最新美国发明专利第2011-06-28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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US07968320B2	Stabilized liquid yeast preparation, a method for producing the same, and the use thereof The present invention relates to a novel stabilized liquid yeast preparation which contains a polyhydroxy compound, preferably glycerol, and a gum, comprising carob, guar, tragacanth, arabic or xanthan gum, preferably xanthan gum. The invention also relates to a method for producing said preparation as well as the use of the same.
US07968319B2	Method for producing 1,3-propanediol and 2,3-butanediol from raw starch material The invention discloses a method for producing 1,3-propanediol and 2,3-butanediol from raw starch materials, including the following steps: 1) Candida krusei or Hansenula Arabitolgens Fang are inoculated into a fermentation medium with the saccharifying liquid of the raw starches as a carbon source; the yeast cells are cultured on an aerobic condition until glucose-consuming-rate is significantly reduced, and then fermented anaerobically to a glucose concentration from 5 to 10 g/L; the fermentation broth is collected and filtered to remove the yeast cells in the broth, and the resultant filtrate is glycerin fermentation broth; 2) Klebsiella, Clostridium butyricum, or Clostridium pasteurianum are inoculated into a fermentation medium in which the glycerin fermentation broth obtained from step 1) serves as a carbon source; the bacteria are fermented anaerobically for 30-32 hours, and then fermented aerobically when the production rate of 1,3-propanediol decreased obviously, and the fermentation was stopped when the concentration of glycerin is reduced to a level below 10 g/L, and finally 1,3-propanediol and 2,3-butanediol are obtained. The method of the present invention can effectively reduce production cost and increase productivity.
US07968318B2	Process for conversion of granular starch to ethanol A method is disclosed for producing glucose from a granular starch substrate including, contacting a slurry comprising granular starch obtained from plant material with an alpha-amylase at a temperature below the starch gelatinization temperature of the granular starch to produce oligosaccharides and hydrolyzing the oligosaccharides to produce a mash comprising at least 20% glucose and further comprising fermenting the mash to obtain ethanol.
US07968315B2	Production and purification of IL-29 The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.
US07968314B2	Methods employing a multi-time point IC50 assay for selecting time points for time dependent inhibition assays of a test compound The invention provides a method of evaluating metabolism-based drug interactions. The method involves selecting time points for the determination of the inactivation rate constant of a time-dependent enzyme inhibitor based on the results of a multi-time point IC50 test. Advantageously, with the subject invention, the determination and use of the multi-time point IC50 test provides an indication of the inactivation rate of a test compound and eliminates trial and error tests associated with the selection of appropriate assay conditions for the second assay conducted to determine the inactivation rate constant of the test compound.
US07968310B2	Tagged sialyltransferase proteins The present invention provides modified Campylobacter sialyltransferase proteins that exhibit enhanced expression as compared to its unmodified form. Nucleic acids that encode the sialyltransferase proteins are also included, as are methods to produce and use the sialyltransferase proteins.
US07968309B2	Method for improving the thermostability of sucrose phosphorylase (SP) A sucrose phosphorylase (SP) having improved thermostability obtained by modifying a natural SP and a method for producing the SP having improved thermostability is provided. This SP having improved thermostability has an amino acid residue which is different from that of the natural sucrose phosphorylase, in at least one position selected from the group consisting of a position corresponding to position 14, a position corresponding to position 29 and a position corresponding to position 44 in motif sequence 1; a position corresponding to position 7, a position corresponding to position 19, a position corresponding to position 23 and a position corresponding to position 34 in motif sequence 2; and a position corresponding to position 19 in motif sequence 3, and wherein the enzyme activity of the SP having improved thermostability at 37° C., after heating the SP having improved thermostability in 20 mM Tris buffer (pH 7.0) at 55° C. for 20 minutes, is 20% or more of enzyme activity of the SP having improved thermostability at 37° C. before heating.
US07968306B2	Method for measuring activity of a specific fraction of albumin Methods of measuring the SFA and sPLA2 activities in a mammalian subject are provided. The methods include: providing a substrate comprising a fluorescently labeled carboxylic acid and a negatively charged phospholipid in an organic solvent such as ethanol, mixing the substrate with phospholipase A2 and a biological sample from the subject, and detecting the fluorescence intensity change to determine the SFA and sPLA2 activity in the sample. A decrease in SFA activity in the test sample as compared to the SFA activity in the control sample indicates that the subject has developed or is about to develop inflammation. An increase in sPLA2 activity in the test sample as compared to the sPLA2 activity in the control sample indicates that the subject has developed or is about to develop inflammation. Further disclosed is a kit for practicing the above methods.
US07968305B2	Biochips including ion transport detecting structures and methods of use The present invention recognizes that the determination of ion transport function or property using direct detection methods, such as patch-clamps, whole cell recording or single channel recording, are preferable to methods that utilize indirect detection methods, such as FRET based detection system. The present invention provides biochips and methods of use that allow for the direct analysis of ion transport function or property using microfabricated structures that can allow for automated detection of ion transport function or property. These biochips and methods of use thereof are particularly appropriate for automating the detection of ion transport function or property, particularly for screening purposes.
US07968302B2	Detection of venous thromboembolic diseases by measurement of D-dimers and soluble fibrin levels A method and a test for detecting coagulation activation, in particular when it is responsible for thromboembolic venous diseases; employs assaying D-dimers and assaying the soluble fibrin produced during a fibrinolysis process activated in a blood sample. The method of the invention pertains to comparing the level of D-dimers corresponding to degradation of soluble fibrin and the level of D-dimers of the sample with normal threshold values. The test of the invention may also be used to determine whether anti-coagulation is sufficient in a patient.
US07968299B2	Methods and kits for distinguishing between specific and non-specific protein associations The present invention is method of determining whether or not associations between a given protein and other proteins in a cell are specific. The method comprises (a) providing a first sample of the cells in which the given protein contains a tag, (b) providing a second sample of the same cells, wherein the given protein and the other proteins are metabolically labeled, and wherein neither the given protein nor the other proteins are tagged, (c) mixing and lysing the first cell sample and the second cell sample to provide a mixture of proteins, (d) binding the tag of the given protein to a substrate, (e) isolating proteins associated with the tagged given protein bound to the substrate, whereby the associated proteins comprise: (i) proteins specifically associated with the tagged given protein, (ii) proteins non-specifically associated with the tagged given protein, or (iii) a combination thereof, (f) determining whether each associated protein is unlabeled or a mixture of labeled and unlabeled proteins, wherein if the associated protein is not labeled, then that protein was specifically associated in the cell with the tagged given protein.
US07968298B2	Use of herpesviruses, herpesvirus proteins and nucleic acids encoding the proteins to inhibit CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infection and replication It has been discovered that herpesviruses can trigger an increase in the production of HIV-suppressive chemokines, and that these chemokines block the CCR5 receptor, which is used as a co-receptor with CD4 in the CCR5-tropic forms of HIV-1 that predominate in early stage HIV-1 infection. Use of live, attenuated or killed herpesviruses, or of herpesvirus proteins which trigger an increase in production of HIV-suppressive chemokines, or of nucleic acids encoding those proteins, can likewise be used to prevent establishment of HIV-1 infection or to inhibit HIV-1 replication. The invention provides uses, methods and compositions related to these discoveries.
US07968297B2	Method for identification, isolation and production of antigens to a specific pathogen Described is a method for identification, isolation and production of hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens from a specific pathogen, a tumor, an allergen or a tissue or host prone to autoimmunity, said antigens being suited for use in a vaccine for a given type of animal or for humans, which is characterized by the following steps: —providing an antibody preparation from a plasma pool of said given type of animal or from a human plasma pool or individual sera with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —providing at least one expression library of said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —screening said at least one expression library with said antibody preparation, —identifying antigens which bind in said screening to antibodies in said antibody preparation, —screening the identified antigens with individual antibody preparations from individual sera from individuals with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —identifying the hyperimmune serum-reactive antigen portion of said identified antigens and which hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens bind to a relevant portion of said individual antibody preparations from said individual sera and —optionally isolating said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens and producing said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens by chemical or recombinant methods.
US07968295B2	Bisulfite conversion of DNA The present invention provides an improved method for the bisulfite conversion of DNA, and facilitates the analysis of cytosine methylation of genomic DNA. Novel combinations of denaturing solvents, new reaction conditions and new purification methods provide surprisingly efficacious methods for bisulfite conversion of DNA relative to prior art methods. The converted DNA may subsequently be analyzed by many different methods.
US07968294B2	SLIT2 underexpression in metastatic prostate cancer This invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, this invention relates to SLIT2 cancer markers that are useful as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for prostate cancer.
US07968293B2	IVIG modulation of chemokines for treatment of multiple sclerosis, alzheimer's disease, and parkinson's disease The present invention provides methods for providing a prognosis of treatment of diseases associated with inflammatory disease of the brain, including MS, e.g., relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease using molecular markers that are shown to be overexpressed or underexpressed in patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of MS, e.g., relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
US07968292B2	Compositions and methods for the identification of a carbapenemase gene Compositions and methods for the rapid and sensitive detection of a carbapenemase in a sample is provided. The compositions include novel primer and probe compositions for use in detecting the presence of this enzyme in a sample, particularly using PCR methods. These primers and probe sets can be used in amplification methods (such as PCR, particularly quantitative PCR) and packaged into kits for use in amplification methods for the purpose of detecting carbapenemase in a test sample, particularly a patient sample, particularly a direct sample. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for novel oligonucleotide primers set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 20, and the novel oligonucleotide probe sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 9, 16, and 19. These sequences can be used in a method of detecting carbapenemase in a sample.
US07968290B2	Method of detecting gene A method of detecting a gene including immobilizing a primer for DNA elongation onto an insoluble carrier having on the surface thereof a polymer substance containing a first unit having a phosphorylcholine group and a second unit having a carboxylic acid-derived group having an electron-attractive substituent bound to a carbonyl group; annealing the template DNA fragments or RNA fragments with the primer for DNA elongation, so as to elongate the DNA primer while incorporating therein an enzyme, thereby allowing coloration of a chromogenic reagent by its enzymatic action; and judging whether the DNA fragments or RNA fragments of the gene presents or not, based on the degree of coloration.
US07968289B2	Turn over probes and use thereof for nucleic acid detection The invention provides turnover probes for use in a variety of detection assays, for example, nucleic acid detection assays. In addition, the invention provides assays, for example, nucleic acid detection assays, using such turnover probes.
US07968277B2	Imaging post structures using X and Y dipole optics and a single mask A photolithographic method uses different exposure patterns. In one aspect, a photo-sensitive layer on a substrate is subject to a first exposure using optics having a first exposure pattern, such as an x-dipole pattern, followed by exposure using optics having a second exposure pattern, such as a y-dipole pattern, via the same mask, and with the photo-sensitive layer fixed relative to the mask. A 2-D post pattern with a pitch of approximately 70-150 nm may be formed in a layer beneath the photo-sensitive layer using 157-193 nm UV light, and hyper-numerical aperture optics, in one approach. In another aspect, hard baking is performed after both of the first and second exposures to erase a memory effect of photoresist after the first exposure. In another aspect, etching of a hard mask beneath the photo-sensitive layer is performed after both of the first and second exposures.
US07968266B2	Toner compositions Toner compositions comprising low-melt toner particles and methods of preparing such toner compositions are provided. The toner particles include a polyester-containing binder, a colorant and an optional wax. The binder includes at least one crystalline polyester resin and at one amorphous acidic polyester resin.
US07968263B2	Amine phosphate containing photogenerating layer photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the photogenerating layer contains an amine phosphate.
US07968262B2	Bis(enylaryl)arylamine containing photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a bis(enylaryl)arylamine containing charge transport layer.
US07968260B2	Substrate processing method, computer-readable storage medium, and substrate processing system The present invention has: a first step of measuring, as an initial condition of a substrate, any of a film thickness of a processing film on the substrate, a refractive index of the processing film, an absorption coefficient of the processing film, and a warpage amount of the substrate; a second step of estimating a dimension of a pattern of the processing film after predetermined processing from a previously obtained first relation between the initial condition and the dimension of the pattern of the processing film based on a measurement result of the initial condition; a third step of obtaining a correction value for a processing condition of the predetermined processing from a previously obtained second relation between the processing condition of the predetermined processing and the dimension of the pattern of the processing film based on an estimation result of the dimension of the pattern; a fourth step of correcting the processing condition of the predetermined processing based on the correction value; and a fifth step of performing predetermined processing on the substrate under the corrected processing condition to form the predetermined pattern in the processing film on the substrate.
US07968254B2	Photomask reticle for use in projection exposure, and manufacturing methods therefor A photomask reticle for use in projection exposure to form a resist pattern on a workable film formed over a semiconductor substrate, includes a first area in which a light shield is formed, a second area formed around said first area, a third area formed around said second area; and a fourth area formed around said third area, the areas being formed over a substrate, a relationship between transmissivities of said areas being second area transmissivity>fourth area transmissivity>third area transmissivity>first area transmissivity.
US07968252B2	Pellicle frame The present invention is directed to reduce pellicle frame distortions due to the tension of a pellicle film and caused during handling, thereby providing an excellent pellicle frame capable of reducing the distortion of a photomask due to a pellicle affixation. In the pellicle frame of the present invention, the frame consists of a plurality of layers of which at least one layer has a different elastic modulus. It is preferable to: make the pellicle frame compositely of a layer having an elastic modulus of 10 GPa or smaller and of a layer having an elastic modulus of 50 GPa or greater; join these layers of the pellicle frame in a direction perpendicular to the pellicle film face; laminate such that layers having a large elastic modulus form the outermost layer; or reverse this lamination structure.
US07968251B2	Electrical contact element and bipolar plate In one aspect a substrate such as a sheet metal product, in particular for use as a bipolar plate in a fuel cell or in an electrolyzer, is characterized in that it has, on at least one side, a conductive and corrosion-resistant protective coating of a metal oxide having a treatment which ensures the conductivity. The coating can be produced by introducing a piece of sheet metal into a coating plant and providing it with the conductive and corrosion-resistant protective coating of the metal oxide. In another aspect, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell comprises an electrically conductive contact element having a first surface facing an electrode for conducting electrical current, and the contact element comprises an electrically conductive substrate and an electrically conductive coating comprising a doped metal oxide, desirably a doped tin oxide, and preferably a fluorine doped tin oxide.
US07968246B2	Solid oxide fuel cell A fuel cell has a stack structure in which fired sheet bodies (laminates each including a fuel electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an air electrode layer) and support members for supporting the sheet bodies are stacked in alternating layers. Each of the sheet bodies is warped downward (toward an air-electrode-layer side). Because of a magnitude relationship of thermal expansion coefficient among the layers in the sheet body and that between the support member and the sheet body, a warp height gradually lessens in the course of temperature rise at start-up. However, even when a working temperature (800° C. or the like) is reached, the sheet bodies are still warped downward. By virtue of presence of the warp, the sheet bodies become unlikely to be deformed at the working temperature.
US07968244B2	Fuel supply manifold assembly A fuel supply manifold assembly (20) comprising a manifold (40), one or more supply inlet connections (42), pressure readers (44, 46), a manual turnoff (50), pressure-reducing devices (52,54), a pressure-relieving device (56), a flow-control device (60), and a delivery outlet port (62). The manifold (40) defines a flow path from the supply inlet connection(s) (42) to the delivery outlet port (62). The flow path passes through the pressure readers (44, 46), the manual turnoff (50), pressure-reducing devices (52,54), the pressure-relieving device (56), the flow-control device (60). When installing the fuel supply manifold assembly (20) at a fuel cell site, one inlet connection for each fuel source and one outlet connection is required. No separate connections, tubing, hoses, or other plumbing is required to integrate other the components into the fuel flow path to the anode side of the fuel cell stack.
US07968242B2	Onboard fuel cell system and method of discharging hydrogen-off gas Consumed hydrogen-off gas is discharged from a fuel cell via a hydrogen-off gas exhaust flow passage. Consumed oxygen-off gas is discharged from the fuel cell via an oxygen-off gas exhaust flow passage. The oxygen-off gas flowing through the oxygen-off gas exhaust flow passage and the hydrogen-off gas flowing through the hydrogen-off gas exhaust flow passage are mixed and diluted in a mixing portion. The gases mixed in the mixing portion flow into a combustor via a gas-liquid separator. The combustor, which includes a platinum catalyst, causes hydrogen contained in the mixed gases to react with oxygen by combustion and further reduces the concentration of hydrogen contained in the mixed gases. The mixed gases whose concentration of hydrogen has been reduced by the combustor is discharged to the atmosphere.
US07968240B2	System and method for shorting a fuel cell stack A fuel cell system is provided that includes a fuel cell stack with a plurality of fuel cells and a power converter in electrical communication with the fuel cell stack. The power converter is configured to selectively regulate a power of the fuel cell stack and short circuit the fuel cell stack, as desired. A method for starting the fuel cell stack is also described, including the steps of causing a short circuit of the fuel cell stack by placing the power converter in a short circuit mode; introducing a hydrogen to the anodes of the fuel cell stack to displace a quantity of air on the anodes; and placing the power converter in a power regulation mode. A degradation of the fuel cell stack during start-up is thereby militated against.
US07968238B2	Method for operating fuel cell system A method for operating a fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack composed of a plurality of cells connected in series. The method includes the steps of: (a) supplying a fuel and an oxidant to anodes and cathodes of the cells, respectively, depending on a load to generate power at a constant voltage under constant voltage control; (b) temporarily suspending the supply of the oxidant with the fuel being supplied; and (c) lowering the constant voltage to a predetermined voltage simultaneously with or immediately before the suspension of the supply of the oxidant. According to this operation method, when the supply of the oxidant is suspended, a platinum catalyst in the cathodes can be reduced and reactivated in all the cells.
US07968237B2	PEM-SOFC hybrid power generation systems A hybrid fuel cell system comprising a solid-oxide fuel cell system, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system, a hydrocarbon reformer and a hydrogen separator. A large PEM provides output power, such as motive power for a vehicle, using hydrogen storage that may be resupplied from a separate hydrogen refilling station or from the onboard reformer. The SOFC is preferably small and provides heat and exhaust water that, when recycled into the reformer, allow the reformer to operate endothermically without requiring atmospheric air, thus excluding nitrogen from the reformate stream. Alternatively, the reformer and SOFC are stationary at a base station and the PEM is aboard the vehicle. The SOFC and reformer have sufficient capacity to recharge hydrogen storage in the vehicle in a relatively short period of time, such as overnight.
US07968235B2	Long life lithium batteries with stabilized electrodes The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having stabilization additives and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, a first additive that is a substituted or unsubstituted organoamine, substituted or unsubstituted alkane, substituted or unsubstituted alkene, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl compound, and/or a second additive that is a metal(chelato)borate. When used in electrochemical devices with, e.g., lithium manganese oxide spinel electrodes, the new electrolytes provide batteries with improved calendar and cycle life.
US07968234B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium secondary battery comprising same An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery includes lithium salts, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and additive compounds, which initiates decomposition at 4V to 5V and show a constant current maintenance plateau region of more than or equal to 0.5V at measurement of LSV (linear sweep voltammetry). The additive compounds added to the electrolyte of the present invention decompose earlier than the organic solvent to form a conductive polymer layer on the surface of a positive electrode by increased electrochemical energy and heat at overcharge. The conductive polymer layer prevents decomposition of the organic solvent. Accordingly, the electrolyte inhibits gas generation caused by decomposition of the organic solvent during high temperature storage, and also improves safety of the battery during overcharge.
US07968233B2	Lithium inks and electrodes and batteries made therefrom Lithium metal powder based inks are provided. The inks are provided in formulations suitable for printing using a variety of printing techniques, including screen printing, offset litho printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, pad printing and inkjet printing. The inks include lithium metal powder, a polymer binder and optionally electrically conductive materials and/or lithium salts in a solvent. The inks are well suited for use in printing electrodes for use in lithium metal batteries. Batteries made from lithium powder based anodes and electronic applications such as RFID labels, Smart Cards and wearable medical devices are also provided.
US07968231B2	Electrode materials and lithium battery systems A material comprising a lithium titanate comprising a plurality of primary particles and secondary particles, wherein the average primary particle size is about 1 nm to about 500 nm and the average secondary particle size is about 1 μm to about 4 μm. In some embodiments the lithium titanate is carbon-coated. Also provided are methods of preparing lithium titanates, and devices using such materials.
US07968230B2	High discharge capacity lithium battery A lithium/iron disulfide electrochemical battery cell with a high discharge capacity. The cell has a lithium negative electrode, an iron disulfide positive electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode mixture containing the iron disulfide contains highly packed solid materials, with little space around the solid particles, to provide a high concentration of iron disulfide within the mixture. The separator is thin, to allow more space within the cell for active materials, yet strong enough to prevent short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes under abusive conditions, even when swelling of the cathode during cell discharge places additional stressed on the separator. As a result, the ratio of the interfacial capacity of the positive electrode to the electrode interfacial volume is high, as is the actual capacity on low rate/low power and high rate/high power discharge.
US07968228B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery including an electrode assembly having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator being wound together, a can for receiving the electrode assembly; the can having an opening. A cap assembly includes a cap plate having an electrolyte injection hole, the cap assembly sealing the opening of the can. A lead plate is welded to an exterior-facing surface of the cap plate so as to cover the electrolyte injection hole and a protection circuit board is electrically coupled to the cap assembly. At least one positioning member is located to be aligned with at least one edge of the lead plate, the at least one positioning member defining a region for receiving the lead plate.
US07968218B2	Metal carbonitride layer and method for the production thereof A method for coating a tool or tool part, includes providing a base structure of the tool or the tool part at a temperature of 850° C. to 950° C. and applying at least one layer to the base structure. One or more layers of the at least one layer is formed of a metal carbonitride of composed of at least one of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum and chromium. The one or more layers of the at least one layer is deposited by a deposition of a gas containing methane, nitrogen and at least one metal compound. After beginning the applying, the temperature is increased by at least 40° C. to an increased temperature and the deposition is continued for a time at the increased temperature.
US07968217B2	Articles for high temperature service and methods for their manufacture An article for use in aggressive environments is presented. In one embodiment, the article comprises a substrate and a self-sealing and substantially hermetic sealing layer disposed over the bondcoat. The substrate may be any high-temperature material, including, for instance, silicon-bearing ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. A method for making such articles is also presented. The method comprises providing a substrate; disposing a self-sealing layer over the substrate; and heating the sealing layer to a sealing temperature at which at least a portion of the sealing layer will flow.
US07968216B2	Internal gear pump There have been demands for transparent electrode materials and magnetic materials, each having a wide range of applications. In view of the situations, a novel functional device and a method for forming an oxide material are provided. A functional device includes an AlxGayInzN layer (wherein 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, and 0≦z≦1) and an oxide material layer composed of a metal oxide and formed on the AlxGayInzN layer. The metal oxide may be TiO2. The present invention provides a functional device that includes a group III nitride layer having excellent physical and chemical properties and a film integrally formed thereon. The film reflects less light at the interface and has chemical resistance and high durability.
US07968209B2	Diffusion-hardened medical implant The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.
US07968198B2	Polyurea coating comprising a polyamine/mono(meth)acrylate reaction product Coating compositions comprising a polyurea formed from a reaction mixture comprising isocyanate and a (meth)acrylated amine are disclosed. The (meth)acrylated amine is the reaction product of a polyamine and a mono(meth)acrylate; the ratio of equivalents of isocyanate groups to equivalents of amine groups is greater than 1 and the isocyanate and the (meth)acrylated amine reaction product can be applied to a substrate at a volume mixing ratio of 1:1. Methods for using the coatings, and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed.
US07968196B2	Circuit-connecting material and circuit terminal connected structure and connecting method A circuit-connecting material interposed between mutually-facing circuit electrodes, and electrically connecting the electrodes, either by direct contact, or via conductive particles present in the material. The circuit-connecting material features: (1) a curing agent capable of generating free radicals upon heating; (2) a radical-polymerizable substance, and two or more microscopically separated phases. The two or more microscopically separated phases include an elastomer phase of carboxyl-group-containing elastomer and a phenoxy resin phase of a phenoxy resin having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.
US07968195B2	Dicing tape laminated with adhesive sheet of polymer, epoxy resin and filler The invention provides an adhesive sheet which can be stuck to a wafer at low temperatures of 100° C. or below, which is soft to the extent that it can be handled at room temperature, and which can be cut simultaneously with a wafer under usual cutting conditions; a dicing tape integrated type adhesive sheet formed by lamination of the adhesive sheet and a dicing tape; and a method of producing a semiconductor device using them. In order to achieve this object, the invention is characterized by specifying the breaking strength, breaking elongation, and elastic modulus of the adhesive sheet in particular numerical ranges.
US07968194B2	Dicing tape laminated with adhesive sheet of polymer, thermosetting resin and filler The invention provides an adhesive sheet which can be stuck to a wafer at low temperatures of 100° C. or below, which is soft to the extent that it can be handled at room temperature, and which can be cut simultaneously with a wafer under usual cutting conditions; a dicing tape integrated type adhesive sheet formed by lamination of the adhesive sheet and a dicing tape; and a method of producing a semiconductor device using them. In order to achieve this object, the invention is characterized by specifying the breaking strength, breaking elongation, and elastic modulus of the adhesive sheet in particular numerical ranges.
US07968190B2	PTFE fabric articles and method of making same Unique PTFE fabric structures, and methods for making same, are described which comprise a plurality of PTFE fibers overlapping at intersections, at least a portion of the intersections having PTFE masses which mechanically lock the overlapping PTFE fibers.
US07968185B1	Transparent conductive laminated body A transparent conductive laminated body comprising: a transparent film substrate having a thickness of 2 to 200 μm, and a first transparent dielectric thin film, a second transparent dielectric thin film and a transparent conductive thin film that are formed on one side of the substrate in this order from the side of the substrate, wherein the first transparent dielectric thin film is formed by vacuum deposition, sputtering or ion plating and comprises a complex oxide containing 0 to 20 parts by weight of tin oxide and 10 to 40 parts by weight of cerium oxide relative to 100 parts by weight of indium oxide, and the relationship: n2
US07968184B2	Erosion resistant surface and method of making erosion resistant surfaces An erosion resistant surface using a dense array of elastic whiskers to slow the velocity of erosive particles before impacting with the surface. A carbon nanotube forest is grown on the surface to provide the erosion resistance. In the alternative, a carbon nanotube forest is grown on a flexible substrate that is bonded to the surface.
US07968181B2	Antireflection film and polarizing plate and image display device using same An antireflection film comprises: at least one layer containing fine pores; and an antistatic layer, wherein the antistatic layer and one of said at least one layer containing fine pores are the same or different; and wherein, when a surface of the antireflection film is brought into contact with water for 15 minutes, a wiped portion of the surface shows a chromaticity change, ΔE, of 0.45 or less in the CIE 1976 Lab* color space measured under a standard illuminant D65.
US07968179B2	Pre-impregnated composite materials with improved performance Pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided that can be molded to form composite parts that have high levels of both strength and damage tolerance without causing any substantial negative impact upon the physical or chemical characteristics of the uncured prepreg or cured part. This is achieved by including in the matrix resin a substantial amount of a multifunctional aromatic epoxy resin that has at least one phenyl group that is meta-substituted.
US07968172B2	Coextruded profiled webs A nonplanar, thermoplastic polymeric film having a top surface, a bottom surface, a midline, and a series of peaks and valleys oscillating around the midline and forming continuous ridges in a first direction on both the top surface and the bottom surface of the film. The nonplanar, thermoplastic polymeric film has two or more polymer layers with at least one polymer layer partitioned disproportionally in the peaks such that at least two of the two or more polymer layers vary in thickness across the width of the nonplanar, thermoplastic polymeric film.
US07968171B2	Three-dimensional reverse tanking membranes Shaped waterproofing membranes having three-dimensional contours are useful for the “reverse tanking” waterproofing of detail areas such as those presented by “tiebacks,” pipes, pile caps, and other irregularities that occur on concrete formworks and other civil construction or building surfaces. A preferred method for making such membranes is to thermoform a membrane laminate, having a carrier support sheet, waterproofing adhesive, and optionally a protective coating layer, as a single unit.
US07968166B2	Optical recording system Systems and method for optically recording data. One system comprises a disc comprising a substrate and a markable coating on said substrate, the markable coating having a thickness less than 1 μm and comprising: a matrix; and a color-forming agent included in the matrix and comprising a leuco dye and developer; wherein the leuco dye is selected to change from high reflectance of radiation with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nm to low reflectance of radiation with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nm when activated by the application of energy above a threshold level; and a marking light source positioned so as to illuminate the disc in a desired manner.
US07968162B2	Multilayer dose A dose of multilayer synthetic resin for the realization of multilayer objects by compression molding, said dose having an axis of symmetry and comprising a first synthetic resin (2) and at least one fine functional layer (3) of synthetic resin forming the outer shell of a body of revolution defined about said axis of symmetry, said body of revolution comprising two ends disposed in a direction parallel to the axis of symmetry, said dose being characterized in that the functional layer (3) is imprisoned in said first synthetic resin (2), totally or in such a way that no more than a single one of said ends is not imprisoned in said first resin (2).
US07968158B2	Liquid crystal alignment layer and methods of making thereof The present invention relates to a liquid crystal alignment layer used in a liquid crystal cell, which is capable of providing high pretilt angles.
US07968157B2	Discotic nematic material, composition, retardation plate, elliptically-polarizing plate and compound A discotic nematic material comprising a compound of R1—H1—Ar—H2—R wherein Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring; H1 and H2 represent an aromatic hetero ring; and R1 and R2 represent a substituent having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms. The discotic nematic material contains a discotic liquid-crystal compound having a smaller number of side branches and capable of expressing an ND phase.
US07968155B2	Optically anisotropic material, liquid crystal display device and triphenylene compound An optically anisotropic material comprising at least one discotic compound having a cyclopropylcarbonyl group. The material is excellent in both the wavelength dispersion property and the refractive index anisotropy.
US07968154B2	Atomisation of a precursor into an excitation medium for coating a remote substrate The invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying and forming a coating on a substrate surface by the application of at least one atomized coating forming material onto the substrate to form the coating. The atomized coating forming material, upon leaving a suitable atomizer which can be an ultrasonic nozzle or nebulizer for example, passes through an exciting medium and, upon leaving the exciting medium, passes to the substrate. The substrate is positioned remotely from the exciting medium.
US07968152B2	Methods of making penetration resistant composites A penetration resistant composite comprises a substrate material comprising woven, layered or intertwined polarized strands of glass, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite fibers, a salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, double metal salts and/or mixtures of two or more thereof or a metal hydride polar bonded on the surface of said fibers and/or strands of fibers at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a substantially water impermeable coating thereon.
US07968150B2	Method of surface treatment using imidazole compound It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel imidazole alcohol compound that adheres strongly to metal surfaces in metal products, especially copper, aluminum and steel products, and that has a superior rust-preventive effect even in a thin film, and a surface-treating agent using the same. The novel imidazole alcohol compound is expressed by the following general formula (1) show a rust-preventive effect. (In general formula (1), R1, R2 and R3 are each hydrogen, a vinyl group or an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an aromatic ring may be formed by R2 and R3, X indicates hydrogen, an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a substituent group which may contain N or O, m indicates an integer from 0 to 20, and n and l indicate integers from 1 to 3.) The above-mentioned imidazole alcohol compound can be produced by reacting an imidazole compound and an epoxy alcohol compound.
US07968146B2	Hybrid layers for use in coatings on electronic devices or other articles A method for forming a coating over a surface is disclosed. The method comprises depositing over a surface, a hybrid layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric material and a non-polymeric material. The hybrid layer may have a single phase or comprise multiple phases. The hybrid layer is formed by chemical vapor deposition using a single source of precursor material. The chemical vapor deposition process may be plasma-enhanced and may be performed using a reactant gas. The precursor material may be an organo-silicon compound, such as a siloxane. The hybrid layer may comprise various types of polymeric materials, such as silicone polymers, and various types of non-polymeric materials, such as silicon oxides. By varying the reaction conditions, the wt % ratio of polymeric material to non-polymeric material may be adjusted. The hybrid layer may have various characteristics suitable for use with organic light-emitting devices, such as optical transparency, impermeability, and/or flexibility.
