment is linked to an immunoglobulin Fc domain, which are then allowed to dimerize, (2) each soluble fragment is linked to an immunoglobulin Fc domain mutated to promote forced dimerization with the correct counterpart, and (3) single-chain constructs where the monomeric receptor fragments are linked, and the C-terminal fragment is linked to an Fc domain.
US07932054B2	Methods of using thermal tolerant avicelase from Acidothermus cellulolyticus The invention provides a thermal tolerant (thermostable) cellulase, AviIII, that is a member of the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family. AviIII was isolated and characterized from Acidothermus cellulolyticus, and, like many cellulases, the disclosed polypeptide and/or its derivatives may be useful for the conversion of biomass into biofuels and chemicals.
US07932051B2	Blood and urine test The present invention provides a test medium comprising a test microorganism, an indicator and a metal in ionized form, wherein the valence of said metal is at least 2 and the concentration of said metal is between 0.001 M and 1 M. Furthermore, there is provided a method for the determination of the presence of an antibiotic characterized in that a metal salt is added to said test medium and/or to said sample of fluid. Finally, there is provided a kit suitable for the determination of an antibiotic in a fluid.
US07932050B2	Enzymatic substrates derived from phenoxazinone and their use as developers in detection of microorganisms with peptidase activity Enzymatic phenoxazinone substrates of formula (I): in reaction media containing the same are used for detecting, identifying and/or quantifying microorganisms expressing at least one peptidase activity.
US07932045B2	Method of isolating and proliferating autologous antigen-specific CD8+ T cell using anti-4-1BB antibodies Provided are methods of isolating and proliferating antigen-specific CD8+ T cells using anti-4-1BB antibodies. The methods of isolating and proliferating CD8+ T cells may yield cells at a higher recovery rate than a conventional isolation method, and the isolation method using humanized anti-4-1BB antibodies may also yield cells at a high recovery rate. Further, in cell culture, cells may be grown at a high proliferation rate. The antigen-specific CD8+ T cells yielded according to the isolation and proliferation methods may be used to treat cancer without any side-effects.
US07932043B2	Use of monoclonal antibodies to distinguish protein conformational isoforms Methods of preparing monoclonal antibodies that differentially bind to a single conformer of a protein of interest are described. Passive immunization using these antibodies as well as use of conformer-specific antibodies as diagnostic reagents for the purpose of stratification of patient populations with regards to disease outcome, drug efficacy or drug sensitivity is also disclosed as well as active immunization with the protein conformer. In the screening techniques, detection can be for example by tissue immunostaining, western blotting or solution IP. A specific mab termed 7VC which shows conformation specificity to CtmPrP, a prion protein conformer that triggers neurodegeneration under specific assay conditions of pH and copper concentration, is described. A second specific antibody termed 19B10 shows conformation specificity for NtmPrP, a prion protein conformer that downregulates total PrP expression and effects cell differentiation.
US07932040B2	Systems for genome selection Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.
US07932038B2	DNA collection sticker and method for isolating DNA from the sticker The present invention relates a sticker for DNA collection and a method for isolating DNAs using the same. Particularly, the sticker for DNA collection is covered with a paint solution comprising EDTA, Tris, SDS and peyonine to isolate keratins exclusively when attached onto human skin and detached. Further, the specific sticker for DNA collection separates DNAs efficiently to amplify genes by using a PCR technique. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to identify a real child and investigate a crime with a fingerprint and to screen genetic diseases.
US07932028B2	Probe set, probe immobilized carrier and method for detecting microorganisms A probe and a primer capable of collectively detecting microorganisms of the same species while differentiating microorganisms of other species with an object of classification by species of fungus. An oligonucleotide probe for detecting an infectious etiologic microorganism gene includes at least one base sequence selected from the base sequences belonging to one group of the following first to ninth groups. The base sequence groups of first to ninth groups are: first group (SEQ ID NOS:1 to 5); second group (SEQ ID NOS:6 to 10); third group (SEQ ID NOS:11 to 15); fourth group (SEQ ID NOS:16 to 21); fifth group (SEQ ID NOS:22 to 26); sixth group (SEQ ID NOS:27 to 31); seventh group (SEQ ID NOS:32 to 36); eighth group (SEQ ID NOS:37 to 41); and ninth group (SEQ ID NOS:42 to 46).
US07932026B2	EGFR mutations The present invention relates to mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and methods of detecting such mutations as well as prognostic methods method for identifying a tumors that are susceptible to anticancer therapy such as chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitor treatment. The methods involve determining the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or mutated EGFR protein in a tumor sample whereby the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or protein indicates the tumor is susceptible to treatment.
US07932024B2	Method, chip, device and system for collection of biological particles The present invention relates to a method, a chip, a device, and a system for collection of biological particles. The method makes use of electrostatic attraction of biological particles to charged electrodes and preferably operates with gaseous samples. The method, chip, device, and system are e.g. useful for collecting pathogenic biological particles, such as bacterial spores and vira, from air samples and allow for subsequent analysis of the collected biological particles.
US07932022B2	Dual-labeled molecular constructs for detection of biochemical reactions The present invention relates to molecular constructs and methods of their use in detecting biochemical reactions. In particular, the invention relates to a molecular construct having a capture portion and a substrate portion, where the capture portion isolates the construct from a sample medium, and the substrate portion enables the construct to be acted upon and undergo a physical change which can be detected and measured. These molecular constructs may be used in diagnostic assays, genetic screening for potential risks of certain diseases in individuals, and drug discovery and toxicogenomics, using high throughput screening of compounds.
US07932018B2	Antireflective coating composition The invention relates to an antireflective coating composition comprising a polymer, a crosslinker and a thermal acid generator, where the polymer comprises at least one unit of structure (1), at least one unit of structure (2) and at least one structure of structure (3), where R1 to R9 is independently selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl, R′ and R″ is independently selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl, X is C1-C6 alkylene, Y is C1-C6 alkylene. The invention further relates to a process for imaging a photoresist coated over the antireflective coating composition.
US07932011B2	Electrophotographic toner and manufacturing method thereof An electrophotographic toner comprising a resin and a colorant, wherein: (i) a toner particle comprises a domain in the toner particle, the domain comprising a polar wax having a first polar group and a non-polar wax; and (ii) the resin contains a second polar group.
US07932009B2	Liquid developer and image forming apparatus A liquid developer includes toner particles formed of a resin material and a coloring agent, and an insulation liquid in which the toner particles are dispersed, the insulation liquid containing ester-exchange oil obtained by an ester-exchange reaction of linseed oil and at least one of semidrying oil and nondrying oil. It is preferred that the insulation liquid further contains fatty acid monoester. Further, it is preferred that the amount of the fatty acid monoester contained in the insulation liquid is in the range of 5 to 50 wt %.
US07932004B1	Feature identification for metrological analysis A method for selecting a set of features for monitoring a lithography process using a reticle, by identifying a set of candidate features, defining control regions around the candidate features, performing substrate level analysis using the reticle with different settings for the lithography process, determining which of the candidate features are most changed by the different settings, ranking the candidate features according to how much they are changed, and selecting the test set of features from those candidate features that are most changed.
US07932002B2	Reflection-type mask and method of making the reflection-type mask To provide a reflection-type mask having a reduced shadowing effect, capable of phase shift exposure and having a shading frame of sufficient shading performance. The mask includes a substrate 11, a multilayer reflective film 12 which is formed above the substrate 11, and which reflects exposure light, a first photoabsorber layer 15 which is formed above the multilayer reflective film 12, and which absorbs the exposure light, a circuit pattern region 16 constituted, in conformity with a predetermined circuit pattern, of an opening formed as a result of removal of the first photoabsorber layer 15 and an absorbing portion where the first photoabsorber layer remains, and a shading region 18 having a reflectance with respect to the exposure light lower than that in the absorbing portion of the circuit pattern region 16.
US07932001B2	Method of fabricating halftone phase shift mask A method of fabricating a halftone phase shift mask, comprising: forming a structure by sequentially stacking a light blocking layer pattern defining a side surface and a phase shift layer pattern over a light transmitting substrate; and treating the structure with heat to make the phase shift layer pattern flow and cover the side surface of the light blocking layer pattern.
US07931999B2	Polymer electrolyte fuel cell and manufacturing method for electrode-membrane-frame assembly In a manufacturing method for an electrode-membrane-frame assembly in a fuel cell, a first frame member and an electrolyte membrane member are arranged in a first mold for injection molding such that the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is arranged on the first frame member, a second mold is arranged to form a resin flow passage for forming a second frame member which is in contact with the first frame member by interposing the electrolyte membrane member, and a part of the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is pressed and fixed to the first frame member by a presser member mounted on the second mold and a molding resin material is injected into the resin flow passage to form a second frame member.
US07931998B2	Catalyst for fuel cell and fuel cell comprising the same A catalyst for a fuel cell includes platinum. The catalyst has an oxide reduction potential (ORP) that is not less than 430 mV. The ORP is estimated by a cyclic voltammetry test using a saturation calomel electrode.
US07931994B2	Fuel cell system with recirculation system and purge valve A fuel cell system which includes: a fuel cell (1); a supply system (Sc) for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell (1); a recirculation system (Rc) for recirculating unused fuel gas from the fuel cell (1), in which the fuel gas therein may contain nitrogen; a purge valve (8) for purging nitrogen contained in the fuel gas in the recirculation system (Rc); and a controller (100) for adjusting a valve opening of the purge valve (8) so that a nitrogen concentration of the fuel gas in the recirculation system (Rc) is kept constant.
US07931993B2	Method of preparation of bonded polyimide fuel cell package Described herein are processes for fabricating microfluidic fuel cell systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are formed by bonding layers of DuPont Kapton™ polyimide laminate. A microfluidic fuel cell system fabricated using this process is also described.
US07931992B2	Fuel cell system Provided is a fuel cell system that include at least one fuel cell stack and at least one Venturi pump. The Venturi pump has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a secondary inlet. A main stream flows into the Venturi pump through the main inlet, and is mixed with a secondary stream, which flows into the Venturi pump through the secondary inlet. The fuel cell system of the present invention can include a carbon dioxide separator for separating water or fuel from exhaust outputted from the fuel cell stack, and a mixer for mixing fuel with water. In one embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the carbon dioxide and the mixer. In another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the fuel cell stack and the carbon dioxide separator. In still another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the mixer and the fuel cell stack. More than one Venturi pump can be installed in the fuel cell system of the present invention.
US07931989B2	Thin-film batteries with soft and hard electrolyte layers and method A method and apparatus for making thin-film batteries having composite multi-layered electrolytes with soft electrolyte between hard electrolyte covering the negative and/or positive electrode, and the resulting batteries. In some embodiments, foil-core cathode sheets each having a cathode material (e.g., LiCoO2) covered by a hard electrolyte on both sides, and foil-core anode sheets having an anode material (e.g., lithium metal) covered by a hard electrolyte on both sides, are laminated using a soft (e.g., polymer gel) electrolyte sandwiched between alternating cathode and anode sheets. A hard glass-like electrolyte layer obtains a smooth hard positive-electrode lithium-metal layer upon charging, but when very thin, have randomly spaced pinholes/defects. When the hard layers are formed on both the positive and negative electrodes, one electrode's dendrite-short-causing defects on are not aligned with the other electrode's defects. The soft electrolyte layer both conducts ions across the gap between hard electrolyte layers and fills pinholes.
US07931986B2	Alkaline battery An alkaline battery includes a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material, and an alkaline electrolyte including potassium hydroxide. The positive electrode active material includes a manganese dioxide powder, and the negative electrode active material includes a zinc powder. In a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of the manganese dioxide powder using CuKα radiation, the diffraction peak attributed to the (110) plane is in the range of 20.5° to 21.7°, and the ratio of the peak intensity of the (130) plane to the peak intensity of the (021) plane: I(130)/I(021) is 0.1 or less.
US07931985B1	Water soluble polymer binder for lithium ion battery An electrode for a rechargeable lithium ion battery includes an electro-active material, a (polystyrenebutadiene rubber)-poly (acrylonitrile-co-acrylamide) polymer, and a conductive additive. A battery using the inventive electrode is also disclosed.
US07931984B2	Negative electrode for rechargeable lithium battery, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same A negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same are provided. The negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a current collector, and a negative active material layer on the current collector. The negative active material layer includes an interpenetrating network network, and a negative active material in the interpenetrating network network. The interpenetrating network is formed by cross-linking a first polymer having a hydroxyl or amine group and a second polymer having a carboxylic acid group. The negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery minimizes volume expansion and imparts good cycle-life characteristics and initial formation efficiency.
US07931981B2	Separators for alkaline electrochemical cells The present invention relates to a high capacity electrochemical cell having a cathode containing an oxide of copper as an active material, as well as an anode, an electrolyte, and separators for use with the cathodes of the invention in an alkaline electrochemical cell.
US07931977B2	Information storage media The present invention relates to information storage media, and more particularly, to ultra-high density magnetic information storage media which comprises a plurality of discrete islands of magnetic material.
US07931967B2	Thermally foamable microsphere and production process thereof The invention provides a thermally foamable microsphere having a structure with a foaming agent encapsulated in a shell formed of a polymer, wherein the shell contains an organosilicon compound, and a process for producing a thermally foamable microsphere having a structure with a foaming agent encapsulated in a shell formed of a polymer by suspension polymerization of a polymerizable mixture containing at least a foaming agent and a polymerizable monomer in an aqueous dispersion medium, wherein the polymerizable mixture is suspension polymerized in the presence of the organosilicon compound.
US07931966B2	Proppant material and formation hydraulic fracturing method A proppant material is provided that is in the form of generally rigid, elastic plate-like particles having a maximum to minimum dimension ratio of more than about 5. The proppant may be formed from a corrosion resistant material or having a corrosion resistant material formed thereon. The plate-like particles may be substantially non-deformable and may be formed from stainless steel or carbon steel provided with a corrosion resistant coating. The particles may have a thickness of from about 100 to about 300 μm and may be in the form of a grating. A method of hydraulic fracturing in a formation penetrated by a wellbore is also provided wherein proppant material in the form of generally rigid, elastic plate-like particles having a maximum to minimum dimension ratio of more than about 5 are introduced into the wellbore. The particles may be formed from a corrosion resistant material or having a corrosion resistant material formed thereon. Non-plate-like proppant may be introduced into the wellbore in conjunction with the plate-like proppant.
US07931965B2	Cover tape for electronic component packing body and electronic component packing body A cover tape for packaging electronic components is formed that causes no contamination of sealing bar due to the outflow of the cushion layer, and attains superior adhesion to the carrier tape. Embodiments include a cover tape, for packaging electronic components heat-sealable to a carrier tape for packaging electronic components, comprising: at least a base layer, a cushion layer formed of resin A, a following layer formed along the heat-seal layer of resin B, and a heat-sealing layer laminated in this order; wherein resin A has a Vicat softening temperature Ta measured in accordance with ISO 306 (rate of temperature increase:50° C./hour, load: 10N),and resin B comprises a linear low density polyethylene and has a Vicat softening temperature Tb measured in accordance with ISO 306 (rate of temperature increase:50° C./hour, load: 10N) satisfying the Relational Expression 1 below; and the thickness of the following layer is not smaller than 2 μm and not larger than 15 μm: Ta−Tb≧3(° C.). Relational Expression 1
US07931960B2	Shaped bodies containing metal-organic frameworks The present invention relates to shaped bodies containing a metal-organic framework material (MOF) as well as a process for the preparation thereof and their use especially as catalyst or storage medium.
US07931958B2	Prepreg and carbon fiber reinforced composite materials A prepreg containing a carbon fiber [A] and a thermosetting resin [B], and in addition, satisfying at least one of the following (1) and (2). (1) a thermoplastic resin particle or fiber [C] and a conductive particle or fiber [D] are contained, and weight ratio expressed by [compounding amount of [C] (parts by weight)]/[compounding amount of [D] (parts by weight)] is 1 to 1000. (2) a conductive particle or fiber of which thermoplastic resin nucleus or core is coated with a conductive substance [E] is contained.
US07931948B2	Plasma display panel A plasma display panel has front plate (2) and back plate (10) that are faced to each other. The front plate has a display electrode, a dielectric layer, and a protective layer on a front glass substrate, and the back plate has an address electrode, a barrier rib, and a phosphor layer on a back glass substrate. The periphery of the front and back plates is sealed with sealing material (50) to form discharge space. Sealing material (50) contains, as a glass component, bismuth oxide and at least one of molybdenum oxide and tungsten oxide.
US07931945B2	Film forming method The present invention provides a particle measuring system which is provided in a processing system 40 which generates an atmosphere obtained by exhausting air or a gas in a processing chamber 48 by a vacuum pump 98 and applies a process concerning semiconductor manufacture to a wafer W in the atmosphere, attached to an exhaust pipe 90 which connects an exhaust opening 86 of the processing chamber 48 with the vacuum pump 98, and measures the number of the particles in the exhaust gas, and a measuring method thereof, the system and method providing a processing system and a cleaning method which terminate etching process by determining an end point based on the number of the particles in the exhaust gas and perform cleaning of unnecessary films.
US07931937B2	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.
US07931930B2	Delivery of active agents using a chocolate vehicle This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating.
US07931928B2	Pellet drying process A method for making an expandable half-product or pellet suitable for cooking by microwave oven (or other method such as frying) that results in a non-uniform, random design, while having a distinct pattern or style. The half product design is achieved by inducing stress cracks in the half product. The stress cracks are created by a controlled drying process whereby extruded half-products are first case hardened to create an outer skin that requires an internal build-up of pressure to penetrate. After creation of the outer skin, by drying in an oven or in ambient air, the half-product is heated to permit the vapor pressure of the moisture inside the half-product to break through the outer skin and escape. Such escape points induce stress cracks in random places in the half-product. The general pattern of the stress cracks can be varied by manipulation of the time-temperature profile of the case hardening and stress cracking steps.
US07931927B2	Preparation method of cooked rice with barley in aseptic packing system The present invention relates to a method for preparing cooked rice with barley in an aseptic packing process, comprising mixing barley, which had been sterilization-treated and then dried, with non-glutinous rice. The method for preparing cooked rice with barley in an aseptic packing system according to the present invention is characterized in that by using barley that has been first gelatinized and then retrogradated, the cooked rice with barley has a reduced initial level of microorganisms in the barley, leading to excellent stability against microorganisms, a long storage life, of 6 months or longer at ambient temperature, excellent appearance, pleasant flavor, and soft, flexible, and sticky texture.
US07931924B2	Method of improving the properties of a flour dough, a flour dough improving composition and improved food products A method of improving the rheological properties of a flour dough and the quality of the finished product made from such a dough, comprising adding an effective amount of an oxidoreductase capable of oxidizing maltose, in particular a hexose oxidase, e.g. isolated from an algal species such as Iridophycus flaccidum, Chondrus crispus or Euthora cristata and a dough improving composition comprising the oxidoreductase.
US07931921B2	Method of substantially preventing or inhibiting summer bentgrass decline A method for substantially preventing or inhibiting summer bentgrass decline in an outdoor environment, by exposing bentgrass beds to increased amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The invention is particularly well suited for use in warm climates. It is expected to be useful in a variety of bentgrass applications, such as golf greens, pastures, lawns, athletic fields, and the like. Similar applications for other cool-season grasses are anticipated as well.
US07931920B2	Method for the isolation of nucleic acids from any starting material A composition suitable for the isolation of a nucleic acid from a material containing the nucleic acid contains at least one buffer with a chaotropic component; at least one proteolytic enzyme; at least one buffer with an non-chaotropic component; at least one alcoholic component; and a detergent.
US07931916B2	Composition of biocompatible microparticles of alginic acid for the controlled release of active ingredients by intravenous administration Composition of biocompatible microparticles of alginic acid for the controlled release of active ingredients by intravenous administration. The invention relates to a biocompatible composition which comprises microparticles of alginic acid or its salts and an active ingredient. More particularly, the invention relates to microparticles for the encapsulation of an active ingredient to be administered intravenously to a patient who needs it. These microparticles are of a combination of size sufficient to increase the half-life or survival of the active ingredient in blood, with a low uptake in the liver and a fast cell clearance when administered intravenously.
US07931915B2	Extended release venlafaxine formulation A controlled release dosage form of venlafaxine that comprises an immediate release pellet and an extended release pellet.
US07931911B2	Pesticidal/ovicidal composition and pesticidal/ovicidal method A pesticidal/ovicidal composition comprising: (a) 50-97.9 parts by mass of a triglyceride containing not less than 50% of oleic acid as a fatty acid component; (b) 0.1-20 parts by mass of a cationic surface active agent; and (c) 2-30 parts by mass of a glycerin derivative, and a pesticidal/ovicidal method using the same. The composition according to the invention has not only a pesticidal activity but also an ovicidal activity on crop pests, and provides a safe and high pesticidal/ovicidal effect.
US07931908B2	Chimeric MSP-based malaria vaccine The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising MSPk-8 linked to an antigen. Methods of using the composition to induce an immune response in an animal are also provided.
US07931905B2	Cynomolgus gp80 receptor and uses thereof Isolated polynucleotides encoding cynomolgus monkey gp80, polypeptides obtainable from expression of these polynucleotides, compositions, recombinant cells, methods of making and using these polynucleotides, polypeptides, and compositions are useful in development of human therapeutics.
US07931903B2	Internalizing anti-CD74 antibodies and methods of use The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-CD74 antibodies, CD74 antibody fusion proteins, immunoconjugates, vaccines and bispecific that bind to CD74, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-II invariant chain, Ii, which is useful for the treatment and diagnosis of B-cell disorders, such as B-cell malignancies, other malignancies in which the cells are reactive with CD74, and autoimmune diseases, and methods of treatment and diagnosis.
US07931897B2	Therapeutic agent for hematopoietic tumors An inducing agent or enhancing agent, for the expression of HM1.24 antigen in hematopoietic tumor cells, comprising interferon α, interferon γ, or the IRF-2 protein as an active ingredient, as well as an anti-tumor agent for hematopoietic tumors which comprises a combination of said inducing agent or enhancing agent and an antibody against HM1.24.
US07931893B2	Methods for producing and using in vivo pseudotyped retroviruses using envelope glycoproteins from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) The present invention provides novel pseudotyped retroviral vectors that can transduce human and other cells. Vectors are provided that are packaged efficiently in packaging cells and cell lines to generate high titer recombinant virus stocks expressing novel envelope glycoproteins. The present invention further relates to compositions for gene therapy.
US07931892B2	Compositions and methods for the maintenance of oral health The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated LDH-deficient mutans streptococcus strains and one or more isolated S. oralis strains and/or one or more isolated S. uberis strains. Compositions of the invention are useful to maintain oral health, by for example treating and/or preventing one or more symptoms of dental caries, periodontitis and/or other oral cavity diseases or wounds.
US07931889B2	Method for producing hydrogen A method for producing hydrogen from a light hydrocarbon gas with the hydrocarbon gas being converted to particulate carbon and hydrogen and thereafter quenched with liquid sulfur with the purified hydrogen being recovered as a product.
US07931886B2	Agglomeration of titania According to the present invention there is provided a process for the agglomeration of titania slag particles comprising providing titania slag at a d50 particle size of below 106 μm; mixing the slag particles with an organic binder; and agglomerating the mixture of the slag particles and organic binder into agglomerated particles with a d50 particle size in the range from 106 μm to 1000 μm. The agglomerated particles have a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4. The invention also relates to such agglomated slag particles and a chloride process for the production of TiO2 wherein such agglomerated titania slag particles are used.
US07931885B2	Method of preparing carbon nanotube complexes A method of fabricating carbon nanotube complex is disclosed, which comprises, (A) dispersing carbon nanotubes in a solvent; (B) adding a filler to the above solution to give a precursor solution; (C) performing light illumination on the precursor solution; (D) washing the solution after light exposure; and (E) drying to evaporate the solvent contained in the solution. Therefore, the carbon nanotube complex of the present invention is obtained.
US07931884B2	Welding of carbon single-walled nanotubes by microwave treatment Methods and processes for preparing interconnected carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are disclosed. The SWNTs soot, synthesized by any one of the art methods, is heated to less than about 1250° C. in flowing dry air using the electrical field (E) component of microwave energy. The tubes of the SWNTs thus treated become welded and interconnected.
US07931883B2	Silicon feedstock for solar cells The silicon feedstock for solar cells is made from metallurgical grade silicon by the successive steps of treating the silicon with a calcium-silicate slag, solidifying the treated silicon, leaching the solid silicon with acid, remelting the leached silicon, resolidifying the remelted silicon into an ingot, removing the upper part of the ingot and then crushing and sizing.
US07931878B2	Waste processing Disinfection of waste can be carried out by first cutting the waste into small pieces to expose surfaces in the waste and then simultaneously spraying the waste pieces with disinfectant and agitating them. The waste pieces are agitated by applying sufficient vacuum to suck the waste pieces through a processing system, the vacuum creating a wind inside the system that sweeps up the waste pieces, suspends them in air, and keeps them separate from one another, thereby exposing substantially all surfaces of the waste pieces to the sprayed disinfectant.
US07931877B2	Needleless hub disinfection device A device for disinfecting a portion of an implement such as a needleless hub or injection port. The device includes a body shaped to engage the implement with the portion to be disinfected exposed. A disinfectant area is located on the body so as to permit pivotal displacement of the area relative to the body such that in a first orientation the portion to be disinfected is exposed and in a second orientation the portion to be disinfected is covered and the disinfectant area engages the portion to be disinfected.
US07931871B2	Inner tray for a chamber The invention concerns an inner tray, arranged inside a chamber, comprising a plurality of parallel beams (1), located in a common horizontal plane and fixed through their ends to the wall of the chamber, and, between said beams and supported thereby, rows of adjacent rectangular plates (2), completely covering the space between the beams. The invention is characterized in that the supporting edges (3) of the plates (2) through which the latter are supported on the beams (1), are folded downwards by two substantially right-angled folds, and in that each of the edges (4) of the plates (2), perpendicular to the beams (1) is folded so as to form a female part (4a) or a male part (4b) capable of being respectively nested in a male (4b) or female (4a) part formed by the folded edge of the adjacent plate. The invention also concerns a chamber containing such a tray.
US07931866B2	Micelle-controlled nanoparticle synthesis for SERS The methods and apparatus disclosed herein concern nanoparticle layers uniformly distributed on a surface or substrate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the nanoparticle layers are of use for Raman spectroscopy. In certain embodiments of the invention, a micelle-metal ion complex is formed and deposited on a surface. The polymer component of the micelle-metal ion complex may be removed resulting in formation of nanoparticles of a uniform size and distribution. The polymers may contain one or more ligands. The number and type of ligands in a micelle will determine the type and amount of metal ion bound to the micelle, in turn determining the metal composition and size of the nanoparticles. The distribution micelle-metal ion complexes on a surface may determine the distribution and periodicity of the nanoparticle layer. In other embodiments, rod or columnar-shaped nanoparticles may be generated. Other embodiments concern the generation of uniform alloy nanoparticles.
