最新美国发明专利第2011-07-05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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US07972935B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device When single crystal semiconductor layers are transposed from a single crystal semiconductor substrate (a bond wafer), the single crystal semiconductor substrate is etched selectively (this step is also referred to as groove processing), and a plurality of single crystal semiconductor layers, which are being divided in size of manufactured semiconductor elements, are transposed to a different substrate (a base substrate). Thus, a plurality of island-shaped single crystal semiconductor layers (SOI layers) can be formed over the base substrate. Further, etching is performed on the single crystal semiconductor layers formed over the base substrate, and the shapes of the SOI layers are controlled precisely by being processed and modified.
US07972934B2	Photodetector array using isolation diffusions as crosstalk inhibitors between adjacent photodiodes A photodetector array includes a semiconductor substrate having opposing first and second main surfaces, a first layer of a first doping concentration proximate the first main surface, and a second layer of a second doping concentration proximate the second main surface. The photodetector includes at least one conductive via formed in the first main surface and an anode/cathode region proximate the first main surface and the at least one conductive via. The via extends to the second main surface. The conductive via is isolated from the semiconductor substrate by a first dielectric material. The anode/cathode region is a second conductivity opposite to the first conductivity. The photodetector includes a doped isolation region of a third doping concentration formed in the first main surface and extending through the first layer of the semiconductor substrate to at least the second layer of the semiconductor substrate.
US07972929B2	Method for manufacturing semicondcutor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an ONO layer in a memory region and forming several gate oxide layer patterns in a logic region, a nitride layer in the logic region can be used as a hard mask, enabling a reduction in the number of masks used. This results in improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs of a SONOS semiconductor device.
US07972928B2	Insulated gate-type semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof This invention has a purpose to provide an insulated gate-type semiconductor device and its manufacturing method in which a decrease in gate insulation dielectric strength voltage and a reduction in manufacturing costs are both achieved. First, (a) a CZ bulk substrate is prepared. Next, (b) P− diffused layer and N+ diffused layer 31 are formed by executing processes such as ion implantation and thermal diffusion treatment. Further (c) a gate trench is formed by reactive ion etching. Next, (d) a gate insulation film containing carbon of 1.0×1018 atoms/cm3 is formed on the wall face of a gate trench according to a CVD method and, annealing is subsequently performed. As a consequence, a low defect area is formed in the vicinity of an interface between the CZ bulk substrate and the gate insulation film.
US07972924B2	Method for manufacturing a memory A method for manufacturing a memory includes first providing a substrate with a horizontally adjacent control gate region and floating gate region which includes a sacrificial layer and sacrificial sidewalls, removing the sacrificial layer and sacrificial sidewalls to expose the substrate, forming dielectric sidewalls adjacent to the control gate region, forming a floating gate dielectric layer on the exposed substrate and forming a floating gate layer adjacent to the dielectric sidewalls and on the floating gate dielectric layer.
US07972920B2	Semiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the same, a method of manufacturing a vertical MISFET and a vertical MISFET, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device Vertical MISFETs are formed over drive MISFETs and transfer MISFETs. The vertical MISFETs comprise rectangular pillar laminated bodies each formed by laminating a lower semiconductor layer (drain), an intermediate semiconductor layer, and an upper semiconductor layer (source), and gate electrodes formed on corresponding side walls of the laminated bodies with gate insulating films interposed therebetween. In each vertical MISFET, the lower semiconductor layer constitutes a drain, the intermediate semiconductor layer constitutes a substrate (channel region), and the upper semiconductor layer constitutes a source. The lower semiconductor layer, the intermediate semiconductor layer and the upper semiconductor layer are each comprised of a silicon film. The lower semiconductor layer and the upper semiconductor layer are doped with a p type and constituted of a p type silicon film.
US07972919B2	Vertical PNP transistor and method of making same The present invention relates to a device structure located in a semiconductor substrate and containing high performance vertical NPN and PNP transistors. Specifically, the vertical PNP transistor has an emitter region, and the vertical NPN transistor has an intrinsic base region. The emitter region of the vertical PNP transistor and the intrinsic base region of the vertical NPN transistor are located in a single silicon germanium-containing layer, and they both contain single crystal silicon germanium. The present invention also relates to a method for fabricating such a device structure based on collateral modification of conventional fabrication processes for CMOS and bipolar devices, with few or no additional processing steps.
US07972912B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes first providing an insulation substrate. A patterned conductive layer is formed over the insulation substrate, and the patterned conductive layer includes a channel region and a number of protruding regions. A gate structure layer is formed over the insulation substrate. The gate structure layer covers a part of the patterned conductive layer, and each of the protruding regions has an exposed region. A doping process is performed to dope at least the exposed region of the patterned conductive layer to form a number of S/D regions.
US07972910B2	Manufacturing method of integrated circuit device including thin film transistor It is an object of the present invention to improve a factor which influences productivity such as variation caused by a characteristic defect of a circuit by thinning or production yield when an integrated circuit device in which a substrate is thinned is manufactured. A stopper layer is formed over one surface of a substrate, and an element is formed over the stopper layer, and then, the substrate is thinned from the other surface thereof. A method in which a substrate is ground or polished or a method in which the substrate is etched by chemical reaction is used as a method for thinning or removing the substrate.
US07972908B2	Method of switching off a monolithically integrated optically controlled thyristor A method of switching-off a monolithically integrated light-activated thyristor structure in an n-p-n-p-n-p sequence is herein presented. In the method a monolithically integrated semiconductor thyristor structure is illuminated through an optical aperture to convey light into the embedded switching semiconductor structure to electrically short a thyristor cathode and a thyristor base through a floating gate to turn off the thyristor.
US07972904B2	Wafer level packaging method A wafer level packaging method is revealed. Firstly, a wafer with a plurality of bumps disposed on a surface is provided. Placing a dielectric tape on a mold plate is followed. Then, the wafer is laminated with the mold plate to make the dielectric tape be compliantly bonded to the surface of the wafer and to make the bumps be embedded in the dielectric tape. After removing the mold plate, flattening the dielectric tape to form a plurality of exposed surfaces of the bumps wherein the exposed surfaces and the flattened surface of the dielectric tape are coplanar. Therefore, the exposed surfaces of the bumps can be regarded as effective alignment points for easy pattern recognition of the wafer level packaged wafers during singulation process.
US07972898B2	Process for making doped zinc oxide The present invention relates to a process of making a zinc-oxide-based thin film semiconductor, for use in a transistor, comprising thin film deposition onto a substrate comprising providing a plurality of gaseous materials comprising first, second, and third gaseous materials, wherein the first gaseous material is a zinc-containing volatile material and the second gaseous material is reactive therewith such that when one of the first or second gaseous materials are on the surface of the substrate the other of the first or second gaseous materials will react to deposit a layer of material on the substrate, wherein the third gaseous material is inert and wherein a volatile indium-containing compound is introduced into the first reactive gaseous material or a supplemental gaseous material.
US07972897B2	Methods for forming resistive switching memory elements Resistive switching memory elements are provided that may contain electroless metal electrodes and metal oxides formed from electroless metal. The resistive switching memory elements may exhibit bistability and may be used in high-density multi-layer memory integrated circuits. Electroless conductive materials such as nickel-based materials may be selectively deposited on a conductor on a silicon wafer or other suitable substrate. The electroless conductive materials can be oxidized to form a metal oxide for a resistive switching memory element. Multiple layers of conductive materials can be deposited each of which has a different oxidation rate. The differential oxidization rates of the conductive layers can be exploited to ensure that metal oxide layers of desired thicknesses are formed during fabrication.
US07972896B2	Multi-bit memory cell structure and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a semiconductor memory cell including phase change material. A multi-bit memory cell may implement phase change material. Various kinds of information can be stored in one memory cell. A chip size may be minimized without sacrificing capacity and/or memory performance, as compared with a one-bit memory cell.
US07972895B2	Memory cell device with coplanar electrode surface and method A memory device described herein includes a bit line having a top surface and a plurality of vias. The device includes a plurality of first electrodes each having top surfaces coplanar with the top surface of the bit line, the first electrodes extending through corresponding vias in the bit line. An insulating member is within each via and has an annular shape with a thickness between the corresponding first electrode and a portion of the bit line acting as a second electrode. A layer of memory material extends across the insulating members to contact the top surfaces of the bit line and the first electrodes.
US07972893B2	Memory device manufacturing method A method for making a memory device includes providing a dielectric material, having first and second upwardly and inwardly tapering surfaces and a surface segment connecting the first and second surfaces. First and second electrodes are formed over the first and second surfaces. A memory element is formed over the surface segment to electrically connect the first and second electrodes.
US07972888B1	Methods for manufacturing MEMS sensor and thin film and cantilever beam thereof with epitaxial growth process A method for manufacturing a MEMS sensor and its thin film and cantilever beam includes steps of etching a top surface of a single-crystal silicon wafer in combination of a deposition process, an outer epitaxial growth process, a wet etching process and a back etching process in order to form a pressure-sensitive single-crystal silicon film, a cantilever beam, a mass block, a front chamber, a back chamber and trenches connecting the front and the back chambers. The single-crystal silicon film is prevented from etching so that the thickness thereof can be well controlled. The method of the present invention can be used to replace the traditional method which forms the back chamber and the pressure-sensitive single-crystal silicon film from the bottom surface of the silicon wafer.
US07972883B2	Method of manufacturing photoelectric device In a method of manufacturing a photoelectric device, a transparent conductive layer is formed on a substrate, and the transparent conductive layer is partially etched using an etching solution including hydrofluoric acid. Thus, a transparent electrode having a concavo-convex pattern on its surface is formed. When the transparent conductive layer is partially etched, a haze of the transparent electrode may be controlled by adjusting an etching time of the transparent conductive layer. Also, since the etching solution is sprayed to the transparent conductive layer to etch the transparent conductive layer, the concavo-convex pattern on the surface of the transparent electrode may be easily formed even though the size of the substrate increases.
US07972880B2	Method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device and an LCD device thereby A method for fabricating a LCD having enhanced aperture ratio and brightness includes: forming a gate line, a gate electrode, a common electrode and a common line in a first mask process; depositing a gate insulating layer covering the gate line, the gate electrode and the common electrode; forming an active layer on the gate insulating layer, and an ohmic contact layer on the active layer in a second mask process; forming a data line, a source electrode, and a drain electrode facing the source electrode in a third mask process; depositing a protective layer over the data line, the source electrode and the drain electrode; forming a pixel contact hole in a fourth mask process; and forming a pixel electrode, wherein the pixel electrode is connected to the drain electrode through the pixel contact hole in a fifth mask process using a reverse tapered photo-resist pattern.
US07972878B2	Quantum dot memory A method of making a quantum dot memory cell, the quantum dot memory cell including an array of quantum dots disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, includes obtaining values for a tunneling current through the quantum dot memory cell as a function of a voltage applied to the quantum dot memory cell and selecting parameters of the quantum dot memory cell such that the tunneling current through the quantum dot memory cell exhibits a bistable current for at least some values of the voltage applied to the quantum dot memory cell. The values for the tunneling current are determined on the basis of a density of states of the array of quantum dots.
US07972875B2	Optical systems fabricated by printing-based assembly Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.
US07972873B2	Material removing processes in device formation and the devices formed thereby Devices having voids are producible by employing an electrochemical corrosion process. For example, an electrically conductive region is formed to have a surrounding chemically distinct region. Such formation is possible through conventional semiconductor processing techniques such as a copper damascene process. The surrounded conducting material is configured to be in electrical communication with a charge separation structure. The electrically conducting region is contacted with a fluid electrolyte and electromagnetic radiation is made to illuminate the charge separation region to induce separation of electrons and holes. The resulting separated charges are used to drive an electrochemical corrosion process at the conductive material/electrolyte interface resulting in the removal of at least a portion of the electrically conducting material. The induced corrosion leaves a void that is useful, for example, as a highly effective dielectric in integrated circuits, functions to allow component separation such as gear separation in microelectromechanical devices or produces long cavities useful for material separation analogous to the distillation columns used in liquid chromatography.
US07972871B2	Apparatus and method for analyte detection Disclosed is a testing device and methods for the identification of an analyte of interest in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, the testing device includes a front panel having at least one sample application aperture; a rear panel having at least one solvent application aperture; a sample collection matrix disposed between the rear panel and the front panel, the sample collection matrix being in communication with the sample and solvent application apertures of the front and rear panels; and at least one insertable test strip containing a reagent enabling detection of the analyte of interest.
US07972866B2	Biosensor and ultrasonic method of making a biosensor There is provided a test strip for testing a fluid sample, including a sample cavity configured to receive the fluid sample and an ultrasonically-spread reagent layer arranged on at least one surface of the sample cavity. There is also provided a method for making a biosensor, including providing a substrate having a region for receiving a sample; dispensing a liquid substance on at least one surface of the region for receiving a sample; and subjecting the substrate to ultrasonic vibrations to quickly and uniformly spread the liquid substance on the at least one surface of the region for receiving a sample.
US07972860B2	Methods and compositions for the detection and analysis of nucleic acids by signal amplification The present invention relates to a novel integrated PCR-free signal amplification polynucleotide detection system which combines a specific receptor, an optical transducer, and an amplification mechanism. This novel detection system is based on different electrostatic interactions and confirmations between a cationic polythiophene (i.e., polymer 1) and single-stranded or double-stranded polynucleotides (such as ss-DNA or ds-DNA), and the efficient energy transfer between the triplex (complexation between the cationic polythiophene and ds-DNA) and neighboring fluorophores attached to ss-DNA or ds-DNA probes. It is to be understood that in the case of ss-DNA, triplex formation occurs via the hybridization of complementary ss-DNA strands, combined with complexation and with the cationic polythiophene. The present detection system allows for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from samples in only a few minutes, without the need for nucleic acid amplification.