US07968141B2	Method for producing contact terminal with textured surface and use thereof The invention relates to a method for producing a contact terminal for electrical matters made of copper or a copper-base alloy in order to increase the reliability and lifetime of the contact terminal. According to the invention a textured structure is formed on the surface of the contact terminal by rolling of patterns. The invention also relates to a use of a textured structure based on cavities formed on the surface of a contact terminal for preserving a lubricant.
US07968139B2	Packaged beverages Provided is a packaged beverage, which comprises, in the dissolved form, catechins composed of the following non-polymer component (A) and another non-polymer component (B): (A) non-epi-catechins, (b) epi-catechins, and has, per 500 mL of the packaged beverage, said components in amounts satisfying the following equations: (A)+(B)=460 to 2500 mg (i) (A)=160 to 2250 mg (ii) (A)/(B)=0.54 to 9.0. (iii) The packaged beverages of the present invention are excellent in stability of color tone and transparent appearance even after long-term storage, have smooth feeling in the throat upon drinking, and have good palatability; and in addition, have PPAR-dependent gene transcription activating effects which are safe and effective for prevention and alleviation of obesity.
US07968136B2	Apparatus and method for extracting pomegranate seeds from pomegranates Apparatus for extracting pomegranate seeds from pomegranates including a pomegranate breaker operative for breaking open pomegranates generally without cutting pomegranate seeds at the interior of the pomegranates and a pomegranate seed extractor operative to engage broken open pomegranates for separating the pomegranate seeds from other parts of the pomegranates.
US07968134B2	Films comprising a liquid-absorbant inner layer and an impermeable outer layer Films comprising a liquid-absorbant layer and an impermeable layer are provided. Processes for manufacturing these films is also provided. The films are suitable for preparation of tubular casings and shrinkbags, in particular, casings for smoked foodstuffs. Also described are foodstuffs processed in the tubular casings.
US07968132B2	Dual compartment sandwich containers having a hinged divider and removable hot/cold pack A durable, reusable dual compartment sandwich container having upper and lower compartments that are pivotally connected to one another and separated by a rotatable divider. One or more slices of bread or an elongated sandwich roll is carried within the upper compartment and the ingredients for a sandwich are carried in the lower compartment. The divider is rotated over top of the lower compartment so as to segregate the wet ingredients from the dry bread and thereby prevent the bread from becoming soggy. A removable hot/cold pack is also carried within the lower compartment to provide heat or cold to the sandwich ingredients over a prolonged period of time in order to avoid the premature spoilage of the ingredients prior to consumption. In one embodiment, each of the upper and lower compartments, the divider and the hot/cold pack is shaped to resemble a slice of bread, so that in the closed configuration, the overall appearance of the sandwich container is that of a sandwich, whereby to provide a visual indication of the intended use thereof.
US07968128B2	Plant extract compositions for affecting sleep A composition for affecting physiological sleep disorders comprising a therapeutically effective amount of Baiziren extract or any of its derivatives, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may additionally comprise a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of a Suanzaoren extract and a Yuanzhi extract, or mixtures thereof.
US07968127B2	Reverse vitamin K effect via photodynamic oxidation targeted at vascular endothelium, fibrin and blood platelets A formulation or preparation for treating and preventing arterial and venous thrombi is provided. This preparation includes a non-metal containing photodynamic dye and a fat soluble vitamin. A method of administration for treatment and prophylaxis of arterial and venous thrombi is also provided. This method includes steps of: combining a non-metal containing photodynamic dye and a fat soluble vitamin; combining the non-metal containing photodynamic dye and fat soluble vitamin with a sodium solution; and administering the combination of non-metal containing photodynamic dye, fat soluble vitamin, and sodium solution as an intravenous drip.
US07968120B2	Modified release dosage forms In one embodiment a dosage form comprises at least one active ingredient and a molded matrix which comprises 10-100% of a material having a melting point of less than about 100 degrees C. selected from the stamp consisting of thermoplastic polyalkylene oxides, low melting hydrophobic materials, thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic starches and combinations thereof, and the matrix is capable of providing modified release of the active ingredient upon contacting of the dosage form with a liquid medium. The dosage form may additionally comprise uncoated particles which may contain at least one active ingredient. In another embodiment, a dosage form comprises at least one active ingredient, a plurality of particles and a molded matrix, wherein at least a portion of the particles are coated. The coated particles, the matrix or both may comprise at least one active ingredient, and the coated particles or the matrix or a combination thereof is capable of providing modified release of the active ingredient upon contacting of the dosage form with a liquid medium.
US07968119B2	Tamper-proof narcotic delivery system A composition for oral, transdermal or subdermal administration to a subject is described. The composition contains: (a) an agonist component; (b) an antagonist component containing at least one antagonist and having a delayed time of release; and (c) an immediate release antagonist removal component, where the subject includes a gastrointestinal tract and the antagonist removal component is present in an amount sufficient to substantially remove the antagonist component from the gastrointestinal tract of the subject before the time of release of the antagonist component. The composition may be delivered to the subject by a method which includes the step of administering the composition orally, transdermally or subdermally to the subject. When the composition of the present invention is administered orally, the method of the present invention may include the step of administering a potassium compound to the subject.
US07968118B2	Anti-acid pharmaceutical composition in powder form and process for making it An anti-acid pharmaceutical composition for the rapid and prolonged neutralization of gastric acidity with mucosa-protecting activity in powder form to prepare, by dispersion in water, a pharmaceutical solution or suspension for oral use characterized in that the composition includes sodium alginate; an anti-acid soluble agent or a combination of anti-acids; an inhibitor of proton pump; diluent and sweetening agents, wherein a) at least 30% of sodium alginate present in the formulation along with the total of the inhibitor of proton pump are homogeneously distributed over the surface of the total soluble anti-acid agent of the combination of anti-acids of the composition; and b) the rest, about 70%, of sodium alginate present in the formulation contains a percentage of humidity of less than 2%.
US07968117B1	Externally triggered microcapsules Disclosed are microcapsules comprising a polymer shell enclosing one or more immiscible liquid phases in which a drug or drug precursor are contained in a liquid phase. The microparticles also contain magnetic particles that can be heated by application of an external magnetic field and thus heated to a predetermined Curie temperature. Heating of the particles melts the polymer shell and releases the drug without causing heating of surrounding tissues.
US07968110B2	Tissue augmentation material and method A material and method for augmenting soft tissue. The tissue augmentation material consists essentially of water and a polysaccharide gel former selected from the group consisting of a cellulose polysaccharide, starch, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, hydrophobe modified polysaccharide, an alginate, a carrageenan, agar, agarose, an intramolecular complex of a polysaccharide, an oligosaccharide and a macrocylic polysaccharide. Glycerin may also be included. The material may be used to augment soft tissue in a variety of areas, including the facial region and vocal folds.
US07968108B2	Hydrogen cyanamide pesticide formulations Agricultural crops are protected from the growth of undesirable vegetation as well as nematode and insect infestations, by the application of hydrogen cyanamide in combination with a short-chain, water-soluble monocarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid, the acid containing 1-3 carboxy groups and either no hydroxy groups or 1-3 hydroxy groups.
US07968107B2	Oil-based suspension concentrates New, oil-based suspension concentrates composed of at least one room-temperature-solid active agrochemical substance, at least one “closed” penetrant, at least one vegetable oil or mineral oil, at least one nonionic surfactant and/or at least one anionic surfactant, and optionally one or more additives from the groups of the emulsifiers, foam inhibitors, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants and/or inert filler materials, a process for producing these suspension concentrates and their use for applying the active substances comprised.
US07968100B2	Surface proteins from coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus that generate cross-reactive monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies Surface proteins are provided which generate polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which are cross-reactive to both coagulase-positive staphylococcus bacteria, such as S. aureus and to coagulase-negative bacteria, such as S. epidermidis and S. hemolyticus. The antibodies may be generated from surface proteins that have been isolated on the basis of characteristics that may be common between S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, or the A domains of those surface proteins, and these recombinant surface proteins are used to generate the cross-reactive antibodies. Vaccines comprising an immunologically effective amount of the proteins are also provided, and these vaccines are used in methods for the treatment or protection against a wide variety of staphylococcal infections.
US07968099B2	Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 193P1E1B useful in treatment and detection of cancer A novel gene (designated 193P1E1B) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 193P1E1B exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 193P1E1B provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 193P1E1B 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 191P1E1B can be used in active or passive immunization.
US07968097B2	Identification of Hla-A2-presented T-cell epitopes derived from the oncofoetal antigen-immature laminin receptor protein and uses thereof The present invention relates to the immunotherapB of cancer, in particular several tumor entities including hematological malignancies. The present invention relates to tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides, that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, the present invention relates to two novel peptide sequences derived from HLA class I or II molecules of human oncofoetal antigen immature laminin receptor (OFA/iLR), which can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.
US07968092B2	Human binding molecule against CD1a The present invention provides human binding molecules that specifically bind to CD1a, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of neoplastic disorders and diseases.
US07968091B2	Methods and compositions to regulate iron metabolism The present invention provides new systems and strategies for the regulation of iron metabolism in mammals. In particular, methods of using agonists and antagonists of TGF-β superfamily members to modulate the expression or activity of hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, are described. The inventive methods find applications in the treatment of diseases associated with iron overload, such as juvenile hemochromatosis and adult hemochromatosis, and in the treatment of diseases associated with iron deficiency, such as anemia of chronic disease and EPO resistant anemia in end-stage of renal disease. The present invention also relates to screening tools and methods for the development of novel drugs and therapies for treating iron metabolism disorders.
US07968090B2	Nucleic acids and corresponding proteins entitled 191P4D12(b) useful in treatment and detection of cancer A novel gene 191P4D12(b) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 191P4D12(b) exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 191P4D12(b) provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 191P4D12(b) 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 191P4D12(b) can be used in active or passive immunization.
US07968083B2	Methods of manufacturing deodorants, and deodorants resulting thereof This invention provides a deodorant capable of releasing deodorant agents at certain temperatures and having improved adherence to textiles. The deodorant of this invention includes polymer particles formed by reacting a main monomer of (N-substituted alkyl)acrylamide, a functional monomer for bonding the polymer particles to a fibrous substrate, and a cross-linking agent. A deodorant agent is loaded to the polymer particles.
US07968080B2	Somatostatin analogs with inhibitory activity to growth hormone release Provided are therapeutic and diagnostic somatostatin analogs including radiotherapeutic and radiodiagnostic reagents, and methods of making and use thereof.
US07968078B2	Method of producing hydrogen using amino acids Provided is a method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid. The method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid includes: (a) mixing a metal borohydride and a zwitterionic material; (b) adding a solvent thereto to dissolve the mixture; and (c) generating hydrogen from the solution. The provided method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid can reduce manufacturing costs, reduce a heating value of hydrogen during hydrolysis, increase a hydrogen generation rate, and allow a hydrogen generating apparatus to be small in size.
US07968073B2	Stable aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes Methods of producing stable dispersions of single-walled carbon nanotube structures in solutions are achieved utilizing dispersal agents. The dispersal agents are effective in substantially solubilizing and dispersing single-walled carbon nanotube structures in aqueous solutions by coating the structures and increasing the surface interaction between the structures and water. Exemplary agents suitable for dispersing nanotube structures in aqueous solutions include synthetic and natural detergents having high surfactant properties, deoxycholates, cyclodextrins, chaotropic salts and ion pairing agents. The dispersed nanotube structures may further be deposited on a suitable surface in isolated and individualized form to facilitate easy characterization and further processing of the structures.
US07968071B2	XLi2MgHn hydrides as hydrogen storage compounds State-of-the-art electronic structure calculations provide the likelihood of the availability of AlLi2MgHn, ScLi2MgHn, TiLi2MgHn, VLi2MgHn, CrLi2MgHn, MnLi2MgHn, FeLi2MgHn, CoLi2MgHn, NiLi2MgHn, CuLi2MgHn, ZnLi2MgHn, GaLi2MgHn, GeLi2MgHn, PdLi2MgHn, AgLi2MgHn, CdLi2MgHn, InLi2MgHn, SnLi2MgHn, SbLi2MgHn, PtLi2MgHn, AuLi2MgHn, HgLi2MgHn, TlLi2MgHn, PbLi2MgHn, and BiLi2MgHn (here n is an integer having a value in a particular compound of 4-7) as solid hydrides for the storage and release of hydrogen. Different hydrogen contents may be obtained in compounds having the same XLi2Mg crystal structures. These materials offer utility for hydrogen storage systems.
US07968070B2	Process for the production of metal oxide powders Process for the production of a metal oxide powder having a BET surface area of at least 20 m2/g by reacting an aerosol with oxygen in a reaction space at a reaction temperature of more than 700° C. and then separating the resulting powder from gaseous substances in the reaction space, wherein the aerosol is obtained by atomisation using a multi-component nozzle of at least one starting material, as such in liquid form or in solution, and at least one atomising gas, the volume-related mean drop diameter D30 of the aerosol is from 30 to 100 μm and the number of aerosol drops larger than 100 μm is up to 10%, based on the total number of drops, and metal oxide powder obtainable by this process.
US07968063B2	Mercury removal apparatus for liquid hydrocarbon A mercury removal apparatus for a liquid hydrocarbon includes a conversion device which converts a mercury component in a raw liquid hydrocarbon into elemental mercury to obtain a first liquid hydrocarbon containing the elemental mercury. The apparatus also includes a first stripping device which brings the first liquid hydrocarbon into counter-current contact with a first stripping gas, thereby transferring the elemental mercury in the first liquid hydrocarbon to the first stripping gas to obtain (i) a second liquid hydrocarbon in which the amount of the elemental mercury decreases and (ii) a first gaseous hydrocarbon containing the elemental mercury.
US07968062B1	Drug disposal and verification device A drug disposal and verification device includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has an injection port for receiving wasted drug solution and a disposal volume. A positive displacement flow measuring device positioned between the injection port and the disposal volume is used to measure the volume of wasted drug solution injected into the device. The positive displacement flow measuring device is also adapted to divert a small portion of the wasted drug solution to the second chamber. The second chamber holds a breakable test reagent ampule for quantitative testing of the wasted drug solution. The disposal volume of the first chamber may include at least one test strip for qualitative testing of the wasted drug solution.
US07968061B2	Microplate with dialysis membrane A microplate is provided herein having a plate body with at least one well formed therein, the well having a first open end, a second end, an aperture being formed in the second end, and a side wall extending between the first end and the second end. The microplate further has a dialysis membrane extending at least partially across the aperture formed in the second end. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a microplate is provided with a dialysis membrane which allows not only for removal of certain solutes from a solution (high or low molecular weight solutes), but also allows for separation of macromolecular mixtures. Accordingly, a solution may be manipulated with the subject invention to have its concentration altered, to be desalted, and/or to be fractionated.
US07968057B2	Autoclave A waste treatment apparatus having an autoclave that includes a pressure vessel (11) having a first mouth part (20) to receive waste material and a second mouth part (19) to discharge treated material, with the autoclave being rotatable at a longitudinal axis to agitate the waste material during treatment and to discharge waste material from the autoclave.
US07968056B2	Method and apparatus for transferring pipette tips A method and apparatus for transferring pipette tips is presented which includes first and second members that are assembled and interlocked with one another to move the apparatus into locked and unlocked positions. The first member includes plugs for retaining the large diameter end of pipette tips and the second member includes small projections capable of contacting an outer surface of the pipette tips while they are positioned on the plugs of the first member to lock the pipette tips in place for transfer.
US07968053B2	Chlorine analyzing apparatus A chlorine analyzing apparatus includes a reaction tube of a double tube structure with an inner tube for receiving a sample and an outer tube for recovering hydrogen chloride. An electric furnace has a reaction tube insertion hole into which the reaction tube is inserted. The electric furnace is equipped with a heater disposed around the reaction tube insertion hole. A titration cell receives acetic acid as an electrolyte and subjects hydrogen chloride withdrawn from the reaction tube to coulometric titration. A deodorization tube is disposed on a rear stage side of the titration cell for thermally decomposing a vapor of acetic acid discharged from the titration cell. The deodorization tube is fitted into the electric furnace.
US07968051B2	Clinical laboratory apparatus A clinical laboratory apparatus includes a plurality of reaction cuvettes, a first dispenser, a second dispenser, a controller, and an analyzer. A subject sample and a reagent are mixed in each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes. The first dispenser is configured to dispense the subject sample into each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes. The second dispenser is configured to dispense the reagent into each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes so that the subject sample and the reagent are mixed. The controller is configured to categorize the plurality of reaction cuvettes into at least first and second groups, to designate at least first and second analysis items among two or more analysis items with respect to the subject sample, to control the second dispenser to avoid dispensing the reagent relevant to the first analysis item into the second group of the reaction cuvettes. The analyzer is configured to analyze a mixed result.
US07968050B2	Method for sterilization of hydrogel contact lenses The present invention provides an aqueous solution for sterilizing and storing ophthalmic devices, preferably a contact lens, made of a hydrogel material, preferably a poly(oxyalkylene)-containing hydrogel material. The solution comprises one or more organic buffer agents, such as a Good buffer or a bis-aminopolyols; an organic tonicity-adjusting agent with multiple hydroxyl groups in an amount sufficient to provide an osmolarity of from about 200 to about 450 mosm/l, wherein the aqueous solution has a pH of from about 5.5 to about 8.5, provided that the aqueous solution include phosphate buffer at a concentration of about 15 mM or less and about 5000 ppm sodium chloride. The present invention also provides a method for sterilizing and storing an ophthalmic device using an aqueous solution of the invention.
US07968043B2	Ceramic substrate production process and ceramic substrate produced using the process An auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body, having a step portion in a principal surface thereof, has an unfired ceramic body and an auxiliary layer which is adhered to one principal surface of the unfired ceramic body and which is made of a material that is substantially unsinterable at a temperature at which the unfired ceramic body is fired. The auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body is fired at a temperature at which the unfired ceramic body is sinterable but the auxiliary layer is substantially unsinterable, while the auxiliary layer remains adhered to the unfired ceramic body. A pressing operation is performed using a die having a projection placed on the side of the auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body retaining the auxiliary layer, so that the step portion, having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the die projection, is formed in the side of the auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body retaining the auxiliary layer.
US07968037B2	Polymer rods for spinal applications A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque.
US07968034B2	Base-coat in-mold coating A coating composition for a fiber-reinforced plastic includes an aliphatic resin such as a saturated aliphatic ester intermediate polyurethane having terminal acrylate end groups, a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate, a polyacrylate ester of an alkylene polyol, and a vinyl substituted aromatic.
US07968020B2	Hot asphalt cooling and pelletization process Systems and methods for pelletizing hot asphaltenes are provided. Asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be dispersed to provide two or more asphaltenic particles. The asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be at a temperature of from about 175° C. to about 430° C. The asphaltenic particles can be contacted with a film of cooling medium. The film can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 500 mm. At least a portion of the asphaltenic particles can be solidified by transferring heat from the asphaltenic particles to the cooling medium to provide solid asphaltenic particles. The solid asphaltenic particles can be separated from at least a portion of the cooling medium.
US07968017B2	Stamper for optical disc, method for manufacturing optical disc, and optical disc This invention relates to a stamper for optical disc and a method for manufacturing an optical disc by using this stamper. A photoresist is applied to a substrate (2) and this photoresist is exposed, developed and then transferred to form a disc master which has a recess/protrusion pattern formed on its one side. The one side of the disc master (20) is etched to narrow the width of a protruding part constituting the recess/protrusion pattern, and the recess/protrusion pattern of the disc master (20) with the reduced width of the protruding part is transferred to form a stamper (30). The recess/protrusion pattern provided on the stamper (30) is transferred to form a predetermined pattern on a substrate of an optical disc.
US07968015B2	Light-emitting diode device for voltage switchable dielectric material having high aspect ratio particles One or more embodiments provide for a light emitting diode device that utilizes voltage switchable dielectric material having semi-conductive or conductive materials that have a relatively high aspect ratio.
US07968011B2	Conductive ink A conductive ink comprising 10 to 75 wt % of at least one solvent comprising ≦20 wt % water; 0 to 50 wt % of at least one radiation curable material having a Mn in the range of from 50 to 10,000 g/mol; 5 to 70 wt % of at least one polyurethane having a Mw in the range of from 4,000 to 70,000 g/mol, 0 to 5 wt % of isocyanate-reactive component(s) bearing ionic or potentially ionic water-dispersing groups and a free isocyanate group content <0.5 wt % and 20 to 85 wt % of a conductive material.
US07968008B2	Particles and inks and films using them Particles and particle films are provided. In certain examples, particles produced from a single phase process may be used to provide industrial scale synthesis of particles for use in devices such as printed wiring boards.
US07968006B2	Methods and apparatus for solid carbonaceous materials synthesis gas generation Methods and apparatus may permit the generation of consistent output synthesis gas from highly variable input feedstock solids carbonaceous materials. A stoichiometric objectivistic chemic environment may be established to stoichiometrically control carbon content in a solid carbonaceous materials gasifier system. Processing of carbonaceous materials may include dominative pyrolytic decomposition and multiple coil carbonaceous reformation. Dynamically adjustable process determinative parameters may be utilized to refine processing, including process utilization of negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, process utilization of flue gas (9), and adjustment of process flow rate characteristics. Recycling may be employed for internal reuse of process materials, including recycled negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, recycled flue gas (9), and recycled contaminants. Synthesis gas generation may involve predetermining a desired synthesis gas for output and creating high yields of such a predetermined desired synthesis gas.
US07968005B2	White light emitting diode The inventive white-light emitting diode is characterized in that it comprises a source emitting radiation whose wavelength band ranges from 370 to 420 nm, a first blue and red-light emitting phosphor of formula Ba3(1-x)Eu3xMg1-yMnySi2O8 (1), wherein 0 < x 0,3 and 0 < y 0,3 and a second green-light emitting phosphor. In another embodiment, said diode comprises the same source and a single phosphor whose chemical composition is Ba3(1-x)Eu3xMg1-yMnySi2O8, wherein 0 < x 0,3 et 0 < y 0,3 and which is embodied in the form of a mixture of at least Ba2SiO4, Ba2MgSi2O7 and Ba3MgSi2O8 phases. The inventive diode can be used for a lighting device.
US07968004B2	2,5-linked polyfluorenes for optoelectronic devices Polyfluorene polymers and copolymers having substantial amounts (10-100%) of fluorenes coupled at the 2 and 5 positions of fluorene are useful as active layers in OLED devices where triplet energies >2.10 eV are required.
US07968002B2	Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same A liquid crystal display panel includes: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a first field-generating electrode and a second field-generating electrode formed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrates, a homeotropic alignment layer formed on the first field-generating electrode and the second field-generating electrode and a liquid crystal material formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal display panel further includes a polymer fixing a pre-tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal material, wherein the polymer is formed by polymerizing at least one selected from monomers represented by Chemical Formulas (I), (II), (III), and (IV). wherein, each of R1 and R2 includes at least one of acrylate, a vinyl group, and an epoxy group, n is 0 to 2, each of X1 to X4 is hydrogen or fluorine, Y is at least one selected from —CH2—, —O—, —CO—, —C(CF3)2—, and a single bond.
US07968000B2	Etchant composition, and method of fabricating metal pattern and thin film transistor array panel using the same An etchant composition is provided. The etchant composition includes about 40 to about 65 wt % of phosphoric acid, about 2 to about 5 wt % of nitric acid, about 2 to about 20 wt % of acetic acid, about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of a compound containing phosphate, about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of a compound simultaneously containing an amino group and a carboxyl group, and a remaining weight percent of water for the total weight of the composition.
US07967999B2	Heat storage substance, heat storage agent, heat reservoir, heat transport medium, cold insulation agent, cold insulator, melting point control agent for heat storage agent and supercooling preventive agent for heat storage agent It is possible to provide a heat storage substance, a heat storage agent, a heat transport medium, and a cold insulation agent having low corrosiveness and a high latent heat quantity at a low cost, their production method, and a cold reservoir and a cold insulator containing the heat storage substance as content. The heat storage substance is characterized by containing a tri-n-butylalkylammonium salt and water. The heat storage substance is characterized by containing either tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium bromide or tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium chloride and water. The heat storage agent is characterized by containing a tri-n-butylalkylammonium salt and water. The heat storage agent is characterized by containing either tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium bromide or tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium chloride and water. The heat transport medium is characterized by containing a tri-n-butylalkylammonium salt and water. The heat transport medium is characterized by containing either tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium bromide or tri-n-butyl-n-pentylammonium chloride and water.
US07967990B2	Hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering method for inactivating and removing pharmaceuticals and other contaminants from wastewater A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.
US07967989B2	Groundwater recharging wastewater disposal method A sulfurous acid treated wastewater disposal method employing soil aquifer treatment (SAT) for artificial recharge of groundwater through infiltration basins allowing fully or partially-treated sewage effluent to infiltrate into the soil and move down to the groundwater through a “vadose” zone, which acts as a natural filter to remove essentially all suspended solids, biodegradable materials, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
US07967988B1	Method for treatment of waste latex A method and a apparatus for treating a liquid volume containing latex waste, the method comprising providing a treatment apparatus comprising at least a first vessel, and a filtration system in liquid communication with the first vessel; delivering a portion of the liquid containing waste latex to the first vessel; adding a first reagent to the portion of liquid containing waste latex to cause the formation of waste latex flocs of a first size; adding a second reagent to the portion of liquid containing waste latex to cause growth of the waste latex flocs of the first size into separable waste latex flocs; separating the separable waste latex flocs within the filtration system into a waste latex sludge and a first filtrate; and dewatering the waste latex sludge to produce a waste latex solid and a second filtrate. The filtrates may be reusable in a latex manufacturing process.
US07967984B2	Apparatus for water treatment and method of treating water An apparatus for water treatment which comprises a means of removing ingredients contained in water and a means of adsorbing ions with a porous molding as an adsorbent, wherein the porous molding comprises fibrils comprising an organic polymer resin and an inorganic ion adsorbent. The fibrils form interconnecting pores open to the outer surface and have voids in inner parts thereof, at least part of the voids being open to the surface of the fibrils. The inorganic ion adsorbent has been deposited on the outer surface of the fibrils and on the surface of the voids in the fibrils.
US07967981B2	Filter cartridge assembly A filter assembly (10) for fluids, comprising a generally cylindrical container (3), a cylindrical filter cartridge (4) housed inside said container (3) and a closing cover (1) with centering means (11) of the filter cartridge (4) on the bottom of the container. The centering of the cartridge (4) during its assembling is ensured by an annular centering member (9) disposed on the outer surface of the filter cartridge (4) and cooperating with engagement means (31) formed on the inner surface of the container (3). The seal between the container (3) and the cover (1) is formed by a member (13) overmoulded to the upper edge of the container (3).
US07967978B2	Method and apparatus for filter conditioning An apparatus for preconditioning a filter media includes a reservoir containing a liquid; a pump operatively connected and in fluid communication with the reservoir; a filter housing operatively connected and in fluid communication with the reservoir and the pump, and having a filter media disposed therein; a control unit operatively connected to the pump; and wherein the pump is operable to circulate the liquid through the filter media to wet and remove air from the filter media prior to installation of the filter media in a processing application.
US07967977B2	Filter device A filter device, especially a line filter forming part of hydraulic installations, includes a filter housing (1) that can be removed from a filter head and is used to receive a filter element (5) that separates a non-filtered side (13) from a filtered side (11) in a position in the filter housing for the operation of the filter. The filter device is provided with a display device (19, 21) signaling the absence or presence of the filter element (5) in the filter housing (1) in the operating position.
US07967973B2	Process for producing a hydrocarbon component The invention relates to a process for producing a new type of high-quality hydrocarbon base oil of biological origin. The process of the invention comprises ketonisation, hydrodeoxygenation, and isomerization steps. Fatty acids and/or fatty acid esters based on a biological raw material are preferably used as the feedstock.
US07967970B2	Method for the cathodic protection of the reinforcements of ferroconcrete edifices against corrosion Disclosed is a method for the cathodic protection (KKS) of the reinforcements of ferroconcrete edifices against corrosion. According to said method, a) one side of the structural joints of the concrete supporting elements is sealed, b) the KKS anodes are introduced into the structural joints, c) an ionically conductive gel is introduced into the joints that are closed on one side, and d) the structural joints are optionally sealed as a whole. Surprisingly, the required electrical conductivity can be reliably ensured during the entire application period with the aid of the ionically conductive gel, which is a prerequisite for effectively and reliably protecting the steel reinforcements of concrete structures against corrosion.
US07967969B2	Method of electroplating using a high resistance ionic current source A substantially uniform layer of a metal is electroplated onto a work piece having a seed layer thereon. This is accomplished by employing a “high resistance ionic current source,” which solves the terminal problem by placing a highly resistive membrane (e.g., a microporous ceramic or fretted glass element) in close proximity to the wafer, thereby swamping the system's resistance. The membrane thereby approximates a constant current source. By keeping the wafer close to the membrane surface, the ionic resistance from the top of the membrane to the surface is much less than the ionic path resistance to the wafer edge, substantially compensating for the sheet resistance in the thin metal film and directing additional current over the center and middle of the wafer.
US07967966B2	System for pH-neutral stable electrophoresis gel A gel and buffer system for gel electrophoresis wherein separation occurs at neutral pH.
US07967963B2	Wastewater analysis sensor cartridge A wastewater analysis sensor cartridge (10) according to the invention is intended to be used only once. It has a liquid-tight housing (20), which contains at least one electrochemical sensor element (30, 32) and at least one reference element (56). Furthermore, the housing (20) contains a sensor element electrolyte tank (40,42) and a reference element electrolyte tank (44). The ion-sensitive membranes (31, 33) of the sensor elements (30, 32) and the housing (20) consist of plastic.
US07967951B2	Embossed crepe paper and its manufacturing method An object of the present invention is to provide an embossed crepe paper which can clearly be formed into fine embossed shapes, and is excellent in the fluffy feel and therefore excellent in such as absorbency for fats. As a means of achieving this object, the method for manufacturing an embossed crepe paper, according to the present invention, is a method for manufacturing an embossed crepe paper comprising a step of embossing a raw crepe paper, wherein: a raw paper having a basis weight of 6 to 28 g/m2 is used as the raw crepe paper; and the embossing step includes the steps of: (a) supplying the raw crepe paper with water in an amount of 0.1 to 100 weight % based on the basis weight to thereby put the raw crepe paper in a wet condition; (b) embossing the wet-conditioned raw crepe paper; and (c) drying the embossed wet-conditioned raw crepe paper.
US07967947B2	Methods for beating pulp, methods for treating process waters, and methods for producing pulp and paper The first invention aims to provide a method for preparing stiffer bulky pulp at a freeness level comparable to that obtained by mechanical treatments to improve the bulkiness of product paper by searching for a method capable of adjusting freeness while suppressing damage to pulp fibers and internal fibrillation in a process for producing pulp. The second invention aims to strip contaminants deposited on pulp fibers and/or inorganic particles to reduce adhesion of the contaminants and decrease microorganisms in a treatment of process water containing long pulp fiber fractions used in a process for producing pulp and paper, thereby clarifying process water and thus preparing high-quality pulp and paper.According to the first invention, cavitation is generated in a pulp suspension preferably by a liquid jet and the resulting fine bubbles are introduced into the pulp suspension to adjust the pulp suspension to a desired freeness by means of the impact force induced by collapse of the fine bubbles in a process for producing pulp. According to the second invention, process water containing 50% by weight or less, based on total solids, of long pulp fiber fractions used in a process for producing pulp and/or paper is treated by cavitation generated by a liquid jet and then returned to the process for producing pulp and/or paper and reused.
US07967942B2	Polymer matrices for polymer solder hybrid materials Embodiments of the present invention provide various polymeric matrices that may be used as a binder matrix for polymer solder hybrid thermal interface materials. In alternative embodiments the binder matrix material may be phophozene, perfluoro ether, polyether, or urethane. For one embodiment, the binder matrix is selected to provide improved adhesion to a variety of interfaces. For an alternative embodiment the binder matrix is selected to provide low contact resistance. In alternative embodiments, polymeric materials containing fusible and non-fusible particles may be used in application where heat removal is desired and is not restricted to thermal interface materials for microelectronic devices.