US07931865B2	Apparatus for determining total organic carbon An apparatus which comprises: an organic-substance oxidation part in which organic substances contained in a sample water supplied are oxidized into carbon dioxide; a carbon dioxide separation part in which the carbon dioxide contained in the sample water is caused to permeate and come into a measurement water; and a conductivity measurement part in which the conductivity of the measurement water is measured. The carbon dioxide separation part comprises: a sample water channel in which sample water flows; an intermediate water part in which intermediate water having a higher pH value in a neutral region than the sample water is present; and a measurement water channel through which the measurement water comprising deionized water flows. The sample water channel is in contact with the intermediate water part through a gas-permeable membrane, and the intermediate water part is in contact with the measurement water channel through a gas-permeable membrane.
US07931860B1	Waste treatment apparatus and method An apparatus for treating waste comprises a gravity drop steam heating tower for heating the waste to the biological kill temperature using pressurized steam, a first feed member for feeding the waste to be sterilized to the gravity drop steam heating tower, and a vaporization system. The vaporization system includes a heating chamber for facilitating vaporization of liquids in the waste, a conveying member for conveying the waste from the lower end portion of the gravity drop steam heating tower into and through the heating chamber, and a vaporization chamber for receiving the waste from the heating chamber and for releasing vapor entrained in the waste into the vaporization chamber.
US07931853B2	System, method, and apparatus for conversion bonding of precursor subcomponents into a unitary monolith A process for converting precursor objects into a unitary ceramic object produces, for example, a ceramic, optical scan mirror that is formed from at least two pieces. An optical section has at least one optical surface and at least one attachment surface, and a support section has at least one attachment surface and preferably has a mounting area. The optical and support sections are formed as separate pieces from a precursor material, such as graphite, such that a selected support section can receive any of a plurality of optical sections having different sizes, shapes, or orientations. To form the mirror, the attachment surfaces are placed adjacent each other, and then the sections are converted simultaneously to a ceramic material, such as silicon carbide, to form a monolithic scan mirror.
US07931852B2	Process and apparatus for reinforced polymer composites A method for structurally reinforcing a part is disclosed. The method comprising forming a part into a desired shape; placing the part on a holding fixture; introducing a substrate lay-up of a reinforcing material onto at least a portion of the part; placing a flexible sheet impermeable to a resin of the reinforcing material over a portion of the part having the substrate lay-up of said reinforcing material placed on the part, wherein the flexible sheet includes at least one injection port; evacuating all air and vapor from a pocket between the flexible sheet and the part; introducing the resin of the reinforcing material into the pocket through the at least one injection port; allowing the substrate and the resin of the reinforcing material to cure at least partially; and, removing the flexible sheet from the part.
US07931847B2	Injection molding of part having nonuniform thickness Injection molding of a part having a nonuniform thickness is provided. One disclosed embodiment of an injection molding device includes one or more side walls, a first mold surface intersecting the side walls and being stationary with respect to the side walls, and a second mold surface intersecting the side walls so as to define with the side walls and the first mold surface a cavity configured to receive a metered amount of injected molten thermoplastic material. The second mold surface is moveable toward the first mold surface in such a manner that a first end of the second mold surface moves a larger physical travel distance toward the first mold surface than does a second end of the second mold surface during a molding process.
US07931846B2	Method to control an atmosphere between a body and a substrate Systems to control an atmosphere about a substrate are described. The systems include a wall coupled to the substrate to create a resistance of the flow between different regions of the substrate.
US07931845B2	Gravity injection of molding material for compression molding and related methods A molding apparatus includes a bottom platen, a bottom mold portion carried by the bottom platen, and a top platen overlying the bottom platen and the bottom mold portion. The top platen includes slots extending therethrough for receiving a molding material. The molding material is to be gravity deposited into the bottom mold portion. A top mold portion is carried by the top platen and is moveable between a molding material loading position and an article forming position. An actuator is coupled to the top mold portion for moving the top mold portion between the molding material loading position and the article forming position. The molding material loading position corresponds to when the top mold portion is non-overlying the bottom mold portion so that the molding material can be gravity deposited therein. The article forming position corresponds to when the top mold portion is overlying the bottom mold portion for molding an article.
US07931841B2	Microreplicated article A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes an opaque web having first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. The first microreplicated structure and the second microreplicated structure retain registration within 100 micrometers.
US07931839B2	Method of manufacturing composite single-tubed structures having ports A method of manufacturing a structure using a single, hollow primary tube, preferably of a composite material, wherein ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube through aligned holes on opposite sides of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics, and aesthetics of the structure.
US07931835B2	Heater control for cotton candy spinner head Within a cotton candy machine a delay-on-break delay timer is used to delay the de-energization of the spinner-head motor for a predetermined period of time after the heater elements are turned off. Thus, while the heater elements are cooling down, the motor and spinner head continue to rotate. Once the heater elements are cooled to the point where they cannot melt or burn the sugar, then the motor can be de-energized and the spinner head allowed to stop.
US07931834B2	Process for formation and collection of particles using cryogenic material A process for the formation of particles of a target material is disclosed, comprising: (i) introducing the target material into a particle formation vessel, and forming a continuous liquid surface of the target material in the particle formation vessel, and an interface between said liquid surface of the target material and additional gaseous contents of said particle formation vessel; (ii) introducing a stream of cryogenic material including solid particles of cryogenic material into the particle formation vessel and into contact with the target material in a liquid state below the continuous liquid surface; (iii) allowing rapid volumetric expansion of the cryogenic material into a gaseous state while in contact with the target material in a liquid state, and release of the expanded gaseous cryogenic material through the continuous liquid surface, and forming liquid droplet particles of the target material; and (iv) collecting the formed particles of the target material.
US07931831B2	Optical waveguide substrate manufacturing method A voltage is applied on an interdigitated electrode provided on one main face of a single-domain ferroelectric single crystal substrate to form a periodic domain inversion structure. The interdigitated electrode is then removed. The optical waveguide is then formed in the substrate. An optical intensity center P1 of the optical waveguide is kept away from a location P0 of the end of the interdigitated electrode.
US07931829B2	Low-K interlevel dielectric materials and method of forming low-K interlevel dielectric layers and structures A composition of matter and a structure fabricated using the composition. The composition comprising: a resin; polymeric nano-particles dispersed in the resin, each of the polymeric nano-particle comprising a multi-arm core polymer and pendent polymers attached to the multi-arm core polymer, the multi-arm core polymer immiscible with the resin and the pendent polymers miscible with the resin; and a solvent, the solvent volatile at a first temperature, the resin cross-linkable at a second temperature, the polymeric nano-particle decomposable at a third temperature, the third temperature higher than the second temperature, the second temperature higher than the first temperature, wherein a thickness of a layer of the composition shrinks by less than about 3.5% between heating the layer from the second temperature to the third temperature.
US07931828B2	Gas turbine engine and method including composite structures with embedded integral electrically conductive paths A gas turbine engine and method of fabrication includes a gas turbine engine with a structure having movable portions and static portions. At least a portion of the structure includes a composite material having an electrically conductive path formed from carbon nanotubes configured for conducting electrical signals therealong.
US07931822B2	Compositions and methods for wastewater treatment Methods and compositions utilizing aluminum, magnesium, and calcium-based additives for the treatment and neutralization of wastewater are described for removing contaminants from wastewater, including reducing phosphorous-containing compounds, total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), fats, oils, and greases (FOG), and total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN) are described. Methods and compositions to control pH, sulfur and sodium loads present in wastewater and precipitatable solids are described. Concentrations of aluminum, magnesium, and calcium-based additives are maintained at mass action concentrations to the wastewater component levels present in the wastewater and bracketed approximately +/−0.5 pH units about the pK value of the soluble, buffering species.
US07931819B2	Method for pattern formation There is provided a method for pattern formation, including a step of coating a composition comprising a block copolymer, a silicon compound, and a solvent for dissolving these components onto an object to form a layer of the composition on the object, a step of subjecting the layer of the composition to self-organization of the block copolymer to cause phase separation into a first phase, in which the silicon compound is localized, having higher etching resistance by heat treatment or/and oxygen plasma treatment, and a second phase comprising a polymer phase and having lower etching resistance by heat treatment or/and oxygen plasma treatment, and thereby forming a pattern layer with a fine pattern, and a step of etching the object using as a mask the thus formed pattern layer.
US07931817B2	Additive dispensing device and a thermally activated additive dispensing filter having the additive dispensing device An additive dispensing device is provided. The additive dispensing device includes a reservoir configured to contain a supply of an additive. The reservoir is in fluid communication with a dispensing chamber of a metering valve device by a first one-way valve. The metering valve device is configured to dispense a portion of the additive from the dispensing chamber into a housing by a second one-way valve. The additive dispensing device further includes a thermal expanding member disposed in the dispensing chamber. The thermal expanding member is configured to expand and contract between expanded and contracted positions, respectively, in response to temperature. The thermal expanding member decreases a pressure in the dispensing chamber as the thermal expanding member moves toward the contracted position, such that additive is drawn from the reservoir into the dispensing chamber through the first one-way valve. The thermal expanding member increases the pressure in the dispensing chamber as the thermal expanding member moves toward the expanded position, such that additive previously drawn from the reservoir chamber into the dispensing chamber is dispensed through the second one-way valve.
US07931812B2	TiO2 nanostructures, membranes and films, and applications of same The present invention relates to applications of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures in the fields including photocatalysis, information writing-erasing-rewriting, microfiltration, controlled drug release, and tire making. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of photocatalytically decomposing organic pollutants. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a solution containing organic pollutants and a plurality of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form a mixture and exposing the mixture to UV irradiation to decompose the organic pollutants.
US07931811B2	Dielectric barrier reactor having concentrated electric field A fluid treatment device and method are provided for generating an electric field across a gap between first and second electrode and for concentrating the electric field within a fluid treatment chamber located in the gap.
US07931802B2	Water treatment system A water treatment system having a biological treatment step (a secondary treatment step) and a membrane separation step (a tertiary treatment step), wherein a portion of the raw water to be treated and/or a portion of the primarily treated water in the pretreatment step are biologically treated and supplied into a reaction tank in the membrane separation step as the main channel system, while the remainder the raw water to be treated and/or the remainder of the primarily treated water in the pretreatment step are added together with a flocculating agent to the reaction tank in the membrane separation step, and then the membrane separation is conducted in the membrane separation step.
US07931798B2	Hydroconversion process for petroleum resids by hydroconversion over carbon supported metal catalyst followed by selective membrane separation A heavy residual petroleum feed boiling above 650° F.+ (345° C.+) is subjected to hydroconversion at elevated temperature in the presence of hydrogen at a hydrogen pressure not normally higher than 500 psig (3500 kPag) using a dispersed metal-on-carbon catalyst to produce a hydroconverted effluent which is fractionated to form a low boiling fraction and a relatively higher boiling fraction which is subjected to membrane separation to produce a permeate which is low in metals and Microcarbon Residue (MCR) as well as a retentate, containing most of the MCR and metals. The process has the advantage that the hydroconversion may be carried out in low pressure equipment with a low hydrogen consumption as saturation of aromatics is reduced.
US07931797B2	Systems and methods for producing a crude product A process for hydroprocessing heavy oil feedstock is disclosed. The process operates in once-through mode, employing a plurality of contacting zones and at least a separation zone to convert at least a portion of the heavy oil feedstock to lower boiling hydrocarbons, forming upgraded products. In the once-through upgrade system, little if any of the unconverted material and slurry catalyst mixture is recycled back to the system for further upgrading. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing a slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock. The slurry catalyst feed comprises an active metal catalyst having an average particle size of at least 1 micron in a hydrocarbon oil diluent, at a concentration of greater than 500 wppm of active metal catalyst to heavy oil feedstock.
US07931795B2	Process for the on-site production of chlorine and high strength sodium hypochlorite The present invention relates to a novel economical on-site electrochemical based membrane cell based process with the capability of producing high strength sodium hypochlorite and/or elemental chlorine gas in any ratio as required by the needs of a water or wastewater treatment plant. The system is compact and modular, using membrane cell based electrolyzers and utilizing novel process modifications and sensors to allow for the unattended control and safe operation of the process. The process allows the operator to produce elemental chlorine gas and sodium hypochlorite in any product ratio, such that 5% to 100% of the total chlorine produced by the process can be converted to high strength bleach. The process has the flexibility to produce stable high quality, low to high strength sodium hypochlorite solutions in concentrations ranging from about 2 to 15% trade as NaOCl.
US07931794B2	Method and system for electrolytic fabrication of atomic clock cells The present invention relates to a method and system for electrolytic fabrication of cells. A cell can be formed of a silicon layer (cathode) sandwiched between layers of glass. One or more holes are formed in the silicon layer. An alkali metal enriched glass material is placed in or associated with the one or more holes. Electrolysis is used to make the alkali metal ions in the alkali metal enriched glass material combine with electrons from the silicon cathode to form neutral alkali metal atoms in the one or more holes.
US07931790B2	Methods for forming small-volume electrical contacts and material manipulations with fluidic microchannels A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microehannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.
US07931789B2	Device for charging separation buffer liquid to microchip, and microchip processing device equipped with the charging device, electrophoresis method in capillary channel and its microchip processing device In a separation buffer solution filling device, a microchip is arranged such reservoirs are opened on a surface on respective ends of channels including at least a main separation channel in which analysis is performed while a solution moves inside a plate-like member, and the reservoirs face upward. The filling device fills separation buffer solution into the channels by supplying air from an air supply port which is pushed while maintaining air-tightness onto a top of the reservoir filled with the separation buffer solution on either end of said channels. The air supply port is an opening on a front end of an air cylinder, and has a seal part on that opening. The filling device is pushed onto the reservoir while maintaining air-tightness by that seal part.
US07931787B2	Electron-assisted deposition process and apparatus Previous limitations in utilizing energetic vapor deposition means are addressed through the introduction of a novel means of vapor deposition, namely, an Electron-Assisted Deposition (EAD) process and apparatus. The EAD mode of film growth disclosed herein is generally achieved by, first, forming a magnetic field that possesses field lines that intersect electrically non-grounded first and second surfaces, wherein at least one surface is a workpiece, thereby forming a magnetic trap between first and second surfaces; second, introducing a high flux of electrons axially into the magnetic field existing between the first and second surfaces, so that the electrons form an electron-saturated space-charge in the space adjacent to the substrate, wherein plasma interactions with the substrate are substantially avoided, and modification of film growth processes is provided predominantly by electron—rather than plasma—bombardment.
US07931782B2	Method for recovering a liquid medium and system for recover a liquid medium A method of recovering a liquid medium from a mixture containing the liquid medium, the method including: (a) blowing a first gas into the mixture containing the liquid medium to vaporize the liquid medium, in a first vaporizing means, thereby to form a second gas containing which is a mixture of the first gas and vaporized liquid medium; (b) continuously dropwise feeding the mixture containing the liquid medium into a second vaporizing means and counter-flowingly contacting the mixture containing the liquid medium, with the second gas to vaporize additional liquid medium to form a third gas which is a mixture of the second gas and additional vaporized liquid medium; and (c) feeding the third gas into a condensing means to condense the vaporized liquid medium into a liquid and separate the first gas, which is then blown into the first vaporizing means in step (a).
US07931781B2	Advanced dewatering system A system for drying one of a tissue and a hygiene web including a drying apparatus, a permeable structured fabric, a permeable dewatering fabric and a mechanism for applying pressure. The permeable structured fabric carries the web over the drying apparatus. The permeable dewatering fabric contacts the web and is guided over the drying apparatus. The mechanism for applying pressure, applies pressure to the permeable structured fabric, the web, and the permeable dewatering fabric at the drying apparatus.
US07931777B2	Multi-layer web formation section A multi-layer web formation section has two successive wire units (300, 310) with a common wire (11). A first headbox (100) supplies fiber pulp to the first wire unit (300) forming a first partial web (W1). A second headbox (110) supplies a new fiber pulp layer to the forward end of the second wire unit (310) atop the first partial web. A first non-pulsating dewatering zone (Z1b) in the forward end of a two-wire stretch of the second wire unit (310) has a first formation shoe (200b) with a curved cap (201) placed on the side of the new layer having openings (202) extending through the cap (201) with an under-pressure (P) affecting therethrough. A two-wire stretch of the second wire unit (310) has a second pulsating dewatering zone (Z2b) formed by fixed dewatering lists (210b), between which there are gaps (220b) and an under-pressure (Pb) affecting in these.
US07931774B2	Acrylic adhesives containing an amine plasticizer Acrylic adhesives containing an acrylic polymer and a plasticizer are provided. The acrylic polymer includes copolymerized monomers of a first alkyl acrylate, a second alkyl acrylate, and a vinyl carboxylic acid. The alkyl group of the first alkyl acrylate has at least 4 carbon atoms, and the alkyl group of the second alkyl acrylate has 1-3 carbon atoms. The plasticizers include a di-ethoxylated tertiary amine segment.
US07931769B2	Method of forming temporary carrier structure and associated release techniques A method of forming a temporary carrier structure is disclosed which includes forming a plurality of recesses in a carrier structure, the recesses extending to a depth that is less than a thickness of the carrier structure, forming a dissolvable material in the recesses and above a first surface of the carrier structure, securing a thin substrate above the first surface of the carrier structure using the dissolvable material to secure the thin substrate in place, performing at least one process operation on a second surface of the carrier structure to expose the dissolvable material in the recesses and contacting the exposed dissolvable material with a release agent so as to dissolve at least a portion of the dissolvable material.
US07931764B1	Desensitization of metastable intermolecular composites A method to substantially desensitize a metastable intermolecular composite material to electrostatic discharge and friction comprising mixing the composite material with an organic diluent and removing enough organic diluent from the mixture to form a mixture with a substantially putty-like consistency, as well as a concomitant method of recovering the metastable intermolecular composite material.
US07931763B2	Burn rate sensitization of solid propellants using a nano-titania additive Adding nanoparticles as a catalyst to solid propellant fuel to increase and enhance burn rates of the fuel by up to 10 times or more and/or modifying the pressure index. A preferred embodiment uses TiO2 nanoparticles mixed with a solid propellant fuel, where the nanoparticles are approximately 2% or less of total propellant mixture. The high surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles improve the performance of the solid propellant fuel.
US07931762B1	Electrostatic charge dissipation compositions including energetic particles An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition.
US07931761B2	Micro thruster, micro thruster array and polymer gas generator Disclosed is a gas generating polymer compound that when irradiated with light or other radiation sources makes a solid to gas phase transition due to chemically catylized degradation, irradiative degradation or both. This provides a low cost, stable and easily manufactured means of gas production. Also disclosed are possible uses for the gas generator such as a low cost micro thruster.
US07931759B2	Metal alloy compositions and articles comprising the same Improved compositions are described for the protection of gas turbine parts at elevated temperatures. The compositions are of the MCrAlY type, wherein M is Nickel, or Nickel in combination with cobalt and/or iron. The compositions further comprise a lanthanide, a group 4 metal selected from hafnium, zirconium, titanium, or a combination of these, and optionally, a group 14 element selected from silicon and/or germanium. The combination results in improved Al retention properties. Also disclosed herein are articles comprising the coatings.
US07931757B2	Seamless steel pipe for line pipe and a process for its manufacture A thick-walled seamless steel pipe for line pipe which has a high strength and improved toughness and corrosion resistance in spite of the thick wall and which is suitable for use as a riser and flow line has a chemical composition comprising, in mass percent, C: 0.02-0.08%, Si: at most 0.5%, Mn: 1.5-3.0%, Al: 0.001-0.10%, Mo: greater than 0.4%-1.2%, N: 0.002-0.015%, at least one of Ca and REM in a total amount of 0.0002-0.007%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities, with the impurities having the content of P: at most 0.05%, S: at most 0.005%, and O: at most 0.005%, the chemical composition satisfying the inequality: 0.8≦[Mn]×[Mo]≦2.6, wherein [Mn] and [Mo] are the numbers equivalent to the contents of Mn and Mo, respectively, in mass percent.
US07931748B2	Systems and methods for the production of highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon coatings The invention provides systems and methods for the deposition of an improved diamond-like carbon material, particularly for the production of magnetic recording media. The diamond-like carbon material of the present invention is highly tetrahedral, that is, it features a large number of the sp3 carbon-carbon bonds which are found within a diamond crystal lattice. The material is also amorphous, providing a combination of short-range order with long-range disorder, and can be deposited as films which are ultrasmooth and continuous at thicknesses substantially lower than known amorphous carbon coating materials. The carbon protective coatings of the present invention will often be hydrogenated. In a preferred method for depositing of these materials, capacitive coupling forms a highly uniform, selectively energized stream of ions from a dense, inductively ionized plasma. Such inductive ionization is enhanced by a relatively slow moving (or “quasi-static”) magnetic field, which promotes resonant ionization and ion beam homogenization.
US07931747B2	Hydrophobized cement-containing compositions The present invention relates to cement-containing compositions which are characterized in that they have a proportion of organosilicon compounds of greater than 0.15% by weight, based on the proportion of cement, the organosilicon compounds being based on at least one organosilicon compound selected from the group consisting of the alkoxysilanes and at least one selected from the group consisting of the alkoxysiloxanes, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof.
US07931742B2	Biocidal Structural Barrier (BSB) A biocidal structural barrier of a raw concrete or a structure made of concrete is provided containing a specific insecticidal biocide product and/or a repellent that has been incorporated throughout the mass. The invention is particularly suitable for the building and construction sector and more particularly for concrete structures located close to the soil or in the soil (slab, foundations, buried walls, prefabricated concrete blocks, etc.). The preferred insecticide for protection against termites is chlorfenapyr.
US07931736B2	Pre-purification unit of cryogenic air separation unit, hydrocarbon adsorbent, and method of pre-treating feed air A hydrocarbon adsorbent that includes a zeolite with either a H-FER structure or a MOR structure in which the pore diameter has been adjusted by ion exchange. A propane adsorbent that includes a zeolite with a MFI structure. A hydrocarbon removal unit that includes a TSA pre-purification unit having a column packed with sequential layers of activated alumina, a NaX zeolite, and the hydrocarbon adsorbent. A method of reducing the hydrocarbon content within liquid oxygen inside a cryogenic air separation unit that includes purifying feed air with the above pre-purification unit.
US07931733B2	Method of producing hypoxic environments in occupied compartments with simultaneous removal of excessive carbon dioxide and humidity A method and a system for providing a hypoxic environment inside an enclosed compartment with simultaneous removal of carbon dioxide and moisture produced by occupants; said method and system designed for fire prevention and for simulated altitude training, wellness and hypoxic therapy, including equine and other animal applications.
US07931732B2	Method and apparatus for carrying out a metallurgical process A metallurgical process involves providing an ingredient enclosure and placing a plurality of granules of a first material in the ingredient enclosure. The first material contains a first ingredient in a metallurgical process. A metallurgical process furnace having a chamber in which ingredients for the metallurgical process are added is provided and the ingredient enclosure and the first material are added to the chamber. The chamber is heated after the addition of the ingredient enclosure and the first material to the chamber, although it may also be heated prior to such addition. In one form, the granules comprise mill scale and the metallurgical process furnace is a blast furnace.
US07931731B2	Process for production of elemental iron A process to prepare elemental iron by contacting an iron ore feed with a reducing gas at a pressure of between 1 and 10 bar to obtain iron and an off-gas includes preparing the reducing gas by performing the following steps: (a) partially oxidizing a mixture comprising a solid or liquid carbonaceous fuel and oxygen at a pressure of between 10 and 80 bar, thereby obtaining a gas comprising H2 and CO; (b) removing CO2 and H2S from the gas obtained in step (a) to obtain an intermediate gas comprising H2 and CO; (c) supplying the intermediate gas obtained in step (b) to a H2-selective membrane to obtain a H2-rich permeate gas and a CO-rich retentate; and (d) heating H2-rich permeate to obtain a heated H2-rich permeate as the reducing gas.
US07931730B2	Method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, comprising: dissociating at least one metal precursor selected from the group consisting of silver, gold and palladium; reducing the dissociated metal precursor; and isolating the capped metal nanoparticles with an alkyl amine. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles which can be performed with simpler equipment compared to the gas phase method, can provide metal nanoparticles in high yield by only using alkyl amine without using any surfactant in high concentration which further allows mass production, and can provide metal nanoparticles having high dispersion stability and uniform size of 1-40 nm.
US07931723B2	Filter assembly with pleated media pockets, and methods A panel filter for removal of contaminants from a gas, the panel filter having at least one V-pocket formed of two halves, each half composed of multiple pleats of filter media. The pleats extend generally parallel, often at an angle of less than 5 degrees or even less than 1 degree, to the overall filtration path, so that air or gas to the filtered passes through the pleats in a generally straight manner, with minimal bends. Each pleat has two legs of different length. The panel filter provides improved dust collection and retention while restricting pressure drop.
US07931718B2	Oil mist separator An oil mist separator includes a body inside which a filtering chamber is formed for a filtering unit made up with several centrifugal dust collectors. With an air intake unit, the outside oil mist is sent into the filtering chamber. Then, the centrifugal dust collectors are used to cause a spiral airstream. With a centrifugal force caused by the spiral airstream, the oil mist is made to separate from the air. Next, the filtered air of zero pollution is vented to the atmosphere, and the separated oil mist is collected and recycled. Thus, the oil mist may be separated and the recycled oil mist may be made into a low-level oil product or a release agent used in the building industry for achievement of the effect of environmental protection.
US07931717B2	Vacuum cleaner with a removable cyclone array A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a dirt inlet, a handle, a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel and a plurality of dirt collection chambers that are emptied concurrently, and the first cleaning stage is removed from the second cleaning stage prior to emptying the plurality of dirt collection chambers and, an air flow motor.
US07931713B2	Chemical mechanical planarization pad A Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) Pad. The CMP pad may be hydrophobic due to the incorporation of metal complexing agents. The CMP pad substantially retaining planarization characteristics throughout planarization applications. Shearing, hardness, wearing, water absorption and electrical characteristics of the CMP pad remain substantially constant during CMP applications.
US07931711B2	Methods for supercritical water reformation of fuels and generation of hydrogen using supercritical water Methods for using supercritical water to convert hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel, jet fuel, or gasoline, into carbonaceous gases and hydrogen. The synthesis gas stream generated by the fuel reforming reaction can then be further refined to increase hydrogen content, and the resultant hydrogen can be utilized to power fuel cells.
US07931710B2	Steam generator to contain and cool synthesis gas A steam generator used to contain and cool the synthesis gas produced by coal gasification processes employs radiant and convection surfaces, and an integral gasifier, in a specific arrangement to achieve a cost-effective, compact design.
US07931708B2	Reformer burner A reformer burner that includes a fuel supply tube through which a fuel is supplied and a fuel supply chamber that surrounds the fuel supply tube and has a plurality of atomizing holes to atomize a fuel into a combustion chamber of a reformer.
