最新美国发明专利第2011-05-03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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US07935646B2	Spunbonded heat seal material Disclosed is a nonwoven web material (10) comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The web material has properties desirable for use on machinery having conventional heat sealing stations (26). Also, disclosed is a nonwoven infusion web material comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The infusion web material has properties desirable for use in making infusion packages.
US07935644B2	Machine for the production of non-woven material, adjustment procedure for the same and non-woven material produced thus A machine for producing a nonwoven feeds continuous filaments onto two surfaces that form a convergent passage. At least one of the surfaces is moving to drive the continuous filaments through the passage to form the nonwoven web. The continuous filaments have filament portions that are respectively received on the two surfaces to form spaced lateral web parts joined by a central web part formed by the continuous filament portions bridging the convergent passage. A vacuum is applied through the surfaces to assist placement of the filament portions and to direct the web as it emerges from the passage onto a horizontal take-up conveyor.
US07935643B2	Stress management for tensile films The formation of a gap-filling silicon oxide layer with reduced tendency towards cracking is described. The deposition involves the formation of a flowable silicon-containing layer which facilitates the filling of trenches. Subsequent processing at high substrate temperature causes less cracking in the dielectric film than flowable films formed in accordance with methods in the prior art. A compressive liner layer deposited prior to the formation of the gap-filling silicon oxide layer is described and reduces the tendency for the subsequently deposited film to crack. A compressive capping layer deposited after a flowable silicon-containing layer has also been determined to reduce cracking. Compressive liner layers and compressive capping layers can be used alone or in combination to reduce and often eliminate cracking. Compressive capping layers in disclosed embodiments have additionally been determined to enable an underlying layer of silicon nitride to be transformed into a silicon oxide layer.
US07935637B2	Resist stripping methods using backfilling material layer A method for fabricating a microelectronic structure provides for forming a backfilling material layer at least laterally adjacent, and preferably laterally adjoining, a resist layer located over a substrate. Preferably, the resist layer comprises a surface treated resist layer. Optionally, the backfilling material layer may be surface treated similarly to the surface treated resist layer. Under such circumstances: (1) surface portions of the backfilling material layer and resist layer; and (2) remaining portions of the backfilling material layer and resist layer, may be sequentially stripped using a two step etch method, such as a two step plasma etch method. Alternatively, a surface portion of the surface treated resist layer only may be stripped while using a first etch method, and the remaining portions of the resist layer and backfilling material layer may be planarized prior to being simultaneously stripped while using a second etch method.
US07935635B2	Method of forming fine patterns of semiconductor devices using double patterning A method of forming fine patterns of semiconductor device according to an example embodiment may include forming a plurality of multi-layered mask patterns by stacking first mask patterns and buffer mask patterns on an etch film to be etched on a substrate, forming, on the etch film, second mask patterns in spaces between the plurality of multi-layered mask patterns, removing the second mask patterns to expose upper surfaces of the first mask patterns, and forming the fine patterns by etching the etch film using the first and second mask patterns as an etch mask. This example embodiment may result in the formation of diverse dimensions at diverse pitches on a single substrate.
US07935633B2	Poly etch without separate oxide decap The use of an ammonium hydroxide spike to a hot tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution to form an insitu poly oxide decapping step in a polysilicon (poly) etch process, results in a single step rapid poly etch process having uniform etch initiation and a high etch selectivity, that may be used in manufacturing a variety of electronic devices such as integrated circuits (ICs) and micro electro-mechanical (MEM) devices. The etching solution is formed by adding 35% ammonium hydroxide solution to a hot 12.5% TMAH solution at about 70° C. at a rate of 1% by volume, every hour. Such an etch solution and method provides a simple, inexpensive, single step self initiating poly etch that has etch stop ratios of over 200 to 1 over underlying insulator layers and TiN layers.
US07935632B2	Reduced metal pipe formation in metal silicide contacts Formation of metal pipes resulting from formation of metal silicide contacts are reduced or avoided. To reduce formation of metal pipes, an epitaxial layer is formed over the diffusion region on which the metal silicide contact is formed. The epitaxial layer reduces defects which enhances diffusion of metal atoms or molecules.
US07935630B2	Wiring structure and wiring designing method A designing method of a semiconductor device having a first wire and a second wire with a plurality of vias includes determining a first life time change rate of the semiconductor device in response to a change in a number of via column, a second life time change rate of the semiconductor device in response to a change in a number of via row, reducing the number of via column according to a ratio based on the first life time change and the second life time change; and increasing the number of via row at least one.
US07935626B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same In a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, electroplating and CMP have had a problem of increase in manufacturing costs for forming a wiring. Correspondingly, an opening is formed in a porous insulating film after a mask is formed thereover, and a conductive material containing Ag is dropped into the opening. Further, a first conductive layer is formed by baking the conductive material dropped into the opening by selective irradiation with laser light. Subsequently, a metal film is formed over the entire surface by sputtering, and the mask is removed thereafter to have only the metal film remain over the first conductive layer, thereby forming an embedded wiring layer formed with a stack of the first conductive layer containing Ag and the second conductive layer (metal film).
US07935624B2	Fabrication method of semiconductor device having a barrier layer containing Mn A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming an opening defined by an inner wall surface in an insulation film, forming a Cu—Mn alloy layer in the opening, depositing a Cu layer on the Cu—Mn alloy layer and filling the opening with the Cu layer, and forming a barrier layer as a result of reaction between Mn atoms in the Cu—Mn alloy layer and the insulation film, wherein the step of forming the barrier layer is conducted by exposing the Cu layer to an ambient that forms a gaseous reaction product when reacted with Mn.
US07935623B2	Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same In a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, first, a first metal interconnect is formed in an interconnect formation region, and a second metal interconnect is formed in a seal ring region. Subsequently, by chemical mechanical polishing or etching, the upper portions of the first metal interconnect and the second metal interconnect are recessed to form recesses. A second insulating film filling the recesses is then formed above a substrate, and the upper portion of the second insulating film is planarized. Next, a hole and a trench are formed to extend halfway through the second insulating film, and ashing and polymer removal are performed. Subsequently to this, the hole and the trench are allowed to reach the first metal interconnect and the second metal interconnect.
US07935620B2	Method for forming semiconductor devices with low leakage Schottky contacts Methods and apparatus are described for semiconductor devices. A method comprises providing a partially completed semiconductor device including a substrate, a semiconductor on the substrate, and a passivation layer on the semiconductor, and using a first mask, locally etching the passivation layer to expose a portion of the semiconductor, and without removing the first mask, forming a Schottky contact of a first material on the exposed portion of the semiconductor, then removing the first mask, and using a further mask, forming a step-gate conductor of a second material electrically coupled to the Schottky contact and overlying parts of the passivation layer adjacent to the Schottky contact. By minimizing the process steps between opening the Schottky contact window in the passivation layer and forming the Schottky contact material in this window, the gate leakage of a resulting field effect device having a Schottky gate may be substantially reduced.
US07935616B2	Dynamic p-n junction growth Methods of fabricating semiconductor p-n junctions and semiconductor devices containing p-n junctions are disclosed in which the p-n junctions contain concentration profiles for the p-type and n-type dopants that are controllable and independent of a dopant diffusion profile. The p-n junction is disposed between a layer of semiconductor doped with a p-type dopant and a layer of semiconductor doped with an n-type dopant. The p-n junction is fabricated using a crystal growth process that allows dynamic control and variation of both p-type and n-type dopant concentrations during the crystal growth process.
US07935615B2	III-V nitride semiconductor substrate and its production method A self-supported III-V nitride semiconductor substrate having a substantially uniform carrier concentration distribution in a surface layer existing from a top surface to a depth of at least 10 μm is produced by growing a III-V nitride semiconductor crystal while forming a plurality of projections on a crystal growth interface at the initial or intermediate stage of crystal growth; conducting the crystal growth until recesses between the projections are buried, so that the crystal growth interface becomes flat; and continuing the crystal growth to a thickness of 10 μm or more while keeping the crystal growth interface flat.
US07935611B2	Method for manufacturing substrate for photoelectric conversion element A silicon layer having a conductivity type opposite to that of a bulk is provided on the surface of a silicon substrate and hydrogen ions are implanted to a predetermined depth into the surface region of the silicon substrate through the silicon layer to form a hydrogen ion-implanted layer. Then, an n-type germanium-based crystal layer whose conductivity type is opposite to that of the silicon layer and a p-type germanium-based crystal layer whose conductivity type is opposite to that of the germanium-based crystal layer are successively vapor-phase grown to provide a germanium-based crystal. The surface of the germanium-based crystal layer and the surface of the supporting substrate are bonded together. In this state, impact is applied externally to separate a silicon crystal from the silicon substrate along the hydrogen ion-implanted layer, thereby transferring a laminated structure composed of the germanium-based crystal and the silicon crystal onto the supporting substrate.
US07935610B2	Semiconductor device isolation structures Structures and methods are disclosed for the electrical isolation of semiconductor devices. A method of forming a semiconductor device may include providing a second integrated device region on a substrate that is spaced apart from a first integrated device region. An isolation region may be interposed between the first integrated device region and the second integrated device region. The isolation region may include an isolation recess that projects into the substrate to a first predetermined depth, and that may be extended to a second predetermined depth.
US07935609B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device having radiation hardened insulators A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor device and more particularly to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having radiation hardened buried insulators and isolation insulators in SOI technology. The method includes removing a substrate from an SOI wafer and selectively removing a buried oxide layer formed as a layer between the SOI wafer and active regions of a device. The method further comprises selectively removing isolation oxide formed between the active regions, and replacing the removed buried oxide layer and the isolation oxide with radiation hardened insulators.
US07935608B2	Storage cell having a T-shaped gate electrode and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit including at least one storage cell is provided. The method includes providing a substrate having a first and second side, and a plurality of parallel trenches so that a dividing wall is formed between adjacent trenches, filling the trenches with an insulating compound, providing a first insulating layer having a first and second side on the top surface of the dividing wall, wherein the first side is arranged on the substrate's first side, providing a first conductive layer having a first and second side, wherein the first side is arranged on the insulating layer's second side, wherein the conductive layer protrudes from the substrate surface, providing a second conductive layer having a first and second side, wherein the first side is located on the first conductive layer's second side, and removing parts of the second conductive layer by an anisotropic etching means.
US07935606B2	Transistor manufacture A method in which an oxide layer is formed on material defining and surrounding an emitter window. The technique comprises depositing a non-conformal oxide layer on the surrounding material and in the emitter window, whereby the thickness of at least a portion of the oxide layer in the emitter window is smaller than the thickness of the oxide layer on the surrounding material outside the emitter window; and removing at least a portion of the oxide layer in the emitter window so as to reveal at least a portion of the bottom of the emitter window whilst permitting at least a portion of the oxide layer to remain on the surrounding material. The technique can be used in the manufacture of a self-aligned epitaxial base BJT (bipolar junction transistor) or SiGe HBT (hetero junction bipolar transistor).
US07935604B2	Method of making small geometry features A method of forming a small geometry feature. The method includes forming a source layer on a top surface of a substrate; forming a mandrel on a top surface of the source layer, the mandrel having a sidewall; sputtering material from the source layer onto the sidewall of the mandrel to form a sidewall layer on the sidewall of the mandrel; and removing the mandrel. Also methods to forming wires and field effect transistors of integrated circuits.
US07935602B2	Semiconductor processing methods The invention includes methods of forming isolation regions. An opening can be formed to extend into a semiconductor material, and an upper periphery of the opening can be protected with a liner while a lower periphery is unlined. The unlined portion can then be etched to form a widened region of the opening. Subsequently, the opening can be filled with insulative material to form an isolation region. Transistor devices can then be formed on opposing sides of the isolation region, and electrically isolated from one another with the isolation region. The invention also includes semiconductor constructions containing an electrically insulative isolation structure extending into a semiconductor material, with the structure having a bulbous bottom region and a stem region extending upwardly from the bottom region to a surface of the semiconductor material.
US07935595B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device whereby the process is simplified and high performance can be obtained in both a trench-gate transistor and a planar transistor that has a thin gate insulating film when the two transistors are formed on the same semiconductor substrate. In a state in which the gate insulating film (11s) in a peripheral circuit region PE is covered by a protective film (12), a gate trench (18) is formed in a memory cell region M, after which a gate insulating film (19) that is thicker than the gate insulating film (11s) is formed on an inner wall of the gate trench (18) in a state in which the gate insulating film (11s) of the peripheral circuit region PE is still covered by the protective film (12).
US07935594B2	Damascene process for carbon memory element with MIIM diode Forming a metal-insulator diode and carbon memory element in a single damascene process is disclosed. A trench having a bottom and a sidewall is formed in an insulator. A first diode electrode is formed in the trench during a single damascene process. A first insulating region comprising a first insulating material is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. A second insulating region comprising a second insulating material is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. A second diode electrode is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. The first insulating region and the second insulating region reside between the first diode electrode and the second diode electrode to form a metal-insulator-insulator-metal (MIIM) diode. A region of carbon is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. At least a portion of the carbon is electrically in series with the MIIM diode.
US07935593B2	Stress optimization in dual embedded epitaxially grown semiconductor processing Embodiments of the present disclosure provide stress optimization during manufacturing of dual embedded epitaxially grown (EPI) semiconductor structures using just two masks, such as nFET and pFET open for embedded epitaxial using SiC and SiGe, and separated halo implantation masks for both horizontal and vertical PC
US07935588B2	Enhanced transistor performance by non-conformal stressed layers NFET and PFET devices with separately strained channel regions, and methods of their fabrication is disclosed. A stressing layer overlays the device in a manner that the stressing layer is non-conformal with respect the gate. The non-conformality of the stressing layer increases the amount of stress that is imparted onto the channel of the device, in comparison to stressing layers which are conformal. The method for overlaying in a non-conformal manner includes non-conformal deposition techniques, as well as, conformal depositions where subsequently the layer is turned into a non-conformal one by etching.
US07935586B2	Thin film transistor and method for fabricating the same A thin film transistor that has improved characteristics and uniformity is developed by uniformly controlling low concentration of crystallization catalyst and controlling crystallization position so that no seed exists and no grain boundary exists, or one grain boundary exists in a channel layer of the thin film transistor. The thin film transistor includes a substrate; a semiconductor layer pattern which is formed on the substrate, the semiconductor layer pattern having a channel layer of which no seed exists and no gram boundary exists; a gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer pattern; and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film. A method for fabricating the thin film transistor includes forming an amorphous silicon layer on a substrate; forming a semiconductor layer pattern having a channel layer in which no seed exists and no grain boundary exists by crystallizing and patterning the amorphous silicon layer; forming a gate insulating film on the semiconductor layer pattern; and forming a gate electrode on the gate insulating film.
US07935582B2	Field effect transistor using amorphous oxide film as channel layer, manufacturing method of field effect transistor using amorphous oxide film as channel layer, and manufacturing method of amorphous oxide film An amorphous oxide containing hydrogen (or deuterium) is applied to a channel layer of a transistor. Accordingly, a thin film transistor having superior TFT properties can be realized, the superior TFT properties including a small hysteresis, normally OFF operation, a high ON/OFF ratio, a high saturated current, and the like. Furthermore, as a method for manufacturing a channel layer made of an amorphous oxide, film formation is performed in an atmosphere containing a hydrogen gas and an oxygen gas, so that the carrier concentration of the amorphous oxide can be controlled.
US07935580B2	Display substrate, method of manufacturing the same and display device having the same A display substrate includes a gate line, a storage capacitor, a source line, a switching element, a pixel electrode, and a color filter. The gate line is formed on a base substrate. The storage capacitor has a storage line substantially parallel to the gate line. The source line crosses the gate line to define a pixel area. The switching element is connected to the gate line and the source line. The pixel electrode contacts the switching element. The color filter pattern is formed between the base substrate and the pixel electrode such that the color filter pattern contracts the base substrate and the pixel electrode. Thus, the color filter pattern is formed on the display substrate using a three-mask process.
US07935574B2	Marking method and sheet for both protective film forming and dicing The invention provides a marking method in which marking is performed on a protective film formed on a work with a high accuracy while suppressing a warpage and, also, a sheet for both protective film forming and dicing which is advantageously used in the method. The marking method comprises irradiating laser light to a laminated structure comprising a support film tensely supported by a ring frame, a protective film releasably laminated on the support film and a work fixed to the protective film, wherein the protective film is irradiated laser light from a side of the support film, to thereby mark the protective film.
US07935571B2	Through substrate vias for back-side interconnections on very thin semiconductor wafers Through substrate vias for back-side electrical and thermal interconnections on very thin semiconductor wafers without loss of wafer mechanical strength during manufacturing are provided by: forming (101) desired device regions (21) with contacts (22) on the front surface (19) of an initially relatively thick wafer (18′); etching (104) via cavities (29) partly through the wafer (18′) in the desired locations; filling (105) the via cavities (29) with a conductive material (32) coupled to some device region contacts (22); mounting (106) the wafer (18′) with its front side (35) facing a support structure (40); thinning (107) the wafer (18′) from the back side (181) to expose internal ends (3210, 3220, 3230, 3240, etc.) of the conductive material filled vias (321, 322, 323, 324, etc.); applying (108) any desired back-side interconnect region (44) coupled to the exposed ends (3210, 3220, 3230, 3240, etc.) of the filled vias; removing (109) the support structure (40) and separating the individual device or IC assemblies (48) so as to be available for mounting (110) on a further circuit board, tape or larger circuit (50).
US07935569B2	Components, methods and assemblies for stacked packages A bottom unit including a bottom unit semiconductor chip is mounted to a circuit board and one or more top elements such as packaged semiconductor chips are mounted to the bottom unit. Both mounting operations can be performed using the same techniques as commonly employed for mounting components to a circuit board. Ordinary packaged chips can be employed as the top elements, thereby reducing the cost of the assembly and allowing customization of the assembly by selecting packaged chips. The assembly achieves benefits similar to those obtained with a preassembled stacked chip unit, but without the expense of special handling of the bare dies included in the packaged chips.
US07935568B2	Wafer-level fabrication of lidded chips with electrodeposited dielectric coating A method is provided for fabricating a unit including a semiconductor element such as a sensor unit, e.g., for optical imaging. A semiconductor element has plurality of conductive features exposed at the front surface and semiconductive or conductive material exposed at least one of the front and rear surfaces. At least some of the conductive features are insulated from the exposed semiconductive or conductive material. By electrodeposition, an insulative layer is formed to overlie the at least one of exposed semiconductive material or conductive material. Subsequently, a plurality of conductive contacts and a plurality of conductive traces are formed overlying the electrodeposited insulative layer, the conductive traces connecting the conductive features to the conductive contacts. The unit can be incorporated in a camera module having an optical element in registration with an imaging area of the semiconductor element.
US07935567B2	Active material devices with containment layer An active material electronic device with a containment layer. The device includes an active chalcogenide, pnictide, or phase-change material in electrical communication with an upper and lower electrode. The device includes a containment layer formed over the active material that prevents escape of volatilized matter from the active material when the device is exposed to high temperatures during fabrication or operation. The containment layer further prevents chemical contamination of the active material by protecting it from reactive species in the processing or ambient environment. Once the containment layer is formed, the device may be subjected to high temperature or chemically aggressive environments without impairing the compositional or structural integrity of the active material.
US07935565B2	Electronic devices A method for forming an electronic device having a multilayer structure, comprising: embossing a surface of a substrate so as to depress first and second regions of the substrate relative to at least a third region of the substrate; depositing conductive or semiconductive material from solution onto the first and second regions of the substrate so as to form a first electrode on the first region and a second electrode on the second region, wherein the electrodes are electrically insulated from each other by the third region.
US07935563B2	Solid-state imaging device and method for manufacturing thereof as well as driving method of solid-state imaging device A solid-state imaging device with a structure such that an electrode for reading a signal charge is provided on one side of a light-receiving sensor portion constituting a pixel; a predetermined voltage signal V is applied to a light-shielding film formed to cover an image pickup area except the light-receiving sensor portion; a second-conductivity-type semiconductor area is formed in the center on the surface of a first-conductivity-type semiconductor area constituting a photo-electric conversion area of the light-receiving sensor portion; and areas containing a lower impurity concentration than that of the second-conductivity-type semiconductor area is formed on the surface of the first-conductivity-type semiconductor area at the end on the side of the electrode and at the opposite end on the side of a pixel-separation area.
US07935560B2	Imagers having electrically active optical elements A method of fabricating a CMOS image sensor comprising an array of active pixel cells. Each active pixel cell includes a substrate; a photosensing device formed at or below a substrate surface for collecting charge carriers in response to incident light; and, one or more light transmissive conductive wire structures formed above the photosensing device, the one or more conductive wire structures being located in an optical path above the photosensing device. The formed light transmissive conductive wire structures provide both an electrical and optical function. An optical function is provided by tailoring the thickness of the conductive wire layer to filter light according to a pixel color scheme. Alternately, the light transmissive conductive wire structures may be formed as a microlens structure providing a light focusing function. Electrical functions for the conductive wire layer include use as a capacitor plate, as a resistor or as an interconnect.
US07935558B1	Sodium salt containing CIG targets, methods of making and methods of use thereof A sputtering target includes at least one metal selected from copper, indium and gallium and a sodium containing compound.
US07935551B2	Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing a sensor image may include forming a pixel array including a photodiode structure and an insulating film structure in an active area of a semiconductor substrate; forming a metal pad on the insulating film structure; forming a dielectric and/or etch stop film on the metal pad (and optionally over the pixel array); forming a protective layer on the dielectric and/or etch stop film; and forming a pad opening and a pixel opening by etching the protective layer.
US07935549B2	Seminconductor device The present invention provides a signal transmitting/receiving method comprising: disposing a ferromagnetic film between a semiconductor device having an inductor and an external device which includes an external inductor provided in a position corresponding to the inductor of the semiconductor device; disposing the inductor and the external inductor so as to face each other via the ferromagnetic film therebetween; and in a state in which the inductor and the external inductor face each other, transmitting and receiving the signals between the inductor and the external inductor by electromagnetic induction.
US07935546B2	Method and apparatus for measurement and control of photomask to substrate alignment A method, structure, system of aligning a substrate to a photomask. The method includes: directing incident light through a pattern of clear regions transparent to the incident light in an opaque-to-the-incident-light region of a photomask, through a lens and onto a photodiode formed in a substrate, the photodiodes electrically connected to a light emitting diode formed in the substrate, the light emitting diode emitting light of different wavelength than a wavelength of the incident lights; measuring an intensity of emitted light from light emitting diode; and adjusting alignment of the photomask to the substrate based on the measured intensity of emitted light.
US07935543B2	Method of forming PZT ferroelectric capacitors for integrated circuits One aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit comprising forming an array of ferroelectric memory cells on a semiconductor substrate, heating the substrate to a temperature near a Curie temperature of the ferroelectric cores, and subjecting the substrate to a temperature program, whereby thermally induced stresses on the ferroelectric cores cause a switched polarization of the cores to increase by at least about 25% as the cores cool to about room temperature. Embodiments of the invention include metal filled vias of expanded cross-section above and below the ferroelectric cores, which increase the thermal stresses on the ferroelectric cores during cooling.
US07935541B2	Immunochromatography method using fragmented antibody An object of the present invention is to overcome the problem of nonspecific adsorption of a labeled antibody on the detection site and to provide an immunochromatography method by which the false positive signal can be suppressed, and wherein the detection sensitivity is high and the highly reliable measurement can be performed. The present invention provides an immunochromatography method, which comprises developing an analyte and a labeling substance modified with a first antibody against the analyte on a porous carrier in a state where the analyte and the labeling substance is mixed, and capturing the analyte and the labeling substance at the reaction site on the porous carrier having a second antibody against the analyte, so as to detect the analyte; wherein a fragmented antibody is used as the first antibody and/or the second antibody; an analyte is detected via amplification using an amplification solution which contains a compound containing silver and a reducing agent for silver ions; and the ratio of the non-specifically adsorbed labeling substance in the pre-amplification detection site and the non-detection site of the porous carrier is between 0.4 to 2.5 in a system where the density of the non-specifically adsorbed labeling substance is 106/mm2 or less.
US07935538B2	Indicator immobilization on assay devices A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte in a test sample is provided. The device comprises a chromatographic medium that defines a detection zone, wherein a crosslinked network is non-diffusively immobilized within the detection zone. The crosslinked network contains a small molecule indicator that is configured to undergo a detectable color change in the presence of the analyte.
US07935534B2	Automated molecular pathology apparatus having fixed slide platforms Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.
US07935532B2	DWF4 polynucleotides, polypeptides and uses thereof The present invention relates to novel, polynucleotides isolated from dwarf plants. The dwf4 polynucleotides that encode all, or a portion of, a DWF4 polypeptide, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that mediates multiple steps in synthesis of brassinosteriods. The present invention also relates to isolated polynucleotides that encode regulatory regions of dwf4. Uses of the dwf4 polypeptides and polynucleotides are also disclosed.
US07935524B2	Pasting edge heater An apparatus and method for thermal cycling including a pasting edge heater. The pasting edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the retaining elements during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module.
US07935521B2	Methods and compositions for rapidly detecting and quantifying viable Legionella Methods and compositions detect and quantify viable Legionella. Dip-slides that include an absorbent medium, growth promoting, and growth selective substances are useful in rapid detection and quantification of microcolonies of Legionella. Most probable number method of detection and quantification of Legionella are disclosed.
US07935518B2	Smart hydrogel particles for biomarker harvesting Capture particles for harvesting analytes from solution and methods for using them are described. The capture particles are made up of a polymeric matrix having pore size that allows for the analytes to enter the capture particles. The pore size of the capture particles may be changeable upon application of a stimulus to the particles, allowing the pore size of the particles to be changed so that analytes of interest remain sequestered inside the particles. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles may be made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle. The capture particles may be used to isolate and identify analytes present in a mixture. They may also be used to protect analytes which are typically subject to degradation upon harvesting and to concentrate low an analyte in low abundance in a fluid.
US07935516B2	Surfactant biocatalyst for remediation of recalcitrant organics and heavy metals Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.
US07935515B2	Recombinant microalgae cells producing novel oils Disclosed herein are obligate heterotrophic microalgae cells containing an exogenous gene. In some embodiments the gene is a sucrose utilization gene, and further disclosed are methods of manufacturing triglyceride oils using sugar cane or sugar beets as a feedstock in a heterotrophic fermentation. In other embodiments the feedstock is depolymerized cellulosic material. Also disclosed are cells that produce medium chain fatty acids at levels not produced in non-recombinant cells of the same species and genus.
US07935509B2	Intracellular production of a nuclease Methods and compositions are provided that relate to obtaining a recombinant DNA and RNA cleaving nuclease. This involves the over-expression of a fusion protein between maltose-binding protein and a truncated nuclease in a soluble form in the cytoplasm of a host cell from which it can be readily extracted.
US07935508B2	Production and use of monoglycerides A higher-yielding process for the production of monoglycerides in which triglycerides are enzymatically reacted with a catalytic amount of an esterase, preferably lipase, that has been activated by the addition of alkaline salts, in the presence of linear or branched alcohols containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms, then the esterase may be deactivated and it and the remaining alcohol removed, with the monoglycerides thus produced useful in lubricants, fuel additives, and emulsifying constituents in foods, and cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical formulations.
US07935505B2	Plasmid DNA preparations and methods for producing same The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to plasmid DNA preparations and to methods for producing and using such preparations.
US07935504B2	Thermal cycling methods A thermal cycling method may include adding a sample to a sample vessel, placing the sample vessel into a thermal cycler having a processing unit with three processing stations, compressing the sample vessel with the first compression member, transferring energy to the sample with the second energy transfer element, transferring energy to the sample with the third energy transfer element, compressing the sample vessel with the third compression member, and transferring energy to the sample with the first energy transfer element.
US07935500B2	Identifying calcineurin activators for treatment of schizophrenia The present invention provides targets, methods, and reagents for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and related conditions. The invention provides methods for the diagnosis of schizophrenia and susceptibility to schizophrenia by detection of polymorphisms, mutations, variations, alterations in expression, etc., in calcineurin genes or calcineurin interacting genes, or polymorphisms linked to such genes. The invention provides oligonucleotides, arrays, and antibodies for detection of polymorphisms and variants. The invention provides transgenic mice having alterations in such genes. The invention also provides methods of treating schizophrenia by administering compounds that target these genes. The invention further provides screening methods for identifying such compounds and compounds obtained by performing the screens.
US07935499B2	Method and device for predicting physiological values The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.
US07935497B2	Protease detection A method of detecting a protease in a sample. The method comprises providing an analyte degradable by the protease. The analyte is contacted with the sample. The degradation products of the analyte or the residual undegraded analyte is detected in a binding assay.
US07935495B2	Methods of detecting early renal disease in animals The present invention provides a method for the detection of early renal disease in animals. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from an animal to be tested and (b) determining the amount of albumin in the sample. An amount of albumin in the range of from 10 μg/ml to about 300 μg/ml indicates the presence of early renal disease. The present invention also provides antibodies to canine, feline and equine albumin which can be used to detect the presence of early renal disease.
US07935493B2	Protein fragment complementation assays for high-throughput and high-content screening The present invention provides protein fragment complementation assays for drug discovery, in particular to identify compounds that activate or inhibit cellular pathways. Based on the selection of an interacting protein pair combined with an appropriate PCA reporter, the assays may be run in high-throughput or high-content mode and may be used in automated screening of libraries of compounds. The interacting pair may be selected by cDNA library screening; by gene-by-gene interaction mapping; or by prior knowledge of a pathway. Fluorescent and luminescent assays can be constructed using the methods provided herein. The selection of suitable PCA reporters for high-throughput or high-content (high-context) assay formats is described for a diversity of reporters, with particular detail provided for examples of monomeric enzymes and fluorescent proteins. Methods are described for constructing such assays for one or more steps in a biochemical pathway; testing the effects of compounds from combinatorial, natural product, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid or other diverse libraries on the protein or pathway(s) of interest; and using the results of the screening to identify specific compounds that activate or inhibit the protein or pathway(s) of interest. Single-color and multi-color assays are disclosed. Further disclosed are universal expression vectors with cassettes that allow the rapid construction of assays for a large and diverse number of gene/reporter combinations. The development of such assays is shown to be straightforward, providing for a broad, flexible and biologically relevant platform for drug discovery.
US07935491B2	Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 24P4C12 useful in treatment and detection of cancer A novel gene 024P4C12 (also designated 24P4C12) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 24P4C12 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 24P4C12 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 24P4C12 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 24P4C12 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US07935489B2	Methods and devices for analyte detection Methods for detecting one or more analytes, such as a protein, in a fluid path are provided. The methods include resolving, immobilizing and detecting one or more analytes in a fluid path, such as a capillary. Also included are devices and kits for performing such assays.
US07935488B2	Selective restriction fragment amplification: fingerprinting The invention relates to a process for the controlled amplification of at least one part of a starting DNA containing a plurality of restriction sites for a determined specific restriction endonuclease, and of which at least part of its nucleic acid is unknown. This technology can be applied to human, animal or plant DNA fingerprinting, to identify restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Also encompassed by the inventive technology are kits for the application of the process.
US07935487B2	Method of detecting tumor-associated DNA in plasma or serum from humans without cancer This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to those methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using rapid DNA extraction followed by nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for mutant DNA. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in human or other animals The invention permits the detection of extracellular, tumor-associated nucleic acid in the serum or plasma of humans or other animals recognized as having a neoplastic or proliferative disease or in individuals without any prior history or diagnosis of neoplastic or proliferative disease. The invention thereby provides methods for early identification of colorectal, pancreatic, lung, breast, bladder, ovarian, lymphoma and all other malignancies carrying tumor-related mutations of DNA and methods for monitoring cancer and other neoplastic disorders in humans and other animals.