US07967937B2	Methods of making refrigerant releasing composite A method of preparing a composite configured to release refrigerant therefrom comprises providing a substrate material comprising polarized fibers of glass, polyamide, phenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite bonding thereon a metal compound comprising a complex compound of a polar gaseous refrigerant and a metal salt and/or a hydrated metal hydroxide and/or a metal hydroxide of a metal comprising alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, or two or more thereof, at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, forming layers of the metal compound bonded substrate material, and sealing at least one layer or the exterior surface of the substrate material with a coating composition configured to prevent release of internal gaseous refrigerant therethrough at ambient temperatures and pressure and capable of penetration of gaseous refrigerant therethrough from the composite interior at temperatures causing internal gas pressures of 15% or more above exterior pressure for such refrigerant release.
US07967936B2	Methods of transferring a lamina to a receiver element Methods for bonding a donor wafer to a receiver element and transferring a lamina from the donor wafer to the receiver element are disclosed herein. The donor wafer may be, for example, a monocrystalline silicon wafer with a thickness of from about 300 microns to about 1000 microns, and the lamina may be may be less than 100 microns thick. The receiver element may be composed of, for example, metal or glass, and the receiver element may have dissimilar thermal expansion properties from the lamina. Although the lamina and the receiver element may have dissimilar thermal expansion properties, the methods disclosed herein maintain the integrity of the bond between the lamina and the receiver element.
US07967935B2	Press molding tool and method for production of a component by press molding The Invention relates to a device for the production of a component from at least one first layer (1) and a second layer (2) with clamping frame elements (21,22), moving relatively towards each other to fix the layers in a given manner during the forming process outside the form range of the tool and a cutting device (300) arranged on the first clamping frame element, for cutting a projection of the second layer extending between the first and the second tool piece and method for carrying out the cutting process.
US07967931B2	Single-reel type tape cartridge In a single-reel type tape cartridge, a coupling portion of a leader tape includes a pair of winding pieces disposed at opposite sides of a cutout and each winding piece includes a base portion and a turnover portion wound around a pin of a leader member so as to be ultrasonically welded to the base portion. An anvil for supporting the coupling portion of the leader tape has a pair of anvil faces each having a width smaller than that of the turnover portion and ultrasonic welding of the turnover portion to the base portion is performed by supporting the coupling portion on the anvil faces. The turnover portion is divided into a completely welded area having a width substantially equal to that of each of the anvil faces and an incompletely welded area disposed outside each of opposite side edges of the completely welded area.
US07967928B2	Methods of extruding magnesium alloys Methods of extruding magnesium-based casting alloys are provided. The magnesium alloys have relatively high strength and castibility, as well as an improved ductility and extrudability for wrought alloy applications. The magnesium-based wrought alloy comprises aluminum (Al) of between about 2.5 to about 3.5 wt. %, manganese (Mn) of less than about 0.6 wt. %, zinc (Zn) of less than about 0.22 wt. %, other impurities of less than about 0.1 wt. %, and a balance of magnesium (Mg). The disclosure provides various methods of forming extruded structural components, including automotive components, and methods of forming such wrought alloys.
US07967921B2	Carburized component and manufacturing method thereof A carburized component with a base metal containing 0.10% to 0.40% C, 0.05% to 0.8% Si, 0.35% to 1.2% Mn, 2.0% to 5.0% Cr, remnant including Fe and inevitable impurities, a carburized layer formed on a surface layer portion, a grain boundary oxidized layer depth of 1 μm or less on a surface thereof and an average C concentration of 1.5% to 4.0% at 25 μm deep from the surface, and adjusted so as to satisfy 1.76 SC−1.06
US07967920B2	Method and measurement system for the control of an active charge surface in the low pressure carburizing process A method and measurement system for the control of an active charge surface in a low pressure carburizing process can avoid formation of by-products and achieve regular carburized layers. This can be achieved through sampling of outlet gas at a specified time and comparison with experimentally set model characteristics.
US07967918B2	Low-pressure sludge removal method and apparatus using coherent jet nozzles Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.
US07967915B2	Reduction of attraction forces between silicon wafers A method for reducing attraction forces between wafers (4) is provided. This method includes the step of, after sawing and before dissolution of the adhesive (5), introducing spacers (6) between wafers (4). A wafer singulation method and an agent for use in the method are also provided.
US07967913B2	Remote plasma clean process with cycled high and low pressure clean steps A remote plasma process for removing unwanted deposition build-up from one or more interior surfaces of a substrate processing chamber after processing a substrate disposed in the substrate processing chamber. In one embodiment, the substrate is transferred out of the substrate processing chamber and a flow of a fluorine-containing etchant gas is introduced into a remote plasma source where reactive species are formed. A continuous flow of the reactive species from the remote plasmas source to the substrate processing chamber is generated while a cycle of high and low pressure clean steps is repeated. During the high pressure clean step, reactive species are flown into the substrate processing chamber while pressure within the substrate processing chamber is maintained between 4-15 Torr. During the low pressure clean step, reactive species are flown into the substrate processing chamber while reducing the pressure of the substrate processing chamber by at least 50 percent of a high pressure reached in the high pressure clean step.
US07967910B2	Fine structure body, process for producing the same, and Raman spectroscopic method and apparatus A fine structure body comprises: (i) a base body, and (ii) a plurality of metal nanorods, which have been distributed and located on a surface of the base body, a proportion X being equal to at least 15%, the proportion X being calculated with the formula: X=(A−B)/C×100[%] wherein A represents the sum total of the projected areas of all of the metal nanorods, B represents the sum total of the projected areas of certain metal nanorods, each of which is located as an isolated metal nanorod at a spacing larger than 10 nm from the closest metal nanorod, and C represents the entire projected area of the fine structure body, including regions free from the metal nanorods.
US07967906B2	Method for directly producing fine-particle diketopyrrolopyrrol pigments The invention relates to a method for directly producing fine-particle 1,4-diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrols of formula (1), wherein R1a, R1b, R2a and R2b independently represent hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, cyano or phenyl, said compounds being characterized by a maximum frequency distribution between 20 and 120 nm. According to the method, nitriles are reacted with succinic acid esters or lactames or enamines in an alkali medium to form a pigment salt, and then protolysis of the pigment alkali salt is carried out. Said method is characterized in that an effective quantity of a pigment dispersant of formula (II) is added during the protolysis of the pigment alkali salt. In formula (II), Q is a radical of an organic pigment from the group of perinone, quinacridone, quinacridonquinone, anthanthrone, indanthrone, dioxazine, diketopyrrolopyrrol, indigo, thioindigo, thiazineindigo, isoindoline, isoindolinone, pyranthrone, isoviolanthrone, flavanthrone or anthrapyrimidine pigments.
US07967902B2	Compounds suitable for use in inks and inks having such compounds Disclosed herein are compounds having a formula of: R1—CONH—R6—CONH—C34H64+n—CONH—R6—CONH—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—NHCO—C34H64+n—NHCO—R6—NHCO—R3, R1—CONH—R6—NHCO—C34H64+n—CONH—R6—NHCO—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—CONH—C34H64+n—NHCO—R6—CONH—R3, R1—CONH—R4—CONH—C34H64+n—CONH—R5—CONH—R3, R1—CONH—R4—NHCO—C34H64+n—CONH—R5—NHCO—R3, R1—NHCO—R4—CONH—C34H64+n—NHCO—R5—CONH—R3, R1—NHCO—R4—NHCO—C34H64+n—CONH—R5—CONH—R3, or R1—CONH—R4—CONH—C34H64+n—NHCO—R5—NHCO—R3, wherein n is an integer of 0, 2 or 4, R6 is the same or different cyclic group having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms, R4 and R5 are the same or different and comprise an alkylene having from 1 to about 200 carbon atoms, and R1 and R3 are the same or different and comprise a straight chain or branched alkyl group having from about 3 carbon atoms to about 200 carbon atoms and one or both of R1 and R3 include at least one hydroxyl group substituent, and ink compositions including the compounds as an ink vehicle.
US07967900B2	Air filtering apparatus In an air filtering apparatus for generating electrolytic water, infiltrating the electrolytic water into a gas-liquid contact member, and blowing air to the gas-liquid contact member by an air blowing fan, thereby filtering air, including a drain pipe for discharging the electrolytic water and a drain tank for receiving and stocking the electrolytic water discharged from the drain pipe which are mounted in a housing, the drain tank has a vertical tank body and disposed so as to be taken in and out through the front surface of the housing.
US07967888B2	Filtration plate for a particle filter A filtration plate (1, 1′) for a particle filter which serves to separate particles from an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine is composed of a gas-permeable carrier material which is coated with sintered metal powder, and has a surface region (2) which extends substantially in one plane and on which at least one spacer element (3, 3′) is situated. The at least one spacer element (3, 3′) has an inner elevation (9) or depression (9′) which extends away from the surface region (2) in one direction, and an outer depression (10) or elevation (10′) which surrounds the inner elevation (9) or depression (9′) at least partially and extends away from the surface region (2) in the opposite direction to the inner elevation (9) or depression (9′).
US07967887B1	Exhaust aftertreatment filter with reduced maximum temperature An exhaust aftertreatment filter and method is provided for filtering engine exhaust, and reduces the maximum temperature experienced by the filter including during regeneration including during burn-off of trapped contaminant particulate including carbon oxidation combustion.
US07967885B2	Liquid/gas separator An impact moisture separator for removing entrained liquids from a gas stream includes a plurality of outer vanes, each of the outer vanes oriented in a first direction; and a plurality of inner vanes, each of the inner vanes oriented in a second direction tilted away from the first direction by a specified angle.
US07967882B2	Low-profile surface mount filter Embodiments of the present invention provide low-profile surface mount filters. One embodiment of the present invention includes a filter housing adapted to mount on a substrate block having a plurality of flow paths and a filter cavity defined therein. The filter cavity is defined to extend in a generally horizontal direction when the low-profile filter is in use. A first flow passage is defined to connect an inlet of the filter housing to a first section of the filter cavity and a second flow passage is defined to connect a second section of the filter cavity to an outlet of the filter housing. A filter assembly is disposed in the filter cavity and sealed to the surface of the filter cavity separating the filter cavity into adjacent sections including the first section of the filter cavity and second section of the filter cavity.
US07967880B2	Fix bed gasifier with radiant heating device The fixed-bed gasifier and method in accordance with the invention operates with a solid material batch that is perfused by air and/or steam in opposing direction. Compared with the resultant pyrolysis coke batch, the actual pyrolysis zone is thin enough so as to result in a material dwell time in the pyrolysis zone of only a few minutes, while the dwell time of the pyrolysis coke in the pyrolysis coke layer may last up to several hours. The pyrolysis occurs in an allothermic manner. High-energy low-dust and low-tar gas is formed. The process control can be automated in a reliable manner. The exhaust of reaction gases and pyrolysis gases occurs through the heating chamber, whereby the last tar components are eliminated.
US07967878B2	Reformer apparatus and method A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process involving stage-wise combustion and multiple reforming chambers. Co-flow and cross-flow occurs under laminar flow conditions. A reformer suitable for small scale production as well as large scale production. A passive stage-by-stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel wherein the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage. Heat is captured from reforming syngas product to preheat gases before entering the reformer. Conditions that would produce unwanted coking or metal dusting are avoided or localized away from the heat exchangers to locations which can be cost effectively protected. A chemical reactor which has a core composed of a stack of metal plates that are diffusion bonded in face-to-face relationship.
US07967872B2	Azo quinolinium compounds comprising a disulphide/thiol unit, compositions containing same, process for dyeing keratin fibres and device The present invention relates to thiol/disulphide azo quinolinium compounds for dyeing keratin fibres. The invention relates to a dye composition comprising a particular thiol/disulphide azo quinolinium chromophore-containing thiol or disulphide dye, and to a process for dyeing keratin fibres such as the hair, using said composition. It similarly relates to novel particular thiol/disulphide azo quinolinium chromophore-containing dyes and to the uses thereof in dyeing keratin fibres. The dyeing process according to the invention makes it possible to dye keratin fibres without damaging them, in a manner which is particularly persistent with respect to shampooing operations and common attacks. Moreover, the novel dyes according to the invention extend the colour range to violets and blues. This process also makes it possible to dye bleached keratin fibres in a strong and chromatic manner.
US07967868B2	Patient-modified implant and associated method An orthopedic implant. The implant has a first portion including at least one patient-adjustable feature, and a second portion including at least one standard feature.
US07967867B2	Expandable interbody fusion device An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack.
US07967866B2	Stackable intervertebral devices and methods of use An intervertebral device for spacing apart vertebral members comprises a plurality of stackable shims including at least a first shim and a second shim. The first shim includes a first body with a first portion of a male-female connector, and a removable guide that is affixed to the first body and extends along at least a portion of the first body. The second shim includes a second body with a second portion of the male-female connector. A longitudinal passage extends through the second body and is sized to receive the guide on the first body. The second shim is moveable relative to the first shim with the guide disposed in the passage between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the first shim is stacked on the second shim.
US07967865B2	Devices for limiting the movement of material introduced between layers of spinal tissue Devices for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The devices can include at least one generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into or between tissue layers of the human spine and a deployed configuration in which the elongated member forms a barrier that limits the movement of flowable material introduced into or between the tissue layers.
US07967862B2	Posterior articular disc and method for implantation A method for implanting an articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis into an intervertebral disc space comprises surgically accessing the intervertebral disc space through an opening on a first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and inserting a first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening and into the intervertebral disc space. The method further comprises inserting a second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and positioning the first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on a second lateral side of the intervertebral disc space. The method also comprises positioning the second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space.
US07967858B2	Device for rapid connection between a totally implantable heart prosthesis and natural auricles Device for rapid connection between a totally implantable heart prosthesis and natural articles. According to the invention, said prosthesis comprises: fastening means (16, 25) for fastening an end of one of the lunettes (2, 3) to the other lunette (3, 2), said fastening means being able to permit folding of said lunettes relative to each other; guide means (10, 11, 20, 21) for guiding said lunettes relative to each other before and during fastening and also during folding; and snap-fit means (19, 26) for engaging said lunettes on each other in the operating position corresponding to the end of said folding.
US07967854B2	Medical devices and methods of making the same An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.
US07967850B2	Polyaxial bone anchor with helical capture connection, insert and dual locking assembly A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver, a lower compression insert with surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member and a dual closure structure that may include a single flange or helical flange. The dual closure structure independently engages the connecting member and the lower compression insert. A threaded capture connection of the bone anchor includes a shank upper surface exclusively engaging the lower compression insert and a retainer threadably attached to the shank and spaced from the upper surface, the retainer configured for polyaxial motion with respect to the receiver prior to locking.
US07967847B2	Spinal stabilization and reconstruction with fusion rods Spinal fusion rods extend along a longitudinal axis and include a rod portion and a fusion portion along the longitudinal axis. The fusion rods can be employed alone or in combination with one another and with other spinal implant components in spinal stabilization and reconstruction procedures.
US07967845B2	Head-to-head connector spinal fixation system A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.
US07967844B2	Multi-level posterior dynamic stabilization systems and methods Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07967843B2	Method for soft tissue attachment An apparatus and method for fixing a selected graft relative to a selected anatomical portion. An anchor may be provided that may be interconnected with a selected graft portion that is operable to pass through a selected bore and then moved into an operable position to engage a selected portion of the bore to substantially eliminate the possibility of the graft moving in an unselected direction through the bore. In addition, a spacer member may be used to expand a selected portion of the graft to reduce localized stress and may increase ingrowth into a selected bony portion.
US07967839B2	Electromagnetic treatment of tissues and cells Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions to conductively or to inductively fix substrates, including tissues, using electromagnetic energy. Also provided is a method of controlling the fixing process via feedback monitoring of a property of the composition and/or of the electromagnetic energy used.
US07967838B2	Removable embolus blood clot filter A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.
US07967832B2	Tying knots A suture knot can be tied during a medical procedure by use of a suture retainer ring in connection with a suturing instrument. The retainer ring allows a user to orient a suture about the instrument, such that a knot in the suture is automatically advanced and tightened by withdrawing the instrument from a surgical site after placing the suture. The retainer ring can be an integral part of the suturing instrument, or it can be removably coupled to the suturing instrument to facilitate use of the retainer ring with other suturing instruments.
US07967831B2	Non-invasive surgical ligation clip system and method of using A surgical ligation clip capable of remote deployment through a cannula to engage an anatomical structure.
US07967830B2	System and method for introducing multiple medical devices A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and/or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A separating member may be provided to remotely separate the wire guide from the elongate medical device. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system. In another example of the method, a prosthesis, such as a valve or stent, is placed within the work site coupled to a wire guide which is remotely disconnected within the work site and a secondary device, such as a dilation balloon or second prosthesis, is introduced into the work site after the first delivery system is removed.
US07967828B2	Gravity feed implant dispenser Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to multiple implant locations in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant. The implants can be sequentially engaged, using the delivery instrument, to the patient or to receptacles of one or more receiving members secured to the patient.
US07967827B2	Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using an expandable structure that remains within the bone A percutaneous path is created into a bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The expandable structure is expanded and the tool withdrawn, leaving the expandable structure expanded inside the cancellous bone. Expansion of the expandable structure within cancellous bone can, e.g., compact cancellous bone, and/or create a cavity in cancellous bone, and/or move fractured cortical bone.
US07967826B2	Connector transfer tool for internal structure stabilization systems A tool is described for use in a stabilization system for bony structures such as vertebrae, where the system involves connected a connector from one bone anchor in a vertebra to a second bone anchor in another vertebra. The tool includes a handle attached to an arm. The arm is connected by a pivot to a connector engagement mechanism, the pivot allowing the connector engagement mechanism to move from an orientation inline with the arm to an orientation at an angle relative to the arm by rotating at the pivot. The connector engagement mechanism is engaged to an end of the connector when the tool is in its inline orientation and by causing the movement, which can be by the movement of a lever on the handle, of the connector engagement mechanism to the angled orientation, the end of the connector is moved into a position for engagement with the second bone anchor.
US07967822B2	Methods and apparatus for orthopedic implants Methods and apparatus for orthopedic implants.
US07967821B2	Break-off screw extension removal tools The present invention provides minimally invasive devices and methods for delivering a spinal connector to one or more spinal anchor sites in a patient's spinal column. In one embodiment, a spinal implant and access device is provided that includes a U-shaped receiver member, a bone-engaging member, and an extension member. The U-shaped receiver member can have a recess formed therein that is adapted to seat a spinal connector. The bone-engaging member can extend distally from the receiver member and it can be adapted to engage bone to thereby mate the receiver member to bone. The extension member can extend proximally from the receiver member and it can include a frangible portion formed thereon that is adapted to break when a predetermined force is applied thereto thereby allowing at least a portion of the extension member to be separated from the receiver member.
US07967820B2	Methods and devices for trauma welding The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.
US07967815B1	Cryosurgical instrument with enhanced heat transfer Cryosurgical instruments and methods utilizing improved heat transfer characteristics. A cryosurgical device includes: a tubular housing; a cryogen supply passage; a heat exchange enhancing member in the housing, disposed along a longitudinal axis of the housing; an annular cooling passage between the heat exchange enhancing member and the tubular housing; a tip cooling and cryogen flow directing section that transmits a temperature of a cryogen flow to the tip, and an insulation element in the tubular housing.
US07967814B2	Cryoprobe with vibrating mechanism Cryoprobes and a cryotherapy method. A cryoprobe includes: a shaft having a central axis, a tip at a first end, a male socket section at a second end opposite the first end, a cryogen feeding pipe extending from the tip through the male socket section along the axis, and a cryogen return passage extending from the tip through the male socket section; and a handle having a female socket adapted and configured to receive and connect with the male socket section in a quick connect manner, a vibration section that selectively causes vibration along the axis, a cryogen exhaust passage extending from the female socket to an exterior of the handle, and a cryogen supply tube connected to the female socket at an end of the tube.
US07967813B2	Surgical instrument control and actuation Two or more telemanipulated surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. Each instrument has a transmission mechanism that transmits actuating forces from actuators to components of the instrument. The transmission mechanisms are arranged around an extended centerline of the guide tube and are wedge-shaped so that they can be positioned more closely to the extended centerline.
US07967811B2	Balloon catheter with manually operated valve and aspirator A Foley type catheter of the type including an elongated flexible tube and an inflation lumen, the distal end of the tube being provided with a membrane that is inflated into a balloon by fluid passage though the lumen, wherein to retain the distal end interiorly of a bladder, and a drainage eye, wherein to enable the catheter to drain urine therefrom. The proximal end of the tube is provided with a fluid control valve and a fluid pump, each hand operated as desired. The pump is in the form of a squeeze bulb and/or aspirator and adapted to deform to supply and/or withdraw fluid into and from the lumen and selectively inflate/deflate the membrane. In one embodiment, the pump is in the shape of a pleated bellows that is axially collapsed and end walls forced together and into a suction cup like retaining engagement, and a coil spring acts to restore the shape.
US07967807B2	Vascular fluoroscopic marker A radiopaque marker configured for being securing to a tubular member adapted for introduction into a patient and having relief sections to provide localized accommodation of diametrical-circumferential dimensional reduction.
US07967798B2	Introducer apparatus with eversible sleeve Disclosed is an introducer apparatus comprising an sleeve fixation mechanism or introducer member, such as a catheter, introducer, or ring-like structure, which is attached to a protective sleeve comprising a thin flexible material such a polymeric film. The sleeve is inverted into the passageway of a second member, such as a catheter, feeding tube, introducer, etc., that is advanced through the passageway of the introducer member and is introduced into a bodily passage of a patient, such as the bile duct, nasal passages, colon, etc. The sleeve everts from the passageway of the second member during its advancement to lay down a friction-reducing surface. The sleeve prevents frictional contact between the second member and delicate or sensitive tissues.
US07967797B2	Intravascular valve component with improved valve positioning An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.
US07967794B2	Safety needle assembly A safety needle assembly comprises a cannula holding member, a cannula fixed to the cannula holding member, and a safety device mounted on the cannula holding member. The cannula holding member includes one or more outwardly directed fins extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the cannula holding member. The safety device includes a collar adapted to be mounted on the cannula holding member and a sheath. The sheath possesses an interior bounded by a back wall and a pair of oppositely positioned side walls, and also includes an opening positioned opposite the back wall. The sheath is also provided with at least one fin engaging member connected to the back wall and extending from the back wall in a direction toward the opening. The fin engaging member is spaced from the side walls of the sheath. The sheath is pivotally connected to the collar to pivot in a closing direction toward the cannula so that during pivoting of the sheath in the closing direction the cannula passes through the opening in the sheath and is positioned in the interior of the sheath to be covered by the sheath, with the distal end portion of the at least one fin engaging member automatically engaging at least one of the fins on the cannula holding member when the cannula is positioned within the interior of the sheath to lock the sheath relative to the cannula holding member to prevent the sheath from being pivoted away from the cannula.
US07967792B2	Catheter anchoring system A catheter anchoring system is provided to securely anchor to a patient's skin a catheter and fluid supply tube interconnection. The anchoring system comprises a retainer configured to receive a catheter adaptor in a variety of positions. The adaptor interconnects the catheter and the fluid supply tube. In one embodiment the adaptor has a radial recess that circumscribes the adaptor. The anchoring system additionally includes a flexible, adhesive anchor pad which can supports a tube clip, as well as the retainer. The retainer includes a channel that is configured to receive the adaptor in a snap-fit manner. The retainer also includes a plurality of laterally arranged projections that extend from a channel wall and into a channel. Each radial recess is sized to receive and to capture at least a portion of the projection of the retainer so as to inhibit the adaptor from moving within the channel.
US07967791B2	Surgical access device Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In general, a surgical access device is provided that can include a cannula that defines a working channel that is sized and configured to receive a surgical instrument. A seal can be disposed in the cannula of the surgical access device. In one exemplary embodiment, the seal can be positioned at a point in the cannula that is effective to maintain contact between the seal and an instrument inserted therethrough as the instrument is rotated about that point.
US07967790B2	Hemostasis valve with iris seal A hemostasis valve is disclosed herein. The hemostasis valve may include an inner bushing, a rotation sleeve, an elastomeric sleeve, and a biasing element. The rotation sleeve may extend about the inner bushing and be rotationally displaceable relative to the inner bushing. The elastomeric sleeve may include a first end operably coupled to the inner bushing, a second end operably coupled to the rotation sleeve, and an iris valve portion. Rotation of the rotation sleeve relative to the inner bushing may cause the iris valve to transition from an open state to a closed state. The biasing element may act between the rotation sleeve and inner bushing to bias the iris valve towards at least one of a closed state or an open state.
US07967789B2	Indexing cell delivery catheter An insertion device with an insertion axis includes an axial actuator with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is moveable along the insertion axis relative to the second portion. The insertion device further includes a first tube coupled to the first portion of the axial actuator, and the first tube is movable along the insertion axis in response to movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The device further includes a second tube having a radially biased distal end. The distal end is substantially contained within the first tube in a first state, and the second tube is rotatable with respect to the first tube. Also, the second tube is axially movable to a second state, and a portion of a distal end of the second tube is exposed from a distal end of the first tube in the second state.
US07967785B2	Insulin reservoir detection via magnetic switching A system and method for detecting the presence of a medicament reservoir within the housing of an infusion pump. A medicament reservoir, affixed to a reservoir cap is removably inserted within the housing of an infusion pump. A magnet is affixed to or embedded in one or both of the reservoir or the reservoir cap. Alternately, the cap or the reservoir can be made of magnetic material. A sensing device embedded or otherwise affixed to the pump housing senses the presence or absence of the magnetic field created by the magnet. The presence of the magnetic field indicates that the reservoir is inserted properly within the housing and the absence of the magnetic field indicates that the reservoir has been at least partially withdrawn from the pump's housing.
US07967782B2	Apparatus for treating venous insufficiency A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein may be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned intraluminally within the vein to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.
US07967781B2	Rapid exchange balloon catheter having a reinforced inner tubular member A balloon catheter including an elongated shaft having an inflation lumen, a guidewire lumen, a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with a balloon on the distal shaft section, the distal shaft section formed by an outer tubular member having an opening in a sidewall, and an inner tubular member having a distal portion in the outer tubular member and a proximal portion extending through the sidewall opening and along an outer surface of a portion of the outer tubular member located proximal to the sidewall opening, with polymeric filler material around the outer surface of at least the proximal portion of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member preferably comprises a polymeric tube having a reinforcing coiled member embedded therein. Preferably, a crescent shaped portion of the inflation lumen extends along side the proximal portion of the inner tubular member.
US07967776B2	High performance cannulas A cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends is provided. The diameter of the lumen of the cannula can be varied to take into account differences in the diameter of access and target vessels during cannulation. The cannula is further characterized by at least one mechanism that, upon actuation, serves to alter the conformation of the cannula between a normal profile conformation and a low profile conformation. The normal profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion, which is smaller than the lumen diameter both proximal and distal to the point of insertion, with the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion also expandable to the diameter of the cannulated vessel of the patient. The low profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion that is greater than the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion.
US07967774B2	Four function surgical instrument A unique four function surgical instrument that performs aspiration, irrigation, dilation and cauterization with an innovative trigger mechanism. An embodiment is “gun-like” in configuration having a housing with a depending handle and a protruding trigger, a forward extending pair of forceps-like arms that terminate in dilation/cauterization tips and a common conduit between the forceps-like arms. The unique trigger mechanism utilizes a pinch valve concept where the trigger button has an elongated portion that has two slide surfaces with offset a recesses that act like tracks on which pinch sliders follow and the pinch sliders act like valve stems that squeeze close and allow to open silicone tubing. The end result, being a single poll, two stage actuator such that a half a pump of the trigger delivers irrigation or aspiration and a full pump delivers the other. The instrument provides the advantages of small size, ergonomical and all-in-one so as to eliminate the need for a surgeon to fumble around in switching between instruments.
US07967772B2	Injector for viscous materials An injector is provided to deliver microquantities of viscous materials into the body, such as the eye, for surgical purposes. The injector comprises a syringe body with a plunger disposed therein coupled to a positive displacement mechanism capable of progressively advancing the plunger to precisely deliver microquantities of materials at a constant or predetermined delivery rate.
US07967771B2	System for use in draining fluid from a brain or spinal fluid cavity unto another body cavity of a human being This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves and a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals. In particular, this invention describes a system for draining fluid from a brain or spinal fluid cavity according to the inventive method of processing pressure signals.
US07967765B2	Orthopedic brace suspension system Provided are apparatus and methods of securing an orthopedic brace on a wearer such that the brace is unlikely to migrate. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a band that extends entirely around the wearer, making contact with the entire circumference of the wearer. In certain embodiments, a strap secured to the brace threads through loops on the band, thereby operably connecting the brace and the band. In certain other embodiments, the apparatus further includes a belt that overlaps the band. Suspenders operably connect the brace to the band/belt. Because the band makes contact with the entire circumference of the wearer, the apparatus comfortably secures the brace to the wearer while effectively preventing migration of the brace and without hindering the intended function of the brace.
US07967764B2	Device for mini-invasive ultrasound treatment of an object by a heat-isolated transducer The present invention relates to a device for mini-invasive ultrasound treatment of an object. At least one therapeutic ultrasound transducer (2) is arranged for treatment of the object (5) by generating an ultrasonic field (3), the temperature focus (F) of which is located in the object (5) for heating thereof. The therapeutic ultrasound transducer (2) comprises a probe (10) adapted to be inserted into the body in the direction towards the object (5) and comprises a front portion (10a) adapted to be located at, against or in the object (5). Said probe (10) comprises at least one transmitter element (11) for generating said ultrasonic field (3). The transmitter element (11) for generating the ultrasonic field (3) is arranged behind the front portion (10a) such that the transmitter element (11) does not heat or substantially not heat the front portion (10a) when in operation.
US07967763B2	Method for treating subcutaneous tissues An apparatus and method for treating subcutaneous tissues using acoustic waves in the range of low acoustic pressure ultrasound waves is disclosed. The method includes injections of enhancing agents, wherein disruption of subcutaneous tissues and subcutaneous cavitational bioeffects are produced by ultrasound waves having a power that will not produce tissue cavitation in the absence of the enhancing agents. The apparatus and method of use is useful for treatment of subcutaneous abnormalities including cellulite, lipomas, and tumors.
US07967762B2	Ultra miniature pressure sensor A method of measuring blood pressure and velocity proximally and distally of a stenosis in a vessel carrying blood includes the steps of providing a guide wire having both a pressure sensor and a velocity sensor disposed on a distal region of the guide wire, introducing the guide wire into the vessel, advancing the guide wire to position the pressure sensor and the velocity sensor proximally and distally of the stenosis, and measuring the blood pressure and velocity proximally and distally of the stenosis with the pressure sensor and the velocity sensor.
US07967759B2	Endoscopic system with integrated patient respiratory status indicator The system 10 includes an endoscopic probe 20 and an expired air sampling device 24 functionally connected to a control console 28. In use, the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through a body lumen of a patient to, for example, visualize a selected region of a patient's body. As the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through the body lumens, the expired air sampling device 24 collects expired air from the patient, generates signals indicative of patient respiratory status, and outputs the generated signals to the control console 28. The control console 28 processes the signals and monitors the respiratory status of the patient. If the respiratory status of the patient changes based on the processed signals of the expired air sampling device 24, the control console 28 may output an audible or visual alert signal.
US07967751B2	Ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care An ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care is presented. A local memory store includes a cryptographic key, sensitive information, and physiological measures. The cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to the implantable medical device prior to implant of the implantable medical device into a patient. The sensitive information is preencrypted under the cryptographic key and physiological measures are measured by the implantable medical device. An authentication module is in receipt of the cryptographic key. A permissions module confirms authorization of an external data processing device against the cryptographic key. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. A processor is operatively coupled to the local memory store. A communications module exchanges the decrypted information and the physiological measures with the external data processing device over a wireless interface contingent upon the authorization confirmation. An internal power supply supplies power to the foregoing components.
US07967750B2	Lie detection via electrogastrography The present invention provides a device and methods of lie detection utilizing electrogastrography to monitor changes in the gastric electric rhythm of a subject. Also provided are methods of discriminating between the stress of deception induced in a subject during a lie detection examination and the stress of the examination itself.
US07967746B2	Rectoscope having light-emitting elements A rectoscope has a tube and a handle protruding therefrom. A number of light-emitting elements are arranged circumferentially distributed at the distal end of the tube. The tube includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe and an annular body at the distal ends of the inner and outer pipe. The annular body includes an end ring provided with bores for receiving the light-emitting elements. The annular body also includes an annular flange extending away proximally and having an outside diameter corresponding to a clear inside diameter of the outer pipe. The end ring has an outside diameter corresponding approximately to an outside diameter of the outer pipe.