US07931704B2	Universal synthetic gasoline fuel conditioner additive, method and product-by-process A process of producing a universal synthetic based gasoline fuel additive that cleans the fuel system including valves surface, lubricates the fuel pump, injectors and valves while allowing for a clean and more efficient burn. A major portion will consist of (a) Alfa-Olefins, (b) 2-propanol (c) Hydroisomerized High VI HT Base Oils, (d) Dimethyl Ketones, (e) Low Flash Mineral Spirits, (f) Low Aromatic Solvent, (g) Isomer Reformate, (h) Solvent Activated Dye. In a preferred embodiment, this universal synthetic gasoline conditioner additive for improving lubrication comprises: alpha-olefins comprising from 5 to 30 percent thereof, by weight; low odor aromatic solvents comprising from 3 to 27 percent thereof, by weight; 2-Propanol comprising of 3 to 30 percent thereof, by weight; and at least one a base oil comprising from 0.50 to 15 percent thereof, by weight; wherein: the percentages by weight are specified in relative proportion to one another.
US07931696B2	Cationic dyes Disclosed are dyes of formula wherein D is the radical of anthraquinone, acridine, azo, azomethine, hydrazomethine, benzodifuranone, coumarine, diketopyrrolopyrrol, dioxaxine, diphenylmethane, formazane, indigoid, indophenol, naphtalimide, naphthaquinone, nitroaryl, merocyanine, methine, oxazine, perinone, perylene, pyrenequinone, phtalocyanine, phenazine, quinoneimine, quinacridone, quinophtalone, stilbene, styryl, triphenylmethane, xanthene, thiazine dye and thioxanthene dye; and Q is defined herein.
US07931695B2	Compliant osteosynthesis fixation plate A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, comprising a highly porous body, the porous body comprising a polymer, the porous body comprising a plurality of pores, the porous body being capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, the polymer fixation device being rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. In a preferred embodiment the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device comprises a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may comprise additional materials; the additional materials serving to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively as a method of delivering therapy or other agents to the system of a living being.
US07931694B2	Stomach peristalsis device and method The invention relates to an implantable stomach prosthesis for surgically replacing or augmenting all or part of the antrum and/or pylorus of a stomach. The prosthesis controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. The prosthesis may be configured to churn ingested material and release it from the stomach through a prosthetic pyloric valve. At least one expandable member is arranged to be expanded to control the passage of food and/or to mimic the churning action of a patient's stomach. The prosthesis includes an outer support structure, a flexible inner member forming a conduit for the movement of material, and at least one expandable member located between the outer support structure and inner member. An implantable pump system is provided for inflating and deflating the expandable member(s).
US07931688B2	Expandable interbody fusion device An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers. The superior and inferior plates include features that at least initially interlock the two plates until the superior plate is dislodged by pressure from the growing wafer stack. The wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. Each wafer also includes features that interlock with the inferior plate until the wafer is dislodged by sequential introduction of another wafer.
US07931687B2	Tissue engineered osteochondral implant Compositions, methods of production and use, and kits for an osteochondral graft involving both articular cartilage and underlying bone are provided.
US07931686B2	Small incision intraocular lens with anti-PCO feature A thin intraocular lens for inhibiting posterior capsular opacification (PCO) includes an optic having an anterior concave region, a posterior concave region, a sharp edge which extends posteriorly and between the posterior concave region and at least a portion of an outer-most peripheral edge surface.
US07931683B2	Articles having ceramic coated surfaces According to an aspect of the invention, articles are provided which comprise a substrate and a ceramic coating which covers at least a portion of the substrate surface. The ceramic coating includes raised ceramic shells connected by a ceramic layer that is conformal with the substrate. According to another aspect of the present invention, carbon nanotubes are provided, which comprise a ceramic coating covering at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes.
US07931682B2	Warming device with varied permeability A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with separately-inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming. Each section has a surface or region with a permeability that varies from the permeability of a surface or region in another section.
US07931681B2	Anti-backout mechanism for an implant fastener A retaining mechanism engages a bone fastener to a bone plate as the bone fastener is positioned through a retaining mechanism in a plate hole while preserving multi-axial capabilities of the fastener relative to the plate during insertion of the fastener. When the head of the fastener is positioned adjacent the plate, the head can optionally be received in the retaining mechanism and expand the retaining mechanism to fixedly engage the retaining mechanism into locking engagement with the plate and lock the bone fastener in position relative to the plate. In another form, the multi-axial capabilities of the bone screw is preserved or at least partially preserved when the bone fastener is finally positioned in the retaining mechanism.
US07931680B2	Plate for lengthening the lateral column of the foot An implant for lengthening the lateral column of the foot is configured for engagement across the calcaneocuboid joint or across a space formed between two bone segments of the calcaneus bone. The implant includes a plate configured positioning on the bone segments and includes an array of screw holes at its opposite ends arranged for solid fixation to the corresponding bone using bone screws. The implant includes a wedge projecting from the bone engaging surface of the plate. The wedge has a width that is tapered toward the plantar aspect and toward the medial aspect of the foot.
US07931674B2	Interspinous process implant having deployable wing and method of implantation Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the distraction guide can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
US07931670B2	Tissue puncture closure device with automatic tamping A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.
US07931669B2	Integrated vascular device with puncture site closure component and sealant and methods of use Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a variety of apparatus suited for closing a vascular puncture. Once the closure component has been actuated to close the puncture, sealant is introduced to seal the puncture. The sheath and closure component are then removed from the patient.
US07931667B2	Medical instrument A medical instrument has an instrument insert (4) and an instrument handle (2) which are detachably connected to one another via a locking connection. A grip (24; 57) and a closure (26; 50) are provided for securing the locking connection. The closure (26; 50) may be moved into an unsecured position by movement of the grip (24; 57) as well as independently of a movement of the grip (24; 57).
US07931665B2	Guidewire filter and methods of use A filter system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The filter system includes a guidewire that is first positioned across a lesion within a vessel. The guidewire may include a distal stop. A slideable filter is then advanced along the guidewire using an advancing mechanism, typically an elongate member slideable over the guidewire and contacting the filter. A capture sheath may be disposed about the filter during advancement. Once the filter is positioned downstream of the lesion, the capture sheath is withdrawn, allowing the filter to expand. Further distal advancement of the filter is prohibited by the stop. After expansion of the filter, the capture sheath and the advancing mechanism are withdrawn from the region of interest, and removed from the patient's vessel. The filter may then be retrieved using a capture sheath or exchanged for a second filter after removing the first filter.
US07931663B2	Balloon catheter with non-deployable stent An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one extension section, at least one set of serpentine rings and at least one set of elongation links that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made of a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation of the balloon.
US07931662B2	Surgical marker/connector and method of installation A surgical marker/connector in the form of a ring made of a shape memory alloy such as NITINOL is suitable for laparoscopic installation in a patient's body. The ring preferably includes a plurality of small suture attachments in the form of loops that are disposed on the periphery of the ring and which lie in a plane that includes the ring itself. The loops are large enough to receive sutures which, in turn, can be used to connect the ring to a portion of a patient's body, or to connect separate portions of a patient's body to each other using the marker/connector as an intermediate connector. Prior to installation, the ring can be wrapped tightly about an elongate member such as a mandrel, which than can be inserted into the patient's body through a trochar or cannula. After insertion, the ring will change temperature and resume its original configuration where it can be sutured in place as desired.
US07931659B2	System and method for treating ischemic stroke A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke includes an elongate member and a receiver on a distal portion of the elongate member. The receiver includes structural members arranged to form a sleeve having a central lumen. A plurality of the structural members form engaging elements having apex regions that extend into the central lumen. During use of the thromboembolic removal system, the receiver is advanced over a body of thromboembolic material within a blood vessel, causing the body to be received into the central lumen, and causing the engaging elements to engage the body within the lumen.
US07931653B2	Device at fixing means for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures The present invention relates to a device at fixing means for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures, the fixing means (1) preferably being a spike for fixation of bone fragments at trochantery hip fractures. The fixing means (1) comprises a sleeve (5) and a pin (7) which is insertable into the sleeve (5) and displaceable in the longitudinal direction thereof. The pin (7) has a rear part (8) and at least two front parts (9, 10) with bent points or tips. Front parts of the sleeve (5) have openings (13, 14) through which the front parts (9, 10) of the pin (7) can be forced. The front parts (9, 10) of the pin (7) have a successively increasing thickness in backwards direction towards the rear part (8) of the pin (7) such that said front parts (9, 10), when forced or driven out of the sleeve (5) through the openings (13, 14), are formed into arcuate parts, the points (11, 12) of which are curved in backwards direction or substantially backwards relative to a geometric centre line along the pin (7), and such that those portions of the front parts (9, 10) which after said outward driving of the front parts (9, 10) are situated at the sleeve (5), are thicker and thereby stronger than those portions of the front parts (9, 10) which grip into the bone material (3).
US07931652B2	Orthopaedic plate and screw assembly Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of an implant, such as an intramedullary nail, and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and a compression screw assembly. The implant in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the implant. In some embodiments, the engaging member and the compression device are configured so that the compression device interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments. This configuration is useful for, among other things, compressing a fracture.
US07931650B2	Adjustable bone stabilizing frame system By providing components securable to anchor pins or screws of different diameters as well as providing clamps which hold associated pins in any position during adjustments, an external fixation or adjustable frame structure is provided which is capable of being quickly and easily assembled in any desired configuration. In the present invention, the frame structure is retained in any assembled configuration in order to allow final adjustments to be made, prior to the final securement of the frame assembly in the precisely desired configuration by closure of each clamp member. In this way, an entire frame assembly is capable of being constructed, adjusted, and readjusted in order to assure each component is oriented in the precisely desired position prior to final closure of the clamping members. In one preferred embodiment, the clamping members employed in the frame structure of the present invention incorporate friction pins internally mounted in each clamp which engages the rod member once this rod is inserted into the jaws of the clamp. In this way, any rod member inserted into the clamping jaws contacts the surface of the jaws and the friction pin, preventing the rod member from sliding or moving relative to the clamp. In addition, by incorporating a uniquely constructed, moving wedge plate that is adjustably engageable with any cooperating anchor pin, secure affixation of the mounting member with the anchor pins of any diameter is easily achieved, regardless of the orientation configuration, or diameter of the anchor pin.
US07931644B2	Operator-controlled scanning laser procedure designed for large-area epithelium removal Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such that an operator can detect penetration of the epithelial layer.
US07931643B2	Miniature pump for drug delivery A miniature drug delivery pump utilizes a shape memory Ni—Ti alloy. A flow restrictor is provided and the pump is refillable.
US07931642B2	Infusion pump comprising a computer for calculating the respective maximum permissible dosage Infusion pump for the delivery of a quantity of a medicament to the body of a patient determinable by means of an electronic control device, the pump being provided with a computer for calculating the maximum permitted administration quantity for each case as a function of the previously delivered quantity and with a blocking device for preventing further administration of the medicament on exceeding a predetermined, permitted maximum value, in which the computer determines the quantity or concentration of the active substance in the body of the patient resulting from the delivered medicament quantity and its breaking down in the body and compares it with the predetermined maximum value.
US07931639B2	Panty The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.
US07931638B2	Diapers having a zoned non-attachable back sheet and methods of manufacturing same According to one embodiment, an absorbent article to be worn about a wearer has a front portion and a back portion. The absorbent article includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, an absorbent layer and one or more fasteners, which are located on the back portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form the absorbent article. The outer layer has a central portion between two side portions. The central portion of the outer layer is treated with a chemical to substantially inhibit attachment of the one or more fasteners to the central portion of the outer layer. The one or more fasteners secure the back portion to the outer layer of the front portion. Specifically, the one or more fasteners are configured to secure the back portion to a region of the outer layer which is not treated with the chemical.
US07931637B2	Hemostatic compositions and uses therefor The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to achieve hemostasis at an increased rate. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that achieve a hemostatic effect at a distance from the site of application of the composition, and a method for administering such a composition to effectively reduce localized vascular complications associated with treating a breach or puncture in a vein or artery and reduce the time to achieve hemostasis.
US07931636B2	Simple disposable absorbent article A simple disposable pant-like garment includes a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis, which can be extensible, includes a water-impermeable sheet folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to the interior surface of the chassis adjacent to its end edges. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The absorbent assembly is smaller in width and in length than the chassis. The side edges and end edges of the absorbent assembly can be disposed proximally relative to the respective side edges and end edges of the chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that can contain superabsorbent particles contained inside pockets. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow portions of the chassis to extend laterally.
US07931635B1	Method of making oversized adult incontinence diapers exceeding overall width capacity of converting machinery and diaper formed thereby Oversized adult diapers are made on converting machinery designed for handling only components no greater than a maximum component width, while utilizing as an outer layer component of the diapers an elongate sheet-like web having a width exceeding the maximum component width of the machinery. The web is pre-formed with at least one folded pleat along a laterally outward margin of the web, such that the pleat reduces the width of the web to less than the maximum component width. The pleat is temporarily tacked to retain the pleat against unfolding while the web is handled by the machinery, but is yieldable to unfold when a diaper made with the web is donned for wearing. The pre-formed pleated web is delivered to the machinery, which is then operated in normal manner to incorporate the web into a plurality of diapers.
US07931631B2	Peelable and flushable ostomy pouch and method of use An ostomy appliance having a face plate assembly and inner and outer pouches joined thereto, has its outer pouch provided with one or more peripherally-extending sealing seams that allow the walls of the outer pouch to be separated by peeling forces applied in directions transverse to such seam or seams. In preferred embodiments, the sealing seam, also peelably join the peripheral edges of the outer pouch to those of the inner pouch. A method of disposing of the pouch assembly of such an ostomy appliance is also disclosed.
US07931622B2	Tip protector for cannula, trocar and/or cannula trocar combination A needle protector that protects the tip or distal end of a cannula, a trocar, or a cannula/trocar combination, is provided by an extruded tubing that has at least a section thereof that includes one or a plurality of protrusions or protuberances that are configured in a given fashion so that there is a slight bend created at that section of the tube, when the tube is fitted onto a cannula or trocar with the protrusions coming into contact with the outer diameter surface of the cannula or trocar. This results in friction contact between the protrusions and the cannula or trocar to maintain the tube protector in place relative to the cannula or trocar. The protrusions may be punched or lanced in the tube to a given depth towards the interior of the tube to establish a given friction contact.
US07931620B2	Self-sealing connection for housing shells of an administering device Administering device for infusing or injecting a product, comprising a housing (1, 2) with a first housing shell (1) and a second housing shell (2), a receiver (3) for the product formed in the housing (1, 2), a conveying mechanism (4) for conveying the product and a seal (10), which connects the housing shells (1, 2) to one another in a pressing contact rendering them watertight, which seal (10) is or has a sealing lip (13) which establishes the pressing contact with the first housing shell (1).
US07931619B2	Power injection catheters A power injection catheter for high flow rate delivery of fluids. The power injection catheter may include a pressure relief mechanism for preventing overpressurizing within the lumen of the catheter. The pressure relief mechanism may be configured to prevent sudden pressure build-up inside the catheter lumen by absorbing, buffering or releasing pressure inside the lumen during pressure spikes. The power injection catheter may also take the form of a multi-lumen catheter capable of simultaneous infusions of a single fluid through two or more of the lumens in the catheter.
US07931618B2	Apparatuses and methods for injecting medicines to a desired depth A reloadable medicine injector and methods are described in which a barrel with a receiving cavity is adapted to slidably receive a syringe subassembly for axial movement therein. Upon removal of a safety and release of a syringe driver, the syringe driver moves forward and injects the syringe needle. A plurality of penetration controls are shown for controlling injection needle penetration depth. The penetration controls have an abutment and various lengths to provide different needle penetration depth positions. In one form of penetration control a sleeve is used against which the syringe or related parts contact. In another form the front return spring is used as a penetration control. A cushioning ring may be used to reduce syringe breakage. A load distribution and guide ring may be used to distribute loading applied to the syringe and help guide the moving syringe.
US07931610B2	Blood purification apparatus A blood purification apparatus that can make the specific peak to be imparted to the blood more distinct, and therefore can detect blood recirculation reliably and precisely, is presented. It contains a blood circuit route, a blood pump, a dialyzer, dialysate introduction and discharge lines, a duplex pump, a pressurizing pump, a blood concentration means, and detection means that detect the specific peak imparted by the blood concentration means. The blood concentration means is configured to have an atmosphere release line, the tip of which is open to the atmosphere, that extends from between the pressurizing pump and the duplex pump in the dialysate discharge line, and to have an electromagnetic valve that can open or close the atmosphere release line. The electromagnetic valve opens the atmosphere release line to impart the specific peak by rapidly concentrating the blood flowing in the dialyzer for a short period of time.
US07931608B2	Pediatric splint A splinting device for receiving and stabilizing a plurality of fingers. The splinting device has a main body having a generally rigid and planar upper surface and lower surface, a first side edge and a second side edge, a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The main body has a hood at its distal end portion upending proximally over the upper surface of the main body. The hood has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the lower surface of the hood and the upper surface of the main body define an interior space for receiving a plurality of fingers. In one embodiment, the splinting device also includes a glove portion comprising a wrist attachment and a flap. The main body may comprise an attachment mechanism for attaching the main body to the wrist attachment of the glove portion.
US07931606B2	Compression apparatus A compression apparatus is described having a sleeve and an inflatable member disposed within the sleeve, the inflatable member being movable in relation to the sleeve. The compression apparatus includes a hook and loop features attached to the foot sleeve for securing compression apparatus to the feet.
US07931605B2	Electro-mechanical sexual stimulation device to be worn during intercourse A device for use by a female for sexual stimulation comprising an inner arm dimensioned for insertion into a vagina, to contact the wall of the vagina at or near the G-spot, an outer arm dimensioned to contact the clitoris, and a resilient U-shaped member connecting the inner and outer arms.
US07931601B2	Monitoring system for cardiac surgical operations with cardiopulmonary bypass A monitoring system for cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass comprising: a processor operatively connected to a heart-lung machine; a pump flow detecting device connected to a pump of the heart-lung machine to continuously measure the pump flow value and send it to the processor; a hematocrit reading device inserted inside the arterial or venous line of the heart-lung machine to continuously measure the blood hematocrit value and to send it to the processor; a data input device to allow the operator to manually input data regarding the arterial oxygen saturation and the arterial oxygen tension; computing means integrated in the processor to compute the oxygen delivery value on the basis of the measured pump flow, the measured hematocrit value, the preset value of arterial oxygen saturation, and the preset value of arterial oxygen tension; and a display connected to the processor to display in real-time the computed oxygen delivery value.
US07931600B2	Apparatus and method for detecting lung sounds using an implanted device Adventitious lung sounds indicative of lung congestion are detected using an implantable sensor. The sensor is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a pulmonary system and to output signals indicative of lung sounds in response to pulmonary system activity. A controller receives the signals and processes the signals to detect the presence of adventitious lung sounds. A respiratory cycle sensor operating in conjunction with the lung-sound sensor enables classification of an adventitious lung sound according to its time occurrence within the respiratory cycle. Posture sensing in conjunction with lung-sound sensing provides valuable additional information as to the severity of the lung congestion.
US07931598B2	Implantable pressure monitor An implantable pressure monitor.
US07931597B2	Anchored implantable pressure monitor An anchored implantable pressure monitor.
US07931592B2	Systems and methods for monitoring health and delivering drugs transdermally The present invention pertains to a system and method for transdermal sampling, comprising: at least one sampler for retrieving and transferring at least one analyte obtained transdermally from the skin of a subject; at least one detector system for identifying and quantifying said at least one analyte; and at least one logic module for (i) receiving and storing input data from said at least one detector, (ii) relating the input data to other data obtained from the subject, (iii) displaying output information, (iv) transmitting the output information to another system, and (v) controlling the operation of said at least one sampler and at least one detector.
US07931584B2	Medical capsule housing formed by thermal welding A medical capsule housing includes first and second outer members made of a resin material, both having an opening at one end. The first and second outer members are thermally welded by ultrasonic welding at an abutting portion. The abutting portion includes a sharp edged line portion which forms the opening end portion of the first outer member and an inclined surface portion which forms the opening end portion of the second outer member. The sharp edged line portion is provided in a closed space formed by the first outer member and the second outer member before the ultrasonic welding.
US07931582B2	Controlled impotence treatment A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus comprises an operable restriction device (56) implanted in a patient and engaging the penile tissue (58) or the prolongation thereof to form a restrictable blood flow passageway through which blood flow leaves the penis. The restriction device is operable by an implanted operation device (60) to change the restriction of the blood flow passageway. A control device (62 and 64) is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device. The patient uses the control device to restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection.
US07931577B2	Magnetic field applicator system A magnetic field applicator system wherein a plurality of magnets are generally fixed within an applicator base, each of the plurality of magnets having a magnetic axis at an angle different to other magnets in the plurality of magnets. The magnetic axis may be random with respect to others within the plurality of magnets. Also disclosed is a system for making the magnetic field applicator system.
US07931576B2	Table for a chopper folding device and corresponding chopper folding device This table for a chopper folding device comprises a surface (20) for application of products to be folded (17), the application surface (20) extending along an application plane (PA), a folding opening (22) suitable for the passage of the products to be folded (17), at least one first guide portion (28) disposed adjacent to the folding opening (22) and comprising a first guide surface (32) inclined with respect to application plane. The table (12) comprises guiding means suitable for urging the product to be folded towards the first guide surface (32) and a first main suction hole (36) which opens on the first guide surface (32).
US07931575B2	Apparatus for performing body exercises A method of using a self-contained portable exercise apparatus for performing upper and/or lower body exercises. The method includes performing a body exercise without weights using an elastic cord, a stability ball, and/or a stretch cord with an apparatus having a ground-engaging base plate which rigidly supports first and second vertical members, where each vertical member has aligned clearance openings. Holding members are attached to the base plate for removably holding stretch cords and a support bar is removably received by two aligned clearance openings in the first and second vertical members.
US07931574B2	Apparatus for autonomously performing physiotherapic exercises An apparatus for performing lumbar stretching treatments comprises a supporting structure where at least one electric motor vertically moves leg supporting members. A person that needs performing lumbar stretching treatments takes the right position at the apparatus and autonomously controls it powering the vertical movement of the leg supporting means which put into traction the lower section of the person's back. The apparatus may also be installed on specific beds having a lay surface horizontally translatable in order to improve the comfortable use of the apparatus.
US07931568B1	Ski exercising apparatus A ski exercising apparatus includes a ski unit including two ski members each having a wavy slide rail extending in a front-to-rear direction, two pedal units mounted slidably and respectively on the slide rails of the ski members, at least one pull rope mounted movably to the ski members and having two opposite ends connected respectively to the pedal units, two handle units connected pivotally and respectively to the ski members, and at least one connection unit disposed between and interconnecting the ski members and adjustable to change the position and orientation of one of the ski members relative to that of the other ski member.
US07931567B2	Apparatus for isolating an injured ankle or foot during aerobic exercise An exercise apparatus and method for isolating an ankle during aerobic exercise on a bicycle configured to be worn on the leg of a person having an ankle injury so that the person may operate the bicycle with the leg having the ankle injury without pressure on the ankle, wherein weight and force are distributed from the pedal to the calf and thigh without implicating the ankle.
US07931565B2	Swing exercise machine In a swing exercise machine having a seat, a seat driving apparatus that moves the seat along a locus formed by a combination of a periodic swing motion around an anteroposterior swing shaft and a periodic swing motion around a transverse swing shaft, and a control circuit that can control rotation speed and rotation direction of a motor. The control circuit can switch the rotation direction of the motor, so that the seat can be moved in a reverse direction along the locus. Since the human body is asymmetrical in the anteroposterior direction, the regions of the human body where muscle activities occur when the seat is moved in the reverse direction are different from those when the seat is moved in a normal direction. Thereby, it is possible to vary the effect of the swing exercise on the human body.
US07931560B2	Method and arrangement for adapting shifting strategies in a heavy vehicle including an automated transmission and experiencing a PTO load Method and arrangement for adjusting shift characteristics of a transmission of a heavy vehicle. A heavy vehicle is operated and that is powered by an internal combustion engine equipped with an automated manual transmission and a power take off. The power take off, when operating, imposes a torque-consuming load on the engine. Operation of the power take off is detected when the engine of the vehicle is in a power mode. At least one gear-shift event is adapted to occur at a higher engine speed when power take off operation is detected than when power take off operation is not detected. The gear-shift event is affected at an engine speed that is approximately five to twenty-five percent higher than when power take off operation is not detected. The gear-shift event may be an up-shift to a lower ratio gear engagement or a down-shift to a higher ratio gear engagement.
US07931557B2	Axle assembly method A method that includes positioning a differential assembly between a pair of journals in a differential housing, threading hollow adjusters into the journals, installing a retaining member over each of the hollow adjusters such that the retainer engages a non-circular feature on a respective one of the hollow adjusters, and pressing each of the retaining members into a counterbore formed on an assocated one of the journals such that the retaining members engage the differential housing in via an interference fit to inhibit relative rotation between the retaining members and the differential housing.
US07931553B2	Bicycle sprocket apparatus with a chain support structure A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket mounting member, a first sprocket, and a second sprocket. The sprocket mounting member includes a hub mounting portion and a sprocket mounting portion, wherein the hub mounting portion is structured to be mounted to a rotating hub that rotates around a rotational axis. The sprocket mounting portion includes a first sprocket mounting surface that faces in a first direction and a second sprocket mounting surface that faces in an opposite second direction. The first sprocket is disposed at the first sprocket mounting surface, and the second sprocket is disposed at the second sprocket mounting surface. A fastener fastens the first sprocket to the first sprocket mounting surface, and a chain supporting structure extends from the fastener in the first direction and projects in the first direction away from a side surface of the first sprocket that faces in the first direction.
US07931552B2	Pulley with torque-sensitive clutching A pulley assembly for use in an automobile accessory drive system includes a shaft engaging member including a bore for receiving an accessory input shaft for engagement therewith. A pulley member includes a bore receiving an axially extending shaft of the shaft engaging member. The pulley member includes a first coupling surface and a peripheral belt-engaging surface. A shaft extension member transfers torque between the pulley member and the shaft engaging member. The shaft extension member includes a second coupling surface facing the first coupling surface. The first and second coupling surfaces couple together when torque applied to the shaft extension member is in a first direction such that the shaft extension member and the shaft engaging member rotate with the pulley member. The first and second coupling surfaces decouple when torque applied to the shaft extension member is in a second direction opposite the first direction such that the shaft engaging member rotates relative to the pulley member.
US07931548B2	Lacrosse head having a ball stop portion with lowered bottom surface A lacrosse stick including a lacrosse head attached to a handle, wherein the lacrosse head has a taller, or thicker, ball stop, wherein a portion of the ball stop portion is lowered with respect to the immediately adjacent portions of the sidewall portions relative to a centerline of the handle. The net securing structures in the ball stop are preferably located in the lowered portion and therein provides increased ball retention characteristics. The lower portion of the ball stop portion includes a concave inner surface that is preferably flared, or sloped, slightly outwardly along its interior surface from its front side to its back side. The openings for attaching the netting in the ball stop are preferably slightly recessed with respect to the upper surface.