US07972856B2	Targeted gene modification by parvoviral vectors This invention provides methods for obtaining targeted gene modification in vertebrate cells using parvoviral vectors, including adeno-associated virus (AAV). The parvoviral vectors used in the methods of the invention are capable of targeting a specific genetic modification to a preselected target locus in a cellular genome by homologous pairing.
US07972851B2	Liver specific chimeric regulatory sequence and use thereof The present invention relates to a chimeric regulatory sequence with liver cell specificity. The chimeric regulatory sequence includes a proximal regulatory sequence and a distal enhancer 5′ flanking region of human α-fetoprotein (AFP) gene. The chimeric regulatory sequence is useful in purified specific lineages, such as liver cells, from other cell lineages.
US07972850B2	Method of in vitro differentiation of neural stem cells, motor neurons and dopamine neurons from primate embryonic stem cells A method of differentiating embryonic stem cells into neural and motor cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises culturing a population of cells comprising a majority of cells that are characterized by an early rosette morphology and are Sox1−/Pax6+ in the presence of FGF2, FGF4, FGF8, FGF 9, or RA wherein the cells are characterized by an neural tube-like rosette morphology and are Pax6+/Sox1+.
US07972846B2	Cadherin-11 antagonists and methods for the treatment of inflammatory joint disorders The present invention relates to Cadherin-11 antagonists and compositions comprising Cadherin-11 antagonists. The invention also relates to methods for treating inflammatory joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, in a mammalian subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Cadherin-11 antagonist.
US07972845B2	Human antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS derived from transgenic xenomouse The invention described herein provides for human antibodies produced in non-human animals that specifically bind to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The invention further provides methods for making the antibodies in a non-human animal, expression of the antibodies in cell lines including hybridomas and recombinant host cell systems. Also provided are kits and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of treating or preventing pseudomonas infection by administering to a patient the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.
US07972841B2	Exposure device The present invention relates to an exposure device for living cell cultures, the device having a medium chamber common to a plurality of cell culture chambers and medium directing means. The medium chamber, cell culture chambers and the medium directing means may be arranged so as to provide substantially contemporaneous medium exchange at the cell culture chambers.
US07972836B2	Method of enzymatic optical resolution of racemic 4-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline The present invention relates to a method for preparing an optically active 4-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline compound [I], which comprises the steps of: treating a racemic 4-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline compound represented by general formula [I]: [wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a protecting group for amino group.] with an enzyme having an ability of selectively or preferentially acylating one enantiomer of the racemic compound [I] in the presence of an acyl donor; and if necessary, subjecting the reaction product to solvolysis.
US07972835B2	Blood-viscosity reducing agent A blood-viscosity reducing agent contains a protein derived from Bacillus subtilis natto and including, sequentially from an amino group terminal, a first structural amino acid sequence having alanine, threonine, aspartic acid, glycine, valine, glutamic acid, tryptophan, asparagine, valine, aspartic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, aspartic acid, alanine, proline, lysine, alanine, tryptophan, alanine, leucine, glycine, tyrosine aspartic, acid, glycine, threonine, glycine, threonine, valine, valine, alanine, serine, isoleucine, aspartic acid, threonine, glycine, valine, glutamic acid, tryptophan, asparagine, histidine, proline, alanine, leucine, lysine, glutamic acid, lysine, tyrosine, arginine, glycine, tyrosine, asparagine, proline, glutamic acid, asparagine, proline, asparagine, glutamic acid, proline, glutamic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, methionine, asparagine, tryptophan, tyrosine, aspartic acid, alanine, valine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, alanine, serine, proline, tyrosine, aspartic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, alanine, histidine, glycine, threonine, histidine, valine, and threonine, a second structural amino acid sequence having alanine, phenylalanine, serine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glycine, glycine, threonine, aspartic acid, alanine, aspartic acid, isoleucine, leucine, glutamic acid, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, tryptophan, valine, and leucine, a third structural amino acid sequence having aspartic acid, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, asparagine, proline, histidine, proline, glutamic acid, methionine, alanine, proline, aspartic acid, and valine, and a fourth structural amino acid sequence having valine, proline, glycine, glutamine, alanine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glycine, tryptophan, and aspartic acid, thereby reducing the viscosity of whole blood.
US07972833B2	Isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode T cell inducible factors (TIFs), the proteins encoded, and uses thereof The invention involves isolation of nucleic acid molecules, the expression of which are upregulated by interleukin-9. The amino acid sequences of the proteins which correspond to the nucleic acid molecules show some structural features of cytokines. In addition to the nucleic acid molecules and the proteins, various uses of the molecules are disclosed. The molecules are referred to as T cell inducible factors.
US07972832B2	Variant Hypocrea jecorina CBH1 cellulases Described herein are variants of H. jecorina CBH I, a Cel7 enzyme. The present invention provides novel cellobiohydrolases that have improved thermostability and reversibility.
US07972831B2	Lipases from thermophilic anaerobes The inventors have identified polypeptides having lipase activity in anaerobic thermophilic bacteria. Accordingly, the invention provides a process for hydrolyzing an ester bond in a substrate, which comprises treating the substrate with a particular lipase (a polypeptide having lipase activity). The invention also provides a lipase for use in the process and a polynucleotide encoding the lipase.
US07972830B2	Thermostable Taq polymerase fragment It was found that a fragment of native Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase (TaqWT) lacking 288 N-terminal amino acids (TaqΔ288) possesses an increased thermostability over TaqWT, TaqΔ279, and TaqΔ289. The present invention therefore provides TaqΔ288, recombinant expression vectors encoding the same or derivatives thereof, as well as purification protocols for TaqΔ288. The invention also encompasses kits containing TaqΔ288 as well as the use of TaqΔ288 and kits containing TaqΔ288. In addition, the invention encompasses methods for the sequencing a nucleic acid template and methods for amplifying a target nucleic acid.
US07972819B2	Method and apparatus for disrupting cells and amplifying nucleic acids using gold nanorods Provided is a method of disrupting cells comprising adding gold nanorods to a solution containing cells and irradiating the gold nanorods with a laser to disrupt the cells. A method and an apparatus for continuously disrupting cells and amplifying nucleic acids in a single microchamber are also provided, wherein the method comprises introducing a solution containing cells and gold nanorods into a microchamber, irradiating a laser onto the gold nanorods to disrupt the cells, and amplifying a nucleic acid from the disrupted cells in the microchamber.
US07972817B2	Method enabling use of extracellular RNA extracted from plasma or serum to detect, monitor or evaluate cancer This invention relates to the use of extracellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) found circulating in the plasma or serum fraction of blood. Specifically, this invention enables the extraction of circulating RNA from plasma or serum and utilizes nucleic acid amplification assays for the identification, detection, inference, monitoring, or evaluation of any such RNA. Further, this invention allows the qualitative or quantitative detection of extracellular RNA circulating in the plasma or serum of humans.
US07972813B2	Tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel alpha subunit The present invention is directed to a chimp sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.
US07972809B2	Methylotrophic yeast producing mammalian type sugar chain This invention is to provide a process for producing a glycoprotein comprising a mammalian type sugar chain, characterized in that the process comprises introducing an α-1,2-mannosidase gene into a methylotrophic yeast having a mutation of a sugar chain biosynthesizing enzyme gene, so that the α-1,2-mannosidase gene is expressed under the control of a potent promoter in the yeast; culturing in a medium the methylotrophic yeast cells with a heterologous gene transferred thereinto; and obtaining the glycoprotein comprising a mammalian type sugar chain from the culture. Using the newly created methylotrophic yeast having a sugar chain mutation, a neutral sugar chain identical with a high mannose type sugar chain produced by mammalian cells such as human cells, or a glycoprotein comprising such a neutral sugar chain, can be produced in a large amount at a high purity. By introducing a mammalian type sugar chain biosynthesizing gene into the above-described mutant, a mammalian type sugar chain, such as a hybrid or complex, or a protein comprising a mammalian type sugar chain can be efficiently produced.
US07972806B2	Phospholipase The present invention is related to a method for producing a phospholipase by processing an expressed fungal peptide and to certain specified phospholipases. Furthermore the invention provides a method for producing cheese with a phospholipase.
US07972805B2	Phytase-containing animal food and method A method is described for improving the nutritional value of a foodstuff comprising a source of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate by feeding the foodstuff in combination with a phytase expressed in yeast. The method comprises the step of feeding the animal the foodstuff in combination with a phytase expressed in yeast wherein the phytase can be selected from the group consisting of AppA1, AppA2 and a site-directed mutant of AppA. The invention also enables reduction of the feed to weight gain ratio and an increase bone mass and mineral content of an animal. A foodstuff and a feed additive comprising AppA2 or a site-directed mutant of AppA are also described.
US07972804B2	Methods of detecting antibodies specific for denatured HLA antigens The invention is directed to methods of screening for HLA antibodies comprising detecting antibodies specific for native HLA antigens and denatured HLA antigens. The invention also provides for method of predicting whether a transplant recipient has an increased risk for rejecting the transplanted organ.
US07972800B2	Screening method for binding property or signal transduction alterations By using a G protein-coupled receptor protein comprising an amino acid sequence, which is the same or substantially the same as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a salt thereof, and an ionizable metal element or a salt thereof, an agonist for or an antagonist to the above receptor protein or a salt thereof can be efficiently screened.
US07972795B2	Angiopoietin-like 2 as a biomarker of vascular endothelial cell abnormal function and senescence A method for assessing a physiological state of a mammal. The method includes: obtaining from the mammal a biological sample; measuring the expression of angiopoietin-like 2 in the biological sample; and assessing the physiological state of the mammal by comparing the measured expression of the angiopoietin-like 2 to a predetermined normal expression level in normal subjects, wherein an increase in angiopoietin-like 2 level over the predetermined normal expression level indicates an abnormal physiological state.
US07972792B2	Sequence-specific nucleic acid purification method manner Disclosed is a method for the purification and collection of a nucleic acid comprising a specific nucleotide sequence, which can be carried out within an extremely short period and can achieve both high sequence-specificity and a high collection rate. Specifically disclosed is a method for the purification of a target nucleic acid comprising a specific nucleotide sequence and contained in a nucleic acid mixture. The method comprises the steps of: hybridizing a photo-ligating nucleic acid having a group represented by formula (I) as abase moiety with the target nucleic acid to form a hybrid; irradiating the hybrid of the photo-ligating nucleic acid and the target nucleic acid with light to cause the photo-ligation of the hybrid; removing any un-photo-ligated nucleic acid by washing; and irradiating the hybrid of the photo-ligating nucleic acid and the target nucleic acid with light to cause the photo-cleavage of the hybrid.
US07972791B2	Methods for haplotyping genomic DNA The present invention provides a novel method for specifically isolating and separating large segments of genomic DNA that can subsequently be used to determine a genomic haplotype. The invention relies on using a solid phase having a flat surface arrayed with oligonucleotides designed to specifically hybridize to each particular haplotype of an individual sample, e.g., oligonucleotides designed to specifically hybridize with each of the two HLA-B haplotypes, HLA-A, HLA-C, HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and the like. The genomic DNA is contacted and hybridized to the arrayed oligonucleotides to form a genomic DNA/oligonucleotide complex. The excess genomic DNA is washed away and the haplotype separated genomic DNA is denatured from the oligonucleotide probe and collected. The method of the present invention allows for the separation of genomic DNA fragments of between approximately 2 to about 4 megabases (Mb). Separation of the haplotypes of large genomic DNA fragments allows for linkage analysis of other HLA alleles and polymorphisms, microsatellite, SNPs, and the like across a large span of the HLA region, including HLA-A, -B, -C, and HLA-DRB1 regions. This linkage analysis is particularly useful when HLA typing for an individual with limited family HLA typing available.
US07972790B2	STAT6 effects on livestock animal growth The present invention provides for selection of livestock animals, including bovines, whose genotypes based in the STAT6 gene are correlated with phenotypes reflecting desirable carcass and feedlot traits. These phenotypes include back fat (BFAT), calculated yield grade (CALCYG), cutability (CUT), hot carcass weight (HCW), dry matter intake (DMI), days on feed (DOF), back fat rate (BFAT RATE) and average daily gain (ADG), based on the knowledge of the STAT6 genotypes. The predictive value is based in part on the discovery that certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the STAT6 gene are linked to phenotypes of economically these important carcass and feedlot traits. Also provided are SNPs within the STAT6 gene useful in reliably distinguishing between a Bos taurus and a Bos indicus bovine. The invention provides methods and compositions for determining STAT6 genotypes and for screening livestock animals to predict which animals will have desirable carcass traits and feedlot traits, allowing producers to selectively breed and manage animals based on desired characteristics, thereby maximizing productivity and profitability in commercial meat production operations.
US07972788B2	Skin aging marker and technique for use thereof It is an object of the present invention to find substances that can be used as skin aging markers, and the present invention provides a method for determining the degree of skin aging, including measurement of expression of secretory proteins and/or intracellular proteins and/or their genes in skin cells and/or skin tissues, wherein the secretory proteins and/or intracellular proteins change their expression with aging of skin. The present invention also provides a kit for determining the degree of skin aging and a method for identifying substances effective in the prevention of skin aging.
US07972786B2	Detection and analysis of influenza virus An assay comprising more than one primer pair and more than one detection probe, a low copy number synthetic amplicon corresponding to each of the primer pairs. The assay can detect and distinguish between various sub-types and strains of an influenza virus using any suitable nucleic acid amplification technique. Related kits and methods are also described.
US07972785B2	Biomarkers for liver fibrotic injury The present invention provides a method for detecting liver fibrotic injury, including fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, by assaying biological samples for differential expression of at least one gene encoding a protein chosen from SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 63 and human orthologs thereof, wherein differential expression of at least one gene suggests the presence of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. The invention also provides a kit containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies for detecting liver fibrosis and/or cirrhosis by assaying the differential expression of proteins encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 63 and human orthologs thereof.