US07935484B2	Detection of extracellular tumor-associated nucleic acid in blood plasma or serum using nucleic acid amplification assay This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in human or animal blood plasma or serum associated with disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA including non-mutated hypermethylated DNA, and to methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA including non-mutated hypermethylated DNA found in blood plasma or serum. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of neoplasia in humans or other animals that contain a mutation that is associated with the neoplasm through detection of the non-mutated hypermethylated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions.
US07935483B2	Method of effecting lysis of acid-fast bacteria and method of performing gene amplification or detection therewith A method of effecting lysis of acid-fast bacteria, comprising heating acid-fast bacteria in a liquid containing a non-ionic surfactant at a temperature of below the boiling point of the liquid. This method enables accomplishing secure lysis of acid-fast bacteria in a simple manner within a short period of time without the use of special apparatus and agent and enables extracting genes. The heating is preferably conducted at 96° C. for 10 min. As the nonionic surfactant, use can be made of a d-sorbitol fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl ester, a polyoxyethylene glycol p-t-octylphenyl ether or the like. The pH value of the liquid is preferably 8, and the liquid preferably contains EDTA. It is also preferred that before the heating, the acid-fast bacteria be treated with lipase.
US07935479B2	Methods and devices for analyte detection Methods for detecting one or more analytes, such as a protein, in a fluid path are described herein. In some embodiments a method includes resolving one or more analytes in a fluid path, such as, for example, a capillary. After the one or more analytes are resolved, the one or more analytes are bound to the fluid path upon activation of one or more triggerable agents disposed within the fluid path. The one or more analytes that are bound to the fluid path are detected within the fluid path.
US07935477B2	Double patterning strategy for contact hole and trench A method of lithography patterning includes forming a first resist pattern on a substrate, the first resist pattern including at least one opening therein on the substrate; curing the first resist pattern; forming a second resist pattern on the substrate; forming a material layer on the substrate; and removing the first and second resist patterns to expose the substrate.
US07935475B2	Near-infrared absorbing and color compensation film composition for electronic devices Disclosed herein are a near-infrared absorbing and color compensation film composition and a film using the film composition. The film composition comprises i) at least one colorant selected from the group consisting of an ionic compound of a near-infrared absorbing cyanine colorant cation having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 820 nm to 950 nm and a metal complex colorant anion, an ionic compound of a near-infrared absorbing diimmonium colorant cation having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 950 nm to 1,100 nm and a metal complex colorant anion, and an ionic compound of a selective visible light absorbing cyanine colorant cation having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 580 nm to 600 nm and a metal complex colorant anion, and ii) an adhesive; and a film using the film composition.When the film composition is used to produce an adhesive film or an antireflective composite film, the price of raw materials used and the number of production steps can be reduced. Therefore, the film composition can be effectively applied to a front filter for a plasma display.
US07935472B2	Photo-curable resin composition and a method for forming a pattern using the same Provided is a new photo-curable resin composition which can be used in a photo nanoimprinting technology available for a photo nanoimprinting technology by which a substrate is processed with high accuracy. The photo-curable resin composition contains a photo-curable resin material essentially containing a (meth)acrylate, a reactive diluent, and a photo initiator. Preferably, the (meth)acrylate has a structure containing a benzene ring structure in its skeleton.
US07935469B2	Image forming method and toner for developing latent electrostatic image Disclosed is a developer containing toner and carrier, the toner containing as a binder resin a polyol resin having a plurality of OH groups in a molecule chain having an EX/OH ratio between epoxy groups (EX) and OH groups (OH) of 0.990 to 1.010. The rotational speed α, pitch β and conveyance path length γ of an stirring and conveying unit satisfies 1.0×106≦α×β×γ≦16.0×106. Toner base particles having an electrostatic property satisfies 1.5<[QB/M3600]/[QB/M180]<2.5, toner having an electrostatic property satisfies 0.7<[QT/M3600]/[QT/M180]<1.3, the external additive comprises two types of fine inorganic particles having different resistance values, wherein the particle size distribution Y and added amount X of the fine inorganic particles with smaller resistance satisfy 0.1≦x≦2.0, and Y≦2.6×10−3X+0.0048.
US07935467B2	Magnetic toner In a magnetic toner which has magnetic toner base particles containing at least a binder resin and a magnetic material, and an inorganic fine powder, (i) the magnetic toner has an average circularity of from 0.950 or more to 1.000 or less, (ii) the magnetic toner has a compressibility of 30 or less, and (iii) the magnetic toner contains boron nitride particles having a median diameter (D50) of from 0.5 μm or more to 8.0 μm or less, as the inorganic fine powder in an amount of from 0.05 part by mass or more to 1.00 part by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of the magnetic toner base particles. This provides a magnetic toner with which stable image density can be achieved without regard to service environment and which do not cause any image defects such as fog.
US07935465B2	Self lubricating photoreceptor Disclosed is an electrophotographic imaging member that includes a lubricant delivering coating having a polymer matrix, a charge transport component, and a lubricant encapsulated within nano- or microcapsules. Also disclosed is an imaging forming apparatus including a charging device, a toner developer device, a cleaning device, and a photoreceptor having a conductive substrate, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an optional overcoat layer, such that the outmost layer of the photoreceptor contains a lubricant encapsulated within nano- or microcapsules. Additionally provided is a method of forming an image with the disclosed electrophotographic imaging member.
US07935462B2	Pattern formation method using levenson-type mask and method of manufacturing levenson-type mask A method of forming a pattern including a first pattern portion having a first minimum dimension and a second pattern portion having a second minimum dimension includes a first exposure step of performing exposure using a Levenson-type mask and a second exposure step of performing exposure using a half tone-type mask. When second minimum dimension is 1.3 time or more than the first minimum dimension, the exposure amount of the second exposure step is set to be equal to or smaller than the exposure amount of the first exposure step.
US07935461B2	Phase shift mask blank, phase shift mask, and method for manufacturing phase shift mask blank Problem: There is a demand for a phase shift mask that makes it possible to decrease the film thickness of the phase shift film, can satisfy the requirement relating to pattern accuracy, without collapsing the OPC pattern, and enables control of optical characteristics and pattern defect inspection, and also for a phase shift mask blank as an original plate for such a phase shift mask.Means for Solving the Problems: A phase shift mask blank of the present invention has, on a transparent substrate, a phase shift film including, as main components, a metal, silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N), having optical characteristics of a transmittance of equal to or greater than 9% and equal to or less than 30% with respect to a wavelength of the ArF excimer laser beam and a phase difference of equal to or greater than 150° and less than 180°, and a light-shielding film formed on the phase shift film. A thickness of the phase shift film is equal to or less than 80 nm, and a refractive index (n) with respect to the wavelength of the ArF excimer laser beam is equal to or greater than 2.3, and an extinction coefficient (k) is equal to or greater than 0.28.
US07935459B2	Photo-masks and methods of fabricating surface-relief grating diffractive devices Photo-masks for fabricating surface-relief grating diffractive devices and methods of fabricating surface-relief grating diffractive devices are described. The photo-mask can include refractive elements and/or diffractive elements contained in or on a body element. The photo-mask can be used to simultaneously produce multiple surface-relief grating diffractive devices in a recording material. The photo-mask enables the surface-relief grating diffractive devices to be produced in large quantities while significantly reducing the cost and labor required.
US07935458B2	Cartridge with fuel supply and membrane electrode assembly stack The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cartridge with a fuel reservoir containing fuel and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) or a stack. The fuel cartridge is selectively operatively associated with the electronic device to power the device. In one embodiment, the fuel cartridge may be received within a chamber in the electronic device. In another embodiment, the fuel cartridge may be operatively associated with the electronic device while external thereto.
US07935455B2	Balanced hydrogen feed for a fuel cell A system and method of balancing a hydrogen feed for a fuel cell to optimize flow of hydrogen through the fuel cell, wherein a pressure drop through parallel feed channels and active area channels of the fuel cell is balanced.
US07935453B2	Membrane with optimized dimensions for a fuel cell A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.
US07935450B2	Method for operation of an energy system, as well as an energy system An energy system, in at least one embodiment, includes an energy production device for production of energy for the energy system with the aid of an working medium, a superconductor for low-loss conduction of electrical energy in the energy system, and a cooling device for cooling of the superconductor with the aid of a liquid phase of a cooling medium. The liquid phase of the cooling medium is, according to at least one embodiment of the invention, produced in the cooling device by condensation of a gaseous phase of the cooling medium, with the condensation of the gaseous phase of the cooling medium taking place by heat transfer from the gaseous phase of the cooling medium to the working medium. The overall efficiency of the energy system can improved by the heat transfer step.
US07935448B2	Method and apparatus for controlling operation of direct methanol fuel cell system A method and an apparatus for controlling the operation of a fuel cell system. The method can include, actively controlling the fuel cell system without a fuel concentration sensor by: measuring an output voltage, an output current, and a temperature of a fuel cell stack; obtaining a first fuel feeding amount corresponding to the measured output values; comparing a reference temperature corresponding to the measured output values with the measured temperature; and obtaining a second fuel feeding amount by compensating the first fuel feeding amount with a value corresponding to difference between the reference temperature and the measured temperature.
US07935447B2	Use of cabin air for generation of water via exhaust gas of a fuel cell A water generation system for the generation of water on board an aircraft comprises a fuel cell device having an exhaust for an exhaust gas, a condenser and an outflow valve for discharging cabin air, which is drawn off through the condenser due to the pressure difference between the cabin pressure and ambient pressure without extensive cooling circuits or pumps, for example. The condenser may be coupled to the exhaust such that the exhaust gas is cooled by cabin air, and the outflow valve is connected to the condenser and to the environment of the aircraft, such that, when the aircraft is at cruising altitude, the cabin air is drawn through the condenser and is discharged into the environment.
US07935446B2	Method for operating a fuel cell system and fuel cell system During the operation of a fuel-cell assembly, the latter is supplied with ambient air with the aid of a liquid ring pump. Any foreign matter that is contained in the air is taken up by the service fluid of the liquid ring pump. The charging of the service fluid with foreign matter is controlled. In particular, the service fluid is continuously conducted in an circuit via a purification device.
US07935445B2	Lithium ion secondary battery A lithium ion secondary battery includes: (a) a positive electrode plate comprising an active material part and a current collector carrying the active material part, the active material part comprising a positive electrode active material capable of absorbing or desorbing a lithium ion during charge and discharge; (b) a negative electrode plate comprising an active material part and a current collector carrying the active material part, the active material part comprising a negative electrode active material capable of absorbing or desorbing a lithium ion during charge and discharge; (c) a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates; (d) an electrolyte; and (e) a battery case accommodating the positive and negative electrode plates, the separator, and the electrolyte. The positive and negative electrode plates are wound with the separator interposed therebetween, thereby to form an electrode plate assembly. The electrode plate assembly is so configured that each lengthwise edge of the positive electrode current collector is positioned on an outer side of each lengthwise edge of the negative electrode active material part.
US07935444B2	Cathode active material for lithium secondary battery Disclosed herein is a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery, in particular, including a lithium transition metal oxide with a layered crystalline structure in which the transition metal includes a transition metal mixture of Ni, Mn and Co, and an average oxidation number of all transition metals other than lithium is more than +3, and specific conditions represented by the following formulae (1) and (2), 1.1
US07935443B2	Lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide positive electrode active material A nonaqueous electrolytic secondary cell produced at low cost and having a large capacity comprises a negative electrode having an active material mainly composed of a material that at least absorbs and releases lithium ions or metallic lithium, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte. The active material of the positive electrode is an oxide containing nickel, manganese, and cobalt, and the contents of the elements are substantial the same.
US07935441B2	Battery pack A case is made by disposing side plate portions on the long side and a side plate portion on one short side on the circumference of a plate portion. Provided on the other short side of the case in two tiers are a side plate portion and a substrate casing portion which has a height lower than the side plate portion. The substrate casing portion has a lower plate portion, side plate portions and an upper plate portion. The lower plate portion is provided with window portions from which the respective output terminals are exposed. The battery assembly is held in the case by fitting the protection circuit substrate which is laid down on a side face, into the substrate casing portion.
US07935439B2	Pouch type lithium secondary battery A pouch type lithium secondary battery having a positive temperature coefficient element disposed to rapidly operate depending on an increase in the temperature of the battery, thereby improving the thermal stability of the battery. The pouch type lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate to which a first electrode tab is attached, a second electrode plate to which a second electrode tab is attached, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates; a pouch material having a space in which the electrode assembly is received; a protection circuit module having a junction pad, for controlling charging and discharging of the electrode assembly; and a positive temperature coefficient element which has one end attached to the junction pad, and the other end electrically connected to one of the first and second electrode tabs, so as to interrupt electric current when a temperature of the battery rises.
US07935437B2	Reversibly-activated nanostructured battery A battery includes a plurality of closed cells disposed in a predetermined feature pattern on at least a first surface of an electrode. Each of the closed cells has an inner surface. The battery also includes a plurality of cell electrodes. Each of the cell electrodes is disposed along a portion of the inner surface of a respective one of the closed cells in the plurality of closed cells.
US07935433B2	Organic EL element, organic EL display apparatus, method for manufacturing organic EL element, and apparatus for manufacturing organic EL element An object of the present invention is to enable suppression of a leak current of an organic EL element while improving a conductivity of the organic EL element and suppressing an operation voltage thereof. An organic EL element is used which comprises at least a luminescent layer, a hole transport layer adjacent to a positive-electrode side of the luminescent layer, and an electron injection transport layer adjacent to a negative-electrode side of the luminescent layer, wherein a hole injection layer is provided between the hole transport layer and the positive electrode, and the conductivity of the hole injection layer continuously changes along a thickness direction of the hole injection layer.
US07935429B2	Non-PVC flooring made of thermo plastic elastomer and method for producing the same Disclosed herein is a method for producing a transparent or opaque flooring sheet or a flooring using a styrene-butadiene copolymer resin (as a thermoplastic elastomer) by calendering. The flooring causes no problems associated with environmental hormones, and generates no halogen gases or endocrine disruptors, such as dioxin, during incineration. Further, the flooring can be regenerated and reused at any time, and exhibits superior stability upon installation and mounting and excellent elastic restoration after application of stress due to inherent flexibility of rubber.
US07935424B2	Adhesive sheet An adhesive sheet includes a substrate and an energy-ray curable adhesive layer formed on the substrate. The energy-ray curable adhesive layer includes an energy-ray curable acrylic copolymer and a urethane acrylate. The energy-ray curable acrylic copolymer is formed by copolymerizing at least one of either a dialkyl(meth)acrylamide that has an alkyl group with carbon number of not more than 4, a phenol EO modified (meth)acrylate that has an ethylene glycol chain with a phenyl group bonded to the ethylene glycol chain, a (meth)acryloyl morpholine, or a (meth)acrylate that has an aceto-acetoxyl group, in total of 1 to 30 weight percent of all monomers to form the energy-ray curable acrylic copolymer. The energy-ray curable acrylic copolymer further includes a side chain with an unsaturated group.
US07935422B2	Urethane polyol precursors for coating compositions Unsymmetrical polyurethane polyol prepolymers are disclosed for use in the formation of coating compositions. The prepolymers are prepared as a reaction product of a diisocyanate with a short chain aliphatic dial and a long chain polymeric diol. The prepolymers are intended as the first component for reaction with a second component polyisocyanate in a two-component coating composition. The coating compositions exhibit excellent abrasion resistance and weatherability, and are particularly useful as coatings for polymeric window transparencies.
US07935420B2	Seal with expandable graphite Seal, particularly for use with a ladle shroud in the casting of molten metal from a ladle, having an intumescent composition containing expandable graphite from which some, but not all, of interstitial water present therein has been removed. The interstitial water can be driven off from known expandable graphite by heating it to between approximately 230° C. and 280° C. for approximately 30 minutes. Once part of its interstitial water has been removed, the expandable graphite is used to produce the intumescent composition, which is then formed/shaped into the required seal.
US07935419B1	Thick-shell nanocrystal quantum dots Colloidal nanocrystal quantum dots comprising an inner core having an average diameter of at least 1.5 nm and an outer shell, where said outer shell comprises multiple monolayers, wherein at least 30% of the quantum dots have an on-time fraction of 0.80 or greater under continuous excitation conditions for a period of time of at least 10 minutes.
US07935418B2	Functional porous fibres The invention relates to a method for the preparation of porous polymeric fibres comprising functionalized or active particles. By extruding a mixture of one or more dissolved polymers with particulate material a porous fibre is obtained in which the particulate material is entrapped. Extrusion of the fibre occurs under two-step phase inversion conditions. In particular the porous fibres can be used for the isolation of macromolecules such as peptides, proteins, nucleic acids or other organic compounds from complex reaction mixtures, in particular from fermentation broths. Another application is the immobilization of a catalyst in a reaction mixture.
US07935413B2	Layer system with layer having different grain sizes The layer system according to the invention uses different grain size distributions for the layer, in order to improve the bonding of the layer to a substrate; a different grain size distribution is used for the outer part of the layer.
US07935412B2	Buoyant detectable cable tie A buoyant cable tie formed from a composition that includes a plastic material and metal particles. The average density of the composition is less than 1.25 g/cm3, preferably less than 1.15 g/cm3, and the cable tie floats. In one embodiment, the plastic material has a first melting point and the plastic carrier material has a second melting point. The first melting point is lower than the second melting point so that the plastic material can be melted without melting the plastic carrier material. The cable tie floats and the metal particles allow the cable ties to be easily detected by metal detection devices. Some embodiments can also be detected by X-ray, sonar, optical or visual detection devices.
US07935411B2	Metallized polymeric film reflective insulation material A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which meets commercial reflectance criteria.
US07935408B2	Substrate anchor structure and method An electrical structure and method of forming. The electrical structure includes a first substrate, first dielectric layer, an underfill layer, and a second substrate. The first dielectric layer is formed over a top surface of the first substrate. The first dielectric layer includes a first opening extending through a top surface and a bottom surface of said first dielectric layer. The underfill layer is formed over the top surface of the first dielectric layer and within the first opening. The second substrate is formed over and in contact with the underfill layer.
US07935403B2	Optical master substrate and method to manufacture high-density relief structure The invention relates to a master substrate, a method for making a high density relief structure, and optical discs replicated with the high-density relief structure, the master substrate comprising a substrate layer (10) and a recording stack deposited on the substrate layer, the recording stack comprising:—an information layer (12),—an interface layer (11) sandwiched between said information layer and the substrate , forming marks and spaces representing an encoded data pattern, wherein said recording material is an alloy comprising at least two materials of the group of materials containing Ge, Sb, Te, In, Se, Bi, Ag, Ga, Sn, Pb, As. A very high-density relief structure is achieved.
US07935402B2	Ophthalmic blocking pad An ophthalmic blocking pad includes a foam layer, a film layer disposed over and directly contacting the foam layer, and an adhesive layer disposed over the film layer. The film layer has a tensile strength of at least about 25 ksi (172 MPa).
US07935401B2	Shrink sleeve label A shrink film comprises a skin layer and a base layer. The skin layer may comprise polystyrene or modified polyester. The base layer may comprise alpha-olefin/cyclic-olefin copolymer or alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer. The film has a free shrink at 100° C. of at least about 10%. The film is useful for shrink sleeve applications.
US07935400B2	Packaging laminate, method for its manufacturing and packaging container manufactured from the packaging laminate A packaging laminate comprising a core layer of paper or carton with a through-going hole, a layer of thermoplastics applied onto one outer side of the core layer, an aluminium foil applied onto the other, inner, side of the core layer and bonded to the core layer by means of an intermediate layer of thermoplastics, the two layers of thermoplastics being sealed to each other within the region of the hole to form a membrane of aluminium foil and thermoplastics, and a first adhesive part-layer applied onto the inner side of the aluminium foil, a second intermediate part-layer of low density polyethylene applied adjacent to the first adhesive part-layer, and a third innermost part-layer comprising in the majority a metallocene polyethylene. The packaging laminate has improved sealability properties and provides improved or maintained package integrity and openability to a packaging container manufactured from the laminate, having an opening arrangement, which at opening removes the membrane of laminated layers of aluminium foil and thermoplastics from the region of the hole in the core layer.
US07935398B2	Inkjet recording medium An image recording medium has a substrate having a hot melt extruded ink-receiving layer formed on a first side of the substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes at least 50% of a hydrogel by weight. The hydrogel is capable of absorbing at least 50% of its dry weight of water.
US07935393B2	Method and system for improving sidewall coverage in a deposition system Embodiments of a method and system for improving the consistency of a layer or a plurality of layers with a desired profile in a deposition system are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US07935390B2	Electrostatic lubricant dispensing system A lubricant dispensing system is provided. The dispensing system includes a lubricant supply, a lubricant dispensing nozzle and a control panel. The dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body with a fluid passageway therein which is in fluid communication with the lubricant supply, an electrode assembly for electrostatically charging lubricant in the fluid passageway and at least one discharge orifice through which electrostatically charged lubricant can be discharged. The discharge orifice is defined by at least one spray needle having a first end in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and a second end that extends outward of the nozzle body. The control panel directs the flow of lubricant from the lubricant supply to the lubricant dispensing nozzle and controls the electric power supplied to the electrode assembly.
US07935388B2	Process for forming a quantum-dot particle layer on a substrate A method for manufacturing a quantum-dot element utilizes a reaction chamber for evaporating or sputtering at least one electrode layer or at least one buffer layer on a substrate. A substrate-supporting base is located inside the reaction chamber for fixing the substrate. An atomizer has a gas inlet and a sample inlet. More specifically, the gas inlet and the sample inlet feed the atomizer respectively with a gas and a precursor solution having a plurality of functionalized quantum dots, and thereby form a quantum-dot layer on the substrate. The method for manufacturing a quantum-dot element forms a quantum dot layer with uniformly distributed quantum dots and integrates the processes for forming the quantum-dot layer, the buffer layer, and the electrode layer together in the same chamber.
US07935385B2	Metal material having formed thereon chromium oxide passive film and method for producing the same, and parts contacting with fluid and system for supplying fluid and exhausting gas The object of the present invention is to form a chromium-oxide film excellent in corrosion resistance without containing an oxide film of other metal onto the optional metallic material. The chromium-oxide passivation film excellent in corrosion resistance without containing the oxide film of other metal can be formed inexpensively and in a short time, and a fluid supplying system for supplying fluid hard in corrosivity in safety is able to be provided. This invention comprises a step of forming the passivation film consisting of a chromium oxide by giving heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere after coating chromium on metallic material of which surface roughness (Ra) of a coat surface is not more than 1.5 μm
US07935381B2	Hydrophilic coating for fuel cell bipolar plate and methods of making the same One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising: a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a first coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising a compound comprising at least one Si—O group, at least one polar group and at least one group including a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain.
US07935380B2	Method of producing electrode for capacitor The present invention provides a method of producing an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor, which yields the electrode with an electrode layer having a higher density by calendering treatment. A method of producing an electrode for a capacitor, which comprises at least a current collector and an electrode layer on the current collector, the method comprising the steps of: applying an electrode layer coating material which comprises at least a carbon material, a binder and a solvent, onto the current collector to form an electrode coating layer; drying the electrode coating layer on the current collector to set the amount of the solvent remaining in the electrode coating layer within a range of 5 to 35% by weight of the layer; and subjecting the electrode coating layer after the drying to calendering treatment to yield an electrode layer.
US07935377B2	Crystals of free (2R, 4R)-monatin and use thereof A crystal of free (2R,4R)-monatin is useful as a sweet substance. The crystals resist absorption of water even under high humidity, are stable and exhibit a high degree of sweetness. Thus, such crystals may used as a sweetening agent or an ingredient thereof, and as an ingredient for imparting sweetness to foods and beverages.
US07935376B2	Waxy wheat products and processes for producing same This invention relates to a storage stable buoyant waxy grain wherein the waxy grain is waxy triticale and waxy wheat. The starch in the waxy grain is gelatinized throughout and the cooked waxy grains of this invention can be stored for prolonged times in air tight or conventional cereal containers having a liner without acquiring rancid odors or tastes even in the absence of preservatives that inhibit the development of rancidity. Preferably, the waxy wholegrain is a waxy wheat having a protein content of no more than 14% by dry weight. The processes for preparing the waxy wholegrain food products of this invention are also described.
US07935375B2	Process and coating composition for extending the shelf life of post harvest produce The shelf life of fresh harvest produce is extended by coating the exterior surface of freshly harvested produce with a coating composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of polyvinylidene chloride copolymers containing from about 0.25 to 25% by weight of copolymer solids to water and between 0.001 and 20% plasticizer preferably a polyethylene oxide based additive such as Triton-X to weight of copolymer solids in the emulsion. The coating may also contain biocides as well to control bacteria and fungal growth on the post harvest produce during storage, shipping, distribution, and sale of the product. The coating composition is effective in extending the shelf life of produce.
US07935372B2	Coated snack products The invention relates to a coated snack product, and to a method for the preparation thereof. According to the invention, a snack product is prepared by coating a core with a least two coating layers, while a coating layer of a dough material located further inwards expands more strongly than an outer coating layer; the outer coating layer is broken on a part of the surface of the core; thereupon, the thus coated core is heated.
US07935370B1	Use of flour consistency feedstock and improved hydrolyzing conditions in an ethanol production process An improved process is shown wherein a carbohydrate-containing feedstock, such as corn, is milled to form a flour having a median particle size of less than about 100 microns. The flour is then hydrolyzed along with added vitamins and/or nutrients and/or enzymes. The hydrolyzed product is then mixed with a soy hull flour, also preferably having a median particle size of less than about 100 microns, and subjected to conventional fermentation to produce an ethanol containing product. The ethanol-containing product is then distilled to produce an ethanol enriched steam and a separate whole stillage. In preferred embodiments the process includes various filtration treatments of the whole stillage with and without added vitamins, nutrients, or other compounds to obtain value-added by-products.
US07935367B2	Compositions and methods for increasing adipose metabolism, lipolysis or lipolytic metabolism via thermogenesis A composition and method for promoting weight loss through the mutual and simultaneously to promotion lipolysis, the expenditure of energy stored in the body as fat, the inhibition of lipolysis as well as affording the body of an individual protection from reactive oxygen species resulting from the β-oxidation of fats. The composition comprises at least a lipolytic substance, a thermogenic substance, a substance to inhibit the reformation of triglycerides in the bodily tissues of an individual and an antioxidant.
US07935363B2	Composite material for tissue repair The present disclosure provides a biocompatible composite and method for its use in repairing tissue defects, including defects in cartilage. The biocompatible composite includes a fibrous polymeric component and a polymerizable agent, which is capable of forming the biocompatible composite in situ at the site of a tissue defect. In embodiments, the repair site at which the biocompatible composite is to be applied may be treated with a priming agent, permitting polymerization of the polymerizable agent to the tissue located at the repair site.
US07935360B2	Means for biologically controlling cryptogamic plant diseases The invention concerns the application of compositions of micro-organisms in biological control of vine cryptogamic diseases. Said composition comprises a mixture of at least one bacterium and at least one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant. The invention also concerns bacterial and yeast strains, as well as biofungicide formulations containing an efficient amount of at least one composition of micro-organisms including in mixture at least one bacterium and one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant, and a composition of filamentous fungi, in particular of the genus Pichia, Pythium, Trichoderma, Gliocladium, Ampelomyces, Talaromyces, Epicococcum, combined with an inert carrier. The invention is useful for treating cryptogamic plant diseases, in particular crop plants and vine.
US07935358B2	Cosmetic skin preparation A cosmetic skin preparation containing a porous powder which contains water absorbed therein and whose surface is coated with a binder containing a crosslinked type organopolysiloxane.
US07935357B2	Proteins with repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains present in Leptospira species The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.
US07935351B2	Use of CPG oligodeoxynucleotides to induce angiogenesis This disclosure provides a method of inducing production of vascular endothelial growth factor by a cell. The method includes contacting the cell with a CpG oligonucleotide, thereby inducing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor by the cell. The disclosure further provides a method inducing neovascularization in a tissue. This method includes comprising introducing a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide into an area of the tissue wherein the formation of new blood vessels is desired, thereby inducing neovascularization in the area of the tissue.
US07935350B2	Ii-key/Her-2/neu hybrid cancer vaccine Provided are methods and compositions for treating cancer in humans, the cancer being characterized by expression of Her-2/neu. The methods involve vaccinating a patient with an Ii-Key/MHC class II hybrid construct and thereby stimulating an immune response to the native Her-2/neu protein. The construct may be in the form of an Ii-Key hybrid peptide or a nucleic acid encoding an Ii-Key hybrid peptide. Methods are described wherein the cancer being treated is breast cancer. Also claimed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Ii-Key/MHC class II hybrid construct with and without an adjuvant. The adjuvant can include GM-CSF. The Ii-Key hybrid construct includes the LRMK (SEQ ID NO: 2) residues of Ii-Key protein and an MHC Class II epitope of a protein or portion thereof which is used in the vaccine or a DNA encoding the same hybrid peptide.
US07935345B2	Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and neutralize bacillus anthracis toxin, compositions, and methods of use The invention features compositions relating to antibodies that specifically bind to the protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis, fragments thereof, and nucleic acids encoding same. The invention further features methods of using such compositions.
US07935341B2	Antibodies to complementary peptides of thrombin or portions thereof Disclosed are antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that bind to a complementary peptide having an amino acid sequence that is encoded by the complement of a nucleotide sequence encoding thrombin or a portion thereof. Such antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can be agonists or antagonists of thrombin receptor-mediated events. Also disclosed are methods of using the agonist antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention to activate the non-proteolytically activated thrombin receptor (NPAR) in a subject in need of such treatment. In addition, methods of using the antagonist antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention to inhibit activation of the NPAR in a subject in need of such treatment are disclosed.
US07935339B2	Inhibition of the CD95 ligand/receptor system for the treatment of neurological disorders and injuries The present invention relates to the use of inhibitors of the CD95 ligand/receptor system for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of neurological disorders or injuries in a mammal, particularly for the treatment of spinal cord injury, more particularly for the treatment of paraplegia.
US07935338B2	Antibodies to treat cancer Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, particularly melanoma, myeloma, small cell lung cancer, thymic lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and acute T-cell leukemia, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions include one or more anti-ganglioside antibodies and polynucleotides that encode such anti-ganglioside antibodies. These antibodies may be for example, hamster antibodies, chimeric human/hamster antibodies, or humanized antibodies. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the treatment of cancer and can be used to induce apoptosis in a cancer cell.
US07935335B2	Strains belonging to the genus Paenibacillus and method of controlling plant disease by using these strains or culture thereof Novel strains Paenibacillus sp. BS-0048, Paenibacillus sp. BS-0074, Paenibacillus polymyxa BS-0105 and Paenibacillus sp. BS-0277 and Fusaricidin A, Fusaricidin B and novel compounds 3 and 4 produced thereby have an activity of inducing resistance to plant diseases. Thus, they can protect plants from infections with fungi, bacteria, viruses and so on and, as a result, effectively control plant diseases.