US07931547B2	Baseball pitcher's eye training and game Provided are articles comprising targets useful in aiding persons desiring to improve their baseball pitching skills. An article according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a target area that corresponds substantially in size with the strike zone in American baseball, and the target area is divided into quadrants each of a contrasting color with respect to one another. A plurality of characters, such as numbers, are disposed about the periphery of the target area.
US07931546B2	Metal wood club with improved moment of inertia A more efficient triangular shape for metal wood clubs or driver clubs is disclosed. This triangular shape allows the clubs to have higher rotational moments of inertia in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and a lower center of gravity.
US07931545B2	Metal wood club with improved hitting face A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. Each material has a different tensile modulus of elasticity, where the center of the hitting face has a much higher tensile modulus of elasticity than the surrounding portions of the hitting face. This creates a stiff center and a more easily deflected concentric portion. In another embodiment, the materials have different yield strengths, where the center of the hitting face has a very high yield strength compared to the surrounding portions of the hitting face. The hitting face may then plastically deform around its periphery, while the center retains its original shape.
US07931543B2	Temporary golf club shaft-component connection A temporary shaft-component connection for assembling a selected golf club shaft with a club head and/or hand grip segment, to facilitate custom club design and fitting to suit the needs and preferences of an individual golfer. The temporary shaft-component connection is particularly designed for use with nonmetallic club shafts formed from a graphite-based composite material or the like having a range of different lengths and stiffness (whip) characteristics. In a shaft-head connection, a metal adapter insert is mounted onto a lower end of the club shaft and includes one or more flat surfaces for reception into a matingly shaped socket in the hosel of a selected club head to prevent relative rotation between the club shaft and head. A compression nut carried on the shaft is threaded onto the hosel to axially engage and retain a thrust flange on the shaft or adapter or adapter insert, to prevent axial separation of the club head and shaft.
US07931538B2	Torque dampening compensator for a vehicle A torque dampening compensator for a vehicle including an isolator member disposed between an input member and an output member. The isolator member includes isolator elements disposed between corresponding lugs of the respective input and output members. The lugs of the output member have a draft angle, and the isolator elements have contact faces corresponding to the respective lugs with unequal axial depths to induce a moment on each isolator element that counteracts a thrust load between the input and output members initiated by the draft angle. One isolator element of the isolator member is formed to have a size corresponding to the space provided between adjacent lugs of the input and output members and a shape that is dissimilar from the space. The one isolator element is resiliently deformable into the space.
US07931537B2	Voice input in a multimedia console environment Apparatus and methods are provided for enabling a microphone module that connects to a headset jack on a game controller. The microphone may include directional or omni-directional microphone element(s) that pick up voice input from people near a peripheral, such as a game controller, but reject background sounds from the room. User controls may also be available to set the microphone gain level, either manually or automatically, and/or to mute or unmute the microphone. The microphone of the invention can be used on a wired or wireless game controller. When used with a wireless game controller, wireless microphone capabilities and freedom of movement are provided without headdress requirements imposed by headsets.
US07931534B2	Control program for action game A control program for an action game according to the present invention in which one of a plurality of characters moving in a game space is selected to be an attack target, in response to an operation of a game player, comprises: a selectable candidate object judging step of judging each of said plurality of characters as to whether or not it is a selectable candidate object which is qualified to be an attack target and which is in position relationship which could be selected as an attack target, a selection order deciding step of deciding an order of selecting those of said plurality of selectable candidate objects, which have been judged by the selectable candidate object judging step; and an attack target changing step of selecting, based on the selection order decided by the selection order deciding step, one of said plurality of characters as an attack target and sequentially changing the attack target in response to an attack target changing operation by the game player. The control program permits one of a plurality of characters contained in a game space to be efficiently selected as a game target.
US07931531B2	Gaming system and method providing an interactive game with automatic wagers A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account.
US07931527B2	Video poker draw game A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game is provided. The method may comprise predetermining a predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying a first hand, where the first hand includes a first plurality of cards. The method may also comprise accepting a selection of held cards selected from the first hand. The method may also comprise displaying a second hand, where the second hand includes a second plurality of cards including the held cards. The method may also comprise determining a third hand, where the third hand including a third plurality of cards so that at least one of the second hand and the third hand provides the predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying the third hand. The method may also comprise awarding the predetermined payout award to a player.
US07931526B2	21 to the river A method of playing a Blackjack game provides a side-bet against a bust. Should a bust occur the bust card is combined with four subsequently dealt playing cards to define a five-card poker hand. This resulting poker hand is compared to a predetermined hierarchy of poker hands, and payouts are awarded for winning outcomes.
US07931525B2	Air flow control in a ventilating pipe The invention relates to a device (10) for controlling airflow (A) in a ventilation pipe (12) comprising one or several air throttle (32) which are synchronously actuated and prevent air flowing (A) in the air pipe in the closed position thereof. The ventilation pipe (12) is provided with a longitudinally extending fixing bar (16) which is arranged on a symmetry plane and provided with the pivot bearing (30) of an axis (28) for driving the air throttle(s) (32) and means (50, 52) for transmitting a force and/or torque to the drive axis (28) connected to the air throttle(s) (32). Said fixing bar (16) provided with different air throttles (12) is usable for the ventilation pipes having different cross sections and forms, an angle (β), preferably, ranging from 15° to 90°, with a longitudinal axis (L) or with a wall (18) of said ventilation pipe (12).
US07931517B2	LED-based white-light lighting module for preventing glare and providing adjustable color temperature Disclosed is an illuminative module for enhancing the white balance while reducing thermal drift and color blocks. The illuminative module includes a substrate and light-emitting elements provided on the substrate to emitting light of the primary colors and a fourth color, respectively, so that the light of the primary colors is mixed with the light of the fourth color to provide white light.
US07931512B2	Manually operated watercraft A personal watercraft (10) comprises a floatation platform (12) and a separate module (14) including a water propulsor driving crank mechanism (22) and a keel (38) mounting the water propulsor. The separate module (14), when mounted to the platform (12), extends at right angles to the platform with the keel (38) and propeller (40) extending below the platform (12) and the propulsor driving crank mechanism (22) extending above the platform. The separate module (14) is readily separable from the platform (12) for ease of storage and transport.
US07931510B2	Crimp contact device with adjusted crimping force A crimp contact device includes a crimping member. The crimping member is configured to crimp a wire, and has a first portion and a second portion which is near to an end of the crimping member than the first portion. A pressure applied to the wire by the second portion is decreased according to a direction from the first portion toward the end of the crimping member.
US07931507B2	Conductive terminal assembly and electrical connector with the conductive terminal assembly An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a contact retaining member fixed to the insulative housing and a contact partly extending through the contact retaining member. The contact retaining member is fixed in a passageway defined in the insulative housing. The contact retaining member includes a ring and at least one elastic spring extending forwardly from the ring. The ring is closed along its circumferential direction while is central hollow. The contact includes a contact portion resided in the passageway and a fixing portion extending through the ring and the elastic spring under a condition that the fixing portion abuts against a free end of the elastic spring to limit backwardly removal of the contact.
US07931506B2	Wiring system and connector therefor A wiring system that allows easy installation into a vehicle and includes a connector that allows functional signals to perform a function in a connector while passing through the connector.
US07931498B2	Coaxial cable connector with a deformable compression cap to form a constriction A coaxial cable connector for connecting a coaxial cable to an RF port, wherein the cable connector is comprised of a connector subassembly and a compression cap. The connector subassembly is of simple inexpensive construction and is comprised of a fastener, a tubular post, and a connector body. The connector subassembly may function a stand-alone crimpable cable connector. The compression cap may be placed over the end of a coaxial cable, and compressed onto the connector subassembly to secure a prepared end of the cable within the compressed and assembled connector.
US07931493B2	Cable assembly with a firm connection between a plurality of wires and a connector A cable assembly comprises an insulative housing defining an opening through two opposite top and bottom surfaces. A plurality of contacts are assembled in the insulative housing, each contact has a mating portion and a connecting portion. A plurality of wires are disposed on the top surface of the insulative housing, each wire defines a conductor electrically connected with the connecting portion and a metallic braiding layer surrounding the conductor. A conductive plate is assembled to the insulative housing and soldered with one side of the metallic braiding layers of the wires. A metallic shell encloses the insulative housing and defines a grounding tab extending into the corresponding opening of the insulative housing. The grounding tab is attached and soldered with another side of the metallic braiding layers of the wires facing to the opening of the insulative housing.
US07931489B2	Wire to board connector An electrical connector for connecting wires to components includes an insulative body member having a longitudinally extending leg defined between opposite longitudinal ends. A plurality of spaced apart side walls define adjacently disposed connector positions along the leg. A wire insertion opening is defined in a front wall of the body member at each of the connector positions. A connector element is disposed transverse to the leg at each of the connector positions. The connector element includes a first resilient contact arm extending above the side walls for pressing mating contact with a conductive pad of a separate respective component. The connector element includes a second resilient contact arm in biased engagement against a shoulder of the body member. Upon insertion of an exposed conductive wire core through the wire insertion opening, the wire core causes the second resilient contact arm to flex towards and remain in biased electrical contact engagement against the wire core.
US07931487B1	Electrical terminal connector and method of connection A connector for providing an electrical connection between two insulated covered electrical wires consists of a cylindrical member made of electricity conductive metal. The cylindrical member is made from a flexible plate appropriately rolled and configured to include two cylindrical elements interconnected by an intermediate section. The cylindrical elements each have a plurality of sharp blade elements which form jagged serrated edges around the perimeter of one end of each element. Insulated electrical wires are pushed through the cylindrical elements and their serrated edges and then pulled back. This causes the blade elements to pierce the insulation around the electrical wires, thus forming a secure electrical connection between the wires and the cylindrical member.
US07931481B2	Balanced transmission connector A balanced transmission connector includes an insulation block including a contact connecting part for connecting with another connector at a front part of the insulation block and connecting with a substrate at a bottom part of the insulation block, a first signal contact including an upper contact portion projecting from the front of the insulation block and a first lead portion projecting from the rear of the insulation block and extending toward the substrate, a second signal contact including a lower contact portion projecting from the front of the insulation block and a second lead portion projecting from the rear of the insulation block and extending toward the substrate, retaining portions formed on a rear part of the insulation block retaining the first and second lead portions from both sides. The first and second lead portions extend substantially in parallel while maintaining a shortest distance with respect to the substrate.
US07931472B2	Apparatus for transferring electric power from a mobile unit placed in various orientation on a stationary unit An apparatus and method for transferring power from a stationary unit to a mobile unit are introduced in order to improve on the existing methods of supplying power to appliances and mobile devices.The stationary unit is comprised of multiple magnetic and electromagnetic switches, which are activated only when in close proximity to a mobile unit comprising of a set of magnets of opposite polarity to the magnetic and electromagnetic switches in the stationary unit thus ensuring a safe and easy to use system for supplying power from the stationary unit to the mobile unit.The stationary unit may be large enough to allow the connection of multiple mobile units on a single stationary unit. Each mobile unit can then adjust the voltage supplied by the stationary unit to fit the requirements of its own appliance or mobile device thus allowing different types of devices to connect to the same source (the stationary unit).
US07931470B2	Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems An interface device and method for interfacing instruments to a medical procedure simulation system serve to interface peripherals in the form of mock medical instruments to the medical procedure simulation system computer to enable simulation of medical procedures. The interface device includes a housing having a mock bodily region of interest to facilitate insertion of a mock instrument, such as an endoscope tube, into the interface device. The mock bodily region of interest may be pivotable to simulate various patient orientations. The instrument is engaged by a capture mechanism in order to measure rotational and translational motion of the instrument. An actuator is disposed within the interface device to provide force feedback to the instrument. The measured motion is provided to the computer system to reflect instrument motion on the display during the simulation. Alternatively, the interface device may be configured to accommodate instrument assemblies having a plurality of nested instruments (e.g., sheath, catheter and wire), whereby the interface device individually grasps, measures manipulation of and provides force feedback to the nested instruments. In addition, the interface device may be configured to simultaneously accommodate a plurality of independently inserted instruments.
US07931467B2	Method for determining an air ratio in a burner for a fuel cell heater, a fuel cell heater A method for determining an air ratio in a burner for a fuel cell heater having an ionization sensor in the range of the flame and which is fed with two different gases for combustion, one of said gases being obtained from a gas treatment, wherein a measurement signal of the ionization sensor is converted into an actual value for the air ratio depending on one or more variable of states of the gas treatment.
US07931466B2	Flare gas flammability control A plant gas to be flared in the atmosphere is periodically sampled and analyzed as to its Btu content, a first comparison made of 1) the most recent of such analyses with 2) a predetermined steady state set point, a second comparison made of 3) an average of a plurality of such analyses including an historical minimum Btu content with 4) a predetermined dynamic set point, and fuel added to the plant gas based on the larger fuel requirement of these first and second comparisons.
US07931463B2	Apparatus for potting membranes An apparatus for potting membranes. The apparatus may include a mould for receiving ends of the membranes, means for forming a first layer of a curable resin material around the ends in the mould, and means for applying a second layer of a flexible resin material to the first layer prior to full curing of the first layer. The flexible resin material may be chemically reactive with the curable resin material to form an adhesive bond therebetween. A potting sleeve may be positioned within the mould. A centrifuge may receive the curable resin and/or the flexible resin material upstream of the mould.
US07931461B2	Mould member for moulding three-dimensional products, system and methods of manufacturing a mould member A mould member for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials, which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, includes a body having a porous structure and a plurality of mould cavities. The mould cavities each have a mould cavity wall defined by the body and an opening in a surface of the body. The body includes at least one essentially fluid tight barrier.
US07931460B2	Material delivery system for use in solid imaging A disposable liquid build material feed cartridge for use in a solid imaging apparatus and a method of dispensing build material for use in such an apparatus with a radiation transparent build material carrier. The disposable liquid build material feed cartridge recovers unused liquid material from the radiation transparent build material carrier and recycles it through a filter into a supply reservoir for reuse. A dispersing roller is employed to express any entrapping air bubbles in the solidifiable liquid build material that is dispensed onto the radiation transparent build material carrier prior to its being imaged.
US07931458B2	Method and devices for producing fiber-reinforced components Injection structure with a fiber-composite semifinished product for manufacturing a fiber-composite component, having a gate device for feeding matrix material, a distribution fabric, and a barrier layer that is impermeable to the matrix material, wherein the distribution fabric is arranged between the gate device and the fiber-composite semifinished product, and the barrier layer is arranged between the distribution fabric and the fiber-composite semifinished product, as well as device for manufacturing a fiber-composite component by this injection structure.
US07931455B2	Injection molding apparatus having magnetic valve pin coupling An actuated part, such as a valve pin plate or actuator piston, is movable in forward and rearward directions. A coupling part is located rearward of the actuated part and held in position by magnetic attraction between the coupling part and the actuated part. A valve pin is coupled to the coupling part. The valve pin extends in the forward direction for opening and closing a mold gate. When a stopping force applied to the valve pin is greater than a force of the magnetic attraction between the coupling part and the actuated part, the actuated part moves away from the coupling part in the forward direction, thereby reducing the stopping force on the valve pin.
US07931453B2	Capacity variable device for rotary compressor and driving method of air conditioner having the same A capacity variable device for a rotary compressor and an operation method of an air conditioner having the same are provided. The capacity variable device includes a valve hole in which a sliding valve slidingly inserted is formed at a cylinder, and a bypass hole formed to cross the valve hole and communicating with an intake hole of the cylinder such that resistance of a refrigerant being bypassed is reduced and the operation is performed with its cooling capability lowered. Various operation modes of the air conditioner employing the same are performed and a power consumption is reduced, thus, the efficiency of the compressor is improved. In addition, a structure of the capacity variable device is simplified, thereby lowering a manufacturing cost, simplifying assembly and thusly improving productivity.
US07931448B2	System and method for manufacturing a brushless DC motor fluid pump A system and method for manufacturing a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor fluid pump is disclosed. The system includes an electromagnetic forming device, an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The electromagnetic forming device has a central cavity. The central cavity has a predefined depth from an outer surface of the electromagnetic forming device. The upper fixture is disposed in the central cavity. The upper fixture has a pump stop surface that contacts the BLDC motor fuel pump, and the pump stop surface is selectively spaced from the outer surface of the electromagnetic forming device. A lower fixture having a central cavity for receiving the housing of the BLDC motor fluid pump is provided. A cylinder is configured to move the lower fixture towards the upper fixture until the pump stop surface of the upper fixture contacts the BLDC motor fluid pump. The electromagnetic forming device is activated to seal the housing of the pump assembly once the pump assembly is properly positioned within the magneforming device.
US07931445B2	Apparatus and method for cleaning an active flow control (AFC) system of a wind turbine An active flow control (AFC) system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The AFC system includes at least two manifolds at least partially defined within the at least one rotor blade, at least one aperture in flow communication with each manifold of the at least two manifolds, a gas supply coupled in flow communication with the at least two manifolds, and a valve system operatively coupled to the gas supply. The valve system is configured to block a gas flow to a first manifold of the at least two manifolds to redistribute the gas flow to a second manifold of the at least two manifolds.
US07931443B1	High twist composite blade A turbomachine with a row of blades in which the blades are structured such that the blades can untwist at higher rotational speeds in order to provide optimal aerodynamics at different rotational speeds. Each blade is formed with a thin slot between the pressure side wall and the suction side wall so that stresses from centrifugal forces occurring during high rotations will not pass from adjacent walls and allow for the blade to untwist more than a solid blade. Each blade is formed from a fiber laminated composite material with the fibers oriented at different directions to form different stiffness in each direction so that a desired untwist can occur based upon a given blade mass and rotational speed. A thin sheet of a slippery material can be placed within the thin slot and between the adjacent airfoil walls to allow slippage between the adjacent walls and to promote damping for the blade.
US07931433B2	Apparatus for level ride lift A lift having a platform with a substantially level ride is described. The lift reduces the distance between the ground and the platform in the ground position. An extension plate having receiving portions for accommodating portions of the lift when the platform is in a bed level position.
US07931430B2	Swagable washer locking plate A locking device for a rotational based fastener for fastening an object to a substrate, the device including a washer for placement between the fastener head and the object a locking plate for removable engagement to the fastener head to prevent relative rotation of the locking plate and the fastener head, and a flexible, substantially non-elastic integral folded tab connecting the locking plate and washer, the locking plate has a first aperture to receive the the fastener shank such that the fastener head will upon tightening draw the washer into tight contact with the substrate, the locking plate is larger than the fastener head and has a second aperture of smaller or equal size than the fastener head, and the locking plate includes a swagable portion near the perimeter of the second aperture to bridge the fastener head when the locking plate is swaged over the fastener.
US07931428B2	Aircraft payload retention system for interior loads An aircraft payload retention system includes a cable, a brake assembly, a hollow crushable member and a hollow structural member. The hollow structural member is fixed adjacent an aircraft internal cargo bay. In response to a high-G condition, the payload may break free from a tie-down system and move forward. The brake assembly engages the hollow crushable member within the hollow structural member and begins to crush the hollow crushable member as the cable is pulled therethrough to dissipate energy of the payload into the structure of the aircraft to arrest forward movement of the payload toward the cockpit.
US07931427B1	Programmable cutting tool coolant apparatus A programmable apparatus for cooling cutting tools including a pair of channels formed in the apparatus and formed from a pair of circular channel members, a nozzle associated with each channel to direct fluid onto the cutting tool, and control means to selectively direct fluid to the channels.
US07931425B2	Cutting tool having coolant delivery system for providing cutting fluid in a fan-like pattern A cutting tool includes a body having a forward end and a rearward end. The forward end includes an insert-receiving pocket. The body further includes a coolant delivery system comprising a main coolant passage having a main coolant inlet extending from the rearward end toward the forward end, a primary coolant passage in fluid communication with the main coolant passage and having a primary coolant outlet exiting from the insert-receiving pocket, and a secondary coolant passage in fluid communication with the primary coolant passage and having a secondary coolant outlet exiting into the insert-receiving pocket. The primary coolant outlet intersects the secondary coolant outlet to form an outlet having a substantially non-circular shape. As a result, the coolant fluid exiting the outlet is in a fan-like pattern and is evenly distributed over the cutting edge of the insert.
US07931423B2	Drainage element A preassembled drainage line element is fabricated at least in part of a biodegradable material, such as kraft paper or a plastic film. The biodegradable material may be perforated to impart a characteristic of water permeability to the material.
US07931422B2	Water-ballasted protection barrier A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.
US07931420B2	Multivalent section for making frames, supports, supporting structures and the like A section element for constructing frames, supporting structures and the like made up of a section body (10) having one or more flat surfaces (11) and one or more rounded sectors (12) as parts of a circumference with a preset diameter. In correspondence with each flat surface (11) a longitudinal groove (13) is provided with parallel borders defining undercuts (15). The section body can be connected to other elements by means of clamps (16) each one delimiting at least one cylindrical in diameter housing matching that of the cylindrical surface defined by the rounded sectors of the section body and having at least one additional centering member designed to fit in the groove along at least one of the flat surfaces.
US07931415B2	Knock-type writing instrument having a shock-relaxing device Upon depressing a knock rod in a state of writing of FIG. 8A, a cam protuberance 3b of a rotor turns rightward to assume a position shown in FIG. 8B. Upon removing a finger, the cam protuberance 3b turns sliding on a tilted surface, arrives at a position shown in FIG. 8C through a first vertical motion (distance d) and, further, arrives at a position shown in FIG. 8D through a second vertical motion (distance e). Here, a tilted surface of cam protuberance 3b comes in collision with a tilted surface of an inner cylinder cam 2b twice, and shocks are transmitted to a refill 7. By forming a step between the front half and the rear half of the tilted surface of the inner cylinder cam 2b, however, a distance of vertical motion of the cam protuberance 3b each time is shortened to decrease the shock of collision imparted to the refill each time.
US07931413B2	Printing system ribbon including print transferable circuitry and elements Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.
US07931412B2	Extendable camera support and stabilization apparatus A support system used to orient and utilize equipment remotely positioned from an operator and supported in a stabilized manner. The support system includes a balance pole with a master end and a slave end. Master component masses are connected to and balanced at the balance pole master end on a master sled with a master gimbal apparatus, and slave component masses are connected to and balanced at the balance pole slave end on a support structure or slave sled with a slave gimbal apparatus. A tertiary gimbal is attached to the balance pole at its center of balance. The system includes a mechanism to replicate the motion of the master gimbal at the slave gimbal so the orientation of the master sled is mimicked by the slave sled.
US07931406B2	Sensor-equipped cover for vehicular-wheel bearing assembly A sensor-equipped structure of a vehicular-wheel bearing assembly mounted to an outer ring member of a vehicular-wheel bearing assembly, is provided with a sensor portion for detecting the rotation of an inner ring member rotatably disposed on a radially inner side of the outer ring member, and a cover formed of a metal. The sensor portion includes a sensor element for magnetically detecting the rotation of the inner ring member; a connector for supporting a terminal electrically connected with the sensor element; and a capacitor. The sensor portion is molded of a synthetic resin and unified with the cover. The cover has a through hole, the synthetic resin extends from an inner side of the cover through the through hole into the connector, the synthetic-resin is in contact with an inner surface of the cover and not in contact with a circumferential surface of the cover defining the through-hole.
US07931399B2	Chronograph watch The invention comprises a chronograph watch including a chronograph mechanism. The chronograph mechanism includes a chronograph train (50), and a counter mechanism (64) kinematically connected to the train (50). The counter mechanism (64) further includes first and second wheel sets (78, 82) respectively provided with first and second display members (36, 38), wherein the first wheel set (78) is angularly positioned using positioning members (86) so as to rotate in steps, and the second wheel set (82) is angularly positioned by the first wheel set (78).
US07931396B2	Backlight and display A backlight is provided for illuminating an at least partially transmissive display. The backlight includes a light source. A light guide receives the light from an edge surface and guides the light by total internal reflection. Groove structures which are located on at least one of the major surfaces of the light guide permit redistribution of light around obstacles that may be present within the light guide structure, thereby maintaining brightness uniformity of the backlight or illumination panel.
US07931393B2	Back-lit vehicle emblem A back-lit vehicle emblem (1) having a body (2) with a front surface (3) and a rear surface (4). The body may be in the shape of a logo, lettering showing the make and model of a vehicle or any other design, such as a sports team's logo, a religious symbol, etc. At least one light emitting diode (“LED”) (5), is located in a hollow portion (6) of the body. The rear surface has at least one edge (7) with at least one partially raised edge (8) so that when the at least one LED is activated, light emitted from the at least one LED shines under the raised edge of the back-lit emblem, thereby illuminating the emblem. The back-lit vehicle emblem may have at least one spacer (10) located on the rear surface that creates a space between the rear surface of the back-lit vehicle emblem and a vehicle (14). In addition, predetermined areas of the front surface of the back-lit vehicle emblem may be translucent areas (9) to allow even surfaced emblems to be illuminated.
US07931392B2	Motorcycle having headlight disposed within cavity in fork assembly A motorcycle includes a fork assembly and a headlight. The fork assembly is provided with a cavity. The headlight is at least partially disposed within the cavity in the fork assembly and is configured to selectively provide illumination ahead of the motorcycle.
US07931390B2	Jacketed LED assemblies and light strings containing same A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode, a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and a set of positive and negative contacts exiting said lens body from a base portion. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. An integrally molded plastic jacket is provided at the base portion of the lens body around said positive and negative contacts and connection points between the contacts and the wire set to provide a seal at the base portion and at the connection points against moisture and airborne contaminants, whereby a portion of the first and second electrical wires project from the jacket to define bendable contacts for providing an electrical connection with a lamp husk. An optional light transmissive cover may further be provided. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.
US07931388B2	Universal extensive sector light ring for microscopy and video inspection systems An adjustable illumination apparatus includes an illumination source having a housing carrying an illuminatable element. A mount is adapted to surround an imaging system lens. An extensible and retractable support has first and second ends mounts the illumination source to the mount. First and second connections movably couple the first and second ends of the support to the mount and the illumination source. The support includes one or more telescoping legs or a cross link bar assembly. In one aspect, the apparatus includes multiple illumination sources. The connections allow each illumination source to be independently positioned relative to other illumination sources. The illuminatable elements in each illumination source may be independently controlled.
US07931386B2	Flexible LED lighting strips including overmolding encasement and attached parallel electrical conductors A flexible lighting strip includes an insulated flexible electrical power cord and spaced apart modules connected therewith. Each module includes a circuit board with a cavity, indentation, or opening and an encasing overmolding defining a fastener-receiving slot or opening aligned with the cavity, indentation, or opening of the circuit board. Power cord conductors are separated at the connection with each module to define a gap receiving a portion of the circuit board. A separate tiedown is secured to the power cord. Conductive elements receiving electrical power from the power cord and delivering electrical power to the circuit board include an insulation-displacing portion and a recess receiving at least a portion of the power cord and including a retaining barb or hook. An adhesive tape or strip is disposed over at least one overmolding opening to prevent water ingress to the circuit board.