US07972784B2	Method for quantification of methylated DNA The present invention relates to a method for the quantification of methylated cytosines in DNA. In the first step of the invention unmethylated cytosines in the DNA to be analysed are chemically converted into uracil while 5-methylcytosines remain unchanged. In a second step the converted DNA is amplified methylation specifically in a real time PCR using a methylation specific probe. Finally the amount of uniformly methylated DNA is calculated by combining criteria derived from the shape of the real time curve and from the signal intensity. The method is preferably used for diagnosis and/or prognosis of adverse events for individuals, for distinguishing cell types and tissues, or for investigating cell differentiation.
US07972776B2	Protein chips for HPV detection Embodiments of the invention provide methods, assays, and kits for detecting HPV infection, including infection by various HPV genotypes, early and/or late HPV-associated or HPV-specific proteins or antibodies. Detection of HPV DNAs, genomes, and/or oncoproteins by protein chips immunological assays can be used in early clinical screening for HPV infection and general diagnosis for cervical cancer and can be advantageous performed in a multiplexed test. Comparative detection of altered levels of HPV proteins and host proteins can performed in one or more assays. The polypeptides, recombinant proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and various detection methods thereof are particularly useful for diagnosing carcinomas of the uterine cervix and those at risk of developing cervical cancer.
US07972769B2	Method for preparing cell cultures from biological specimens for chemotherapeutic and other assays An improved method for preparing a cell culture is disclosed. The method includes culturing a multicellular tissue explant in the presence of growth medium that is substantially free of enzymes capable of digesting the explant and, subsequently, removing the explant at a predetermined time.
US07972768B1	Wet combustion engine This invention relates to systems, apparatus and methods of operating a wet combustion engine and apparatus therefore, capable of biologically burning fuels within a wet combustion chamber within a bioproactor system, including but not limited to, organic carbon containing materials especially biological, hazardous or toxic waste contaminants, in an environmentally sensitive manner. An integrated computer control system that, proactively and pre-emptively, uses feedback from bio-sensors, to monitor, record and control applicable components of the bio-system, to optimize, replenish, and sustain exponential growth of selected life-forms, including but not limited to microbes such as bacteria. In the intake cycle, a suitably prepared fuel mixture is metered into the wet combustion diffusion separation membrane chamber located within the life-support chamber of the bioproactor. In the combustion cycle, diffusion and combustion rates are monitored and timed. In the exhaust cycle, products of combustion, including water and incomplete combustion by-products both organic and inorganic, are removed. The above cycles may be repeated sequentially. The subsequent accumulation of all of the exhaust cycle's products of combustion may be collected, stored, classified, separated, recycled or discharged. Some of the potential energy released during the combustion cycle's reaction directly results in the conversion of wastes, the generation of gases and, in the case of organic carbon fuels, the generation of water. Other uses of the kinetic and potential energy released by this engine include, but are not limited to the, mechanical movements of actuators, and heat transfer to heat exchangers.
US07972767B2	Method for culturing mesenchymal stem cell and method for producing biological tissue prosthesis The purpose is to proliferate a mesenchymal stem cell to a sufficient degree while reducing the amount of blood serum contained in a biological tissue progenitor cell to be grafted, and to efficiently differentiate the mesenchymal stem cell into the biological tissue progenitor cell. There is provided a method for culturing a mesenchymal stem cell, comprising: a first culture step of proliferating a mesenchymal stem cell in a medium containing blood serum; and a second culture step of differentiating the mesenchymal stem cell into a biological tissue progenitor cell in a medium containing blood serum at a lower concentration than that in the medium used in the first culture step.
US07972762B2	Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern Provided are a positive resist composition and a resist pattern forming method having fewer defects and superior lithographic characteristics. The positive resist composition includes a resin component (A) which has on a main chain a structural unit derived from an (α-lower alkyl)acrylate ester and exhibits increased alkali solubility under the action of an acid, and an acid generating component (B) which generates the acid upon irradiation with radiation, in which the resin component (A) is a copolymer having at least two structural units which is obtained by incorporating an acid when polymerizing at least one monomer for the production thereof.
US07972754B2	Fluorinated polymer, negative photosensitive resin composition and partition walls To provide a fluorinated polymer which enables to reduce the amount of residual ink on partition walls and to form an ink layer having high uniformity in film thickness, and a negative photosensitive composition.A fluorinated polymer which is a copolymer made of at least two monomers each having an ethylenic double bond, and which has a side chain having a C20 or lower alkyl group in which at least one of its hydrogen atoms is substituted by a fluorine atom (provided that the alkyl group may contain an etheric oxygen atom between carbon atoms) and a side chain having at least two ethylenic double bonds per side chain.
US07972753B2	Masks for microlithography and methods of making and using such masks Masks for microlithography apparatus, methods for making such masks, and methods for exposing photosensitive materials to form arrays of microfeatures on semiconductor wafers using such masks. In one embodiment, a method of making a mask comprises forming a mask layer on a substrate and identifying a first opening in the mask layer corresponding to a first feature site at which an intensity of the radiation at a focal zone is less than the intensity of the radiation at the focal zone for a second feature site corresponding to a second opening in the mask. The second opening is adjacent or at least proximate the first opening. The method can further include forming a first surface at the first opening and a second surface at the second opening such that radiation passing through the second opening constructively interferes with radiation passing through the first opening at the focal zone.
US07972752B2	Photomask and method for forming a resist pattern A resist pattern forming method capable of obtaining a smooth resist pattern. An exemplary method may utilize a photomask including a plurality of mask cells arranged in the form of a matrix. The length of one side of each of the mask cells may be smaller than the length corresponding to the resolution limit of the optical system of the exposure device. Each mask cell may have one or both of a light transmission region and a light shielding region, and the intensity of light passing through each mask cell may be determined by the ratio of the area of the light transmission region to the area of the mask cell. The photomask may be positioned at a vertical focus position other than the optimal focus position. The resist film may be exposed with light and may then be developed to produce the resist pattern.
US07972742B2	Tube type fuel cell to decrease current path length It is an object to shorten current path between an anode and a cathode in a tube type SOFC and thereby to decrease resistance. The tube type fuel cell contains a tube type electrolyte placed between an anode and a cathode, wherein an auxiliary electrode is provided over the entire region of a cell reaction region on at least one of the anode and cathode. The current path is shortened and resistance is decreased, because the anode auxiliary electrode or cathode auxiliary electrode is provided over the entire peripheral surface of the anode or cathode, and the current path in the auxiliary electrode has a greatly increased cross-sectional area.
US07972739B2	Method for inerting the anodes of fuel cells A method for inerting and protecting the anodes of fuel cells, especially high-temperature fuel cells, and a fuel cell system, in which, during a shutdown, when the supply of fuel gas to the anodes is interrupted, during emergency shutdown or standby operation, water vapor is supplied to the anodes, and an external voltage is applied to the fuel cells to produce a reducing atmosphere at the anodes by electrolysis. This makes it possible to inert the anodes of the fuel cells without having to maintain a supply of a flushing or protective gas expressly for this purpose.
US07972732B2	Perfluorocyclobutane based water vapor transfer membranes with side chain perfluorosulfonic acid moieties A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields and adapted to permit transfer of water from the first flow field plate to the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl groups and a pendant side chain having a protogenic group.
US07972724B2	Negative electrode for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery comprising same A negative electrode for a lithium rechargeable battery is provided. The negative electrode includes a current collector, a thermosetting resin layer disposed on the current collector, and a negative active material layer disposed on the thermosetting resin layer. Metal ions in the current collector are diffused into the thermosetting resin layer, creating a concentration gradient of metal ions in the thermosetting resin layer. The metal ions diffused into the thermosetting resin layer react with the thermosetting resin to form metal compounds.
US07972722B2	Lead sealant film and non-aqueous electrolyte battery A lead sealant film and a non-aqueous electrolyte battery are provided. The lead sealant film includes a laminated structure composed of an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first acid-modified polypropylene having a high melting-point, and each of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a second acid-modified polypropylene having a low melting-point. A difference between the melting point of the first acid-modified polypropylene and the melting point of the second acid-modified polypropylene is from 20° C. to 25° C.
US07972718B2	Fluid manager using two shape memory alloy components and a battery including the same A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.
US07972714B2	Coated cutting tool The present invention relates to a coated cutting tool (1) including a substrate (8) and a coating (9) formed on the substrate (8), wherein the coating (9) includes a first coating (10) composed of TiCN and a second coating (11) composed of α-Al2O3, the first coating (10) is positioned between the substrate (8) and the second coating (11) and has tensile stress S1, the second coating (11) has compressive stress S2, and the tensile stress S1 and the compressive stress S2 are defined by the following equation (I): 400 MPa≦\|S2−S1\|≦3500 MPa (I).
US07972713B2	Transparent substrate which can be used alternatively or cumulatively for thermal control, electromagnetic armour and heated glazing A transparent substrate comprises glass and is provided with a thin-film stack including a plurality of functional layers. The thin-film stack comprises at least three silver-based functional layers. The thin-film stack has a resistance R□<1.5 Ω per square. The transparent substrate may undergo at least one transformation operation involving a heat treatment at a temperature of at least 500° C., so as to make it possible to achieve, using the substrate, alternatively or cumulatively, thermal control and/or electromagnetic shielding and/or heating.
US07972711B2	Large area, uniformly low dislocation density GaN substrate and process for making the same Large area single crystal III-V nitride material having an area of at least 2 cm2, having a uniformly low dislocation density not exceeding 3×106 dislocations per cm2 of growth surface area, and including a plurality of distinct regions having elevated impurity concentration, wherein each distinct region has at least one dimension greater than 50 microns, is disclosed. Such material can be formed on a substrate by a process including (i) a first phase of growing the III-V nitride material on the substrate under pitted growth conditions, e.g., forming pits over at least 50% of the growth surface of the III-V nitride material, wherein the pit density on the growth surface is at least 102 pits/cm2 of the growth surface, and (ii) a second phase of growing the III-V nitride material under pit-filling conditions.
US07972710B2	Clad aluminum connector An electrical connector including a base pad formed of aluminum and having a bottom surface. An electrical contact can be connected to the base pad. A layer of copper can be on the bottom surface of the base pad.
US07972709B2	Cu-Zn alloy strip superior in thermal peel resistance of Sn plating and Sn plating strip thereof A Cu—Zn alloy strip and Sn plating strip thereof having improved thermal peel resistance of Sn Plating is provided. In a Cu—Zn alloy strip comprising 15 to 40% by mass of Zn and a balance of Cu and unavoidable impurities, the total concentration of P, As, Sb and Bi is regulated to 100 ppm by mass or less, the total concentration of Ca and Mg is regulated to 100 ppm by mass or less, and the concentrations of O and S are each regulated to 30 ppm by mass or less.
US07972707B2	Trailer flooring with hotmelt coating A coated wood board flooring having improved moisture protection, the flooring comprising: a plurality of solid wood components which together form the wood board, such that the wood board has a first surface and a second surface; and a coating substantially free of water and solvents, wherein the coating is applied to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the wood board.
US07972703B2	Baffle wafers and randomly oriented polycrystalline silicon used therefor Baffle wafers of polycrystalline silicon are placed in non-production slots of a support tower for thermal processing monocrystalline silicon wafers. The polycrystalline silicon is preferably randomly oriented Czochralski polysilicon grown using a randomly oriented seed, for example, CVD grown silicon. An all-silicon hot zone of a thermal furnace may include a silicon support tower placed within a silicon liner and supporting the polysilicon baffle wafers with silicon injector tube providing processing gas within the liner. The randomly oriented polysilicon may be used for other parts requiring a rugged member, for example, within a silicon processing chamber and for structural members.
US07972695B2	Coating composition for thermoplastic resin particles for forming foam containers Expandable or pre-expanded thermoplastic particles, e.g. polystyrene particles, used to form foam containers e.g. cups, bowls, are coated with a coating composition comprising a liquid part consisting of a) liquid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 to 800; and a solid part comprising components selected from the group consisting of b) polyolefin wax, e.g. polyethylene wax, c) a metal salt of higher fatty acids, e.g. zinc stearate or calcium stearate; d) polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 900 to 10,000; and e) a fatty bisamide or fatty amide, e.g. ethylene bis-stearamide; and combinations of b) through e). The coating composition prevents or resists leakage of liquids and foods with oil and/or fatty components and improves the rim strength and ATF properties of foam containers.
US07972693B2	Enamel varnish composition for enamel wire and enamel wire using the same Disclosed are enamel varnish compositions for an enamel wire and an enamel wire using the same. The present invention relates to enamel varnish compositions for an enamel wire in which a polymeric resin component is included in an organic solvent, wherein the polymeric resin component includes a first polyamideimide resin, presented in the Chemistry FIG. 1; and a second resin having polyamideimide in which a triazine ring is introduced into a major chain. The enamel wire, in which such a coating pigment composition is applied to the innermost insulated coating layer contacted with the conducting wire, shows the increased adhesivity of the insulated coating layer to the conducting wire without forming an additional bonding layer, as well as the excellent physical properties such as the wear resistance and flexibility, etc.
US07972691B2	Composites of polymers and metal/metalloid oxide nanoparticles and methods for forming these composites Successful dispersion approaches are described for the formation of dispersion of dry powders of inorganic particles. In some embodiments, it is desirable to form the dispersion in two processing steps in which the particles are surface modified in the second processing step. Composites can be formed using the well dispersed particles to form improved inorganic particle-polymer composites. These composites are suitable for optical applications and for forming transparent films, which can have a relatively high index or refraction. In some embodiments, water can be used to alter the surface chemistry of metal oxide particles.
US07972689B2	Optical thin sheet An optical thin sheet is provided, which comprises a substrate with a light diffusion layer on at least one side of the substrate. The optical thin sheet has an optical property with respect to a haze of no less than 98% and is particularly suitable for use in flat displays.