US07935330B2	Method of making porous crystalline materials The present invention relates to new methods of making crystalline materials, as well as to new crystalline materials obtainable by such methods, and their use in hydrocarbon conversion processes. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a method for preparing a crystalline molecular sieve comprising oxides of one or more tetravalent element(s), optionally one or more trivalent element(s), and optionally one or more pentavalent element(s), said method comprising submitting to crystallization conditions one or more sources of said oxides in the presence of at least one organic templating agent R of formula C1C2R1R2N+ A− (I), in which C1 and C2 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl or cyclopentyl group, R1 and R2 each independently represent a methyl group, an ethyl group or a propyl group, or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom they are connected to form a ring containing 5 or 6 atoms, and A represents hydroxyl, fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
US07935326B2	Method for purification of silica particles, purifier, and purified silica particles To provide a treatment method having excellent purification effect, in which impurities having high ionicity in a silica powder can be removed in a short time, a apparatus thereof, and a purified silica powder.A purification method of a silica powder comprises: making a silica powder into a fluid state; contacting a purified gas to the silica powder in the fluid state at high temperature; and thereby removing impurity components of the silica powder. In the method, the silica powder in the fluid state is positioned in a magnetic field region. Further, the silica powder is contacted with the purified gas, while applying voltage to the silica powder by an electric field generated by moving of the silica powder. Preferably, the silica powder in a fluid state is positioned in the magnetic region of 10 gausses or more, and contacted with the purification gas at a temperature of 1000° C. or more.
US07935325B2	Rare earth-activated aluminum nitride powders and method of making Rare earth-activated aluminum nitride powders are made using a solution-based approach to form a mixed hydroxide of aluminum and a rare earth metal, the mixed hydroxide is then converted into an ammonium metal fluoride, preferably a rare earth-substituted ammonium aluminum hexafluoride ((NH4)3Al1-xRExF6), and finally the rare earth-activated aluminum nitride is formed by ammonolysis of the ammonium metal fluoride at a high temperature. The use of a fluoride precursor in this process avoids sources of oxygen during the final ammonolysis step which is a major source of defects in the powder synthesis of nitrides. Also, because the aluminum nitride is formed from a mixed hydroxide co-precipitate, the distribution of the dopants in the powder is substantially homogeneous in each particle.
US07935323B2	System and method for hydrogen sulfide decontamination The invention describes a system and method for hydrogen sulfide decontamination of natural gas using a scavenging reagent. The system uses a scavenging reagent within two reactors wherein the consumption of scavenging reagent is optimized by the control of flow of clean and partially-consumed scavenging reagent within and between the two reactors.
US07935322B2	Solvent extraction process for separating cobalt and/or nickel from impurities in leach solutions A process for the separation of nickel, cobalt or both from impurity elements selected from one or more of calcium, magnesium, manganese and chloride contained in a leach solution, the process comprising the step of subjecting the leach solution to solvent extraction using a carboxylic acid (such as Versatic 10), a hydroxyoxime such as LIX 63, a kinetic accelerator such as TBP, and optionally a stabilizer.
US07935317B2	Handheld and/or mountable fluid-ejection device receptive to tip containing fluid and fluid-ejection mechanism A fluid-ejection device includes a handheld and/or mountable enclosure, a pneumatic fitting, an electrical connector, and a controller. The pneumatic fitting extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to placement of a tip thereon. The tip contains a supply of fluid, a fluid-ejection mechanism, and an electrical connector for the fluid-ejection mechanism. The electrical connector extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to electrical coupling of the electrical connector of the tip. The controller is situated within the enclosure to cause the tip to eject the fluid via the electrical coupling of the electrical connectors of the tip and the fluid-ejection device.
US07935314B2	Apparatus for mixing regenerated and carbonized catalyst An apparatus for mixing regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves obstructing upward flow of catalyst by one or more baffles between a catalyst inlet and a feed distributor. Each catalyst stream may be passed to opposite sides of a riser. Baffles obstruct upward flow to effect mixing of regenerated and carbonized catalyst to obtain a more uniform temperature and catalyst mixture before contacting the feed.
US07935313B2	Device for producing liquid hydrocarbons by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a three-phase bed reactor The invention concerns a device for producing liquid hydrocarbons by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on solid catalyst particles in a three-phase bed reactor, said device being equipped with at least one filter cartridge mounted in a filtering zone inside said reactor, said filter cartridge comprising: a filter for separating the filtrate of the solid catalyst particles, a cylindrical casing, and inner element having the shape of a hollow cylinder open at its ends and mounted substantially coaxial relative to the longitudinal axis of the casing, an annular chamber delimited by the casing and the walls of the inner element, said chamber being designed to collect the filtrate, and a discharge conduit for said filtrate, wherein the walls of the inner element of the filter cartridge are at least partly formed by the filter of the cartridge.
US07935307B2	Disposable, refillable glucometer with cell phone interface for transmission of results A disposable glucometer is disclosed which includes a testing region for receiving a test strip and electronic components to perform blood glucose monitoring, a cell phone interface for relaying test results to a monitoring station or server (which can be through a Bluetooth radio), and a multi-strip test strip holder. The glucometer includes a mechanism to automatically load test strips, one at a time, from the multi-strip test strip holder into the testing region, and a mechanism to eject the strip from the testing region after the test is complete. The test strip holder is preferably encased in a transparent material or otherwise includes a visual indicator so that the number of strips remaining strips and available for testing can be determined. In one embodiment, the entire unit is disposable, and is discarded when all of the strips have been used. In another embodiment, the test strip holder portion of the unit is removed and replaced with a new test strip holder which is loaded with test strips.
US07935305B2	Hydrogen storage alloy, production method therefor and nickel-hydrogen secondary battery-use cathode The present invention relates to hydrogen storage alloys, methods for producing the same, and anodes produced with such alloys for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries. The alloys are useful as electrode materials for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries, excellent, when used as anode materials, in corrosion resistance or activity such as initial activity and high rate discharge performance, of low cost compared to the conventional alloys with a higher Co content, and recyclable. The alloys are of a composition represented by the formula (1), and has a substantially single phase structure, and the crystals thereof have an average long axis diameter of 30 to 160 μm, or not smaller than 5 μm and smaller than 30 μm. The present anodes for rechargeable batteries contain at least one of these hydrogen storage alloys: RNixCoyMz (1) (R: rare earth elements etc., M: Mg, Al, etc., 3.7≦x≦5.3, 0.1≦y≦5.0, 0.1≦z≦1.0, 5.1≦x+y+z≦5.5).
US07935301B2	Method of thermoforming A method of thermoforming comprises the steps of providing a film, heating the film, and forming the heated film onto a mold. The film comprises a propylene/ethylene copolymer skin layer having a melting point of from about 130° C. to about 150° C. and a interior polyamide layer having a melting point of from about 125° C. to about 230° C.
US07935300B2	Manufacturing method of resin container A manufacturing method of a resin container includes continuously supplying a base material resin forming a container body from a main extruder, discharging from a discharge portion provided in a die head a sub-material supplied from a sub-extruder so that the sub-material joins the base material resin, extruding a parison from a slit portion opened on an end side of the die head, and blow-molding the parison, thereby forming a coating layer which covers the whole or a part of the container body by using the sub-material. A thickness reducing portion in which a thickness is continuously reduced is formed in the coating layer while adjusting a resin pressure in a supply path of the sub-material fed from the sub-extruder by performing suck-back control which pulls back the sub-material from the discharge portion at an arbitrary timing when joining the sub-material with the base material resin.
US07935299B2	Method and apparatus for forming a batt of particulate material for use as a component in an absorbent core assembly A method and apparatus for forming a wad of particulate material which may be used in an absorbent article. The apparatus may include a laydown drum having a plurality of vacuum zones, a plurality of fence zones, and a plurality of blow-off zones. The plurality of vacuum zones may be substantially permeable to permit vacuum air to pass through and into the laydown drum. The plurality of fence zones may be substantially impermeable to inhibit air to pass through. The plurality of blow-off zones may be substantially permeable to permit blown air to pass out of and through said laydown drum. The apparatus may also include a deposition chute for depositing particulate material on a web of material in close proximity to the laydown drum. A shield may also be attached to the deposition chute.
US07935297B2	Method of forming pointed structures A method of forming an array of pointed structures comprises depositing a ferrofluid on a substrate, applying a magnetic field to the ferrofluid to generate an array of surface protrusions, and solidifying the surface protrusions to form the array of pointed structures. The pointed structures may have a tip radius ranging from approximately 10 nm to approximately 25 μm. Solidifying the surface protrusions may be carried out at a temperature ranging from approximately 10 degrees C. to approximately 30 degrees C.
US07935292B2	Imprinting of partial fields at the edge of the wafer Edge field patterning of a substrate having full fields and partial fields may include patterning using a template having multiple mesas with each mesa corresponding to a field on the substrate. Polymerizable material may be deposited solely between the template and the full fields of the substrate. A non-reactive material may be deposited between the template and partial fields of the substrate.
US07935290B2	Process for making swaged lighting holes in planar areas of preimpregnated composite parts The invention relates to a process for making swaged lighting holes (1) in planar areas of parts (5) made of preimpregnated composite, by means of which the part (5) is arranged between a female tooling (11) with the final shape of the bottom side of the swaged part and a caul plate (19) with the final shape of the top side of the swaged part, except in an area (3) which must be swaged, pressure P1 is applied on the caul plate (19) in the area of the part (5) that must be maintained substantially planar, and pressure P2 is applied by means of a male tooling (17) on the area (3) of the part (5) which must be swaged at a forward speed allowing the flow of the resin during the slippage of the fibers of the material so that it may deform, adapting to the final shape of the female tooling (11).
US07935288B2	Method of making a golf ball with a multi-layer core A method for making a multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.
US07935283B2	Melt spinning blends of UHMWPE and HDPE and fibers made therefrom Compositions that are intimate blends of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and which are melt spinnable. The compositions include certain quasi-spherical particles. Also disclosed is a method of melt spinning from such compositions and the multi-filament fibers produced thereby. The fibers of the invention are useful in a variety of applications.
US07935278B2	Feature forming process using acid-containing composition A process including: (a) forming a feature comprising uncoalesced silver-containing nanoparticles; (b) heating the uncoalesced silver-containing nanoparticles to form coalesced silver-containing nanoparticles wherein the feature comprising the coalesced silver-containing nanoparticles exhibits a low electrical conductivity; and (c) subjecting the coalesced silver-containing nanoparticles to an acid-containing composition to increase the electrical conductivity of the feature by at least about 100 times.
US07935275B2	Resin moldings and conductive resin composition A shaped resin article comprising a polyamide (A) (comprising at least two different polyamide components), a polyphenylene ether (B) and a partially hydrogenated block copolymer (C) (obtained by partially hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising an aromatic vinyl polymer block and a conjugated diene polymer block) including a block copolymer (C-1) having a number average molecular weight of from 200,000 to 300,000, wherein (A) is present as a continuous phase in which (B) is dispersed to form a dispersed phase, and (C) is present in the continuous phase of (A) and/or the dispersed phase of (B), wherein the surface area of the polyamide (A) exposed on the overall surface of the shaped resin article is at least 80%, based on the surface area of the shaped resin article. A conductive resin composition comprising a polyamide (A), a polyphenylene ether (B), a partially hydrogenated block copolymer (C) comprising an aromatic vinyl polymer block and a conjugated diene polymer block, a conductive carbonaceous material (D) and wollastonite particles (E).
US07935270B2	Cathode active material and lithium battery using the same Provided is a cathode active material having a layered-spinel composite structure lithium metal oxide represented by Formula 1: xLi2MO3-yLiMeO2-zLi1+dM′2−dO4 (1) where x+y+z=1 where 0
US07935269B2	Deicing blend and method of using the same Novel deicing compositions and methods of using and forming those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a blend of NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2, with the NaCl preferably being coated with a solution comprising an ice melt trigger and/or urea. The deicing composition has low corrosion, particularly when compared to a NaCl solution. At the same time, the compositions have superior melt properties compared to NaCl solutions as well as other prior art deicers. The deicing compositions are useful for melting ice on surfaces such as roadways.
US07935262B2	Method of manufacturing fine patterns A method of manufacturing fine patterns includes providing a base portion having a plurality of protruding portions with recess portions therebetween, depositing a material layer on the protruding portions, the material layer including grooves in an upper surface thereof and a plurality of material portions on respective protruding portions, the material portions being in direct contact with adjacent material portions to form contact surfaces therebetween and to overhang corresponding recess portions between the adjacent material portions, and wet etching the material portions through the grooves and contact surfaces to form pattern portions.
US07935260B2	Filtering systems and methods characterized by reduced color throw Disclosed are water treatment systems and methods that are characterized by reduced leaching of color-bearing material (i.e., color-bearing leachates) into effluent water. The disclosed systems and methods may include or utilize filtering systems comprising selected mixed ion-exchange resin beds of a strong acid sulfonated cation exchange resin and an anion exchange resin.
US07935259B2	Filtering apparatus and method of use A filtering apparatus comprises a microporous membrane and an actuator. The membrane is positioned to traverse across the hollow interior of a conduit used for the transport of molecules in bulk. In one example, the pores of the membrane comprise a plurality of open-ended carbon nanotubes. The actuator comprises a transducing material such as a polyvinyledene fluoride film that is operatively positioned in contact with the membrane and is capable of propagating acoustic vibration onto the membrane at a particular frequency so as to hasten the movement of the molecules through the membrane. Similarly, a method of filtering water comprises the steps of: (a) sifting molecules of water through the membrane, the pores of the membrane comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes; and (b) propagating acoustic vibration onto the microporous membrane at a libration frequency of ice so as to hasten movement of the water molecules within the carbon nanotubes.
US07935258B2	Process and an apparatus for filling and/or rinsing an extracorporeal blood circuit A patient end of a venous blood line (26) is connected to a discharge of a dialysis liquid preparation circuit by means of an auxiliary connector (23), and the patient end of an arterial blood line (25) is connected to a service line (32) located at the top of a venous expansion chamber (31). The filling and/or rinsing liquid is removed from the preparation circuit by backfiltering through a membrane (5) of a high-flux dialysis filter (2). The invention enables a blood circuit to be primed simply and rapidly.
US07935255B2	Filter cartridge A filter cartridge configured as a filter-in-filter design with an inner filter and an outer filter. The filter cartridge has features, for example an overhanging lip, to engage with a lid of a filter housing in which the cartridge is installed such that the lid is connected to the cartridge. As a result, the cartridge can be connected to the lid to facilitate installation and removal of the cartridge. Alternatively, the same features that allow connection with the lid permit a user to manually grasp the cartridge during installation and removal so that the cartridge can be used without a lid having attachment features. The filter cartridge is also designed to enable use of a longer inner filter within the outer filter. A longer inner filter increases the amount of filter media available for filtering the fluid.
US07935252B2	Methods of treating Alzheimer's Disease with an apheresis device The invention relates to an apheresis device for use in the treatment of Alzheimer patients. Said device comprises a solid support with which a flow of blood or plasma can be contacted.
US07935250B2	Blood processing apparatus The invention relates to blood processing apparatus comprising a cabinet (2) defining at least an interior housing (6) and presenting an aperture (6a) for allowing access from outside into said housing. The apparatus has a user interface (13) mounted in a movable manner on the cabinet between at least a first position, where the user interface is adjacent to the cabinet in correspondence of said aperture, and a second position, where the user interface is spaced apart from the aperture and opens the access to said housing.
US07935249B2	Blood purification apparatus and method for blood purification A blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit, a blood purifying device, a first valve, a discharge line, a second valve, and a detection device. The blood circuit has an arterial blood circuit and a venous blood circuit. The first valve opens and closes the venous blood circuit. The second valve opens and closes the discharge line. The detection device detects whether a priming solution is replaced with blood in an end portion of the venous blood circuit at an upstream side from the first valve. The blood purification apparatus automatically turns the first valve from a closed position to an open position and the second valve from an open position to a closed position, respectively, when the detection device detects the priming solution being replaced with the blood.
US07935248B2	Adsorbents for denitrogenation desulfurization of hydrocarbon oils and methods of producing The present invention provides adsorbents for deep denitrogenation/desulfurization of hydrocarbon oils, and more particularly to an adsorbent material that selectively adsorbs organonitrogen and organosulfur from transportation fuels at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
US07935243B2	Systems and methods for producing a crude product Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock with reduced heavy oil deposits, the system employs a plurality of contacting zones and separation zones zone under hydrocracking conditions to convert at least a portion of the heavy oil feedstock to lower boiling hydrocarbons, forming upgraded products, wherein the first contacting zone is operated at a temperature of at least 10° F. lower than a next contacting zone. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing a slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock, forming upgraded products of lower boiling hydrocarbons. In the separation zones, upgraded products are removed overhead and, optionally, further treated in an in-line hydrotreater. At least a portion of the non-volatile fractions recovered from at least one of the separation zones is recycled back to the first contacting zone in the system.
US07935240B2	Electroplating apparatus and method based on an array of anodes The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for plating conductive materials on a substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for plating a conductive material on a substrate. The apparatus comprises a fluid basin configured to retain an electrolyte, a contact ring configured to support the substrate and contact the substrate electrically, and an anode assembly disposed in the fluid basin, wherein the anode assembly comprises a plurality of anode elements arranged in rows.
US07935236B2	Electro-osmotic pulse (EOP) treatment method A system and method for de-watering porous material, e.g., concrete. In select embodiments, durable, dimensionally stable anodes (DDAs), preferably configured as arrays on a strip, are impressed into the concrete and a pulsed signal is provided by a DC power supply to the DDAs and cathode rods inserted in soil. The DDAs comprise a valve metal substrate mesh having a semi-conductive coating of a precious metal, cement or ceramic. In select embodiments, conducting grout of a hydraulic cement-based mineral-aggregate may be used to emplace the DDAs. In select embodiments, a single cycle of the signal comprises a pulse train consisting of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ending with a short off period before re-cycling. The cycles continue until the porous material has been sufficiently treated.
US07935231B2	Rapidly cleanable electroplating cup assembly Embodiments of a closed-contact electroplating cup assembly that may be rapidly cleaned while an electroplating system is on-line are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a cup assembly and a cone assembly, wherein the cup assembly comprises a cup bottom comprising an opening, a seal surrounding the opening, an electrical contact structure comprising a plurality of electrical contacts disposed around the opening, and an interior cup side that is tapered inwardly in along an axial direction of the cup from a cup top toward the cup bottom.
US07935229B2	Extraction of nickel (0) complexes from nitrile mixtures with reduced rag formation A process for extractively removing homogeneously dissolved catalysts from a reaction effluent of a hydrocyanation of unsaturated mononitriles to dinitriles with a hydrocarbon H, including performing the steps of a) concentrating the reaction effluent before step b) by distillation at pressures of from 0.1 to 5000 mbar and temperatures of from 10 to 150° C., b) adding a hydrocarbon H to the concentrated reaction effluent to obtain a stream I, and c) feeding stream I, without prior separation of the liquid phases, into an extraction apparatus and extracting it at a temperature T with the hydrocarbon H to obtain a stream II comprising the hydrocarbon H enriched with the catalyst and a stream III having a low catalyst content.
US07935227B2	Method and a mobile unit for collecting biomass A method for collecting biomass, such as straw, and for producing a pyrolysis liquid, such as oil or tar, from the biomass, includes the step of collecting the biomass from a growth site, e.g. a field, by means of a mobile unit. The biomass is continuously fed into a pyrolysis apparatus accommodated by the mobile unit, as the mobile unit is moved across the growth site. While the biomass is processed in the pyrolysis apparatus, further biomass is simultaneously being collected. The pyrolysis apparatus may be a flash pyrolysis or fast pyrolysis apparatus relying on centrifugal forces for forcing biomass towards a reactive surface in a pyrolysis reactor. The mobile unit may be self-propelled.
US07935225B2	Papermaker's forming fabrics including monofilaments comprised of a blend of poly(ethylene naphthalate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) Papermaker's forming fabrics including extruded thermoplastic monofilaments formed from a polymer blend consisting of from about 51%-90% pbw (parts by weight) of a poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) polymer having a melt point of from 249° C. to about 278° C., most preferably between about 262° C. and 273° C., and an intrinsic viscosity of from 0.45 to about 0.95, preferably from about 0.65 to about 0.85, along with from about 49%-10% pbw of a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of between about 0.55 to about 1.05, preferably from about 0.85 to 1.0. Monofilaments formed from the novel polymer blend exhibit physical properties differing from those obtained from monofilaments formed of 100% PEN polymer, making them particularly suitable for use in weaving and processing the forming fabrics of the present invention.
US07935224B2	Unit in a forming section of a papermaking machine The invention discloses a pre-assembled self-supporting unit (1) for a twine wire forming section. The unit comprises an integrated save-all tray (25) and other integrated elements such as cross walkway (17), piping beam (10), connecting arms (8). The rolls (2) for supporting at least one forming clothing loop (4) and the other elements are mounted onto this separate unit instead of being mounted onto the same machine frame. The unit provides a diminished foot print for the forming section, and it is dimensioned to fit in a standard transport container.
US07935222B2	Papermaking method using one or more quaternized dialkanolamine fatty acid ester compounds to control opacity and paper product made thereby A method for making an opacity relevant grade paper or paperboard product, such as a communication type paper used for printing and writing applications, utilizes an effective amount of quaternized alkanolamine fatty acid ester compounds as an opacification aid to control the optical properties of the paper or paperboard product as a wet-end additive to a papermaking operation. Using the quaternized alkanolamine fatty acid ester compound can improve the opacity of the paper or paperboard product, maintain the opacity of the paper while reducing the use of other opacification aids, such as inorganic fillers and/or pigments, and allow for a reduction in paper grammage without a compromise in opacity. The improvements in paper optical properties are achieved without adversely affecting other characteristics of the paper product such as bulk value, tensile strength, tear index, and the like.
US07935221B2	Soft single-ply tissue A soft single-ply tissue sheet is produced by making a textured, high bulk, through dried tissue sheet and calendering the sheet with a high level of compression energy to substantially reduce the bulk and impart improved properties to the sheet.
US07935218B2	Optical apparatus, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method An optical apparatus includes an illumination system configured to form a pulsed radiation beam, an optical element with a surface on which the radiation beam is incident in operation, and a gas source arranged to supply a mixture of a first type of gas and a second type of gas to a space adjacent the surface. Particles of the first and second types of gas are capable of reacting with the surface, when activated by the radiation beam. The gas source is configured to generate a combination of surface occupation numbers of molecules of the first and second types of gas on the surface under operating conditions, at least prior to pulses of the radiation beam, the combination of surface occupation numbers lying in a range in which reactions of particles with the surface during pulses of the radiation beam are in majority reversed.
US07935215B2	Heat-activatedly bondable 2D element Presented is a heat-activatedly bondable 2D element having a first adhesive and a second adhesive, which is suitable for bonding objects with a metal surface to objects with a plastic surface, and which enables a stable and mechanically robust bond even at low temperatures. This is achieved through the use of particular combinations of different adhesives, tailored to one another and based on synthetic nitrile rubbers and reactive resins.
US07935210B2	Method of making a liner bag for waterless toilet A waterless-toilet liner has a seat panel adapted to lie atop a waterless-toilet seat and formed with a central hole of a size and shape generally corresponding to a size and shape of the hole of the seat, and a bag having an upper rim secured to the seat panel around the hole therein. This liner is made by first advancing a foil tube to a first work station and forming a cross-seam and cut in the foil tube-to cut therefrom a bag having an open end. Then the open end of the bag is fitted between a pair of foil sheet. An opening is cut through the foil sheets and open end of the bag and the edges of the bag at the opening and there adjacent are bonded to the foil sheets. Then the foil sheets are cut through or perforated downstream of the bag.
US07935209B2	Composition for protecting work surfaces from contamination A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer. The hydrophobic layer has a plurality of pores that allow liquid spilled on the hydrophobic layer to penetrate the hydrophobic layer and be absorbed by the absorbent layer.
US07935208B2	Method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite sabot by using band/hoop lamination Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite sabot for use in APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot), wherein both Band lamination and Hoop lamination are used in manufacturing a polymer based FRP(Fiber Reinforced Plastic) for use in the sabot in order to prevent the prepreg delamination in the circumferential direction caused by the radial lamination. The method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite sabot of the present invention comprises the steps of a sub-segment forming step, a piece forming step and a sabot forming step, and the lamination is carried out with improved segment lamination form preventing the damage in the 120 degree surface in the process of treating the sabot.
US07935204B2	Method of fabricating printhead assembly A printhead assembly includes a molded ink manifold, a plurality of printhead integrated circuits, and an adhesive film sandwiched between the ink manifold and the printhead integrated circuits. A manifold bonding surface of the molded ink manifold includes a polymer coating. The polymer coating plugs fissures resulting from a molding process used to mold the ink manifold.
US07935203B2	Backfixing of artificial turf stock material with hotmelts based on amorphous poly-α-olefins and/or modified amorphous poly-α-olefins Artificial turf stock materials useful for artificial turf stock backfixing, including: a hotmelt made of: a) from 5% to 100% by weight of at least one amorphous poly-α-olefin, b) from 0% to 100% by weight of at least one modified amorphous poly-α-olefin, c) from 0% to 40% by weight of at least one resin, d) from 5% to 15% by weight of at least one modified crystalline polypropylene, e) from 0% to 20% by weight of at least one crystalline polyolefin, f) from 0% to 80% by weight of fillers or pigments, g) from 0% to 20% by weight of at least one flame retardant, and h) from 0% to 20% by weight of at least one wax, where ribbon yarn of polyethylene, polypropene, polyester, polymide, or an interpolymer is bound together with the hotmelt in an artificial turf stock material.
US07935202B2	System for mounting objects to polymeric membranes Systems and methods for coupling a polymeric membrane to a structure are described herein. In some instances, the systems and methods for coupling polymeric membranes to structures is applicable to mounting structures onto polymeric membranes forming part of roofing structure. Particularly, the methods and systems described herein may be applicable to securing external structures, such as photovoltaic cells to a polymeric membrane, such as a thermoplastic membrane.
US07935201B2	Non-slip masking product, and methods A masking product having an exposed non-slip surface. In some embodiments, the masking product has two non-slip surfaces, on opposite sides of the paper. The non-slip surface exposed surfaces having an increased coefficient of friction to inhibit the movement (e.g., slipping) of items present on the non-slip surface.
US07935200B1	Process development protocol and vacuum bag process for carbon-epoxy prepreg production A protocol for determining process parameters for debulking composite laminates is established using a standardized double vacuum debulk (DVD) process. This allows for the development of a rapid fabrication process for thick laminates of toughened carbon/epoxy composite materials. The protocol provides for obtaining cure and current consolidation information of a composite material system as a preliminary baseline. A test matrix is prepared for varying time/temp profiles to pursue better results or find process limits and the testing defined by the matrix is run with variations of time/temp DVD profiles to confirm data values. Results for the process variations in the test matrix are then assessed. An optimum consolidation is determined and process points are defined at which quality drops off. The protocol results are then applied to part preparation for the material tested.
US07935197B2	High strength steel plate A high strength steel plate containing 0.02 to 0.08% C, by mass, and has substantially a two phase microstructure of ferrite and bainite. The ferrite contains precipitates having a particle size of 30 nm or smaller grain size. The steel plate has a yield strength of 448 MPa or higher. A method for manufacturing the high strength steel plate which comprises hot rolling, accelerated cooling and reheating. The accelerated cooling is conducted down to a temperature of 300 to 600° C. at a cooling rate of 5° C./s or higher. The reheating is conducted up to a temperature of 550 to 700° C. at a heating rate of 0.5° C./s or higher.
US07935194B2	Dishwasher with targeted sensing An automatic dishwasher comprises a housing defining a wash chamber for holding utensils to be washed, a movable sensor for determining a utensil load within at least one preselected location within the wash chamber, and a controller operably coupled to the movable sensor to control the direction of movement of the movable sensor to determine the presence and size of a utensil load in the at least one preselected location within the wash chamber.
US07935193B2	Method of operating a wheel washing assembly A wheel washing assembly contains a machine frame, a pendulum assembly pivotably supported on the machine frame, and two washing manifolds, including a first washing manifold and a second washing manifold, attached to the pendulum assembly. Each of the washing manifolds has a nozzle assembly for ejecting water at a wheel to be washed. The washing manifolds are pivotable between a start washing position and an end washing position by an automatic motion of the pendulum assembly. The washing manifolds further automatically track the wheels to be washes by a motion of one of the wheels.
US07935190B2	Process for preparing maltitol enriched products The current invention relates to a process for preparing maltitol enriched products and said process is chromatographically fractionating a maltose syrup followed by hydrogenating it into a liquid maltitol enriched product and optionally solidification or crystallization of maltitol. Liquid, solid and crystalline maltitol of different purities are obtainable by a single process.
US07935185B2	Film forming system and film forming method A clean gas circulates to pass through a loading area provided below a vertical heat treatment furnace. The clean gas unidirectionally flows through the loading area. After completion of wafer processing, a wafer boat lowers from the heat treatment furnace to the loading area, where the wafers are removed from the wafer boat. Subsequently, a clean gas jetting nozzle arranged in the loading area jets a clean gas toward the emptied wafer boat. Fragment of thin film which may readily peel off are blown away from the wafer boat, and are discharged out of the loading area together with the unidirectional flow. Thus, it is possible to avoid wafer contamination due to the unexpected peel-off of thin film fragments from the wafer boat.
US07935172B2	Ironmaking and steelmaking A steelmaking process is disclosed. The process includes producing molten steel and molten steelmaking slag in a steelmaking process, the steelmaking slag including iron units and flux units, and thereafter producing molten iron in a molten bath based direct smelting process using a substantial portion of the steelmaking slag as part of the feed material requirements for the direct smelting process. A direct smelting process is also disclosed. The process includes pre-treating ferrous material including steelmaking slag and thereafter direct smelting molten iron using the pretreated ferrous material as part of the feed material for the process.
US07935171B2	Production of metallic nickel with low iron content A process for producing a metallic nickel product with a low iron content, that includes: (i) providing an acidic product liquor; (ii) subjecting the acidic product liquor to an ion exchange process to absorb the nickel and part of the iron; (iii) eluting the nickel and iron to produce an eluate containing the nickel and iron. (iv) neutralising the eluate to leave an iron depleted eluate; (v) neutralising the iron depleted eluate to cause precipitation of nickel hydroxide containing low iron; (vi) calcining the nickel hydroxide to convert it to nickel oxide; (vii) subjecting the nickel oxide to direct smelting in the presence of a reductant to produce a molten nickel phase; and (viii) refining the molten nickel phase by oxidation to produce a metallic nickel product with low iron content.
US07935167B2	Composite ceramic body, method of manufacturing the same and ceramic filter assembly A method for manufacturing a composite ceramic body with occluding a plurality of pores that are open at its surface of a porous ceramic body, the method includes the steps of impregnating a polysilazane solution including polysilazane having a repetition structure of fundamental units of at least one of [—Si(H)(CnH2n+1)—NH—] and [—Si(CnH2n+1)2—NH—], and a predetermined organic solvent, into the plurality of pores of the porous ceramic body, and heating the porous ceramic body to convert the polysilazane in the plurality of pores into ceramic material.
US07935162B2	Dust collecting device for vacuum cleaner Object of the present invention is to provide a dust collecting device (10) for a vacuum cleaner of the dust collecting performance is improved. For this, a dust collecting device (100) for a vacuum cleaner is provided, including a primary cyclone unit (200) for separating dust by a cyclone principle, a secondary cyclone unit (300) around the primary cyclone unit (200) for separating dust from air discharged from the primary cyclone unit (200) by the cyclone principle, a primary dust container (111) for storing the dust separated at the primary cyclone unit (200), and a secondary dust container (112) in the primary dust container (111) for storing the dust separated at the secondary cyclone unit (300).