US07931385B1	Solar powered lighting for railing systems A solar powered lighting unit is affixed to a railing system to project illuminating light from the railing system. Solar powered light assemblies each have a light receptor and a light emitter placed in a linear array along a housing molded of a synthetic polymeric material. Gripping members preferably are molded unitary with the housing and are resiliently flexible so as to engage a selected member of the railing system to urge gripping surfaces against the selected member for ready attachment of the housing to the railing system. The gripping members grip the selected structural member to affix the housing to the railing system with the light receptors in position to receive impinging solar light and with the light emitters in position to emit illuminating light from the railing system.
US07931383B2	Illumination device, display device and television receiver An illumination device is provided on a backside of a display panel so as to irradiate a display panel with light, the illumination device including a plurality of rod-like light sources arranged in a planar configuration such that they do not cross each other, and columnar members being respectively provided adjacent to the rod-like light sources, each columnar member including a light incidence plane through which light emitted from a longitudinal direction of the rod-like light sources enters, a first light exit plane arranged to emit the incoming light from the light incidence plane toward the display panel, and a first light reflecting plane arranged to reflect the incoming light from the light incidence plane to the light exit plane. Therefore, with the illumination device applied as a direct backlight, it is possible to reduce luminance unevenness in both a front direction and oblique directions sufficiently, so as to reduce the luminance unevenness of the backlight sufficiently, as a whole.
US07931382B2	Illuminated beverage dispensing devices An illuminated bar gun, having a first housing portion; a second housing portion dimensioned to connect with the first housing portion and form a unitary body; a recess formed in one or both of the first and second housing portions; and an illumination source fitted within the recess. The present invention also provides an illuminated beverage dispensing handle, having a first portion and a second portion; cavities formed in the first portion and a recess formed in said second portion; and an illumination source fitted inside the cavity, the recess, or both.
US07931378B2	Control system, projector, program, and information storage medium A control system includes a principal light source for outputting light to a light path used for image projection, an auxiliary light source for outputting light to the light path, and a control section for controlling light intensity of the auxiliary light source, and the control section performs one of control of setting combined light intensity obtained by combining light intensity of the principal light source and the light intensity of the auxiliary light source with each other in a certain range, or control of setting the combined light intensity to be equal to or higher than a predetermined value.
US07931377B2	Screen and projection system A screen including a first plane and a second plane opposite to the first plane, at least one of which is illuminated with light, includes a reflective portion that reflects the light incident on the first plane, a transmissive portion that transmits the light incident on the second plane toward the first plane, and an optical element that focuses the light incident on the second plane such that the focused light is incident on the transmissive portion.
US07931375B2	Illuminating optical system for projector including first and second integrators An illuminating optical system that includes a first integrator that includes a plurality of lens, a second integrator that includes a plurality of lens cells on which the respective partial luminous fluxes are incident, a polarization converting element that uniformizes polarizing directions of the luminous fluxes that have passed through the respective lens cells of the second integrator, and color separating unit that separates each of the luminous flux from the polarization converting element into a plurality of color lights of different wavelengths. A field lens and a condenser lens are arranged between the polarization converting element and the separating unit to superimpose the luminous fluxes that have passed through the respective lens cells of the first integrator, on the plurality of display panels. The condenser lens is located closer to the color separating unit.
US07931373B2	Vision modification with reflected image Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification.
US07931370B2	Eye movement sensor device The eye movement sensor comprises a helmet (1) adjustable to the head of a patient who is undergoing an ophthalmologic examination, in a unit with seat (10) and projection screen (11) of light spots in front, the same helmet (1) incorporating a front light projector (2) which emits a light spot towards the screen (11), as well as means of image recording of each one of the eyes, which records their movements captured from an angle which permits viewing the eye in all its positions. Said means of recording preferably consists of a video camera (6) disposed below the projector (2) of the helmet (1), focussing a pair of mirrors (7), incorporated on different sides of the lower part of the helmet (1) downward, under each eye respectively, to capture the specular reflection of its movements; or instead, two cameras (5) under each eye.
US07931366B1	Expandable eyewear with snap-together bridge The present eyewear includes a pair of lenses, a pair of releaseable connectors connected to respective inner ends of the lenses, a pair of temples pivotally connected to respective outer ends of the lenses and a rigid strap connected between rear ends of the temples. The strap is generally U-shaped having substantially parallel legs connected to an arc-shaped base, the substantially parallel legs being connected to rear ends of the temples and when worn, the arc-shaped base extends along the back of a user's head. The strap at its U-shaped base is provided with a telescoping segment for selectively altering the length of the arc-shaped base for altering the spacing between the strap's substantially parallel legs to adjust the strap for varying widths of a user's head. The inner ends of the lenses are releasably secured together by connectors. In use, the lenses are separated from each other and pivoted outwardly, the strap wrapped around the back of a user's head and adjusted for size The lenses are then pivoted towards each other and secured together in front of the user's eyes. The lenses are instantly separable for easily putting on or taking off the eyewear, but they are instantly connectable together for a secure and accurate fit.
US07931363B2	Open loop oil delivery system A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes an applicator configured to apply a release agent to a surface of an intermediate transfer drum of an imaging device at a first flow rate, and a reservoir spaced from the applicator including a supply of the release agent for the applicator. A first fluid path fluidly couples the reservoir to the applicator for delivering release agent to the applicator; and a second fluid path fluidly couples the applicator to the reservoir for recirculating release agent back to the reservoir. A delivery pump is configured to pump release agent from the reservoir to the applicator via the first fluid path at a second flow rate; and a recirculation pump is configured to pump release agent from the applicator to the reservoir at a third flow rate. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate, and the third flow rate is greater than the second flow rate.
US07931359B2	Method of priming a printhead with concomitant replenishment of ink in an ink supply chamber A method of priming a printhead. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing a printhead having a plurality of nozzles for ejection of ink, an ink inlet and an ink outlet; (ii) providing an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink line, the ink chamber having an inlet port controlled by a valve; (iii) priming the printhead by pumping ink from the ink chamber, through the printhead and into a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet; and (iv) opening the valve if a level of ink in the chamber falls below a predetermined first level and replenishing with ink from an ink reservoir when the valve is open.
US07931357B2	Ink jet printer An ink jet printer is provided with an ink jet head, an ink tank, an actuator, and a member. The ink jet head has an ink passage and a nozzle communicating with the ink passage. The ink tank communicates with the ink passage of the ink jet head. The ink tank is elastically deformable along a vertical direction. The actuator is capable of applying a pushing force to the ink tank in the vertical direction. The member is located at a position which is adjacent to a predetermined side surface of the ink tank.
US07931355B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and platen unit There is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus including: a liquid ejecting head that has a conductive nozzle plate and discharges liquid from openings of the nozzle plate to recording material; an absorbing member that is arranged opposite the nozzle plate in a direction in which the liquid is discharged and has electrical conductivity to absorb liquid not attached to the recording material; an electrode member that is adjacent to a rear face of a face facing the nozzle plate in the absorbing member; and a potential difference generating means that generates a potential difference between the nozzle plate and the electrode member to electrically attract the liquid toward the electrode member.
US07931350B2	Waste liquid tank, liquid ejection device, and image forming apparatus A waste liquid tank that holds waste recording liquid is disclosed. In the waste liquid tank, a waste liquid wetting liquid that forms a liquid layer on the surface of the waste recording liquid is placed in the form of a liquid.
US07931343B2	Parking brake with safety device A parking brake having an electromechanical and hydraulic device for gripping a pack of movable sectors connected mechanically to the wheels to exert the desired braking force on the wheels. The parking brake is characterized by having an oil flow regulating valve assembly, in turn having a first control solenoid valve and a second safety solenoid valve in series with each other.
US07931342B2	Adhesive wheel weight dispensing apparatus An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of adhesive weighted tape includes a controller adapted to receive a request for a desired amount of adhesive weighted tape and an elongated track member adapted to receive a supply of the adhesive weighted tape. A sensor is mounted adjacent a second end of the track member. The sensor in communication with the controller is operable to transmit a signal to the controller corresponding to a measured amount of weighted tape passing thereby. A motive apparatus in communication with the controller is adapted to move the weighted tape from a first end to the second end of the track member in response to the signal from the sensor. A cutting member disposed adjacent the second end of the track member is in communication with the controller and is adapted to cut the weighted tape in response to the signal from the sensor.
US07931341B2	Narrow bench mining system A launch vehicle (10) is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units (U) that are connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle (10) includes a main frame (12) for supporting a rearmost conveyor unit (U) of the conveyor train. The main frame (12) includes a first side over which additional conveyor units (U) are added to the conveyor train and a second side. A belly conveyor (14) is carried on the main frame (12). A drive assembly (42) is provided for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train. Further the launch vehicle (10) includes a canopy (18) overlying the main frame (12). The canopy (18) is mounted on at least one cantilever support (20) extending upwardly adjacent the second side of the main frame (12) whereby the first side is left open for adding additional conveyor units (U) to the conveyor train.
US07931336B2	Stadium seat A seat frame of a stadium seat includes a lower cross beam, bench-engaging support arms configured to mount over a top, flat surface of the stadium bench, and upright support members. The upright support members include rounded upper ends that may be rearwardly canted.
US07931334B1	Custom controlled seating surface technologies A system of controlling various actuators associated with human support surfaces is disclosed. Such a system is made up of a support surface, a controller, and an actuator. The system may optionally include batteries, a means of charging the batteries, and a graphical user interface as well as a communication link between the graphical user interface and the support surfaces. The actuators are capable of altering contour and/or firmness, of a support surface, they may be vibrational or heating/cooling in nature, and they may also alter the overall relative position of a support surface.
US07931331B2	Headrest with energy dissipater for rear passenger A headrest for mounting on one or more vertically extending posts positioned on the backrest of a vehicle seat, the headrest comprising one or more mounting sleeves positioned on the headrest and adapted to surround a portion of a respective one of said posts, pivot means extending between each mounting sleeve and the respective post to mount the mounting sleeve on the respective post in pivotal relation thereto about a pivot axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post, each mounting sleeve being shaped and otherwise dimensioned on an internal surface to resist pivotal motion of the headrest between first and second positions below application of a directed threshold force to the headrest.
US07931327B2	Vehicle having at least one tailgate A vehicle includes at least one tailgate defining a door plane, wherein the tailgate is attached to the vehicle chassis in a jointed fashion by at least one multiple hinge having at least three pivot axes offset from one another and at least two pairs of pivotally connected hinge arms, of which a first hinge arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle chassis and a second hinge arm is pivotally connected to the tailgate. The multiple hinge is associated with a drivetrain controlling the motion of the hinge arms in the pivot axes. The door plane is moved along a predetermined motion path when the tailgate travels from a closed position, in which the tailgate spans a closed plane, to an open position, in which the tailgate spans an opening plane. The motion path of the door plane includes rotary and translational components, and the closed plane forms an angle to the opening plane in the range from 70° to 110°, preferably about 90°.
US07931306B2	Vented gas riser apparatus A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.
US07931303B2	Covering sheet for a printed product and method for packaging newspapers or magazines by means of said covering sheet Printed products (2), in particular newspapers or magazines with different supplements are, for distribution, packed into a covering sheet e.g. made of paper. The covering sheet (1) comprises at least one region, which is completely punched-out and/or at least one region (7), which, due to a partial punching out is easily removable from the covering sheet (1). The punched-out region is a window (6), through which the title and/or the headline of a newspaper or magazine packed into the covering sheet (1) is visible. Partially punched-out regions (7) of the covering sheet (1) are marked by corresponding printing as voucher, reply card, collector's card, punch-out sheet or toy and are removed from the covering sheet (1) for functions other than the covering function of the covering sheet (1).
US07931301B2	Traveling vehicle The purpose of the present invention is to make supplying fuel to a fuel tank easier without making the fuel tank interfere with a drive shaft or a front wheel drive shaft and without lowering the minimum ground clearance of a traveling vehicle. A fuel tank is disposed between an engine and a seat and below a steering wheel, and a groove is provided longitudinally at the substantial lateral center of the fuel tank. A power steering valve is attached to the lower portion of the steering wheel, and grooves in which hydraulic pipings connected to the power steering valve are arranged are formed in the fuel tank.
US07931298B2	Dynamic airbag venting An example airbag assembly includes an airbag and a duct. The duct has a duct opening for venting gas. The duct is moveable between a first position where the duct opening is outside the airbag and a second position where the duct opening is inside the airbag. Inflating the airbag moves the duct between the first position and the second position. The airbag is configured to be inflated by a first stream of gas moving from the duct opening to an interior of the airbag and by a second stream of gas moving from an airbag inflator to the interior of the airbag. The first stream of gas is separate from the second stream of gas.
US07931297B2	Airbag and airbag device An airbag and an airbag device are provided in which an openable-closable vent hole opens or significantly opens even if an object, such as a child seat, comes into contact with a lower portion of the airbag in an inflated state. A covering member (20) covers an openable-closable vent hole (11) from the outside of an airbag (10). An upper tether (30) routed through an upper constantly open vent hole (12) and in the inside of the airbag (10) connects the covering member and a near-passenger face (10f) of the airbag (10). A lower tether (31) routed through a lower constantly open vent hole (13) and in the inside of the airbag (10) connects the covering member and a lower portion (10b) of the airbag (10). When a passenger comes into contact with the near-passenger face (10f) of the airbag (10), the upper tether (30) loosens and the covering member (20) is turned up, whereby the openable-closable vent hole (11) opens. When a child seat (6) comes into contact with the lower portion (10b) of the airbag (10), the lower tether (31) loosens and the covering member (20) is turned up, whereby the openable-closable vent hole (11) opens.
US07931287B2	Isolated spring clamp group A clamp assembly of a vehicle leaf spring suspension is disclosed. The clamp assembly has an axle bracket secured to a vehicle axle and a top cap secured to the axle bracket by mechanical fasteners to define an axle seat. The axle bracket and top cap may include interlocking keys and keyways to cooperate with the mechanical fasteners in transmitting the load from the vehicle axle. A spring seat of the leaf spring is received within the axle seat and is tapered. The tapered spring seat, when combined with a deformable liner in the axle seat, effectively eliminates the inactive portion of the leaf spring to increase the effective length of the spring and minimize the spring rate.
US07931282B2	Automatically variable ride height adjustment apparatus An automatically variable vehicle ground clearance for motor vehicles with semi-elliptical spring suspensions. A drive member is placed at each wheel corner to be height adjusted, the drive member being motor driven. An operator may select a height preference by operation of a switch, or a controller may provide a range of height selections based upon an algorithm which is responsive to sensed vehicle ride conditions, as for example vehicle speed, to optimize vehicle performance.
US07931281B2	Variable stiffness stabilizer device A variable stiffness stabilizer device (1) has a stabilizer bar (2) and actuators (3). The stabilizer bar (2) has a torsion bar (4) extending in the lateral direction (X1) of a vehicle and arms (6) connected through bend portions (5) to the ends (4a, 4b) of the torsion bar (4) and bendingly deformed according to the strokes of wheel supporting members (11). Variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) of the arms (6) are rotatable about the axes (C1) of the arms (6), so that the bending stiffness of the arms (6) can be changed according to their rotational positions. The actuators (3) rotationally drive the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) about the axes (C1) to adjust the rotational positions of the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130).
US07931279B2	Metal fixture for dust cover An annular metal fixture is embedded in a dust cover and has an annular base portion and an inward peripheral tooth integrally formed at the inner side thereof. The annular base part is formed from one layer of flat plate and has a plurality of three-dimensional structures, which have projected portions usable as a height position defining element when inserted into a mold for forming the dust cover. A plurality of notches are circumferentially formed at the inner periphery of the inward peripheral tooth to increase the diameter of the inward peripheral tooth when fitted to the dust cover. The three-dimensional structures are formed at positions radially aligned with at least a part of the notches.
US07931278B2	Seal assembly for a rotary member There is described a seal assembly for sealing the gap between a rotary member and a fixed member, so as to prevent passage of a fluid from a first to a second environment located on opposite sides of the gap; the seal assembly has a first ring integral with the rotary member, a second ring integral with the fixed member, and an elastically deformable sealing member integral with the second ring and in turn having at least one lip cooperating in fluidtight manner with a mating portion of the first ring; and, on the side cooperating with the mating portion, the sealing member has a spiral groove which, in use, produces a fluid-dynamic pumping effect to pump the fluid away from the sealing area and towards the first environment.
US07931277B2	Hydrodynamic circumferential seal system for large translations A circumferential seal system for sealing a high pressure region from a low pressure region separated by a runner with an outer circumferential surface and a seal ring disposed about the outer circumferential surface is described. The seal system includes a plurality of groove sets separately disposed along the outer circumferential surface. Each groove set further includes at least two grooves. At least one groove within each groove set exerts a lifting force via a fluid from the high pressure region onto the seal ring as the runner translates with respect to the seal ring along an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotation of the runner. The continuous feed of fluid onto the seal ring ensures a thin film between the seal ring and the runner regardless of their relative arrangement during axial excursions of the runner resulting from conditions within a turbine engine.
US07931274B2	Hybrid control of sheet transport modules A processing device to provide hybrid control of sheet transport modules. The processing device includes a first sheet transport module, a second sheet transport module and a control subsystem. The first sheet transport module and the second sheet transport module are configured to transport a sheet. The control subsystem is configured to set velocity of the first sheet transport module before a transfer of the sheet from the first sheet transport module to the second sheet transport module. The control subsystem is further configured to set torque of the first sheet transport module to a torque value to control tension of the sheet to a first sheet tension value when the sheet transfers from the first sheet transport module to the second sheet transport module.
US07931271B2	Document feeding device with oppositely arranged document placing and ejection trays A document feeding device includes: a document placing tray; a document ejection tray disposed above the document placing tray; a feeding path; a separating mechanism; and ejection rollers. A nip position of the ejection rollers is arranged in a side opposite to a side where the document placing tray is arranged with reference to a vertical plane passing through a separation position of the separating mechanism.
US07931270B2	Method and system for personalizing a multiplicity of security documents using a plurality of processing stations A method for personalizing a plurality of documents and a personalization installation which comprises a plurality of processing stations arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis of the personalization installation for carrying out individual personalization steps, wherein in order to carry out the personalization steps the documents or smart cards run through one processing station in a first direction running transversely to the longitudinal axis and the other processing station in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction and likewise runs transversely to the longitudinal axis, wherein all the processing stations are oriented with their run-through directions transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US07931269B2	Rotational jam clearance apparatus A media path jam clearance apparatus installable in a supporting structure includes media drive mechanisms for moving flexible media through media paths and a rotatable, removable jam clearance element. Within the jam clearance element facing surfaces of guide elements define guide surfaces for media paths, with the guide elements having external surfaces capable of supporting the flexible media as it is wrapped around the external surfaces. A pivotal support element supports and enables rotational movement of the jam clearance element within the supporting structure. The jam clearance element may be partially or entirely extracted from the supporting structure.
US07931268B2	Device for braking flat products and corresponding folder This device for braking a flat product, in particular a signature, has a support, a brake shoe for braking the flat product, the brake shoe being movable between a position allowing the passage of the flat product and a position effecting braking of the flat product, and a drive for driving the brake shoe from the passing position towards the braking position.The drive includes an eccentric element which is movable in rotation and co-operates with the brake shoe.
US07931266B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus A sheet feeding device is provided. The sheet feeding device includes a sheet holder to hold a sheet in a position to be fed, a feed roller to pick up the sheet, a first lifter to move a closer portion of the sheet holder by one of a front end and a rear end thereof, a second lifter to move a further portion of the sheet holder by one of a front end and a rear end thereof, and a coordinating system to move the first lifter and the second lifter in cooperation with each other to move the overall sheet holder in a direction to be closer to the feed roller, wherein an amount of the sheet holder to be moved by the first lifter is greater according to a constant rate with respect to an amount of the sheet holder to be moved by the second lifter.
US07931263B2	Image forming system having enhanced functionality A sheet feed apparatus, e.g., coupled to an image forming apparatus, can include: a main frame; a storage unit mounted on the main frame and configured with a capacity to store a large quantity of sheet-like material; a transporter mounted on the main frame and configured to supply the sheet-like material to the image forming apparatus; an additional unit adapted to be mounted on the main frame and operable to enhance a functionality of at least one of the sheet feed apparatus and an image forming apparatus; and a supporting frame mounted on the main frame in place of the additional unit, and further adapted such that the additional unit is mountable thereon; the additional unit being mounted on the supporting frame.
US07931262B2	Image forming system including finisher with stapler for binding printed papers In an image forming device, images of originals up to an upper limit number of stapling are read (S1 to S5) and image data thereof are processed (S6 to S8). If a paper sensor has detected a subsequent original even when the number of pages of the read images reaches NS0 (S1, S2), a finisher discharges a bundle of printed papers without stapling. Consequently, the number of the printed papers included in the discharged bundle is made less than the upper limit number. In a case where the number of the printed papers sent to the finisher (S12, S13) is less than a set number NS1 (S15), the bundle is discharged without being stapled after the number of the printed papers reaches NS1 (S17).
US07931260B2	Signature hopper with lap straightening device A storage vessel for holding between shaves a wet razor with its head and cutting blade submerged in a liquid and its handle held out of the liquid and dry. The vessel liquid is comprised of a mixture of hydrophobic and hygroscopic materials and of anti-viral and anti-bacterial materials, effective to reduce cutting blade oxidation due to exposure to water and air during nonuse storage and to maintain the blade sharp and sanitary for shaving comfort. These materials specifically might be mineral oil and calcium chloride (CaCl2), and nano-gold or nano-silver.
US07931258B2	Fluid-elastomeric damper assembly including internal pumping mechanism A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a first structure and a second structure including a housing structure grounded to the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to the housing structure, the housing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals defining a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also including one or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure and the fluid-elastomeric chamber, the one or more piston structures grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure, and the one or more piston structures each including a first substantially fluid-filled chamber and a second substantially-fluid-filled chamber in communication via an orifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber. The housing structure is operable for pumping the fluid through the orifice.
US07931240B2	Cellular support structures used for controlled actuation of fluid contact surfaces An assembly for controlling a vehicle, including a fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a fluid passing over the fluid contact surface; and a support structure coupled to the fluid contact surface. The support structure is constructed and arranged to expand or contract between a first position and a second position, such that a first dimension of the support structure changes during movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position, while a second dimension of the support structure remains substantially constant during the movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position.
US07931239B2	Homeostatic flying hovercraft A homeostatic flying hovercraft preferably utilizes at least two pairs of counter-rotating ducted fans to generate lift like a hovercraft and utilizes a homeostatic hover control system to create a flying craft that is easily controlled. The homeostatic hover control system provides true homeostasis of the craft with a true fly-by-wire flight control and control-by-wire system control.
US07931237B2	Universal launch vehicle payload adapter A universal adapter system and method for coupling payloads and launch vehicles are disclosed to provide optimum payload configurability. A modular bulkhead panel may be used that can support a plurality of payload platforms such that the layout of the plurality of payload platforms on the bulkhead panel can be altered without requiring structural redesign. A carbon composite honeycomb structural frame panel may be used. Multiple bulkhead panels can be stacked to handle larger payload weights. Hollow hexagonal keyways can be used to permit cable access to and from a missile deployment module. Hexagonal payload adapter platforms may be used to join the payload to the honeycomb bulkhead panel.
US07931236B2	Deflection device for a stream body The present application describes to a deflection device, for example, for a blunt stream body. The deflection device has an edge, which, for example, can be mounted to the stream body. In an advantageous manner, the deflection device allows an influencing of the slipstream in such a way that turbulences, which are connected with the slipstream and form downstream of blunt stream bodies, have as little influence as possible on the dragged object in order to avoid the formation of building-up motions of the dragged object, which lead to instabilities.
US07931232B2	Rigid framework for aircraft engine mounting structure and engine mounting structure comprising same A rigid structure of a suspension pylon for an aircraft engine, which is in a shape of a box closed by first and second box side panels. The structure includes inter-rib spaces, each space delimited by two directly consecutive box transverse ribs. For each inter-rib space forming part of a group including at least three arbitrary and directly consecutive inter-rib spaces, a single access opening is provided on the side panels, the openings arranged alternately on the first and second side panels.
US07931228B2	Dispenser for sheet material The present invention is a dispenser that, in one embodiment, includes a support for a roll of web material, a drive roller cooperating with an idler roller to feed web material supported by the roll support, and a mouth through which the web material is dispensed which has a floor but not a roof such that the web material does not jam when dispensed through the mouth. In another embodiment, the mouth is slot shaped. In various embodiments of the invention with either a slot shaped mouth or a wide mouth without a roof, a sensor is provided for selectively activating a drive motor in response to an incursion into a sensing field, wherein the sensor comprises an infrared emitter and receiver.
US07931227B1	Multifunctional electrical work caddy An apparatus for transporting, storing, and deploying multiple spools or reels of electrical wires or cable using a transportable caddy with functional features to facilitate the process of pulling multiple wires or cables is herein disclosed. The caddy comprises a cart with an attachable set of wheels, a handle, and support legs allowing the caddy to be easily moved and set in place at a work site in a vertical, horizontal, or angled position. When in use, the support legs hold the cart in an angular position during a wire or cable pulling operation. The cart also provides a shield for the wire spools from work site contaminants. Integral to the design are a series of steel rods, spacers, and locking features that allow for the quick interchange of wire or cable spools or reels.
US07931223B2	Dust-proof structure of a cone crusher A dust-proof structure of a cone crusher below a cone core of the cone crusher includes primarily a dust ring which is suspended under the cone core, allowing the dust ring to operate concurrently with the cone core. Lubricant oil is provided between the dust ring and the cone core, enabling the dust ring to be tightly attached with a lip part of the cone core and operate successfully. The dust is prevented from entering into the cone crusher by ineffectiveness of a dust-proof function. Furthermore, a dust collar is attached under the dust ring, and an adjustment washer is provided between the dust collar and the cone core. When the dust ring is worn out, the adjustment washer is removed, and the dust ring is tightened again by screwing elements, thus preventing the dust from entering into the cone crusher due to the ineffectiveness of the dust-proof function.
US07931222B2	Agitator mill An agitator mill for treating free-flowing grinding stock has a grinding receptacle and an interior stator disposed therein. A rotatably drivable annular cylindrical rotor is disposed between the interior stator and the receptacle wall, with a grinding chamber being defined between said rotor and the receptacle wall. A grinding-stock discharge conduit is formed between the rotor and the interior stator (22) which is connected to the grinding chamber by means of a deflection conduit. Devices are provided for preventing the carry-over of auxiliary grinding bodies from the grinding chamber into the grinding-stock discharge conduit.