US07972684B2	Transparent conductive laminated body and transparent touch-sensitive panel A transparent conductive laminated body (1) contains a polymer film having a metallic compound layer and a transparent conductive layer laminated sequentially on at least one surface thereof, (2) the metallic compound layer is in contact with the transparent conductive layer, and (3) the metallic compound layer has a thickness of 0.5 nm or more and less than 10.0 nm.
US07972683B2	Wafer bonding material with embedded conductive particles A material for bonding a first wafer to a second wafer, which includes an insulating adhesive with conductive particles embedded in the adhesive substance. When the adhesive is applied and melted or fused, and pressure is applied between the first wafer and the second wafer, the first wafer approaches the second wafer until a minimum separation is reached, defined by a dimension of the conductive particles. Each of the first wafer and the second wafer may have circuitry formed thereon, and the conductive particles may form a conductive path between the circuitry on one wafer and the circuitry on the other wafer. Advantageously, the high fusing temperature required by the insulating adhesive may also serve to activate a getter material, formed in the device cavity between the first wafer and the second wafer.
US07972682B2	Reactive silicic acid suspensions Suspensions of fine particles in a liquid containing a colloid-scale adhesive produce coatings and shaped articles which are both porous and robust.
US07972678B2	Molded products with matte finish A molded thermoplastic product is disclosed. The product has an outer surface with a matte finish. The matte finish is produced by the combination of an etched mold in which the product is molded to physically affect the outer surface and a colorant compounded in the thermoplastic to chemically affect the outer surface. The colorant provides a diffused translucency. The etching adds tactile texture. The product is made by blow-molding techniques. Containers such as shampoo bottles can benefit from such visual and tactile sensations for the purpose of creating a trade dress for a consumer product.
US07972677B2	Plugged honeycomb structure There is provided a honeycomb structure including: porous partition walls separating and forming a plurality of cells extending between two end faces, and an outer peripheral wall formed unitarily with the partition walls. The cells include outermost peripheral portion partial cells each locating in an outermost peripheral portion of the honeycomb structure and having an incomplete cell cross section, a part of which is brought into contact with the outer peripheral wall, and complete cells each having a complete cell cross section other than the outermost peripheral portion partial cells. The complete cells and the outermost peripheral portion partial cells having plugging portions formed on one end portion so that an entire end face of the honeycomb structure shows a checkerwise plugging pattern, and the depth of the plugging portions in the outermost peripheral partial cells is smaller than that of the plugging portions in the complete cells.
US07972676B2	Process for the production of fibre-reinforced composite parts The invention relates to a process for the production of fiber-reinforced composite components in which an outer film is bonded with a layer containing fiber-reinforced polyurethane, characterised in that a) first an elastic intermediate layer which has a modulus of elasticity of 0.5 MPa to 50 MPa and a thickness of 0.3 mm to 6 mm, is applied to the outer film which has a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 5 mm, and then b) at least one other layer is applied to the back of the intermediate layer, at least one layer containing fiber-reinforced polyurethane being applied.
US07972675B2	Friction material A friction material has a resin amount distribution that is the largest at a portion near a non-friction surface, that becomes lower toward an inside and that is the lowest at a portion near a friction surface. For example, such friction material is manufacture as follows. First, two friction materials are overlapped while the friction surfaces faced with each other. Then, the friction materials are dried at a room temperature. At this time, the resin has such a characteristic as to move while dragged by a solvent that dries from the non-friction surface located outside. Using such characteristic, the resin amount at the portion near the friction surface is lessened. Then, a temperature at the friction surface is made low and a temperature at the non-friction surface is made high in a drying step of the friction material. Thereby, the resin amount at the portion near the friction surface is lessened.
US07972671B2	Electret and card assembly and method of manufacture This invention includes a card assembly incorporating an electrostatically charged polyolefin film, or electret, removably adhered to a paper stock or card substrate. The electret and card assembly is printable on up to four planar surfaces, with both the electret film and paper stock or card having a front and back side that is printable. When the electret is detached from the card, the charged or “static cling” electret is placeable on and self-adheres to smooth surfaces for graphic information display purposes and the printed card is then utilized for various other purposes. The electret film is removably adhered to the paper stock by a coating or “dots” of adhesive and a release agent may be applied to the back or underside of the electret to prevent premature separation and loss of electrostatic properties while maintaining optimum electret film removability. A method of manufacturing a printable electret and card assembly by integrating an electrically charged or “static cling” electret film and paper stock or card substrate using an adhesive to define a composite structure or assembly having various multiple images that may be disposed in registering relationship with respect to each other.
US07972670B2	Structured paper release liner, adhesive-backed article assembly and method of making same A structured paper release liner (10) for use with an article (44) backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive, an adhesive-backed article assembly (42) and methods of making each are disclosed. The liner (10) comprises a piece of paper (14) having a release side free of a structural support layer, a back side, and a structured release surface (48) having a pattern formed into the paper (14) on the release side. A release material is on the structured release surface of the paper. The pattern formed in the paper (14) is designed so as to form fluid egress channels in a bonding surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive (46). The fluid egress channels define a structured bonding surface (48) having exit pathways for fluid to bleed out from behind the article when the structured bonding surface (48) is adhered to or otherwise disposed on a substrate.
US07972664B2	Liquid-crystalline medium Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline medium, which contains a compound of formula I and the use thereof for electro-optical purposes, in particular for TN, TFT, IPS or OCB displays.
US07972661B2	Electrospraying method with conductivity control An electrospraying apparatus and/or method is used to coat particles. For example, a flow including at least one liquid suspension may be provided through at least one opening at a spray dispenser end. The flow includes at least particles and a coating material. A spray of microdroplets suspending at least the particles is established forward of the spray dispenser end by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the spray dispenser end and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom. The particles are coated with at least a portion of the coating material as the microdroplet evaporates. For example, the suspension may include biological material particles.
US07972657B2	Silicate resistant thermal barrier coating with alternating layers A thermal barrier coating system for use on a turbine engine component which reduces sand related distress is provided. The coating system comprises at least one first layer of a stabilized material selected from the group consisting of zirconia, hafnia, and titania and at least one second layer containing at least one of oxyapatite and garnet. Where the coating system comprises multiple first layers and multiple second layers, the layers are formed or deposited in an alternating manner.
US07972655B2	Anti-tarnish coatings A method is disclosed for enhancing the corrosion resistance of a surface of a copper or copper alloy substrate. The method comprises depositing a metallic surface layer comprising a precious metal on a surface of the copper or copper alloy substrate by immersion displacement plating and exposing the electronic device to an aqueous composition comprising a first organic molecule comprising at least one functional group that interacts with and protects precious metal surfaces and a second organic molecule comprising at least one functional group that interacts with and protects copper surfaces.
US07972649B2	Thin film forming method and thin film forming apparatus A thin film formation method is used for forming a thin film by providing a conductance valve on an exhaust path connecting a depressurizable processing chamber and a vacuum pump, arranging a processing object substrate inside the processing chamber, performing once or plural times a cycle including a first step of supplying a first reactive gas and a second step of supplying a second reactive gas into the processing chamber during a film formation processing period to cause a chemical reaction between the first reactive gas and the second reactive gas, and using the chemical reaction to form the thin film on the substrate. The thin film formation method includes a first process of supplying into the processing chamber a predetermined gas by a specified flow while exhausting the inside of the processing chamber, and determining a reference value that is equal to a valve opening level of the conductance valve causing pressure inside the processing chamber to substantially match a specified value, the first process being performed during a preparation period before the film formation processing period starts; and a second process of maintaining the valve opening level of the conductance valve at the reference value at least during the first step and the second step of the cycle performed during the film formation processing period.
US07972645B2	Dioscorea extracts for enhancing immune system An extract from a tuber of a Dioscorea plant is disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition containing an extract from a tuber of a Dioscorea plant, as well as methods of using the extract and composition.
US07972643B2	Process for making enzyme-resistant starch for reduced-calorie flour replacer An enzyme resistant starch type III having a melting point or endothermic peak of at least about 140° C. as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is produced in yields of at least about 25% by weight, based upon the weight of the original starch ingredient. A gelatinization stage, nucleation/propagation stage, and preferably a heat-treatment stage are used to produce reduced calorie starch-based compositions which contain the enzyme resistant starch type III. The high melting point of the enzyme resistant starch permits its use in baked good formulations without substantial loss of enzyme resistance upon baking. A gelatinized, starch-based bulking agent having at least 30% by weight of the enzyme-resistant starch may be used in bar-type, extruded, sheeted, or rotary molded food products. The melting enthalpy of the bulking agent may be from about 0.5 to about 4 Joules/g and its water-holding capacity may be less than 3 grams.
US07972642B2	Method for producing frozen dough The present invention provides a method for producing frozen dough which can be directly transferred from freezer to oven without a proofing or thawing step. The process comprises mixing the dough ingredients, forming gas nucleation sites, exercising the dough by subjecting to cycles of pressure differentials and freezing the dough. The frozen product can be transferred directly from the freezer to an oven for baking.
US07972635B2	Polymer coatings containing phytochemical agents and methods for making and using same This invention relates to compositions comprising a polymer base incorporating antifouling compositions suitable for use in aquaculture, marine and architectural systems as paints, structures or coatings. In particular, the present invention relates to a polymer based coating incorporating a biocidal antifouling composition suitable for use with aquaculture equipment. The present invention provides polyethylene compositions and latex compounds which may comprise at least one environmentally benign phytochemicals suitable for use in preventing the colonization of a treated surface by a variety of biological species. The compositions of the invention may further comprise control release agents such as, for example, micro-encapsulation of the phytochemicals to maintain sustained and prolonged release of the biocidal agents at the treated surface.
US07972631B2	Physiological tissue repair and functional organ regeneration by cultivation of regenerative stem cells in vivo and in situ The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical use in an animal, preferably in a human. In one aspect, compositions and methods are provided for promoting cell growth, tissue repair and organ regeneration, preferably in vivo and in situ. The composition comprises a sterol compound dissolved in oil at a concentration at least 0.5% by weight. The compositions may be used in the treatment of various conditions caused by injury, diseases and aging. As shown clinically, the methodology disclosed in the present invention was used successfully to regenerate or clone a new organ through cultivation of regenerative stem cells in vivo and in situ.
US07972625B2	Coated diclofenac tablets The invention relates to coated tablets comprising the pharmaceutically active substance diclofenac. Said tablets further comprise a single film coating.
US07972624B2	Method of manufacturing 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.
US07972623B2	Method for the production of effervescent granules in a vacuum The invention relates to a method for producing effervescent granules, in which the reaction partners edible, organic acid components and alkaline effervescent components separating carbon dioxide are reacted with each other in a vacuum under the effect of gas in a container that can be evacuated. The container is evacuated to a first vacuum value within a vacuum range of 200-900 mbar, whereupon the pressure inside the container is increased to a second vacuum value as a result of the gases produced during the reaction. The steps are cyclically repeated while the reaction continues. A maximum number of cycles, a maximum reaction time, and optionally, a maximum load for the stirring apparatus are defined before the reaction begins, and the reaction is terminated after reaching the first of the maximums. In an alternative embodiment, the invention also relates to a method for improving the shelf life of effervescent granules by a treatment with carbon dioxide during and/or following the production of the effervescent granules, and effervescent particles treated in this manner.
US07972614B2	Dual-action pest control formulation and method The present disclosure provides a dual-action pest control formulation for controlling rodents and arthropods, the formulation including: a rodenticide; an insecticide; an optional attractant; and a carrier matrix. The present disclosure also provides a method of controlling rodents and arthropods, the method including: applying the dual action pest formulation to a target area.
US07972613B2	Insect screening sheet Described is an insect screening sheet having an insect-repellent layer (10) in which the insect-repellent layer (10) has a three-dimensional surface structure which comprises a regularly periodically and/or statistically distributed coarse structure (12g) and/or nanostructure (12n).
US07972610B2	Antimicrobial compounds The present invention relates to compounds that modulate the shikimate pathway and/or a pathway branching from the shikimate pathway in members of the Amoebida Order. In particular these compounds may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases caused or contributed to by members of the Amoebida Order.
US07972604B2	Recombinant attenuated clostridium organisms and vaccine The present invention discloses attenuated Clostridium perfringens organisms that express a substantially nontoxic alpha-toxin. The expressed alpha-toxin is a deletion mutein that relative to the alpha-toxin of the mature alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens strain 13, is missing at least nine consecutive amino acid residues including His68. The present invention also discloses attenuated organisms that encode the muteins, as well as the use of such attenuated organisms as vaccines.
US07972601B2	Method of promoting delivery of an antioxidant agent to a cell expression neuroligin Provided are methods and compositions for treating autism spectrum disorders by administering an antioxidant or agent that stabilize or enhance expression of altered neuroligins. An aspect of the disclosure includes site-specific delivery of the antioxidant to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to reverse incorrect disulfide binding of the protein neuroligin. Also disclosed is a method of targeting the antioxidant to neuroligin by using the calcium binding or other recognition site of neuroligin to bind the antioxidant. The antioxidant can be cysteamine linked to a molecule which binds to a binding site.
US07972593B2	Delivery of therapeutic agents to the bone This invention relates to compositions and methods of delivering therapeutic agents to bone. More specifically, the invention relates to endowing a large molecule vectors i.e., adeno virus, retrovirus, liposomes, micelles, natural and synthetic polymers, or combinations thereof, with the ability to target bone tissue in vivo and with improved stability in the blood, by attaching multiple copies of acid amino acid peptides. One preferred embodiment of the invention relates to endowing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector with the ability to target bone-tissue in vivo and improve its stability, by the addition of multiple acidic amino acid peptides attached to the capsid of the viral vector.