US07935156B2	Jet fuel compositions and methods of making and using same Provided herein are, among other things, jet fuel compositions and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the fuel compositions comprise at least a fuel component readily and efficiently produced, at least in part, from a microorganism. In certain embodiments, the fuel compositions provided herein comprise a high concentration of at least a bioengineered fuel component. In further embodiments, the fuel compositions provided herein comprise limonane.
US07935155B2	Method of manufacturing an electrode or capacitor product A method of manufacturing an electrode product where a compressible and deformable layer is densified and laminated to a layer of a material that is relatively resistant to stretching. The densification and bonding take place in a single step. A method as used in fabrication of electrodes, for example, electrodes for double layer capacitors, a deformable and compressible active electrode film is manufactured from activated carbon, conductive carbon, and a polymer. The electrode film may be bonded directly to a collector. Alternatively, a collector may be coated with a wet adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is subsequently dried onto the foil. The dried adhesive and foil combination may be manufactured as a product for later sale or use, and may be stored as such on a storage roll or other storage device. The active electrode film is overlayed on the metal foil, and processed in a laminating device, such as a calender. Lamination both densifies the active electrode film and bonds the film to the metal foil. Spreading of the active electrode film in the plane parallel to the plane of the metal foil is reduced or eliminated during lamination, because of the adhesion between the film and the foil.
US07935154B2	Process for lightening or lightening direct dyeing or oxidation dyeing in the presence of at least one organic amine and at least one inorganic base, and device therefor Provided is a process for lightening or dyeing keratin fibers, including human keratin fibers such as the hair, in the presence of an oxidizing agent, wherein the following are applied to the keratin fibers: (a) an anhydrous cosmetic composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance and at least one surfactant, (b) a cosmetic composition (B) comprising at least one organic amine with a pKb of less than 12 at 25° C. and at least one mineral base, and (c) a composition (C) comprising at least one oxidizing agent; when the process described herein is a process for dyeing keratin fibers, composition (B) further comprises at least one dye. Also provided is a multi-compartment device comprising a first compartment having the anhydrous cosmetic composition, a second compartment having at least one organic amine with a pKb of less than 12 at 25° C., and also at least one mineral base and optionally at least one dye, and a third compartment having an oxidizing composition.
US07935152B2	Hinged connecting apparatus for a lower limb prosthesis Hinged connecting apparatus (1) for a lower limb prosthesis (2), the hinged connecting apparatus (1) comprising a first device (1000) intended to oppose a predetermined resistance during flexion of the prosthesis (2), this resistance being switched by said first device (1000) between two values which are a predetermined minimal value and a predetermined maximal value.
US07935151B2	Femoral prosthetic implant Methods and apparatus for knee arthroplasty, including implants, positioning and alignment guides, cutting guides, cutting tools and techniques for the femur and/or tibia.
US07935149B2	Spinal fusion implant with bone screws An interbody spinal fusion implant made of a material other than bone adapted for placement across an intervertebral space formed across the height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has a leading end that is curved to form a portion of a circle from side to side, sides that are at least in part straight, and a trailing end with a bone screw receiving hole for receiving at least one bone screw to engage the vertebral bodies.
US07935144B2	Profile reduction of valve implant A method for reducing an axial profile of a valve implant includes providing a valve implant having a longitudinal axis and a delivery catheter having a central axis and a distal receiving section. The method further includes helically rolling the valve implant around a rolling axis that is offset at an angle of about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a rolled valve implant having a rolled axis, where the rolled axis is the same as the rolling axis. The method further includes aligning the rolled axis of the rolled valve implant with the central axis of the delivery catheter. The method further includes inserting the rolled valve implant into the distal receiving section of the delivery catheter.
US07935140B2	Delivery device with anchoring features and associated method A delivery device for positioning and deploying an implantable device within a lumen is provided. The device includes an inner tube positioned within an outer tube and capable of sliding therein, wherein the inner and outer tubes have proximal and distal ends. A mechanism is coupled to at least one of the inner and outer tubes and is operable to deploy the implantable device within the lumen. At least one anchor is positioned on the inner tube to stabilize the implantable device by engaging at least a portion of the implantable device while the mechanism deploys the device. The anchor is positioned on the inner tube such that the anchor is freely rotatable about the inner tube.
US07935138B1	Active bone screw A bone screw includes a head portion and shank portion. The shank portion includes a regularly outwardly expanding threaded portion.
US07935130B2	Two-piece end-effectors for robotic surgical tools In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical tool having opposing jaws, the working element of the robotic surgical tool is made of a different material from the drive element of the robotic surgical tool. The two elements may be manufactured independently and assembled together at a later stage. The material comprising each element may thus have properties more appropriate to the function each element plays in the robotic surgical tool. For example, the metal selected to comprise the blade of a surgical scissor may be corrosion resistant and capable of being sharpened to a high degree.
US07935129B2	Device for engaging tissue having a preexisting opening A device for engaging tissue having a preexisting opening includes a generally annular-shaped ring having a width disposed about a longitudinal axis, and at least two staple members extending from the ring. Each of the at least two staple members have a thickness and at least a distal portion formed of an elastic material. The distal portions of the staple members have a first configuration, where the distal portions are separated by a first distance and wherein the distal portions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second configuration, where the distal portions are separated by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance, and the at least two staple members engage tissue surrounding the preexisting opening. The annular-shaped ring has a width that is greater than the thickness of the at least two staple members.
US07935122B2	Cannula having asymmetrically-shaped threads Methods and apparatus for performing a medical procedure which involves penetrating a bone structure are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing a surgical procedure includes introducing an assembly that includes a threaded cannula and a stylet into a bone structure. The threads have a shape that allows the cannula tip to be pushed into the bone body yet prevent the tip from being pulled out of the bone body. In one embodiment, the threads have a buttress shape. The method may also include applying a rotational motion, as for example a torque, to the threaded cannula to adjust the depth of insertion with respect to the implantation site when it is determined that the depth of insertion is to be adjusted.
US07935117B2	Expandable proximal reamer A reamer for reaming a portion of a long bone cavity for use in implanting a joint prosthesis. The reamer is used in cooperation with a portion of an orthopaedic implant component and includes an expandable body that is adapted to adjust between a plurality of diameters. A plurality of cutting edges are also included and extend outwardly from the body, the edges adapted for cooperation with bone, and the cutting edges expanding as the expandable body expands.
US07935116B2	Implant for the delivery of electrical current to promote bone growth between adjacent bone masses An electrical bone growth promotion apparatus for the delivery of electrical current to an implant surgically implanted between adjacent bone masses to promote bone growth to areas adjacent to the implant is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a self contained implant having a surgically implantable, renewable power supply and related control circuitry for delivering electrical current directly to the implant and thus directly to the area in which the promotion of bone growth is desired. The desired areas of bone growth promotion may be controlled by conducting negative charge only to the desired location of bone growth promotion.
US07935112B2	Electrosurgical instrument An electrosurgical instrument is disclosed for simplifying making incisions and other treatments using electrosurgery. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a body having at least one conductive element that is surrounded by an insulation layer except at a conductor edge portion of the conductive element. The conductor edge portion and insulation layer each having unique geometric shapes and composition of the parts to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The outer profile of the insulation layer and conductive element are configured to facilitate the flow of electrosurgical decomposition products away from the conductor edge where they are formed.
US07935108B2	Deflectable sheath catheters The present invention provides devices and methods for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. In one embodiment a deflectable sheath catheter includes an elongate catheter body having proximal and distal ends, the distal end having a distal tip region that includes a plurality of flexible segments with varying degrees of stiffness. A handle portion can be located at the proximal end of the catheter body to provide a steering mechanism that causes the distal tip region to deflect according to a compound curve.
US07935107B2	Heads for dermatology treatment Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above.
US07935102B2	Method and apparatus for prevention of catheter air intake A system for preventing air from entering a first catheter of a multi-catheter system. Air is prevented from entering the proximal end of the first catheter by an axially elongate chamber having an impeller, the chamber being affixed to the proximal end of the first catheter. The air is removed through a port near the centerline of the chamber. Liquid removed with the air is returned to the chamber to minimize liquid loss during the procedure. A second catheter inserted through the chamber and into the first catheter is unable to entrain gas into the first catheter because any gas that enters the chamber is routed to the centerline of the chamber where it is removed. Inflow of fluid from an external pump scrubs the second catheter shaft of air bubbles attached by surface tension.
US07935094B2	Vacuum instrument for slowing or arresting the flow of blood The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.
US07935092B1	Self-introducing injection and aspiration device A self-introducing medical device that can be used for delivering drugs or other therapeutic fluids at a uniform rate over an extended area to an internal anatomical location of a patient's body. The device can also be used for aspirating excess fluid from an internal anatomical location of a patient's body.
US07935089B2	Silicon breast implant injector for augmentation mammaplasty A silicon breast implant injector for augmentation mammaplasty which includes a hollow tube and a plunger. The hollow tube has a barrel which has one end tapered to form a first arched barrel connecting to an inverse second arched barrel which in turn is connected to an ejection opening formed at the same diameter as the second arched barrel but into a short inflexible length tube. The plunger can push a silicon breast implant s held in the hollow tube through an incision into patient's submammary pocket. Coupled with a smooth connection between the first arched barrel and the second arched barrel, push resistance can be reduced, and thus can smoothly, quickly, easily and safely move the silicon breast implant into the submammary pocket.
US07935087B2	Syringe needle sheath A syringe is provided which comprises a barrel (11) and a needle sheath (30) slidably located within the barrel, a plunger (20) with a plunger seal (23), a needle, a needle sheath (30) and a sheath seal (50), arranged so that depression of the plunger forces the needle sheath to move into a position where it covers or at least partly encloses the needle after delivery of fluid contents of the syringe. The needle sheath may be manually actuated or may be actuated by decompression of a spring. The syringe may further comprise a plunger disabling means operable to impede, prevent or otherwise hinder withdrawal of the plunger during or following depression of the plunger. The syringe may be a pre-filled syringe or a syringe which is filled by a user.
US07935086B2	Multiple drug injection apparatus A fluid dispensing device, particularly suited to medicine but also having many other applications. The device selectively dispenses any of one or more fluids contained within the device. Adapters on the dispensing end of the unit permit the device to be effectively used for intra-venous, intra-dermal or intra-muscular injections, gasses, colloids, gels, liquids or other fluids. Adapters on the head of the unit permit the device to be used with or without electrical power and to varying degrees of automatic control for timing, sequence, volume of fluid dispensed and other features.
US07935083B2	Anchoring system for luer lock connector An anchoring system includes a simply-structured device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. An anchoring system for an elongated medical article comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes a channel into which the medical article to be retained is placed. The retainer is attached to an anchor pad including an adhesive bottom surface, which can be attached to the patient's skin. A medical article is secured within a channel by retaining at least one axially extending member on the medical article.
US07935082B2	Control handle with device advancing mechanism A catheter having an internal advancing mechanism that can advance stiffening wires or other devices, has a catheter with a catheter body, a tip section distal the catheter body, a device extending through at least the catheter body, and a control handle proximal the catheter body, where the control handle has an advancing mechanism with a threaded member, an adjustment member, and a guided member to which the device is connected, and the advancing mechanism is configured to advance and retract the device along the catheter body as controlled by a user. Each of the threaded member and the adjustment member has a generally cylindrical configuration. The threaded member has an outer surface configured with a helical guide channel. The adjustment member is configured to guide the guided member to move within the helical guide channel to advance and retract the device. The adjustment member can be rotatable over the threaded member by the user to control advancement and retraction of the device. The device may be a stiffener wire, a needle or any other device suitable for advancement and retraction in a catheter.
US07935081B2	Drug delivery cassette and a medical effector system Disclosed is an interface between a drug delivery cassette and a medical effector system. The cassette may be mounted to the medical effector system in such a way that a fluid tube located on the cassette is positioned adjacent to a pump located on the medical effector system. The medical effector system may purge the fluid line of air by activating the pump and forcing fluid through the fluid line until a sensor positioned to monitor the fluid line indicates that fluid and not air is present in the tube. To prevent air purging of the fluid tube when connected to the patient, the medical effector system prohibits air purging unless the drug delivery end portion of the fluid tube is in a designated storage site located on the cassette. This is accomplished with a position sensor at the storage site that monitors the position of the fluid tube.
US07935080B2	Catheter and introducer needle assembly with needle shield A needle shield assembly with a needle having a distal tip and a static feature is provided. The needle shield assembly includes an adapter having an open distal terminus and an open proximal terminus to allow passage of the needle and a needle shield slidably associated with the adapter having an open distal end and an open proximal end where the open proximal end is sufficiently narrow to restrict proximal movement of the needle static feature causing the shield to move in a proximal direction when the needle is pulled proximally after the static feature has established contact with the needle shield proximal end. The assembly includes a canting plate having an unactivated first position and an activated second position that restricts needle movement. The canting plate is activated via a canting plate retention system in communication with the canting plate and responsive to proximal movement of the needle.
US07935077B2	Thrombectomy catheter deployment system A thrombectomy catheter deployment system which greatly simplifies setup procedures and operation of a thrombectomy catheter includes a stand alone drive unit and a disposable pump/catheter assembly which is manually placed into a carriage assembly in the drive unit. The pump/catheter assembly has a plurality of preconnected components including tubular structure and a thrombectomy catheter connected thereto and is transported into or out of the interior of the drive unit for automatic high pressure pump piston head engagement or disengagement with a reciprocating linear actuator and for automatic engagement or disengagement of an effluent waste tube with a roller pump. A barcode reader senses specific operational data pertaining to an individual pump and provides an interface for operation of the reciprocating linear actuator. A bubble trap incorporated for effective debubbling of saline solution is closely coupled to an insert molded pump having an improved valve arrangement. A spiked bag with large tubing is incorporated for bubble-free transfer of saline.
US07935075B2	Self-deploying vascular occlusion device The present invention provides a cardiac vascular occlusion system which includes inner and outer guide catheters and an occluding member disposed on the inner catheter. The occluding member may be deployed from a compressed to an expanded position to limit retrograde blood flow in a body lumen. The occluding member may be used when injecting a contrast agent into the body lumen.
US07935073B2	Methods of treatment using a bariatric sleeve Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
US07935071B2	Method and apparatus for peripheral vein fluid removal in heart failure A fluid removal apparatus comprising a blood removal catheter for insertion into a peripheral vein or artery and having a size 16 standard gage needle or less; a filter having a blood inlet port coupled to the blood removal catheter, a blood outlet port, an excess fluid removal port, and a blood flow passage with porous membrane which passes fluids to the fluid removal port and retains solutes of 60,000 Daltons or greater, and a blood return catheter for inserting into a peripheral vein or artery and having a size of 16 standard gage needle or less.
US07935068B2	Orthopedic or prosthetic support device An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.
US07935066B2	Inflatable compression dressing An improved inflatable compression dressing (10) for use in controlling swelling and promoting healing to wounds subsequent to surgery while allowing visual inspection of the wound during healing is provided. The dressing comprises a bladder (138) formed by an outer wall (114) secured to an inner wall (112) to define an elongated, cup-shaped cavity for receiving an appendage (136); an air supply delivering air to the bladder; and a sensor monitoring air pressure within the bladder and indicating said air pressure to an air pressure control (140). The air pressure control provides air to the bladder at a rate which substantially matches air leaked from the bladder. Thus, the air supply inflates the bladder so as to provide uniform air pressure to the appendage, wherein the appendage is an arm or a leg.
US07935065B2	Oral device An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.
US07935061B1	Method and apparatus for monitoring physiological conditions The invention concerns a physiological monitoring device that, in one embodiment, comprises a capacitive sensor. The sensor comprises a first plate, a second plate and a dielectric medium coupled to the first plate and second plate. A power source charges the sensor to generate an initial capacitance. A band couples the sensor to a blood vessel of a patient. For example, the blood vessel can be located in the umbilical cord of a human baby. An impulse from the blood vessel exerts pressure against the second plate of the sensor and consequently generates a first capacitance. A controller monitors the patient's physiological measurement by detecting the generation of the first capacitance.
US07935058B2	Method for measuring biomechanical properties in an eye Systems and methods are provided for characterizing biomechanical properties of tissue within an eye. A perturbation component introduces a stress to the eye tissue. An imaging component is operative to obtain an image of the eye tissue. A first image of the tissue can be obtained prior to the introduction of the stress and a second image of the tissue can be obtained after the introduction of the stress. An image analysis component compares the first image and the second image as to determine at least one biomechanical property of the tissue.
US07935055B2	System and method of measuring disease severity of a patient before, during and after treatment A system for obtaining serial biochemical, anatomical or physiological in vivo measurements of disease from one or more medical images of a patient before, during and after treatment, and measuring extent and severity of the disease is provided. First anatomical and functional image data sets are acquired, and form a first co-registered composite image data set. At least a volume of interest (VOI) within the first co-registered composite image data set is identified. The first co-registered composite image data set including the VOI is qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed to determine extent and severity of the disease. Second anatomical and functional image data sets are acquired, and form a second co-registered composite image data set. A global, rigid registration is performed on the first and second anatomical image data sets, such that the first and second functional image data sets are also globally registered.
US07935053B2	Surgical Retractor System A surgical retractor system having a frame and a plurality of arms connected thereto is disclosed. At least one arm is moveable relative to the frame and the relative movement is constrained to a direction along the longitudinal axis of the arm. At least one retractor blade is removably connected to each of the plurality of arms. The blade is fixably rotatable about an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the arm to which it is connected.
US07935048B2	Method and system for navigating within a flexible organ of the body of a patient Method for navigating a flexible medical device within a flexible organ of the body of a patient, toward a target region of interest of an inner wall of the flexible organ, by employing a previously acquired global three-dimensional (3D) model of the flexible organ, the method including the procedures of acquiring an initial stereoscopic image of an initial region of the flexible organ and reconstructing an initial local 3D model of the initial region according to the initial stereoscopic image, identifying and registering the initial local 3D model with an initial segment of the previously acquired global 3D model, acquiring a successive stereoscopic image of a successive region of the flexible organ and reconstructing a successive local 3D model of the successive region according to the successive stereoscopic image, identifying and registering the successive local 3D model with a successive segment of the previously acquired global 3D model, detecting the target region of interest by identifying a topography of the target region of interest according to the previously acquired global 3D model in the successive local 3D model, and producing a notification to indicate that the target region of interest is detected when the target region of interest is detected.
US07935045B2	Device for proactive modulation of cardiac strain patterns The present invention provides methods, systems and devices that reduce dyskinesis and hypokinesis. The contoured heart assist device of the present invention includes a selectively inflatable end-systolic heart shaped bladder with one or more contoured supports configured to surround at least a portion of the heart and provide curvatures similar to the proper shape of the heart when the device is pressurized and one or more fluid connections in communication with the selectively inflatable end-systolic heart shaped bladder for pressurization and depressurization.
US07935042B2	Gas driven solids discharge and pumping piston for a centrifugal separator A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. During the feed mode, solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. After accumulation of the solids, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual liquid is drained by gravity from the bowl. In a solids discharge mode of operation, a piston of a piston assembly is urged downward along a vertical axis in response to fluid such as compressed gas or hydraulic liquid. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof. The solids pass from the bowl and into a passage leading to an outlet port, where the solids exit the separator.
US07935029B2	Swimmer training apparatus having force control A swimmer training apparatus includes a housing having a rotatable spool mounted therein and defining a longitudinal spool axis. The rotatable spool includes a cylindrical outer surface and a spooler is mounted to the housing and adapted to axially advance a swimmer tethering line along the cylindrical outer surface during playing out or taking up the swimmer tethering line. The swimmer training apparatus further includes a torque transfer device coupled between a motor and the rotatable spool and including a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field. The torque transfer device further includes a rotatable mechanism fixed to rotate with the rotatable spool and a rotatable mechanism fixed to rotate with the motor. One of the rotatable mechanisms includes a magnetically permeable medium adapted via interacting with the magnetic field to transfer a torque between the first rotatable mechanism and the second rotatable mechanism during rotating the rotatable spool. A torque control system for the swimmer training apparatus includes an electronic control unit configured via software and/or hardware control to implement an operating method for training or evaluating performance of a swimmer.
US07935024B2	Method for operating an automatic gearbox on a motor vehicle A method for the operation of an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle. The downshifting of the transmission takes advantage of a braking action of a driving motor connected to the automatic transmission through a clutch, are terminated by the closing of a clutch during a compression phase lasting until the achievement of a predetermined threshold speed. For the improvement of the immediacy of the vehicle drive after the termination of the compression phase, the invention provides that at speeds less than the threshold speed, downshifting is carried out and is terminated with an open clutch.
US07935014B2	Drive system for individually driving two drive wheels of a drive wheel pair A drive system for individually driving two wheels of a drive wheel pair of a vehicle. The drive system has two infinitely variable transmission drives which are drivingly connected, via a transmission arrangement, to an associated drive wheel. Each transmission arrangement includes two transmission units arranged one behind the other, with one of the transmission units preferably being a two-stage shiftable transmission and the other transmission unit being a bevel gear transmission. The shiftable transmission makes it possible to vary the drive transmission ratio. The bevel gear transmission makes it possible to arrange the transmission drives so that their drive shafts are at right angles to the rotational axis of the drive wheel pairs.
US07935013B2	Comba ball with magnus effect This invention refers to the structure for a ball or ball cover that comprises a plurality of interconnected panels comprising first and second groups of panels which combined form a sphere. The first group of panels define at least two different surface areas of the ball or ball cover disposed at polar extremes on the surface of the sphere and the second group of panels define an area of the surface in the form of a ring, with at least three undulations and disposed in the equatorial zone of the surface of the ball or ball cover, creating a separation between the polar extremes defined by the first group of panels; whereby the width of the ring is modified to improve the sphericity of the ball or ball cover and obtaining a ball of a selected measurement (C).
US07935011B1	Racket handle extension Assisting a player of a racket sport, such as tennis, in positional awareness of the racket head, both visually and physically, is disclosed by adding an axial extension to the racket handle, the axial extension of similar or greater length than that of the racket. Regardless of racket position, whether or not within the direct sight of the player, a visually obvious indicator located at the end of the extension permits positional awareness of the racket before, during, and after each swing. Such positional awareness can also be obtained when both the racket and visually obvious indicator at the end of the handle extension are not visible by physical contact, when any part of the handle extension touches the body indicating poor racket initial position, swing motion, or follow-through after each swing.
US07935007B1	Turf accessory placement device A turf accessory placement device adapted for use with turf. The turf accessory placement device has a base. The base has a top, bottom and sides between the top and bottom. The turf accessory placement device has grip spikes extending from the bottom of the base which are adapted to grip the turf. The grip spikes have spike shanks projecting from the base in the same direction at an angle between one degree and eighty-eight degrees downward from a plane along the bottom of the base.
US07935004B2	Golf balls having a low modulus HNP layer and a high modulus HNP layer The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of an inner core layer formed from a high modulus HNP composition and an outer core layer formed from a low modulus HNP composition. The outer core layer has an outer surface hardness less than the outer surface hardness of the inner core layer.
US07935003B2	Golf club head A golf club head includes a face member having a ball-striking face and an oval thick portion positioned in a central portion of the ball-striking face. The oval thick portion has an oval shape having recesses formed by recessing both sides in a major axis direction in an arc-shaped fashion. The recesses are directed to a toe-side upper portion and a heel-side lower portion. The thickness of the thick portion becomes thickest at a central portion and is gradually reduced from the central portion towards the periphery. The face member is formed such that a portion outside the thick portion is thinner than the thick portion. An occupancy rate of the oval thick portion in the ball-striking face is in a range of 25 to 45%.
US07935002B2	Golf club shaft It is object of the present invention to provide a golf club shaft superior in accuracy, minimizing a displacement between thermosetting resin layers, capable of obtaining a feeling close to the feeling of a steel shaft, and superior in stability. To solve the above problems, a golf club shaft of the present invention uses a golf club shaft comprising a torsional rigidity holding layer made of thermosetting resin including reinforcing fibers diagonally crossed in the longitudinal direction of said shaft and a UD flexural rigidity holding layer made of thermosetting resin including reinforcing fibers aligned in parallel to the longitudinal direction of said shaft, characterized in that at least a part of said torsional rigidity holding layer includes a plain weave fabric layer obtained by winding and curing like a shaft-shape a plain weave prepreg which lets a plain weave fabric having mutually woven warps and wefts impregnate with thermosetting resin in such a way that said warps and wefts are diagonally crossed in the longitudinal direction of said shaft.
US07935000B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads Golf club heads which include an iron type golf club head body including a ball striking face, a rear surface opposite the ball striking face (e.g., including a perimeter weighting member) and an indicator which indicates the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head body. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making such golf club and golf club heads also are provided.
US07934998B2	Golf club head Golf club head 2 is provided including face member 4, crown member 6, sole member 8 and recessed part 10. The recessed part 10 is provided around the sole member 8. The recessed part 10 has a maximum height Hm of equal to or greater than 10 mm. The projected area S1 of the sole member 8 projected on the reference plane accounts for 40% or more and 65% or less of the projected area S2 of the crown member 6 projected on the reference plane. The head 2 is hollow. Preferably, the maximum angle θm formed between the margin F1 of the recessed part 10 and the sole edge E1 in proximity thereto is equal to or greater than 45 degrees. Preferably, the curvature radius of the sole face in a toe-heel direction is 9.0 cm or greater and 11.5 cm or less. Preferably, the head 2 has a volume of 400 cc or more and 500 cc or less.
US07934997B2	Torque limiter and method for assemblying a torque limiter The present invention broadly comprises a torque limiter including a sealed vessel with a damper assembly and a clutch arranged to receive torque from a drive unit and to transmit the torque to the damper assembly. The clutch is loaded independent of an engagement of the limiter with the drive unit. A reaction force between a resilient element in the clutch and the vessel preloads the clutch. The clutch is arranged to slip at a specified torque value. The resilient element is arranged to preload the clutch such that the clutch remains fully engaged up to the specified torque value. In some aspects, the limiter includes a drive unit connection plate and the clutch is disposed between the connection plate and the vessel. In some aspects, the vessel includes a housing connected to the connection plate and the clutch is disposed between the housing and the damper assembly.
US07934996B2	Online video game control server and a method of controlling an online video game An online video game controlling server includes an online game information storage database for storing game information on an online video game that includes player information on player characters and area information on a game area of the online video game, and a control section for controlling the progress of the video game on the basis of the game information. A shared area and an unshared area are provided in the game area of the online video game. When one player character moves to the unshared area, the control section creates instance information including area specifying information, character identification information and instance creating necessary object information. In addition, the control section server breaks communication between the one player character and the other belonging player character to update the instance information whenever the progress state of the instance creating necessary object changes due to the action of the one player character.
US07934994B2	Virtual cameras and 3-D gaming environments in a gaming machine A disclosed gaming machine provides method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine. While a game of chance is being played on the gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a three-dimensional object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of the game outcome presentation. To add excitement to the game, a 3-D position of the 3-D object and other features of the 3-D gaming environment may be controlled by a game player. Nearly an unlimited variety of virtual objects, such as slot reels, gaming machines and casinos, may be modeled in the 3-D gaming environment.
US07934988B2	Gaming apparatus and gaming apparatus control method A gaming apparatus which is equipped with a basic game and bonus games and is improved in entertainment value by means of adoption of new type of game development. The gaming apparatus has a display having a plurality of display areas on which areas are symbols are to be displayed, and a controller. Under specific requirements irrelevant to a result of another bonus game, there is performed a corresponding bonus game matching the requirements. Further, when at least one of a plurality of bonus games (i.e. a second bonus game) is executed when the specific requirements have been satisfied or when a specific result has been accomplished through another bonus game (i.e. a first bonus game).
US07934985B2	Gaming apparatus and playing method thereof A gaming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets associated with respective numbers in advance; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling the gaming apparatus so as to provide different weights on probabilities that a ball is housed in each of the pockets; a plurality of stations for a player to play games; and a controller, said controller being programmed to execute the following processings (a) and (b): (a) controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launching of the ball by referring to a single control data out of the control data, and (b) selecting another control data different from the single control data, out of the plurality of control data, to set the selected control data as a reference target, when the balance between the total sum of the currency value inserted at the plurality of stations and the total sum of the currency value paid out from the plurality of stations reaches a predetermined value.
US07934983B1	Location-aware distributed sporting events Various embodiments facilitate location-aware distributed competitions. In one embodiment, a system facilitates a distributed sporting event that includes multiple players traveling over courses that are remote from one another. The system includes a manager that receives state information, such as location information, from client devices used by each of the players. The manager then transmits location information for each of the players to the client devices, which are each configured to present a graphical representation, such as a map annotated with the locations of each of the players. The manager asserts a course to each of the players, by providing specific instructions to travel along a particular path. The client devices provide the players with the appearance of competing over the same course, even though they are all actually competing over courses remote from one another.
US07934979B2	Retaining ring with tapered inner surface A retaining ring has a generally annular body with a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner diameter surface, and an outer diameter surface. The outer diameter surface includes an outwardly projecting flange having a lower surface, and the bottom surface includes a plurality of channels.
US07934977B2	Fluid system and method for thin kerf cutting and in-situ recycling A fluid jet system for achieving a kerf width less than 0.015 inches is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes an orifice mount having a high-pressure fluid bore and an abrasive bore configured to communicate an abrasive mixture in form of a paste or foam to at least a portion of the high-pressure fluid bore. The system further includes a pressure-generating bore and a thin kerf mixing tube respectively provided toward opposing longitudinal ends of the mount body, minimizing a distance therebetween. A method of in-situ recycling of abrasives in the high-pressure fluid jet system includes catching the exiting abrasive-fluid mixture in a catching device, filtering the mixture in a filtering device, and directly pumping the filtered abrasive-fluid mixture to the mixing area without requiring conditioning of the mixture to remove liquids.
US07934971B2	Components for rapidly constructing a user-definable apparatus Mechanical and electromechanical components for rapidly constructing a user-definable apparatus may include components that are reconfigurable into other construction set components, and that have at least one demarcation defining adjacent segments thereof. The demarcations facilitate reconfiguration of the components to produce other construction set components. Openings to substantially prevent sharp edges from being formed during reconfiguration may be included in the components. An electromechanical drive assembly having an integrated speed control and operable to receive interchangeable, non-circular drive shafts may be provided. The electromechanical drive assembly may be configured to attach to and self-align relative to other construction set components. One or more of the components may be provided with openings through which the non-circular drive shafts may rotate. The drive shaft may be locked in relation to openings of components that allow the drive shaft to rotate via a lock plate. A bearing plate may also be included.
US07934970B2	Track set for toy vehicles A track set for toy vehicles and a method for colliding toy vehicles are provided. The track set has a collision platform that defines a collision area. The track set further includes a first track member being pivotally secured to the collision platform at a pivot axis of the collision platform, and a second track member being pivotally secured to the collision platform at the pivot axis. The first and second track members each have a vehicle launcher for launching a toy vehicle towards the collision platform. The first track member defines a first vehicle pathway to the collision platform and the second track member defines a second vehicle pathway to the collision platform. The track set further includes an actuator configured to simultaneously activate the vehicle launcher of each of the first and second track members to propel at least one toy vehicle along at least one of the first and second vehicle pathways toward the collision area.