US07931217B2	Fuel injection valve A coil is located radially outside of a pipe. An inner connector is located radially inside of the pipe. A moving core is located radially inside of the pipe and opposed to the inner connector. A housing surrounds both an outer circumferential periphery of the coil and one axial end of the coil. A cover surrounds an other axial end of the coil. An outer connector leads fuel into the pipe. The pipe and the cover are integrally formed and one single component as a with-cover pipe member. The inner connector and the outer connector are integrally formed and an other single component as a connector member. The connector member is partially inserted in the axial direction radially inside the pipe of the with-cover pipe member.
US07931215B2	Device and an installation for spraying a coating fluid, and including a reservoir This device comprises a sprayer (10) and a reservoir (9) for feeding the sprayer with fluid. The reservoir (9) defines a cylindrical housing (L9) in which there slides (F1) a piston (91) forming a moving wall (91a) for a storage volume (V9) for storing the coating fluid. The housing (L9) is defined by a jacket (92) placed in a support-forming body (95). The jacket (92) has an end wall (93) co-operating with the peripheral wall (96) of the jacket (92) and with the piston (91), to define the above-mentioned storage volume (V9). No interstice are present in which the coating fluid could accumulate, thereby making the reservoir (9) easier to clean.
US07931214B2	Water sprinkler with tube adaptor member A sprinkler apparatus comprises a sprinkler motor configured to rotate an output gear and a sprinkler tube configured to move in a repeating pattern in response to rotation of the output gear. The sprinkler apparatus further comprises a tube adapter interposed between the output gear and the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter is fixed in relation to the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter includes a first set of teeth and the output gear has a plurality of extending flexible fingers defining a second set of teeth which engage the first set of teeth. The output gear and the tube adaptor include water passages through which water advances from the sprinkler motor to the sprinkler tube. The flexible fingers on the output gear allow the second set of teeth to slide over the first set of teeth and provide a torque limiting relationship between the output gear and the tube adaptor.
US07931210B1	Tire tread railroad tie Re-cycled tire treads are laminated into stacks and attached to a reinforcement element which has a first portion which provides increased compressive strength and a second portion which provides increased torsional and bending strength. Several embodiments with reinforcing elements ranging from T-bars, to I-beams to box beams, with variations including corrugated flanges. Pre-drilled holes can be provided in the flanges to facilitate insertion of the spikes. While steel-belted tires are preferred for use in creating stacks, provisions are made to ensure electrical isolation of the two rails to permit transmission of data thereby. The railroad tie can have electronic signaling hardware built-in by placing sensors and related circuitry between adjacent plies in a laminated stack.
US07931205B2	Printer with integrated RFID data collector A RFID printer for printing and determining the quality of RFID record members having transponders is provided. The RFID printer may be used to print RFID record members utilizing a continuous moving web. In particular, a RFID printer includes an integrated RFID data collector such that identifying RFID transponder information may be recorded and associated with a barcode for inventory tracking purposes. An association file created by the RFID printer may be transferred to a manufacturer or retailer brand owner. The association file may be deleted from the RFID printer upon acknowledgment of receipt of the transmitted association file to the manufacturer or retail brand owner. The RFID printer provides methods for determining quality of RFID printed record members.
US07931201B2	Sample plate for supporting bar code scanning A sample plate for supporting bar code scanning is provided, comprising first-circle sample slots distributed along the circumference of the sample plate and clear slots each communicating correspondingly with each of the sample slots, wherein an angle α is formed between the line connecting the center of the circle of each first-circle sample slot to that of the sample plate and the axis of the corresponding clear slot, and the range of α is 4°<α<8°. As an angle is formed between the direction of the axis of the clear slot and that of the diameter of the sample plate, it is able to guarantee a reasonable range of the incident angle when the bar code scanning light is projected on the surface of the bar code.
US07931196B2	System and method for facilitating the purchase of goods and services A system and method for facilitating commercial transactions between a consumer and a supplier of goods at a point of sale and authorized by a credit holder. The credit holder possesses a communications device for prestoring transaction information in a data base. The communications device is operable by the credit holder for transmitting transaction information data and transaction authorization. The consumer possesses a consumer communications device for establishing a communications link between the consumer and the supplier. The consumer communications device generates a consumer request to the credit holders' communications device. A transaction approval device is in communications with the supplier and the consumer requested credit holder's communications device for receiving transaction requests from the supplier and for receiving transaction information data and authorization from the credit holder's communications device. The transaction approval device, upon receipt of transaction information data and transaction authorization, transmits approval to the supplier to complete the transaction.
US07931192B1	Apparatus for assistance in reading information from identification cards An identification assistance card system is disclosed for assisting in obtaining identification information from an identification card having an identification card shape. The identification assistance card system includes an identification assistance card having an assistance card shape based at least in part on the identification card shape of the identification card. An identification information window is disposed in the identification assistance card for displaying the identification information from the identification card when the identification assistance card is substantially aligned with the identification card. The identification information window is disposed in the identification assistance card at a location based at least in part on where the identification information is disposed on the identification card.
US07931190B2	Circuit and method for correlated inputs to a population count circuit A circuit includes a plurality of selection circuits. Each of the plurality of selection circuits has a first input, a second input, a control input, and an output. Each of the first inputs receives one of a plurality of correlated signals. Each of the second inputs receives one of a plurality of uncorrelated signals. Each of the control inputs receives a correlation mode control signal, and each of the outputs provides the one of the plurality of correlated signals or the one of the plurality of uncorrelated signals based on the correlation mode control signal. The circuit further includes a population count circuit having a plurality of data inputs coupled to receive the outputs of the plurality of selection circuits. The population count circuit provides a population count for the plurality of data inputs. The population count may be an approximate count or an accurate count.
US07931184B2	Apparatus for induction friction solid state welding An apparatus for induction friction solid state welding a body having a work piece receiving bore. A stationary chuck is provided for securing a first tubular workpiece in the bore. A moving chuck is provided for securing a second tubular workpiece in bore. An induction heating coil is movable between an operative position and a stored position. An expandable cylinder moves the moving chuck toward and away from the stationary chuck. A torque transmission collar is used to rotate the moving chuck.
US07931180B2	Pneumatic nail gun A pneumatic nail gun includes a gun body, a connecting mechanism, an acting valve, a trigger, a safety valve, and a trigger valve. The gun body includes a safety compressed air inlet and a firing compressed air inlet. The connecting mechanism is slidably disposed on the gun body. The acting valve is connected to the connecting mechanism. The trigger is connected to the gun body. The safety valve is connected to the acting valve for allowing a safety compressed air coming from the compressed air source to drive the acting valve to move the connecting mechanism forwards when the trigger is pulled. The trigger valve releases a firing compressed air coming from the compressed air source to project at least one nail only when the trigger is pulled, a workpiece blocks the connecting mechanism, and the trigger opens the trigger valve.
US07931179B1	Holder for wall and ceiling compound finishing accessories for drywall A holder for compound tray and tools that includes a flexible sheet assembly that is removably mounted to a belt positioned around a user's waist. The sheet assembly includes a number of pockets with magnets designed for holding tools inside. Reinforcement members are mounted to the upper and lower edges of the sheet assembly to hold the sheet assembly in an extended position yet there are no reinforcement members along the lateral edges to still permit some flexibility of the sheet assembly. A tray holder assembly is mounted to the reinforcement adjacent to the lower edge. A tray holder supporting assembly, like cords, keeps the tray holder in a substantially horizontal position. Magnetic elements that are mounted to the tray and tray holder cause the tray to come toward the tray holder providing stability to the structure. Locking members can also be removably mounted to the tray and tray holder assembly to keep them together.
US07931176B1	Easily detachable golf bag carrier for a motorcycle An easily detachable golf bag carrier for a motorcycle has a platform detachably mountable on a specialized foot peg and a cradle detachably mountable on a fastening rail, all of which are preferably chromed. The foot peg has a tongue and a frame with a slot within which a coupling end of the platform may be pinned. The tongue is adapted to mate with existing foot peg mounting brackets on the motorcycle. The fastening rail has mounting holes adapted to mate with existing fender holes in a motorcycle and the cradle has an arcuate arm for embracing a golf bag which is placed on an accessory end of the platform. The fastening rail and cradle have male and female mating members. The platform and cradle may be easily detached and stored, for example in a saddlebag, and the specialized foot peg and mounting rail left in place without detracting from the motorcycle's functionality or appearance.
US07931175B2	Nozzle for use in connection with dosing of a material from a container, method and use thereof A nozzle (1) is disclosed for use in connection with the providing of a fluid material from a container, where the nozzle comprises a first nozzle base part (2), a nozzle tip part and a link (4) connecting the nozzle parts (2, 3). The link (4) has a first pivotal state and a second locked state when the link is under pressure by the material flow The link (4) has a first surface (8) and second surface (10), the surfaces being pivotally connected to each other, and where said surfaces (8, 10) are angled in relation to the longitudinal center axis of the nozzle. The invention also relates to a use of the nozzle (1).
US07931173B2	Liquid dispenser A liquid dispenser is described and includes a cover connecting to the opening of a container and a main body connecting to the cover. The main body includes a chamber in communication with the cover and a liquid outlet for liquid discharge, wherein a liquid output device is arranged in the chamber, a button is arranged on the main body for controlling the action of the liquid output device, a one-way valve is arranged in the liquid output device for adjusting the open/close state of a liquid output passage. The liquid dispenser described is novel in design, simple and compact in construction. The liquid dispenser described can employ the operating principle of a one-way valve so as to realize liquid discharge in any direction.
US07931170B2	Pet waste bag dispenser A pet waste bags dispenser includes a pouch body, a pouch cover, means for detachably attaching the front cover edge of the pouch cover on the front wall of the pouch body, and a bag dispenser, wherein the bag dispenser allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The pet waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the pouch body, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The pet waste bags dispenser further includes a pouch carrier for the pouch body to be carried around, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser.
US07931169B2	Dispenser A dispenser having a first member rotatably engaging a second member to form a cavity from which sheets such as flat bags may be dispensed via a lineal aperture and a sheet-guiding member extending from the first member into the cavity.
US07931167B2	Tamper evident cap for shipping and storage containers A tamper evident cap adapted to close an opening on a vessel includes a main body having an outer circumference, a pull tab extending from the main body, and a flange, forms an annulus around the main body and connected to the main body. The flange includes an outer circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the main body. It is essential to the present invention that the flange is made of a very thin layer of material. In addition, the flange includes at least a pair of perforation lines. Further, the tamper evident cap includes a bump in the pull-tab for enabling a person grasping the pull-tab, to obtain a firmer hold thereon.
US07931165B2	Plan-pro™ portable blueprint carrier and retractable display A portable carrier for storing and displaying rolled blueprints and other construction documents (“Carrier”). The Carrier includes a compact storage case with an opening for the passage of flexible backing material and documents. A cylindrical roller, mounted inside of the compact storage case, rotates axially to allow unfurling and retracting of flexible backing material. Means for unfurling and retracting the flexible backing material are provided, utilizing a retracting handle and a manual retractor cap respectively. Means for attaching and detaching display documents are provided using Velcro® Brand material affixed to the top of the flexible backing material and mating document Velcro® Brand fastening strips attached to the backs of the display documents. Documents are held down during display using a document fastener assembly. The Carrier can be fastened to common construction surfaces during flat display using padded magnets or grooved slots positioned on the retracting handle and compact storage case.
US07931162B2	Regulator bracket for use with a rack having integrated mounting means A novel type of sliding mount bracket, referenced herein as a regulator bracket, is adapted to be removably attached to a regulator. The regulator bracket includes a base and securing means for attaching the base to a panel that has louvers to receive the edges of the bracket. The regulator bracket further includes anchoring means for attaching the base to the regulator so as to inhibit movement thereof. Thus, when the regulator is secured to the rack, a display surface of the regulator is maintained in a fixed position, in which it is visually perceptible to the restaurateur or other user.
US07931160B2	Vertically mounted shelf assembly and accessories therefor A wall mountable shelf assembly includes an elongated support rail, at least one accessory slidably connected with the support rail, and at least one stretch releasing adhesive strip arranged between the support rail and the wall for securing the shelf assembly to the wall.
US07931157B1	Compact collapsible bins for viewing and storing sheet goods Display bins for sheet goods which are easily assembled and disassembled are formed of bottom panels, front and rear display panels for holding sheet goods at suitable angles from the vertical for display. The front and rear display panels can be removably attached to both the bottom panel and at least two support brackets for use. All the components can be separated and stacked in a flat package for shipment or storage.
US07931154B2	Plasma separation membrane A process for manufacturing of an asymmetric hollow fiber membrane, comprising the steps of extruding a polymer solution through the outer ring slit of a hollow fiber spinning nozzle, simultaneously extruding a center fluid through the inner bore of the hollow fiber spinning nozzle, into a precipitation bath, whereby the polymer solution contains 10 to 26 wt-% of polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES) or polyarylethersulfone (PAES), 8 to 15 wt-% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 60 to 80 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP), the center fluid contains 60 to 70 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 30 to 40 wt-% water, and the precipitation bath contains 70 to 82 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 18 to 30 wt-% water.
US07931153B2	Solid-liquid filtration cloth and filtering device The invention relates to a method of making a solid-liquid filtration cloth, a solid-liquid filtration cloth, and a filter in which the solid-liquid filtration cloth is arranged. The filter cloth (7) is provided with yarns (13b) having a highly changing length and a long free run in the weave. When the length of the yarns (13b) is allowed to shorten significantly, a filtration portion (15) on the side of a surface (14) of the cloth obtains a corrugated shape, providing the cloth with a large filtering area.
US07931152B2	Shuffling apparatus and method for aligning wood logs in a conveyor A log shuffler and conveyor assembly including: a chute including a log conveyor having a bottom surface and at least one sidewall; a gap in the log conveyor, and a log shuffler arranged in the gap of the conveyor, wherein the shuffler includes at least one pivoting plate having a first edge moving reciprocally above and below the bottom surface of the chute.
US07931150B2	Cassette and apparatus for packing disposable objects into an elongated tube of flexible material A cassette (3) for dispensing bags from an elongated tubing (32) comprising an annular receptacle (38) accommodating a length of tubing (32) in an accumulated condition. An annular opening at an upper end of the annular receptacle (38) is for dispensing the tubing (32). The annular receptacle (38) defines a central opening (34) through which a knotted end (40) of the tubing (32) passes to form a bag supported by the annular receptacle (38) with disposable objects passing through the circular central opening (34) to be received in the bag, and a clearance (41) only at a bottom of the central opening (34).
US07931147B2	Self standing and environmentally separable package The present invention generally relates to a package which allows a product to be displayed. In one embodiment, the package of the present invention can stand alone independently on an integrated cardboard base or can be hung from a bracket or shelf as a point of sale display. In another embodiment, the package of the present invention is able to be separated into its component parts so that such parts can be, if so required, independently recycled. In still another embodiment, due to its ability to be separated the package of the present invention can comprise various components formed from dissimilar materials (e.g., paper and plastic).
US07931146B2	Photomask case structure The present invention relates to a photomask case structure, and more particularly to a photomask case able to firmly fix position of a photomask, which includes an upper cover, a lower cover, supporters and position fixing pieces. Accordingly, when a photomask is retained within the photomask case, then elastic holding portions of the position fixing pieces are used to elastically hold one side of the photomask, beveled edges of the position fixing pieces are used to hold another side of the photomask, and finally press portions of the elastic holding portions are used to elastically press down on the surface of the photomask, thereby firmly retaining the photomask within the photomask case, and preventing impact damage to the photomask from occurring.
US07931145B2	Cassette and handling system An embodiment of the invention provides a cassette comprising a top plate, a base plate, a plurality of posts arranged between the top plate and the base plate and defining an operation space, a securing device comprising a stop mechanism and a clamping mechanism and arranged along with one post. The stop mechanism comprises a stop projection provided on an outer side of the one of posts, a stop bar parallel to the one post and slidable disposed through the stop projection, and a stop block disposed on a side of the stop bar. A lower end of the stop bar extends beyond a plane of the base plate when the stop block is bearing against an upper surface of the stop projection. The clamping mechanism comprises a first connection part with a rotation shaft in a middle portion of the first connection part being fixed to the one post and with one end connected with the stop bar in a transmission way, and a securing portion, which connects with the other end of the first connection part and is driven by the first connection part to move horizontally with respect to the one post when an up-and-down movement of the stop bar leads to rotation of the first connection part.
US07931144B2	Patient interface packaging with integrated sizing gage A patient interface packaging that includes an integrated sizing template. The packaging system includes a container having an inner chamber containing a patient interface device having a size contained within. The packaging further includes an outer exterior having an integral flap. The integral flap includes at least one opening therethrough forming a sizing template. The size of the opening corresponds to the size of the mask contained within the package so that the opening may be fitted to the nose region of a patient's to allow the user to determine an appropriate size patient interface device that matches his or her anatomical dimensions.
US07931141B2	Golf bag carrier A golf bag carrier includes a pivot adjusting unit, at least one strut pivotally coupled to the pivot adjusting unit and adjusted in an angle with respect to a ground by the pivot adjusting unit, at least one wheel coupled to a lower end of the strut to move the golf bag, a fixing plate to which the pivot adjusting unit having the strut and the wheel are fixed, a vertical bar that is fixedly installed on a central portion of the fixing plate, and a fixing unit that is installed on the golf bag to detachably fix the vertical bar on the golf bag.
US07931139B2	Pasteurizer with conveyor belt A pasteurizer with a conveyor belt for transporting the goods to be pasteurized, the conveyor belt having an endless structure 39 comprising several metal bodies 13, 22, and several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, comprising an endless structure having several metal bodies, with several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, the conveyor belt 3 comprising several identical modules 29 in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction, each module 29 having several identical bodies in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction.
US07931138B2	Automatic tire transfer apparatus using traverser An automatic tire transfer apparatus using a traverser comprises: a vertical lift adapted to lift and lower a tire from a tire storage place; a tire charge section adapted to be supplied with the tire from the vertical lift and adapted to automatically push the supplied tire in the progress direction of the tire; a traverser unit disposed at an outlet of the tire charge section and adapted to automatically transfer the tire supplied from the tire charge section in the progress direction of the tire while fixedly supporting the tire; a tire loader adapted to be supplied with the tire from the traverser unit and adapted to transfer the supplied tire to a tire assembling unit; and a controller adapted to control the overall operation of the tire charge section, the traverser unit and the tire loader.
US07931136B2	Jam sensor for shopping cart conveyor A shopping cart conveyor system is designed to shut the system down in the event that a shopping cart becomes jammed. The system includes a track operable to guide a shopping cart between a first location and a second location, and a drive assembly for moving a shopping cart along the track. The drive assembly includes engagement members movable relative to the track and operable to engage and move a shopping cart from the first location to the second location, and a drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) operable to provide movement to the engagement members. A force sensor detects a parameter (e.g., motor current) of the drive assembly corresponding with a force required to move the engagement members. A controller receives information regarding a frequency of change in the parameter and compares that information to a known value (e.g., a frequency of the engagement members). Preferably, the controller is programmed to stop the drive motor when the frequency of change of the parameter falls within a certain range of the parameter (e.g., frequency of the engagement members).
US07931135B2	Multi-area clutch assembly A torque transmitting assembly includes an actuator for engaging a torque transmitting element. A mechanism is connected to the actuator. The mechanism is operable to selectively allow fluid communication therethrough. The mechanism communicates between two separate fluid spaces located on opposite sides of the actuator. During movement of the actuator, a fluid is allowed to transfer through the mechanism between the two separate fluid spaces.
US07931131B2	Rotational resistance applying device in main shaft driving device for machine tool A rotational resistance applying device in which a hollow roller is provided between a first surface of a clamp piston (pressing member) and a second surface of a sliding disc (a press member), and in which a pressing force applied to the clamp piston acts upon the sliding disc through the hollow roller that press-contacts the first and second surfaces by displacement of the clamp piston. By this, rolling resistance of the hollow roller resiliently deformed by the pressing force causes a rotational resistance to be applied to a main shaft within a range allowing rotation. This makes it possible to prevent pulsation from being generated in the rotation of the main shaft. In addition, even if the pressing force is applied to the clamp piston, the hollow roller rolls, so that wear of the clamp piston and wear of the sliding disc can be restricted.
US07931123B2	Stepladder folding twin-step A ladder includes a first section having at least one step. The ladder includes a second section having a least one step. The ladder includes a platform attached to the first and second sections. The ladder includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first section and second section, about which the first section and second section move between an open state, where the first and second sections are in an angular relationship for use, and a folded state where the first and second sections and the platform are essentially in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.The ladder includes a foldable tray mechanism attached to the hinge mechanism about which the foldable tray mechanism moves between the open state independently of the first and second sections, where the foldable tray is in an angular relationship with the first and second sections for use, and a folded state where the foldable tray essentially forms a plane with the first section. A hinge for a stepladder. A step to a ladder. Methods for using a stepladder.
US07931120B2	Exhaust device and vehicle with exhaust device An exhaust device for a vehicle, such as a scooter type motorcycle, comprises an exhaust pipe and a muffler. A first end portion of the exhaust pipe is connectable to an engine of the vehicle. The muffler includes an outer wall defining an internal space of the muffler. A second end portion of the exhaust pipe is located within the internal space of the muffler. A secondary air induction pipe supplies air to the exhaust pipe and is connected to a portion of the exhaust pipe that is within the internal space of the muffler. The secondary air induction pipe extends to the outside of the muffler via a through hole that has an edge, at least a portion of which is defined by each of a first member and a second member of the muffler.
US07931119B2	Support structure for exhaust pipe A support structure for an exhaust pipe includes left and right side frames disposed on a lower side of a rear floor and a back panel extending downward from the rear floor joined to rear end portions of the side frames. Reinforcing plates join the back panel on a vehicle rear side in positions facing the rear of the side frames. Stays extending in a rearward direction mount to the respective reinforcing plates and support a bumper member. A muffler disposed below the rear floor and on a front side of the back panel or an exhaust pipe connected thereto, is supported on a vehicle body by a hanger rubber. A flange portion that is formed with a reinforcing plate extends rearwardly and perpendicularly therefrom. A hanger rubber mounts to the flange portion to support the muffler or exhaust pipe.
US07931115B2	Diaphragm surrounding A surround for a diaphragm includes at least one rib section oriented to be extended during excursions of the diaphragm. The surround includes at least one membrane section supported by one or more rib sections contributing to a compliance characteristic different from the contribution of the one or more rib sections.
US07931109B2	Arrangement of ignition coils and coil-holding structure in a motorcycle, and motorcycle including same A motorcycle includes a fuel tank mounted on a main frame member, an engine arranged below the main frame member, and ignition coils arranged below the fuel tank. The main frame member includes a pair of sub-frame members arranged in a vehicle-width direction in a spaced-apart manner. A coil-holding structure, formed of a plastic resin material, is disposed on the main frame member for arranging the ignition coils thereon between the pair of sub-frame members. A base portion of the coil-holding structure has one or more openings formed therein so as to expose portions of the ignition coils to a traveling wind, during vehicle operation. One of the ignition coils, which is arranged close to a rear side of a vehicle body, is disposed at a position lower than a position of the ignition coil which is arranged close to a front side of the vehicle body.
US07931108B2	Semi-trailer repositioner Exemplary apparatus and system for repositioning a semi-trailer are described. The repositoner may comprise two pivoting arms, each comprising a mechanical actuator attached to an underside area of the semi-trailer, wherein the pivoting arms are disposed substantially parallel to the underside of the semi-trailer in a first position and are configured to be pivoted away from the semi-trailer in a second position substantially perpendicular to the underside of the semi-trailer; two wheels mounted at an angle from a rear plane of the semi-trailer such that the semi-trailer moves in a circular path when the wheels turn, with each wheel operatively coupled to a motor; and a lower frame mounted to the mechanical actuators of the arms, the lower frame comprising two opposing wheel housing couple to the wheels; wherein, lowering the hydraulic jack arms can hydraulically lift the semi-trailer, and further wherein the wheels can maneuver the semi-trailer.
US07931100B2	Auxiliary drive for a trailer Auxiliary drive for a trailer such as a caravan. Said drive consists of a drive unit with a gearwheel. Through linear movement of the drive unit relative to the chassis, said gearwheel can be brought into engagement with a ring gear fitted either on the brake drum of a wheel of the vehicle or on an auxiliary part such as a covering drum fitted over said brake drum. The ring gear preferably lies in a plane outside the plane bounded by the inside of the wheel.
US07931098B2	Steerable bit system assembly and methods A drilling system includes a steerable bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a steering unit and a control unit that provide dynamic control of drill bit orientation or tilt. Exemplary steering units can adjust bit orientation at a rate that approaches or exceeds the rotational speed of the drill string or drill bit, can include a dynamically adjustable articulated joint having a plurality of elements that deform in response to an excitation signal, can include adjustable independently rotatable rings for selectively tilting the bit, and/or can include a plurality of selectively extensible force pads. The force pads are actuated by a shape change material that deforms in response to an excitation signal. A method of directional drilling includes continuously cycling the position of the steering unit based upon the rotational speed of the drill string and/or drill bit and with reference to an external reference point.
US07931095B2	Hammer drill In a hammer drill, a coil spring is disposed rearward of a piston cylinder inside a housing so as to press the piston cylinder to an advanced position when the hammer drill operates in a drill mode, and a supporting plate is disposed at a rear end of the piston cylinder. The supporting plate includes a pair of side plates and a base portion connecting front ends of the side plates. The base portion is in contact with a rear surface of the piston cylinder, and rear ends of the side plates are in contact with a front end of the coil spring. Openings provided in the side plates are configured to hold a pin on which a connecting arm is pivoted.
US07931093B2	Method and system for anchoring and isolating a wellbore Downhole tools for anchoring and isolating at least one zone in a wellbore comprise a mandrel having an upper end, a lower end, an outer wall surface, and a longitudinal bore disposed therethrough having an axis. One or more anchors are disposed through the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each of the anchors has a retracted position and an extended position. An isolation element is disposed along the outer wall surface of the mandrel. The isolation element may cover the anchors or be disposed, above, below, or around the anchors. Engagement of the isolation element with the inner wall surface of the wellbore to isolate at least one zone of the wellbore may be accomplished by piercing the isolation element to permit wellbore fluid to contact a swellable material contained within the isolation element, or by pumping fluid into the isolation element.
US07931092B2	Packer element with recesses for downwell packing system and method of its use A packer system for a wellbore includes a tubular member and a packer element mounted on the tubular member. The packer element is formed of a swellable polymeric material, the packer element having a radially-outward external surface, the surface including a plurality of radially-inwardly extending recesses formed therein. The recesses provide additional surface area that can contact a swelling fluid, thereby increasing the swelling rate of the packer element.
US07931091B2	Open-hole wellbore lining Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for lining a wellbore. In certain aspects, the systems and methods comprise providing a fluid composition that is solidifiable or gellable on exposure to actinic radiation of a predetermined wavelength at the wall of open-hole wellbore and providing actinic radiation at the predetermined wavelength to solidify or gel the composition.