US07967743B2	Endoscope observation device, observation device and observation method using endoscope A high accurate image of a specimen is obtained by accurately measuring a distance between the specimen and a tip of a light emitting portion that irradiates a light to the specimen. An endoscope observation device includes the light emitting portion that irradiates the light to the specimen and a light receiving portion that receives an observation light returning from the specimen so as to form an image of the observation light received by the light receiving portion. The endoscope observation device is equipped with a distance measurement unit that measures an absolute distance between the tip of the insertion portion and the specimen through an interference of the low coherence light, a correction unit that corrects the brightness information of the observation light based on the absolute distance measured by the distance measurement unit, and an image forming unit that forms the image of the specimen based on the brightness information of the observation light corrected by the correction unit.
US07967742B2	Method for using variable direction of view endoscopy in conjunction with image guided surgical systems A method for a variable direction of view endoscope used in combination with an image guided surgical system to provide new diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The method provides the following capabilities: greatly improved endoscopic orientation capabilities, global monitoring of endoscopic viewing direction, and greatly improved surgical approach and procedure planning.
US07967741B2	Endoscopic guide device Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools.
US07967740B2	Therapeutic devices for the treatment of various conditions of a female individual This invention relates to devices targeted to resolving various conditions of a female patient in need thereof, the conditions being female sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence. The present disclosure provides for a device which incorporates a variety of elements in an effort to treat certain conditions of a female individual in need thereof. Optionally, the device of the present invention may be used as a prophylactic measure to prevent a condition selected from the group consisting of female sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
US07967738B2	Therapeutic exercise apparatuses Exercise apparatus for use by handicapped persons for exercising their hips and legs. In one embodiment, an apparatus with a supporting structure and a seat mounted on the supporting structure. A cushion comprising a pad for splaying the knees of a user is mounted on the supporting structure. In another embodiment, there is a docking station suitably adapted for wheelchair users with a supporting structure protruding therefrom. A cushion is mounted on the protrusion for splaying the knees of the user. In yet another embodiment, a semispherical shaped seat is mounted on a supporting structure that can be adjusted to position a user near a handlebar structure with a supporting structure protruding therefrom. A cushion is mounted for splaying the knees of the user. Optionally, the cushions in the example embodiments may further comprise a patella pad. A knee spreader ball detached from the exercise apparatus permits training without the fixed cushion and, in a further form permits transport of a user without tangling the feet of the user.
US07967735B2	Exercise device with an audible signal producing force indicator An exercise device (20) comprising a resilient force member (6) which is arranged to be acted on by a user and provide resistance against movement by a user over an operative range. The exercise device (20) further includes a mechanical indicator device (1) which directly provides an audible signal at both first and second points of the operative range of the force member (6) to thereby indicate movement of the force member over a required range. The indicator device (1) comprising an audible signal producing member (9) having bistable first and second physical configurations such that a change in physical configuration creates an audible signal. The audible signal producing member (9) being acted on by the resilient force member (6), in use, to change the physical configuration of the audible signal producing member (9) and produce the audible signal.
US07967734B1	Exercise bike and electricity producing combination apparatus A exercise bike and electricity producing combination apparatus includes a frame with a central support forming a triangle with a first leg, a second leg and base. A first footing is attached to a juncture of the first leg and second leg, a second footing is attached to a juncture of the second leg and base, and a third footing is attached to a juncture of the first leg and base. A housing is mounted on the central support. A crank is mounted on the housing. A seat is removably couplable to the housing when the first and second footings are positioned on a floor surface to position the seat above the crank. A chair is removably couplable to the housing when the first and third footings are positioned on the floor surface to position the chair facing the second leg to allow the crank to be actuated by hand.
US07967733B2	Exercise device An exercise device is provided, having a frame, an arm link pivotally coupled to the frame, a leg link pivotally coupled to the frame and a countermovement mechanism coupling the arm link and the leg link to enable substantially opposite direction of movement of the arm link relative to the leg link. A first and second set of the arm and leg links may be provided and positioned each adjacent a seat adapted to support a user. The range of motion of the arm links and therefore the leg links are controlled by the user as well as the direction of movement of the first set relative to the second set. This enables the user to perform a simulated walking gait exercise by moving the first and second arm links in generally opposing directions or an abdominal exercise by moving the first and second arms links in substantially the same direction.
US07967732B2	Finger and hand exerciser with tension adjuster A finger and hand exerciser includes a housing defining four chambers arranged side-by-side in parallel with one another. Each chamber receives a tension adjustment member, a plunger that is reciprocatingly slidable in the chamber, and a helically wound compression spring extending between the plunger and the tension adjustment member. Each tension adjustment member includes a knurled wheel which the user of the finger and hand exerciser may turn to decrease or increase the force the spring exerts on the plunger.
US07967729B2	Physical therapy system and method A system and method for developing an individual's physical abilities includes measuring one or more physical ability of an individual and establishing control parameters of a game such that operation of the game at a beginning level is within the individual's measured physical ability. The degree of physical ability shown by the individual over time of game play is monitored, and the control parameters are gradually modified to require a progressively greater physical ability of the individual than required at the beginning level. The system includes an input device, e.g., a joystick, that is operated by the individual to play the game. The system records aspects related to game play, such as frequency and duration of play, specific actions or motions, and changes in physical ability. A therapist is then able to review the record and modify system settings to optimize improvement by the individual.
US07967728B2	Wireless game controller for strength training and physiotherapy Wireless game controller can provide variable resistance during strength training exercise and is coupled with off the shelf video gaming system such as Nintendo WII or personal computer by bluetooth or WiFI connection. The resistance is provided by a motor/generator. Electrical recuperation occurs between eccentric and concentric steps of the exercise, electrical energy is stored in a super capacitor between the steps. Video gaming system is configurable to run exercise software that provide reinforcing game experience, coaching, and physical therapy to the user. Exercise software tracks user's pose using fiduciary marks on the controller and data from 3d accelerometer embedded in the controller. The resistance is computed as a function of one or more the following: exercise type, position, velocity, user profile, and repetition number.
US07967724B2	Shift map switching control unit A controller selects a shift map for deriving the shift timing of an automatic transmission according to output signals from a front seat seating sensor, a pillion seating sensor and a carrier loading sensor. The controller switches the shift map of a standard type to an output-emphasizing type shift map when the seating of the rider is sensed and at least one of the seating of the passenger and the loading on the carrier is sensed. The controller judges the seating of the rider or the loading of the cargo when a load equal to or exceeding a predetermined value is continuously applied to each load sensor for predetermined time or longer. Load sensors that can measure weight are used and a shift map may be also selected based upon a total value of loaded weight.
US07967720B2	Dynamic allocation of drive torque A method for operating a powertrain in a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method comprises providing torque to drive the vehicle from both an electric drive and an engine, where engine torque is varied within an allowable range. When operating the engine at an edge of the range, the range may be adjusted based on conditions. In this way, it is possible to compensate for an engine that has a variable maximum torque output depending on operating conditions.
US07967715B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with a member of the planetary gear sets. The output member is continuously interconnected with another member of the planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are produced by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
US07967713B2	Planetary transmission A planetary gear set lubricating unit which supplies oil from inside a component adjacent the planetary gear set, via a radial bore and an oil catcher, axially through a bore of a planetary gear bolt to planetary gear bearings. The oil catcher forms a ring-shaped chamber, which can be filled with lubricant, and is arranged beside the planetary carrier approximately over the reference diameter of the planetary bolt. The oil catcher has outlet pipes extending axially to direct oil in the chamber. The oil catcher has ovular radial protrusions arranged such that a maximum radial dimension is close to the bolts and a minimum radial dimension is arranged between adjacent planetary bolts. The radially inner edge of the axial bore of the planetary bolts is radially located between the minimum and maximum dimensions of the protrusions. The chamber is delimited by a cover plate and a gasket.
US07967712B2	Lubrication of a planetary gearset In a planetary gearset and an automatic transmission according to the invention, a pinion shaft on which a pinion gear is rotatably supported includes a bearing portion on which a bearing is attached and a polygonal portion having a polygonal outer periphery. An axial oil passage and radial oil passages that communicate with the axial oil passage are formed in the polygonal portion, and the inlet of each radial oil passage formed in the pinion gear faces the polygonal portion.
US07967711B2	Highly configurable hybrid powertrain and control system therefor A hybrid powertrain system for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission input member, first and second electric machines, first and second planetary gear sets, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque transfer devices enabling configuring the powertrain in variously to operate in electric drive, electrically variable, fixed gear and neutral charging operating states.
US07967706B2	Racket for ball games A racket for ball games may include a frame which is formed by a frame profile or a hollow profile and has a racket head and a handle portion connected thereto preferably via a heart region. Two indentations that are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket may be provided in the heart region of the frame. A vibrating device may be arranged in each of the two indentations. The vibrating means of the racket may preferably be effective for vibrations having at least two vibration modes or degrees of freedom. Additionally or alternatively, a racket for ball games may include a frame which forms a head region for receiving strings and a handle portion for holding the racket. The frame may include one respective inwardly-facing C-profile in at least two segments of the head region.
US07967704B2	Reconfigurable implement positioner and guidance system The present invention relates to a reconfigurable implement positioning and guidance system. The system includes an implement (e.g., a ball), an implement support, and a swung object (e.g., a bat). The implement support is reconfigurable between two modes. In a first mode the implement can be struck and propelled from the implement support and in a second mode the implement is fastened to the implement support so that it cannot separate upon impact with the swung object. The system also includes a guide positioned in the vicinity (e.g., below) of the implement so that an object swung below the implement will contact the guide which will direct the swung object toward and into contact with the implement. The guide can be employed in the first mode or the system can be used in either mode with the guide removed.
US07967698B2	Shaft for golf club A shaft according to the present invention is obtained by winding and curing a prepreg sheet having a matrix resin and a fiber. The prepreg sheet includes a full-length sheet and a partial sheet. At least a part of the partial sheet forms a tip bias layer disposed in a tip portion of the shaft. A fiber of the first tip bias layer is oriented at an angle which is equal to or greater than 25 degrees and is equal to or smaller than 65 degrees with respect to an axis of the shaft. A fiber of the second tip bias layer is oriented at an angle which is equal to or greater than −65 degrees and is equal to or smaller than −25 degrees with respect to the axis of the shaft. The shaft is obtained by winding a tip bias stuck body (V1) fabricated by sticking a first tip bias sheet (a8) and a second tip bias sheet (a9) together.
US07967694B2	Rotary game table A rotary game table includes at least two of a pool table surface, an air powered hockey table surface, a gambling surface, a gaming surface, and a table soccer surface. The combination game table is pivotally supported by a side support member at each end thereof. A plug assembly is connected to rotary game table and communicates electrical power thereto.
US07967690B2	Electric fires The disclosure relates to simulated flame effect fires which include an apertured bed, such as a simulated fuel bed, a vapor generating means such as an ultrasonic transducer and means for providing a rising current of air to carry the vapor through the apertured bed. Light sources are provided below the fuel bed to provide localized illumination.
US07967688B2	Motion simulator A motion simulator has a motive device suspended in midair and having a base, a moving panel, twelve universal joints mounted on the base and the moving panel and six actuators connected to the universal joints and being retractable. A seat assembly is hung on the moving panel. Therefore, as the actuators retract, the seat assembly is moved in six degrees of freedom such as heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll and yaw. Audiences sitting on the seat assembly are hung with their feet hanging in the air and therefore feel excited and experience vivid virtual reality. Moreover, the actuators bear axial force such as drag force and thrust force and are endurable and safety.
US07967682B2	Wireless gaming environment A system employs a server computing system with an integrated database and wireless communications devices, for example, handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs). The server computing system may also communicate with fully automated data collection systems associated with some gaming tables and/or with the casino's legacy data collection systems and databases. The server computing system may communicate with various non-gaming related casino systems, such as point-of-sale terminals and/or accounting systems, related to the various guest facilities, for example, allowing player comps to be freely exchanged for services and merchandise. The wireless communications devices permit remote wagering.
US07967680B2	Storage medium having game program stored thereon and game apparatus A first collision determination area and a second collision determination area moving concurrently with a motion of a player character are set, and a collision of the first or second collision determination area against an object is detected. Each time a collision of the first collision determination area against an object is detected, an influence to be exerted on the object which has collided against the first collision determination area is determined as being one of a plurality of preset influences at a predetermined probability. Each time a collision of the second collision determination area against an object is detected, an influence to be exerted on the object which has collided against the second collision determination area is determined as being a predetermined influence. The display state of each object is changed to a display state in accordance with the respectively determined influence.
US07967675B1	Fixed pool bonus method and apparatus A gaming system that uses centrally determined game outcomes to generate both a simulated primary game and a multiplicity of bonus games are revealed. The predetermined outcome bonus games are designed to mimic actual Nevada-style bonus games using novel methods to both create the look-and-feel of the actual bonus games as well as being able to use existing central determination game system protocols, which have severe limitations in their message fields.
US07967673B2	Wagering game with concealed elements continuously revealed A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a bonus round of a slot machine game. A plurality of concealed elements are displayed, and a player can reveal each element one by one, until a terminating symbol is revealed. Combinations are formed and a player is awarded a highest combination upon revealing a terminating symbol.
US07967670B2	Special video-game system for learning, entertainment and advertising The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for a video game system where a player tile is a part of a moving grid or grid-like display and also moves through it. Moves of the player tile may be allowed or disallowed according to the relationship between the design of the player tile and that of other identifiable areas of the display. The designs displayed may have special significance in the field of education or advertising or entertainment. In a variation of the game the objective is to change areas of the display to the same state.
US07967669B2	Variable air volume control apparatus The invention relates to a variable air volume control apparatus which compensates an open area ratio to be in direct proportion to an opening ratio at a low opening ratio range according to an open angle of a damper blade to achieve accurate and precise air volume control. The variable air volume control apparatus includes a damper blade disposed rotatably within the duct for opening or closing an air flow path and an actuator for rotating the damper blade. The apparatus also includes an air flow path expansion mechanism having a curved surface for expanding the air flow path in accordance with an open angle of the damper blade. The invention allows obtaining the open area ratio in direct proportion to the opening ratio at the low opening ratio range through simple structural improvements, thereby improving linear characteristics of an air volume change ratio with respect to the opening ratio to more accurately and precisely control the air volume.
US07967656B2	Multi-purpose modular unit The present invention provides a multi-purpose modular unit, including multiple blocks and adapters. The blocks are provided with multiple side faces and embedded tap holes. The adapters are screwed into the corresponding tap holes of two adjacent blocks. With this adapter, the blocks can be interlocked and assembled as furniture, stationery and toys that can be easily assembled or disassembled depending on various configurations and functions.
US07967655B2	Electron emission apparatus and method for making the same An electron emission apparatus includes an insulating substrate, one or more grids located on the substrate, wherein the one or more grids includes: a first, second, third and fourth electrode that are located on the periphery of the gird, wherein the first and the second electrode are parallel to each other, and the third and fourth electrodes are parallel to each other; and one or more electron emission units located on the substrate. Each the electron unit includes at least one electron emitter, the electron emitter includes a first end, a second end and a gap; wherein the first end is electrically connected to one of the plurality of the first electrodes and the second end is electrically connected to one of the plurality of the third electrodes; two electron emission ends are located in the gap, and each electron emission end includes a plurality of electron emission tips.
US07967653B2	Full color display A full color display comprising a red, a green, and a blue light emitting diode, each light emitting diode including a light emitting region having at least one layer of single crystal rare earth material, the rare earth material in each of the light emitting diodes having at least one radiative transition, and the rare earth material producing a radiation wavelength of approximately 640 nm in the red light emitting diode, 540 nm in the green light emitting diode, and 460 nm in the blue light emitting diode. Generally, the color of each LED is determined by selecting a rare earth with a radiative transition producing a radiation wavelength at the selected color. In cases where the rare earth has more than one radiative transition, tuned mirrors can be used to select the desired color.
US07967651B2	Deployable rescue apparatus Disclosed herein is a deployable apparatus and method for rescuing persons and animals from a water surface. The deployable apparatus comprises a buoyant support structure and multiple rescue units. The rescue units are detachably attached to the buoyant support structure for securing and supporting the rescued persons and animals. The rescue units, for example, comprise multiple undercarriage structures, buoyant longitudinal members, loop extensions, etc. The buoyant support structure with the rescue units is suspended from a height and lowered to the water surface using a cable. The undercarriage structures extend radially from the lower surface of the buoyant support structure on contacting the water surface. The buoyant longitudinal members are projected outwardly from the buoyant support structure in a projectile towards the persons and animals to be rescued to allow the persons and animals to grasp the longitudinal members and be drawn to the buoyant support structure.
US07967650B2	Tension sleeve system for electric trolling motors A tension sleeve system that is selectively operable to engage a trolling motor system of a watercraft. The tension sleeve system is configured to fit over the area containing the lower portion of the trolling motor's stationary shaft and the middle portion (i.e., the exposed portion) of the swivel shaft, especially in proximity to the middle bearing area between the two shafts. The tension sleeve system is selectively operable to adjust feedback on any cable operated rotational steering system by applying an appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor's stationary shaft and the swivel shaft, thus controlling the torque and/or energy generated by the propulsion motor and propeller. Clamps or other suitable devices can be used to apply the appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor's stationary shaft and the swivel shaft by appropriately tightening the tension sleeve members against the external surfaces of the two shafts.
US07967648B2	Terminal An electrical contact unit (200) is disclosed, having a series of four electrical receptacles (202, 204, 206, 208). Each of the receptacles includes an upper cantilever member (210) and a lower cantilever member (212). Upper lateral arms (214) are conductively interconnected by an upper bridge portion (216). Correspondingly, lower lateral arms (218) are conductively interconnected by a lower bridge portion (220). The upper lateral arms (214) and upper bridge portion (216) provide a pair of contact surfaces or edges (222). Correspondingly, the lower lateral arms (218) and lower bridge portion (220) form a pair of lower contact surfaces or edges (224). In addition, an upper cantilever member (228) positioned inwardly of the upper lateral arms (214) is also provided.
US07967644B2	Electrical connector with separable contacts A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a printed circuit and an array of mating contacts. Each mating contact includes a terminating end portion and a mating interface. The contact sub-assembly also includes an array of circuit contacts that is discrete from the array of mating contacts. Each circuit contact is engaged with and electrically connected to the printed circuit. Each circuit contact is separably engaged with and electrically connected to the terminating end portion of a corresponding one of the mating contacts such that the array of circuit contacts electrically connects the array of mating contacts to the printed circuit.
US07967642B2	Connector in the field of telecommunications A connector (10) in the field of telecommunications has contacts (12) with which wires are connectable inside the connector (10), and at least three wire openings (16, 116), each opening (16, 116) being adapted to accommodate at least two wires and exposed on an outside of the connector (10) distal from the contacts, the wire openings (16, 116) being exposed in at least three different directions.
US07967640B2	Card connector with a bottom wall with isosceles triangle shaped contacts A card connector according to the present invention includes a bottom wall of a base member configured to support a plurality of contacts in a cantilever manner. A rectangular SIM card is inserted into the card connector in such a manner that the shorter side of the card is parallel to the direction of insertion. The plurality of contacts of the card connector are arranged to correspond to respective plural external contact points of the SIM card. Each of the contacts includes a contact portion, two elastic deformation portions, and a terminal portion. The two elastic deformation portions of the contact are coupled together so as to substantially form an isosceles triangle shape with a vertex angle θ1 at a vertex corresponding to the contact portion. The plurality of contacts are arranged parallel to one another, each in an inverted V shape with respect to the card insertion direction.
US07967639B1	Battery connector A connector has an insulating housing defining a plurality of terminal receiving cavities each extending vertically to pass therethrough, a plurality of conductive terminals received in the terminal receiving cavities and a shell mounted to the insulating housing. A rear surface of the insulating housing is protruded outward to from a projection defining an inserting groove passing therethrough. The shell has a base board, a holding board facing the base board and a pair of sideboards connecting the base board and the holding board. Top edges of the base board and the holding board are extended towards each other to form eave portions. An inserting portion is extended from a portion of the base board. The shell encircles the insulating housing with the eave portions covering tops of two opposed sides of the insulating housing and the inserting portion being inserted into the inserting groove and further connected to ground.
US07967638B1	Mezzanine connector with contact wafers having opposite mounting tails A mezzanine connector for connecting first and second circuit boards includes a number of wafers side-by-side arranged with each other and an organizer for unifying the wafers. Each wafer includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts fixed in the insulative housing and a shielding plate assembled to a first side of the insulative housing in order to shield the contacts of the adjacent wafers. Each contact includes a retaining portion fixed in the insulative housing, a first tail extending from a first end of the retaining portion for being mounted to the first circuit board, and a second tail extending from a second end of the retaining portion for being mounted to the second circuit board.
US07967637B2	Electrical connector system An electrical connector system may include multiple wafer assemblies configured to engage with a substrate. A ground strip of the electrical connector system may be coupled with a first wafer assembly and a second wafer assembly. The ground strip is configured to engage with the substrate and provide a common ground potential between the first wafer assembly, the second wafer assembly, and the substrate.
US07967635B2	Tightening indicator for coaxial cable connector A coaxial cable connector includes an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end, an inner body having a first inner end and a second inner end, and a post interconnected with the inner body. A fastener portion is at the first end of the outer body. A compression sleeve is disposed to fit on the second inner end. The post, the inner body, and the compression sleeve are movable with respect to the outer body between a first position in which the connector is not mounted to an equipment port and a second position when the connector is mounted to the equipment port. When the fastener portion is mounted to the equipment port, an indicator portion on the compression sleeve is made visible to a user.
US07967628B2	Electrical connector with reduced stress between contacts and housing A conductive contact (1) used for an electrical connector comprises a vertical base portion (10) defining a front surface (103) and a rear surface (101) opposite to each other in a thickness direction, the base portion (10) having at least one fastening slot (102) on the rear surface (101) thereof for securing the conductive contact (1) in an insulative housing of the electrical connector (100), a tail portion (12) located below said base portion (10) for mounting to a printed circuit board, an extension (13) located above said base portion (10), and a pair of arm portions (11) extending slantingly from opposite edges of the extension (13) in an upward direction.
US07967627B2	Rotatably locking two part inductive connector A two-part inductive connector comprises a primary part having a primary half core and a secondary part having a secondary half core, the primary part including first locking means which are engageable with second locking means on the secondary part, one of the primary or secondary parts further comprising a pin which is receivable in a recess formed in the other of the primary or secondary parts, the connector having an unlocked position in which the primary and secondary half cores are not aligned and in which the first and second locking means are not engaged, and a locked position in which the primary and secondary half cores are aligned and the first and second locking means engaged, the connector moving between the unlocked and locked positions by relative rotation of the primary and secondary parts about the pin.
US07967624B2	Cable assembly adapted to be mounted to panel A cable assembly for mounting to a panel, comprises a housing comprising a mating portion and a retaining portion extending rearward and outward from a rear end of the mating portion, the retaining portion has a receiving hole therein and a cutout communicated with the receiving hole. At least one key is formed on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the mating portion. A plurality of conductive contacts are disposed in the housing. A positioning member mounted to the retaining portion of the housing defines an inner arm, an outer arm and a connecting portion connecting with the inner arm and the outer arm. The inner arm is disposed in the receiving hole and having a front end extending out of the receiving hole. The outer arm is located on a lateral side of the retaining portion and has a front end extending into the receiving hole via the cutout and is capable of moving the inner arm rearward to make the front end of the inner arm retracted into the receiving hole.
US07967621B2	Electrical contactor, especially wafer level contactor, using fluid pressure An electrical interconnect assembly and methods for making an electrical interconnect assembly. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact elements and a fluid containing structure which is coupled to the flexible wiring layer. The fluid, when contained in the fluid containing structure, presses the flexible wiring layer towards a device under test to form electrical interconnections between the first contact elements and corresponding second contact elements on the device under test. In a further embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact terminals and a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of second contact terminals. A plurality of freestanding, resilient contact elements, in one embodiment, are mechanically coupled to one of the flexible wiring layers or the semiconductor substrate and make electrical contacts between corresponding ones of the first contact terminals and the second contact terminals. In another embodiment, a method of making electrical interconnections includes joining a flexible wiring layer and a substrate together in proximity and causing a pressure differential between a first side and a second side of the flexible wiring layer. The pressure differential deforms the flexible wiring layer and causes a plurality of first contact terminals on the flexible wiring layer to electrically connect with a corresponding plurality of second contact terminals on the substrate.
US07967620B1	Safety outlet A safety outlet comprises an electrical outlet having both hot and neutral plug blade apertures each with respective output contacts and input contacts associated. A safety tab is disposed adjacent each of the respective output contacts and the input contacts and is positionable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the output contacts and the input contacts of the respective plug blade apertures are electrically isolated from each other. In the disengaged position, the output contacts and the input contacts of each of the respective plug blade apertures are in electrically conductive contact to complete a respective hot plug blade circuit and a respective neutral plug blade circuit to activate the respective hot and neutral plug blade apertures. The safety tabs are operatively responsive to move to its disengaged position when a plug blade is positioned within the respective aperture.
US07967608B2	Elelctrical connector with magnetic board lock An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals secured in the housing, a metallic cover pivotally mounted to a rear end of the insulative housing and covering the insulative housing and at least one magnetic board lock secured at one side of the insulative housing and spaced with a distance from the rear end of the insulative housing. The at least one magnetic board lock assist to hold the cover by magnetic attractive force produced between the at least one magnetic board lock and the metallic cover on the insulative housing.
US07967607B2	Color, sheen and/or finish selector for coatings and other characteristics of surfaces A grout selector composed of a flat substrate, a coating on the substrate for simulating the color and/or finish of one of a plurality of grouts and fold lines for enabling the substrate to be folded and placed between adjacent bricks, tiles or other coverings to simulate the presence of grout.
US07967605B2	Endodontic files and obturator devices and methods of manufacturing same An endodontic file, or a series of endodontic files, and an endodontic obturator or series of obturators, and methods of manufacturing same. Regarding the endodontic files, they may include a file body extending from a tip region to a shank region, at least one helical flute extending from the tip region towards the shank region. Each helical flute may have an up-sharp cutting edge without a land. For one such set of endodontic files, there is included at least a first and a second file, each one of the files having a tip and a shank, the first file having a tip size that is substantially the same as a tip size of the second file, wherein the first file has a different taper configuration relative to the taper configuration of the second file. The taper configurations of each one of the first and second files include at least two different rates of taper, the taper configurations of each one of the first and second files arranged such that at least one rate of taper closer to the shank of the file is smaller than at least one rate of taper closer to a tip of the file.
US07967604B2	Heated mouthpiece An application for a heated mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece section for insertion into the mouth of a user and a heat retention mass connected to the mouthpiece section and in thermal contact with the mouthpiece section whereby external heat provided to the heat retention mass before insertion into the mouth is partially retained by the heat retention mass and conducts to the mouthpiece section while the mouthpiece section is in use within the mouth.
US07967601B2	Safety mechanism for a torch A device for creating an electrical potential, such as a piezoelectric igniter, is connected to a conductor that conducts current to a burn tube to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the burn tube. In one embodiment a gap is formed in the conductor. An insulator is located in the gap such that is can be selectively moved between an insulating position where the flow of electricity over the gap is prevented such that no spark is created in the burn tube and a non-insulating position where electricity is allowed to flow over the gap such that a spark is created in the burn tube. In another embodiment the piezoelectric igniter forms part of the electrical circuit and is in electrical conductive contact or proximity to an electrical conductor that forms part of the ignition circuit. An insulator may selectively located between the igniter and the conductor.
US07967596B2	Method, system and equipment for making parts made of composite material, in particular reinforced parts for aircraft fuselages The present invention relates to a system to manufacture composite material parts comprising a supporting mandrel having at least one compacting zone configured to contain at least one composite material element to be compacted by applying a certain degree of vacuum. The system comprises also at least one compacting equipment comprising a frame having a plurality of interconnected arms along a predetermined perimeter, at least one vacuum bag attached to a side of the frame along its perimeter and configured to compact the element, at least one porous material attached to the vacuum bag along the frame's perimeter and configured to adhere in a removable way to the compacting zone and to impede the air influx during the compacting of element. The invention also relates to a compacting equipment and to a method to manufacture composite material parts.
US07967595B1	Machine and method for reshaping multiple plastic bottles into rock shapes An apparatus and process for shaping multiple expended thermoplastic containers, specifically plastic bottles into rock shapes by placing the expended plastic bottles into a partitioned tray which is placed onto the top surface of a lift table secured to a jack mounted on a four-wheel dolly and heating the plastic bottles to a malleable state. The lift table is then rolled into an open face shaping chamber that has angle irons secured on the interior sides near the top of the chamber to support and allow a removable tray to which real rocks of different shapes and sizes have been secured to be slid into the chamber with the rocks pointing downward from the tray into the chamber. The lift table with the heated malleable bottles is jacked upward toward and into the real rocks until the bottles take the shapes of the real rocks. Then the table is lowered and wheeled out of the shaping chamber. The number of partitions in the bottle tray corresponds to the number of rocks in the rock tray and the trays can be removed and changed to accommodate bottles and rocks and different numbers and sizes. The apparatus allows for multiple bottles to be processed at one time.
US07967593B2	Apparatus for supplying synthetic resins An apparatus for supplying synthetic resins applicable to a metal mold wheel that rotates at a high speed. A cutter of a cutter unit and a holding fitting are attached to an air cylinder, so that the cutter unit can be advanced and retreated in the radial direction of rotation. When the molten resin is stably blown out from an extrusion nozzle, the air cylinder is expanded to move the cutter to an advanced position to cut the molten resin. When the molten resin is unstably blown out from the extruder, the air cylinder is contracted and the cutter is arranged at a retreated position so will not to come in contact with the molten resin. Despite the cutter wheel continues to rotate, the molten resin is not contacted by the cutters.
US07967591B2	Apparatus and method for manufacturing a multiple material golf club head A method and apparatus for co-curing a multiple material golf club head is disclosed herein. The club head preferably is composed of a metal face component and an aft-body composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material.
US07967588B2	Fine fiber electro-spinning equipment, filter media systems and methods Electrostatic fine fiber generation equipment such as for forming nano-fibers from polymer solution is provided. The fine fiber generation equipment includes a strand that may take the form of a stainless steel beaded chain. The beaded chain can be an endless chain entrained upon two guide wheels and driven about an endless path perpendicularly relative to the collection media.
US07967584B2	Scroll machine using floating seal with backer A floating seal has a lower plate, an upper plate and a pair of seals disposed between the two plates. The lower plate, the upper plate or both plates include a backer which projects outward from the plate to engage one or both of the seals to support the seal during operation.
US07967582B2	Compressor having capacity modulation system A compressor includes a first porting extending through an end plate of an orbiting scroll member at an angular extent of at least twenty degrees and first and second spiral wraps defining modulated capacity pockets when the orbiting scroll is in a first position. The first modulated capacity pockets may include a set of radially outermost compression pockets located radially inward relative to the first porting and isolated from communication with the first porting during an entirety of the compression cycle. The first porting may align with the second spiral wrap at a location radially outward from and directly adjacent the first modulated capacity pockets when the orbiting scroll member is in the first position.
US07967581B2	Shaft mounted counterweight, method and scroll compressor incorporating same A counterweight mounted to a drive shaft in a scroll compressor is provided. The drive shaft has a central annular segment generally concentric about the central axis and an eccentric annular segment offset from the central axis that can be used for driving the movable scroll compressor body. A counterweight engages the eccentric and also engages the annular segment for location and mounting of the counterweight to the shaft.
US07967580B2	Oil pump for an internal combustion engine An oil pump for an internal combustion engine for drawing up the lubricating oil situated in an oil collector device has an oil pump housing wherein at least two pairs of gears are disposed. The pairs of gears, in order to form the pumping stages, are connected on the suction side to a suction passage formed in the oil pump housing and on the delivery side to a delivery passage. The oil pump housing is further formed with an oil supply passage that is connected to the suction passage of a first pumping stage and via which lubricating oil can be delivered to the suction side of the first pumping stage.