US07934969B2	Plasma display panel, and substrate assembly of plasma display panel A method for producing a plasma display panel, includes mixing MgO crystals with MgF2, firing the resulting mixture. pulverizing the fired mixture to obtain powdered MgO crystals to which fluorine is added, and forming a priming particle-emitting layer on a protective layer. The priming particle-emitting layer contains the powdered MgO crystals to which fluorine is added, and the protective layer is included in a front-side substrate assembly that comprises a display electrode and a dielectric layer on a glass substrate.
US07934965B2	Exhaust system for small watercraft An exhaust system for a small watercraft for effectively reducing exhaust noise and allowing a high output of an engine to be easily obtained at the time of high speed operation. An exhaust outlet of an exhaust pipe extending from an engine provided in a watercraft body is disposed at a position that allows it to sink in the water at the time when a travel speed of the watercraft body is a predetermined speed or less. The exhaust outlet is raised above the water at the time when the travel speed of the watercraft body exceeds the predetermined speed. An open surface of the exhaust outlet is offset toward a side wall surface of a pump chamber from a center of a jet pump in the pump chamber and is made oblique toward the side wall surface toward which the open surface of the exhaust outlet is offset.
US07934964B2	Outboard motor In an outboard motor, a lower casing is located below an upper casing, and an engine with a vertically-arranged crankshaft is mounted above the upper casing. The rotation of the crankshaft is transmitted to a drive shaft pivotally supported in the upper casing, has its speed changed by a transmission mounted on the drive shaft, and is transmitted to a propeller shaft pivotally supported in the lower casing. The upper casing includes an upper-side casing and a lower-side casing, and mating surface portions of the upper-side casing and the lower-side casing are laterally wider than an upper section and a lower section of the upper casing.
US07934963B1	Amphibious vehicle An amphibious craft has a buoyant raft with a self-bailing upper surface. A cabin or upper is mounted to the raft. An engine/motor selectively drives a pair of wheels or a water drive. A disconnect enables only one drive to be engaged with the engine/motor.
US07934956B1	Connector for a cable A connector for a cable contains a connecting sleeve, an internal tube, an inner fitting member, an outer fitting member, a sheath member, and a circular paw piece, wherein the inner fitting member, the outer fitting member, and the sheath member are made of plastic material, so that the connector is assembled easily and conveniently without using an auxiliary tool, and can lower production cost and time.
US07934954B1	Coaxial cable compression connectors In one example embodiment, a coaxial cable connector for terminating a coaxial cable is provided. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, an insulating layer, an outer conductor, and a jacket. The coaxial cable connector includes an internal connector structure, an external connector structure, and a conductive pin. The external connector structure cooperates with the internal connector structure to define a cylindrical gap that is configured to receive an increased-diameter cylindrical section of the outer conductor. The external connector structure is configured to be clamped around the increased-diameter cylindrical section so as to radially compress the increased-diameter cylindrical section between the external connector structure and the internal connector structure. The conductive pin is configured to deform the inner conductor.
US07934953B1	Coaxial quick connector assemblies and methods of use In an embodiment, a coaxial quick connector assembly comprises an inner connector body having a first end for coupling with a coaxial cable and a second end having a perimeter contact for engagement with an externally threaded coaxial coupling. The perimeter contact includes a wall defining a central passageway. The perimeter wall includes at least one protrusion projecting toward the central passageway. An outer connector body is in mechanical communication with the inner connector body such that when the perimeter contact is engaged with the externally threaded coaxial coupling and the outer connector body is moved to an engaged position, an interior surface of the outer connector impinges the at least one protrusion between the interior surface of the outer connector body and the external surface of the externally threaded coaxial coupling, such that the assembly is held in place with respect to the threaded coaxial coupling.
US07934950B2	Connector with guide ribs and reinforcing ribs A connector (10) for an apparatus includes a housing (11) having a fit-in part (41) to be fit in a mounting hole (33) that penetrates through a case (30) of the apparatus. Tubular terminal insertion parts (42), penetrating through the fit-in part (41) and can receive a terminal fitting (21) connected with an end of a wire (20). Guide ribs (46A-46C) project from the fit-in part (41) into the case (30) and are spaced apart around an inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole (33). Reinforcing ribs (45A-45D) projecting into the case (30) Each reinforcing rib (45A-45D) and connects a side edge of a guide rib (46A-46C) to a peripheral surface of a terminal insertion part (42).
US07934948B2	Telecommunications patch panel with angled connector modules A telecommunications patch panel is provided having a plurality of connector modules rotatably mounted to a frame member. Each connector module has a front face and an opposite facing rear face, and each front face includes a plurality of connector jacks. Each rear face includes a plurality of wire termination blocks. The wire termination blocks are electrically connected to the connector jacks. Each connector module is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the frame member. A lock selectively locks each connector module to the frame member as desired. The connector jacks and the connector modules are arranged in linear arrays perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
US07934945B2	Electrical connecting apparatus An embodiment of an electrical connecting apparatus comprises a support board, a plate spring arranged on the support board, an attachment device attaching the plate spring to the support board, a block having an attachment surface directing downward, and a flexible circuit board in which a plurality of contactors are arranged. As for the block, the attachment surface for attaching the circuit board is protruded further to the lower side than the support board. The plate spring receives initial load to bring a state where at least a center area for attaching the block is biased toward the upper side. Thus, a good electrical contacting state can be obtained without increasing the overdriving amount.
US07934939B2	Complex connector A complex connector, comprises a male connector composed of a first male connector and the second male connector formed integrally with each other; a first female connector to which a second female connector and a lock assistant are attached in a movable manner, wherein the lock assistant includes an elongated cantilever member extending toward the first male connector, and a projection retaining engagement with the engagement portion of the first female connector is formed at a distal end of the elongated cantilever member, and in a condition in which the first male connector and the first female connector are disengaged from each other, the projection is retainingly engaged with the engagement portion, and in a condition in which the projection is retainingly engaged with the engagement portion, the projecting portion of the second female connector abuts against the abutment portion of the lock assistant.
US07934938B2	Connector apparatus having locking member A connector for connecting with a serial ATA socket is described, the socket having end walls and an indent in each end wall. The connector has an insulated elongated member, the member having a first wall, an opposite second wall, first and second side walls and an insertion end. A plurality of contacts within the insulated elongated member extend in the direction of the insertion end. A locking member is located at least at one side wall for securing the connector to a socket. The locking member comprising a latching finger attached to the side wall. The latching finger extends in the direction of the insertion end of the insulated elongated member. The latching finger has a ridge directed towards the opposite side wall in the extended portion of the latching finger.
US07934936B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector (1) for receiving a daughter card having a plurality of conductive surfaces is described. The connector has an elongated housing (5) having a slot (8) for receiving, the daughter card; the slot has electrical terminals (9) for engaging the plurality of conductive surfaces on the daughter card and for electrically connecting the daughter card to the connector. An arm (6, 7) extends from at least one end of the elongated housing; a latch (3, 4) is pivotally connected to the arm. The latch is pivotal about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (401) of the housing; the latch is rotatable between a first position at which the daughter card is retained within the elongated slot and a second position at which the daughter card is unrestrained. The longitudinal axis of the connector is not increased when the latch is in the second position.
US07934925B2	Catalyzer A catalyzer for burning part of a gaseous fuel/oxidant mixture, in particular for a burner of a power plant installation, has catalytically active channels and catalytically inactive channels and at least two sectors are arranged consecutively in the main flow direction. The sectors include a first sector defining an inlet sector and at least one following sector that includes one or more of a mixing sector arranged downstream from the inlet sector and an outlet sector. Further, the catalyzer has one or more of a smaller flow resistance in the inlet sector than any following sector, a higher catalytic activity in the inlet sector than any following sector, a plurality of holes in the mixing sector oriented transversely to the main flow direction and through which adjoining channels communicate, and a swirl generator in the outlet sector that provides a swirl to a gas mixture flowing through the outlet sector.
US07934921B2	Apparatus, system, and method for guided growth of patterned media using monodisperse nanospheres An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for guided growth of patterned media using monodisperse nanospheres. The apparatus includes nanoscale features extending from a substrate. The nanoscale features may be formed using electron-beam lithography and have a non-uniform cap. A spherical cap is formed on the non-uniform cap by hydrolysis and precipitation of monodisperse nanospheres on an immobilized nucleation site, the immobilized nucleation site attached with one end of the nanoscale feature. The system includes the apparatus and further includes monodisperse nanospheres formed of silicon dioxide spheres. The method includes providing a substrate, etching at least one nanoscale feature extending from the substrate, the feature formed using electron-beam lithography and having a non-uniform cap, forming an immobilized nucleation site, and forming a spherical cap by hydrolysis and precipitation of monodisperse nanospheres on the immobilized nucleation site, the immobilized nucleation site attached with one end of the nanoscale feature.
US07934914B2	Scroll machine having counterweights with changeable cavity A balancing system for different compressors utilizes a counterweight having a common exterior configuration. The mass of the counterweight is optimized for each compressor by changing the size of a recess located in the counterweight. In one embodiment, the recess is an arcuately shaped recess; and in another embodiment, the recess is a plurality of holes.
US07934912B2	Peristaltic pump assembly with cassette and mounting pin arrangement A peristaltic pump assembly includes a pump body including a mounting pin coupled thereto. A removable cassette is slidably received on the mounting pin and is secured to the pump body via a retaining feature. The mounting pin is also configured to allow the removable cassette to rotate into and/or out of an installed position, or to position(s) therebetween.
US07934901B2	Air directing assembly and method of assembling the same A gas turbine engine assembly is provided. The gas turbine engine assembly includes a high-pressure compressor including a first rotor and a second compressor rotor disposed downstream from the first rotor, a high-pressure turbine coupled downstream to the compressor by a first shaft, and an air directing assembly coupled between the first and second compressor rotors for selectively channeling airflow discharged from the first compressor rotor through the first shaft. A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is also provided.
US07934900B1	Nozzle guide vane for a gas turbine engine A nozzle guide vane for a gas turbine engine comprises a hollow ceramic vane member which includes an aerofoil portion and ceramic platforms. The ceramic vane member is supported by engagement of its interior surface with external supporting surfaces on a metallic load-bearing spine adapted to be supported from fixed structure of the engine.
US07934887B2	Complementary locking system for locking legs to the deck of an offshore drilling platform and methods for installing one such locking system A complementary locking system for locking legs to the deck of a jack-up offshore drilling platform is disabled. The system includes at each leg, at least one assembly comprising plates forming two counter-racks that engage with a leg rack and, on one side of the plates, at least one internal element for connecting the internal edges of the plates, at least one external element for connecting the external edges of the plates and at least one intermediate member for connecting said at least one internal element to said at least one external element. Methods of installing said complementary locking system on the legs of a jack-up offshore drilling platform are also disclosed.
US07934886B2	Rolling apparatus with three undercarriages having smoothing rollers Rolling apparatus for rolling of turf or grass surfaces is provided which includes a mobile main frame (11) and at least three undercarriages (61, 62, 63) attached to the main frame (11). Each undercarriage has one or more smoothing rollers (64) in the form of idler rollers; there is further provided a control frame for each of the undercarriages (61, 62, 63) pivotally mounted to each undercarriage with one (63) of the at least three undercarriages located rearwardly or forwardly of the other two (61, 62) undercarriages in a direction of travel of the rolling apparatus. In the direction of travel, each undercarriage is located adjacent to each other presenting substantially no gaps in a front view between adjoining undercarriages or smoothing rollers attached to the undercarriages.
US07934883B2	Writing instrument comprising a cartridge support A writing instrument that includes a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis, a cartridge housed inside the barrel and having a front end connected to a writing point and a rear end, and a cartridge support connected to the barrel and against which the rear end of the cartridge rests.
US07934879B2	Camera module, fabricating method and cleaning method thereof A camera module includes a lens module, an image sensor, a circuit board for supporting the image sensor, and a lens holder for connecting the lens module and the circuit board. A method for fabricating the camera module includes the following steps. Firstly, at least one cleaning hole is created in the lens holder, and the at least one cleaning hole is filled with a removable sealing stuff. Then, the printed circuit board, the image sensor, the lens holder and the lens module of the camera module are combined together. Then, a testing procedure is performed to detect whether any pollutant is present within the assembled camera module. Once any pollutant within the assembled camera module is detected, the sealing stuff is removed from the at least one cleaning hole, a cleaning procedure is done to remove the pollutant, and the at least one cleaning hole is sealed again.
US07934878B2	Diaphragm driving device of a camera system using an interchangeable lens A diaphragm driving device for a camera including a camera body and an interchangeable lens which is detachably attached to the camera body, wherein the interchangeable lens includes a diaphragm mechanism having an in-lens spring device for performing a stop-down operation, the in-lens-spring device having a spring constant. The camera body includes a diaphragm drive mechanism having a diaphragm drive motor and an in-body spring device, both of which are for making the diaphragm mechanism of the interchangeable lens perform the stop-down operation, and a controller for controlling a driving current which is supplied to the diaphragm drive motor in accordance with the spring constant of the in-lens spring device.
US07934877B2	Diaphragm blade, method of manufacturing the same, and light quantity controller having the same A diaphragm blade includes a light-shielding, thin-plate blade base made of laser absorptive resin to regulate an aperture, and a first shaft portion made of laser transmissive resin and provided on one surface of the blade base. The first shaft portion includes a cylindrical member which is welded to the protruding weld portion, a protruding weld portion integrally formed with the blade base, and a recess formed at the back side of the protruding weld portion. The cylindrical member has a first recess defined at one end thereof near the blade base and coming into contact with the protruding weld portion, and a second recess defined at the other end. A contact surface of the protruding weld portion is melted with laser beam transmitted through the cylindrical member, whereby the protruding weld portion is welded to the cylindrical member.
US07934874B2	Holder, fusion-splicing apparatus, and manufacturing method of optical connector A holder capable of protecting an optical connector ferrule from an external shock, or the like and executing a fusion-splice of a short optical fiber not to take out the optical connector ferrule from the holder is obtained.A holder for holding a connector plug equipped with an optical connector ferrule to which a short optical fiber is fitted and a plug frame for covering an outer periphery of the optical connector ferrule therein, wherein, when the short optical fiber together with the holder is fitted to a fusion splicing apparatus that fusion-splices the short optical fiber and other coated optical fiber, the short optical fiber extended from the plug frame is positioned in a fusion position.
US07934861B2	Motor vehicle headlight module for a cutoff beam A motor vehicle headlight module giving a beam with cutoff, comprising a concave reflector, a light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The source is formed by at least one light emitting diode for illuminating at least upwards. The reflector is associated with a bender the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the bender comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The exit surface of the lenses chosen so as to be able to be connected on a continuous surface with the exit surfaces of the lenses of adjacent modules. In addition, the mid-line of the lens is formed by a skew curve arc, and a correcting optical system is provided between the reflector and the lens for obtaining a satisfactory cutoff line, according in particular to the geometry of the entry face and exit face of the lens.
US07934859B2	Light emitting diode module A light emitting diode module which includes a hollow enclosed body having a transparent or translucent portion. A power source is disposed within the body. At least one light emitting diode is disposed within the body. The at least one light emitting diode is visible through the transparent or translucent portion of the body. A power circuit couples the at least one light emitting diode to the power source. An externally accessible switch is provided to open and close the power circuit so that the at least one light emitting diode can be turned on and turned off.
US07934857B2	Illuminating device and gaming machine having the same An illuminating device includes: an illuminating board having a plate-like transparent board, a reflector provided on a back surface of the transparent board to reflect light, and a cloudy, translucent medium provided on a front surface of the transparent board; a support member supporting an end of the illuminating board in a cantilever fashion, so as to provide a free end for the other end of the illuminating board; a light emitting portion, arranged beside the supported end of the illuminating board, that emits light to the transparent board at the supported end; and an emission control unit that causes the light emitting portion to emit light.
US07934854B2	Light fixture with optional animate object detector and heat sink A light fixture (100) comprises a base (101) and at least a first arm (102) having a first end (103) that couples to this base. A housing (105) then couples to the second end (203) of this first arm and can serve to house both a light source (901) (such that emanated light will tend to be directed towards a primary area of coverage) and an animate object detector (902) (such that the latter will be aimed towards, and will tend to be sensitive to, objects that move within the primary area of coverage). By one approach, this arm couples to the base and/or the housing in a manner that permits an end user to adjust a position of the housing with respect to the base without requiring any hand tools. The housing can comprise a heat sink (906) if desired.
US07934852B2	Jacketed LED assemblies and light strings containing same A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode including a set of positive and negative contacts, and a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and end portions of the contacts. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. A light transmissive cover receives the lens body, and has an opening through which at least one of the contact set and the electrical wire set passes. An integrally molded plastic jacket at the opening of the light transmissive cover provides a seal at the opening against moisture and airborne contaminants. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.
US07934850B2	Decorative light display A decorative light display includes a plurality of light source assemblies, each respective light source assembly of the plurality of light source assemblies having a known power requirement and at least one power supply operably coupled to each respective light source assembly of the plurality of light source assemblies for supplying power from an external power source to each respective light source assembly of the plurality of light source assemblies, the at least one power supply providing power to each respective light source assembly, which power satisfies the known power requirement thereof. A method of displaying decorative lighting is further included.
US07934846B1	Welding helmet having an automatic lighting system A welding helmet having a headband that fits upon a head of a welder, and a face shield with a viewing port having a light filtering window that pivots on the headband between a raised up non-shielding position and a lower down shielding position has an automatic lighting system with a power source component secured to a interior bottom surface of a top portion of the face shield, and an illumination component secured to a top exterior surface of the top portion of the face shield for lighting a work area outside the helmet. The energizing of the lighting system is responsive to the position of the raising and lowering of the face shield of the helmet so as to permit the welder to better perceive his/her surroundings.
US07934845B2	Candle like lighting device A candle-like lighting device is disclosed. The device comprises a decorative seat and a base seat, characterized in that the decorative seat is a transparent configuration, and within the decorative seat a cavity is provided which could hold at least a kind of low boiling point liquid, and the center of the decorative seat is a through hole passing through the decorative seat, and a top cover is provided to the through hole which mounted with a glowing member, and the base seat is mounted with a circuit with light source components, and the circuit is provided with a heat-generating body allowing current to pass through to generate an impedance effect, and the circuit also provides the glowing component of the decorative seat to be connected by a conductive cable to generate light.
US07934844B1	Exterior mirror element with wide angle portion A mirror reflective element suitable for use in an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a glass substrate with a principal planar reflector portion having a principal mirror reflector disposed at a first or second surface of the glass substrate and with an auxiliary wide angle curved portion having an auxiliary mirror reflector coated at a curved recess established at a region of the second surface of the glass substrate by at least one of grinding and ablating. The curved recess has a cross-dimension size that is in the range from about 30 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, and has a radius of curvature that is in the range from about 200 millimeters to about 1,000 millimeters, and has a maximum recess depth that is in the range from about 0.11 millimeters to about 4.04 millimeters.
US07934842B2	Extendable rearview mirror An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis. In yet another embodiment, the mean for extending the mirror for an inboard position to an outboard position comprises a groove in the mirror housing, in which a mirror frame is slidably disposed. The frame may be slid, relative to the mirror housing, from an inboard position to an outboard position.
US07934839B2	Image projection apparatus The image projection apparatus includes a light source lamp including a discharge light emitting tube and a reflector, the discharge light emitting tube including a light emitting portion disposed inside of the reflector and an electrode portion disposed outside of the reflector, a cooling fan, and a duct configured to guide a cooling air flowed by operation of the cooling fan toward the light source lamp. The duct includes a first air guiding portion and a second air guiding portion that cause parts of the cooling air to respectively proceed toward a first area and a second area opposite to each other on an outer circumferential surface of the light emitting portion, and a third air guiding portion that causes another part of the cooling air to proceed toward the electrode portion.
US07934837B2	Projection display device In a projection display device which includes a light source for outputting a light and a plurality of light modulating devices for modulating the light from the light source based on an input image signal, the projection display device comprises: a plurality of light quantity adjusting devices disposed on respective incidence sides of the light modulating devices and serving to adjust the quantity of light incident on the respective light modulating devices; and a controller unit for controlling the respective light quantity adjusting devices based on the input image signal.
US07934836B2	Projector that is capable of superimposing and displaying a visible image and an invisible infrared image A projector includes a light source that emits light including visible light and infrared light, a light separating unit that separates the light from the light source into lights in plural different wavelength regions, at least one light modulation element for visible light that modulates visible light separated by the light separating unit, at least one light modulation element for infrared light that modulates one kind of infrared light or at least two kinds of infrared light in wavelength regions different from each other separated by the light separating unit, a light combining unit that combines the modulated light modulated by the light modulation element for visible light and the modulated light modulated by the light modulation element for infrared light into one to form combined light, and a projecting unit that projects and displays the combined light combined by the light combining unit on a projection surface. The projector superimposes and displays a visible light image formed by the light modulation element for visible light and an infrared image formed by the light modulation element for infrared light on the identical projection surface.
US07934830B2	High water content silicone hydrogels Silicone hydrogels formed from a hydrated polymerization product of a monomer mixture comprising (a) a major amount of a non-silicone-containing hydrophilic monomer; and (b) a minor amount of a silicone-containing monomer, wherein the hydrogel has a water content of greater than 50 weight percent are disclosed.
US07934829B2	Mobile computing device incorporating printer and print media roll A personal digital assistant includes a body section; a display section pivotally engaged with the body section; a hinge section joining the display portion with the interface portion, and facilitating the display section to pivot with respect to the body section; an internal printer arranged in the body section; and a print media roll disposed within the hinge section. The print media roll feeds print media to the internal printer.
US07934828B2	Inkjet printing system and driving method thereof An inkjet printing system is provided, which comprises: a stage on which a substrate including at least two alignment keys is mounted; an inkjet head device disposed above the stage; and an alignment key sensing device disposed above the stage, wherein the inkjet head device comprises a head unit including an inkjet head, and a supporting unit which supports the head unit and scanning the substrate in a first direction, and wherein the alignment key sensing device comprises: at least two alignment key sensors for sensing positions of the alignment keys; a sensor supporting unit for supporting the at least two alignment key sensors; and a sensor position adjustment device for adjusting positions of the alignment key sensors with respect to the alignment key sensing device.
US07934827B2	Printer and media processing device The direction in which the media tray 21 moves in and out of the printer and the direction in which the inkjet head 17 moves when printing are on the same line along the front-to-back axis Y of the label printer 5, and the written medium 2B carried on the media tray 21 is positioned on the printing line of the inkjet head 17 when the media tray 21 moves to the tray retraction position 21A. Moving the media tray 21 retracted inside the printer widthwise to the printer from the tray retraction position 21A to the printing position is unnecessary, and printing can start immediately while moving the media tray 21 from the tray retraction position 21A on the widthwise axis X of the printer. The width of the label printer 5 can be reduced because the media tray 21 moves only the diameter of the media widthwise to the printer.
US07934822B2	Ink cartridge An ink cartridge having a container for storing ink therein and having an ink supply port formed at a leading end side in an insertion direction of the container, a memory device disposed on a first of two opposite surfaces parallel to the insertion direction of the container, the memory device having an electrode for electrical connection to the recording device; a retaining member disposed on the first surface and located at a trailing end side relative to the memory device in the insertion direction, the retaining member serving to selectively engage with the recording device; and another retaining member disposed on the second surface and which also serves to selectively engage with the recording device.
US07934821B2	Ink cartridges and ink supply systems An ink cartridge includes an ink storing portion configured to store ink therein and a particular wall defining a portion of the ink storing portion. The particular wall has a particular passage formed therethrough. The ink cartridge also includes a pipe extending from an interior of the ink storing portion to an exterior of the ink storing portion via the particular passage. The pipe has an inner passage formed therethrough, and the inner passage is configured to transmit ink from the interior of the ink storing portion to the exterior of the ink storing portion.
US07934820B2	Ink cartridge and ink filling method therefor An ink cartridge includes an ink storage chamber and an ink supply chamber, and the ink supply chamber includes a check valve configured to selectively open and close a communication hole between the ink storage chamber and the ink supply chamber depending on a pressure differential between a first pressure in the ink storage chamber and a second pressure in the ink supply chamber. When the ink storage chamber is filled with ink, the first pressure is lower than an atmospheric pressure, and the second pressure is higher than the first pressure such that the check valve closes the communicating hole.
US07934813B2	Liquid ejection head A liquid ejection head including: a head main body including: a cavity unit including a passage forming base plate forming a liquid passage from a common liquid chamber to a nozzle opening via a pressure chamber; and a pressure generating source generating a change of pressure of liquid in the pressure chamber to eject the liquid in the pressure chamber as a liquid droplet from the nozzle opening; and a case member to which the head main body is attached and which includes: a first member provided with a first atmosphere opening passage; and a second member laminated on the first member and provided with a second atmosphere opening passage, wherein the first and second atmosphere opening passages communicate with each other under the laminated state and are opened to atmosphere.
US07934809B2	Printhead integrated circuit with petal formation ink ejection actuator A printhead integrated circuit includes an ink chamber for storing a fluid; an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the ink chamber; a plurality of actuators radially positioned about the ink ejection port in a petal formation; and a heater structure provided in each actuator, the heater structure operable to conduct current therethrough to heat a respective actuator, whereby a differential thermal expansion is established in the respective actuator to urge the respective actuator into the ink chamber. The heater structure is positioned in each actuator to heat the actuator unevenly.
US07934808B2	Inkjet printhead with nozzle chambers each holding two fluids An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors, each having a chamber with a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting drops of ink through the nozzle. During use, each of the chambers hold ink and a gas, the gas remaining in the chamber during activation and deactivation of the actuator. The actuators each have a part with a hydrophilic coating for contacting ink in preference to other parts of the actuator such that the gas and the ink are in direct contact with each other at an interface within the chamber, and at least part of the actuator is positioned at the interface between the ink and the gas. By insulating at least some of the actuator from the printhead substrate, more heat is directed into the ink that is ejected from the nozzle. If the actuator is a thermal or thermal bend, the insulating fluid allows the resistive elements to heat more quickly and use less power. This reduces the overall power consumption of the printhead.
US07934807B2	Printhead integrated circuit comprising polymeric cover layer A printhead integrated circuit comprises a substrate having drive circuitry and a plurality of nozzle assemblies positioned on the substrate. Each nozzle assembly has a moving portion moveable relative to a stationary portion for ejection of ink. The printhead integrated circuit is covered with a polymeric layer. The polymeric layer covers a gap defined between each moving portion and each stationary portion.
US07934806B2	Inkjet nozzle incorporating piston actuator A nozzle for an inkjet printer includes a roof layer defining a nozzle port through which ink is ejected; a substrate layer fast with the roof layer and defining a nozzle chamber wall; and an actuator assembly fast with the substrate layer and including a support. The actuator assembly includes a lever arm cantilevered to extend from the support and terminating in a piston. The piston is positioned within a nozzle chamber defined by the nozzle chamber wall. The nozzle chamber wall is provided along a height thereof with a gap, the gap being dimensioned to pass the lever arm therethrough.
US07934805B2	Nozzle arrangement having chamber with in collection well A nozzle arrangement is provided for ejecting ink. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet passage. A nozzle chamber structure extends from the substrate assembly to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage. The nozzle chamber structure defines an aperture through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A pair of parallel heater elements extends from the nozzle chamber structure and into the nozzle chamber, and can be supplied with current so that ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected out through the aperture. The nozzle chamber structure defines a protruding rim bounding the aperture and an endless ink collection well surrounding the aperture.
US07934800B2	Printhead controller for nozzle fault correction A printhead controller is provided for supplying print data to a printhead having first and second rows of inkjet nozzles configured to print ink of a similar color. The controller is configured to supply the print data to the printhead such that, in the event a nozzle in the first row is faulty, a corresponding nozzle in the second row prints at a position on print media at or adjacent a position where the faulty nozzle would otherwise have printed.
US07934799B2	Inkjet printer with low drop volume printhead An inkjet printer with a printhead and an ink supply. The printhead has inkjet nozzles assemblies, which eject ink droplets having a drop volume of about 1 picoliter. The ink supply, which supplies ink to the nozzle assemblies, contains ink having a viscosity in the range of 0.7 to 15 centipoise and a surface tension in the range of 25 to 65 mN/m at a temperature of 25° C.
US07934798B2	Inkjet printhead comprising nozzle plate having improved robustness An inkjet printhead comprising a reinforced bi-layered nozzle plate structure spanning across a plurality of nozzles is provided. Typically, the nozzle plate structure comprises: a first nozzle plate spanning a plurality of nozzles, the first nozzle plate having a plurality of cavities defined therein; photoresist filling the cavities; and a second nozzle plate covering said the first nozzle plate and the photoresist.
US07934794B2	Ink cartridge An ink cartridge having a container for storing ink therein and having an ink supply port formed at a leading end side in an insertion direction of the container, a memory device disposed on a first of two opposite surfaces parallel to the insertion direction of the container, the memory device having an electrode for electrical connection to the recording device; a retaining member disposed on the first surface and located at a trailing end side relative to the memory device in the insertion direction, the retaining member serving to selectively engage with the recording device; and another retaining member disposed on the second surface and which also serves to selectively engage with the recording device.
US07934790B2	Image recording apparatus with maintenance unit An image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises an inkjet head which includes a nozzle plate where a plurality of nozzles that shoot ink are arranged in a column and an ink chamber which retains ink and is connected to the plurality of nozzles, at least one maintenance suction section which has a suction area larger than the nozzles, a suction section driving mechanism which causes the suction area to face the nozzles and moves the suction section relatively in the nozzle arrangement direction; and a positive pressure applying section which applies a positive pressure to the ink chamber. The maintenance suction section sucks in ink near the nozzles as moving in the nozzle arrangement direction, while the positive pressure is being applied to the ink chamber.
US07934785B2	Selectable gloss coating system A coating system comprises a high gloss coating ink supply source, and a low gloss coating ink supply source. The system includes a coating module configured to receive the high gloss coating ink and the low gloss coating ink. The coating module includes a first group of nozzles configured to emit the high gloss coating ink, and a second group of nozzles configured to emit the low gloss coating ink. The coating module includes a mixing reservoir configured to receive the high gloss coating ink and the low gloss coating ink and to commingle the high gloss coating ink and the low gloss coating ink to form an intermediate gloss coating ink. The coating module includes a third group of inkjet nozzles configured to emit the intermediate gloss coating ink.
US07934783B2	Counterbalance assembly for a dishwasher door and associated method A dishwasher is provided, comprising a door pivotably engaged with a body and a counterbalance assembly coupled therebetween for facilitating pivoting of the door. The counterbalance assembly includes a first and second biasing member, each coupled to the body and serially engaged with a respective first and second flexible element coupled to the door. A guide member is secured to the body and includes a fixed arcuate member defining a first guide track, and a pulley rotatable about an axis and defining a second guide track. The first flexible element is at least partially wrapped about each of the fixed arcuate member and the pulley so as to serially engage the first and second guide tracks. The second flexible element is at least partially wrapped about a second side of the fixed arcuate member so as to engage the first guide track. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.
US07934777B1	Outboard hub barrel mounted rotor A vehicle wheel assembly includes a vehicle wheel, a disc brake rotor, and a rotatable hub in which the rotor is securely clamped to the hub independently of the clamping of the wheel to the hub providing a desirable rigid coupling of the rotor and wheel without any physical contact between the wheel and rotor. The hub functions as an intermediate member for supporting both the rotor and the wheel while precluding direct contact therebetween to reduce any rotor deformation which might be induced by the more conventional technique of clamping of the rotor between the wheel and the hub.