US07931084B2	Methods for treating a subterranean formation by introducing a treatment fluid containing a proppant and a swellable particulate and subsequently degrading the swellable particulate A method is provided for treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of: (a) introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a proppant and a swellable particulate; (b) swelling the swellable particulate, wherein the step of swelling is performed prior to, during, or after the step of introducing the treatment fluid; and (c) degrading the swellable particulate in the subterranean formation, wherein the step of degrading is performed after the steps of introducing and swelling.
US07931081B2	Systems, methods and apparatuses for monitoring and recovery of petroleum from earth formations A system for monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The system includes: an assembly including at least one of an injection conduit for injecting a thermal source into the formation and a production conduit for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation; a guide conduit attached to at least a portion of the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit, the guide conduit extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit; and a detection source conduit insertable through the guide conduit and configured to dispose therein a detection source for detecting a location of the assembly in the formation. A method of monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is also provided.
US07931080B2	Method and system for extraction of hydrocarbons from oil sands A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil sands using nuclear energy sources for power to decrease the viscosity of bitumen in oil sands deposits and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products form the oil sands deposits are disclosed.
US07931076B2	Small footprint drilling rig A method and apparatus for a moving a floor structure relative to a base structure is provided. The apparatus includes a base structure having an opening for a well head, a floor structure coupled to the base structure by a plurality of support members, and a drive mechanism disposed on the floor structure, the drive mechanism providing motive force to the support members for moving the floor structure relative to the base structure in a single first direction.
US07931075B2	Air conditioner In an air conditioner for a vehicle, a blower of a blower unit includes a double-axial motor having a rotation axis positioned approximately in a vehicle top-bottom direction, a pair of centrifugal fans located at two sides of the double-axial motor in an axial direction, and a pair of scroll casings in which the centrifugal fans are accommodated, respectively. The two air outlet portions are arranged in the vehicle top-bottom direction, and are adjacent to be joined to an air inlet portion of the air conditioning unit, substantially as a single air outlet. Furthermore, the two air outlet portions are located approximately at the same height position as that of the air passing portion of the cooling heat exchanger, and have a height dimension (H2) at its downstream end side that is approximately equal to a height dimension (H1) of the air passing portion of the cooling heat exchanger.
US07931074B2	Heat exchanger and air conditioner A heat exchanger includes tubes which are arranged in parallel and through which a fluid for heating air flows. Fins which are joined to the tubes. The tubes and the fins are arranged to form three or more heating parts and at least two bypass passages each of which is provided between adjacent heating parts, through which the air passes without exchanging heat with the thermal fluid. First and second tank parts are arranged at two longitudinal ends of the tubes and extend across the bypass passages and the heating parts. The bypass passages and the heating parts are arranged perpendicular to an air flow direction. The heating heat exchanger is disposed in an air conditioning case down stream from an evaporator. The air conditioning case is separated into two air outlets. Cold air from the bypass passages and hot air from the heating parts are mixed prior to being blown through the air outlets.
US07931073B2	Heat exchanger with fluid expansion in header A heat exchanger includes a first header and a second header and a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending therebetween. Each heat exchange tube has an inlet end opening to one of the headers and an outlet opening to the other header. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end, each channel defining a discrete refrigerant flow path. The inlet end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes is positioned with the inlet opening to the channels disposed in spaced relationship with and facing an opposite inside surface of the header thereby defining a relatively narrow gap between the inlet opening to the channels and the facing opposite inside surface of the header. The gap may function either as a primary expansion device or as a secondary expansion device.
US07931071B2	Heat exchanger with heat pipe A heat exchanger includes an evaporation side heat pipe in which a working fluid flowing therein is heat exchanged with a high-temperature fluid to be evaporated, a condensation side heat pipe in which the working fluid flowing therein is heat exchanged with a low-temperature fluid to be condensed, and an inner fin located at least in the evaporation side heat pipe to increase a heat transmission area of the evaporation side heat pipe with the working fluid. The evaporation side heat pipe and the condensation side heat pipe are connected to form a closed cycle, and the evaporation side heat pipe is arranged such that the working fluid flows in the evaporation side heat pipe in a direction different from a horizontal direction. Furthermore, the inner fin has a bottom end that is positioned above a top surface of the working fluid at least in a liquid state.
US07931068B2	Motorized shade control system A motorized shade control system includes electronic drive units (EDUs) having programmable control units directing a motor to move an associated shade in response to command signals directed to the control units from wall-mounted keypad controllers or from alternate devices or control systems connected to a contact closure interface (CCI). Each of the EDUs, keypad controllers and CCIs of the system is connected to a common communication bus. The system provides for initiation of soft addressing of the system components from any keypad controller, CCI or EDU. The system also provides for setting of EDU limit positions and assignment of EDUs to keypad controllers from the keypad controllers or CCIs. The system may also include infrared receivers for receiving infrared command signals from an infrared transmitter.
US07931065B2	Printed circuit board manufacturing equipment In a printed circuit board manufacturing equipment, a pressing die includes a first pressing part, a second pressing part, and a frame part. A buffer member is disposed between a first surface of a laminated body and the first pressing part. The second pressing part has a portion facing a second surface of the laminated body and a portion facing the buffer member. The frame part surrounds a whole area of a side surface of the buffer member. Before pressing and heating, the laminated body, the second pressing part, and the buffer member define an escape space therebetween for escaping the buffer member deformed due to the pressing. A lip protrudes from the frame part toward the laminated body. The lip is deformed following the deformation of the buffer member and comes in contact with a surface of the second pressing part facing the buffer member.
US07931064B2	Tube mesh bag, and apparatus and method for manufacturing the same The invention teaches a new way to make mesh bags using adhesive labels and continuous mesh tubing. Using adhesive labels on continuous mesh tubing is made possible by guiding the mesh tubing both on the outside of the tubing and the inside of the tubing so that an adhesive label does not stick to the mesh surface on the other side of the mesh tubing. As a result the invention also teaches a new type of mesh bag made with this process and a new machine used for making mesh bags.
US07931060B2	Adhesion chain for the wheel of an automotive vehicle This adhesion chain for the wheel of a motor vehicle comprises an adhesion tread intended to be in contact with at least the tread of the wheel concerned, and kept in place by means of respectively external and internal tensioning cables. The adhesion tread consists of a net prepared from textile material, said net being prepared by knitting of cords themselves prepared by knitting, so as to define the meshes of said net, and in that the cords include a reinforcing core from a high-modulus material.
US07931059B1	Through dovetailing jig assembly A through dovetailing jig assembly comprised of a dovetailing jig removably attached to a workpiece, an indexing strip removably attached to the workpiece and jig, and a front backup board removably attached to the workpiece and jig. The jig is further comprised of a removable pin insert and a removable tail insert.
US07931056B2	Debarking apparatus A debarking apparatus includes a cutting body having a cutting surface and a first projection configured to cooperate with a fastener. The debarking apparatus also includes a holding body for removably holding the cutting body, the holding body having a trailing surface and defining a first recess generally complementary to the first projection to receive therein the first projection in a close surrounding fit, and a first opening sized to receive the fastener. The fastener is configurable to pass through the first opening and to cooperate with the first projection and with the holding body to hold the first projection in the first recess in a close surrounding fit.
US07931053B2	Sealing device for a tank access opening in particular for tank filler pipes on motor vehicles A sealing device for a tank access opening whereby the ball is arranged to be displaced within the tank access opening. On introduction of a fuel nozzle, the ball opens the tank access opening.
US07931052B2	Vacuum storage container A container is provided for storing items in a vacuum state. The container includes a receptacle with associated lid. A lever and clamp act together as a toggle to exert a relatively high closure force on the lid. The container includes a vacuum pump, preferably within a base of the container. A switch is provided to activate and deactivate the pump which is activated by the lever when the lever is pivoted to a closed position. A sensor is optionally also provided to shut off the pump when a sufficiently low pressure is reached. The lid includes a bleed port which is closed by the clamp when the lid is closed. When the lever and clamp are pivoted to an open position, this bleed port is opened so that pressure equalization occurs and the lid can be easily opened without fighting atmospheric pressure forces acting on the lid.
US07931051B2	Multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric with long machine side MD floats A papermaker's fabric includes: a set of top MD yarns; a set of bottom MD yarns; a set of top CMD yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns to form a top fabric layer; a set of bottom CMD yarns interwoven with the bottom MD yarns to form a bottom fabric layer; and a set of stitching yarns that interweave with the top and bottom fabric layers. The top MD yarns and the top CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of repeat units and the bottom MD yarns and the bottom CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of corresponding repeat units. Each of the bottom MD yarns forms a bottom MD float by passing under three or more consecutive bottom CMD yarns.
US07931050B2	Nano or sub-nano FIR and anion fuel pipes for motor vehicles and ships A fuel pipe that is made from nano or sub-nano plastic or rubber materials and can be used for motor vehicles and ships includes a nano or sub-nano Far Infrared Ray (FIR) and anion carrier. The structures of the carrier are made up of nano or sub-nano tourmaline granules integrated into the carrier body made from general, nano, or sub-nano plastic, rubber, resin, or metal materials. The carrier can be the whole body, interior or exterior wall, or paste structures set on the inner or outer wall surface of the pipe. The carrier can reach a far infrared emission rate up to 96% from ˜85% by general tourmaline materials and facilitate sufficient combustion by breaking fuel molecular group into pieces. As a result, the novel pipe can achieve an extra 12-percent fuel economy improvement. The percentage of toxic gas in the exhaust will be correspondingly reduced.
US07931039B2	Foldable frame structure The present invention provides a foldable frame structure, which comprises a limit portion, a canopy portion and a frame body. The limit portion encloses an area with a predetermined figure. The canopy portion is connected with the limit portion. The frame body is connected with the canopy portion for lifting the canopy portion from the limit portion. The frame body further comprises a plurality of cambered areas, a plurality of first overlapping ends, a plurality of second overlapping ends and a plurality of contacting ends. The plurality of contacting ends press against the limit portion respectively. The plurality of first overlapping ends are aligned along an extended direction. Each of the cambered areas is simultaneously connected with another cambered area at the first overlapping end and connected with yet another cambered area at the second overlapping end. Thus, the foldable frame structure can be collapsed for storage by making the plurality of cambered areas come into close contact with one another successively.
US07931035B2	Method of and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor wafers A method of and system for cleaning semiconductor wafers minimizes the exposure of the wafers to the air by washing, rinsing and drying the wafers in one cleaning chamber. The system includes a wafer support by which a plurality of wafers can be supported in the cleaning chamber as oriented vertically and spaced from each other, and tubular de-ionized water supply nozzles extending longitudinally in the direction in which the wafers are spaced from each other as disposed to the sides of the wafers. Each de-ionized water supply nozzle has an inner nozzle passageway, and a plurality of sets of nozzle holes extending radially through the main body of the nozzle from the inner nozzle passageway. Each such set of nozzle holes subtends an angle of 80˜100° in a vertical plane and is directed towards a surface of a respective wafer W. During a primary rinse procedure, the de-ionized water is supplied to the de-ionized water spray nozzles, and the liquid in the cleaning chamber is simultaneously discharged from a lower part of the chamber and by being allowed to overflow the chamber. The supplying of the de-ionized water to the de-ionized water spray nozzles and the discharging of the cleaning chamber are carried out in proportions that minimize differences in the etching rate of a wafer across the surface thereof.
US07931031B2	Hairstyling device A hairstyling device composed of a handle (1), at least one heating part (3) cooperating with a retaining part (2), each mounted in a respective housing (6, 22; 5, 20) joined to the handle (1), at least one of the heating (3) or retaining (2) parts being float-mounted inside its housing (6, 5), hair being able to be inserted between the heating part (3) and the retaining part (2). At least one of the heating (3) or retaining (2) parts has a first permanent magnet (11) cooperating with a second, opposing permanent magnet (12) belonging to its housing (6, 22; 5, 20), the second permanent magnet being mounted in phase with the first.
US07931029B2	Method and apparatus for uterus stabilization A system and method for surgery on a hollow organ comprises a source of a biocompatible gellable fluid in a flowable state and an insertion device for introducing the gellable fluid into a hollow organ of a patient, the gellable fluid transitioning from the flowable state to a gel-like state to form a gel mass within the hollow organ to support a wall of the hollow organ in combination with a state control apparatus for transitioning the gel mass from the gel-like state to the flowable state and a removal device for removing from the hollow organ the gellable fluid in the flowable state.
US07931026B2	Adjustable conduit coupling assembly A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.
US07931019B2	Self-powered pump for heated liquid, fluid heating and storage tank and fluid heating system employing same A self-powered pump for heated liquid is provided. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid. A heated liquid inlet pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container. A heated liquid outlet is lower than the end of the inlet pipe. A breathing pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container and is higher than both of the outlet and the end of the inlet pipe but lower than an interior side of the container top. An opposite end of the breathing pipe is outside the container, lower than the container base, and is received by an open container such that the opposite end can become submerged in heated liquid accumulated within the open container during pump operation. A fluid or liquid heating system incorporating the self-powered pump may operate without external power for the pump.
US07931017B2	Assembly structure of an action and a gas cylinder An assembly structure of an action and a gas cylinder includes a furniture which is provided with an action and an interior of the action is accommodated with a gas cylinder. A power source can be provided to the furniture by the gas cylinder. By the aforementioned structure, an issue in a conventional toy gun or training gun that when a clip is taken down, the power source is also removed is broken through. By using the present invention, when a user takes down the clip, the furniture is still provided with the power source to shoot out a last round of bullet left in the furniture, thereby enabling the present invention to be equipped with practicability and progressiveness of a realistic sparring effect.
US07931014B2	Kickback preventing circuit for engine An ignition control circuit and method of operation provides a very simple but highly effective prevention of engine reverse rotation upon starting by prohibiting ignition when a reverse rotation situation arises.
US07931011B2	High-pressure fuel supply circuit A high-pressure fuel supply circuit, which supplies fuel in a fuel tank to injectors of an internal combustion engine, may includes a fuel pump that is employed so as to feed the fuel in the fuel tank with pressure to the injector, wherein one or more fuel pumps may be employed so as to improve a compression ratio of the fuel; a separator provided with a selective check valve so as to separate air from the fuel supplied by the fuel pump; and an injection pump receiving the fuel from the separator, compressing it, and feeding it with pressure to the injector.
US07931010B2	Fuel supply system for boat and outboard motor A fuel supply system for a boat prevents deterioration in engine startability and includes a vapor separator tank arranged to contain fuel at an inner fuel level “P” at a predetermined height, an injector arranged to supply fuel to an engine, and a high-pressure fuel pump that is disposed outside the vapor separator tank and that is arranged to supply the fuel reserved in the vapor separator tank to the injector. The high-pressure fuel pump includes a negative pressure generating portion arranged to generate negative pressure when the high-pressure fuel pump draws fuel, the negative pressure generating portion being positioned lower than the fuel level “P” in the vapor separator tank.
US07931009B2	Fuel injector designed to minimize mechanical stress on fuel pressure sensor installed therein A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel injector is to be installed in a cylinder head of the engine and has a fuel pressure sensor working to measure the pressure of fuel within a injector body. The fuel pressure sensor is installed in a portion of the injector body which is to be located away from the cylinder head of the engine across a portion of the injector body on which a mechanical pressure is exerted by an external member such as a fuel supply pipe or a fuel drain pipe, thereby keeping the fuel pressure sensor free from internal stress, as arising from the mechanical pressure exerted on the injector body, to ensure the accuracy in measuring the pressure of the fuel.
US07931008B2	Systems and methods for detecting failed injection events A fuel injection system includes an injector control module, a current detection module, and a position determination module. The injector control module controls current through a solenoid of a fuel injector for a predetermined period. The current detection module measures an amount of current through the solenoid after the predetermined period. The position determination module determines whether the fuel injector injected fuel during the predetermined period based on when the amount of current through the solenoid is less than or equal to a predetermined current.
US07931005B2	Generating electricity with a hypocyloidally driven, opposed piston, internal combustion engine An electrical generator includes an opposed piston, internal-combustion engine with a piston and a hypocycloidal drive connected by a rod to the piston. The construction of the hypocycloidal drive imposes a sinusoidal period on the linear motion of the piston and connecting rod. As generator associated with the piston produces a sinusoidal voltage in response to the liner motion of the piston and connecting rod.
US07931003B2	Reciprocating engine A reciprocating engine 1 includes an annular top ring 5 serving as a first piston ring disposed adjacent to a top surface (head end surface) 4 of a piston 3 defining a combustion chamber 2; an annular second ring 6 serving as a second piston ring disposed with the top ring 5 interposed between the annular second ring 6 and the top surface 4; an annular gas chamber 7 defined by the top ring 5 and the second ring 6; and a plurality of communicating passages 8 for allowing the annular gas chamber 7 and the combustion chamber 2 to communicate with each other. The top ring 5 and the second ring 6 are respectively inclined with respect to an X direction in which the piston 3 reciprocates, so as to be located further away from each other on a thrust side 9 than on an anti-thrust side 10.
US07930997B2	Cannine training and control harness A head harness for walking dogs includes a nosepiece member attached to distal ends of at least one reins member having an attached leash ring, and the nosepiece further being connected to two short connecting straps. A chin strap, a neck collar with a release buckle, and the two short straps are linked at the free ends by a ring connecting means. The reins members are slidingly connected proximal the two distal ends.
US07930991B2	Adjustable film applicator A film applicator which includes an applicator housing, an applicator blade positioned within the housing, a micrometer secured to the applicator housing and having a plurality of shafts and a plurality of magnets each having one end secured to a respective micrometer shaft and another end in releasable magnetic engagement with the applicator blade.
US07930990B2	Pointer with a fitted cover for a gauge or similar and a method of fabricating fitted covers An exemplary embodiment of a pointer for a gauge includes a body of transparent material, the body including a hub and an indicator portion extending from the hub. The pointer further includes a fitted cover of transparent material to cover the body, the fitted cover including a visible pattern.
US07930989B2	Bird repeller and method of assembly Assembly for repelling birds from a selected area and method of making it. A rotor is assembled from a plurality of identical fin panels and rotatably mounted on a supporting pole within the selected area. Graphic designs comprising bird scaring holographic and/or diffractive images may be placed on the pole and/or rotor to simulate movement even when the rotor is stationary. The fin panels may be transparent and reflective to project light beams between and away from rotor surfaces. Outwardly projecting fin segments and a rotor barrel with vents are responsive to wind currents to rotate the rotor and generate bird repelling noises and visual effects.
US07930988B1	Joint assembly for a boat seat A joint assembly for a boat seat is provided. In one example, the joint assembly includes a front panel having a T-shaped opening formed by a groove and a channel. An end panel is configured to couple to the front panel via a T-shaped member formed by a tongue joined to a neck. A T-shaped insert is configured to slidingly engage the groove and channel after the end panel has been inserted in order to lock the end panel in place.
US07930984B2	Body shaping wear A body-shaping wear is disclosed. The body-shaping wear is produced by a process including a step of softening a fabric. The fabric has a thickness of about 280 to about 600 den. About 22 to about 56 percent of the fabric is made of a synthetic and elastic fiber.
US07930978B1	Forward firing fragmentation warhead A forward firing fragmentation warhead is constructed with casing materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality may be improved by forming the fragmentation layer and explosive with dome-shapes that approximately match the shape of the advancing pressure wave. This increases fragment velocity and improves the uniformity of the fragment distribution over the forward-firing pattern. A variable-thickness pattern shaper may be placed between the fragmentation layer and explosive to provide additional shaping of the forward-firing pattern. Warhead weight and cost can be reduced by eliminating explosive at the aft end of the warhead that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the fragments. More specifically, the aft section of the explosive and explosive containment structure may be tapered to approximately match the expansion of the pressure wave from the single-point aft detonation.
US07930974B2	Screen printing machine and solar cell A printing stage includes a stage surface having a plurality of suction holes, and fixes an object to be printed on the stage surface by vacuum contact. A printing mask is employed for forming a predetermined electrode pattern on the object to be printed fixed to the printing stage. A squeegee applies a predetermined amount of pressure to a metal paste spread on the printing mask, to print the electrode pattern on the object to be printed. A porous body is provided between the object to be printed and the printing stage.
US07930973B2	Automated cooking apparatus An automated cooking apparatus to replicate a chef's stir-frying cooking skills on using a utensil, a combination of using a utensil and wok-flip mechanism, or a wok-flip mechanism to enhance cooking results.
US07930971B2	Rotary actuator with internal brake mechanism A vane type hydraulic rotary actuator incorporates a fail-safe brake for preventing movement of the device's rotor relative to a housing in which the rotor is journaled. The brake has a spring-biased piston that is forced to a locked condition whenever applied hydraulic operating pressure acting on the vane falls below a predefined limit. The rotary actuator also incorporates an improved sealing arrangement that prevents egress of hydraulic fluid from a high pressure chamber on one side of the vane to a low pressure chamber on the opposite side of the vane.
US07930969B1	Brake booster with dual rate assist A boosted brake having a booster with a decompression arrangement wherein an output push rod has a head with a plurality of openings that extend into a stem and create a plurality of arcuate grooves. The openings receive a plurality of projections that extend from a piston retained in a sleeve held in a movable partition. A spring acts on the projections and urges the piston into engagement with a reaction disc through which an actuation force is supplied a master cylinder. A predetermined reaction force from the master cylinder acts on piston and overcomes the spring to allow the reaction disc to expand and thereby modify the reaction force. The arcuate grooves in the stem allow for a maximum diameter for spring with a minimum diameter for stem that corresponds to a diameter of piston in order to creates a desired braking in response to an emergency brake application.
US07930966B1	Spaced lightweight composite armor Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material.
US07930965B2	Armor A dual hardness armor, comprising a first steel layer of hardness H1 and thickness D1, a second steel layer of hardness H2 lower than H1, and a thickness D2 not greater than D1. The armor further comprises an intermediate substance therebetween bonding the first steel layer to the second steel layer.
US07930955B2	Screw fastener A screw fastener includes a screwdriver that includes a sleeve having an absorption hole configured to absorb a top surface of a screw, a bit housed in the absorption hole and having a tip engageable with a recess of the screw, and a rotation unit configured to rotate the bit with the sleeve, a movement unit configured to move the screwdriver between a container configured to accommodate the screw and a work, an optical sensor provided to the sleeve and configured to detect the recess of the screw while a bottom surface of the sleeve and a top surface of the screw are arranged in noncontact manner, and a controller aligns the tip of the bit with the recess of the screw based on a detection result of the pressure detector.
US07930953B2	Gearbox with removable oil tank A gearbox for an auxiliary power unit (APU) includes a front side defining a generator interface configured to be coupled to a generator, the front side further defining an oil pump and fuel control component interface configured to be coupled to an oil pump and fuel control component, and a starter interface configured to be coupled to a starter. The gearbox further includes a back side on an opposite side to the front side and configured to house a gear train; a bottom side defining an oil tank interface configured to be coupled to an oil tank; and a debris conduit extending from the generator interface to the oil tank interface.
US07930950B2	Motor-driven steering assist apparatus In a motor-driven steering assist apparatus, a gear train transmitting a rotation of an electric motor to an output shaft comprises a single unit body surrounded by housings, and an attaching boss to a vehicle body side bracket is provided in a lower surface of the housing as seen from an axial direction of the output shaft.
US07930942B2	Protective hood with a housing for the protection of a measuring apparatus The invention relates to a protective hood with a housing (1) for the protection of a measuring apparatus (2), which housing comprises a receiving space (17) for receiving a first measuring apparatus section (20) of such a measuring apparatus (2) and a through opening (12) for running a second measuring apparatus section (21) through it. The arrangement is advantageous in that at least one underlapping support element (18, 19) extends into the receiving space (17) for partially underlapping the first measuring apparatus section (20) in the direction of the through opening (12), and that the housing (1) is constructed from at least a first and a second housing section (1a, 1b) and at least one coupling element (13; 14, 15), and that the first measuring apparatus section (20) can be set between the housing sections (1a, 1b) and that the latter can be subsequently designed to be adjustable to one another for forming and closing the receiving space (17). At least one such coupling element is preferably constructed as an articulation (13) connecting housing sections (1a, 1b) to one another. Moreover, a process for mounting such a protective hood is advantageous.
US07930941B2	Ultrasonic scanning device An ultrasonic scanner includes an assembly mounted within a housing and pivoting between two positions. The assembly includes an ultrasonic module that generates an ultrasonic beam directed at a target, such a tissue and detecting the corresponding return beam. A worm screw with a block contacting the assembly is used to selectively pivot the assembly to a desired position. The worm screw is driven by a DC motor and the position of the assembly is monitored using a proximity sensor, such as a Hall Effect Device. A hybrid controller in one mode receives analog signals from the Hall Effect Device and uses them as a feedback signal to an analog OP AMP driving the DC motor to move said assembly to a predetermined position. In another embodiment, the motor is activated for a predetermined time to move the assembly by a predetermined amount.
US07930938B2	System for determining fluid level The present invention is directed to a system for determining a fluid level in a vessel. The system comprises a first differential pressure transducer, a second differential pressure transducer, a pressure delivery system, and a fluid passage. The first differential pressure transducer includes a first side and a second side. The first side is selectively in fluid communication with a portion of the vessel above the fluid level. The second differential pressure transducer includes a third side and a fourth side. The third side is selectively in fluid communication with a portion of the vessel below the fluid level. The fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second side of the first transducer, the fourth side of the second transducer, and the pressure delivery mechanism.
US07930934B2	Measuring device The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for detecting processes in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising a pressure sensor (3) which is arranged to be inserted into a bore hole of the internal combustion engine which opens into a combustion chamber, with the pressure sensor (3) comprising at least one optical light guide (6) optically opening into the combustion chamber, and with an optical injection element (8) being arranged preferably in the opening region into the combustion chamber. In order to enable performing simultaneously a pressure measurement and optical combustion chamber monitoring at the same place of the combustion chamber, it is provided that the optical injection element (8) is soldered into a pressure membrane (5) of the pressure sensor (3) or into the housing (2) of the pressure sensor (3).
US07930932B2	NOx sensor abnormality detection device and exhaust gas purification system using the same A NOx sensor abnormality detection device senses a NOx concentration and an O2 concentration from output signals of a NOx sensor and calculates an estimated NOx concentration from the O2 concentration when an engine is in a steady operation state, when a zero point of the NOx concentration is sensed, and when an O2 sensing section of the NOx sensor is normal. The NOx sensor abnormality detection device calculates a sensed inclination and an estimated inclination of a NOx concentration output characteristic of the NOx sensor based on the sensed NOx concentration, the sensed O2 concentration and the estimated NOx concentration calculated from the O2 concentration. The NOx sensor abnormality detection device determines that the NOx sensor is faulty when an absolute value of a difference between the sensed inclination and the estimated inclination is larger than a predetermined value.
US07930930B2	Method for measuring the instantaneous flow of an injector for gaseous fuels The instantaneous flow of an injector for gaseous fuels is calculated by measuring the pressure and temperature of a test gas injected inside a measuring chamber connected to the external environment in a continuous manner through a given outlet section and using a calculation formula, in which the instantaneous flow of the injector is a function of on the measured pressure, of a first factor as a function of a volume of the measuring chamber and the measured temperature, and of a second factor as a function of the measured temperature and the outlet section.