US07967579B2	Hermetic compressor with spot joining portions fixing a motor stator to a cylindrical portion of a casing where a clearance is secured therebetween A hermetic compressor is disposed with an annular motor stator, a motor rotor, a casing and plural spot joining portions. The motor rotor is disposed such that it may freely rotate in a space inside the motor stator. The casing includes a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion houses the motor stator and the motor rotor. The plural spot joining portions fix the motor stator to the cylindrical portion by spot joining in a state where a clearance is secured between the motor stator and the cylindrical portion.
US07967577B2	Fan assembly and fastening structure thereof A fastening structure for a fan has a frame which includes a fastening member having a vertical portion fixed to the frame, and an extending portion extending towards the interior of the frame and having a protrusion, where when the fan is assembled with the fastening structure, the fan is rotated along an axle thereof to closely fit the protrusion in an hole of the outer frame of the fan so that the fan can be fixed on the frame.
US07967571B2	Advanced booster rotor blade A rotor airfoil having a leading edge extending from a root to a tip, an inner span region and an outer span region the leading edge having a sweep angle profile such that the sweep angle increases from the root a first height location at a first rate of change of sweep angle that is substantially constant and thereafter increases at a second rate of change of sweep angle that is substantially constant.
US07967570B2	Low transient thermal stress turbine engine components A turbine vane includes a platform; and at least one airfoil mounted to the platform and having a trailing edge and a leading edge, wherein the vane is composed of a functionally graded material having a first material and a second material, wherein the trailing edge includes a greater amount of the first material than the second material, and the leading edge includes a greater amount of the second material than the first material.
US07967566B2	Thermally balanced near wall cooling for a turbine blade A turbine blade including an airfoil having an airfoil outer wall extending radially outwardly from a blade root to a blade tip. The airfoil outer wall includes a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall, and the pressure and suction sidewalls are joined together at chordally spaced leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. A pressure side serpentine cooling path extends adjacent the pressure sidewall and a suction side serpentine cooling path extends adjacent the suction sidewall. The pressure side cooling path conducts cooling fluid in a first chordal direction between the leading and trailing edges, and the suction side cooling path conducts cooling fluid in a second chordal direction, opposite the first chordal direction, between the leading and trailing edges. A central partition extends chordally through the airfoil, and a transverse passage extends through the central partition and connects the pressure side cooling path to the suction side cooling path.
US07967565B1	Low cooling flow turbine blade A turbine rotor blade made from a spar and a shell each having an airfoil cross sectional shape and each formed from a high temperature exotic material and formed by a wire EDM process to form a thin wall shell from Molybdenum and the spar from Waspalloy or IN100 in order to form a turbine blade that requires very low amounts of cooling air while allowing for high temperature use above what nickel super alloys can be exposed to. The spar and shell are secured to the platform by a bolt passing through the widest section of the hollow spar and connected at one end to a tip cap and to the other end to the platform and root piece of the blade.
US07967558B2	Hybrid seal assembly for a fan-turbine rotor of a tip turbine engine The hybrid seal assembly includes a seal for use with rotating surfaces which may suffer significant deflections such as for sealing between flanges and mating surfaces typical of annular seal face surface of a diffuser section of a tip turbine engine.
US07967552B2	Drive spindles A rotary atomiser drive spindle for use as part of a rotary atomiser, the drive spindle comprising a shaft which carries a turbine and a body which comprises at least one supply channel for supplying gas to the turbine for rotatingly driving the shaft relative to the body. The turbine comprises a rotor body portion, which is ring shaped, and a plurality of blades projecting from one of the generally flat surfaces of the rotor body portion. Generally radial gas paths through the turbine are defined by adjacent pairs of blades. The at least one supply channel comprises a nozzle portion from which, in use, gas leaves the body of the spindle towards the turbine. Each nozzle comprises an outlet and the cross sectional area of the gas passage through the nozzle portion decreases monotonically from the inlet of the nozzle to the outlet. Two turbines may be provided and exhaust air may be used for cooling.
US07967549B2	Robotic system including foldable robotic arm A system includes an end effector, a robotic wrist for orienting the end effector; and a robotic arm for positioning the end effector. The robotic arm is foldable into a stack. The robotic wrist is mounted to a last link of the robotic arm.
US07967546B2	System and method for handling containers of bulk particulate materials A system for unloading a container of bulk particulate material, having attachment means for lifting the container and a spout for discharging material therefrom, generally consisting of an unloading apparatus including a material hopper, a mobile apparatus and a carrier member including an arrangement for detachably connecting a container thereto, an arrangement for detachably mounting on a mobile apparatus and an arrangement for detachably mounting on the unloading apparatus.
US07967538B1	Captured screw assembly A captured screw assembly is disclosed for locating a fixture plate relative to a base plate. The assembly includes a screw with a head having a diameter larger than the threaded body to form a shoulder. A bushing is frictionally engaged in an opening in the fixture plate and includes a central opening extending through the bushing and the fixture plate. The screw extends through the central opening of the bushing and threadedly engages a threaded hole in the base plate to accurately position the fixture plate relative to the base plate. The shoulder of the screw and a shoulder in the central opening of the bushing abut when the screw is fully engaged in the threaded hole. The screw and bushing include a capture feature formed therebetween to retain the screw within the bushing when the screw is disengaged from the threaded hole.
US07967537B2	Adjustment device for the alignment of supporting parts on structures having inherent dimensional tolerances An adjustment device aligns supporting parts that pivotally accommodate the guide rails of a freight loading system on structures having inherent dimensional tolerances. The structures can in particular be in an aircraft fuselage. Each supporting part is designed as a bearing insert that can be inserted in a bearing eye of a bearing block such that it cannot rotate. Each bearing insert has fitting surface sections separated from one another by planes of symmetry. Each bearing insert has at least one asymmetrically arranged axis accommodation.
US07967536B2	Blade transportation A transportation tooling of the type that borders the blade at its root and at an intermediate point. This tooling is used in combination with platforms placed on the transportation elements and the platforms can move transversely and turn or rotate with respect to the devices of transportation without affecting blade integrity. Also a method for blade transportation with the tip of one blade facing the tip of the adjacent blade so as to use the minimum space on the devices of transportation. The rail tooling takes into account the maximum corner radius that the train will encounter while absorbing the bending and torsion stress acting on the blades.
US07967535B2	Hole saw with waste plug ejector A hole saw having a tubular cutting portion, a pilot drill bit, an ejection plate disposed within the tubular cutting portion and a compression spring cooperating with the plate further includes a guide structure fixed to the ejection plate and slidingly cooperating with a helical flute of the pilot drill bit. The compression spring and cooperating guide structure provide a combination of linear and rotational ejection of a waste plug from the hole saw. A duel set screw feature facilitates waste plug removal if needed and includes a first set screw frictionally engaged with a flat surface of the drill bit and a second set screw cooperating with a circular groove running about the drill bit.
US07967534B2	Pocket hole jig tool system A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
US07967531B2	Method of raising a building A method of raising a building with respect to the ground; the method including the steps of: forming a mat having a number of through holes; inserting a foundation pile through each hole; fitting each foundation pile with a lifting device; exerting thrust on the foundation piles by means of the lifting devices to raise the building with respect to the ground; and fixing each foundation pile axially to the mat once the building is raised; the lifting devices are divided into three equivalent, symmetrical, independent work groups; and the lifting devices of one work group at a time are activated simultaneously, so that the building is raised isostatically, by simultaneously activating the lifting devices of one work group at a time, while the lifting devices of the other two work groups are left idle.
US07967528B2	Dowel sleeves A dowel sleeve has a tubular body with a mounting assembly at one end for releasable connection to a construction plate, and a leg support engagable at the other end for adjustable support. The construction plate has spaced non-circular holes. A first flange of the mounting assembly has a complementary profile, of smaller dimensions, to the non-circular holes, while a second flange has a similar profile, of larger dimensions, with its major-axis non-aligned with the major-axis of the first flange. The first flange is inserted through one of the non-circular holes, and the tubular body is rotated so the first and second flanges engage opposed faces of the construction plate.The leg support has a spigot engagable in the tubular body, the exterior of which is engaged by an abutment face. The effective length of the support leg is adjustable by selectively detaching one or more leg member segments, each provided with a disc-like base member.
US07967527B2	Concrete slab joint system including a load plate sleeve A load plate sleeve assembly for maintaining a load plate in position between adjacent concrete slabs and facilitating controlled lateral movement of the load plate includes a housing and an insert clip coupled to the housing. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposing side walls extending between the top and bottom walls, and an end wall extending between the top and bottom walls, and between the side walls. The walls define an internal cavity, and the housing includes a cavity access opening. The insert clip includes a opposing side walls having a first end and a second end. The insert clip also includes an end wall extending between the side walls, a plurality of deformable centering fingers extending from the side walls, and a collapsible diamond shaped center support extending from the end wall. The insert clip is positioned inside the internal cavity of the housing.
US07967520B2	Magnetic mount dry eraser for accommodating writing utensils A dry eraser is disclosed including an eraser body having an upper region and a lower region, a layer of erasing material having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion affixed to the lower region of the eraser body, at least one socket on the upper region for accommodating at least a portion of a writing utensil, and a magnetic member operatively engaged to the eraser body between the top portion of the layer of erasing material and the upper region of the eraser body.
US07967516B2	Portable printer and methods This is disclosed a portable printer that is easy to load with an ink ribbon cartridge and record members web supplies, that is simple, has relatively few parts, is lightweight and has a small footprint.
US07967514B2	Dust protector for camera module and portable electronic device using the same A dust protector module comprises a protective cover and a decorative element. The decorative element defines a receiving area corresponding to the protective cover, the receiving area has the same shape and a smaller size than the protective cover. Therefore, the protective cover is frictionally engaged in the receiving area.
US07967507B2	Dimensional reference for tomography A dimensional reference system for tomography, including X-ray computed tomography and MRI tomography. The system includes a dimensional reference apparatus that comprises plurality of spheres composed of a material having an X-ray absorption property between approximately +500 Hounsfield units and +1200 Hounsfield units. The spheres are spaced apart at a known distance by support structure/spacer unit that has an X-ray absorption property between approximately −100 Hounsfield units and +400 Hounsfield units. After an image that incorporates the dimensional reference apparatus and a measurement subject has been reconstructed, the dimensional reference apparatus provides for measurement of the resultant image voxels in three dimensions. Because solid structural elements such as plastic or glass spheres may not be visible in an MRI, an MRI implementation of the apparatus may be disposed in a fluid-tight enclosure along with water, a contrast-enhancing agent and ethanol.
US07967506B2	Power supply temperature sensor and system A power supply temperature sensor and system includes a power supply housing configured to receive at least one power supply unit, such as a battery cell. The power supply housing includes an aperture which provides communication between the battery cell and an ambient environment outside the power supply housing. A sensor having a sensing element is configured to sense a temperature of the battery cell, and a sensor housing surrounds at least a portion of the sensor, including at least a portion of the sensing element. This electrically isolates the sensing element from the battery cell. A portion of the sensor housing is configured to be disposed through the aperture in the power supply housing to make contact with the battery cell to facilitate conductive heat transfer between the battery cell and the sensor housing, thereby facilitating an accurate measurement of the temperature of the battery cell.
US07967499B2	Bone cement mixer with two paddles, the paddles arranged to limit longitudinal movement A mixing assembly for mixing bone cement includes a housing, a lid, a handle, and two mixing paddles, a first and a second mixing paddle. The lid is removably attachable to the housing. The handle has a portion that extends through the lid and that is rotatable in a first rotational direction. The first mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the portion of the handle. As a result, the first mixing paddle rotates with the portion of the handle in the first rotational direction. The second mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the first mixing paddle for rotating opposite the portion. As such, when the portion of the handle and the first mixing paddle rotate in the first rotational direction, the second mixing paddle rotates in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.
US07967498B2	Submersibly operable high volume and low pressure liquid transfer equipment Submersibly installable and operable high volume and low pressure stirrer type liquid transferring equipment comprises a rotor type stirrer driven via a drive shaft passing without making contact along a sleeve rooting centrally in a housing having a downwardly facing inlet and a tangentially arranged outlet. As the casing of the housing is independent of the remainder of the equipment it is fitted with elevating leg plates. Its operative location is accommodated by a location of equipment installation. The stirrer is bolted to a drive assembly via its shaft. The length of the sleeve is established in conjunction with the circumstances of use of the equipment to maintain the zone encompassed by the housing sealed from above by a liquid seal.
US07967496B2	Concrete batch mixer A batch mixer comprises a mixing drum rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending between an inlet opening and a discharge opening at opposing ends of the drum. Mixing members and transfer members supported in the drum mix the material when rotated in a first direction and transfer the material to the discharge opening when rotated in an opposing direction. An inlet chute for charging the drum and a discharge chute for emptying the drum communicate with the inlet opening and the discharge opening respectively. The inlet chute pivots relative to the drum about a vertical axis from a charging position in communication with the inlet opening to an access position in which the inlet opening is unobstructed by the inlet chute. The inlet end wall locating the inlet opening therein is removable for greater access.
US07967491B2	Light-emitting device This application relates to a light-emitting device comprising a light channel having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, an inner surface intersecting with each of the upper and lower surface by different angles, and an escape surface; and a light-emitting element having a bottom surface substantially parallel to the inner surface and emitting light traveling inside the light channel toward the escape surface. In an embodiment, the escape surface of the light-emitting device is an inclined plane with lens array thereon.
US07967488B2	Breakable structure of headlamp for vehicles A breakable structure of a headlamp for vehicles is partially broken and deformed when an impact force is applied to the headlamp. The breakable structure of the present invention includes at least a separable member provided in the junction of the headlamp housing and the headlamp lens, the separable member being separated from the junction of the headlamp and the headlamp lens when an impact force is applied thereto.
US07967482B2	Lamp A lamp comprises a housing, a heat dissipating unit, a light emitting member and a screen. The housing includes a lens and a base on two ends thereof, with an outlet section and an inlet section being formed on the wall of the housing. The heat dissipating unit is mounted inside the housing. The light emitting member is coupled to the heat dissipating unit and electrically connects to the base of the housing. The screen is in the form of a mesh that has a plurality of tiny holes and covers the inlet section of the housing. Consequently, by use of the screen, the lamp can meet standards for safety, gas flow impedance is reduced to enhance dissipating heat dissipating effect of the heat dissipating unit and insects are prevented from entering the housing.
US07967476B2	Light emitting device including protective glass film A light emitting device includes a metal reflecting member, a light emitting element fixed to the metal reflecting member, a glass film that covers the metal reflecting member and has Si—N bonds, and a translucent resin that covers the glass film.
US07967475B2	LED device radiator of LED projection system An LED device radiator of an LED projection system, and more particularly, a radiator for cooling an LED device used in an LED projector is disclosed. The radiator includes a red LED device connected to a first substrate, a green LED device connected to a second substrate, a blue LED device connected to a third substrate, a first heat sink connecting a rear surface of the first substrate such that heat emitted from the red LED device is transferred to the first heat sink, and a second heat sink connecting a rear surface of each of the second and third substrate such that heat emitted from the green LED device and the blue LED device is transferred to the second heat sink.
US07967474B2	LED illumination device and radiating member of LED illumination device The present invention relates to a radiating member of an LED illumination device and the LED illumination device using the same. Provided is an LED illumination device includes a printed circuit board mounted with LED chips; and a radiating member provided on a rear surface of the printed circuit board, wherein the radiating member includes a radiating pipe vertically attached to a center of the printed circuit board, radiating pins surrounding and attached to the printed circuit board at a predetermined interval, radiating disks provided below the radiating fins and arranged along the radiating pipe at a predetermined interval, and a radiating member case for covering the radiating member.
US07967473B2	LED lamp with heat sink An LED lamp (100) includes a plurality of LED modules (20) and a thermal module (30). Each of the LED modules has a plurality of LEDs (220). The thermal module is secured to a side of the LED modules. The thermal module includes a plurality of fins (320). The fins are stacked with one above another with a gap defined between two adjacent fins. Each of the fins defines two opening (325). The openings of the fins coincide with each other from top to bottom so as to form two channels (328). The channels are used for air to flow therein to exchange heat with the fins.
US07967471B2	Lighting unit for water fountains, ponds or the like A lighting unit for water fountains, ponds and the like, has a housing that is sealed at least relative to splashing water. A light source is arranged in the housing. A lens is arranged in the housing for alignment of light emitted by the light source. An additional lens unit is arranged in a light path of the light emitted by the light source for providing an additional alignment of the light emitted by the light source. A closure cap secures the additional lens unit by a self-centering action on the housing. The closure cap has an inner guide providing the self-centering action.
US07967469B2	LED lamp An LED lamp includes a heat sink having a planar base, a plurality of LED modules attached to a bottom face of the base, an envelope disposed on the bottom face of the base and covering the LED modules, and a lamp bracket securing the base and the envelope together. The lamp bracket includes a vertical frame which defines an opening at a lateral side thereof, an engaging flange extending from an inner face of the frame and supporting a fixing flange of the envelope, and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the inner face of the frame above the engaging flange and pressing the base downwardly towards the envelope. The base of the heat sink and the envelope are inserted into the vertical frame through the opening.
US07967468B2	Adjustable lighting device A lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device can be battery-powered and can include one or more LEDs within a light assembly. The device also can include a battery compartment, a first frame element, and a second frame element. The light assembly can be supported by the first frame element and free to tilt on a first axis relative to the first frame element. The light assembly can be free to rotate relative to the second frame element on a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The second frame element can be, for example, a plate configured to be fixedly mounted to a surface, such as a wall.
US07967465B2	Light device A light device is disclosed which is arranged to receive at least one rechargeable electrical power storage device. The light device comprises a flexible body portion movable between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration and defining an enclosure when the body portion is in the expanded configuration, the body portion being at least partially transparent or translucent. The light device also comprises at least one light emitting element which receives electrical power from the or each electrical power storage device disposed during use in the light device, the light emitting element being arranged so as to generate light which passes outwardly of the light device through the body portion, and a solar power converting device arranged to convert solar power to electrical power for recharging the or each electrical power storage device disposed during use in the light devices. The light device is disposable in an expanded configuration or a contracted configuration by respectively expanding or contracting the body portion.
US07967462B2	Backlight assembly for liquid crystal display apparatus having inclined light emmitting elements A light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and each light emitting element is disposed in such a manner that a direction of an optical axis of the light emitting element having a highest luminance is disposed at a predetermined inclination angle relative to a plane of the liquid crystal display. The optical guide member has an optical guide portion of a wedge shape having a first flat plane generally perpendicular to the optical axis of each light emitting element for receiving light from each light emitting element and a second flat plane having a predetermined angle relative to the optical axis and intersecting the first flat plane at an acute angle for reflecting light. A plurality of optical guide portions are disposed in a plane and formed integrally along a predetermined direction corresponding to the inclination direction of the light emitting elements.
US07967461B2	Backlight module A backlight module is disclosed. The backlight module includes a light source producing light, a reflective plate that is positioned under the light source to reflect the light, and a prism plate including an incident surface and an emitting surface. The prism plate is positioned on the light source so that direct light from the light source and reflective light from the reflective plate are directly incident on the prism plate through the incident surface. A light scattering unit scattering the direct light and the reflective light is positioned on the incident surface of the prism plate, and a prism pattern changing a traveling path of light incident through the incident surface is positioned on the emitting surface of the prism plate.
US07967460B2	Planar light source and backlight unit including the same A planar light source and a backlight unit including the same are disclosed. The planar light source includes a light emission region formed by arrangements of light emitting devices. The light emission region includes first to nth separate parts each having a center of the light emission region as one vertex (n: natural number of 2 or higher). The first separate part includes light emitting devices arranged two-dimensionally in first and second directions. A pitch in the first direction is different from a pitch in the second direction in at least a portion of the two-dimensional arrangement structure. Light emitting devices of each of the second to nth separate parts have an arrangement structure obtained by a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the arrangement structure of the light emitting devices of the first separate part by an angle of 1/n×360° about the center of the light emission region.
US07967458B2	Mirror assembly with single heating element for multiple surfaces A rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a mirror bracket fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A mirror case is secured to the mirror bracket. The mirror case defines a primary opening. A backing plate is operatively connected to the mirror case. A mirror is fixedly secured to the backing plate. The mirror defines a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface defines a primary mirror surface and a spot mirror surface formed within the second surface. The rearview mirror assembly also includes a heating element fixedly secured to the second surface of the mirror for heating the mirror. The heating element includes a primary portion fixedly secured to the primary surface and a secondary portion fixedly secured to the spot mirror surface.
US07967457B2	Control grid for solar energy concentrators and similar equipment This invention provides a manner to achieve affordable solar energy, as well as other technologies. It does so by improving control grids (for addressing and alignment) in solar concentrators and optical equipment in general. Thus troublesome and expensive grid material like Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) can be replaced by more manageable, hardier, and more cost effective nanotubes; or a carbon grid simply laid down by ordinary photocopy (Xerographic) reduction techniques. The instant invention relates to improvements in the control (addressing and alignment) grid for Solar Energy Concentrators; and similar equipment such as Optical Switches; and Display devices such as Dynamic Reflection, Illumination, and Projection equipment; as well as display equipment in general. The control grid acts to address and align active optical elements such as mirrored balls, multipainted balls, electrophoretic, and magnetophoretic cells in solar concentrators; and in other equipment. Fabrication of the grids is also described.
US07967450B2	Light amount control device and projector A light amount control device that controls an amount of light acquired from a light source provided in an image display apparatus includes: a pulse generator; an operation processing portion for light amount control that outputs a transfer start signal at timing when the amount of light is controlled; a data setting circuit that is provided outside the operation processing portion and that stores data, in which various kinds of signals instructing the operation processing portion to set transfer data beforehand are set, in a memory; an address generator that is provided outside the operation processing portion and that sets an address in response to the transfer start signal output from the operation processing portion; a memory that is a main component included in the pulse generator and that outputs data on the basis of a memory address generated by the address generator; a pulse driven body whose operation direction and speed are determined by a pulse signal formed by data output from the memory and which is driven by a pulse; an actuator connected to the pulse driven body; and an opening capable of adjusting the amount of transmitted light according to an operation of the actuator inserted in an emission path of the light source.
US07967449B2	Arc tube having electrodes including coil winding portions and projector including arc tube light source An arc tube includes: a tube spherical portion containing a pair of electrodes each of which has a shaft portion and a coil winding portion formed by winding coil around the shaft portion; and a pair of seal portions extending from both sides of the tube spherical portion. The coil winding portion of at least one of the electrodes has a coil portion formed by winding the coil at least once around the shaft portion in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion, a tip disposed on the tip side of the coil portion, and a base disposed on the base side of the coil portion. The coil of the base positioned on the surface side of the electrode is melt-treated. The coil forming the base is not melted to be combined with the shaft portion.
US07967447B2	Overheat prevention device An overheat prevention device comprises an inclination angle detector, a cooling module, and a control circuitry. The inclination detector is adapted to detect a first inclination angle and a second inclination angle, which an light source module is subject to relative to a reference plane, and transmit a first inclination signal and a second inclination signal, respectively. In response to the first inclination signal, the control circuitry alters the cooling module from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. In response to the second inclination signal, the control circuitry alters a projection apparatus from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.
US07967446B2	Liquid crystal projector apparatus and cooler A liquid crystal projector apparatus has a liquid crystal unit having a liquid crystal panel for modulating light, an incident side polarizing plate and an exit side polarizing plate disposed in front of and behind the liquid crystal panel along the optical axis, respectively, a first holder member for holding the liquid crystal unit, a first heat exchanger disposed in close proximity to the first holder member for dissipating heat generated by the liquid crystal unit and then conducted to the first holder member using a coolant liquid which passes through a first channel formed inside the first heat exchanger, a pump for circulating the coolant liquid, and a radiator for cooling the coolant liquid.
US07967445B2	Image projecting apparatus and image projecting method An image projecting apparatus enables the formation of a projected image faithful to original image information by reducing degradation in the projected image due to decrease in imaging performance of a projection optical system. Image information is processed by an image processing device, which includes a first and a second image processor. A light modulating device modulates a flux of light emitted by an illumination optical system based on the processed image information. The modulated flux of light is projected on a screen by a projection optical system. If the image information processed by the first image processor in a pixel region is not within a representable modulation range of the light modulating device, the image information is processed by the second image processor.
US07967444B2	Multi-resolution digital table display system with projection device A multi-resolution digital table display system is provided for integrally displaying an image picture with more than one resolution. The multi-resolution digital table display system includes a table, a peripheral projection device, a foveal projection device, and an image module. For saving space and avoiding affection of user's hand, the peripheral projection device and the foveal projection device required for projecting images are disposed under the table. The image module provides a peripheral image with a first resolution to the peripheral projection device for projecting the same to a projection screen, and provides a foveal image with a second resolution to the foveal projection device for projecting the same to the projecting screen, such that an image picture can be integrally displayed on the projecting screen.
US07967443B2	Projection system using reflective polarizers A projection system comprising a first imaging component, at least a second imaging component, and a color combiner. The first and second imaging components each comprise an imager and a reflective polarizer that is configured to at least partially separate a light beam from the imager into a first portion and second portion, where the first portion and the second portion have substantially orthogonal polarization states. The first portions of the light beams are directed in the same direction above or below a plane defined by the second portions of the light beams. The color combiner is configured to combine the second portions of the light beams, where the second portions of the light beams have substantially orthogonal polarization states prior to entering the color combiner.
US07967442B2	Methods, systems, and devices for monitoring anisocoria and asymmetry of pupillary reaction to stimulus A Pupillometer is disclosed. The Pupillometer has a display, an imaging apparatus that has a pupil finder and a microprocessor, and a memory in communication with the microprocessor. The display is sized to simultaneously display a video of y or more seconds in length of a left pupil and a video of y or more seconds in length of a right pupil. The pupil finder identifies the perimeter of a pupil. The imaging apparatus is capable of recording images of an individual's pupils at a rate of x image frames per second for a period of y or more seconds and playing back said image frames as a video at x image frames per second or at another rate that is faster or slower than x image frames per second. The memory has stored therein a program for enabling said microprocessor to do the following: (i) identify a center of the left pupil and a center of the right pupil for each image frame; (ii) synchronize each image frame of the two videos starting from the first frame; (iii) cause the display to display the two videos simultaneously such that each of the image frames of the video of the left eye is synchronized to a corresponding image frame of the video of the right eye when played back on the display; and (iv) cause the two videos to be displayed so that the center of the left pupil in each image frame is aligned on the display with the center of the right pupil for the corresponding image frame.
US07967438B2	System for obtaining a fundus image The present invention is related to a system for obtaining a fundus image, constituted by optical means implemented in an equipment to observe and photograph the image of the wall fundus (16), comprising a capturing optical means composed by high sensibility digital camera, constituted by an image sensor (2) and focal optical system (3), said digital camera being used to register a captured image by an afocal optical system, composed by a capturing lens (13) and its afocal complement (6); a lighting optical means provided from a arrangement conformed with optical fiber bundle (7), (8), (9) and (10), halogen light source (23) or light emitting diode source (LED); wherein said light beam from the halogen light (23) or light emitting diodes has an annular form when it pass in the anterior part of eyeball (14) and focus in the pupil plan (15); both the means having the optical path partially common over the optical axle (1) from the optical fibers arrangement (7), (8), (9) and (10) to the fundus (16), region in that both the beams are coaxial; in that both the optical means are equipped with light polarizers (4) and (11), being integrated with mechanical, electronics and computerized components, and applicative program, which allow control the equipment and its multiple operational configurations, conducing image acquisition and processing, and displaying the results.
US07967437B2	Retinal scanning image display apparatus and image display system A retinal scanning image display apparatus includes a light source, a scanning unit that scans a light flux from the light source, a reflective surface that reflects the light flux from the scanning unit, and an ocular unit that guides the light flux from the reflective surface to an eye of an observer. Optical paths of the light flux scanned by the scanning unit intersect at an exit pupil position of the ocular unit, and the image display apparatus causes the scanning unit and the reflective surface to shift so that the optical paths of the scanned light flux toward the same image position are respectively moved in parallel to move the intersecting position of those optical paths. This realizes a small retinal scanning image display apparatus capable of keeping the image position substantially constant even when an observer moves their pupil.
US07967434B2	Plastic polarized lens and method of producing the same According to the present invention, there are provided a plastic polarized lens with excellent processability and the like, and a method of producing the same. The plastic polarized lens is obtained by injecting a mixture of a specified isocyanate compound and a specified active hydrogen compound into a lens-forming mold wherein a polarized film containing a thermoplastic polyester is fixed, followed by polymerization and curing.
US07967432B2	Arm for spectacles A arm for spectacles (1, 50) comprises a first portion (11) made of polymer-based composite material reinforced with fibres and at least one film (23, 24) of thermoplastic polymeric material coupled to the first portion (11) as a covering for same.
US07967431B2	Spectacles A pair of rimless spectacles includes two lenses, a frame including two temple units and a bridge, and a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a plurality of first connectors spacedly provided at the lenses at a predetermined location and a plurality of second connectors provided at a predetermined location of each of the temple units and the bridge respectively, wherein the second connectors are coupled with the first connectors respectively to couple the temple units at two outer sides of the lenses respectively and to couple the bridge between two inner sides of the lenses respectively in a tool-less manner.
US07967429B2	Ink tank and ink jet cartridge An ink tank includes a first channel extending in the form of a groove on an external part of the tank in connection with an atmospheric communicating port. The tank also includes a second channel which branches off from the first channel and joins this again and which has a capillary force greater than that of the first channel. Even when some amount of ink has flowed out of the atmospheric communicating port, the capillary force generated in the second channel acts to hold the ink in the channel. Additionally, even when ink is stored in the second channel, the first channel is not closed, and the pressure in the tank is therefore kept in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, there is little possibility that the ink in the second channel will be pushed out even when the ambient temperature changes.
US07967428B2	Method of manufacturing a liquid container including a check valve and bypass flowing passage, and liquid container including said check valve and bypass flowing passage Since a bypass flowing passage which communicates with the inside of a bag part not through a second valve mechanism is provided for an outlet part, ink can be filled from the outlet part into the bag part in spite of the existence of the second valve mechanism. Further, after an empty ink pack has been housed in an inner case, the ink is filled into the ink pack. Therefore, when a first seal film is welded to the inner case, since the bag part is not bulky, the ends of the bag part are caught in a cartridge case. Therefore, the maximum amount of ink for the inner volume of the cartridge case can be filled. Further, since a bypass flowing passage is blocked after the ink has filled into the ink pack, contamination of air bubbles into the bag part through the bypass flowing passage is prevented.
US07967427B2	Liquid container A liquid container detachably mountable on a liquid ejection apparatus, includes: a surface parallel to an insertion direction into the liquid ejection apparatus; and a plurality of conformity identification protrusions integrally formed at the surface to be in parallel to the insertion direction for preventing erroneous insertion of the liquid container to a container mounting portion due to a difference in shape of the conformity identification protrusions, wherein each of the conformity identification protrusions has a different length from a contact portion located at one end in the insertion direction to a reference surface located at the other end in the insertion direction.
US07967423B2	Pressure modulation cleaning of jetting module nozzles A continuous inkjet printhead includes a jetting module, a fluid system, and a controller. The jetting module includes an array of nozzles. The fluid system includes a liquid source and a pressure control device. The liquid source includes a liquid and is connected in fluid communication with the jetting module. The controller is in electrical communication with the pressure control device of the fluid system and is configured to provide a first signal to the pressure control device to cause the liquid to be ejected as liquid streams through the nozzles of the array at a first pressure sufficient to create a stream of print-selectable drops. The controller is configured to provide a second signal to the pressure control device to cause the liquid to be ejected as liquid streams through the nozzles of the array at a second pressure with the second pressure being less than the first pressure. The controller is configured to provide the first signal to the pressure control device after a period of time.
US07967422B2	Inkjet nozzle assembly having resistive element spaced apart from substrate An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber positioned on a substrate and an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from a nozzle aperture when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. The resistive element of the actuator is spaced apart from the substrate.
US07967411B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus, wiping method of liquid ejecting head, and printing apparatus An apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head capable of ejecting liquid from a plurality of ejection ports by driving a plurality of ejection energy generation elements corresponding to the plurality of ejection portions. The apparatus includes a wiping mechanism capable of wiping an ejection port face in which a plurality of ejection ports is arranged in the liquid ejecting head. The ink ejection from the plurality of ejection ports is performed in a manner of a plurality of divisions. A time interval from a last wiping to a next wiping is adjusted according to an interval of the ejection energy generating elements corresponding to an adjacent ejection port.