US07934776B2	Mining machine with driven disc cutters A mining machine includes a cutting mechanism with an arm, and a substantial weight of more than a thousand pounds attached to the arm. The mining machine also includes a first disc cutter adapted to engage the material to be mined and mounted on a first disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the first disc cutter, the first disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight. The mining machine also includes at least a second disc cutter spaced apart from the first disc cutter assembly and adapted to engage the material to be mined, and mounted on a second disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the second disc cutter, the second disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight.
US07934775B2	Restraint in vest An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes a vest and a restraint incorporated into the vest. The vest includes a front panel, a back panel, and left and right shoulder portions extending between the front panel and the back panel. The vest has an inner face and an outer face. The restraint includes a front latch fixed to the vest front panel and a back latch fixed to the vest back panel. The restraint includes webbing portions extending in a force-transmitting relationship between the front latch and the back latch, within the front panel and the shoulder portions and the back panel of the vest, so as to extend at least partially around the torso of a occupant wearing the vest. The front panel of the vest includes a front armor pocket and the back panel of the vest includes a back armor pocket, for receiving and supporting panels of body armor.
US07934772B2	Device for transporting a child A lower enclosure supports and protects a child's lower body and legs, and an upper enclosure supports and protects a child's head and shoulders. The lower and upper enclosures each have a bottom and each bottom is fixed to two side walls. A hinge connects the bottoms of the lower enclosure and the upper enclosure. Positioners position the enclosures relative to each other in a sitting position, with the bottoms making an obtuse angle, and a lying position, with the bottoms approximately in one plane. The positioners have a brace supporting the side walls and the bottoms.
US07934771B2	Side impact responsive vehicle armrest An armrest frame (5A) bends at a hinge groove (5A2), which serves as a weak portion, when an impact load is applied to the armrest frame (5A) in an armrest (5) following a side impact with another vehicle. As a result, the armrest (5) is allowed to move toward the inside, in the vehicle width direction, during a side impact with another vehicle, thus ensuring the movement of a seated individual toward the inside, in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle armrest (5) also provides the same sense of stability as an armrest as a conventional armrest during normal use at times other than when there is a side impact with another vehicle.
US07934770B2	Bicycle seat A bicycle seat is provided having a small front-end section formed by a bifurcated nose with a longitudinally extending gap therebetween, the bifurcated nose having elongated protrusions being substantially parallel to each other and having a substantially constant width and providing a substantially flat pubis bone support surface. The small front-end section can transition to a medial section having a top, a bottom, and sides and the medial section can transition to a rear-end section that is substantially flat. The seat can widen from the transition of the front-end section to the medial section as the seat extends to the rear-end section and the longitudinally extending gap can be approximately 30% to less than approximately 40% of a total length of the seat.
US07934769B1	Seat frame for folding chair A seat frame for a folding chair includes a U-shaped front frame, a linear rear frame and a seat cushion. The front frame has a first support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the front frame, the first support surface having a contour the same as that of the front frame. The rear frame has a second support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the rear frame, the second support surface having a contour the same as that of the rear frame. The seat cushion is clamped between the first and second support surfaces in a horizontal position. The peripheral edges of the seat cushion are thereby in tight contact with the first and second support surfaces. Brackets are then used to connect the front frame and the rear frame that surround the seat cushion therein.
US07934766B2	Lethal threat protection system for a vehicle and method A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.
US07934759B2	Packaging system including pallet de-layering system A packaging system for handling palletized product arranged in multiple layers of product cases, a pallet de-layering system includes a gripper mechanism. The gripper mechanism is configured to clamp a layer of the multiple layers by applying a clamping force to one or more product cases of the layer such that the layer can be removed from an adjacent layer of product cases to a different location. The layer includes a void between adjacent product cases. The gripper mechanism includes a void filling member carried by the gripper mechanism. The void filling member is sized and located to be positioned within the void to limit movement of the adjacent product cases into the void during a clamping operation.
US07934754B2	Door lock assembly A lock assembly that includes a push button assembly manually movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, a biasing member that biases the push button assembly toward the unlocked position, and a retaining member that engages the push button assembly and a lock member to retain the push button assembly in the locked position. The lock assembly further includes an exterior handle, a driver, and a cam member coupled to the driver for rotation with the driver. The push button assembly engages the cam member to rotate the driver toward a locked position when the push button assembly moves from the unlocked position toward the locked position and the push button assembly engages the cam member to rotate the driver toward an unlocked position when the push button moves from the locked position toward the unlocked position.
US07934745B2	Airbag cover, instrument panel, airbag device, and airbag storage An airbag cover to be mounted to correspond to a passenger seat of a vehicle is disclosed that provides an effective technique to ensure the strength, during opening, of an opened end in the part opening toward an occupant pushed by an inflating and developing airbag. In an airbag cover according to one form of the present invention, a part opening toward an occupant pushed by an inflating and developing airbag is configured such that in regard to a spaced distance between an opened end of a flap part and a plurality of bonding ribs, each of the spaced distances in the regions of corners of the opened end is smaller than the spaced distance in the region of the hinge part.
US07934738B2	Motorcycle frame and motorcycle engineered therewith A motorcycle frame, and motorcycle with the frame as disclosed. There is disclosed a motorcycle frame having tubes extending away from a steering head tube in a three-dimensional trellis composite assembly of frame main tubes, interconnected by frame struts, paired upper and lower frame main tubes oriented, along at least a portion of their lengths, substantially parallel to each other. A single tube is oriented parallel to the lower frame main tubes, and arranged between the upper frame main tubes and the steering head tube.
US07934729B2	Sports bag with integral transportation system Disclosed is a sports bag assembly with an integral wheeled transportation system. The bag assembly can accommodate the transportation and storage of sports equipment. The wheels can be deployed and retracted with a single mechanical movement, and may be stowed within the geometry of the bag. The bag assembly can fit within the recessed areas of platforms on the rear of motorized golf carts; within conventional storage stands, racks, lockers, vehicle trunks and/or hatches typically found around golf courses and in residences; and within travel containers or other systems for traditional golf bags. The golf bag assembly may also include a ventilated club storage compartment to facilitate the drying of clubs (including grips), and allow drainage of fluids which may enter the interior of the bag assembly. The bag assembly can also include a support and suspension system which restrains the grip and upper shaft or hosel ends of clubs which stabilizes and protects clubs during transport and play. The restraint system also can enhance the golfing experience by reducing or eliminating noise generated by clubs banging together during transportation. The restraint system can also extend the life of golf clubs by preventing contact between clubs, which contact could damage and alter frequency settings for various clubs.
US07934728B2	Swivel and stop-limit feature on wheelbarrows for automatic load adjustment A wheelbarrow having two wheels mounted on an axis which is allowed to swivel, thereby allowing the axle to tilt with the terrain while the tray and handles remain substantially level. The wheel assembly is coupled to stop-limits to prevent the excessive tilting of the wheels with respect to the tray and handles.
US07934726B1	Shopping cart display system An integrated shopping cart display and information handle attachment having multiple display orientation surfaces that are selectively positioned for viewing and use access by index rotation. Information display surfaces combining interior light source with position activation and display criteria, multiple features are available including product coupon access and bar code product scanning as well as sanitation and lotion dispensing access. Display panel illumination with internal self-contained renewal power source through solar cells and multiple safety reflective tape surfaces positioned on said display attachment. Information sheet overlying the display viewing area so as to provide for a useful point of sale information display and coupon redemption system.
US07934720B2	Method and apparatus for controlling a fluffer port in an image production device A fluffer section and method for controlling a fluffer port in an image production device is disclosed. The fluffer section may include a variable port configuration device that contains a plurality of fluffer port configurations, a stepper motor that moves the variable port configuration device, a variable-speed pressure blower that blows air to fluff a media stack, and a fluffer port control unit that receives an input from one or more sensors that sense at least one of media type, media weight, temperature, and humidity, selects a fluffer port configuration from a plurality of fluffer port configurations based on the received sensor input, sends a signal to the stepper motor to move the variable port configuration device to the selected fluffer port configuration, and sends a signal to the variable-speed pressure blower to blow air to fluff a media stack using the selected fluffer port configuration.
US07934719B2	Document feeder flag assembly An improved document feeder flag assembly is disclosed. The improved document feeder flag assembly allows single handed, on the fly loading of a document sorter. A method for loading a document sorting machine with a single hand, while the method of operating the machine is also disclosed. The document feeder flag assembly includes a baseplate and a pivot post attached to the baseplate. Further, the assembly includes a flag arm having a first side and a second side, the first side of the flag arm is attached to the pivot post. There is also a feeder flag having a first side and a second side, the first side of the feeder flag being attached to a second side of the flag arm. The document feeder flag assembly also includes a resistance device attached between the feeder flag and the flag arm.
US07934717B2	Sheet transporting device with locking mechanism A rotation-transmitting mechanism includes a first planetary gear mechanism and a locking mechanism. The first planetary gear mechanism transmits rotational driving force to the transportation unit through a first planet gear to rotate the transportation roller when the motor rotates in a first direction, and transmits rotational driving force to the transportation unit through a second planet gear to rotate the transportation roller when the motor rotates in a second direction. The locking mechanism can lock a planetary rocking member of the first planetary gear mechanism in such a condition that rotational driving force of the motor is transmitted to the transportation unit through the second planet gear. The locking mechanism terminates locking of the planetary rocking member of the first planetary gear mechanism by engaging with the sheet in the transportation path downstream of the transportation roller with respect to the direction in which the sheet is transported.
US07934715B2	Arrangement for mounting an ingestion assembly of a singulating apparatus An arrangement for mounting an ingestion assembly within a singulating apparatus operative to singulate and convey sheet material along a feed path. The mounting arrangement includes a radial bearing pivotally mounting the ingestion assembly to a stationary support structure of the singulating apparatus. The radial bearing is operative to pivot the singulating assembly from an operating position to an idle position about a pivot axis which is substantially orthogonal to the feed path of the sheet material. The mounting arrangement also includes an over-center mechanism disposed in combination with the radial bearing for biasing the ingestion assembly about the pivot axis such that the ingestion assembly is forcibly held in each of the operating and idle positions. Optimum space utilization and ease of use is provided by the radial bearing which cantilever mounts the ingestion assembly to the singulating apparatus.
US07934713B2	Sheet alignment mechanism, sheet post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus A sheet alignment mechanism includes a stacking tray on which a sheet or sheet bundle transported along a sheet transport path is stacked, a pair of side fences that are movable in a sheet width direction and align edges of the sheet or sheet bundle, stacked on the stacking tray, in the sheet width direction, a single drive source that moves the side fences, and detecting units that detect home positions of the respective side fences.
US07934706B2	Aeration device for use as a diffuser An aeration device or diffuser is disclosed. The diffuser preferably includes a porous hose adapted to allow gas to escape therefrom, a rigid element disposed within the hose, the rigid element being constructed of material denser than water and a fitting suitable for attaching the hose to an air supply, the fitting disposed within the hose at one end of the hose. Methods of use of the diffuser and of assembling the diffuser are also disclosed.
US07934704B2	Retrievable diffuser module with internal ballast/buoyancy chamber A diffuser module and system for diffusing gas into liquid such as in aeration/mixing of wastewater. Each module has a header pipe and diffusers which receive gas from the header pipe. Each pipe is equipped with a smaller internal pipe arranged concentrically to provide an annular space which receives the gas and supplies it to the diffusers. The volume within the internal pipe can serve as a ballast chamber or a buoyancy chamber or both.
US07934703B2	Mist generator and mist emission rendering apparatus An apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer; an ultrasonic propagation medium disposed so as to fill a plane of vibration of the transducer; liquid retaining means disposed so as to be in contact with an end face of the medium; and an ultrasonic focusing reflecting mechanism disposed in an ultrasonic propagation path, thereby the apparatus attains discharging into air and atomization of the liquid by use of ultrasonic waves. Atomization efficiency is enhanced by the use of an ultrasonic reflection tube, and mist emission is carried out. Use is made of a compact liquid container equipped at its bottom with an ultrasonic transmission membrane. Various types of liquids can be atomized by changing the direction of ultrasonic course.
US07934701B2	Safety handrail apparatus and manufacturing methods A safety handrail apparatus including a support component with channel element and a light emission component. The safety handrail apparatus and components thereof are manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding, two shot molding or a combination thereof. The safety handrail apparatus allows configuration into any desired length handrail by interconnecting any number of individual handrail apparatuses.
US07934699B2	Fence system A fence system having a post and a bracket. The post preferably has at least one longitudinal channel extending a length of the post, the channel being narrower at an opening of the channel than at an interior of the channel. The bracket preferably has an engagement member slidingly engaged with the channel of the post, and a rail receptacle housing adapted to support a rail. A method of assembling a fence comprising the steps of providing a post, inserting an end of a rail into a rail receptacle housing of a bracket, sliding an engagement member of the bracket into engagement with a dovetail-shaped channel extending the length of the post, and attaching the bracket to the post at a desired position.
US07934692B2	Table edge supporting apparatus An apparatus for support a handbag from the edge of a table or other structure is presented. The apparatus includes a segmented arm that can be collapsed to allow for compact storage of the apparatus.
US07934688B2	Scuba unit donning assistance platform A device for facilitating unassisted donning of SCUBA equipment includes at least one support, a platform connected to the at least one support for supporting at least one SCUBA tank, and a securing element in contact with the device for holding the at least one SCUBA tank in place atop the platform. The platform is height-adjustable for holding the at least one SCUBA tank at about the torso level of a diver so that the diver is able to stand upright when donning the at least one SCUBA tank.
US07934687B2	Appendage elevation support structure An appendage elevation support structure is disclosed. The appendage elevation support structure includes a platform defining a central axis. A plurality of legs is secured to the platform in a substantially radial configuration about the central axis to support the platform above a surface. A frame having a plurality of support members is carried by the platform. A plurality of slings is carried and supported by the frame. The slings are adapted to cooperate to cradle and support a human appendage.
US07934682B2	Aircraft safety system A system for enabling the safe landing of an aircraft during an in-flight emergency is provided. The system includes a plurality of onboard devices for releasably securing a plurality of wings to a fuselage, and a non-electric module for activating said onboard devices. Said onboard devices are released to separate said wings from the fuselage.
US07934680B2	Apparatus and method for blending fluids An apparatus and method for blending fluids and applying the blended fluid to a surface of an aircraft during deicing and anti-icing operations having a first tank, second tank, blend tank, pumps, conduits, heaters, controllers, and a delivery device. In operation, a controller compares the composition of the blended fluid in the blend tank to the composition of a target fluid that is determined by current ambient temperature of the environment, and advances first and second fluids from the first and second tanks, respectively, into the blend tank to achieve and maintain the target fluid composition in the blend tank.
US07934678B2	Luggage compartment actuation A detection unit for integration in a luggage compartment of an airplane, having a capacitive sensor with an active layer, wherein the capacitive sensor is adapted to detect a first event triggered by a user, wherein the detection unit is adapted to transmit a first control signal to a control mechanism, wherein the first control signal corresponds to the first event and wherein the active layer comprises carbon fiber electrically isolated from a surrounding compartment structure.
US07934676B2	Pre-fabricated article for EME protection of an aircraft A pre-fabricated article for a composite aircraft component includes a dielectric layer and a pre-fabricated metalized pattern on the dielectric layer. The metalized pattern is fabricated on the dielectric layer prior to integration with the composite aircraft component. The metalized pattern diverts EME current away from EME protection areas of the aircraft component.
US07934673B2	Webbing take-up device To obtain a webbing take-up device that can not only transmit to a take-up shaft only rotation from a motor by a clutch but is also simple and compact.A clutch of this webbing take-up device has a simply configuration where sliders 144 of a clutch body portion 114 are caused by frictional force to be retained in a case, whereby the sliders 144 and lock bars 154 are caused to relatively move and the lock bars 154 are caused by this relative movement to move to positions where they engage with or disengage from a ratchet 134. Consequently, the overall configuration of a clutch 100 can be made significantly compact (thinned) in comparison to a configuration that causes a pawl to move using an inertial disk that is large and has weight as in a conventional clutch. Thus, the overall configuration of a webbing take-up device 10 can be made compact.
US07934672B2	Refiner blade and segment, as well as a method of forming them and a method of modifying blade grooves A refiner blade comprising a blade surface for defibrating a lignocellulose-containing material, the blade surface comprising blade bars and blade grooves provided therebetween. At least one blade groove provided in the blade surface is formed by removing material from the blade surface by water cutting.
US07934670B2	Removable hopper grinder A grinding machine (20) for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine (20) comprising: a grinder assembly (22) for receiving material therein; at least one removable hopper (24) attachable proximate to the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material to the grinder assembly (22); a passage (22) defined in the hopper being cooperatively placed in communication with the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22); a displaceable shutter (70) being positionnable in an open position when the hopper (24) is placed on the grinder assembly (22) and being positionnable in a closed position when the hopper (24) is removed from the grinder assembly (22); and a slide gate mechanism (42) including a slide gate (42) and a mover linked to the slide gate for controllably opening and closing passage of material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22) for grinfind material therein.
US07934664B1	Hydronic space and water heater A compact hydronic space and water heating apparatus and system is disclosed for use in a recreational vehicle. A liquid heating medium, stored within a low pressure tank, is recirculated through a gas fired heater thereby maintaining a desired set point temperature. The liquid heating medium is further circulated through the vehicles hydronic space heaters to heat the interior of the vehicle. Further fresh domestic water is passed through a heat transfer coil within the tank whereby hot domestic water may be provided. An auxiliary heating device is attached to the tank whereby hot combustion engine coolant may assist in maintaining the temperature of the liquid heating medium within the tank and/or reversed to pre heat the combustion engine if and when needed.
US07934663B2	Water recovery systems and control valves A valve assembly (18) including: a housing (41) having a water supply inlet (48), a hot water outlet (49), a cold water outlet (50), a hot water flow passage (64) between said water supply inlet and said hot water outlet and a cold water flow passage (65) between said water supply inlet and said cold water outlet; hot water valve means (51) in said housing adapted to open said hot water flow passage (64) in response to entry of water above a predetermined temperature into said housing through said water supply inlet and to close said hot water flow passage in response to entry of water below said predetermined temperature into said housing through said water supply inlet; first cold water valve means (51) adapted to open said cold water flow passage (65) at a first position in response to entry of water below said predetermined temperature into said housing through said water supply inlet and to close said cold water flow passage at said first position in response to entry of water above said predetermined temperature into said housing through said water supply inlet; second cold water valve means (80) in series with said first cold water valve means and adapted to open said cold water flow passage (65) at a second position in response to a predetermined drop in pressure at said hot water outlet and to close said cold water flow passage at said second position in response to a predetermined increase in pressure at said hot water outlet.
US07934662B1	Thermostatic water mixing unit An automated water control system for a shower or bath that provides means for automated controls that give the user management of both water temperature and water flow as well as historical statistics on consumption.
US07934653B2	Reinforcing device for slot card reader A device for strengthening a card reader including a slot at least partly delimited by a base and two lateral walls and extending along a longitudinal direction, the slot being intended to receive a card moving along the longitudinal direction while bearing on the base, the device including a wire of substantially circular cross-section arranged at the level of the base and on which the card is intended to slide.
US07934652B2	Systems and methods for a lightweight north-finder Systems and methods for a lightweight north-finder. A method of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base in preparation of firing operations. A north-finder coupled to a tube in order to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube in order to confirm the determined azimuth and elevation. The determined azimuth and elevation is displayed to a user. A system of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base. A north-finder mount coupled to the tube having a north-finder is configured to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder includes a ring laser gyro, an accelerometer, and an inertial measurement unit, wherein, when the north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube, azimuth and elevation values are confirmed.
US07934651B2	Intuitive tactical decision display A method is disclosed for providing an observer with an intuitive sense of the tactical situation in an operational area that surrounds a point-of-interest. The observer is simultaneously presented a top-down view of the operational area that includes contact indicators for each of one or more contacts within the operational area, and a status display that indicates the instantaneous hostility assessment of one or more of these contacts. In addition, the operator is automatically presented historical information, including contact images, for each contact whose hostility assessment exceeds a threshold level. The operator, or a group of operators, is enabled to view all of the displayed information from a single vantage point, assess the relative hostility of numerous contacts simultaneously, and rapidly confirm the identity of apparently hostile contacts prior to engagement.
US07934648B2	System and method for identifying and controlling ophthalmic surgical devices and components A system and method for identifying a component for use with a surgical device are disclosed. A component of a surgical device includes an identifier, such as a RFID tag. Data from the RFID tag is transmitted to a RFID reader operably coupled to the device. A controller identifies the component based on the received data and determines whether the component can be used with the surgical device based on criteria, such as whether the received data is an authorized code that matches data stored in memory or whether the received data solves or satisfies an algorithm. The authorized codes are selected from a larger set of available codes. The controller can enable or disable the operation of the device with the component based on whether the criteria is satisfied and can cause the surgical device to be configured for use with the component.
US07934647B1	In-cart grocery tabulation system and associated method An in-cart grocery tabulation system includes a shopping cart adapted to receive grocery items. A first and second scanner may be statically attached to a top region and a bottom region of the shopping cart respectively. Each of the first and second scanners may generate and transmit a price signal to a tabulation mechanism communicatively coupled to the first and second scanners. The tabulation mechanism may further be adapted to keep track of a price list associated with the scanned grocery items in the shopping cart. A display screen may be coupled to the tabulation mechanism and further affixed to the shopping cart to verify the price signal and thereafter transmits a display signal to the display screen. A user interface may be communicatively coupled to the display screen for reviewing the price list.
US07934642B2	Method of operating banking system responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operated responsive to data included on user cards includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine.
US07934639B1	System and method of notifying user near point of sale location of available rewards at the point of sale location Systems and methods for a point of sale reward system are provided. The system notifies users proximate to a point of sale location of rewards available for redemption specific to that user at that specific point of sale location.
US07934637B2	Packaging container, and pouring plug fitted thereto A packaging container capable of reducing a tensile or compressive stress in the paper container caused by folding the pleat portion thereof to maintain the strength characteristics thereof, and providing a wide roof portion on one side thereof so that a large-sized spout can be fitted thereto. The packaging container including a pouring spout fitted thereto is characterized in that the top part thereof formed by folding the pleat line is formed of a surface tilted forward on the front side of the top part and a substantially flat surface adjacent to the tilted surface on the rear side of the top part and that a flap derived from the formation of the top part is allowed to abut on the container side-walls adjacent to the top part by the folding of the pleat.
US07934634B2	Wire bonding method A wire bonding method with the process of performing a first bonding to a pad of a die that is a first bond point, and the process of performing a second bonding to an interconnect wiring (or a lead) that is a second bond point, thus connecting the pad and the interconnect wiring with a wire. A bump is first formed on a pad, and, in a wire cutting step performed during the step of forming the bump, the wire protruding from the tip end of a capillary is bent in the lateral direction to form a bent part, and then the bent part is bonded to the bump, thus completing the first bonding process; after which the wire is bonded to the interconnect wiring, thus completing the second bonding process.
US07934633B2	Ribbon bonding tool and process An ultrasonic bond is formed using a bond tool foot having a waffle shape of thin protrusions and gaps between the protrusions. The tool is brought in contact with the ribbon to a depth to create depressions in a ribbon approximately 150 μm or less from the underlying bonding surface. The tool is then brought down further into the ribbon to contact the portions of the ribbon between the depressions, such as an additional 25 to 50 μm. The result is lightly bonded regions underneath the groove portions and highly bonded regions underneath the protrusions and around the perimeter of the bond. In another embodiment, an ultrasonic bond is formed along a partial width of a ribbon.
US07934632B2	Apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor package for wide lead frame and method of constructing semiconductor package using the same An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor package includes an index rail transferring a lead frame in forward and backward directions, the lead frame having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, a loader portion connected to an end portion of the index rail and supplying the lead frame to the index rail, a frame driving portion connected to the opposite end portion of the end portion of the index rail and rotating the lead frame around a normal to the first surface, and a wire bonding portion electrically connecting the lead frame and a semiconductor chip attached to the lead frame supplied to the index rail using a wire bond.
US07934630B2	Staple cartridges for forming staples having differing formed staple heights A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.
US07934629B2	Surgical stapler with firing lock mechanism A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.
US07934628B2	Surgical stapling device A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been actuated.
US07934627B2	Apparatus and method for high pressure extrusion with molten aluminum This invention discloses a molten metal supply system that can supply molten metal to a downstream process at a constant pressure and molten metal flow rate. The molten metal supply system includes a molten metal supply source, a plurality of injectors, and a plurality of check valves.
US07934626B2	Airless dispensing pump container with an airtight push down type nozzle head An airless dispensing pump container with an airtight nozzle head of a push down type capable of discharging a fixed amount of content is disclosed, in which a vacuum sealing function is enhanced in the whole structure of the present invention, and a content opening and closing plate of a content opening and closing valve member in the construction of a content discharge part of a nozzle head is automatically opened and closed, along with a reliable discharge of the content, and a reverse flow and leakage are prevented by improving a structure of a content pump piston which sucks and transfers the content. When a pump cylinder is slanted at a certain angle along with the content storing container or in case of a content having high viscosity, it is possible to improve the operation errors of the ball valve by providing an inventive structure of the ball valve support installed at a lower side of the stem.
US07934625B2	Particle dispenser for condiments and granular materials A combination particle dispenser for condiments or granular substances having a container partitioned to provide separate chambers with a closure means on each end. Each closure means has an inwardly extending, funnel-like centrally disposed outlet. Particle-blocking means which is secured in each chamber has a surface facing, proximate to and in alignment with the outlet with a gap between that surface and the outlet. Particles not emitted from the outlet descend to rest in the chamber on the closure surface after diversion by the blocking means.
US07934624B2	Container closure for simultaneously pouring out two separate liquids with a specified quantitative ratio The invention serves to simultaneously pour out two separate liquids with a specified quantitative ratio from a container. To this end, a separate container is located inside said container. The container closure forms a mouth cap (1). This tapers upward conically into a straight concentric spout (2) with an interior space (11). A larger, closeable spout neck (4) having a projection (5) that radially projects at the bottom is placed concentrically around the straight spout (2) of the mouth cap (1). This projection (5) is supported with supporting braces (6) an the shoulder (7) formed by the conical taper. A flow opening (9), which encircles up to the supporting braces (6), is left open between the shoulder (7) and the inside edge (8) of the projection (5) and of the larger spout neck (4). The supporting braces (6) and the radial projection (5) are each passed through by a borehole (10) that communicate with the inside of the mouth cap (1) and with the space (16) outside the larger spout neck (4). When the container is tilted, the separate contents are poured out with a specified ratio.
US07934619B1	Cable supported multi-chamber waste water tank A waste water tank having an inner tank with an inner tank wall; a concentric outer tank with an outer tank wall; a plurality of inner walls extending from the outer tank wall to the inner tank wall, such that the plurality of inner walls divides the outer tank into a plurality of chambers; and a plurality of cables attached to and extending between adjacent pairs of the inner walls, such that the cables provide support to the inner walls when the chamber defined by the inner walls, the inner tank wall, and the outer tank wall is full of fluid and adjacent chambers are empty.
US07934618B2	Bag securing mechanism, component, kit, and combination and method of securing a shredder bag Mechanisms, components, kits, combinations, and methods of securing shredder bags to shredder baskets that allows at least a portion of a top edge of a shredder basket to not be overlapped by a shredder bag. One preferred embodiment of a bag securing component may include a plurality of securing components each having lateral sides, the plurality of securing components may be detachably engaged in a side-by-side fashion to form a one piece member that may be reducible in length.
US07934616B2	Flip-top closure for composite and cardboard packaging A flip-top closure for composite and cardboard packaging, which permits the automatic opening of a package by flipping open the lid of the closure, includes a frame base element, which is designed to be welded by its level underside to composite or card-board packaging, and has a continuous peripheral overhang that protrudes upwards in order to form a pouring neck with an interior opening. A cover that flips open and closes is fixed to the base element. A guide, or tongue, element is pivotally mounted on the base element extends over the interior expanse of the overhang and friction-fit elements act between the tongue, or guide, element and the cover to pivot the tongue downwardly by force when the cover is flipped open for tearing and pivoting away a piece of the packaging lying below the tongue or guide element.
US07934603B2	Autologous platelet gel spray delivery system The delivery system of the present invention is comprised of at least two chambers which store, individually, an activated blood component and an inactivated blood component. The first chamber comprises an activating agent and a filter which may be one in the same thus allowing the formed clot to be triturated thereby isolating the thrombin from the clot. The second chamber stores the inactivated blood component that when mixed with thrombin will produce a gel. The first or second chamber may further contain agents which are desired to be delivered to a specific site. The unique design of the delivery system allows for ease in operation of combining two agents at a specific time and place.
US07934602B2	Recovery of reprocessable medical devices in a sharps container A recovery device and method of use ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the content of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
US07934599B2	Method for separation of construction waste Disclosed herein is a method for separation of construction waste. In the method, the construction waste, crushed to a predetermined size, is added to liquid in a precipitation tank and separated into components in the tank according to specific gravity, in which the liquid has a reference specific gravity lower than that of a component to be recovered but higher than that of the remaining components, such that only the component to be recovered is separated by precipitation to the bottom of the precipitation tank. According to the method, high-quality recyclable aggregate contained in the construction waste can be easily separated from other impurities through a simple process. Particularly, the reference specific gravity of the separation liquid is suitably adjusted so that the recyclable aggregate can be easily separated even from impurities (tiles, red brick, asphalt concrete, cement paste mass, etc.) heavier than water, unlike the prior separation process using an aerated water tank.
US07934598B2	Protective film-integrated pouch for display panel Disclosed is a protective film-integrated pouch wherein a protective film to protect a display panel and a bag to cover and package the display panel are integrally formed. The protective film-integrated pouch includes a rectangular body, including upper and lower layers, the body having three sealed edges and one opened edge to define an opening, allowing insertion of a display panel into the pouch, wherein each of the upper layer and the lower layer includes a base layer made of a metallic material, an outer surface layer disposed on the base layer, and an inner surface layer disposed on the outer surface layer, wherein the inner surface layer contacts the display panel and is made of a mixed polyethylene resin.
US07934593B2	Transport device The transport device comprises a screw conveyor (5), in a casing (5a) of which a propeller (5b) rotates. The device also comprises an elastic cradle (7), interposed between the casing (5a) of the screw and the propeller (5b), internally of which the propeller (5b) of the screw rotates.
US07934592B2	Conveying system which conveys an object from a first building to a second building A plurality of conveying apparatuses ace arranged from the inside of the first building to the inside of the second building along a conveying direction. A plurality of connection mechanisms connect each pair of adjacent conveying apparatuses such that the conveying apparatuses are arranged in a meandering manner in a case where relative positions between the first building and the second building are changed.
US07934591B2	Check-in system A check-in system for receiving and transporting luggage from a passenger comprising a conveyor for transporting luggage. The conveyor having a top surface on which luggage is received and which extends from a front end to a rear end, a floor being adjacent to the front end of the conveyor for supporting a passenger. The top surface of the front end of the conveyor is substantially flush with the floor such that luggage may be slid from the floor onto the conveyor.