US07930927B2	Transdermal portable alcohol monitor and methods for using such Various embodiments of the present invention provide alcohol monitoring devices, and methods for using such. As one example, an alcohol monitoring device is disclosed that includes a device body, an alcohol sensor, and a liquid cartridge. The alcohol sensor is associated with the device body, and relies on a liquid supply to perform an alcohol measurement on a subject. The liquid cartridge is replaceably coupled to the device body and provides the liquid supply to the alcohol sensor.
US07930923B2	Quartz crystal microbalance with nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor thin films and method of detecting vapors and odors including alcoholic beverages, explosive materials and volatilized chemical compounds A nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) facilitates detection of gaseous compounds emitted from an analyte. Adsorption of gas molecules onto the nanocrystalline ITO thin film changes the resonant frequency of the quartz crystal. Parameters such as the frequency of oscillation, surface resistance, integrated frequency response, integrated surface resistance response, initial response slope, average return to baseline slope, and/or return to baseline time/initial response time ratio of the quartz crystal with the nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed thereon are determined. Using the determined parameters and principal component analysis, principal components for the gaseous compounds are also determined. These determined principal components may be compared with known principal components corresponding to known analytes. The analyte may include any distinguishable substance, in any state that emits at least one gaseous compound that can be adsorbed on the nanocrystalline ITO thin film. Nonlimiting examples of analytes include alcoholic beverages, fruits, explosive compounds, VOCs, petroleum-based fuels, alkanes, aldehydes and ketones.
US07930918B2	Fob having a clip and method for manufacture thereof A fob (10) such as a key fob has a casing (11) and a resilient clip (12) abutting the casing at a first end of the clip and overhanging the casing to form a substantially J-shaped clip. The casing may be substantially rectangular in shape and may includes a recess for accommodating therein an insert such as a electronic circuit (13) and a cover mounted (16) within the recess so as to overlay the electronic circuit and form a peripheral recess (18) between a rim (19) of the casing and a peripheral edge of the cover that may be hermetically sealed to form a sealed unit. During manufacture, the fob is injection molded wherein the resilient clip abuts the casing at a first end of the clip while lying outside a boundary of the casing. Local heat is then applied to the clip and the clip is bent so that it overhangs the casing.
US07930915B2	Valet key storage device A valet key storage device, includes a valet key storage portion for storing a valet key having an opening, a locking bar for locking the valet key, a driving member for driving the locking bar to be inserted into the opening of the valet key, a locking pin for locking the locking bar, a driving section for driving the locking pin to lock the locking bar; and a control section for controlling the driving section to plunge or remove the locking pin into or from the locking bar.
US07930901B2	Optical glass, precision press-molding preform, optical element and processes for production of these Provided are optical glasses having a phosphate-containing composition that can materialize highly useful optical properties including high-refractivity and high-dispersion properties; an optical glass comprising P2O5, SiO2 and Li2O as essential components, comprising Na2O and K2O as optional components, having an Li2O/(Li2O+Na2O+K2O) molar ratio of from ⅓ to 1 and having an Abbe's number (νd) of 30 or less, and an optical glass comprising P2O5, SiO2 and Li2O as essential components, having the property of transmittance that when light is caused to vertically enter one of two plane and mutually parallel optically polished surfaces of a sample of the glass having a thickness of 10.0±0.1 mm and caused to exit from the other surface, the wavelength at which the transmittance represented by the ratio of transmitted light intensity to incidence light intensity (transmitted light intensity/incidence light intensity) comes to be 70% is 510 nm or less, having a refractive index (nd) of 1.80 or more and an Abbe's number (νd) of 30 or less and having a liquidus temperature of less than 1,000° C.
US07930899B2	Accumulator of refrigeration cycle system An accumulator is provided which is installed between a compressor and an evaporator of a refrigeration cycle system. The accumulator includes an inlet pipe through which refrigerant is introduced from the evaporator, an outlet pipe through which the evaporated refrigerant is delivered to the compressor, and a chamber which is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes and formed with a floor surface at a lower level than connecting portions of the chamber connected to the inlet and outlet pipes. Further, the inlet and outlet pipes are horizontally connected to the chamber.
US07930896B2	Air conditioning system A refrigerant circuit (40) is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger (54), an indoor heat exchanger (55) and two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57). The indoor heat exchanger (55) is disposed in an indoor unit (11), while the outdoor heat exchanger (54) and the two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57) are disposed in an outdoor unit (12). Moisture in outdoor air taken in the outdoor unit (12) is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) serving as an evaporator and the air is dehumidified. The dehumidified air is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (55) serving as an evaporator and the air is supplied to the room space.
US07930895B2	Brushless direct current motor, compressor and air conditioner having the same A brushless direct current motor, includes a rotor which comprises a permanent magnet, a stator which comprises coils associated with a plurality of phases which form an electrical field for generating a torque by interaction with a magnetic field which is generated by the permanent magnet, and a load prevention part which is disposed inside the stator to electrically connect and disconnect the coils of the plurality of phases according to a temperature variation.
US07930892B1	Refrigerator with continuous vacuum insulation A refrigerator includes a refrigerator housing, a refrigerated compartment disposed within the refrigerator housing, and a hollow refrigerator wall having insulation material therein. There is a first fluid connection from the vacuum pump to the hollow refrigerator wall for providing a first function of evacuating air from the hollow refrigerator wall and a second fluid connection from the vacuum pump for providing a second function of evacuating air.
US07930888B2	Variable geometry turbine A variable geometry turbine comprises a turbine wheel supported in a housing for rotation about a turbine axis with an annular inlet passageway defined between a radial face of a nozzle ring and a facing wall of the housing. The nozzle ring is movable along the turbine axis to vary the width of the inlet passageway and of vanes that are received in corresponding slots in the facing wall. Each vane major surface such that at a predetermined axial position of the nozzle ring relative to the facing wall the recess is in axial alignment with the slot and affords an exhaust gas leakage path through the inlet passageway. The recess is configured to reduce the efficiency of the turbine at small inlet gaps appropriate to engine braking or exhaust gas heating modes.
US07930887B2	Hydraulic master cylinder and vehicle provided with the same A rear brake control hydraulic master cylinder that dispenses with adjustment work to decrease a clearance between a piston and a push member. A master cylinder 31 includes first and second oil chambers. The piston includes a piston oil passage portion connected to the first and second oil chambers. The push member abuts against and moves the piston to generate a hydraulic pressure in the first oil chamber. A compression spring biases the push member into contact with the piston when the piston is not moved substantially toward the first oil chamber.
US07930884B2	Exhaust manifold A manifold for exhaust gases from a motor vehicle engine, includes upper and lower half-shells (18A, 18B) delimiting between them an exhaust gas pipe, and aligned bores designed to be arranged in the extension of the engine exhaust outlets, the half-shells having each a peripheral edge and being attached to each other via at least first segments (20A, 20B) of their peripheral edges welded to each other. The invention is characterized in that there is at least one median plane (P) passing through the bores and traversed at least twice by the first segments (20A, 20B).
US07930882B2	Cogeneration system A cogeneration system that allows an engine to be continuously operated even when there is no demand for hot feedwater. The system comprises a hot water tank for storing hot water heated from cold water by heat released by an engine that drives a generator. When the heat of the water in the hot water tank exceeds a predetermined temperature, a control is performed so that a drain valve is opened and the hot water in the tank is released.
US07930877B2	Exhaust system for an internal combustion engine provided with an exhaust gas recirculation circuit An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, which is provided with a feeding pipe of fresh air to an intake manifold and with a turbocharger arranged along the feeding pipe; the exhaust system displays: an emission pipe for releasing the exhaust gases produced by the internal combustion engine into the atmosphere; at least one gas treatment device, which is arranged along the emission pipe and consists of an oxidizing catalyzer and an anti-particulate filter; and a recirculation circuit, which displays a recirculation pipe which is regulated by a recirculation valve and connects the emission pipe downstream of the treatment device to the intake pipe upstream of a compressor of the turbocharger to introduce into the intake pipe a certain amount of exhaust gases present in the emission pipe; along the recirculation pipe a filter consisting of a metallic mesh arranged to close the recirculation pipe is arranged.
US07930876B2	Method and device for monitoring a particle filter in the exhaust line of an internal combustion engine A device for monitoring an operating mode of an element used for aftertreatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine and to an associated method. The device includes a controller configured to receive a signal that represents a characteristic magnitude of the exhaust gases downstream of the exhaust gas aftertreatment element. In addition, the controller can receive a signal that represents engine deceleration and is configured to increment a deceleration counter with each deceleration. The controller also includes a failure counter that is incremented when a variation in the above-mentioned measured magnitude is detected during a deceleration, the controller establishing a diagnostic criterion that is a function of the two counters. The controller triggers a fault signal if the diagnostic criterion exceeds programmed limits.
US07930870B2	Stalk roll and stripper arrangement for corn head A corn head includes plural pairs of first and second laterally spaced rotating stalk rolls each having outer fluting and plural outer arrays of spaced knife members extending along the length of each stalk roll. Corn stalks are directed by rotating pick-up cones each disposed forward of a respective stalk roll into the space between adjacent stalk rolls, where the stalks are directed downwardly through the inter-roll space and are reduced by the cutting action of the rotating knives. Each pick-up cone and its associated stalk roll rotate in opposite directions as do the two stalk rolls. Disposed above and extending along the length of the stalk rolls are a closely spaced upper auger and stripper plate which remove an ear of corn from the stalk and direct the ear to the combine for further processing. A skid plate is disposed adjacent a lower, forward portion of each pick-up cone.
US07930864B2	Mounting clip An L-shaped clip for mounting a trim member along an exposed edge of a suspension ceiling includes a support leg to be longitudinally secured to a grid tee and a perpendicular face leg to be secured to the trim member. The support leg includes offset clip walls for engagement with offset tee walls and clip abutment surfaces for engagement with tee abutment surfaces. The offset walls and abutment surfaces cooperate to assist in the alignment and mounting of the clip to the grid tee at different relative heights. A single clip may be mounted to either a T-shaped grid tee or an open channel grid tee.
US07930863B1	Connector for reinforcing the attachment among structural components Reinforcing connector (10) for reinforcing attachment among components (110) of a structure (100); such as crossing beams (111). Reinforcing connector (10) includes a length of roving (20) composed of filaments (25). Roving (20) is disposed in borehole (50) piercing first beam 111A Free ends (21,23) of roving (20) protrude from borehole openings (51) and are splayed apart into individual filaments (25). Filaments (25) are attached to surfaces of components (110) with adhesive means (30). Reinforcing connector (10) increases ductility and resistance to lateral forces of structure (100).
US07930858B2	Housing assembly A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate.
US07930856B2	ADA compliant sills having a collapsible weather-strip for use with sliding door assemblies Door sill frame assemblies and sliding door assemblies comprising the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sill frame assembly for a sliding door includes a first engaging surface capable of attaching with a sliding door and allowing lateral reciprocating motion of the sliding door and a second engaging surface, wherein along at least a first portion of the second engaging surface is attached a sill member and wherein along at least a second portion of the second engaging surface is attached a fixed-panel door, wherein the sill member includes a channel having a weather-strip extending upward from the channel, the weather-strip having a first open state for substantially preventing water and air intrusion past the sliding door when the sliding door is in a closed position and a second compact state for allowing accessibility of a wheelchair through an opening when the sliding door is in an open position.
US07930854B1	Adjustable high water capacity tree stand The present invention relates to an adjustable high water capacity tree stand having a wide base and an increased water carrying capacity. In a preferred embodiment, the stand has a generally inverted conical shape. A plurality of base plates engage the bottom of the tree truck to prevent slipping. A plurality of compression assemblies are also provided. The compression assemblies can move in and out relative the tree trunk under operation of a rod. The rod can be a screw rod that drives a translator, which in turn is pivotally connected to a ram. The ram is pivotally connected to an arm and causes the arm to pivot. The arm is pivotally connected to a head, and operates to selectively move the head in and out. The head, being pivotally connected to the arm, can flushly engage the tree trunk near its bottom.
US07930853B2	Humane animal trap A humane animal trap includes an enclosure having an opening with a door disposed therein. The door is pivotable about an upper edge between open and closed positions, and is biased toward the closed position by a torsion spring. An electrical solenoid is disposed above the door and has a catch that is biased into engagement with a holding feature on the door when the door is in the open position, and is operable to disengage the catch from the holding feature in response to the receipt of an electrical trip signal. An electrical sensor disposed in the enclosure transmits a light beam between opposite sidewalls of the trap, and generates an electrical trip signal and transmits it to the solenoid when the light beam is interrupted by an animal entering the trap so as to close the door behind the animal and thereby capture it unharmed in the enclosure.
US07930851B1	Firearm strap tensioner A strap tensioning apparatus consisting of a strap tensioner attached to a firearm, a spring loaded spool contained within the strap tensioner, the strap having one end releasable attached to the spool, the strap exiting the spool, the other end of the strap attached to the firearm. The spool adapted to be adjustable between three different modes: a lock mode, a release mode, and a free spool mode. The strap tensioner allows a user to easily and safely adjust the tension of the strap to increase comfort, mobility, and safety.
US07930850B1	Spare gun barrel hanging assembly A spare gun barrel hanging assembly preferably includes an elongated post that has a curvilinear top end, and first and second anchor platforms statically coupled to such a post, which extend orthogonally away therefrom. The assembly may further include a mechanism for removably securing the existing spare gun barrel to a bottom surface of the second anchor platform while the first anchor platform remains spaced thereabove, and a hanger pin removably inserted into the first anchor platform.
US07930845B2	Cover for inscription fields The invention relates to a cover, in particular for covering inscription fields, comprising a cover element, which is provided for insertion into a base body which is in the form of a holder, with at least one hooking-in element being provided on the cover element, which can be engaged with at least one cutout, which is in the form of a hooking-in opening on the base body, and with at least one latching tab being provided on the cover element and/or on the base body which can engage with at least one cutout which corresponds to the latching tab, and/or is provided on the cover element and is in the form of a latching opening, thus making it possible to form a detachable latching connection between the cover element and the base body, in which case the cover element and/or the base body can be at least partially elastically deformed in a direction running parallel to the surface in the area of the at least one hooking-in element and/or in the area of the at least one latching tab and/or in the area of the at least one cutout which is in the form of a hooking-in opening, so that the cover element and the base body can be locked to one another by latching in a sprung manner.
US07930844B2	Self-sharpening, auto-signalling wearing part Self-sharpening wearing part having improved abrasion resistance and strength, which wearing part comprises at least a first and a second material part. The first material part is constituted by a casting body and the second material part is comprised of at least one elongated hard metal rod which is fixed in the first material part. The wearing part produces an auto-signal when the part must be changed due to wear.
US07930842B2	Snowshoes with crampons Provided is a snowshoe with crampons, whose portion equipped with the crampons can be removed from a snowshoe body, and that is compactly portable. A snowshoe with crampons 1 includes: a snowshoe body 10 having a larger area than that of the bottom of the footgear and including an opening 11 located in a toe-side area of the footgear when the footgear is attached to the snowshoe with crampons 1; and an attachable member 50 located in the opening 11 and placed in the snowshoe body 10 so that it can be attached to or detached from the snowshoe body 10 whenever necessary; wherein the attachable member 50 has, on its one surface opposite the other surface to which the footgear is to be attached, crampons protruding in directions generally toward the ground and first engaging members 25A, 25B for engaging with the snowshoe body 10 in such a manner that they can rotate and be attached to or detached from the snowshoe body 10; and when the attachable member 50 has been rotated a specified angle, the first engaging members 25A, 25B release the engagement with the snowshoe body 10 and remove the attachable member 50 from the snowshoe body 10.
US07930841B2	Article of footwear for water sports An article of footwear for water sports, especially canoeing, is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper attached to a sole forming a first live hinge and a strap system attached to the sole forming a second live hinge. The second live hinge is disposed distally from the first live hinge.
US07930837B1	Preserver including an expandable bladder A shoe preserver having a permeable flexible covering received within a shoe. An absorbing material is disposed within the permeable flexible covering to retain moisture withdrawn from the interior surface area of the shoe. A bladder including an inlet valve is also disposed within the absorbing material. The bladder is adapted to expand the shoe preserver to completely fill an interior surface area of the shoe.
US07930836B2	Drying system for a hair removing device A drying system for a hair removing device is capable of effectively drying the cutter head. The drying system includes a casing having a dry chamber configured to detachably receive a cutter head of the hair removing device, a heater for heating the cutter head; and a blower for generating a forced air flow and drying the cutter head. The casing is formed with an air flow channel configured to direct the forced air flow towards the cutter head. A tray is provided to define the bottom of the dry chamber and bear the cutter head. The tray is formed with a draft port through which the flow channel communicates into the dry chamber so that the forced air flow can be directed straight to the cutter head for effectively cooling or drying the cutter head.
US07930832B2	Rim unroller for paper cups A device is provided for unrolling a rim of a container, such as a paper cup. The device includes a first structure or section with an inside surface, a first end and a second end, including a pair of spaced apart cutting blades projecting from the inside surface. Attached or integrated proximate the second end of the first structure is a second structure or section with a first end and a second end. The cutting blades are accessible via a juncture at the first end of the first structure and the first end of the second structure. Accordingly, the device may be used to cut and unroll a portion of a rim of a container such as a paper cup.
US07930831B2	Scraper blade assembly structure The invention relates to a scraper blade assembly structure. The scraper includes a stem for hand grip and a scraping section in the front. The scraping section includes a jaw plate, a blade and a fastening button. The jaw plate extends backward to form an arm. The jaw plate is attached to the inside of the jaw plate groove of the scraping section by a fastener that also serves as a lever pivot for swinging back and forth. When a fastening button goes into the inside of the jaw plate of the scraping section, it pushes the inner side of the arm of the jaw plate, and so as to generate a great holding power for the front of the jaw plate. Further, the fastening button can be a handle protruding from one side of the scraping section.
US07930827B2	Split bearing and method of making the same A split bearing generally includes first and second bearing halves each having complementary partial shaft receiving portions, wherein the first and second bearing halves are substantially identically configured. The split bearing further includes fasteners for releasably coupling the first and second bearing halves together, such that when coupled, the complementary partial shaft receiving portions of the first and second bearing halves define a center bearing thru-hole for receiving a shaft, and when decoupled, the first and second bearing halves can be removed from the shaft.
US07930825B2	Blowout resistant weld method for laser welds for press-fit parts A method for reducing “blow-out” of annular welds for attaching press-fit components in a fuel injector assembly is disclosed. The method employs a multi-step welding procedure whereby a first annular weld bead that corresponds to less than 360° of rotation of the assembly about a longitudinal axis leaves a radial void that is thereafter sealed with a second annular weld bead. In an alternative embodiment, a relief region is formed on radially-facing surfaces of the components, the relief region being disposed adjacent to a press-fit region. A sealed gap is thereby formed in the relief region between the welds and the press-fit region. The sealed gap provides a further means for expansion of trapped gases that could otherwise “blow out” the liquid weld bead.
US07930816B2	Methods for manufacturing flow meter insert A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow meter assembly is disclosed. The method comprises forming an insert from a deformable material, forming at least one reinforcing component; arranging the reinforcing component around a portion of the insert, and bonding the reinforcing component to the insert to reinforce the insert against deformation under the application of pressure. An electromagnetic flow meter assembly is also disclosed and comprises an insert for insertion into a flow conduit, wherein at least a portion of the insert is formed of a deformable non-ferromagnetic material, wherein the insert comprises an inlet section, a measuring section, and an outlet section. The assembly further comprises at least one reinforcing component surrounding the measuring section of the insert to reinforce the insert against deformation under the application of pressure.
US07930813B2	Mower suspension system and method In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame.
US07930800B1	Grommet apparatus The flange apparatus provides a positive seal for an appliance tube which enters a junction box of a travel trailer, motor home, or the like. The union of the apparatus is fitted coplanarly to the exterior wall of the junction box. The first and second segment overlap the opening in the junction box, further ensuring a complete seal. The second flat bottom of the second segment abuts the frame of the box exterior wall, further ensuring a complete seal. The orifice of the apparatus is provided in more than one size. Each size of the apparatus orifice conforms to a particular appliance tube size, further ensuring a complete seal per application. The slot of the apparatus aids in insertion of the apparatus into the exterior wall and in the insertion of the tube into the apparatus, then collapses upon itself to fully seal.
US07930799B2	Surface treating appliance A surface-treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body housing a component such as a post-motor filter. A door provides access to the filter. The door is connected to the main body by a hinge arranged to allow the door to pivot about the hinge's rotational axis and to move axially as the door is moved between closed and open positions. The provision of a hinge that can move along its rotational axis permits the door to move laterally as it opens, thereby clearing adjacent parts of the appliance, such as the spine. This allows an appliance to be manufactured that permits the user to access components housed inside of it, but is compact. Preferably, the hinge includes a cam arrangement, so that the door automatically moves away from adjacent parts of the appliance as it moves from the closed position to an open position.
US07930797B2	Suction brush assembly capable of automatic height adjustment A suction brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner capable of automatic height adjustment according to the present disclosure includes a suction brush body connected to a cleaner body at a rear side thereof and provided with a rotation brush for striking a surface to be cleaned to separate dirt from the surface to be cleaned at a bottom surface thereof; and an up/down adjusting unit for monitoring continuously a state of the surface to be cleaned and adjusting a height of the rotation brush body to vary a distance between the surface to be cleaned and the rotation brush according to the state of the surface to be cleaned so as to prevent the surface to be cleaned from being damaged by the rotating rotation brush.
US07930795B1	Windshield scraper having an arm brace A hand and arm manipulated scraper for a windshield comprising: a) a blade portion having a windshield contact edge portion and an opposite handle end; b) an elongate handle portion having a blade end portion, attached to the blade portion and an opposite grip end portion to be held with the hand; and, c) an arm brace portion terminating in an arm cover which covers a top side portion of the forearm extending therefrom down and the around the arm and having an inner end portion attaching to the grip end portion of the handle portion beneath the palm of one's hand. When the blade portion is pressed down on the windshield while the grip end portion is grasped beneath the palm of the hand, the wrist is prevented from bending up by downward pressure of the arm cover on the top side portion of the arm. In a preferred aspect of this invention the arm brace portion extends down and around opposite lateral sides of the arm so that when the blade portion is pressed down on the windshield the scraper does not tend to twist around the arm.
US07930793B2	Hairbrush An apparatus for removing a hair tangle is provided that moves the hair brush having a first bristle on a rotatable brush element through the hair above the tangle in a first direction, pivots the first bristle on the rotatable brush element about a pivotal axis of the brush in a second direction if the hair tangle is encountered by the bristle, moves a second bristle on the rotatable brush element through the hair below the tangle, and moves additional bristles to a side of the tangle in order to release the hair tangle.
US07930790B2	Fabric exfoliation method and articles The present invention is directed to methods for removing unwanted materials from the surface of fabrics—such as lint, pills, fuzz, and hair—by contacting the fabric with an open-cell foam or an article of manufacturer comprising an open cell foam and a non-soiling and non-staining benefit agents and/or an auxiliary means for trapping material removed by the fabric exfoliation method.
US07930788B1	Reduced height combination ramp and load leveler A reduced height combination ramp and load leveler includes at least two lengthwise support members, a plurality of cross members and plurality of cross treads. A retention tube is secured to each end of the at least two lengthwise support members. The at least two lengthwise support members and the plurality of cross members are preferably fabricated from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength of at least 50,000 to reduce a height of the combination ramp and load leveler. Two stake receivers allow a single ramp to be used as a load leveler. Each stake receiver is sized to removably receive an adjustable stake. A ramp stand includes a support base and an adjustable tube receiver that is vertically positionable relative to the support base. The adjustable tube receiver retains the retention tubes.
US07930787B2	Method for determining load size and/or setting water level in a washing machine In a washing machine comprising a tub, an agitator, and a pressure sensor, a size of a fabric load may be determined and/or an operational water level may be set based on an amount of water supplied to reach a first level in the tub and on variation in an output from the pressure sensor during agitation of the water and fabric load with the water at a second level in the tub.
US07930785B2	Method for cleaning a tub in a washing machine and a washing machine performing the same The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including a detergent removing step, a laundry amount detecting step, and a soaking step; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. The method includes a detergent removing step for removing detergent from the washing tub, a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a laundry amount sensing step for sensing a laundry amount in the washing tub for determining whether the method proceeds to the next step or not, a soaking step for soaking dirt on a surface of the washing tub after applying the washing water to the dirt by moving the washing tub, and a washing step for washing the washing tub, if it is determined in the laundry amount sensing step that the method proceeds to the next step.
US07930783B2	Foam spring mattress with replaceable foam springs An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.
US07930781B1	Apparatus, system and method for facilitating infant development According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a mat for facilitating infant development is disclosed. The mat may include a base portion, a support member, and at least one gripping member. The mat may include a texture pattern defined on the surfaces thereof. The mat may encourage development of the infant's cognitive abilities, tactile perception, fine motor skills and strengthening of the infant's core muscles.
US07930775B2	Rotary gantry crane system The inventive rotating gantry system consists of a welded tubular track tube which establishes a circular overhead track under which the rotating gantry rotates. There is a longitudinal elongated beam or support bar which extends beyond the periphery of the rotating gantry at both ends. The longitudinal elongated beam is rotating beneath the gantry by a four wheel cluster of rollers which surround the circular overhead track and run thereon. The elongated longitudinal beam has a moving trolley running there along and the moving trolley has attached thereto a vertical post which at a bottom thereof has a patient pick-up or transfer device. The rotating gantry can be suspended from a ceiling, be self-supporting or be attached to walls of a room be way of extendable extensions attached to the rotating gantry.
US07930772B2	Blind head cooling helmet Disclosed herein is a cooling device such as a blind head cooling helmet which will fully cover the head contour plus the area of the eyes, cheeks, and ears, having an lid arrangement with internal air ducts. An air pump generates and pushes small volumes of slow pace moving air, so that it be transferred to the blind head cooling helmet via an “C” shaped tube, to all the internal air duct, and finally escaping through the bottom of the lid arrangement, not without before the resulting air bubbles crashing against some areas of the internal layer creating a therapeutic effect or relaxing comfort to areas of the face.
US07930771B2	Protective helmet A protective helmet is described comprising: an outer layer (1); an inner layer (5) for contact with a head of a wearer; and an intermediate layer (3, 4) comprising an anisotropic cellular material comprising cells having cell walls, the anisotropic cellular material having a relatively low resistance against deformation resulting from tangential forces on the helmet. The anisotropic material can be a foam or honeycomb material. The foam is preferably a closed cell foam. The helmet allows tangential impacts to the helmet which cause less rotational acceleration or deceleration of the head of the wearer compared to helmets using isotropic foams while still absorbing a significant amount of rotational energy.

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