US07967410B2	Method and apparatus for forming image An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a conveying mechanism that is provided in this apparatus body and conveys a sheet, a recording head that moves along a moving path orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet, ejects an ink to the sheet to print an image on the sheet, and, after the printing is finished, stands by in a first standby position on one end side of the moving path, and a CPU that moves the recording head that is on standby in the first standby position to an arbitrary position of the moving path.
US07967408B2	Printer and printing method An aspect of the invention is a printer for printing on one surface and the other surface of a sheet-like printing medium fed in a predetermined feed direction. The printer includes, a first printing part for printing on the one surface, a second printing part provided on the upstream side of the first printing part for printing on the other surface, a storage area in which first image data and second image data are stored, and an adjustment part for adjusting printing start positions of printing operations performed by the first and second printing parts by shifting the readout order of the first image data to be stored in the storage area toward the end side in accordance with a positional difference between the first printing part and the second printing part in the feed direction.
US07967401B2	Systemic cabinet A systemic cabinet is composed of multiple boards and multiple connecting pieces. Each board has multiple mortises defined at sides respectively to combine the corresponding connecting pieces with supporting strength by wedging to form a configuration of the systemic cabinet. The connecting pieces have multiple types in design variation to provide orientation-positioning efficiency and have supporting strength to make the composed systemic cabinet firm and stable. Therefore, once one board is worn out, only the worn board is replaced by detaching the connecting pieces to save other elements and to make the replacement easy and environmental for future repair.
US07967400B1	Wall mounted personal cabinet for jewelry and other items A personal cabinet for jewelry, tobacco products and implements or other items has a housing mount. An actuator housing is located within the housing mount and defines an actuator housing receptacle. A spring urged inner case is movably connected with the actuator housing within the actuator housing receptacle and is linearly moveable to a contracted position and a projected position relative to the actuator housing and housing mount. A latch mechanism retains the inner case at the contracted position and a latch release mechanism is operated to release the inner case for spring urged linear movement to its projected position. A closure is pivotally mounted to the inner case and can be opened only when the inner case has been moved to its projected position.
US07967398B2	Coreless rubber crawler A coreless rubber crawler has a tension body embedded in an endless rubber elastic body in the longitudinal direction thereof, lugs (7) formed at the outer peripheral surface of the elastic body, central projections (2) formed at the center in a width direction of the inner peripheral surface of the elastic body at regular intervals in a longitudinal direction of the elastic body, and drive projections (5, 6) engaging with sprockets and formed at both outer sides in a width direction of the inner peripheral surface of the elastic body at the same intervals as the central projections. Elongated detachment preventing projections (2A) that engage with rolling wheels (20) are formed such that the pitch between the central projections (2) is larger than the pitch between the drive projections (5, 6).
US07967394B2	Hydraulic unit of electronic control brake system A hydraulic unit of an electronic control brake system capable of achieving compactness of a modulator block by optimizing connection between components and valves, which are mounted in the modulator block, is disclosed. The hydraulic unit of an electronic control brake system includes a modulator block mounted with components to control braking hydraulic pressure applied to wheels of an automobile, including a plurality of inflow and outflow valves, a traction control valve, a shuttle valve, an accumulator, a pump and a motor. The modulator block is formed with oil lines thereinside to connect the components. The modulator block has a hexahedral shape. A wheel cylinder connecting part is disposed at a first surface of the modulator block, and a master cylinder connecting part is disposed at a second surface of the modulator block. Accordingly, a width of the surface, at which the wheel cylinder connecting part is disposed, can be decreased. Since the traction control valve is positioned above the shuttle valve at a rear surface of the modulator block, and the motor is positioned at a center portion of the modulator block, an overall size of the modulator block becomes compact.
US07967390B2	Machine and method for deconstructing a vertical wall A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage is operable to be raised and lowered along the support-frame adjacent to a workface. To the carriage are mounted one or more nozzles, preferably the nozzles are mounted to the carriage by means of a nozzle carrier that is operable to move back and forth along the length of the carriage. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface.Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing or means of rotating the nozzles in order to access the sidewalls of the opening in the workface produced by the invention.Optionally, the invention comprises means of adjusting the nozzles towards or away from the workface surface in order to maintain an optimal gap between the nozzle and the workface surface as the opening gets deeper.Optionally, the invention comprises a work platform mounted on the support-frame and operable to be raised and lowered along the support-frame, thereby providing access to the workface for workers cutting rebar and carrying out other ancillary tasks.
US07967386B2	Armrest assembly for automobile seat An armrest assembly for an automobile seat, in which an armrest protrudes from a foldable seatback such that a passenger rests his/her arm on the armrest when the seatback is folded, and comes into contact with the seatback when the seatback is folded out in order to take a seat. The armrest assembly includes an armrest, which is installed on a seatback of the seat via links so as to protrude from the seatback, an external force transmitting device, which is coupled with at least one of the links, and transmits external force to the coupled link such that the armrest protrudes from the seatback, and a pressing unit, which installed on one side of the seatback such that the external force is applied to the external force transmitting device when the seatback is folded.
US07967385B2	Hinge mechanism and vehicle seat comprising such a mechanism Hinge mechanism comprising first and second frames connected together by an adjustment device comprising a first set of gear teeth integral with the first frame and a first mobile toothed component engaging with the first set of gear teeth. The second frame comprises a second set of gear teeth, which interferes with the first frame when the torque applied between the first and second frames exceeds a predetermined threshold, in order to immobilize the frames rotatably in relation to each other.
US07967384B2	Fitting for a vehicle seat A fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) which is rotatable about an axis (A) relative to the first fitting part (11), and with a ring (13) which keeps the two fitting parts (11, 12) together in the axial direction. The fitting (5) forms a disc-shaped unit, wherein an adaptor (21) is provided. The adaptor (21) bears against the first fitting part (11), in particular in an abutting manner, and, with the bearing contact, defines a connecting surface (F). The adapter (21) IS connected to the first fitting part (11) and/or the ring (13) by a weld seam (23). The weld seam (23) is produced from a direction (S) which runs within the connecting surface (F) or at a shallow angle (f) to the connecting surface (F).
US07967382B2	Side bolster apparatus for automobile seat The side bolster apparatus includes a pressing unit formed on one side of a foldable seat back and rotating around a rotating shaft of the seat back, bolster installed so as to protrude from a rear side of the seat back, and an external force transmitting unit receiving external force from the pressing unit when the seat back is unfolded and transmitting the received external force to the bolster such that the bolsters protrude from the seat back.
US07967377B2	Auto-adjust vehicle headrest A headrest has a generally stationary support, a headrest body having a forwardly directed front face and positioned such that a head of a user seated in front of the support is generally level with the body, and a guide securing the body to the support for vertical movement relative to the support. A drive can vertically shift the body relative to the support. A sensor assembly has at least three horizontally elongated and vertically spaced electrodes carried on the front face. A controller connected to the electrodes and to the drive means detects a vertical position of the user's head relative to the body and displaces the body so as to centrally align with the user's head.
US07967374B2	Foldable chair A chair that is reconfigurable between a folded and an unfolded configuration includes a first leg having a first end and an opposite second end. An intermediate portion is located between the first and second ends. A second leg has a first end and an opposite second end. An intermediate portion is located between the first and second ends of the second leg. The intermediate portion of the second leg is pivotally connected to the intermediate portion of the first leg. A support member has a first end pivotally connected to the first leg and an opposite second end. A seat frame has a first part pivotally connected to the second end of the support member and a second part pivotally connected to the second end of the second leg. The second end of the support member is adjacent the first end of both the first and second legs in the folded configuration.
US07967372B2	Sound-insulation structure for cab-over truck A cab-side cover 10 is fixed to a cab 1, and a chassis-side cover 13 is fixed to a side member 2. A rear edge portion 7a of a tilt stay 7 is located between a front tire 5 and the side member 2 while the cab 1 is in a non-tilted state. The cab-side cover 10 includes a cab-side front cover portion 12, and the chassis-side cover 13 includes a chassis-side front cover portion 15. The cab-side front cover portion 12 is located at the outer side, in the vehicle-width direction, of the tilt stay 7 and extends further forward than the rear edge portion 7a of the tilt stay 7 while the cab 1 is in the non-tilted state. The chassis-side front cover portion 15 is located at the inner side, in the vehicle-width direction, of the tilt stay 7 and extends further forward and downward than the front lower edge of the cab-side front cover portion 12 while the cab 1 is in the non-tilted state.
US07967369B2	Fold-out trailer A fold-out trailer, including a trailer frame, the trailer frame having a tongue joined to a hitch, the tongue being joined to a stationary platform, and the stationary platform having a major surface defining a stationary plane, a plurality of side edges, a front edge and a back edge; at least one primary folding platform, the primary platform having a major surface defining a primary plane, an inside edge, an outside edge, a front edge, and a back edge, the inside edge of the primary platform being joined to one side edge of the stationary platform, the primary platform having a folded position; and a trunk, the trunk defined by the stationary platform, a front cover, and primary platforms when the primary platforms are in the folded position, the trunk having a generally triangular cross-section and being accessible via a back cover.
US07967368B2	Motor vehicle door which is reinforced against side impacts A motor vehicle door including an outer panel and an inner shell panel that are interconnected at the lower ends thereof by a door sill plate that extends transversely in relation to the two panels. The door sill plate is reinforced with a reinforcing element that is fixed to the plate and that extends along most of the length and width thereof.
US07967367B2	Active material based closure hinge and alignment process An adjustable closure hinge assembly, includes a first hinge portion having a first aperture, a second hinge portion having a second aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, a hinge member disposed in the first and second apertures for joining the first and second hinge portions, wherein the hinge member further comprises a spacer intermediate walls defining the first and second apertures and the hinge member, wherein the spacer comprises an active material, and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in at least one property of the active material, wherein the change in the at least one property is effective to provide up to six degrees of freedom to the hinge member and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal.
US07967363B2	Rail car cover system A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first corner hinge assembly, a first intermediate hinge assembly and a first cover material. The first corner hinge assembly is attached to the first cover material. The first intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second corner hinge assembly, a second intermediate hinge assembly and a second cover material. The second corner hinge assembly is attached to the second cover material. The second intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first cover section and the second cover section substantially cover the opening.
US07967361B2	Method of making a filler neck housing assembly A method of making a filler neck housing assembly. A reinforcement bracket having a ring-shaped portion and a reinforcement flange is assembled to a housing panel that defines a recessed area inside a body outer panel. The reinforcement bracket includes door stop flanges and hinge attachment flanges to which a fuel door is attached by a hinge and hinge bracket.
US07967359B2	System, method and apparatus for deflecting mud from the foot area of an all terrain vehicle An apparatus, system, and method for deflecting mud from the foot area of an all terrain vehicle includes a substantially vertical barrier disposed adjacent to the foot area of the all terrain vehicle. The apparatus comprises a mud deflector stretched between a front fender and a rear fender. The apparatus may comprises a mud deflector configured from an elastomeric material stretched between a front fender and a rear fender and attached to the front and rear fenders by a plurality of attachment clips. In certain embodiments the apparatus may comprise a mud deflector configured from a rigid material attached to the front and rear fenders of the all terrain vehicle.
US07967356B2	Vehicular cargo space extender A vehicular cargo space extender includes a frame assembly adapted for slidable mounting to the vehicular cargo space. The frame assembly is slidable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the frame assembly extends effectively increases the length of the vehicular cargo space. In the retracted position, the frame assembly fits within the vehicular cargo space without obstructing the unextended length thereof.
US07967352B2	Load spreader bar end cap A spreader bar end cap for use in a spreader bar assembly. The spreader bar end cap may include a flange having a first side and a second side, the second side including a groove adapted for receiving an end of a spreader pipe, wherein the groove extends outward from the flange to capture the end of the spreader pipe; a shackle connection part extending from the flange first side and adapted for attachment to a lifting mechanism; and an insertion part comprising a distal end extending from the flange second side and comprising a shoulder on the distal end, the shoulder being adapted for abutment with an inside diameter of the spreader pipe. Alternatively, the groove may recesses into the flange to capture the end of the spreader pipe.
US07967351B2	Suction device A suction device (10) is described. The suction device (10) includes a cylinder (11) having a semi-closed end (113), a suction tip (13) connected to the semi-closed end (113), a piston (12), an elastic member (16) and an electromagnetic member (17). The piston (12) is slidably received in the cylinder (11), the piston (12) and the semi-closed end (113) encloses a working chamber (122). One end of the elastic member (16) is connected to the cylinder (11), the other end is connected to the piston (12). The electromagnetic member (17) causes the piston (12) to slide back and forth in the cylinder (11) to vary the volume of the working chamber (122) by adjusting the magnetic field of the electromagnetic member (17).
US07967350B2	Shock absorption module for an automobile The invention provides an impact absorber module for a motor vehicle, the module comprising: a top transverse element for bearing against an impact beam of the vehicle; a bottom transverse element and two uprights connecting the top and bottom transverse elements together so as to form substantially a frame referred to as an absorber frame, the bottom transverse element or one of the two uprights being designed to bear against a bottom structural part of the vehicle; and a wall forming an air guide and extending from the top transverse element towards a radiator of the vehicle.
US07967349B2	Side impact guard device for industrial vehicles, particularly trailers or semi-trailers An industrial vehicle, in particular a trailer or semi-trailer, comprises on its two sides two side-impact guard devices each comprising at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. Set between the bars of the two side-impact guard devices is a housing structure for one or more spare wheels, in such a way that said housing structure and the spare wheel or wheels housed therein contribute, together with the aforesaid bars, to absorbing the energy of a lateral impact.
US07967348B2	Key alignment system for keyed safety interlocks A key alignment system for safety interlock switches uses alignment holes, and alignment pins to compensate for misalignment between a body assembly and a key assembly. The misalignment is often due to normal wear and tear or outright abuse of a gate or other movable member that should be safely interlocked. The key is fixed to a floating plate connected to a mounting plate by a suspension. The alignment pins and holes on or in a fixed alignment assembly and the floating plate can move the floating plate into a position such that the key enters the key hole. Some embodiments incorporate the fixed alignment assembly into the body assembly. The normal function of a keyed safety interlock wherein the key can be caught and held or released is preserved and enhanced by compensating for misalignment.
US07967343B2	Adapter for clamps, particularly for welding plastic pipes An adapter for pipe locking clamps, particularly but not exclusively useful for welding portions of plastic piping by polyfusion. The adapter has at least two bodies obtained from a metal plate, and arranged parallel to each other. The bodies have respective circular arc-like lateral rims that have a same radius of curvature. The centers of curvature of the circular arc-like lateral rims are all arranged on a same axis so as to form a partially cylindrical concave surface forming an open cradle which is adapted to lock the pipes in cooperation with a similar surface formed on a complementary and opposite reduction unit.
US07967342B2	Anti-rotation quick connector A quick connector coupling assembly comprising a body, a tube, and a retainer to secure the tube in the body. The body defines an internal cavity extending from an opening. The tube has an endform extending through the opening and into the internal cavity. The endform has a tip and an engagement surface. The engagement surface of the endform coacts with a locking surface associated with the body or the retainer to resist rotational movement of the tube relative to the body.
US07967341B2	Interleaf, in particular for a book-like identity document, process and device for producing an interleaf An interleaf is disclosed, as well as a process and device for producing an interleaf, in particular for a book-like identification document. At least one additional layer (26) made of thermally resistant plastics is laminated onto at least one layer (24) made of thermoplastic elastomer, a section (42) of the at least one additional layer (24) being integrated into a folding region (31) without producing a thickened region on the outer side of the at least one layer (24) made of thermoplastic elastomer.
US07967338B1	Trailer chassis The trailer chassis includes a plurality of frame members forming a substantially rectangular box frame. The rectangular box frame includes a central, elongate main sub-frame integral with a pair of spaced outboard frame rail sections where wheel wells are formed. The central main sub-frame is devoid of cross members to provide unhindered storage space. Select sections of the rectangular box frame are covered with rigid plating to strengthen the torsional rigidity of the trailer chassis. The front section of the rectangular box frame includes a raised platform with a hitch frame integral thereto for installing a hitch. The trailer chassis is detachably mounted to the trailer in order to permit separate shipment of the trailer chassis in a shipping container.
US07967336B2	Wheelchair transport rack for motorcycles and recreational vehicles A transporting device for transporting a wheelchair directly on a motorcycle or recreational vehicle, the device being configured to include a frame attachment portion for attaching the bracket to a frame portion of a motorcycle or recreational vehicle, a spaced-apart portion configured to receive and secure a portion of a foot rest of a wheelchair, and a spaced-apart wheelchair axle receiving and securement portion located at a level above the frame attachment portion and the portion for receiving and securing a portion of the foot rest.
US07967335B2	Three-wheeled vehicle, in particular industrial truck comprising a stabilizing device The present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle (10), in particular industrial truck, comprising at least one stabilizing arrangement (28), which comprises a support element (40; 140) which may be fastened or is fastened to the underside of the vehicle chassis (30) of the vehicle (10) on a mounting (36) for the stabilized support of the vehicle (10) on the ground (34), when the vehicle has a tendency to tilt over. According to the invention, it is proposed that the stabilizing arrangement (28) is configured such that the support element (40; 140) may be mounted or/and may be adjusted on the vehicle (10) in a position ready for operation in which the vehicle (10) is located with its wheels (14, 18) on the ground.
US07967332B2	Side curtain airbag A curtain airbag to be installed in the roof frame area of a motor vehicle. The curtain airbag has an airbag skin including two side walls connected by an edge region, wherein the airbag skin surrounds a gas chamber. The gas chamber includes at least one protective area and at least one guide chamber fluidly connected to the protective area wherein the guide chamber is inflatable between the protective area and an internal structure of the motor vehicle when the curtain airbag is in an installed state. Furthermore, a plurality of fixing devices are provided for connecting the curtain airbag to the internal structure of the motor vehicle, wherein at least one guide chamber fixing device is located in the area of guide chamber in order to achieve a high level of operational safety and easy installation.
US07967330B2	Crash pad for automotive interior and apparatus for manufacturing the same Disclosed herein is a crash pad for an automotive interior, including a passenger air-bag door, which may have a main resin layer including a door region having a hinge portion and a tear line for a deployment of an air-bag and a crash pad region at least partially surrounding the door region, in which the hinge portion has a groove formed on a lower surface of the main resin layer along a longitudinal direction of the passenger air-bag door, and a lower resin layer disposed on a lower surface of the main resin layer to cover the hinge portion and having flexibility or a percentage of elongation superior to the main resin layer.
US07967322B1	Pivoting hitch system for trailer Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
US07967317B2	Children's vehicle, particularly pedal vehicle The children's vehicle, particularly pedal vehicle, is characterized by a sweeping device which is provided with at least one brush and is detachably connectable to the children's vehicle. For driving the brush roller a driver wheel is arranged that in the operative position of the sweeping device is positioned on the ground.
US07967316B2	Straddle-type vehicle A body frame of a straddle-type vehicle includes a frame extending along an outer side surface of a fuel tank. A first vibration isolating member is sandwiched between the frame and the fuel tank. Vibration transmitted to the fuel tank through the body frame is damped by the first vibration isolating member. A second vibration isolation member may be sandwiched between a seat of the vehicle and an upper surface of the fuel tank to further damp vibrations. The vibration members may be integrated with a cover of the fuel tank.
US07967310B2	Wheel suspension for the rear wheels of a motor vehicle A wheel suspension for the rear wheels of a motor vehicle is created, with three links being provided in an upper link plane, and with a foremost link as viewed in the direction of travel being provided as a track rod and the two further links being provided as separate individual links at both sides of a vertical wheel central transverse plane. A triangular link is arranged in the lower link plane, which triangular link holds a spiral or air spring and a damper strut spaced apart from one another. By corresponding pole formations defined by the links, elastokinematic or imaginary pivot axes are formed, which permits an elastokinematic adjustment of the wheel in a toe-in sense under the influence of braking forces, side forces and load shift forces. The wheel suspension is also configured such that an elastokinematic adjustment of the wheel in a toe-out sense is obtained in the event of wheel loads and drive forces.
US07967309B2	Vehicular swing arm assemblies and vehicles comprising axle portions Left and right axle portions are provided for attachment to respective left and right wheels of a vehicle. The left axle portion can be rotatably supported by a left hub support portion, and the right axle portion can be rotatably supported by a right hub support portion. The left and right hub support portions can be movably supported with respect to the frame. Vehicles are also provided.
US07967306B2	Tilting wheeled vehicle A tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism that allows the vehicle to have leaning characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still allowing the steering axes of each wheel to intersect the substantially vertical centerline of each wheel. The linkage also allows the caster angle of each wheel's pivot axis can be optimized independently of the angle of the vehicle's handlebar steering shaft.
US07967304B2	Steering stopper unit for vehicle A steering stopper unit for vehicle includes a stopper that is disposed to a knuckle and a stopper bracket that corresponds to the stopper and is disposed to a lower arm that is rotatably connected with a lower portion of the knuckle, and includes a stopper plate, which is hingedly engaged with an end of the stopper bracket, selectively contacts a forward side or rearward side of the stopper bracket, and has a predetermined thickness.
US07967301B2	Level control system and method for controlling or regulating a level control system A method for controlling or regulating a level control system for a motor vehicle including a compressed air source, at least one air spring, a switchable directional control valve associated with the air spring and a master line connecting the compressed air source to the switchable directional control valve. The switchable directional control valve blocking the master line in a normal state thereof and connecting the master line through for filling the air spring in a switching state thereof. The master line is filled with compressed air before filling the air spring until the air pressure in the master line is at least equally as high as a predetermined threshold value, and only thereafter is the switchable directional control valve transferred into the switching state for filling the air spring. A level control system for a motor vehicle is also provided.
US07967300B2	Hydrostatically actuated workholding apparatus with high expansion and recovery sleeve A workholding apparatus includes a body, and a workholding sleeve composed of metal and carried by the body. A fluid chamber receives a fluid between the body and the workholding sleeve. Under fluid pressure, the sleeve is radially displaceable and recoverable to a high degree. For example, the sleeve is radially displaceable to at least one percent in diameter with runout within about 0.03% of its diameter, and after release of fluid pressure repeatably recovers to within about 0.01% of its original relaxed diameter. In another example, when displaced under fluid pressure, the sleeve experiences substantially complete and repeatable strain recovery of at least about 2% of its overall cross-sectional area. Preferably, the sleeve is composed of Nitinol.
US07967294B2	Card shuffler with gravity feed system for playing cards A card feed system for feeding cards into a card handling system is disclosed. The system includes a card input department with a playing card support surface, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. The playing card support surface slopes towards the front wall at an angle between 12 and 22 degrees. A slot is provided in the front wall to allow single cards to pass into the card handling system. The card feed system also includes a card moving system to advance cards through the slot.
US07967284B2	Sheet conveying device, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus A sheet conveying device in which at least a sheet is guided and conveyed by a guiding member includes a discharging roller that conveys the sheet, a first guiding member and a second guiding member that are arranged along an outer periphery of the discharging roller, and a supporting shaft that rotatably supports both the first guiding member and the second guiding member. When the first guiding member is located at a first position in which a path between the first guiding member and the discharging roller is closed, the sheet is guided to a shift conveying path, and when the first guiding member is located at a second position in which the path is opened, the sheet is guided to a folding processing tray.
US07967282B2	Vibration isolators Vibration isolators are provided that include a shaft, a first bushing, a second bushing, a first outer annular member, a second outer annular member, a first elastomeric member, a second elastomeric member, and a shim. The first elastomeric member is adapted to provide a first stiffness for damping a first vibration, and the second elastomeric member is adapted to provide a second stiffness for damping a second vibration, the second stiffness being greater than the first stiffness.
US07967280B2	Air spring with debris and ice barrier An air spring including a spring seat, and a flexible sleeve connected to the spring seat. The flexible sleeve forms a compression chamber and includes a lobe that rolls along a surface of the spring seat during compression of the flexible sleeve. An annular barrier is disposed on the spring seat between the lobe of the flexible sleeve and the surface of the spring seat to deflect debris and ice from becoming lodged or trapped in the spring seat that may damage the flexible sleeve.
US07967279B2	Carbonator device The present invention relates to a carbonator device for use in refrigeration appliances and beverage distributors having a reservoir that has a tank portion and a lid portion and a plurality of connections for technical components provided on the lid portion. The reservoir is supplied with water and carbon dioxide and the technical components allow for a variety of water dispensing options.
US07967274B1	Vehicle window-mounted umbrella holder A unitary piece umbrella holder, adapted to be mounted on a vehicle window, including a plate, a receptacle mounted on an angle relative to the plate; and at least one fastener mounted on the plate.
US07967271B2	Viewing angle adjustment system for a monitor This invention provides a support arm to couple a monitor to a surface such as a wall or ceiling to remotely adjust the viewing angle of the monitor. The support arm includes at least one motor along a pivot axis in the support arm. The motor may be activated by a processor based on the control signal provided by the remote control. The support arm may include a plurality of pivot axes with a motor in each of the pivot axis to adjust the viewing angle along the vertical and horizontal planes. The support arm may be also provided with a tracking device that follows the movement of the viewer to adjust the viewing angle of the monitor corresponding to the movement of the viewer. The support arm may also receive periodic signal from the remote control to determine the location of the remote control. Based on the periodic signal, the processor may adjust the viewing angle of the monitor towards the location of the remote control.
US07967265B2	Electronic device mounting bracket for a horizontal support A mounting apparatus includes a horizontally supportable beam and one or more mounting brackets for coupling an electronic device thereto. The beam is supportable from any number of support surfaces. The mounting brackets are provided with a projection to prevent twisting of the bracket during installation on the beam. One or more circular ribs within the bracket accommodate the use of curved beams. The mounting brackets enable positioning of the electronic device longitudinally along the beam at predetermined positions.
US07967260B2	Supporting structure having function of rod-linkage latching The present invention relates to a supporting structure having function of rod-linkage latching which comprises a connecting unit, a base seat, a base seat hinge, a main hinge, at least one rod-linkage mechanism and at least one rod-linkage latching device. By providing a rod-linkage latching device between a connecting unit and a rod-linkage mechanism the two connecting rods of the rod-linkage mechanism generate a relative movement while the connecting unit performs tilt angle adjusting toward the base seat, so a tenon sheet of one connecting rod is moved and a latching member of the rod-linkage latching device loses stop and extends then the movement of the tenon sheet is limited thus a locking status is formed, so a torsion spring disposed between the connecting unit and the base seat is pressed so an energy saving status is formed, therefore the connecting unit has a certain angle with respect to the base seat and an advantage of saving volume while packaging and conveying is achieved, and the supporting structure provided by the present invention can be disposed vertically or be hanged.
US07967259B2	Extension device and tripod An extension device includes the first tubular member, the second tubular member movably inserted into the first tubular member, and the third tubular member movably inserted into the second tubular member and a regulating device that regulates movement of the third tubular member with respect to the second tubular member. The regulating device includes a regulating member protruding from the inner hole portion to the outside of the third tubular member band is brought in the outer hole portion, and a pressing member for pressing the regulating member in the protruding direction.
US07967256B2	Spacecraft battery thermal management system A spacecraft battery thermal management system is provided that includes a battery, a first radiator panel and a second radiator panel. A first face of the first radiator panel is arranged to face a first direction and a first face of the second radiator panel is arranged to face a second direction opposite the first direction. A first heat pipe thermally couples the battery and the first radiator panel and is configured to control the transfer of heat between the battery and the first radiator panel. A second heat pipe thermally couples the battery and the second radiator panel and is configured to control the transfer of heat between the battery and the second radiator panel. Solar cells are optionally arranged on the faces of the first and/or second radiator panels.
US07967250B2	Hybrid aircraft fuselage structural components and methods of making same An aircraft fuselage assembly of basic construction in composite materials employs metallic frames with reduced quantity of metallic shear ties attached to the composite stiffened skin, formed by two or more longitudinal panels, spliced with longitudinal metallic splice members. Typically, the latitudinal metallic frame members are fastened to the inward outstanding flange portion of the composite stringers which are in turn integrated to the skin. As such, the frame members are spaced from (floating over) the fuselage skin. An electrical path may thus be established so as to protect the fuselage structure against the impact of electrical discharges commonly encountered in the atmosphere by providing metallic shear ties interconnecting the frame and splice members so as to span the space therebetween.
US07967249B2	Cooling system and method for expelling heat from a heat source located in the interior of an aircraft With a cooling system for expelling heat from a heat source (30) located in the interior of an aircraft to a heat reducer (32), with a piping system (10) sealed against the surrounding atmosphere which is thermally coupled to a heat intake section (14) with the heat source (38) and to a heat output section (22) with the heat reducer (32), and which preferably has an essentially adiabate transport section (21), it is proposed that the piping system (10) is filled with a heat conveyance medium (12) which, when taking in heat from the heat source (38) in the heat intake section (14) undergoes a transition from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase, then flows into the heat output section (22), and here, when discharging heat to the heat reducer (32) condenses once again, and flows back into the heat intake section (14).
US07967248B2	Rib element and composite flange for aircraft A rib element for aircraft and a composite flange for use in aircraft. The rib element (24) and the composite flange (14), manufactured from a composite material, comprise at least two elongated flanges (15, 16, 26) interconnected with one another in a corner (17) provided with a rounded inner corner (18) and a rounded outer corner (19). The corner is reinforced by at least one reinforcing component (20) which covers at least a part of the inner corner.
US07967241B2	Supersonic aircraft jet engine installation Jet engine inlet structure of a supersonic aircraft comprising the structure having an inlet ramp and an cowl lip spaced outwardly of the ramp so that entering air flows between the ramp and lip, the lip and ramp configured to produce a first oblique shock that extends outwardly from a forward portion of the ramp to pass ahead of the lip, and a terminal shock that extends outwardly from a rearward portion of the ramp to one of the following xo) a region just ahead of the lip xl) substantially to said lip. A non-uniform shock system is created that generates a central region of nearly isentropic compression and relatively ram recovery and an outer region of reduced ram recovery but entailing reduced cowl angle and drag. Translating cowl structure and also nozzle integration with the fuselage contour to reduce boat tail drag are also provided.
US07967240B2	Formed structural assembly and associated preform and method A superplastically formed structural assembly is provided, as is an associated preform and method for forming such an assembly. The assembly includes a skin member and a support member that are joined to define a space between the members and between the joints. The assembly can be produced by joining the members in a flat configuration, and then forming the resulting preform to a predetermined shape of the structural assembly. The support member defines at least one aperture in communication with the space between the members. Thus, the skin member can be formed by delivering a pressurized fluid through the support member to the skin member, e.g., to superplastically form the skin member against a die that defines a contour surface corresponding in shape to the predetermined configuration of the assembly. The support member can extend in a substantially direct configuration between opposing portions of the skin member.
US07967239B2	Rotor drive and control system for a high speed rotary wing aircraft A drive system for a high speed rotary-wing aircraft includes a combiner gearbox in meshing engagement with a main gearbox. The combiner gearbox is driven by one or more engines such that a main rotor system and a translational thrust system are driven thereby. The engine drives the combiner gearbox and thus the main gearbox through an overrunning clutch. The drive system permits the main rotor system RPM to be controlled by offloading power to the translational thrust system during a high speed flight profile.
US07967237B2	Method and apparatus for fast deploying and retrieving of towed bodies In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
US07967233B2	Brake device of webbing or belt cartridges of line organization poles The present invention relates to a brake device for webbing or belt cartridges built as a flexible one piece body (1), preferably made of a material like rubber, doted with a characteristic design. Said single flexible body comprises an ellipsoidal central portion (2), having in its center two symmetrical openings (3) for coupling to a reel, and two radially spaced rods (4), said rods having a rounded shape finishing, conforming two brackets (5) in circumference arcs.
US07967232B2	Spinning-reel fishing line guide mechanism In a bail arm of a spinning reel, a first bail support member includes a through hole penetrating therethrough toward an inner periphery of the roller from outside. A cap member made of a synthetic resin is attached to the through hole. The cap member includes a lubricating port to supply a lubricant therethrough. Further in the bail arm of a spinning reel, a first lubricating port is formed in a first rotation support portion configured to be exposed to the outside in a fishing line release posture of the first bail support member. The first lubricating port continuously penetrates inner and outer peripheries of the first rotation support portion.