US07934590B2	Park-by-wire subsystem for a control system for an electrically variable hybrid transmission A park-by-wire subsystem which is internally mounted within an electrically variable hybrid transmission is provided. The park-by-wire subsystem provides a means of selectively placing the electrically variable hybrid transmission in a park condition by the selective actuation of an actuator operatively connected to a lever. The lever enables selective engagement of a park pawl mechanism and incorporates multiple Hall effect switches to monitor the position of the lever. The subsystem is monitored by various switches and sensors to provide control and diagnostic feedback and is activated by a command source controlled by a first control unit. A second control unit is incorporated into the design for required control, monitoring, and diagnostic redundancies.
US07934589B2	Foundation brake hill start aide system An exemplary embodiment of a Hill Start Aide system for a vehicle includes a brake system. The brake system including a brake actuator for manually actuating the brake system. The brake system is selectively configurable in a stopped configuration, where the brake system is manually maintained via the brake actuator such that a vehicle road wheel speed is about zero rpm, a released configuration, where the brake system will not generally inhibit rotation of at least one vehicle road wheel, and a control stop configuration, where the vehicle road wheel speed is about zero rpm. The Hill Start Aide system also includes a controller for at least partially controlling the brake system. The controller will selectively send a signal to maintain the brake system in the control stopped configuration when the brake actuator is manually released. The controller will send a signal to the brake system to release the brakes when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after a transmission is manually shifted to a neutral configuration while the brake system is in the control stopped configuration.
US07934587B2	Injection moulded part, energy absorbing assembly with spacer, and method for making such an assembly An injected part (26) designed to form by being folded, an energy absorbing device and a spacer, the energy absorbing device having a number of hollow elements (12) projecting from a first plate portion (10), and a number of hollow elements (16) projecting from a second plate portion (14), associated in pairs. The spacer includes a number of spacing elements (20) projecting from a third plate portion (18), one of the plate portions (10, 14, 18) is articulated on the other two, and the articulations (28, 30) are such that, after each of the plates has rotated by 180°, a first hollow element (12), a second hollow element (16) and a spacer element (20) are aligned. The energy absorbing device is designed to motor vehicle doors.
US07934586B1	Vented rotor A disc brake rotor having a central hat portion for coupling a rotor to a vehicle wheel for rotation about a central axis, an inboard brakeplate for receiving a first friction surface and an outboard brakeplate for receiving a second friction surface. A plurality of L-shaped rib members extends from the hat for coupling the inboard brakeplate to the hat and a second plurality of L-shaped members radially extend from the hat for coupling the outboard brakeplate to the hat. First plurality of ribs is longer than the second plurality of ribs. The second set L-shaped members is located intermediate of the edges of the inboard and outboard pluralities to enhance the heat transfer of the braking operation.
US07934580B2	Long fiber thermoplastic composite muffler system The present invention relates to a muffler facia assembly including a muffler with at least one thermoplastic shell formed into a facia assembly on a motor vehicle. The facia may be any suitable body part of a motor vehicle, such as a bumper, a rocker panel, an air dam, a spoiler, a sideboard or a body module. An assembly in accordance with the present invention includes structural members to provide crash management features to increase the strength and impact resistance. In accordance with the present invention, the long fiber thermoplastic material and moldings may also be combined with over-molding of preforms of unidirectional or woven inlays, which provide local structural performance. The use of such preforms is particularly suited to use in the manufacture of high temperature, structural articles such as bumper muffler combinations.
US07934579B2	Suspension assemblies having resilient member and vehicles including same A suspension assembly includes an axle and a resilient member. The axle includes a first end and a second end and is movable with respect to a vehicle's frame between an unloaded position and a loaded position. The resilient member is configured to be spaced from at least one of the axle and the frame when the axle is in the unloaded position. The resilient member is also configured to selectively progressively bias the axle towards the unloaded position. A vehicle including a suspension assembly is also provided.
US07934576B2	Bicycle frame with integrated and detachable battery The present invention concerns a bicycle frame, including a number of frame elements, preferably tubes, where the frame elements are interconnected and constitute a construction with so great rigidity that the cycle frame does not change its geometrical shape under usual load, where an electric battery system is at least partly embedded in the frame, including at least one battery pack for storing electric energy for use in connection with equipment, such as comfort equipment and/or safety equipment on a bicycle, including an electric auxiliary motor, where the part of the frame adapted to mounting a battery pack is constituted by a hollow section, the hollow section being a multiple chamber section, where a battery pack is predominantly arranged in a cutout in the multiple chamber section so that at least one chamber in the multiple chamber section is substantially intact. Thus is obtained a cycle frame with a cutout for a battery pack, where the frame has great rigidity.
US07934575B2	Robotic locomotion method and mobile robot A method for the locomotion of devices on opposite sides of a surface, one or more of which are mobile robots. Devices on opposing sides of the surface are coupled by an attractive force, which helps generate enough friction between said devices and the surface to allow devices to move across the surface.
US07934571B2	Moving base for robotic vacuum cleaner A moving base for robotic vacuum cleaner includes a base; a motor mounted in a motor chamber on the base to alternatively drive a drive shaft thereof to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise; a primary wheel fixed to and rotating along with the drive shaft of the motor; a clutch assembly connected to the primary wheel; an axle connected at an end to the clutch assembly, so as to be driven by the primary wheel to rotate when the drive shaft of the motor rotates clockwise, or to disengage from the driving by the primary wheel when the drive shaft of the motor rotates counterclockwise: and a secondary wheel connected to another end of the axle to rotate along with the axle. Since only one motor is needed to control a moving direction thereof, the robotic vacuum cleaner can have effectively reduced manufacturing cost and overall volume.
US07934570B2	Data and/or PowerSwivel In one aspect of the invention, a swivel for use in a drilling operation comprises a body with a central bore adapted for threaded connection to a tool string component. At least one electrically conductive medium is rotationally supported within the bore and adapted to rotate with respect to an electrically conductive receiver that is rotationally fixed to and disposed within the body. The electrically conductive medium and the receiver are in electrical communication through an electrically conductive arm that is rotationally fixed to the electrically conductive medium and at least partially disposed within an electrically conductive fluid disposed within a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a rigid shape that is partially filled by the conductive fluid. At least one rotary seal is disposed intermediate the reservoir and the electrically conductive medium. The rigid shape of the reservoir is adapted to prevent the conductive fluid from accumulating around the rotary seal.
US07934569B2	Core stabilization A method of stabilizing a core sample is described, and an agent for use in the stabilising method. The method involves injecting a foam around a core sample in a cylindrical liner. The foam comprises mixture of a first pressurized polymerisable-based fluid and a second pressurized fluid, which are simultaneously injected as a foam into an annulus between the core sample and liner. The foam preserves the sample and cushions it for transportation. The foam can include a dye or colorant to distinguish the foam from other materials in the core sample.
US07934563B2	Inverted drainholes and the method for producing from inverted drainholes A method and apparatus for creating inverted laterals or drainholes for producing from a subterranean reservoir including the steps of lowering, positioning and securing a reverse whipstock in a wellbore. A tube is secured from the surface to a pull tube which extends through and below the reverse whipstock. Fluid is pumped from the surface and through a U-tube device below the pull tube. At least one inverted drainhole is drilled using force from the pumping fluid. The pull tube is pulled upward vertically toward the surface while pumping the fluid.
US07934562B2	Hybrid control system and method A hybrid process control system including electrical transmission of power to a sub-sea hydraulic power unit, which in turn provides hydraulic power for control of hydraulic actuators. A circulation system using small bore tubing in the umbilical cord in combination with a traditional topside hydraulic power unit provides for active control of hydraulic fluid quality with respect to contamination caused by the sub-sea hydraulic actuators, especially process gas from down hole safety valves. Thus, a more economical power transmission is achieved without reduction of fluid quality, which is essential to system integrity and reliability. Also, a significant enhancement of power transmission without a dramatic increase in the size of hydraulic supply and return lines is achieved. Fluid environmental issues are reduced to a negligible aspect.
US07934560B2	Free standing riser system and method of installing same A free standing riser system includes a riser, a subsea intervention unit, and an umbilical line. The riser includes interconnected joints linked to one another, a lower-end of the riser being coupled to a wellhead and an upper-end of the riser enclosed in a buoy assembly, including a terminal, the riser being maintained in an erect, substantially vertical position. The subsea intervention unit is provided above the riser, and includes three connections: one connection to the terminal of the riser, one connection to a flexible jumper that is connected to a FPU, and one connection that provides a vertical conveyance to an intervention rig.
US07934556B2	Method and system for treating a subterranean formation using diversion A method well treatment includes establishing fluid connectivity between a wellbore and at least one target zone for treatment within a subterranean formation, which is intersected by a wellbore. The method includes deploying coiled tubing into the wellbore and introducing a treatment composition into the wellbore. The method includes contacting a target zone within the subterranean formation with the treatment composition, introducing a diversion agent through the coiled tubing to an interval within a wellbore and repeating the introduction of the treatment, the contacting of the target zone and the introduction of the diversion agent for more than one target zone.
US07934555B2	Multiple zone isolation method Multiple producing zones separated by a non-producing zone are gravel packed together. The non-producing zone has locations to take returns so as to get a consistent pack in the non-producing zone. The production string features external seals and/or an internal plug so that no matter which producing zone is aligned to produce, the screens in the non-producing zone are selectively isolated so that the producing zone that is not intended to be produced has only the path through the gravel pack to get to the actual zone being produced. Since the annulus can be long and full of gravel this path will make flow from the zone that is not of interest minimal into the flow from the zone of interest without using a packer between pairs of spaced apart producing zones.
US07934550B2	Wellhead assembly and method for an injection tubing string A wellhead assembly for an injection tubing string is provided which allows a master valve to be closed without damaging the injection tubing string while still allowing for the use of a back pressure valve to isolate the tree. Wellhead assemblies and related methods of the present invention include a flange adapted to be connected between a wellhead and a Christmas tree. The assembly also includes a mandrel adapted to being inserted into the longitudinal bore of the flange, the mandrel having a port for communicating with an injection port which extends radially through the flange. The assembly further includes a hanger adapted to connect to the upper end of the injection string, wherein the hanger is further adapted to land in the longitudinal bore of the mandrel. The hanger includes a communication passageway for facilitating fluid communication between the port of the mandrel and the injection tubing string.
US07934549B2	Passive heating assisted recovery methods A method for producing hydrocarbons from a region having adjacent strata divided by an impermeable or partially permeable barrier and, wherein at least one of the strata contains hydrocarbons, comprises of sufficiently heating one of the stratum to allow heat to be conducted to the hydrocarbon containing stratum and producing hydrocarbons therefrom. In one aspect, both strata contain hydrocarbons, such as bitumen, and heat is generated by a steam assisted gravity drainage process to the adjacent stratum. Heat may also be generated by in-situ combustion of hydrocarbons to preheat an adjacent stratum, or by electrical heating. Once pre-conditioned to a higher in-situ temperature, hydrocarbon production may be facilitated by diluting the target pre-heated hydrocarbon bearing stratum with solvent injection.
US07934542B2	Tube bundle heat exchanger of constant temperature gradient for thermophoretic deposition of aerosol particles This invention is a tube bundle heat exchanger for thermophoretic deposition of aerosol particles. It has a housing with an internal chamber, and several cold and hot tubes. The cold and hot tubes are arranged in a staggered manner in the internal chamber of the housing. Low and high temperature fluids flow inside the cold and hot tubes, respectively. When the exhaust gas passes through the chamber, temperature gradient between the cold and hot tubes causes aerosol particles suspended in the exhaust gas to deposit on the surface of cold tubes to achieve the treatment of exhaust gas. Staggered arrangement of cold and hot tubes can maintain nearly constant temperature gradient in the direction of the gas flow thereby enhances the overall removal efficiency of particles.
US07934538B2	Heat exchanger and water heater A plurality of first joint tubes 40 connected to a plurality of heat transfer tubes 3 and a plurality of second joint tubes 50 provided at a header 5B are connected to each other at joints J. The joints J include at least one slide joint Ja at which respective ends of the first and the second joint tubes 40 and 50 are fitted to each other slidably in a predetermined direction. The joints J further include at least one butt joint Jb at which an end of either one of the first and the second joint tubes butts against a sealing surface provided at the other one of the first and the second joint tubes. The butt position of the sealing surface and the end is variable in a direction crossing the predetermined direction. With this arrangement, the influence of an error in the arrangement of the first and the second joint tubes 40 and 50 is reduced, so that the header 5B is properly connected to the heat transfer tubes 3 detachably, and the maintenance of the heat exchanger HE is facilitated.
US07934529B2	Method and apparatus for manufacture and inspection of swatch bearing sheets using a vacuum conveyor An apparatus and method of high speed manufacture of swatch bearing sheets wherein each sheet is directed through various operating stations via sequentially releasing a suction force from an endless vacuum belt conveyor while sequentially pulling the sheet onto another endless vacuum belt conveyor with a suction force to allow for substantially continuous engagement of the sheet with the endless vacuum conveyors during the manufacture and inspection of the sheets.
US07934527B2	Pneumatic radial tire with spiral belt layer for two-wheeled motor vehicle Provided is a pneumatic radial tire including a carcass layer composed of a carcass ply 12 and a spiral belt layer 26 composed of steel cords wound spirally substantially in parallel with each other to a tire equator surface. When the ratio of spacing R1 between adjacent steel cords of the spiral belt layer 26 is shown by R1=(50−E×ds)/50, the ratio of spacing R1 is 0.45 or less as well as the total sectional area S of the steel cords applied per 50 mm width of the spiral belt layer is 7.5 mm2 or less (E shows the number of steel cords applied per 50 mm width of the spiral belt layer, and ds shows the diameter (mm) of each steel cord). The number of steel cords E applied per 50 mm of width ranges from 66 to 200.
US07934524B2	Log splitter system for a front-loader tractor A tractor has a log splitter installed on two loader arms pivoted at a front end of the tractor. The log splitter includes a frame for attachment to the loader arms. The frame includes a surface, to which a ram and a wedge are coupled. An actuator mounted to the frame moves the ram and/or the wedge to split a log received between the ram and the wedge. The wedge includes a main blade and a cross blade perpendicular to the main blade. An edge of the cross blade is offset from an edge of the main blade so as to reduce the force required to achieve a four-way split of the log. The wedge and the frame are designed to enable inverting the log splitter to grasp a log, then raising the inverted log splitter to split the log directly into a truck bed. The uniquely designed hydraulic tank-ballast box combination provides an owner an external high volume hydraulic system without impeding the capability of the tractor hydraulic system. The tank and ballast box hitch assembly can also integrate the pump mounted to the hitch frame allows one to remove all components together.
US07934521B1	Configurable fluid transfer manifold for inflatable footwear A configurable fluid transfer system for inflatable footwear includes a manifold. The manifold has a top surface, a bottom surface with a plurality of openings, a lateral side with at least one opening, a medial side, a heel side with a plurality of openings and a forefoot side. The manifold is part of an inflation system having an underfoot pump connected to one of the plurality of openings in the heel side of the manifold, an inflatable forefoot bladder connected to two of the plurality of openings in the bottom surface of the manifold and an inflatable heel bladder connected to one of the plurality of openings in the bottom surface of the manifold. fluid flows from the underfoot pump to the inflatable forefoot bladder through a one-way valve and into a first channel in the manifold connected to a forefoot bladder. The fluid inflates the forefoot bladder and exits into a second channel in the manifold. fluid flows from the inflatable forefoot bladder to the inflatable heel bladder through the second channel and inflates the heel bladder.
US07934520B2	Coupling assembly for plumbing fitting A control handle assembly for a plumbing fitting has a first control member having a bore and a ledge within the bore extending radially inward to an inner dimension, and a second control member having a mounting post with a ledge extending radially outward to an outer dimension. A deformable clip is captured by the control members between the ledges and has a radial outer dimension greater than the inner and outer dimensions of the ledges so as to rotatably couple the control members.A spout coupling assembly has a lower adaptor defining a lower passageway for housing a diverter and an upper adaptor coupled to the lower adaptor defining an upper passageway. An annular recess is formed in the upper adaptor and a collar is axially restrained in the annular recess. A spout is coupled to the collar so that the spout and collar rotate simultaneously.
US07934518B2	Detecting device for valve opening-closing Disclosed is a device for sensing the opening degree of a valve, which can easily determine the upper and lower limits without using upper and lower limit switches so that, besides simplifying the mechanical structure, the device can be easily installed, maintained, and repaired. The device can avoid basic errors and improve the opening degree sensing performance without using upper and lower limit switches, cams, and a spline so that, by simplifying the mechanical structure, the device can be manufactured, installed, maintained, and repaired at a low cost, and its long-term durability is improved. The device has a main gear adapted to disengage from the meter gear when the main gear is rotated excessively so that any damage to the meter gear and potentiometer, which may occur during installation or use, is prevented.
US07934517B2	Water level control system Systems for controlling the level of water with in reservoir, such as in a catch basin for an infinity pool. One embodiment of such a water level control system comprises a system housing having a removable front plate with front plate openings, and a water inlet into the housing. The system further comprises a removable mounting plate within the housing, with the mounting plate removable from the housing when the front plate is removed. A valve is included that is connected to the mounting plate, with water from the reservoir entering the housing through the front plate openings. The valve is operable to allow water to flow into the housing through the water inlet when water within the reservoir water falls below a desired level, and stopping the flow into the housing when the reservoir is at the desired level.
US07934514B2	Fuel cutoff valve A fuel cutoff valve comprises a casing having a seal portion disposed facing a connecting passage and projecting in annular configuration towards a valve chamber; and a float mechanism having a float which rises and falls due to increasing and decreasing buoyancy according to the fuel level within the valve chamber. The float comprises a flexural depression-enabling recess situated on its upper surface at a location in opposition to the seal portion, for enabling the seat portion to undergo flexural depression when pressed by the seal portion. The casing has a regulating portion on the outside perimeter of the seal portion, for regulating the level of elastic deformation at which the seat portion elastically deforms into the flexural depression-enabling recess.
US07934512B2	Hair highlighting applicator A hair highlighting applicator which comprises includes a flexible dispenser for holding a hair coloring gel therein. The flexible dispenser has a first open end and a second open end. A first twist-off cap is removably mounted to the first open end of the flexible dispenser. A prong is axially supported on the first twist-off cap for separating the hair. A second twist-off cap is removably mounted to the second open end of the flexible dispenser. A mechanism is for distributing the hair coloring gel onto the hair. The distributing mechanism is axially supported on the second twist-off cap and is in fluid communication with the flexible dispenser. When the flexible dispenser is squeezed the hair coloring gel will be forced through the distributing mechanism and applied onto the hair.
US07934511B2	Processing of tobacco materials containing a proportion of tobacco fines The invention relates to a method of processing tobacco fines, whereby the tobacco preparation for producing smoking articles from an initial material to be processed, which contains tobacco fines and tobacco material, is subjected to an increased mechanical pressure in order to bind the tobacco fines permanently to the tobacco material, and no extra or external binding agents are added the material to be processed in order to bind the tobacco fines to the tobacco material. It further relates to smoking articles containing smoking material produced on the basis of one of the methods proposed by the invention.
US07934509B2	Defibration of tobacco material The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco initial material is heated and placed under pressure and once heated and placed under pressure, the material is fed through a shearing gap and expanded and defibrated. It further relates to a device for producing cut tobacco material with a pressure chamber, which has a tobacco material inlet at the low-pressure end and a tobacco material outlet at the pressure end and a conveyor system for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, and the tobacco material outlet has a gap through which the material passes and expands, and the gap has walls which can be moved towards one another. It further relates to a smoking article containing such a cut, defibrated tobacco material product and the use of a plug screw feeder-extruder with a shearing gap outlet for defibrating tobacco material.
US07934506B2	System and method for temporary tongue suspension Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue, and more particularly for temporarily suspending the tongue. One embodiment of the device comprises an elongate member with a retractable distal tissue-engaging tip that is movable within the lumen of tubular member configured for insertion into the tongue, preferably from an inferior surface of the jaw. The device may be used diagnostically assess the effect of performing tongue suspension in a patient prior to permanent implantation of a glossopexy device. The retractable distal tissue-engaging tip may be removed after diagnostic assessment, or left in place and attached to a temporary external securing device.
US07934504B2	Deployment actuation system for intrafallopian contraception Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.
US07934500B2	Method and apparatus for detecting the respiratory activity of a person A method and a device are provided for detecting the respiratory activity of a person and for controlling the time progression of breathing gas pressure, especially in accordance with physical parameters and considering parameters indicating the momentary physiological condition of the breathing person. The device for detecting the respiratory activity of a person has at least one sensor that provides a first signal indicating the breathing gas flow, wherein at least one signal processing device is provided for processing the first signal. The signal processing device is configured in such a way that said device determines a reference-relation on the basis of the first signal detected during a first time interval. On the basis thereof, the device determines a correlation-relation between the reference-relation and the first signal. The device generates an output signal indicating the respiratory activity and/or the physiological condition of the breathing person by considering at least the correlation-relation.
US07934498B1	Device and method for facilitating delivery of medication/humidity to a patient without breaking a ventilator circuit A device and method for facilitating the delivery of medication/humidity to a patient without breaking a ventilator circuit that contains a two-position flow control valve in the circuit, so as to permit manual switching from a first position in which humidified air/oxygen will be supplied to a patient and a second position in which atomized medication will be supplied to the patient.
US07934496B2	Outdoor solar collector and integrated display panel A solar collector panel which can also be utilized to display information and/or images and/or messages and having an external frame, with a transparent upper panel securely positioned within the frame. A lower panel is positioned within the frame and spaced in relation to the upper panel so as to provide a closed chamber between the upper panel and the lower panel, an upper surface of the lower panel having applied thereon heat conversion means for converting solar radiation to heat energy, the heat conversion means providing thereon information, an image or message which is visible above the upper surface of the upper panel. A back panel is positioned within the frame, so as to define a closed volume of air space between the lower panel and the back panel through which air may flow. Intake and exhaust pipes introduce air into the frame, and transfer heated air from the frame.
US07934494B1	Collapsible heating apparatus A collapsible unit for supporting food items over a heat source comprises a collapsible frame enclosure wherein at least one side of the frame is reconfigurable to enable various types of cooking and heating arrangements.
US07934488B2	Coupling device Coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector to a fuel rail of a combustion engine, the coupling device having a fuel injector cup having a central longitudinal axis and being designed to be hydraulically coupled to the rail and to engage a fuel inlet portion of the injector, a first ring element being fixedly coupled to the cup, a second ring element being fixedly coupled to the injector, and a shell element with a first and second shell part. The first shell part is fixedly coupled to the second shell part. The first and second ring elements are axially arranged between the first and second shell part. The shell element is designed and arranged in a way that the first and second ring element are in engagement with the shell element to retain the injector in the cup in direction of the central longitudinal axis.
US07934484B2	Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine when changing operating modes In a method for controlling an internal combustion engine (10) during which two operating modes (OPMOD) are switched between under the permissible variation of at least one first and one second torque manipulated variables if, as a result, a torque-neutral changing over into the target operating mode (OPMOD_F) can be achieved within a cylinder segment. If the predetermined changing over condition is fulfilled, a torque-neutral changing over occurs while varying the at least first and second torque manipulated variables. If the predetermined changing over condition is not fulfilled, the initial operating mode (OPMOD_I) is maintained and at least one of the at least first and second torque manipulated variables and an at least one third torque manipulated variable are torque neutrally varied until the change over condition is fulfilled.
US07934482B2	Liquid-cooled composite piston The invention proposes a liquid-cooled assembled piston (1) having an upper part (2) and a lower part (3), wherein the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) are connected to one another by means of a radially outer annular support (12) and by means of a radially inner annular support (11). An outer cooling duct (13) is arranged between the outer support (12) and the inner support (11), and an inner cooling duct (18) is arranged radially within the inner support (11). Here, the outer cooling duct (13) is connected to the inner cooling duct (18) by means of at least one overflow duct (22, 22′).
US07934476B2	Valve-actuating system for an internal combustion engine, engine incorporating same, and method of using same A valve-actuating system for an engine, in which left and right rocker arms are moved in axial directions of a rocker arm shaft to one of a first operating position in which the rocker arms are allowed to abut on first cams, and a second operating position in which the rocker arms are allowed to abut on second cams. The rocker arm shaft is slidably supported by an engine frame so as to be movable in the axial directions thereof. During an engine operation, when the left and right rocker arms are about to be selectively moved to one of the operating positions, the rocker arm shaft is moved in advance to the same side of the selected one of the operating positions, and thereafter the left and right rocker arms are moved to the selected one of the operating position.
US07934475B2	Internal combustion engine having a variable compression ratio In an internal combustion engine including cylinders arranged in a housing, a crankshaft, pistons disposed in the cylinders so as to be movable by the crankshaft, and a device for varying a compression ratio of the internal combustion engine wherein the device, for varying the compression ratio, includes an adjusting structure which varies the effective length of a connecting rod of the piston, the lift of the crankshaft or the position of the cylinder with respect to the center of the crankshaft, an operating structure is provided by rotation of which the position of the adjusting structure can be controlled, and a drive device for controlling the operating structures contains a coupling mechanism with an integrated brake function, whereby h the adjusting structure can either be placed in operative connection with the crankshaft or can be blocked.
US07934474B2	Real time in-line hydrosonic water-in-fuel emulsion apparatus, process and system Devices, methods and system for combustion of an intimate emulsion of water-in-fuel without the use of chemical additives in order to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy with little or no engine or boiler de-rating or modifications. Apparatus and method for producing, combusting, storing and reducing viscosity of a fuel comprised of water and oil or other hydrocarbons, which is constituted as an emulsion without the need for chemical stabilizers by exposure to constant cavitation.
US07934471B2	Vivarium and filtration system A vivarium and assembly for maintaining an aquatic area, wetlands, and dry land. The assembly is an enclosure for adhering to a transparent sidewall of an aquarium tank to provide sidewalls, a dry wall and a dividing wall positioned between the dry wall and the aquarium tank wall to define an aquatic area by the aquarium tank wall and a wetlands area by the dry wall. The enclosure can be surrounded by dry land area. A filtering system includes a water passage between the aquatic area and the wetland area; a water pump connected for pumping water out of the wetland area and back into the aquatic area; a particulate filter between the wetland area and the pump; and an organic filter in the wetland area, the organic filter being a living wetland plant rooted in a growing medium.
US07934470B1	Cat climbing, scratching, resting, and perching system A perch system for use by an animal such as a cat is disclosed. The perch system is attachable to a generally vertical wall, such as in a residence, and includes a plurality of wall mounts that each include a rigid wall mounting plate and at least one rigid mounting post projecting therefrom. The perch system further includes at least one perch that includes at least one post attachment means fixed thereto for selectively attaching the perch to each mounting post of the at least one wall mount. At least one connector is adapted for selectively fixing the connector between the mounting posts of two adjacent wall mounts. An inside corner section may be included for fixing to an inside corner of the wall, and an outside corner section may be included for fixing to an outside corner of the wall.
US07934463B2	Free shape gauge by laser pointer A gauge can include a face plate and an indication area disposed about a gauge center. The indication area can have a shape that can be defined by a bottom boundary, a top boundary, and first and second ends joining respective ends of the top and bottom boundaries. The top and bottom boundaries can be spaced apart from the gauge center by first and second radial distances. The indication area can be angled rearward relative to the face plate with the top boundary being spaced rearward from the face plate. A plurality of indicia can be disposed on the face plate. The gauge can further include a laser system disposed behind a rear side of the face plate and arranged to rotate and reflect a laser beam to a position adjacent or relative to a specific one of the plurality of indicia based on a signal output from a sensor.
US07934456B1	Sabot projectile A sabot projectile with a subcaliber penetrator and a sabot, which has a propulsion element that acts on the rear end of the penetrator, a segmented, essentially cylindrical guide cage, which is connected to the front end of the propulsion element, and a segmented, disk-shaped metal guide element that extends radially inward in the front area of the guide cage and holds the penetrator. The disk-shaped guide element has a slightly convex contour in the direction of flight of the projectile and the material and the wall thickness of the guide element are chosen in such a way that convex area of the guide element is pushed back slightly when the sabot projectile is fired, so that the outer marginal area of the guide element rests against the inside wall of the gun barrel from which the sabot projectile is fired, and/or the inner marginal area of the guide element, which faces the penetrator, rests against the outer surface of the penetrator.
US07934450B2	Printing press A printing press includes a form cylinder, a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, an adjusting apparatus having at least one first actuating drive for setting a printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, and a tracking system for setting a printing pressure between the form cylinder and the blanket cylinder in dependence on the setting of the printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder. The tracking system has at least one second actuating drive coupled to the at least one first actuating drive in terms of control technology through an electronic control device, in such a way that the form cylinder is adjusted automatically.
US07934448B2	Kebab machine A kebab machine (10) is disclosed for inserting sticks (12) into various food components (14a-f), such as meat, vegetables and the like, automatically. The food components are held within carriers (16) while the individual sticks are conveyed by a stick conveyor (22). A jet of air from air jets (24) drive a pair of sticks into an insertion device (400) where smooth belts (402) drive by rotating rollers (452) drive the sticks through the carriers (16) and food components therein to form the kebab.
US07934447B2	Firearm having an indirect gas operating system A black rifle configuration automatic or semi-automatic firearm having an indirect gas operating system. The firearm has a black rifle configuration receiver assembly having a bolt assembly enclosed within. The bolt assembly having a striking surface and a barrel assembly having a bore, the barrel assembly being coupled to the receiver assembly. A gas block is fitted to the barrel assembly, the gas block having a front folding sight. A rod assembly has a striking rod. Gas discharged from a fired cartridge displaces the piston and causes the striking rod displace the bolt assembly.
US07934445B2	Combinations of protective ballistic weapons stands and weapon tripods Fixed weapon emplacements include ballistic weapon stands having heights sufficient to protect standing gunners in combination with tripods, which are fixed thereto with welded connections. In a first embodiment, the tripod has two legs fixed to a weapon platform and to the base of the ballistic weapons stand and a third leg fixed to the weapon platform and to a weld plate on a front armor plate of the stand. In a second embodiment, the third leg of the tripod is provided by a strut that extends through a slot in the front armor plate and is welded to both a weld plate behind the front armor plate and to the weapon platform. In a third embodiment, the tripod has one leg fixed to the base of the weapon stand and two legs welded to a weld plate behind the front armor panel to support the weapon platform. In a fourth embodiment, a hood projects from the front armor plate with a front leg of the tripod fixed to the base at a location within the hood and rear legs of the tripod fixed to the base. A universal base is provided wherein either a single leg of the tripod is attached to the base adjacent to the front armor plate or a pair of legs of the tripod is attached to the same base adjacent to the front armor plate. In any of the embodiments the weapon platform at the top of the tripod is mounted on the tripod by utilizing three sleeves that receive top portions of three straight legs of the tripod.
US07934441B1	Combination tool A combination tool includes a first tool component and a second tool component. A ratchet system enables the first tool component and the second tool component to be pivotally oriented relative to one another in a desired direction, and to be locked at desired relative orientation. A release mechanism enables the first tool component and the second tool component to be disengaged from one another for individual use.
US07934437B2	Actuating device, especially for use in a throttle device The invention relates to an actuating device, especially for use in a throttle device, comprising a turning spindle rotatably mounted in the device housing. Said turning spindle is functionally linked via a transmission device with a drive device to displace an actuating element that is linked with the turning spindle. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved actuating device that is secure and has a simple design and that can be telecontrolled in a simple manner without major maintenance work, without losses of functionality of the actuating device and at reduced costs. To this end, the actuating device comprises at least two separately or synchronously operated motors and the transmission device has at least one self-locking transmission unit, said transmission unit being functionally linked with the two motors for turning the turning spindle.