US07972589B2	Hair fixative film The present invention relates to a hair fixative film, which contains a natural and/or synthetic polymer as the main component and a method of applying said film to hair. Such film is useful in maintaining a desired look and style of hair. Furthermore, the film is beneficial because it enables the combination of ingredients that are incompatible in other application forms.
US07972586B2	Fluorine-containing magnesium oxide powder prepared by vapor phase reaction and method of preparing the same The present invention relates to a fluorine-containing magnesium oxide powder using a vapor phase reaction and a method of preparing the same and more particularly to a fluorine-containing magnesium oxide powder brings about a cathode-luminescence emission having a peak within a wavelength range of 220 to 320 nm upon being excited by electron beams. The present invention provides a fluorine-containing magnesium oxide powder using a vapor phase reaction that sprays fluorine-containing gas and oxygen-containing gas to magnesium vapor, and the purity of magnesium oxide containing fluorine (i.e. the purity of fluorine-containing magnesium oxide) of 0.001 to 2 wt % is at least 98 wt % and a BET specific surface area thereof is 0.1 to 50 m2/g.
US07972585B2	Carbon monoxide removal method, operating method for fuel reforming system, carbon monoxide remover , fuel removal system having the carbon monoxide remover, and filter In operating the carbon monoxide removal reactor or the fuel reforming system, there is provided a technique for removing carbon monoxide in a stable manner for an extended period of time. In a method of removing carbon monoxide including an introducing step of introducing a reactant gas including mixture gas and an oxidizer added thereto to a carbon monoxide removal reactor forming in its casing a catalyst layer comprising a carbon monoxide removal catalyst for removing carbon monoxide contained in the mixture gas and a removing step of removing the carbon monoxide by causing the oxidizer to react with the mixture gas on the carbon monoxide removal catalyst, in said introducing step, the reactant gas of 100° C. or lower is introduced to the carbon monoxide removal reactor.
US07972583B2	Iron silicide sputtering target and method for production thereof An iron silicide sputtering target in which the oxygen as a gas component in the target is 1000 ppm or less and a method of manufacturing such an iron silicide sputtering target are provided. The method includes the steps of melting/casting high purity iron and silicon under high vacuum to prepare an alloy ingot, subjecting the ingot to gas atomization with inert gas to prepare fine powder, and thereafter sintering the fine powder. The amount of impurities in the target will be reduced, the thickness of a βFeSi2 film during deposition can be made thick, the generation of particles will be reduced, a uniform and homogenous film composition can be yielded, and the sputtering characteristics will be favorable. The foregoing manufacturing method is able to stably produce the target.
US07972581B1	Method of treating nitrogen oxide-containing gas First, the emission amount of nitrogen oxides can be decreased close to zero as much as possible, and the emission amount of carbon monoxide is decreased to a permissible range. Second, energy saving by combustion at a low air ratio close to 1.0 is realized. Third, air ratio control is performed stably in a combustion region at a low air ratio.The present invention includes: a combustion step of burning hydrocarbon-containing fuel in the burner, thereby generating gas free of hydrocarbons but containing oxygen, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide; a hazardous-substance decreasing step of bringing the gas into contact with an oxidation catalyst, thereby oxidizing carbon monoxide contained in the gas by oxygen and reducing nitrogen oxides by carbon monoxide; and a concentration ratio adjusting step of adjusting a concentration ratio of oxygen, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide in gas on a primary side of the oxidation catalyst to a predetermined concentration ratio in which a concentration of nitrogen oxides on a secondary side of the oxidation catalyst is decreased to substantially zero or a value equal to or lower than a predetermined value and a concentration of carbon monoxide on the secondary side of the oxidation catalyst is also decreased to substantially zero or a value equal to or lower than a predetermined value.
US07972580B2	Methods and compositions for the removal of impurities and water from the Bayer process A liquid phase that comprises an oxalate-extracting amount of an organic salt is useful as an extractant in a liquid/liquid extraction process for purifying Bayer process streams.
US07972574B2	Production waste test kit A test kit for testing production waste includes a plurality of components including reagents, test equipment, or a combination thereof, sufficient to perform analysis on production waste and at least one protective case for shipping and for using the plurality of components, the protective case including a top portion releasably engaged with a bottom portion. The top portion includes a top side attached at an inner face of the top side to a top edge of a continuous sidewall formed by a plurality of sides such that the top portion of the protective case includes a hollow interior cavity bound by the inner face of the top side and an inner face of the continuous sidewall, wherein the hollow interior cavity is open on a bottom side, and wherein the hollow interior cavity defines a water-tight enclosure opened on the bottom side, such that the top portion, resting on a support surface inverted on an outer face of the top side, is capable of forming a liquid reservoir.
US07972571B2	Apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes Provided is an apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The apparatus includes: a vertical reaction chamber; a mixer which is disposed within the vertical reaction chamber and mixes a catalyst supplied from above; and a plurality of dispersion plates which vertically partition a space inside the vertical reaction chamber into a plurality of sections and uniformly disperse a source gas, which is supplied from above, into the sections.
US07972569B2	Catalyst and systems incorporating the catalyst A catalyst includes a carrier body and a catalytic portion carried by the carrier body. The catalytic portion includes a plurality of distinct layers of catalytic material, which layers may be deposited through atomic layer deposition techniques. The catalyst may have a selectivity for the conversion of alkanes to alkenes of over 50%. The catalyst may be incorporated in a reactor such as a fluidized bed reactor or a single pass reactor.
US07972567B2	Apparatus for manufacturing ultra-fine particles using corona discharge and method thereof The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for manufacturing ultra-fine particles using corona discharge capable of manufacturing the ultra-fine particles nanometers in size from a reaction gas using the corona discharge. In the apparatus for manufacturing ultra-fine particles of the present invention, a reaction gas feeder supplies a nozzle with reaction gas, and the reaction gas is injected. When a power supply applies a high voltage to the nozzle, the corona discharge occurs at the nozzle. Thus, the injected reaction gas is dissolved, and a large number of ultra-fine particles are produced. Then, a collection plate collects the ultra-fine particles. In addition, a duct encloses the nozzle, so that a passage is formed between the nozzle and duct. Sheath gas supplied to the passage of the duct forms a gas curtain between the nozzle and the collection plate, so that the gas curtain leads the flow of the ultra-fine particles. If other reaction gas is supplied to the passage of the duct and heat energy is supplied thereto, the other reaction gas reacts thermochemically, so that a large number of other ultra-fine particles are produced. The ultra-fine particles produced by the corona discharge are coated with the other ultra-fine particles. If the corona discharge is generated while the ultra-fine particles and the other reaction gas are injected by another nozzle positioned downstream of the nozzle, the ultrafine particles are coated with the other ultra-fine particles produced from the other reaction gas.
US07972566B2	Honeycomb filter and exhaust gas purifying apparatus A honeycomb filter includes a pillar-shaped honeycomb fired body having first and second end faces on a gas inlet and outlet sides, respectively. A catalyst supporting layer is formed in a catalyst-supporting-layer area covering about 25% to about 90% of an overall length of the honeycomb fired body and abutting the first end face on the gas inlet side. Substantially no catalyst supporting layer is formed in a non-catalyst-supporting-layer area covering about 10% of the overall length on the gas outlet side. A thermal conductivity of the non-catalyst-supporting-layer area is higher than that of the catalyst-supporting-layer area, and inequalities, (a−b)≦about 5, and about 10≦a≦about 20 are satisfied where “a” is a mode of pore diameters obtained by measuring pore distribution of the non-catalyst-supporting-layer area and “b” is a mode of pore diameters obtained by measuring pore distribution of the catalyst-supporting-layer area.
US07972565B2	Stripping apparatus with multi-sloped baffles An apparatus for stripping gases from catalyst material comprises baffles having a second face that extends toward a downcomer channel between baffles to spread catalyst out on adjacent baffles for better contact with stripping gas.
US07972563B2	Alkylation system with catalyst transfer A system for alkylating hydrocarbons which includes an improved method of safely handling alkylation catalyst is disclosed. The process includes passing the alkylation catalyst from a settler vessel to a catalyst receiving vessel, via a catalyst cooler, for containment therein in the presence of a condensible gas. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the pressure in the catalyst receiving vessel by controlling the rate of removal of vapors.
US07972562B2	High-pressure fluidized bed reactor for preparing granular polycrystalline silicon The present invention relates to a high-pressure fluidized bed reactor for preparing granular polycrystalline silicon, comprising (a) a reactor tube, (b) a reactor shell encompassing the reactor tube, (c) an inner zone formed within the reactor tube, where a silicon particle bed is formed and silicon deposition occurs, and an outer zone formed in between the reactor shell and the reactor tube, which is maintained under the inert gas atmosphere, and (d) a controlling means to keep the difference between pressures in the inner zone and the outer zone being maintained within the range of 0 to 1 bar, thereby enabling to maintain physical stability of the reactor tube and efficiently prepare granular polycrystalline silicon even at relatively high reaction pressure.
US07972555B2	Method for fabricating compressible objects for a variable density drilling mud Methods for fabricating compressible object are described. These compressible objects may be utilized in drilling mud and with a drilling system to manage the density of the drilling mud. The method includes selecting an architecture for a compressible object; selecting a wall material for the compressible object; and fabricating the compressible object, wherein the compressible object has a shell that encloses an interior region, and has an internal pressure (i) greater than about 200 pounds per square inch at atmospheric pressure and (ii) selected for a predetermined external pressure, wherein external pressures that exceed the internal pressure reduce the volume of the compressible object.
US07972551B2	Method of producing solid body having depressed portions on its surface and method of producing electrophotographic photosensitive member A method for producing a solid body having depressed portions on its surface is provided. The method includes: using a solution which includes a solvent A, a solvent B, a solvent C, and a polymer compound, where the solvent B is a hydrophobic solvent, the solvent A is a hydrophilic solvent having a boiling point not lower than the boiling point of the solvent B, and the solvent C is a non-hydrophobic solvent having a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the solvent B, and the contents of the solvent A, solvent B, and solvent C satisfy specific conditions; and solidifying the solution while forming depressed portions on the surface of the solution by condensation during the process of evaporating the solvents included in the solution.
US07972549B2	Direct forming of non-textile fabric elements from plastic pellets A process, and related structure, uses conventional pelletized compositions to form the elements of a non-textile fabric by coining a single pellet or briquette of a polymer into an individual element in a single forming step. The steps of the process generally include: a) positioning a pellet in or adjacent to a mold cavity, and b) forcing the pellet into contact with the mold surfaces of the mold cavity to plastically deform the pellet to the shape of the mold cavity. The forcing step preferably uses an energy and speed where the pellet superplastically deforms to substantially fill the mold cavity. This process is repeated with the elements being formed in the appropriate order to form a non-textile fabric. The elements thus formed can have a variety of shapes, and can form base units for the formation of the non-textile fabric of two, three or more elements.
US07972543B2	Process for producing microsphere with use of metal substrate having through-hole An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing microspheres that are solid microparticles or liquid microparticles for use as an emulsion employed in the food industry, production of medicine and cosmetic etc. or an emulsion for DDS (drug delivery system). The object is attained by a process for producing a microsphere including: separating a disperse phase from a continuous phase by a substrate 1 having a through-hole 7; and extruding the disperse phase into the continuous phase through the through-hole 7, in which the substrate having the through-hole 7 with a width of 0.5 to 500 μm, a depth of 10 μm to 6000 μm and a ratio of the width to the depth of the through-hole 7 of 1 to 1/30 is a metal substrate.
US07972539B2	Process for producing metallic-nanoparticle inorganic composite and metallic-nanoparticle inorganic composite A process for producing a metallic-nanoparticle inorganic composite 10 includes an oxide film formation step in which an oxide film 14 having micropores is formed on a substrate by a sol-gel method in which a metal alkoxide is partly hydrolyzed by the action of an acid catalyst, a tin deposition step in which the oxide film 14 is brought into contact with an acidic aqueous solution of tin chloride, an excess Sn2+ ion removal step in which Sn2+ ions are removed from the micropores, a metallic-nanoparticle deposition step in which the oxide film 14 is brought into contact with an aqueous solution of a metal chelate to deposit metallic nanoparticles 12 in the micropores, and an excess metal ion removal step in which metal ions are removed from the micropores; and a metallic-nanoparticle inorganic composite 10 is produced by this process.
US07972526B2	Grease resistant coatings, articles and methods Disclosed herein is an environmentally safe, grease resistant article comprising an absorbent substrate, a cross-linking agent, and a polymer; wherein the substrate is first coated with the cross-linking agent and is then coated with the polymer.
US07972525B2	Azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are disclosed. The azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are mixtures of E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene with methyl formate, n-pentane, 2-methylbutane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, n-butane or isobutane. Also disclosed is a process of preparing a thermoplastic or thermoset foam by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as blowing agents. Also disclosed is a process of producing refrigeration by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as solvents. Also disclosed is a process of producing an aerosol product by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as heat transfer media. Also disclosed is a process of extinguishing or suppressing a fire by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as dielectrics.
US07972522B2	Slotted guide structure The invention relates to a method for producing a slotted guide, in which: a) a layer of a material having a refractive index less than that of silicon, for example Material having a refractive index less than that of silicon (26), is formed on an etching barrier layer (22), b) two parallel trenches are etched into said material having a refractive index less than that of silicon, with the etching barrier on said etching barrier layer, these two trenches being separated by a wall of said material having a refractive index less than that of silicon (36), c) the trenches thus made are filled with silicon (42, 44).
US07972519B2	Purification device, insert and method of purifying a liquid The present invention relates to a purification device for the purification of a liquid such as water, preferably drinking water, which purification device comprises at least one casing (1) having at least one insert (10), said casing (1) having at least one inlet (8) and at least one outlet (9) for the liquid and said insert (10) comprising at least one filter (15) located in a flow path of the liquid. The purification device comprises at least one galvanic couple (12, 14) located in said flow path. The present invention also relates to an insert and a method of purifying a liquid.