US07967228B2	Roller mill Described is a roller mill (1) for grinding particulate material, such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and similar materials, said roller mill comprising a substantially horizontal grinding table (3), at least one therewith interactively operating roller (4) which is configured for rotation about a roller shaft (6) through the use of a bearing (7) for the roller, and a closed circulation system for lubricant for lubricating the bearing (7) for the roller, said circulation system comprising a reservoir (9), ducts (10) for feeding of lubricant to the bearing (7) for the roller and ducts (11) for recirculating the lubricant from the bearing (7) for the roller. The roller mill further comprises an autogenously regulated pressure pump means (20) which is driven by the rotation of the roller (4), and has a first part (21) which is mounted on the roller shaft (6) and a second part (22) which is mounted on the roller (4) and rotates therewith.During the operation of the mill the pump means delivers a significant pressure contribution for recirculating the lubricant to the reservoir, and has a capacity which is proportional to the rotational speed of the roller and hence the lubricant requirement.
US07967224B2	Spray head for atomizing a medium The invention relates to a spray head for atomising a medium using a pressurised propellant, with a spray head body (10) which comprises a fastening ring (6) and an actuating element (20) movably connected thereto, a holding element (12) which comprises an inlet port (24), an adjoining duct section (26) and a holding section (28), and a duct element (14) which has an outlet port (62) for the medium and which has in at least one section a diameter such that the medium to be discharged atomizes in the flow of propellant, the duct element (14) preferably being a capillary pipe or capillary tube and/or having a constant diameter over its entire length, the duct element (14) being arranged in the holding section (28) of the holding element (12) and, preferably, being bent through approximately 90° in the holding section (28) of the holding element (12) and the holding element (12) preferably being connected to the spray head body (10). The assembly of this spray head is made easier by the fact that the holding element (12) comprises, at least in the holding section (28), particularly at the upper end thereof, at least one clamping element (50) for clamping or latching the duct element (14) on the holding element (12).
US07967218B2	Method for controlling a multi-zone forced air HVAC system to reduce energy use In a multi-zone control system for central forced air HVAC systems where the minimum conditioned airflow produced by the HVAC equipment significantly exceeds the airflow capacity to many of the zones, the invention is an energy saving method for choosing non-calling zones to receive excess airflow in. When satisfying calls for conditioning from one or a few zones, excess conditioned airflow is directed to non-calling zones. The method chooses occupied non-calling zones using a priority that provides comfort, and chooses unoccupied non-calling zones using a different priority that provides energy savings. Limits are provided for each zone to prevent excessive over conditioning in non-calling zones.
US07967216B2	Wireless IC device A wireless IC device prevents deviations of the resonant frequency from the desired value. An antenna coil has an end portion positioned in a connector provided on the negative-most side in the z-axis direction and an end portion positioned in a connector provided on the positive-most side in the z-axis direction. A wireless IC is electrically connected to the end portions. A via hole conductor is provided between the end portion and the wireless IC and penetrates through a plurality of insulator layers. A via hole conductor is provided in the antenna coil such that the length of a current path thereto from the end portion is the shortest among a plurality of via hole conductors. The distance between the via hole conductor and the via hole conductor is larger than the distances between the penetrating via hole conductor and the via hole conductors.
US07967214B2	Card configured to receive separate battery An electronic card comprises a thin, flexible substrate having electrical circuitry embedded therein. An activation device is disposed in the substrate and is configured to complete a circuit in response to a stimulus, such as light or sound. An output device is disposed in the substrate and is configured to produce an output, such as music or vibration, wherein the output device is activated upon the completion of the circuit by the activation device. A cavity is formed in an outer surface of the substrate and has electrical contacts at an inner portion thereof in electrical communication with the electrical circuitry. The cavity further comprises retaining means for replaceably retaining a battery in the cavity to enable the battery to provide power to the electrical circuitry, the activation device, and the output device. The retaining means allows a battery to be removed from the cavity and replaced with another battery.
US07967213B2	Flat transponder and method for the production thereof The invention relates to a flat transponder having an electronic circuit which is arranged in a layer or in a layer composite and which contains at least one chip and conductor tracks or conductor wires, and also to a method for the production thereof. The invention is based on the object of specifying a transponder of the type mentioned at the beginning and a method for the production thereof which is flexible, has the most uniform thickness possible and can be bonded to further elements by means of water-based adhesives, its electronic components largely being protected against damage by bending and against being detected by feel. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a transponder in which the circuit is arranged in or on a circuit carrier (7) made of plastic, on whose two larger opposite outer surfaces a paper layer (6) applied by lamination is in each case applied.
US07967212B1	Web content power consumption notification for wireless devices A network node in a communication path between a client station and a web content server determines or estimates a power consumption level associated with particular web content requested by the client station. The client station is preferably a wireless communications device operating on battery power. Based on the current battery level in the device, the battery type or total capacity, user preferences and determined or estimated power consumption level, the node sends a power consumption notification to the client station, either prior to or simultaneously with the transmission of the web content. The notification message alerts the user to the possibility of their battery being drawn down to a low level if they download the content, and thus allows the user to abort the download to preserve battery capacity.
US07967205B2	Optical reading device with programmable parameter control A data reader system comprising an optical reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia; a memory device for storing parameter data specific to the optical reader; and a processor for controlling: the optical reader; receiving the symbol signal and interpreting the symbol signal; the processor having memory for storing parameter data specific to the optical reader, wherein the processor is located remotely from the optical reader and memory device.
US07967203B2	Authenticating a document with a magnetic stripe Methods, systems, and apparatus for efficiently authenticating a document (e.g. a credit card) having a magnetic stripe are provided. The magnetic field at different points of the magnetic stripe are measured, e.g., by a checkout scanner to create a magnetic signature. Digital samples of the measurements may be transformed into coefficients of continuous basis functions, e.g., a Fourier transform. These coefficients are then compared to reference values (e.g. corresponding coefficients) to produce a measure of the authenticity of the document. The number of coefficients used can advantageously be smaller than the number of digital samples without compromising accuracy, thus using less bandwidth between a scanner and an authentication entity.
US07967201B2	Method and system to improve product recalls A method and system is provided to deter purchases of recalled products. An inventory control system is provided with an identification code corresponding to a recalled product. The identification code of the recalled product is identified when it is scanned or otherwise determined to be part of a sale at a retail establishment. The purchase of the recalled product corresponding to the identification code identified is automatically denied.
US07967200B2	Authorization verification method and devices suited therefor The invention relates to an authorization verification method and devices suited therefor, which play back authorization data via a user interface (11) of an electronic playback device (1). During the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of a first playback device (1), the playback attributes are modified. The playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) is compared with the playback of reference data via a user interface (21) of a second electronic playback device (2). Authorization is granted in the event the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) matches the playback of reference data via the user interface (21) of the second playback device (2), and modifications of the playback attributes are, in essence, time-synchronized. The dynamic modification of the playback attributes during the playback of authorization data and playback of the reference data render practically impossible the unauthorized copying of image contents or audio contents for falsifying an authorization. In addition, a simultaneous playback of authorization data and reference data render unnecessary inquiries made to an authorization center (3).
US07967194B2	Centralized issuer hub for transaction card customization The present invention provides a system for card customization including a centralized issuer hub providing a single point of website integration for applicants in different countries or affiliations, the system comprising a centralized issuer hub comprising a server that coordinates data exchange among a plurality of country- or affiliate-specific websites, a card customization services for processing applicant requests, and an image administrator for customizing applicant submitted images. In operation, a local issuer country website provides a browser-based user interface for an applicant. Card customization services includes a website that recognizes an issuer country or affiliation of the applicant and launches a dedicated country- or affiliate-specific website for the applicant based upon on a country of origin or affiliation of the local issuer country website.
US07967191B1	Methods of operating register system for storing sheets and notes A card activated automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16), receipt printer opening (30), cash dispensing opening (38) and deposit accepting opening (40). A stack of notes (84) input to the machine are separated one by one from the stack through the action of at least one picking member (158, 352) and at least one stripper member (64, 162, 354). Note holding cassettes include sensors operative to detect near full and near empty conditions. At least one processor in the machine is operative to control the addition and/or removal of notes from each cassette so as to avoid overfilling or depleting the cassettes which may result in machine malfunctions.
US07967190B2	Patient care indicia reader system A health care service (HCS) network comprising a hand held optical reader for reading a target having information bearing indicia provided thereon and generating therefrom a decoded out indicia data message to a base unit which receives the message and transmits the message to a workstation in communication with a network server for storing the decoded out indicia data messages. The network is configured so that the server communicates non indicia data messages with the base unit which is passed to the optical reader, wherein the optical reader display is configured to display the non indicia data messages. The network is configured so that the hand held indicia reader and the base unit have a linking mode wherein a request to link is sent from the optical reader to the server through the base unit by way of wireless communication to associate the optical reader with the server.
US07967189B2	Computer keyboard overlay In one embodiment, the invention provides a keyboard overlay adapted to indicate which one of a plurality of menu commands provided by a particular software application is invoked when an alphanumeric key is pressed together with a modifier key on a computer keyboard. In this embodiment, the keyboard overlay has a portion overlaying the modifier key and displaying a predetermined color thereby associating the color with the modifier key. The keyboard overlay has a portion overlaying the alphanumeric key and displaying the predetermined color together with closely associated indicia identifying the menu command. More complex arrangements are described that indicate keyboard equivalents that involve pressing an alphanumeric key together with more than one modifier key.
US07967188B2	Umpire counter with null indicators A handheld, thumb or finger operated, umpire's counter having three dials to indicate the count kept by the umpire for each of “strikes”, “balls”, and “outs”. Each dial has associated with it a null indicator having a tactile output perceptible to the touch. This tactile output enables the umpire to determine when the respective dial is set to “0”, or to set and/or reset a respective dial to “0” without looking at the counter. It also permits the umpire to confirm that each dial is indeed set to “0” before he begins counting.
US07967179B2	Center cinch and release of buttress material A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures.
US07967172B2	Metered dosage dispenser closure for powders A dispenser for a container has an annular ring with a central portion which has at least one aperture. The annular ring is attached to a valve dimensioned to close an opening of the dispenser. The valve is operatively associated with the opening and biased in the closed position. Depressing the annular ring acts as an actuator to cause the valve to move inwardly into the container and away from the opening, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed from the container through the at least one aperture of the annular ring.
US07967169B2	Internal toothpaste tube dispensing device An improved device for dispensing toothpaste from a flexible tube using only manual pressure on the flexible tube. The device is formed to fit precisely the inner shape of the toothpaste tube and slides forward as the tube is manually squeezed from the outside. As the device moves toward the tube opening the toothpaste is expelled. Friction strips attached to the device on two sides come into contact with friction strips on the two interior sides of the toothpaste tube. As the device is propelled forward by manual pressure it is prevented from moving rearward toward the closed end of the toothpaste tube because of the friction strips. Thus as the tube is depressed and the toothpaste is expelled the flattened portion of the tube remains flattened and the tube is ready for the next use.
US07967167B2	Removable and reclosable lid for jar for a food product A lid for a jar and a jar and lid combination for a product is provided. The lid is configured to be selectively removable from the jar. The lid is also configured to be selectively openable when attached to the jar in order to permit access to the interior and any contents of the jar. The lid has a non-continuous bead that is positioned to engage a protuberance on a rim of the jar to secure the lid relative to the rim of the jar while permitting selective removal of the lid from the rim of the jar.
US07967166B2	Reclosable storage bag attached to container by removable retainer ring A storage system comprising: an evacuable and reclosable bag comprising a wall made of a flexible material and a one-way valve attached to said wall of said bag; a container having walls made of a material less flexible than the flexible material; and an attachment device that attaches the bag to the container such that at least a portion of the bag resides within the container. To use this storage system, compressible articles are placed inside the evacuable bag. Then the bag is hermetically sealed and evacuated. During evacuation, the shape of the compressible articles inside the bag conform to the shape of the container interior volume. In one embodiment, when the bag with compressed articles is removed from the container, its shape facilitates stacking. In another embodiment, the storage bag with compressed articles remains inside the container.
US07967163B1	Pre-filled disposable container A pre-filled disposable container has a rigid tubular body, a flexible bag positioned within the rigid tubular body, a cap, and a base sealing element. The rigid tubular body has an open-ended top and an open-ended bottom. The flexible bag has a top portion with a dispensing aperture, a bottom portion, and an outwardly extending annular flange. An annular retaining ring is adapted to lock the outwardly extending annular flange of the flexible bag against a top rim of the rigid tubular body. The cap is adapted to fit over the top portion of the flexible bag. A tear strip removably connects the cap and the annular retaining ring. The base sealing element is adapted to engage the open-ended bottom of the rigid tubular body to seal a vacuum aperture.
US07967155B2	Stackable cooling rack A rack for an appliance that can stack upon another rack. The rack includes a support platform having a support frame and a plurality of elongated support wires that form a support surface. The rack also includes a plurality of downwardly depending leg sections that can include a shoulder portion and a foot portion located below the shoulder portion. The rack also includes at least one cross member that can cooperate with the support platform to form a reception area that can receive a foot portion of a superjacent rack. In addition or alternatively, at least one reception area can be located vertically above a foot portion. In addition or alternatively, each foot portion includes an upturned portion. In addition or alternatively, the shoulder portion can enable the rack to be supported by a subjacent rack located within an interior cavity of an appliance.
US07967153B2	Compact multi-rack T-shirt bag carousel A compact multi-unit carousel of the present invention contains multiple t-shirt bag racks in which the arms for holding the handles of the T-shirt are parallel to one another and supported by extensions that are radially approximately 120 degrees from each other.
US07967152B2	Fluid filter support layer An apparatus, system and method to facilitate fluid flow across a filter. The apparatus includes a filtration layer coupled to a support layer to form a composite filter. The support layer includes a hydroentangled cellulosic material forming a plurality of apertures. The apertures form channels to facilitate fluid flow across the filter while the support layer provides structural support to the filtration layer to enable lateral flow while preventing pleat deformation and collapse.
US07967149B2	Apparatus and method for grading articles based on weight, and adapted computer program product and computer readable media This invention relates to an apparatus for grading food articles by building up portions based on at least one characteristic, e.g. number of food articles, or weight of food articles. A first conveyor conveys the articles along a closed-loop conveying path, where the conveyor has a number of article holders attached to the conveyor for holding and preserving the initial position of the food articles during the conveying. The exact position of the food articles in the article holders is determined. A processor in a combination with a removing means uses this exact position to control the releasing of the food articles from the article holders into pre-fixed locations the containers and in that way controls the location of the food articles in the containers.
US07967144B2	Child-resistant, senior-friendly package having a squeeze-release mechanism and method of assembly A package is provided that is able to contain tablets or like separate dispensable items in a manner exhibiting child-resistant and senior-friendly dispensing properties. The package includes a card, such as a blister card, and a protective hollow sleeve. The card has a base strip on which a plurality of spaced-apart compartments are provided for holding the tablets or like items, and the sleeve has an opposed pair of side edges extending between opposite ends with at least one of the ends being a dispensing end of the package. The sleeve provides a protective housing for the card when the card is in a storage position within the sleeve, and the card is slidable relative to the sleeve between the storage position and a dispensing position in which the card extends at least partially outside the sleeve to expose at least one of the compartments. The card has a pair of locking tabs extending laterally from opposite sides of the card, and the side edges of the sleeve cooperatively engage the locking tabs to lock the card in the storage position when the card is slid within the sleeve to the storage position.
US07967141B2	Device for the automatic detection of the movement of objects The invention relates to a device for the automatic and instantaneous detection of movements of an object with respect to a housing containing or capable of containing this object chosen from the introductions of this object in this empty housing and the extractions of this object from its housing. The invention is characterized in that the device comprises a spring system (1) comprising two symmetrical blades (3, 3A) each formed by an upper wing (5, 5A) and of a lower wing (6, 6A) articulated between one another and forming at rest an obtuse angle, wherein these blades are positioned back to back at their articulation (4, 4A) in that the upper wings are configured to form a housing (7) for the object and in that the lower wings are connected to one another by a wire (8) forming a spring which cooperates with a push button (11) capable of moving perpendicularly to a pressure sensor (2) until it comes into contact with it or is freed from it.
US07967137B2	Organizer of expendable supplies for medical patients (OESMP) The invention provides a tray organizer apparatus for safely organizing routine expendable medical supplies for in hospital patients disclosing a plurality of variants in the form of a non power embodiment of a surface tray with shaped recesses for retaining medical supplies and power embodiments with 110 ac volt supply with a multiplicity of 110 volt outlet and a plurality of USB ports, Firewire port, and other devices such tiltable LED illuminated mirrors.The tray organizer is formed of injection molded plastic, folded sheet metal or other equal structures and incorporates a peripheral upstanding rim connected to a lower planar surface from which a number of recessed openings are formed with enclosed bottom surfaces to retain expendable supplies in a variety of shapes.
US07967134B2	Suture pledget package A suture pledget assembly is disclosed that includes a block with at least one slit and a pledget in an abutting relationship to the block. A suture has first and second end portions that are retained by the first and second slits, respectively. The first and second end portions generally extend beyond a face of the block and are substantially parallel to each other. A suture pledget package for retaining a suture is disclosed. The suture pledget package includes a front panel and a backing panel where the backing panel forms a plurality of tracks. Each track is configured and dimensioned to receive at least one suture pledget assembly.
US07967130B2	Support station for a belt conveyor and corresponding conveyor A support station (9) for a movable belt conveyor includes: a support cradle (17) for the belt (3), the cradle (17) including at least one roller (31, 33) for guiding and supporting the belt (3); a frame (15) for supporting the or each roller (31,33); at least one anti-jamming protection element (35, 37) fixed to the frame (15), the protection element (35, 37) being disposed along at least one of the rollers (31, 33) and having an elongate shape longitudinally substantially parallel to a generatrix of the roller (31, 33), characterized in that the protection element (37) includes at least first and second longitudinal profile sections (41, 43) having respectively first and second cross-sections that are different from each other.
US07967129B2	Conveyor belt training idler with a locking mechanism A conveyor belt training idler comprise a mount, a roller support frame, a roller, and a locking mechanism. The roller support frame is pivotally attached to the mount about a support frame axis for pivotal movement relative to the mount. The roller is rotatably attached to the roller support frame for rotation about a roller axis. The roller axis is pivotal with the roller support frame about the support frame axis relative to the mount. The locking mechanism has a plurality of discrete settings, each setting being configured and adapted to maintain the roller support frame at a discrete angular setting relative to the mount.
US07967125B2	Deformed-coin detector A deformed-coin detector accurately detecting a deformed coin without being affected by a variation in transporting speed of a coin. A coin transported along a coin transporting face comes into contact with detecting elements of coin-thickness detecting bodies, the detecting elements move by a distance corresponding to the dimension of the coin in its thickness direction and simultaneously, light shielding portions of the coin-thickness detecting bodies move. A light detecting portion detects a light shielding amount that varies due to movement of the light shielding portions. A coin denomination determining unit determines a denomination of the coin transported along the coin transporting face and reads a reference light-shielding amount pre-stored in a reference light shielding amount storing unit regarding the denomination. The light shielding amount detected by the light detecting portion is compared with the reference light shielding amount, and when the detected light shielding amount is out of a predetermined range with respect to the reference light shielding amount, the coin is judged to be a deformed coin.
US07967124B2	Package stream indexer device A package stream indexer device for indexing a stream of packages being displaced thereon within a stream plane includes a first articulated track with live rollers and a second articulated track with depending pressure wheels for maintaining packages in contact with the first track and within the package path defined there between within the stream plane. The first and second articulated tracks are each composed of a plurality of interconnected links frictionally engaged together to allow adjustment in track orientation from one set position to another by means of dynamic movement on the track.
US07967121B2	Strut based overrunning drives Embodiments of the present invention include strut based overrunning drives that provide one or more of greater durability, lower heat generation, high torque loads carrying capability, and/or ease of end of life assessment. In some embodiments, a drive assembly may include a shaft; a pocket plate disposed about the shaft and having a plurality of pockets formed on a first side thereof; a notch plate disposed about the shaft adjacent the pocket plate, the notch plate having a plurality of notches formed on a side of the notch plate facing the pockets of the pocket plate; a plurality struts disposed in the pockets; a resilient member disposed within the pockets and biasing the struts towards the notches; and a drive surface rotationally coupled to one of the pocket plate or the notch plate, wherein the other of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the shaft.
US07967120B2	Maritime power supply system A maritime power supply system for supplying power to a docked ship, including a cable management system having at least one power cable assembly having, at a first end, a first connection arrangement for connecting the power cable assembly to the ship and, at an opposite second end, second a connection arrangement for connecting the power cable assembly to a dockside power supply; and a reel for winding the at least one power cable assembly thereon and for unwinding the at least one power cable assembly therefrom. According to an important aspect of the invention, the cable management system is arranged in a stackable power supply container placed on the ship.
US07967119B2	Telescopic member having an overridable internal abutment The invention provides a telescopic member that includes a cylinder in which a rod carrying a piston is mounted to slide telescopically, the telescopic member including internal abutment mechanisms that are overridable over a predetermined force when the rod comes into abutment inside the cylinder in the shortening direction. The internal abutment mechanisms include an abutment piece extending in an open bore within the rod and projecting therefrom, the abutment piece being held to the rod via a pin.
US07967113B2	Elevator system to minimize entrapment of passengers during a power failure The invention provides a system and method for handling power outages in a multiple car elevator system in a building having a plurality of floors. The system includes an energy calculator connected to the elevators, and determines a total energy of the elevator system, a total energy required to handle a power outage, a plan to prepare for a power outage and a plan to handle a power outage. The system also includes a movement controller connected to the elevator(s) and the energy calculator. The movement controller receives the plan to prepare and the plan to handle from the energy calculator, and the movement controller executes the plan to prepare if there is no power outage and the movement controller executes the plan to handle if there is a power outage.
US07967109B2	Belt for roping harness equipped with a salient equipment-carrying device A roping belt for a safety harness comprising an equipment-carrying device having at least one U-shaped attachment loop securedly fastened to the belt by fixing means and composed of a joining part made of flexible textile material and of a pre-formed stiffener part made of semi-rigid plastic. The joining part and the stiffener part are inserted in one another and are housed at least one of the ends thereof in a securing gusset fixed to the belt to form a non-articulated join biasing the equipment-carrying device to a salient position.
US07967108B2	Acoustic liners An acoustic assembly for a fan casing of a turbofan engine is made up from acoustic liner panel components which each comprise a body and a backing sheet. The body is an integral injection moulding that generally includes an acoustic structure, a perforated sheet and fastening portions. Adjacent panel components engage each other at non-linear circumferential edges which generally includes lugs on one of the components which are received in recesses of the other component. The lugs are defined by following cell walls over a convoluted path along the circumferential edge.
US07967106B2	Air induction sound modification system for internal combustion engine An air induction sound modification system for an internal combustion engine includes a multi-frequency sound suppression unit having Helmholtz resonators and a multi-component expansion chamber. A sound generator, which functions to radiate sound at a desirable, tuned frequency, extends between the multi-function sound suppression unit and a second expansion chamber, such as an air cleaner box.
US07967105B2	Aero-acoustic aviation engine inlet for aggressive noise abatement An aero-acoustic aviation engine inlet with a single air blowing slot or multiple air blowing slots flows air over one or more segments of inlet acoustic lining surfaces at speeds that are higher than the inlet mean air flow speed, for aggressive inlet noise abatement.
US07967104B2	Shippable speaker box A speaker enclosure, or enclosure, and kit with plural linearly aligned panels connected by flexible couplings are shipped in a parallel stack with all the coupled panels still coupled during shipment, plus additional panels, also stacked parallel. The flexible couplings may be provided by a single sheet of flexible substrate coupled to the linearly aligned panels. One side of the assembled speaker enclosure includes a middle panel of the coupled panels, having at least one flat rabbet joint. The external length of the middle panel is long enough to permit folding of at least one of the outermost of the panels, with flexible substrate and a covering, under the middle panel. The assembled speaker enclosure is held together with a flexible substrate, adhesive, clamps, or preferably, any two thereof. Openings for speakers and connector cups are provided. The kit includes adhesive, instructions, at least one connector cup, and hardware.
US07967098B2	Exterior airbag cushion for vehicle and device having the same An exterior airbag cushion for a vehicle is constructed so that a cushion unit is rapidly expanded ahead of a vehicle and a device having the exterior airbag cushion. The exterior airbag device includes a plurality of airbag housings which are mounted to a vehicle bumper, a cushion unit which is accommodated in the airbag housings and expanded ahead of the vehicle bumper, a shape memory wire which extends along the edge of the cushion unit, and an inflator which supplies airbag gas to provide an expansionary force.
US07967093B2	High-voltage battery unit mounting structure for vehicle To make even a high-voltage battery with an extraordinarily large capacity, mountable on a vehicle, a high-voltage battery is installed on a rear floor panel in a rear portion of a fuel cell electric vehicle, and a cooling fan unit for cooling the battery is connected to the high-voltage battery by an exhaust duct. In addition, the cooling fan unit is disposed on a rear side member, in the vicinity, at the vehicle-rear side, of the high voltage battery, and on the same horizontal plane that the high-voltage battery is located on. At the vehicle-rear side of the high-voltage battery, a utility box is provided. An exhaust duct connected to the cooling fan unit is disposed between the utility box and a utility box adjacent thereto.
US07967090B2	Hybrid drive unit and running control method for hybrid drive unit A hybrid drive system includes an engine; at least one rotating electric machine, wherein the engine and the at least one rotating electric machine are capable of driving a vehicle; and a controller. The controller starts a load limit control that limits a load exerted to the rotating electric machine when a temperature of the rotating electric machine exceeds a load limit start temperature; detects a loading state or a towing state of the vehicle; and determines the load limit start temperature based on the loading state or the towing state detected.
US07967086B2	Slip spool assembly and method of using same A slip spool includes radially disposed actuators for radially moving slip blocks between a loose encirclement position in which they surround the tubing string and a cached position in which the slip blocks clear an axial passage of the slip spool. The slip spool further includes axially disposed actuators for axially displacing the slip blocks between the loose encirclement position and an engagement position in which the slip blocks are seated within a slip bowl of the slip spool so that a weight of the suspended tubing string causes the slip blocks to tightly grip the tubing string. The slip spool facilitates positioning and repositioning of the tubing string in the wellbore and can be used for supporting or snubbing a tubing string in a live well bore.
US07967084B2	External water delivery system for rock drills An external water delivery system includes a water box front head, a collet configured to interface with the water box front head, a polymer sleeve configured to be positioned between the water box front head and the collet, a shank, and at least one seal positioned within the sleeve. The sleeve and seals are configured to provide a water chamber when coupled to the shank. An inner of the sleeve provides a bearing surface for the shank.
US07967078B2	Impact tool It is an object of the invention to provide a rational forced vibration of a dynamic vibration reducer in an impact tool that linearly drives a tool bit in an axial direction of the tool bit via a swinging member.An impact tool includes a motor 111, a swinging member 129 that swings in the axial direction of a tool bit 119 by rotation of the motor 111, a driving element 141 that is caused to reciprocate by swinging movement of the swinging member 129 and a first air chamber 143a in which pressure is fluctuated by reciprocating movement of the driving element 141, and the tool bit 119 is driven by pressure fluctuations of the first air chamber 143a. The impact tool further includes a second air chamber 163 in which pressure is fluctuated by swinging movement of the swinging member 129, and a dynamic vibration reducer 151 having a weight 155 and an elastic element 157 which exerts a biasing force on the weight 155. The weight 155 under the biasing force of the elastic element 157 is forcibly vibrated by pressure fluctuations of the second air chamber 163.
US07967077B2	Interventionless set packer and setting method for same A packer (80) for establishing sealing engagement with a surface disposed in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel (90) and a seal assembly (100, 102, 104) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90). The seal assembly (100, 102, 104) has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position. A piston (122) is slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and operably associated with the seal assembly (100, 102, 104). A collet assembly 145 is disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and is releasably coupled to the piston (122) such that radially inwardly shifting at least portion of the collet assembly (145) decouples the collet assembly (145) from the piston (122) allowing the piston (122) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (90) which operates the seal assembly (100, 102, 104) from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (80).
US07967076B2	Flow-actuated actuator and method An actuator includes, a first tubular, a second tubular longitudinally movably disposed within the first tubular and movable in response to fluid flow therethrough, the second tubular having a full bore therethrough, and a movable member movably attached to the second tubular and movable with the second tubular relative to the first tubular. The movable member is movable between a first position and a second position, the movable member is unobstructive of the full bore when in the first position and at least partially occluding of the full bore when in the second position, the movable member is movable from the first position to the second position in response to movement of the second tubular.
US07967074B2	Electric wireline insert safety valve Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) within a wellbore. Power is delivered to an electrically actuated WLSV to actuate the WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.
US07967073B2	Control line running system A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.
US07967072B2	Logging head release mechanism A release mechanism for incorporation into a logging head. The release mechanism may be a tensile release mechanism that employs a plurality of tensile members for interchangeable insertion into a plurality of tensile compartments. As a result, a weakpoint for the logging head may be user defined on location at the oilfield. Furthermore, for potentially deeper wells, a rotatable release mechanism may be alternatively or additionally incorporated into the logging head. The rotatable release mechanism may be employed to effectuate a release of the logging head upon signaling from surface equipment. Additionally, the rotatable release mechanism may be powered to achieve the release solely from a downhole power source.
US07967071B2	Electronic completion installation valve Apparatus and method for a providing a completion assembly for running at an end of a completion string which provides a remotely operable tubing mounted valve used to control the flow of fluids through the tubing in hostile well conditions. The tubing mounted completion assembly has a tubular body for connection in the string below a production packer with a through bore from a first inlet and a first outlet coaxially aligned with the string; a downhole electronic actuating mechanism, a downhole hydraulic pump and a hydraulically operated ball valve member. The actuating mechanism operates the hydraulic pump to provide a hydraulic control line to control movement the valve member from a first position, where the member is open and a through bore is created between the inlet and outlet of the assembly, to a second position, where the valve seals the throughbore and, finally, back to the first position.
US07967070B2	Diverless connector for bend restrictors and/or bend stiffeners A subsea connector is disclosed. The connector includes a guide funnel assembly that may be coupled to a subsea structure. The guide funnel assembly may receive a shaft. The shaft may be coupled to a bend restrictor/limiter or a bend stiffener. The shaft may be received inside the guide funnel assembly. The shaft may include a recess. A latch assembly may be coupled to the guide funnel assembly. The latch assembly may include one or more dogs and a latch operating device. The dogs may be radially moveable in and out of the interior of the guide funnel assembly. The dogs may be inserted into the recess of the shaft to inhibit longitudinal axial movement between the shaft and the guide funnel assembly. The latch operating device may control the in and out radial movement of the dogs.
US07967068B2	Particles in oil for viscoelastic surfactant gelled fluids Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their fluid loss properties improved with the presence of at least one mineral oil in combination with at least one particulate fluid loss control agent that may be an alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. The mineral oil may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the mineral oil is added to the fluid after it has been substantially gelled. The particulate fluid loss control agent may be added in any order relative to the VES and the mineral oil fluid loss control agent. The mineral oil may enhance the ability of a particulate fluid loss control agent to reduce fluid loss. The presence of the mineral oil may also eventually reduce the viscosity of the VES-gelled aqueous fluid.
US07967063B2	Air conditioning apparatus for vehicle An air conditioning apparatus has a cool-side door device and a heating-side door device between an evaporator and a heater core. The cool-side door device is configured to open and close a cool air passage through which a cool air generated by the evaporator flows. The heating-side door device is configured to open and close a heating air passage through which the cool air flows to be heated by the heater core. At least one of the cool-side door device and the heating-side door device is constructed of a plurality of doors. The plurality of doors is configured to begin to open successively when being opened from a fully closed condition.