US07934429B2	Stress-distribution detecting semiconductor package group and detection method of stress distribution in semiconductor package using the same A stress-distribution detecting semiconductor package group includes multiple stress-distribution detecting semiconductor packages each formed by resin-encapsulating a stress detecting semiconductor chip of the same size using an identical resin encapsulation structure. Each stress detecting semiconductor chip includes a piezoelectric element for stress detection and at least two electrode pads electrically connected to the piezoelectric element to measure an electrical property of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric elements of the stress detecting semiconductor chips are respectively disposed on the corresponding stress detecting semiconductor chips to be located at different positions from one another.
US07934428B2	Residual torque analyzer A system for detecting fastener movement and measuring a residual torque in a fastener joint, including a device for applying torque to a stationary fastener in a tightened state and measuring torque and angle of rotation. The device includes a sensing system that has a gyroscope that provides a signal corresponding to the angle of rotation of the device as it applies torque to the fastener, and a torque transducer that provides a signal corresponding to the torque applied to the fastener by the device. The device also includes a computing unit in communication with the sensing system and adapted to receive the signal corresponding to an angle of rotation of the device and the signal corresponding to the torque applied to the fastener, and determine a torque at a moment of initial movement of the fastener.
US07934427B2	Capacitative pressure sensor A capacitative pressure sensor that has a silicon substrate, CMOS layers deposited on the silicon substrate, a conductive layer deposited on the CMOS layer and, a passivation layer on the conductive layer. A conductive membrane extends from the substrate assembly such that it is spaced from the conductive layer. The conductive layer has a plurality of apertures and the silicon substrate to define a passage for fluid communication with fluid pressure exterior to the pressure sensor and a cap extending from the substrate assembly to cover the membrane and form a chamber on one side of the conductive membrane that is sealed from the fluid pressure exterior to the pressure sensor.
US07934415B2	Hydrostatic testing tool and methods of use A hydrostatic testing tool for testing containers, hoses or the like under high pressures. The testing tool having a coupling that threadably engages a threaded aperture of a test container without having to be rotated into the threaded aperture. The hydrostatic testing tool may be hooked up to a source of pressurized medium and the tool includes a container-engaging head having a plurality of collet segments that each have a threaded surface that can expand radially outward, partially due to the force of the pressurized medium, to engage a threaded aperture of the test container, allowing for the formation of a liquid and/or gas tight seal under high pressures. The testing tool further includes an actuating unit connected to the head that controls the movement of the collet segments with a piston or the like.
US07934411B2	Gas or heat detector, gas or heat generator, smoke gas generator, and method for the testing of a gas detector or a heat detector and method for the testing of a smoke gas detector Inspecting gas detectors is difficult if the gas detectors are arranged in a place which is difficult to access. The provision of a test device which is in an operational connection with the gas detector or the heat detector facilitates the testing considerably.
US07934410B2	Expanding die and method of shaping containers The present invention provides an expansion die for manufacturing containers including a work surface including a progressively expanding portion and a land portion; and an undercut portion positioned following the land portion of the work surface. The present invention further provides a process for manufacturing shaped containers including providing a container stock having a first diameter; expanding at least a portion of the container stock to a second diameter with at least one expansion die; and forming an end of the container stock to accept a container lid.
US07934406B2	Multiple function lock A multiple function lock comprising an engaging element and a captive element. The engaging element enters a captive space provided in the captive element for locking the lock. The captive element includes a selectable passage into the captive space for permitting the engagement element to be selectively released or secured. The selectable passage is revealed or concealed through translation or rotation of a blocking element. In certain embodiments, the multiple function lock comprises a body, a shackle having toe and heel portions, a first locking mechanism for securing the heel portion to the body and a separate second locking mechanism for securing the toe portion to the body. The second locking mechanism is operative to engage and disengage the toe portion from the body so the shackle may rotate about the heel portion secured by the body.
US07934396B2	Cut-resistant gloves containing fiberglass and para-aramid This invention relates to a cut-resistant knit glove comprising a) cut-resistant composite yarn having a core yarn and at least one first wrapping yarn helically wrapped around the core yarn, the core yarn including at least one 50 to 400 denier (56 to 440 dtex) glass fiber filament yarn and the first wrapping yarn being one 100 to 600 denier (110 to 680 dtex) para-aramid yarn; b) companion yarn of 200 to 1600 denier (220 to 1800 dtex) selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyamide, polyester, natural fiber, cellulosic fiber, and mixtures thereof; and c) lining yarn comprising a composite yarn of from 250 to 1200 denier (280 to 1300 dtex) comprising aliphatic polyamide fiber, polyester fiber, natural fiber, cellulosic fiber, and mixtures thereof; and wherein the cut-resistant composite yarn, the companion yarn, and the lining yarn are co-knit in the glove with the lining yarn plated on the interior of the glove and the cut-resistant composite yarn and companion yarn forming the exterior of the glove.
US07934393B2	Process for recycling glass fiber An effective process for removing organic coatings and binders from glass fiber surfaces in a manner that is both environmentally friendly and does not comprise the integrity or physical properties of the fiber.
US07934392B2	Method of continuously producing flat glass by rolling The method of continuously producing flat glass includes rolling a fluid glass sheet between upper and lower shaping rollers to shape and calibrate the glass sheet, generating a respective gas cushion between the fluid glass sheet and each shaping roller from a liquid, controlling the pressure of the gas cushion between the fluid glass sheet and the upper shaping roller to completely prevent contact of the glass sheet with the upper shaping roller, controlling the pressure of the gas cushion between the fluid glass sheet and the lower shaping roller to form a linear contact area between the fluid glass sheet and the lower shaping roller and controlling the contact area width according to speed and viscosity of the glass sheet in order to transport it without slipping and reduce cooling path length.
US07934389B2	Ice tray assembly for refrigerator An ice tray assembly for a refrigerator is provided, which includes a case; at least one ice tray disposed in the case; a water box provided at a lateral surface of the ice trays to supply water to the ice trays; and at least one discharge hole provided at the water box corresponding to the number of the ice trays. According to the present invention, the ice tray assembly for the refrigerator is capable of supplying water to the plurality of ice trays at once, of easily supplying water to the ice trays disposed at an upper layer portion in general, as the water box is disposed at the lateral surface of the ice trays, and of uniformly supplying water to each of the plurality of the ice trays.
US07934387B2	Air conditioner An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a main body formed by a plurality of members assembled with each other and an air passage along which air introduced into the main body flows. At least one of the member includes a Kimchi lactic bacterium zymogenic material formed on a portion of the member, which contacts the air flowing along the air passage.
US07934384B2	Portable cooled merchandizing unit with customer enticement features A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly, a door assembly, a cooling assembly, a customer enticement device, and a power unit. The product container assembly defines an interior region for containing products. The cooling assembly is connected to the product container assembly and includes a powered cooling device to cool the interior region. The enticement device is adapted to encourage customer interest in the merchandising unit and includes a powered component. The power unit includes a power supply electrically connectable to an external power source, with each of the powered cooling device and the power component of the enticement device being electrically coupled to the power supply. With this configuration, the common power supply serves to power both the cooling assembly as well as the customer enticement device. In some embodiments, the cooling assembly includes a thermoelectric device.
US07934379B2	Internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas turbocharger In an internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas turbocharger, including a turbine with at least two inlet passages arranged in the exhaust gas tract of the internal combustion engine, via which exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine can be supplied to a turbine wheel of the turbine, and a valve arrangement being arranged in to the exhaust gas tract to the turbocharger to control the supply of exhaust gas to the inlet passages of the turbine, a valve and turbine inlet passage configuration is selectable providing for a maximum braking power with low thermal load.
US07934373B2	Control device for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle In a control device for an internal combustion engine (E) of a vehicle comprising a particulate filter (42) installed in an exhaust passage of the engine and a loading device (63) that applies a load to the engine, the control device (9) is configured to execute a regeneration process for regenerating the particulate filter under a prescribed condition. When a vehicle is in a congested state, the temperature of the particulate filter typically drops below a threshold level for enabling a regenerating process. However, according to the present invention, the particulate filter may be regenerated even when the vehicle is in a congested state if a loading device such as an air conditioner is activated, and the temperature of the particulate filter is therefore high enough. Thereby, the particulate filter may be actively regenerated whenever possible.
US07934372B2	Exhaust gas purification method and exhaust gas purification system In an exhaust gas purification system (1) for conducting control of raising temperature of a DPF (12b) by supplying an unburned fuel to an upstream side of an oxidation catalyst to oxidize it, a minimum value (Qumin) of a first upper limit value (Qu1) acquired by subtracting a fuel injection amount (Qe) for in-cylinder combustion from a first combustible fuel amount (Qa1) limited by an air/fuel ratio, a second upper limit value (Qu2) acquired by subtracting the fuel injection amount (Qe) for in-cylinder combustion from a second combustible fuel amount (Qa2) limited by an atmospheric pressure, and a third upper limit value (Qu3), which is a third combustible fuel amount (Qa3) which can be oxidized by the oxidation catalyst limited by a catalyst temperature index temperature (Tg1, Tg2) and an engine speed (Ne) is set as an upper limit value (Qu) for the unburned fuel supply amount (Qp). By this arrangement, at forced regeneration of the DPF (12b), the unburned fuel supplied into an exhaust gas is surely oxidized and generation of white smoke is prevented regardless of an operation state of an internal combustion engine (10).
US07934367B2	Method and device for reducing the speed in the event of breakage of a gas turbine engine turbine shaft A device for detecting breakage of a gas turbine engine shaft and for reducing the rotational speed of the turbine includes a rotor of a turbine or of a first stage turbine driving the shaft. The rotor has a turbine disk with a rim. A stator that the rotor rotates inside or a nozzle guide vanes assembly of the first turbine stage is provided. A temperature sensor is positioned on the stator or on the nozzle guide vanes assembly, immediately downstream of the rim. The sensor is located to sense temperature on a portion of the stator that contacts the rotor, or on a portion of the nozzle guide vanes assembly that contacts the first stage rotor, in the event of shaft breakage. An engine fuel control member connects to the sensor and can interrupt fuel supply to the engine, when the sensor emits a signal above a predetermined threshold.
US07934365B2	Tine for an agricultural implement Tines (1) attached to a supporting body (2) have a gripping element (3) and a fastening element (4). The gripping element (3) has a bar-shape design and is made from plastic. The fastening element (4), made from spring steel, has a connecting section (11) connected to the gripping device (3). Also, the fastening element (4) has a fastening section (12) that fastens to the supporting body (2). An elastically resilient spring section (13) is arranged between the fastening section (12) and connecting section (11).
US07934362B2	Belt driven clamping arrangement for gripping and advancing web material in a packaging machine A packaging machine includes a clamping arrangement, composed of a series of clamps designed to grip and release a web of flexible material, and which are coupled to a belt that is advanced along a predetermined path to advance the web of flexible through the machine. The belt is made up of side-by-side belt portions that are spliced together in axially spaced locations by the clamps, to withstand the forces and stresses placed thereon as the web material is advanced. Each clamp is formed of an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member that are pivotably interconnected together, in combination with a guide member the guides movement of the belt through the machine. The belts are independently driven by operation of a pair of motors, which are synchronously operated in order to advance the opposite edges of the web material at the same rate of speed through the machine.
US07934360B2	Systems for controlling packing density Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.
US07934353B2	Prefabricated panel with protective film Panel including, in succession, a first rigid board forming the back of the panel, a first thermally insulating layer borne by the backboard, an impervious covering covering the first thermally insulating layer, a second thermally insulating layer which partially covers the impervious covering and a second rigid board covering the second thermally insulating layer, characterized in that it includes a film which covers at least part of the impervious covering which is not covered by the second thermally insulating layer, the film including at least one protective portion and at least one spew portion adjacent to the protective portion, the protective portion and the spew portion being able to be detached from the impervious covering independently of one another.
US07934350B2	Security screen A security screen comprising a frame having an outer edge which defines the outer perimeter of the frame and further having an inner edge (12) which surrounds an open portion of the frame, the outer edge of the frame being dimensioned such that in use the security screen is receivable across an opening to close the opening, a perforate sheet element (29) received in the open portion of the frame to close the open portion, the edge of the perforate sheet element being formed with a lip (31) extending from one face of the perforate sheet element, the inner edge of the frame formed with a recess (13) having an entry extending across at least a portion of the width of the inner edge, the recess extending along the inner edge, the recess having two opposed side faces (15, 16) extending from the inner edge, one side face (16) of the recess having a zone (23) located inward of the inner edge and extending laterally from the recess, the edge of the perforate sheet element received within the recess such that the lip is located within the zone and the one face of the perforate sheet element adjacent the lip overlies the one side face, a locking member (33) fixed within the recess between the other face of the perforate sheet element and the other side face of the recess to close the space between the perforate sheet element and the other side face.
US07934348B2	Structural truss with crimp/clamp A structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and apices (6) at their respective ends. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) creates dimples (19), thereby securing the chords (2) to the struts (1).
US07934347B2	Coupling beam and method of use in building construction A coupling beam, and method for constructing multi-story buildings. A coupling beam design using multiple rebar groups is provided for use in coupled shear walls in multi-story buildings. First and second sets of a first rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. First and second sets of a second rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. The first and second sets of the first group of rebar, and third and fourth sets within a second group of rebar, are provided in a configuration that ends at or near the middle of the coupling beam, providing an open or partial-X configuration of reinforcing steel. Such coupling beams may also include transverse reinforcement, such as stirrups, hoops, or cross-ties, to restrain the concrete and to provide a confined beam structure, as well as vertical reinforcement elements. A method is provided for constructing multi-story buildings having a core and adjacent space, using such coupling beams. In such buildings, increased floor space is provided at reduced cost, yet the earthquake resistance is as good as or better than conventionally constructed designs.
US07934345B2	Systems for building construction by attaching blocks with bolts and vertically spaced flat bars A mortarless masonry structure comprising a plurality of regular masonry blocks and/or bricks connected to each other by a plurality of metal bars and a plurality of standard metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a post tensioned structure. Preferably, the blocks are operatively connected to each other as a structure by simple mechanical tools. Each interconnection results in a unitized post tensioned member that, when interconnected to the adjacent members, forms a comparatively higher strength structure than systems made of mortar and reinforced mortar. The method used to create this structure is a simple, waterless, mortarless interconnection process that is completed by a series of simple individual steps of fastening the blocks and bars into a strong and durable structure. Once connected the structure is strong and durable. If desired, the structure may be disassembled and the components re-used.
US07934340B2	Method and apparatus for the scheduled production of plant extracts A method for the just-in-time delivery of harvested plant material and plant compounds grown in a genetically-isolated growth environment is provided. The desired crop is grown in an underground growth chamber according to a predetermined growing model in which all growing conditions are controlled. Component yield and completion time can be accurately forecast such that the harvest time of the plant material, or the completion of upstream plant extract recovery, can be accurately forecast. The use of an underground growth chamber allows for complete control over environmental factors in growth of the plant material, and also allows for the best possible protection of the growing environment against any contamination of genetic material from outside of the chamber, as well as protection of the outdoor environment against any contamination of genetic material from inside of the chamber. The method will be particularly useful in the production of plant-made pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical.
US07934339B2	Fishing lure A fishing lure having a head portion with a first side and a second side. A first eye socket is positioned on the first side of the head portion and a second eye socket is positioned on the second side of the head portion. Each of the first and second eye sockets is substantially semi-spherical shape and each of said first and second eye sockets is coated with a fluorescent substance of substantially uniform application. A first eye component is fixedly secured in at least a portion of the first eye socket and a second eye component is fixedly secured in at least a portion of the second eye socket. Each of the first and second eye components comprise a transparent, substantially spherical material.
US07934338B2	Fishing pole accessory A fish detection accessory to be installed on the end of a fishing pole or which alternately can be incorporated into a fishing pole during manufacture of the pole. The unit employs a miniature dual axis accelerometer integrated circuit that can detect angular rotation of the unit relative to the earth's surface, allowing the unit to detect a fish bite based on vibration method, i.e. rotation of the pole per unit time, or on a rotation method, i.e. rotation of the pole independent of time. Bite detection sensitivity levels and alarm methods can be selected by the user using the power switch and two setting switches. The unit can also be used as a mini flashlight.
US07934336B2	Fish pressure equilibrating tool A tool for releasing excess air from the swim bladder of a fish. The present invention includes a puncturer situated in a housing and a push rod which extends out of the housing for pushing the puncturer out of the housing and into the swim bladder of the fish. When the tool is employed, the excess air passes through the puncturer into the housing and then out vents located in the side wall of the housing. The puncturer is spring biased to remain in the covered position until the user applies an external force to the push rod to expose the puncturer.
US07934333B1	Pistol concealment device A pistol is concealed and stabilized by filling in an area below the barrel and in front of the grip with a spacer. The result is a rectangular shape similar to a wallet, which shape conceals the presence of the pistol when carried in a pocket (i.e., de-prints the pistol shape), and stabilizes the pistol in the pocket. The spacer may be attached to a trigger guard, to a portion of the pistol frame beneath the forward end of the barrel, or be integrated with the pistol grips, creating the rectangular shape. The spacer may further include a laser aiming device. In one embodiment, the spacer securely grasps a curved portion of the trigger guard and includes a contoured rear surface which is urged against a lower leading edge of the grip, thus firmly establishing a position for the device relative to the pistol.
US07934332B2	Composite firearm barrel A composite barrel for a firearm and method for forming by forging. The barrel includes at least two materials joined together by forging. In a preferred embodiment, at least one material is preferably lighter in weight than the other material. The barrel may include an inner tube and an outer sleeve. The inner tube defines a bore that provides a bullet path and in one embodiment may be made of steel or alloys thereof. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube and in some embodiments may be made of aluminum, titanium, or alloys of either thereof. The tube preferably includes an exterior surface containing recessed areas therein for receiving material displaced from the outer sleeve by the forging process. The preferred barrel forming method generally may include inserting the tube into the sleeve, striking an outer surface of the sleeve, and deforming the sleeve to force material to flow into the recessed exterior surface of the tube to bond the tube and sleeve together. The method of forming may be used to produce long and short barrels for rifles and handguns respectively, and more broadly to produce other composite components unrelated to firearms.
US07934330B2	System for hanging different items on walls The invention relates to a system for hanging items, such a pictures, posters, paintings or the like on walls and other surfaces. The picture (1) shows one or more magnets contacting a fitting which is fastened to the wall by magnetic attractive material to a certain extent in the same plane as the wall. The system makes it possible to adjust the position of the picture both horizontally (16) and vertically (17). The magnet is fastened to the picture in a way which makes it possible for the picture to tilt both around a horizontal and a vertical axis in the same level as the wall and which makes it possible for the picture to equalize potentially differences in the parallelism between the wall fitting and the picture. When hanging the picture the magnet risks furthermore moving away form the picture, which results in the magnet itself, will find its way towards the fitting. The wall fitting has either spikes (13) or friction searching material, which will be pressed into the wall when the fitting is getting fastened with a single screw (14) and thereby prevent the fitting from rotating while the position of the picture is being adjusted. The fitting is constructed with some enhancements. These prevent the magnet from sliding off the fitting, when the position of the picture is being adjusted. The enhancements are constructed with holes which make it possible to release the magnet from the wall fitting in a movement parallel to the level of the wall.
US07934328B2	V-plow cutting edge interface There is provided a v-plow including a first blade and a second blade. Each of the blades are pivotably connected about an axis and moveable through a range of movement. The v-plow includes a pair of wearstrips with one wearstrip coupled to each of the first and second blades. A wearstrip cylinder is coupled to at least one of the wearstrips, with the wearstrip cylinder aligned with the axis. The orientation of the first and second blades, the wearstrips, and the wearstrip cylinder minimize a gap defined between the two blades, throughout the range of movement. Each of the wearstrips include a flange coupled to each of the wearstrips and defining an angle between the flange and the wearstrip. In one embodiment one flange is coupled to the wearstrip cylinder and the other flange is closely adjacent to the wearstrip cylinder, throughout the range of movement of the blades.
US07934327B2	Torsion system for an article of footwear An article of footwear includes a torsion system constructed of a material and configured to allow, in a pre-selected manner, rotation of a forefoot portion of the article of footwear relative to a rearfoot portion of the article of footwear about a longitudinal axis of the article while substantially precluding bending in an intermediate portion thereof.
US07934323B2	Method and a device for the positioning of a displaceable component in an examining system The invention relates to a method and a device for the positioning of a displaceable component in an examining system, particularly a measuring or an analytic system wherein, during the process, the displaceable component is displaced with the support of an actuating element coupled to the displaceable component from a home position into an end position, wherein the actuating element is moved by means of a drive force and the displaceable component is impacted with a fixation force fixating the displaceable component in the end position by way of a fixation component connected to the displaceable component, where the fixation component is submerged at least partially in a reservoir of a medium and is fixated in the medium by means of the transformation of the medium from a liquid state into a solidified state, wherein the medium is transformed from the liquid state into the solidified state by means of the impact-application with a manipulating variable.
US07934320B2	Razor handle having an arcuate profile A razor handle having a front end, a back end opposite the front end, an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a length in a longitudinal direction defined between the front and back ends. The razor handle includes a head portion and a body portion for hand grasping of the razor handle. A first cross-sectional shape of the upper surface is arcuate and has a radius of curvature that increases along the length of the razor handle, from the back end towards a median location located at approximately half the length of the razor handle, and that decreases along the length of the razor handle, from the median location towards the front end. The first cross-section defined by a plane extends from the back end to the front end and is substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces.
US07934315B2	Method of repairing shrouded turbine blades with cracks in the vicinity of the outer shroud notch A method of repairing a damaged notch fillet radius of a turbine blade shroud includes a replacement notch fillet radius and a hardface nugget. The damaged notch fillet radius is blended out and a hardface structure positioned proximate the damaged notch fillet radius is removed. A replacement notch fillet radius is formed with weld filler and the hardface nugget is welded to at least a portion of the replacement notch fillet radius.
US07934313B1	Package structure fabrication method A fabrication method of a package structure includes: preparing a metal plate having first and second surfaces and defined with an active region; forming a wiring layer with conductive traces and first electrical contact pads on the first surface; forming third electrical contact pads corresponding to the first electrical contact pads on the second surface; forming a first encapsulant on the first surface; forming on the second surface an open area to penetrate the metal plate, wherein the metal plate form conductive posts between the first and third electrical contact pads; mounting in the open area a chip electrically connected to the wiring layer; forming a second encapsulant in the open area, the wiring layer and the third electrical contact pads; forming first and second openings in the first and second encapsulants to expose the third electrical contact pads, respectively; and cutting the metal plate to remove the metal layer.
US07934310B2	Process to manufacture a magnetic write head Prior art designs of single pole writers have been limited by premature saturation at the tip. This limits the head field that can be achieved without simultaneously widening the write profile. This problem has bee solved by means of a vertical main pole whose thickness has its conventional value a short distance from the tip but that tapers down to a significantly reduced value as it approaches the tip. A process for manufacturing this tapered tip design is also presented.
US07934309B2	Methods of fabricating exchange-coupling film, magnetoresistive element, and thin-film magnetic head The method of fabricating an exchange-coupling film in accordance with the present invention comprises a multilayer body forming step of forming a multilayer body having an antiferromagnetic layer and a ferromagnetic layer laminated on the antiferromagnetic layer; and an annealing step of annealing the multilayer body in a magnetic field with a maximum temperature higher than a blocking temperature of the multilayer body by 15 to 60° C.
US07934306B2	Method for packaging micro electromechanical systems microphone A method for packaging micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone has steps of providing a base, arranging and mounting multiple microphone component assemblies on the base, providing a frame, mounting the frame on the base, forming multiple microphone units, providing a cover; mounting the microphone units on the cover and forming multiple MEMS microphones. Therefore, the MEMS microphones can be produced once in large quantities to save production time and costs.
US07934302B2	Apparatus and method for removing compressor blades An apparatus and method are provided for removing a blade from a dovetailed slot in a wheel of a rotating machine. At least one device is adapted to apply a pushing force on a first surface of a blade. A turntable for supporting the wheel has indexing capability to advance the wheel by a predetermined amount. The device can be used to remove one or more blades from the wheel.
US07934298B1	Memorials for deceased individuals A book-shaped or rectangular container for the cremated remains or belongings of a deceased individual, that may be placed on a bookshelf. A picture of the decedent, and/or a written description of him or her and his or her life may appear on or be stored within the container. Public or private libraries may have bookshelves holding the containers, as an alternative to traditional tombs and cemeteries. The containers are hermetically sealed if they contain ashes of the deceased. The pictures and/or written descriptions may be permanently bonded on or removably retained to the surface of the container, or stored in a memory card. The containers may be used for the memorialization of pets as well as people.
US07934295B2	Apparatus and method for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres In an apparatus and a method for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres, especially for combing, which is supplied by means of supply device to a fibre-sorting device, especially a combing device, and which is removed by a take-off device, to enable the productivity to be substantially increased and an improved combed bundle to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, which are provided with clamping devices for the fibre bundle, wherein an actuating device for adjusting geometric and/or speed-related variables in the relationship of the rollers to one another are associated with at least one roller.
US07934293B2	Hinge mechanism A hinge mechanism 10 to lift the rear edge of a bonnet 11 of a motor vehicle comprises an upper leaf 13 connected to the bonnet 11, a lower leaf 12 connected to the body structure of the vehicle and a middle leaf 14 connected to the upper leaf 13 and the lower leaf 12. The middle leaf 14 is connected to the upper leaf 13 by means of a stud 16 and a slot 17 connection so as to limit movement of the bonnet from a normal position to a deployed position under an upward force exerted by a lift actuator. The stud 16 and slot 17 connection is provided with a resiliently deformable element 30 arranged at the end of the slot for dissipating impact energy of the stud 16 against the slot 17 during the upward force.
US07934292B2	Hinge mechanism A hinge is disclosed. The hinge can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative to the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range.
US07934291B2	Multi-position magnetic detents Various embodiments for magnetic detent assemblies provide for detent devices with improved performance and manufacturability. In one embodiment, magnetic detent assemblies provide for custom detent positions and custom force profiles by including a pair of unitary magnetic components each having a special geometry. In an embodiment, the changing area of overlap (and hence magnetic flux) between the magnetic components can give rise to the custom detent positions and custom force profiles. In a specific embodiment, the magnetic components can comprise an N-point star shaped geometry, where the number and distribution of the start wings can be varied to define customized detent positions and the contour of the star wings can be varied to create customized force profiles. In other embodiments, devices such as laptop computers and docking stations for handheld electronic devices can implement multi-position detent hinges with the magnetic detent assemblies.
US07934290B2	Door hinge device with fulcrum at variable position An hinge device with fulcrum at variable position for a door (2) of a structure (3) is provided with connecting members, first (4) and second (5), mutually connected and respectively fit to be fixed to the door (2) and to the structure (3) for rotating the door between the extreme closing (C) and the extreme opening (A) in which the door (2), in an operating condition of the structure, is respectively almost vertical and approximately horizontally orientated.The second connecting member (5) has a first fixed pivot (6) and a second fixed pivot (7) for the rotating connection respectively with a first balancing mean (8) and a second balancing mean (9) mutually bound.The end opposite to the first fixed pivot (6) of the first balancing mean (8) is connected by means of a first mobile pivot (10) to an end of the first arm mean (11) having the remaining end connected to the first connecting member (4) by means of a second mobile pivot (12).The end opposite to the second fixed pivot (7) of the second balancing means (9) is connected by means of a third mobile pivot (13) to the first connecting member (4).
US07934289B2	Foldable cross-patterned pull-handle and bag having the same Disclosed is a foldable cross-patterned pull-handle and a bag having the same. The pull-handle includes a folding means having a first link assembly and a second link assembly connected to an end of the first link assembly so that the folding means can be folded and retracted or unfolded and extended, the first link assembly having two links connected to each other so that the links cross each other at a center portion, a first end of the second link assembly being supported on a bag; and a handle means mounted on a second end of the folding means and grabbed by a user with hand. Due to the structural characteristics of the link assemblies constituting the folding means, the length of the bag handle can be adjusted variously by folding or unfolding it, and the bag handle can be installed in a reduced space.
US07934284B2	Toothbrushes Toothbrush heads, e.g., for power toothbrushes, are provided. The toothbrush heads include a support member, a resilient member extending from the support member, and a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the support member and at least partially surrounding the member. The resilient member may be cup-shaped, fan-shaped, or textured.
US07934283B2	Gangway latch A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel and an interface that is attached to the stationary platform. The ramp is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the interface in such a way as to permit no translational and at least one rotational degree-of-freedom at the rig-end of the ramp with respect to the interface. The interface is rotatably coupled to the stationary platform in such a way as to permit a rotation of the interface about the yaw axis. Permitted rotation of the interface enables a range of acceptable angles of orientation between the vessel and the platform.
US07934282B2	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 the step of washing a washing tub with powder detergent and a step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. A method for cleaning a tub in a washing machine includes a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a powder detergent supply step for supplying powder detergent to the washing tub, a powder detergent washing step for washing the washing tub with the powder detergent, a bleaching agent supply step for supplying bleaching agent to the washing tub, and a bleaching agent washing step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent.
US07934281B2	Stain removal process control method using BPM motor feedback Methods for laundering a textile wash load in a washing apparatus comprising the steps of pre-treating a textile wash load using methods that include a detection step selected from an airlock detection step, a water log detection step and combinations thereof.
US07934276B2	End panel for a patient-support apparatus An end panel 312 for a patient-support apparatus 310 includes a main portion 316 and one or more movable portions 330, 332. The movable portions 330, 332 are movable to provide a barrier 318 in a gap between a siderail 360 of the patient-support apparatus 310 and the main portion 316 of the end panel 312.
US07934273B1	Method for relieving suction force in a pool drain Methods of relieving the suction force in a swimming pool or spa. A first method may include the steps of closing an aperture in a hydraulic suction fuse through magnetic force and opening the aperture by increasing suction force within the hydraulic suction fuse. Implementations of hydraulic suction fuses may also utilize a method of adjusting the fuse point of a hydraulic suction fuse. The method may include decoupling a magnet assembly from a first step having a first height, the first step contained in a fuse body contained in the hydraulic suction fuse. The method may also include rotating the magnet assembly and coupling the magnet assembly with a second step having a second height, the second step contained in the fuse body.
US07934270B2	Cold-weather glove To make it easier to remove and insert a covering part via an accommodation part in a cold-weather glove in which the accommodation part is provided to a glove body and in which the covering body, which imparts cold weather protection, is connected to the accommodation part. A side part of the hem part (10) of the glove body (1) is divided, the divided end part of the hem part (10) on the side of the back-of-the-hand part extends towards a side of the glove body (1), and the laterally extending part (11) can be superposed in alignment along the palm part-side of the hem part (10). Releasable holding means (5) is provided for holding the laterally extending part (11) in a superposed state along the palm part-side of the hem part (10). The access opening 4 extends to the laterally extending part (11), and the opening width of the communicating opening part (4A) is increased when the access opening (4) is opened. The access opening (4) is configured so as to be capable of being opened and closed via a fastener (40).
US07934268B2	Odor absorbing system and method An odor absorbing system includes a lower body covering article of clothing configured to be worn by a person. The lower body covering article of clothing includes a base layer comprising a crotch section and leg sections, each of which are connected to the crotch section. The crotch and leg sections are respectively configured to substantially cover the crotch and legs of the person wearing the article of clothing.
US07934267B2	Articles of apparel providing enhanced body position feedback Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.”

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