US07972515B1	In situ membrane integrity test An in situ reverse flow shipboard membrane integrity test apparatus and method, for determining if a membrane arrangement is defective. A membrane arrangement within a separation unit is tested when the membrane arrangement is arranged to perform wastewater separating functions. The separation unit includes a first inlet conduit, a first outlet conduit, and a second outlet conduit. An end cap is attached to the second outlet conduit to seal the second outlet conduit. A test air supply connected to the first outlet conduit for supplying an airflow to the membrane and a microparticle source containing microparticles for injecting microparticles into the airflow forming a test airflow. The test airflow is directed towards the membrane, and a filter is positioned over the first inlet conduit. The presence or absence of microparticles on the filter indicates whether or not the membrane arrangement is defective.
US07972511B2	Anaerobic treatment method and anaerobic treatment apparatus A method and apparatus of anaerobic treatment which makes it possible to prevent disintegration of granular sludge and perform high-load high-velocity anaerobic treatment stably even in the case where treatment is performed under conditions where the granular sludge is easily disintegrated. In a reaction tank 20 which retains the granular sludge, nitric acid or nitrous acid is adjusted so that they have a certain concentration range. For example, nitric acid is added to the liquid to be treated by connecting the nitric acid addition path 12 to a midway point of the path of the liquid to be treated 31 which introduces the liquid to be treated to the reaction tank 20, and nitric acid is mixed with the liquid to be treated. By introducing nitric acids within the reaction tank 20, denitrifying bacteria etc. can multiply, and disintegration of the granules is prevented.
US07972509B2	Washbox Exemplary systems and methods relating to washboxes are described.
US07972506B2	Chromatography columns and their operation A chromatography column (100) is disclosed comprising a housing (10) comprising a tubular side wall (1); opposed, axially spaced end units (2,3) which together with the side wall define an enclosed bed space to contain a bed of particulate medium, at least one of the end units being slidable in axial direction; an axial drive element (5) connected to the slidable end unit, said drive element extending internally in the column bed space; a drive (4) positioned on or beyond the opposite end unit and connected to the drive element.
US07972505B2	Primary equalization settling tank Disclosed is a system for treating waste water. The system may be applied to any application for the treatment of waste water which benefits from an equalized flow into the waste water treatment processes, such as industrial batch discharges, storm water settling and screening, and septic receiving at a waste water treatment plant. The system comprises a single primary settling tank for the processes of grit removal, flow equalization, fine screening and primary clarification. The system further comprises the use of a flow measurement device on the discharge side of the primary settling tank to provide a uniform flow to downstream processes. The system further comprises placement of a fine screen on a discharge mechanism which controls the effluent flow from the primary settling tank.
US07972486B2	Machine for coating a substrate, and module A machine for coating a transparent substrate for the production of display screens comprises a coating chamber that has a modular design. Each of the modules 1 features a chamber section 2, a first support 3 that is arranged removably in or at the chamber section 2, and a second support 4 that is arranged removably at the first support 3. Whereas the first support 3 bears the cathodes, the second support 4 is formed as a cover at which are arranged the pumps for producing a vacuum in the coating chamber. Carriers 3 and 4 can be removed laterally from the chamber section 2 to such an extent that areas 11a, 11b accessible to persons can be formed between the module components. In this way, the components of the machine are readily accessible, for example for maintenance purposes. Work can be done simultaneously on the cathodes and in the chamber interior.
US07972483B2	Method of fault detection for material process system A method for material processing utilizing a material processing system to perform a process. The method performs a process (510), measures a scan of data (520), and transforms the data scan (530) into a signature (540) including at least one spatial component. The scan of data (530) can include a process performance parameter such as an etch rate, an etch selectivity, a deposition rate, a film property, etc. The signature (540) can be stored (550), and compared with either a previously acquired signature or with an ideal signature (560). If at least one spatial component substantially deviates from the reference spatial component, then a process fault has potentially occurred. If the cumulative deviation of all spatial components or a select group of components substantially deviates from a reference set of spatial components, then a process fault has potentially occurred.
US07972480B2	Apparatus for removing a broken pulp web from a pulp dryer The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for removing a broken pulp web from a pulp dryer. The apparatus includes a maintenance platform arranged at the first or the second end of the pulp dryer, outside the walls of the pulp dryer; a device for shifting the maintenance platform in a substantially vertical direction to a desired height with respect to the pulp dryer, and an extraction device fixed to the edge of the maintenance platform facing the dryer for pulling a broken pulp web out of the pulp dryer.
US07972478B2	Method of producing high dry strength paper and cardboard and paper and cardboard thus obtained In a method of producing a sheet of paper and/or cardboard and similar products, prior to the formation of the sheet from a fibrous suspension, at least two dry strength agents are added to the suspension either separately in any order or mixed together and at one or more injection points, namely: a first agent corresponding to a product for Hofmann degradation in solution on a base (co)polymer comprising at least one non-ionic monomer which is selected from the group containing acrylamide and/or methacrylamide, N,N dimethylacrlamide and/or acrylonitrile; and a second agent corresponding to a (co)polymer having an anionic charge density greater than 0.1 meq/g. The Hofmann degradation product comprises an organic polymer produced at a concentration greater than 3.5% by weight, and preferably greater than 4.5% and the first and second agents are each introduced into the pulp suspension at a concentration of between 0.01 and 2% by weight of active polymer material in relation to the dry weight of the pulp suspension.
US07972476B2	Method for the production of tissue paper This invention relates to a method for the production of a tissue paper web, which is produced from a pulp suspension having fibers. The method according to the present invention is characterized in that the pulp suspension is formed, at least partly by, a pulp suspension fraction obtained through the treatment of old paper, has a refining degree of less than 30° SR and is of such condition that a laboratory sheet according to TAPPI 205 SP 95 (Rapid Köthen), whose breaking length measured according to TAPPI 220 and TAPPI 494 is 4.0 km or more, is produced therefrom.
US07972473B2	Method for recycling thin-film solar cell modules A method for recycling thin-film solar cell modules which are which are composed of a substrate layer with a superimposed structure of functional layers, a plastic layer that encapsulates the functional layers, and a cover layer. The substrate layer is transparent to a working laser beam, and the first functional layer, an electrode layer, is able to absorb this working laser beam. The free surface of the substrate layer is scanned with the working laser beam so that the first electrode layer, due to having absorbed the working laser beam, is at least partially vaporized and the superimposed structure of the functional layers is thus detached from the substrate layer. The substrate layer, separately from the functional layers that are attached to the plastic layer and the cover layer, is subsequently available for separate further processing.
US07972471B2	Inductively coupled dual zone processing chamber with single planar antenna A dual zone plasma processing chamber is provided. The plasma processing chamber includes a first substrate support having a first support surface adapted to support a first substrate within the processing chamber and a second substrate support having a second support surface adapted to support a second substrate within the processing chamber. One or more gas sources in fluid communication with one or more gas distribution members supply process gas to a first zone adjacent to the first substrate support and a second zone adjacent to the second substrate support. A radio-frequency (RF) antenna adapted to inductively couple RF energy into the interior of the processing chamber and energize the process gas into a plasma state in the first and second zones. The antenna is located between the first substrate support and the second substrate support.
US07972470B2	Asymmetric grounding of rectangular susceptor An asymmetrically grounded susceptor used in a plasma processing chamber for chemical vapor deposition onto large rectangular panels supported on and grounded by the susceptor. A plurality of grounding straps are connected between the periphery of the susceptor to the grounded vacuum chamber to shorten the grounding paths for RF electrons. Flexible straps allow the susceptor to vertically move. The straps provide a conductance to ground which is asymmetric around the periphery. The straps may be evenly spaced but have different thicknesses or different shapes or be removed from available grounding point and hence provide different RF conductances. The asymmetry is selected to improve the deposition uniformity and other qualities of the PECVD deposited film.
US07972469B2	Plasma processing apparatus Embodiments of the present invention relate to plasma processing apparatus and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, a plasma control magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets arranged in a predetermined pattern that generate a magnetic field having a strength greater than 10 Gauss in a region proximate the assembly and less than 10 Gauss in a region remote from the assembly.
US07972462B2	Method for manufacturing combination-type optical film, apparatus for the method, combination-type optical film and image display device This invention provides a method for manufacturing a combination-type optical film comprising a plurality of optical films each having at least one end face at which the optical films are opposed to one another, comprising the steps of: (1) opposing the end faces of the optical films to one another with a gap provided therebetween; (2) entirely holding the opposed portions of the optical films with a holding member placed on at least one side; (3) connecting an organic solvent- or adhesive-containing vessel to one side of the gap between the opposed portions of the optical films to charge the organic solvent or the adhesive into the gap with the aid of a negative pressure state; and (4) removing the organic solvent or the adhesive under reduced pressure to bond the opposed end faces to one another.
US07972461B2	Hermetically sealed container and manufacturing method of image forming apparatus using the same A manufacturing method of a hermetically sealed container, comprises steps of placing, on a first member, a first bonding material and a second bonding material having a larger compressibility in relation to a pressing force than a compressibility of the first bonding material, such that the first and second bonding materials are arranged side-to-side relationship, and the first bonding material has a height lower than a height of the second bonding material; pressing a second member to the second bonding material; heating and melting sequentially part by part the first bonding material; and cooling the first bonding material to bond together the first and second members.
US07972455B2	Ultrasonic cut and bonded elastic material A method of forming a hem of an elastic material includes laying a first stretch fabric sheet upon a second stretch fabric sheet, cutting an excess edge strip from the first stretch fabric sheet and the second stretch fabric sheet along a fuse line and simultaneously fusing the sheets together along the fuse line, positioning an elastic strip between the first and second sheets along the fuse line, and fusing the elastic strip to one of the sheets to form a hem.
US07972453B2	Enhanced blast explosive A thermobaric munition including a composite explosive material, the composite explosive material having a high-explosive composition, and a detonable energetic material dispersed within the high-explosive composition, the detonable energetic material in the form of a thin film, the thin film having at least one layer composed at least in part by a reducing metal and at least one layer composed at least in part by a metal oxide. A related method includes tailoring the blast characteristics of high explosive composition to match a predetermined time-pressure impulse, the method including disbursing a detonable energetic material having a preselected reaction rate within the high-explosive composition, the detonable energetic material in the form of a thin film, the thin film having at least one layer composed at least in part by a reducing metal and at least one layer composed at least in part by a metal oxide.
US07972452B2	Method and device for the continuous creation of a bainite structure in a carbon steel, particularly in a strip steel A method continuously creates a bainite structure in a carbon steel, especially a strip steel by austenitizing the carbon steel; introducing the austenitized carbon steel into a bath containing a quenching agent; adjusting the carbon steel to the transformation temperature for bainite and maintaining the transformation temperature for a certain period of time; and then cooling the carbon steel. The carbon steel stays in the bath until a defined percentage of the bainite structure relative to the total structure of the carbon steel has formed. Residues of the quenching agent are removed from the surface of the carbon steel by blowing the same off when the carbon steel is discharged from the bath, and the remaining structure components of the carbon steel are then transformed into bainite in an isothermal tempering station without deflecting the carbon steel at all.
US07972451B2	Pearlitic steel rail excellent in wear resistance and ductility and method for producing same The present invention is: a pearlitic steel rail excellent in wear resistance and ductility, characterized in that, in a steel rail having pearlite structure containing, in mass, 0.65 to 1.40% C, the number of the pearlite blocks having grain sizes in the range from 1 to 15 μm is 200 or more per 0.2 mm2 of an observation field at least in a part of the region down to a depth of 10 mm from the surface of the corners and top of the head portion; and a method for producing a pearlitic steel rail excellent in wear resistance and ductility, characterized by, in the hot rolling of said steel rail, applying finish rolling so that the temperature of the rail surface may be in the range from 850° C. to 1,000° C. and the sectional area reduction ratio at the final pass may be 6% or more, and then applying accelerated cooling to the head portion of said rail at a cooling rate in the range from 1 to 30° C./sec. from the austenite temperature range to at least 550° C.
US07972449B2	Corrosion resistant metal composite for electrochemical devices and methods of producing the same A metal composite for use in electrochemical devices is disclosed. The metal composite comprises a stainless steel interior component and a deposited nitrided metal exterior layer, wherein the nitrided exterior layer has lower electric contact resistance and greater corrosion resistance than the stainless steel interior component. A bipolar plate made of such metal composite and methods of producing the metal composite and bipolar plate are also disclosed.
US07972444B2	Workpiece support with fluid zones for temperature control A workpiece support is disclosed defining a workpiece-receiving surface. The workpiece support includes a plurality of fluid zones. A fluid, such as a gas, is fed to the fluid zones for contact with a workpiece on the workpiece support. The fluid can have selected thermoconductivity characteristics for controlling the temperature of the workpiece at particular locations. In accordance with the present disclosure, at least certain of the fluid zones are at different azimuthal positions. In this manner, the temperature of the workpiece can be adjusted not only in a radial direction but also in an angular direction.
US07972439B2	Method of growing single crystals from melt In a method of growing single crystals from melt, the starting material is fused and a single crystal is pulled by crystallization of the melt on a seed crystal with controlled removal of the crystallization heat. Independent heating sources constituting thermal zones are used and constitute two equal-sized coaxial thermal zones which make up a united thermal area for the melt and the single crystal being grown and are separated by the melt starting material being carried out by heating the upper thermal zone with a heater 30-50% of power required for obtaining the melt, until in the upper thermal zone maximum temperature is reached The remaining power is supplied to the lower thermal zone to a lower heater with maintaining constant temperature of the upper thermal zone till complete melting of the charge. Single crystal enlargement and growing is conducted with controlled lowering of temperature in the upper thermal zone.
US07972435B2	Amine containing strength improvement admixture A strength improvement admixture composition is provided that increases the compressive strength of cementitious compositions without negatively increasing the setting time. The admixture comprises the components of a polycarboxylate dispersant and strength improvement additive.