US07967057B2	Induction melting apparatus employing halide type crucible, process for producing the crucible, method of induction melting, and process for producing ingot of ultrahigh-purity Fe-, Ni-, or Co-based alloy material There is described a method for producing ultrahigh-purity Fe-base, Ni-base, and Co-base alloying materials to achieve impurity levels of (C+O+N+S+P)<100 ppm, and Ca<10 ppm, in the form of a large ingot, using a refining flux while forcibly cooling the crucible. A refining flux selected from the group consisting of metal elements of the Groups IA, IIA, and IIIA of the Periodic Table, oxides thereof, halides thereof, and mixtures thereof, is added to the molten metal during primary melting and the molten metal is held in contact with the refining flux for at least 5 minutes before tapping. Thereafter, the molten metal is caused to undergo solidification inside a mold, thereby producing a primary ingot. Subsequently, secondary melting is executed by an electron-beam melting method whereby while the primary ingot is sequentially melted in a water-cooled copper mold at a low pressure, the molten metal as-solidified state is pulled out from an outlet side of the water-cooled copper mold, thereby forming an ingot product.
US07967056B2	Process and related plant for manufacturing steel long products without interruption A process for manufacturing steel long products provides for starting from a continuous casting step with liquid core reduction, followed by induction heating without interruption until the end of a rolling step in a plurality of stands. The blooms or billets subjected to such a process have initial thickness in the range between 120 and 400 mm and a high “mass flow” passing in the time unit at the outlet from the continuous casting, as well as an average temperature in the cross-section which is higher than the surface temperature, being in the core or inner middle region higher by 100° C. than on the surface, that is of about 1200° C. A plant for carrying out such a process is also described.
US07967054B2	Mold-forming assembly A mold-forming assembly for forming chemical set sand into a plurality of mold portions for one or more objects to be cast in the mold portions. The assembly includes a loading subassembly for forming the mold portions, a positioning subassembly for positioning each mold portion in a predetermined position, and a conveyor subassembly extending between the loading and positioning subassemblies, for moving the mold portions from the loading subassembly to the positioning subassembly.
US07967052B2	Vehicle roof blind assembly A vehicle roof blind assembly includes a guide rail having upper and lower slide grooves, a pull rod, and a slide member having a slide portion extending slidably into the upper slide groove. A fabric blind has a transverse end portion connected to the pull rod, and a longitudinal insert portion received slidably in the lower slide groove and including first and second insert parts, and an angled part interconnecting the first and second insert parts. A guiding device is connected to the slide member, and includes a guide insert projecting into the lower slide groove and into the angled part between the first and second insert parts so as to push the angled part transversely of the fabric blind and inwardly of the lower slide groove.
US07967044B2	Protective guard members for cutting tooth assemblies mounted on a brush cutting head The present invention relates generally to brush cutting heads, and more specifically, to protective guard members for cutting tooth assemblies mounted on brush cutting heads. A brush cutting head includes a support body having a first end, an opposed second end and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The intermediate portion has an outer surface. A plurality of collars is mounted to the support body at spaced intervals along the intermediate portion with each collar extending outwardly from the outer surface. The brush cutting head further also has a plurality of cutting teeth assemblies carried on the outer surface of the support body. Each cutting tooth assembly is associated with at least one collar. Also provided is at least one guard member for protecting at least one cutting tooth of the plurality from impacts with hard objects. The at least one guard member is carried on one of the collars with at least a portion thereof projecting beyond the outermost edge of the one collar. The at least one guard member has an outermost margin which defines a protective envelope that at least partially encompasses the at least one cutting tooth.
US07967029B2	Duct optimization to prevent freezing In a device for conveying liquids or moist gases through a closed duct in a vehicle fuel cell power systems, freezing of the duct is prevented by providing a part of its internal wall flow passages or flow chambers with a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material absorbs liquid in disperse form at low temperatures through its capillary action and inhibits premature ice formation.
US07967027B2	Simple diverter valve for a roman tub with replaceable cartridge including at least two checks A diverter valve includes a housing and a diverting stem cartridge. The housing has a top and a bottom and a stem cartridge receiving chamber. The housing also has an inlet port proximate the bottom thereof and a plurality of laterally directed outlet ports. Each outlet port directs water to selective alternative uses such as a spout, shower, body spray or the like. The stem cartridge also has an inlet port proximate the bottom and has a plurality of laterally directed outlet ports for selective alignment with the outlet ports of the housing. The inlet ports and outlet ports of said stem cartridge has there-between a stem waterway to allow water to flow from the inlet to said outlets. The cartridge has contained therein at least two checking mechanisms disposed prior to the waterway. The at least two check mechanisms prevents water from the outlet ports from contaminating the water supply. Replacement of the stem cartridge permits simple replacement of faulty checking devices without the need for skilled tradesmen being involved.
US07967025B2	Overfill protection device (OPD) An overfill protection device includes a piston (5) comprising a main seal or semi-sphere packing (3) on its tip and a V-shaped packing (4) on its side, a retracting spring (2) for pushing the piston back to its original position, a main valve (7) with an o-ring that drops into the inner hole of the retainer (10) to block off the gas flow, a level arm consisting of a rising faced section (28) and a U-shaped section (29), whereby no gas will be allowed to flow through the overfill protection device when the gas reaches the predetermined 80 percent level.
US07967024B2	Hydraulic valve assembly with valve locking mechanism A hydraulic valve assembly for an excavator including a hydraulic valve movable along a longitudinal axis to control a flow of fluid, a flange coupled to the hydraulic valve, the flange including a receptor, and a locking mechanism movable between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In the locked orientation, the locking mechanism cooperates with the receptor to inhibit movement of the hydraulic valve along the longitudinal axis and in the unlocked orientation the hydraulic valve is free to move along the longitudinal axis.
US07967023B2	Control valve A control valve for use in a liquid-carrying system, such as a heating or cooling system, containing a differential pressure governor which keeps the differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet constant. The control valve also includes an arrangement for setting and adjusting the maximum flow of liquid through the valve. This arrangement comprises a flow valve having two cooperating valve members (4 and 6), which are arranged in the flow path and are constructed as two concentric rings, each of which has a recess extending about 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. The outer ring (4) is stationary relative to the valve housing, while the inner ring (6) may be displaced in the circumferential direction by means of a rotatable handle, whereby a greater or smaller overlap between the recesses may be provided. The maximum flow amount may hereby be set manually. The inner ring (6) may also be displaced in the axial direction, whereby a greater or smaller overlap between the recesses in the axial direction may be provided. The flow amount may hereby be adjusted within the limits of the presetting e.g. by means of an actuator. The flow may be blocked completely in an outer position.
US07967021B2	Multipurpose stretching/exercise cane A multipurpose exercise cane having a top end that is similar in construction to that of a typical crutch and the bottom end includes a detachable foot. However, it further incorporates an improved hand grip on the top end for ease of use while walking. More importantly, the exercise cane also includes optional features of choice. Such as additional hand grips distanced apart and/or a centralized resistive twisting assembly, a water bottle, a microchip, an outwardly extending feeler, etc. Furthermore, the novel cane is of a unique shape that is substantially flat as opposed to most standard canes that are round or circular in shape.
US07967017B2	Methods for treating eye conditions Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.
US07967011B2	Inhalation device Actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, having a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user; and a removable protection cap for the mouthpiece. The cap is secured to the mouthpiece by a cap retaining member that engages a mating recess in the mouthpiece outer periphery. The cap includes at least one release button arranged to provide an elastic deformation of the cap inner periphery that disengages the cap retaining member from the recess.
US07967010B2	Spray or injection device allowing at least two preset doses of product to be delivered A spray or injection device that includes a casing or a pusher that includes at least one tab radially moveable between a first radial position, in which the tab does not impede the movement of the pusher with respect to the casing, and a second radial position in which the tab opposes movement of the pusher. The pusher or the casing, respectively, includes at least one ramp-shaped projection configured to bring the tab into the second radial position and then allow it to return to the first radial position. The pusher or the casing further includes at least one stop between the pusher and casing to delineate the end of a first stroke corresponding to a first dose of medicament, and the beginning of a second stroke corresponding to a second dose of medicament.
US07967008B2	Fireplace combustion system A fireplace system having a fireplace cavity and a secondary combustion assembly disposed adjacent to a rear wall of the fireplace cavity. The secondary combustion assembly includes a plurality of combustion chambers configured to facilitate secondary combustion. A plurality of inlets are disposed in the rear wall of the fireplace cavity. One or more of the plurality of inlets are configured to provide fluid communication between the fireplace cavity and a respective one of the plurality of combustion chambers. An exhaust gas collection chamber is in fluid communication with at least the secondary combustion assembly. The exhaust gas collection chamber includes a vent configured to release exhaust gas into a chimney. An ambient air bypass aperture is disposed in a top baffle of the fireplace cavity. The ambient air bypass aperture is configured to divert at least a portion of ambient air entering the fireplace cavity into the exhaust gas collection chamber.
US07967007B2	Heater configured to operate with a first or second fuel A heater can be configured to operate with either a first fuel at a first pressure or a second fuel at a second pressure and can include a fluid flow controller. In some embodiments, the fluid flow controller is configured to permit flow of fuel to a first passageway and to direct a first fuel to a first oxygen depletion sensor line when the controller is in a first position and permit the flow of fuel to a second passageway and to direct a second fuel to a second oxygen depletion sensor line when the controller is in a second position.
US07967005B2	Dual fuel gas valve and gas grill A duel fuel gas control valve controls the supply of gas (e.g., natural gas or liquid propane gas) to a gas grill. The duel fuel gas control valve is structured to control either natural or LP gas flow at the desired operating characteristics based on conventional gas supply characteristics and gas grill requirements. A restrictor mechanism, when in first and second configurations, respectively, restricts movement of the valve core to a first predetermined range for a first mode of operation (first type of gas supply) and to a second predetermined range for a second mode of operation (second type of gas supply).
US07967004B2	Modular burner for a cooking plate A modular burner for a cooking plate of a cooking appliance comprises a burner base (20) in turn comprising a framework (22), a burner base (21) which can be centrally assembled to the framework (22) and at least one cover for covering the framework (22) and the burner base (21).
US07967001B2	Block splitting assembly and method A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
US07966998B2	Nitrous oxide, fuel injection combined plate and nozzle unit The present invention is a nitrous oxide and fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine and is used to increase horsepower for use such as in racing. It is mounted between the carburetor and the intake manifold having passages to allow the communication of the mixture from the carburetor to the intake manifold. The module supplies a center section that has two chambers one for fuel and one for nitrous oxide. The nitrous oxide and the fuel are feed to conduits exiting the module with the nitrous oxide conduit being inside of the fuel conduit. The feed conduits distal open ends is in or pointed at the intake runner form the nitrous oxide and fuel spray nozzle that will spray their mixture into the air and fuel mixture from the carburetor when the nitrous system is activated to give the increase in horsepower.
US07966997B2	Oil collecting structure of blow-by gas recirculation system and oil collecting device having the structure An oil return passage that is open at its upper end to a cam chamber and is open at its lower end to a crank chamber is formed to extend from a cylinder head to a cylinder block. A heat exchanger having a double-pipe structure is housed in the oil return passage. Lubricating oil fed from the cam chamber is passed through an oil-collection outer passage of the heat exchanger, and separated oil fed from a separator case of a PCV system is passed through an oil-collection inner passage of the heat exchanger, so that heat of the lubricating oil is imparted to the separated oil. Thus, water contained in the separated oil is evaporated, and the amount of water flowing into an oil pan can be reduced.
US07966988B2	Method for controlling soot induced lubricant viscosity increase Periodically heating a soot containing engine lubricant to a temperature in the range of about 115° C. to about 150° C. is effective in controlling soot induced viscosity increase of the lubricant. The period at which heating is conducted may be a function of the number of hours the engine has been operated or it may be based on the oil condition.
US07966981B2	Variable valve lift apparatus A variable valve lift apparatus may include a camshaft in which a cam is formed co-axially thereon; a variable shaft in which a groove is formed in an exterior circumference at a portion thereof, wherein the variable shaft is disposed in parallel with the camshaft; a variable guide, one end surface of which contacts the cam and the other end surface of which is inserted inside the groove of the variable shaft; a lever through which the variable shaft is rotatably inserted and on which the variable guide is slidably mounted; and a valve that is selectively lifted by the lever, wherein the variable guide selectively is inserted into the groove of the variable shaft to vary lift amount of the valve in accordance with rotation of the variable shaft.
US07966980B2	Variable compression ratio apparatus A variable compression ratio apparatus that changes the compression ratio of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber according to a driving state of an engine, enablements may include a connecting rod receiving the combustion force from the piston; a pin link receiving a part of the combustion force from the connecting rod and rotating the crankshaft; a support link disposed substantially in parallel with the connecting rod; a division link receiving a part of the combustion force from the connecting rod and transmitting the part of the combustion force to the support link; a control link provided with one end coupled to the division link in order to change position of one end of the division link; and an eccentric camshaft coupled to other end of the control link in order to change position of a rotational axis of the control link.
US07966978B2	Cooling control unit for water-cooled multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having cylinder deactivation mechanism A cooling control unit for a water-cooled multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having a cylinder deactivation mechanism for controlling the flow of coolant to prevent the internal combustion engine from being incompletely warmed up when the internal combustion engine returns to its operating condition with all of the cylinders being activated. A communicating passage communicates with a normally activated cylinder coolant jacket as a coolant passage formed for normally activated cylinders and a deactivation-programmed cylinder water jacket as a coolant passage formed for the deactivation-programmed cylinders to communicate with each other, and through which the coolant flows. A bypass passage diverges from the communicating passage and bypasses the deactivation-programmed cylinder coolant jacket. A diversion control valve is provided in a diversion section where the bypass passage diverges from the communication passage. A control member controls the diversion control valve in accordance with the operating state of the internal combustion engine.
US07966975B2	Ground mounted animal belly brush The present invention is a ground-based tool for use by horses, livestock and other animals for such animals to scratch themselves without human intervention. The tool is configured and positioned to remove biting insects from animal undersides and to relieve any itching from such insects or from other causes. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises at least one anchor for securing the device to the ground such that a tuft of bristles extends upwardly to a height to allow an animal to scratch its own belly. The device is flexible yet strong enough to withstand the potentially large forces applied by a large animal standing over the device.
US07966972B2	Method and device for the incubation of eggs The invention relates to a method for the incubation of eggs and to a device for the incubation of eggs. The incubation device includes a cabinet provided with a climate control for regulating the atmospheric humidity and temperature of the air that is to be passed through the cabinet, and at least one frame. At least one stack of trays positioned vertically above one another is arranged in the frame, each tray having a multiplicity of egg positions for receiving an egg. To turn the eggs, the trays of the stack can pivot to and fro through a defined pivot angle about a horizontal axis with respect to the frame. The vertical distance between the trays positioned above one another thereby changes. In the method, the trays are periodically pivoted through the defined pivot angle and the magnitude of the defined pivot angle is variable.
US07966971B2	Method and system for monitoring and reducing ruminant methane production A method, and systems implementing such method, for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants one or more nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer proximate to where the ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by selectively operating a hopper with two or more supplements compartments.
US07966970B2	Dairy inflation A dairy inflation includes a barrel portion connected to a milk tube portion for extracting milk from a teat of an animal. The barrel portion includes an axial passage defined by a wall, the wall having an exterior surface defining an outer periphery having a substantially circular shape. The wall further includes an interior surface defining an inner periphery having a substantially elliptical shape. The elliptical inner periphery includes a major axis and a minor axis, and the disposition of the elliptical inner periphery within the circular outer periphery creates reduced-thickness regions on opposing sides of the wall along the major axis. The reduced-thickness regions allow a controlled collapse of the barrel portion during milking operations.
US07966968B2	Electroless plating apparatus with non-liquid heating source An electroless plating apparatus is provided. The electroless plating apparatus includes a wafer holder; a chemical dispensing nozzle over the wafer holder; a conduit connected to the chemical dispensing nozzle; and a radiation source over the wafer holder.
US07966967B2	Electrostatic coating system An electrostatic coating system (1) comprising a coating gun (2) for spraying a coating material toward an article (9) to be coated, and a robot arm (3) for moving the coating gun (2) with respect to the article (9) to be coated wherein a voltage is applied to the coating gun (2). A needle-like electrode (11) which is an electrostatic electrode having a pointed end applied with a voltage having the same polarity as that of the voltage applied to the coating gun (2), is attached to the coating gun (2) or the robot arm (3).
US07966963B1	Owl with intermittent powered movement An owl replica for deterring pests, having a plastic owl body; a plastic owl head; an unstable mount disposed between the body and head for free movement of the head relative to the body; and a powered assembly supported by the mount and operable to move with the mount relative to the body and enable intermittent powered movement of the head relative to the body without interfering with free movement of the head.
US07966960B2	Plasticized and assembleable cover such as for use with waterway constructed transport barges A cover for use with an elongated opening associated with a transportable barge. The cover includes a number of inter-engageable cover sections, each exhibiting a lightweight plasticized construction and extending in both widthwise and lengthwise fashion relative to an upper lip edge defining an open perimeter of the barge. Each cover section exhibits pairs of opposing lifting eyes and associated locking pins, these being defined along outer extending side edge locations of each cover section and is adapted to securing the cover section upon the barge perimeter defining edge. At least one roller supported and traversable door is incorporated into each cover section and defines a selectively open location for accessing a cargo carrying interior associated with the barge.
US07966959B1	Permeable hull to mitigate impact load in water The invention is directed to an apparatus for mitigating the load impact on a surface watercraft and passengers therein, during high speed travel. The hull includes a damping cavity for mitigating the load impact on the surface watercraft. The damping cavity is positioned on a dry portion of an undersurface of the hull between a forward end and an aft end of the hull. The damping cavity includes a porous plate on the undersurface, and a deck plate within the hull body. The deck plate and the porous plate are separated by a gap, and an inflatable bladder may be positioned in the gap between the plates.
US07966958B2	Pontoon lift mechanism The present invention relates to a pontoon lift mechanism includes: a plurality of PVC tubing aligned in parallel; a portion of the plurality of PVC tubing including air filled PVC tubes; a portion of the plurality of PVC tubing including water filled PVC tubes; and an inlet valve and outlet valve provided for each PVC tube. The air filled PVC tubes and water filled PVC tubes abut each other and alternate in the parallel alignment of the tubes. The pontoon lift mechanism also includes a means to fill the air filled PVC tubes and the water filled PVC tubes, where said means to fill includes an air hose extending from an air supply valve and a water hose extending from a water supply valve.
US07966956B2	Multi-head embroidery sewing machine Individual motors in a sewing machine of the invention are provided, for each of a plurality of machine heads, for individually driving respective mechanical components, such as a needle bar driving mechanism, thread take-up lever and presser foot mechanism. A plurality of rotary hooks are driven by a common motor. Even in a case where embroidering workpieces set on the individual machine heads differ in material between the heads and upper threads used for the machine heads differ in characteristic between the heads, the sewing machine can make, in a concurrent, parallel fashion, embroidery products of different texture suited for the respective materials, characteristics, etc., by setting independent stitch formation per machine head.
US07966950B2	Vehicle rear seat shelf A shelf assembly is for carrying goods on a rear seat of a vehicle. The shelf assembly includes a base, a pair of front legs, and a pair rear legs. The base includes a first and a second section. The base, which is for resting on the rear seat, has a front and a rear portion opposing the front portion. The rear legs extend from the rear portion of the sections of the base for supporting the base on the rear seat of the vehicle. A section hinge pivotally connects the first section and the second for folding the first section relative to the second section at the section hinge. A pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs are adapted to extend from the front portion of the sections of the base to support the base on a floor of the vehicle.
US07966947B2	Resting device assembly including a table and a trolley A resting device assembly for supporting a person above a surface during a procedure includes a resting device and a trolley. The resting device includes a device top assembly having a padded device top that supports the person during the procedure, and a device frame that supports the device top assembly. The device frame includes a frame base, a frame leg assembly having a plurality of spaced apart legs that supports the frame base and the device top assembly above the surface, and a height adjuster that adjusts the length of the plurality of spaced apart legs so as to raise and lower the device top relative to the surface. The frame base is a substantially rigid frame base that significantly increases the overall strength, support, and stability of the resting device assembly. The trolley defines a storage area for storing procedure materials that are usable during the procedure. The trolley is movable relative to the resting device between a storage position, wherein the trolley is positioned substantially beneath the resting device, and a working position, wherein the trolley is positioned next to the resting device. When the trolley is in the working position the procedure materials are easily accessed from the trolley.
US07966944B1	Linear synchronous motor railroad train driven power generating system A power generating system includes a railroad track configured to define a looped track; a series of railroad cars riding on and extending substantially the full length of the looped track forming a train loop; a drive gear mounted to the train loop and having a gear circumference substantially concentric with the looped track; and several turbine generators secured relative to the ground at the outer periphery of the drive gear, the turbine generators having individual generator pinion gears in meshed driving contact with the drive gear, so that movement of the train loop around the looped track causes the drive gear to rotate the generator pinion gears and thereby operate the turbine generators. The turbine generators preferably are electrically connected by cables to a power station. The train loop and track preferably include electromagnets for propelling the train loop around the looped track, and alternatively includes a diesel locomotive.
US07966943B2	Mass transit vehicle system A transport system for providing increased capacity to move individuals and freight while still accommodating the individual needs of passengers and freight movers to travel to unique destinations. The transit system including a car including a set of switching wheels that are designed to engage with a set of switching rails, the switching wheels being moveable to selectively engage with the switching rails to either maintain the car on the track or switch the car off to another track. The car has the capability to travel on the relatively high-speed track and on a conventional surface street.
US07966941B1	Rider controlled zip line trolley brake An improved zip line trolley allowing a rider control of his or her speed while traversing along a suspended cable (8) as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The trolley comprises front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) conjoined via pulley housing (16) with left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R) attached to vertical shaft (12). Front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are mounted onto left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R). When front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are squeezed by the rider, they create a constricting force on front left and right calipers (32FL) and (32FR) along with rear left and right calipers (32RL) and (32RR) of FIGS. 2A and 3A. Thus, friction is applied to front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) via front left and right brake pads (34FL) and (34FR) along with rear left and right brake pads (34RL) and (34RR). This frictional force slows the rider's speed to his or her desired rate and brings the rider to a safe stop at a precise location along suspended cable (8).
US07966937B1	Non-newtonian projectile A projectile is provided comprising a body with a channel that contains a non-Newtonian fluid. In various embodiments a plunger is located in the channel, wherein the plunger transmits a force to the non-Newtonian fluid upon interacting with a target, causing the non-Newtonian fluid to exert a pressure in the channel, and wherein the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid changes upon interacting with the target. By way of non-limiting example, the non-Newtonian fluid of embodiments of the present invention can comprise a shear-thickening fluid that increases its viscosity with at least the rate of shear upon interacting with the target.
US07966924B1	Non-linear feedback in a dual yoke hydromodule A variable displacement bent axis unit comprising a housing and a yoke pivotally disposed therein wherein the yoke has a cam member attached thereto. A control mechanism that changes the displacement of the unit has a control valve disposed therein that engages the cam member. The cam member itself has a non-linear feedback profile such that the feedback profile provides a linearized speed ratio.
US07966923B2	Conformable self-healing ballistic armor A conformable self-healing ballistic armor protective structure has a shell formed of a laminated cloth material having outer and inner lamellae. The outer lamella of the laminated material is a ballistic cloth and the inner lamella is a soft, conformable self-healing, rubber compound. The shell is filled preferably with multiplicity of ceramic particles disposed in a fluid.
US07966919B2	Safe inspection system and kit A safe inspection system for the manual inspection of personal luggage, which comprises an inspection module including at least one inspection member which defines an inspection surface, for supporting a potentially explosive object for manual inspection by an inspector; a blast containment container arranged in a position of immediate communication with the inspection module; and transfer means for effecting the immediate transfer of a suspicious inspected object from the inspection surface to the blast containment container by an inspector without requiring further handling of the object by the inspector, thereby to immediately confine the object within the blast containment container and so as to thus reduce the reduce blast damage in the event that the suspicious object explodes after confinement therewithin. The present invention also includes a kit for converting a blast containment container to a safe inspection system.
US07966915B2	Extensive device for tool An extensive device is disclosed to connect a bit to a handle of a tool. The extensive device includes a rod, a polygonal sphere, a socket and a retaining element. The polygonal sphere is connected to the rod near an end. The socket includes a polygonal cavity, a tunnel and a groove. The polygonal cavity receives the polygonal sphere so that the surface of the polygonal sphere is in contact with the wall of the polygonal cavity. The rod and the socket are coaxial when the end of the rod is disposed in the tunnel. The rod can be pivoted relative to the socket when the end of the rod is located outside the tunnel. The groove is defined in the wall of the polygonal cavity. The restraining element is fit in the groove of the socket to keep the polygonal sphere in the polygonal cavity of the socket.
US07966910B1	Ring styled bottle opener A bottle opener in the form of a ring like member having a bottom portion defining a receiving area for receipt of a portion of a bottle cap attached to a bottle. The opener is placed on the user's finger, causing a top surface of the bottle cap receiving area to be formed by a palm side surface of the user's finger. A portion of the bottle cap is placed within the receiving area such that the top of bottle cap is abutting the user's finger and a bottom edge of the inserted bottle cap is abutting a bottom surface of the receiving area. The user, through movement of his or her hand, then proceeds to pull and/or lift off the bottle cap. The opener attaches to the bottle cap at a single location.
US07966906B2	Fluid flow control device operator Three elements of a fluid flow control device—switch, button, label—are designed to minimize the possibility of two labeled buttons being swapped on their switches. If the parts are assembled incorrectly or mislabeled, or if the buttons are thereafter swapped on the switches, it will be very obvious; then, if one attempts to fix such a problem, it can only be fixed by placing the buttons on the correct switches, and it can not be fixed by leaving the buttons on the wrong switches.
US07966905B2	Shift apparatus A shift apparatus includes a shift lever operable to select a first mode of a transmission when the shift lever is disposed at a first position and to select a second mode of the transmission when the shift lever is disposed at a second position, and a base supporting the shift lever. The shift lever automatically returns to a home position after selecting the first mode or the second mode. When moving the shift lever from the home position to the first position to select the first mode, the shift lever is moved in a first direction and then in a second direction which is different from and not directly opposite to the first direction. When moving the shift lever from the first position to the second position to select the second mode, the shift lever is moved in a third direction which is different from the first and second directions and not directly opposite to the second direction.
US07966904B2	Low axial play drive system A drive system for rotating an assembly, such as an external vehicle mirror housing, about an axis is provided with a drive housing containing a worm drive assembly coupled to an axis gear mounted about the axis. The worm drive assembly is rotated by an electric motor. The axis gear is stationary with respect to the axis, such that rotation of the worm drive assembly will cause it to travel about the axis gear. Such movement of the worm drive assembly will cause the drive housing and the associated external vehicle mirror housing to rotate about the axis. Thrust transmitted to the worm drive assembly is transmitted to a central portion of the drive housing by a shaft retainer associated with the worm drive assembly. Play between the axis gear and the worm drive assembly is prevented by eliminating separation between adjacent components of the worm drive assembly.
US07966902B2	Vehicular transmission A vehicular transmission includes a shift drum center with a plurality of gear train establishment notches disposed, equally spaced apart from each other, on the outer periphery thereof. The gear train establishment notches establish a specific gear train selected from among a plurality of gear trains by selectively engaging a drum stopper arm therein. The shift drum center further includes half neutral notches to be engaged with the drum stopper arm. The half neutral notches are disposed on the outer periphery of the shift drum center and at a central portion between each pair of the gear train establishment notches, respectively. The resulting configuration effectively suppresses an engagement noise during changing of a gear position through a sliding motion of a shifter.
US07966901B2	Torque transfer device A torque transfer device, in particular in the power train of a motor vehicle, having at least one wet-running clutch device, in particular a multi-plate clutch device, which is actuatable by an actuating lever device, in particular an actuating lever spring device, through a pressure member. The pressure member has a blocking cross section which is opened toward a pressure chamber.
US07966900B2	Actuator for a motor vehicle, more specifically for a motor vehicle seat An actuator for a motor vehicle with an electric motor having an output shaft, a gearbox that is connected to the output shaft that includes a spindle nut, and a spindle that engages the spindle nut. The spindle nut comprises one main portion and at least one axial socket. The axial socket: (a) is solidly connected to the main portion, more specifically is integral with the main portion, (b) comprises an internal thread cooperating with the spindle and (c) is configured to be radially elastic. An elastic element is provided which fits against the axial socket and pushes the internal thread thereof into engagement with the spindle.
US07966899B2	Source dilution sampling system for emissions analysis A system for sampling emission products from an emissions source, for example combustion engines including gasoline, diesel and natural gas engines, for subsequent measurement and analysis of the emission products. The system includes a dilution apparatus, a residence time chamber, a plurality of sampling probes within the residence time chamber, and a plurality of sampling trains connected to the sampling probes to take simultaneous representative emission samples for subsequent analysis. The system has particular use in quantifying chemical and toxic trace species from emissions sources. The results of the analysis can be used to formulate decisions on changes in engine design strategy, and can be used to determine the effectiveness of aftertreatment systems on the emissions source.
US07966897B2	Plating apparatus A plating apparatus includes a plating tank for storing a plating liquid, and applies a magnetic alloy plating to a shaft-shaped member immersed in the plating liquid by using the shaft-shaped member as a cathode. The plating apparatus further includes a rotable member configured to rotate the shaft-shaped member as a rotary shaft; annular shielding tools mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-shaped member; a plating liquid discharge nozzle including plating liquid discharge ports which are provided to face the shaft-shaped member so as to avoid the shielding tools; and an anode provided around the shaft-shaped member and the plating liquid discharge nozzle.
US07966894B2	In-line measuring device An in line measuring device, includes a measuring transducer having: a least one measuring tube vibrating, during operation, and serving for conveying, a two- or multiphase, flowable medium; an exciter mechanism for producing vibrations of the at least one measuring tube; a sensor arrangement for registering vibrations of the measuring tube and for delivering an oscillation measurement signal representing oscillations of the measuring tube, and a measuring device electronics electrically coupled with the measuring transducer. The measuring device electronics delivers, at least one exciter signal driving the exciter mechanism, and, in such a manner that the at least one measuring tube, during operation, —driven by the exciter mechanism driven by means of the at least one exciter signal—is excited, to execute vibrations in a wanted mode of the measuring transducer, in which it, at least partially, executes bending oscillations about an imaginary bending oscillation axis of the measuring transducer, Moreover, the measuring device electronics ascertains, a damping value of first type, which represents, instantaneously, a damping of vibrations of the at least one measuring tube, which opposes the bending oscillations of the at least one measuring tube corresponding to the Coriolis mode.
US07966889B2	Method of measuring strain in a flex hose or other flexible member A method of detecting excessive strain in an elongated flexible member comprising: (a) applying at least one strain-detecting strip to the flexible member in an area that will be subject to bending in installation or use; (b) installing the flexible member in place; and (c) after installation, inspecting the strain-detecting strip for signs of excessive strain in the flexible member.
US07966882B2	Self-calibrating method for measuring the density and velocity of sound from two reflections of ultrasound at a solid-liquid interface A method for determining a velocity and density of a fluid without requiring the transmission of ultrasound through the fluid, and a system for performing such a method. The method involves the steps of delivering, receiving and analyzing ultrasound pulses sent from a longitudinal and a shear wave transducers to a member that is in contact with a fluid. The ultrasound pulses reflecting between surfaces provide a first ultrasound pulse echo series, that is transmitted, received and processed. The shear wave ultrasound pulses are also delivered through a shear wave transducer at a predesignated angle relative to the interface of the member and the fluid and the results of this are received to obtain a second ultrasound pulse echo series. Reflection coefficients for the first and second ultrasound pulse echo series are then calculated and the density of the fluid and the velocity of sound in the fluids are extracted.
US07966878B2	Method for measuring liquid cryogen level using a level probe A method of measuring a level of liquid cryogen, comprising the steps of immersing a liquid cryogen level probe in a liquid cryogen, applying a propagation current to the heater (26) to induce quench in at least an adjacent part of the superconductive material (22); removing the propagation current from the heater; applying a measurement current to the superconductive material; and measuring (30) a voltage across the superconductive material thereby to determine the level of the liquid cryogen. In articular, the method comprises the steps of monitoring (40) the voltage across the superconductive material while the propagation current is being applied; and ceasing application of the propagation current in response to the detection of a voltage across the superconductive material which exceeds a certain threshold level.
US07966876B2	Single phase fluid sampling apparatus and method for use of same An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108) of the apparatus (100). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) and a plurality of externally disposed chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102) after the samples are obtained.

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