US07972431B2	Surface-modified silicas Surface-modified silicas Surface-modified, highly structured, potassium oxide-doped silicas, characterized by BET surface area, m2/g: 25-400 average primary particle size, nm: 5-50 pH: 3-10 carbon content, % by weight: 0.1-10 potassium oxide content, % by weight: 0.000001-40 are prepared by subjecting a potassium oxide-doped silica to surface modification. It can be used as a filler in silicone rubber compositions.
US07972428B2	Process for preparing modified pigments A process for preparing a modified pigment having attached at least one organic group is described. This process comprises the step of combining, in any order, a colored pigment, an aromatic amine, a base, and an aqueous medium to form a mixture, and then combining the mixture and a diazotizing agent to form the modified pigment. The aromatic amine comprises at least two carboxylic acid groups, preferably being vicinal. The resulting modified colored pigment can be used in an inkjet ink composition to produce printed images having good overall properties.
US07972427B2	Aqueous formulation comprising low visibility naphthalocyanine dye An aqueous formulation comprises a sulfonated water-soluble IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye having a central metal atom moiety. A pH of the formulation is in the range of 4 to 6.5, which minimizes visibility of the formulation.
US07972424B2	Hydrophobing additive Hydrophobicizing agents which are easily admixed with construction chemical products are prepared by providing a solution of a protective colloid and adding thereto a fatty acid compound sensitive to high pH environments, optionally, a hydrophobicizing organosilicon compound, and drying the resulting aqueous mixture.
US07972423B2	Rectification apparatus using a heat pump An apparatus for stripping and strengthening and subsequent condensing and final strengthening of an easily vaporizable component of a preferably aqueous mixture permits the heat necessary for stripping and strengthening to be transferred through a common heat transmission body (3), where the heat is derived from condensing the vapor generated by stripping and strengthening, which vapor via compression using a heat pump (26) has obtained the increase in boiling point necessary for condensation. The apparatus is comprised of two sections, namely a stripping and strengthening section or first section (1) and a condensing and final strengthening section or second section (2), said sections being joined around a common heat transmission body (3) forming a dividing wall, each section being further defined by a horizontal partially cylindrical housing (13) and an end wall at each end. Each of the sections is provided with an atomizing rotor (4) adapted to throw liquid from each side from the bottom of the horizontal partially cylindrical housing (13) inward against the common heat transmission body, an axial liquid channel (5) providing a continuous passage of liquid through the apparatus extending along the bottom.
US07972422B2	System for continuous removal of a specific gas from a flowing mixture of gases A system comprising a cylindrical housing containing a sorbent cartridge selective of one or more gases in a gaseous mixture. End caps on opposite ends of the housing seal to the ends of the cartridge and direct the flow of gas mixture through a portion of the cartridge. The first end cap has entrance and exit ports for the gas mixture and for a purging gas for cartridge regeneration. The second end cap includes a compartment to receive and return the gas mixture to the first cap exit port. The purging gas follows a similar pathway via the remaining portion of the cartridge. The cartridge is rotatable within the housing; thus, the exhausted portion of the medium may be rotated into position for regeneration while a regenerated portion of the medium is rotated into position for re-use, thus providing continuous adsorption from the gas mixture.
US07972421B2	Rectangular parallelepiped fluid storage and dispensing vessel A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an integrated gas cabinet assembly including such fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and/or a point-of-use ventilation gas scrubber in the vented gas cabinet. By the use of physical adsorbent and chemical sorbent media, the gas cabinet can be enhanced in safety of operation, e.g., where the process gas supplied from the gas cabinet is of a toxic or otherwise hazardous character.
US07972410B1	Magnetic agglomeration method for size control in the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles A method for controlling the size of chemically synthesized magnetic nanoparticles that employs magnetic interaction between particles to control particle size and does not rely on conventional kinetic control of the reaction to control particle size. The particles are caused to reversibly agglomerate and precipitate from solution; the size at which this occurs can be well controlled to provide a very narrow particle size distribution. The size of particles is controllable by the size of the surfactant employed in the process; controlling the size of the surfactant allows magnetic control of the agglomeration and precipitation processes. Agglomeration is used to effectively stop particle growth to provide a very narrow range of particle sizes.
US07972408B2	Process and apparatus for further processing of sewage sludge and other materials to reduce pathogens and toxins An apparatus and a method for treating a composition containing toxic materials or biosolids, wherein the apparatus has a hydraulically sealable top that can be opened to allow loading of the composition or closed to seal the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a reagent injection system for injecting a reagent into the apparatus, a mixing device for mixing the composition with the reagent, a heater system for heating the composition, or the mixture of the composition and the reagent, an internal vapor recovery system for recovering gases, vapors, and odors from the toxic materials or biosolids, or from the reagents, a reagent recovery system for recovering the reagent after it has been mixed with the composition, a discharge mechanism for discharging the treated composition, and a control panel comprising temperature and pressure measurements.
US07972407B2	Honeycomb structure, exhaust gas cleaning unit, and manufacturing method of honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure includes an inorganic particle, inorganic binder, a honeycomb unit, a first end face, and a second end face. The honeycomb unit includes plural partition walls extending along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit to define through-holes. The first end face is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and provided at a first end of the honeycomb structure. The second end face is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and provided at a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure. First circularity of the first end face and second circularity of the second end face are about 1.5 mm to about 4.0 mm. The circularity of the first end face is different from the circularity of the second end face.
US07972403B2	Rotate-once outlet fitting for a filter housing A filter apparatus includes a filter housing having at least one opening and a plurality of retention tabs positioned proximate to at least one of the openings and secured to the filter housing. Also included is a connection fitting having a tube segment sized and configured to be received into at least one opening of the filter housing, orientation tab or tabs secured to the connection fitting and positioned to be engageable between a portion of the plurality of retention tabs when in the installed position. A retention flange extends radially from the tube segment and is configured to retentively engage with the retention tabs to secure the connection fitting to the filter housing. The connection fitting is rotatable when the tube segment is received into the filter housing but is then rotationally locked relative to the filter housing when in the installed position.
US07972402B2	Reinforced filter element The present invention provides one or more reinforcing members configured to act together with the adhesive bonding between filter media layers to further resist axial deformation forces such as induced by fluid flowing through the filter and thereby acting to retain the structural form and integrity of the filter element. Also disclosed is a method of reinforcing layers of a multilayer axial filter element against displacement of the layers.
US07972397B2	Methods of manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond element using SP2-carbon-containing particles Superabrasive elements, methods of fabricating such elements, and applications utilizing such elements. In one embodiment, a superabrasive element includes a mass of polycrystalline diamond including ultra-dispersed diamond grain structures present in an amount greater than zero weight percent and less than about 75 weight percent of the mass of polycrystalline diamond. Various structures and apparatuses that utilize the superabrasive elements, such as polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) and drill bits are disclosed. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed.
US07972389B2	Second part composition for hair dyeing or bleaching Provided is a second part composition for hair dyeing or bleaching, which is mixed with a first part composition containing an alkali agent before use, the composition containing the following components (A) to (D): (A) an organic amine having at least one hydrophobic chain or a salt thereof; (B) an oily component which is a liquid form at 25° C. under normal pressure (1013.25 hPa); (C) an oxidizing agent; and (D) water, in which the composition has a pH of 1 to 6 at 25° C.
US07972386B2	Bleaching of substrates The present invention concerns bleaching of substrates with an aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of a preformed transition metal catalyst together with hydrogen peroxide.
US07972385B2	Patch for replacement of a portion of bladder wall following partial cystectomy A patch for replacement of a portion of bladder wall following partial cystectomy includes a multi-layered membrane of soft silicone with a thickness of about 600 microns so as to be sufficiently elastic to be able to withstand the dilatations due to expansion and deflation of the bladder, a surface layer of texturized silicone that is arranged to face an outside of a bladder to reduce a risk of adhesion of fibrotic capsule, and an inner coating of pyrolytic turbostatic carbon that is arranged to face an inside of the bladder.
US07972383B2	Implantable patella component having a thickened superior edge An orthopaedic implant includes a patella component having a posterior bearing surface configured to articulate with the femoral condyles of a femur, and an anterior surface having a number of pegs extending outwardly therefrom. The superior edge of the patella component is thickened relative to conventional dome-shaped patella components.
US07972382B2	Minimally invasive spinal distraction devices and methods Systems are provided for reducing the complexity and invasiveness of spinal stabilization procedures and provide an expandable device deliverable to a spinal implantation location. The expandable device can be delivered through a minimally invasive access portal and expanded at the implantation location to manipulate one or more bony structures or maintain a configuration of one or more bony structures.
US07972380B2	Artificial joint support between first and second bones An artificial joint associated with an implant including a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face, and which collectively defines a joint location. At least one plasticized layer is applied to one of, or both, the end faces in a coacting and substantially frictional reducing fashion. A lubricating plastic is defined upon an exposed face of the bladder. The plasticized layers may include a fluid receiving and inflatable bladder for filling a three dimensional area associated with the joint location. A curable/settable fluidic material can be injected into the bladder and which includes at least one of an epoxy, a urethane, a gelatin and a two-part hardener. The bones each further include an artificial implant constructed from at least one of a plasticized and a metallic material.
US07972377B2	Bioprosthetic heart valve A trileaflet biological prosthetic heart valve (11, 41) comprising a thin, rigid annular outer frame (25, 43) which supports three elastic, laminated spring inner frames (18, 57) which in turn provide consistent geometric form and structure for attachment of tissue leaflets (15, 71).
US07972376B1	Capping bioprosthetic tissue to reduce calcification A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.
US07972371B2	Magnetic resonance compatible stent An intravascular stent (50) is provided for use in conjunction with a magnetic resonance imaging system. The stent is constructed to minimize the radio-frequency cage effect which results from currents being induced in stents when subjected to magnetic resonance related radio frequency signals. The stent includes a mesh of electrically conductive material and a non-conductive material disposed within the mesh for connecting the mesh in a generally tubular arrangement such that a net current flowing through the mesh is approximately zero and the RF cage effect is minimized.
US07972368B2	Refillable therapeutic pack A refillable therapeutic pack is disclosed that is comprised of an outer bag having a generally rectangular shape having two sides, a closed end and an open end. Tie straps are secured on the outer bag near the closed end and the open end and extend from the ends. An inner bag is provided internally within the outer bag. The inner bag has two sides, a closed end attached to the closed end of the outer bag and an open end. The open end of the inner bag is of a smaller diameter than the closed end of the inner bag such that the open end of the inner bag contains a neck section. Ice or cooling material may be filled into the inner bag of the cold pack through the neck section of the open end of the inner bag. The cold pack additionally includes flexible opening aids contained within the neck section of the open end to aid in opening and holding open the open end of the inner bag during filling and emptying. The cold pack additionally includes attachment wings to attach the side of the inner bag to the side of the outer bag to hold the inner bag in place. Further, the cold pack includes a sleeve for holding a clip or closure device when the clip or closure device is not in use. The clip or closure device is used to seal and close the inner bag after the inner bag is filled with cooling material.
US07972364B2	Locking assembly for securing a rod member in a receiver part for use in spinal or trauma surgery, bone anchoring device with such a locking assembly and tool therefor A locking assembly for securing a rod in a receiving part of a bone anchoring device includes a first locking element having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface provided with an external thread, a coaxial bore passing entirely through said first locking element and an internal thread provided at said bore, a second locking element having a: longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface with an external thread cooperating with the internal thread of said first locking element. The first locking element has a recess between the first end and the second end, that defines a circumferentially closed wall portion. The interior of the wall portion has a longitudinally extending structure for engagement with a tool. Furthermore, a tool is provided which has sections which can be independently engaged with the first and second locking element, respectively.
US07972363B2	Bi-directional fixating/locking transvertebral body screw/intervertebral cage stand-alone constructs and posterior cervical and lumbar interarticulating joint stapling guns and devices for spinal fusion A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior lumbar facet staple and a staple gun for a posterior lumbar facet staple, a posterior cervical facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical facet joint staple are provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a screw locking mechanism that prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.
US07972361B2	Occlusion device with flexible spring connector An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a spring connector and a safety tether. The flexible spring connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart. The safety tether serves to further ensure the structural integrity of the center assembly.
US07972356B2	Flexible and conformable embolic filtering devices A self-expanding cage for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device includes one or more circumferential members adapted to expand from an unexpanded position to a expanded position within the patient's body vessel. At least one proximal strut and at least one distal strut are attached to the circumferential member to form the basket. The circumferential member may include a plurality of bending regions which enhance the ability of the circumferential member to move between the unexpanded and expanded positions. The proximal and distal struts can be attached to one of the bending regions. When two or more circumferential members are utilized, each member may be connected by a connecting strut which may be connected at a bending region. The connecting strut can be a straight segment or may have a non-linear shape to provide additional flexibility. The expandable cage can be mounted to a elongated member, such as a guide wire, and can be either permanently mounted or rotatably mounted thereto.
US07972354B2	Method and apparatus for impeding migration of an implanted occlusive structure A method of treating a hollow anatomical structure of a patient comprises implanting a bioabsorbable fibrous body in a hollow anatomical structure. The body is secured in the hollow anatomical structure to limit migration of the body within the hollow anatomical structure.
US07972352B2	Embolic protection system An embolic protection system having a guidewire for advancing through a vasculature; an embolic protection filter having a filter body with a distal end and a proximal end, the filter body providing for a collapsed configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The embolic protection filter body has a guidewire path for slidably receiving the guidewire to permit movement of the filter relative to the guidewire when the filter 1 is in the collapsed configuration and the expanded deployed configuration. A delivery catheter is advanceable over the guidewire for delivery of the embolic protection filter. A retrieval catheter is also advanceable over the guidewire for retrieval of the filter , and engagement elements are used for engaging the embolic protection filter with the guidewire for retrieval of the filter into the retrieval catheter in the collapsed configuration.
US07972350B2	Catheter tip A catheter tip may be coupled to a catheter shaft. The catheter tip may include markers, such as radiopaque markers and MRI markers, securement hubs, recessed portions, a radiused tip, and varying axial flexibility. The catheter tip may be a molded tip, and the markers may be insert molded. Recessed portions and raised securement hubs may be formed during the molding process. The raised hubs may be integrally formed and made from the same material as the catheter tip.
US07972347B2	Device for surgical repair, closure, and reconstruction A device and technique for a sutureless wound closure, which limits the risks of rupture and scarring, is described. The device includes a one-piece surgical fastener generally shaped in a curve along the width of the surgical fastener. The fastener includes a tissue insertion tongue with a plurality of tissue attachment points for fixing the fastener to skin tissue. The fastener also includes a clasp for engaging an identical surgical fastener. The surgical fastener can also be a two-piece structure including a male connecting strap and a female connector. Both pieces include a tissue-connecting mechanism for fixing to skin tissue. The female connector includes an engagement clasp for securing the male connecting strap to the female connector.
US07972345B2	Surgical instrument A surgical instrument of the present invention comprises an insertion unit; an operating unit provided on one end of the insertion unit; a treatment unit provided so as to protrude from the other end of the insertion unit; a first shaft member for transmitting turning force to the treatment unit in conjunction with the turning operation of a turning operation member provided on the operating unit; and a second shaft member for transmitting opening/closing force to the treatment unit in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of an opening/closing member provided on the operating unit.
US07972344B2	Suture passing instrument and method of passing suture An apparatus and method for passing suture(s) in tissue repair and/or other mini-open procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a needle mounted on the hand assembly and through a cannulation of the shaft. The pair of jaws includes a lower jaw and an upper jaw, the upper jaw being curve-shaped to enable grasping of thick tissue. The hand assembly has a finger lever with a ratchet and a releaser with a hook, the hand assembly being designed to move the needle from a first position to a second position.
US07972343B2	Retrieval device made of precursor alloy cable A medical retrieval device for retrieving foreign objects from a patient and the method of constructing the device are disclosed. The device incorporates a wire cable composed of a precursor alloy to a superelastic material to improve durability of the device. Because precursor alloys exhibit a linear stress-strain relationship and a yield point associated with a relatively high stress level, the device transfers greater stresses before experiencing deformation. Thus, greater crushing forces can be achieved using a device of this type. These crushing forces may be needed when the foreign object is too large to remove intact. This property also facilitates the device in dilating ducts to retrieve foreign objects. Using the precursor alloy additionally eliminates the need for heat treatment of the cables used in constructing the device. A retrieval device made of precursor alloy cable also is less susceptible to permanent deformation and unwinding during use.
US07972340B2	Systems and methods for injecting flowable materials into bones A cavity creation device is introduced into a cancellous bone volume of a vertebral body through a percutaneous access path. The cavity creating device is manipulated to form a cavity in the cancellous bone volume. A volume of filling material is placed in the cavity by introducing a tube through the percutaneous access path and by conveying the filling material through a side dispensing port of the tube.
US07972332B2	System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares A system and method for controlling electrosurgical snares are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical instrument having an elongate tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends, the sheath having a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a shaft having proximal and distal ends. The shaft extends through and is axially movable relative to the sheath. A snare loop is provided at the distal end of the shaft and is configured for encircling tissue. Movement of the shaft relative to the tubular sheath changes the diameter of the exposed snare loop. A feedback sensor operatively connected to the elongated tubular sheath which determines at least one condition of the snare loop, and an electrosurgical generator provides electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical snare instrument. The generator is configured to receive feedback measurements from the electrosurgical snare instrument and to adjust electrosurgical energy as a function of the measurements.
US07972330B2	Methods and apparatus for closing a layered tissue defect Methods and apparatus for treatment of layered tissue defects such as a patent foramen ovale provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent to the PFO with a closure device that substantially closes the PFO. Apparatus generally includes an elongate flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end and an energy transmission member deployable from the elongate flexible member. The energy transmission member applies energy to the layered tissue defect at a first position and a second position adjacent to the first position so as to substantially close the layered tissue defect along at least a portion of the defect. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating, direct heat energy, cryogenic or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.
US07972325B2	Direct wavefront-based corneal ablation treatment program A method for measuring an optical system comprises transmitting an image with the optical system. Gradients of the optical system can be determined by separating the transmitted image with a lenslet array. An error-correcting change in the shape of the optical system can be mapped by integrating across the gradients. The change in elevation around the path is related to the accuracy of the gradient array. A system for measuring a wavefront of an eye includes an image source for projecting an image into the eye, lenslets, a detector for measuring angles of light rays of an optical surface of an eye, and a computer for mapping the errors of the eye. A tomographic wavefront map is made by deflecting the measurement path of the wavefront sensor. Aberrations are selected for treatment in response to an order of the aberration and a tissue structure corresponding to the aberration.
US07972324B2	Catheter and method of manufacturing same A catheter basically has a catheter shaft in which a catheter tip of which is provided with a joint made of a material which is more flexible than the material of the catheter shaft. The joint is disposed between the distal end of the catheter shaft and the distal end of the catheter tip. The front end consists of a material being the same or more rigid than that of the catheter shaft.
US07972322B2	Intravascular line and port cleaning methods, methods of administering an agent intravascularly, methods of obtaining/testing blood, and devices for performing such methods An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.
US07972321B2	Vial adaptor for regulating pressure In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
US07972320B2	Absorbent article with segmented belt A disposable diaper includes a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions. The chassis includes laterally opposing closed side edges defining its width, longitudinally opposing front and back waist end edges defining its length, an interior surface and an exterior surface, and including a water-impermneable backsheet. An absorbent assembly is attached to the chassis. A belt structure is disposed in the waist region of the chassis. The belt structure includes a first belt segment, a second belt segment and a third belt segment. The belt segments are disposed longitudinally with respect to each other and the coefficient of friction of at least a portion of one of the first belt segment and third belt segment is greater than the coefficient of friction of at least a portion of the second belt segment.
US07972318B2	Individually-packaged hygiene article and absorbent article provided therewith A package containing a hygiene article which opens in a way preventing the hygiene article from falling out unintentionally. Further, combined absorbent articles are disclosed, wherein a package comprising a hygiene article is joined to an individually-packaged absorbent article.
US07972315B2	Implantable injection port and protective cap A surgical fastening system for implantable devices is disclosed. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around fit which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.
US07972314B2	Venous access port base A venous access port having a port body, a septum, a chamber and a discharge port with a passageway extending therethrough outwardly from the chamber. The central region of the chamber is elevated with respect to the periphery of the chamber floor adjacent the chamber side wall and may be convex or conical, with the chamber floor periphery defining a vortex flow path.
US07972312B2	Compac syringe A compact syringe comprises a cylindrical barrel, a stopper movable within the barrel and a detachable clip-on plunger. The plunger has a resilient c-shaped shaft for clipping onto the barrel's exterior when the syringe is not in use. When in use, the plunger is removed from the barrel and its c-shaped shaft is compressed slightly and then inserted into the rear end of the barrel to apply movement force to the stopper. The clip-on plunger reduces the amount of storage space required by the compact syringe. Reducing syringe storage space is of particular importance for disposable, single-use syringes.
US07972310B2	Securement device for indwelling catheters or introducers A securement device for indwelling catheters or introducers has a pad with an adhesive backing for securement to the skin of a patient. A base is mounted on the pad having one or more spaced holes therethrough with an elongated strand extending through said hole or holes. The strand may be wrapped around or passed through a connector mounted on the base and the free end(s) thereof may be tied to the strand or to another strand arising from the base.
US07972308B2	Intracranial catheter assembly for precise treatment of brain tissue A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient is disclosed. The assembly comprises outer and inner catheters. The outer catheter has an exterior surface, an inflatable balloon mounted upon the exterior surface, at least one element distal to the balloon, at least one aperture and a lumen. The inner catheter is sized to be received within the lumen and has a passageway extending between a proximal end and at least one port. The lumen is adapted to guide the inner catheter to the desired tissue region in the brain. Each element is adapted to monitor brain activity within the tissue region, to electronically stimulate the tissue region, or to provide information on a precise position of the element when the element is entirely within the brain. The elements are mounted proximal to the distal end of the outer catheter upon the exterior surface of its distal portion. The assembly can facilitate the administration of drugs to the tissue region or the removal of fluid from the brain through the inner catheter.
US07972298B2	Robotic catheter system A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.
US07972297B2	Breast cup assembly for a breast pump A breast cup assembly for a breast pump has a generally funnel-shaped support member with an open wide end, an open narrow end, a tapered central passage extending between the wide end and the narrow end. A liner is positioned at least in part in the support member. The liner has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple, a second opening spaced from the first noncircular opening, and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.
US07972295B2	Apparatus and methods for delivering a bolus of therapeutic material Apparatus and method utilizing fluid to deliver a bolus of therapeutic material through a lumen to a delivery or discharge control portion of the apparatus, where the bolus may be discharged or delivered to a desired location.
US07972294B2	Catheter with associated extension lumen An intra-luminal device for the extraction of occlusive or partially occlusive material is disclosed. The device includes a novel catheter extension which minimizes cavitation of extracted fluids and also allows the better navigation of tortuous lumens or vasculature.
US07972284B2	Apparatus for preventing nerve damage positional injury during surgery A method of preventing nerve damage positional injury during surgery includes providing a nerve damage positional injury pressure monitoring system including a site sensor with a transducer in the form of a transducer element and a ring extending outward from the transducer element, and a monitor connected to the site sensor; adhering the ring of the site sensor to the patient so that the transducer element forms a protective barrier in front of the area of the patient prone to nerve damage positional injury during surgery; using the system to continuously monitor pressure on the protective barrier formed by the transducer element in front of the area of the patient prone to nerve damage positional injury during surgery with the site sensor and monitor; and causing an alarm to be actuated to alert medical personnel of a pressure condition when monitored pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold.
US07972283B2	Guidewire having linear change in stiffness The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal section with multiple distally tapered core segments with at least two contiguous distally tapering core segments in which the most distal tapered core segment preferably has a greater degree of taper than the proximally contiguous tapered core segment. The invention is also directed to an elongated intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire or section thereof, that has a core member or the like with a plurality of contiguous tapered segments having taper angles that are configured to produce a linear change in stiffness over a longitudinal section of the device. The device may also have a core section with a continuously changing taper angle to produce a curvilinear profile that preferably is configured to produce a linear change in stiffness of the core over a longitudinal section of the device.
US07972280B2	Method and system for managing patient data The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing patient data. In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing patient data having many instruments. The instruments have a sampling member for sampling a body fluid from a patient and are in direct communication with at least one other instrument.
US07972278B2	Method and apparatus for objective electrophysiological assessment of visual function For electrophysiological assessment of visual function using a head mounted stereo display (e.g. virtual reality goggles) for displaying a stimulus which is used to generate a retinal or cortical response. In particular, a method for objective electrophysiological assessment of visual function of at least one eye of a subject includes presenting a visual stimulus to at least one eye of the subject, recording at least one of a retinal response and, a cortical response generated as a result of the presenting; analyzing said response and, as a result of said analyzing, forming a map of the visual function of the at least one eye of the subject6. The invention also relates to as system for such electrophysiological assessment.
US07972276B1	Method for removing posture dependence during evoked response monitoring of HF progression An exemplary method includes acquiring intrathoracic impedance values over one or more respiratory cycles, acquiring myocardial evoked response values and assessing cardiac condition based at least in part on the intrathoracic impedance values and the evoked response values. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US07972275B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring of diastolic hemodynamics A cardiac rhythm management system provides for ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamic performance based on quantitative measurements of heart sound related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such heart sound related parameters allows the cardiac rhythm management system to determine a need for delivering a therapy and/or therapy parameter adjustments based on conditions of a heart. This monitoring also allows a physician to observe or assess the hemodynamic performance for diagnosing and making therapeutic decisions. Because the conditions of the heart may fluctuate and may deteriorate significantly between physician visits, the ambulatory monitoring, performed on a continuous or periodic basis, ensures a prompt response by the cardiac rhythm management system that may save a life, prevent hospitalization, or prevent further deterioration of the heart.
US07972273B2	System and method of determining cardiac pressure A pressure sensor is deployed in the right atrium and is in contact with the tissue of the fossa ovalis. The fossa ovalis acts as a membrane and the pressure sensor determines the relative and/or absolute pressure within the left atrium while remaining within the right atrium. A variety of embodiment are provided to deploy and anchor the sensor into the proper position.
US07972271B2	Apparatus and method for phased subarray imaging An invention for coherent array image formation and restoration is taught. The invention is applicable for both 2D and 3D imaging using either 1D or 2D arrays, respectively. A transducer array is subdivided into subarrays, each subarray having a number of adjacent array elements. All elements of each subarray transmit and receive in parallel. The signals received from each subarray are delayed and summed to form scan lines, or beams. The low-beam-rate beams formed from each subarray are upsampled and interpolated prior to forming high-beam-rate images. Depending on the subarray geometry, a subarray-dependent restoration filter is also applied to the subarray beams. The restored beams from each subarray are combined to form the final high-beam-rate image. The invention significantly reduces the front-end hardware complexity compared to conventional methods such as full phased array imaging with comparable image quality.
US07972268B2	Steered continuous wave doppler methods for two-dimensional ultrasound transducer arrays Methods and systems for acquiring spectral and velocity information with a multi-dimensional array are provided. For example, a dedicated receive aperture is formed at a multi-dimensional array for steered continuous wave imaging. Other elements not within the dedicated receive aperture are used for transmitting continuous waves or transmitting and receiving pulsed waveforms in other modes of imaging. As another example, switches or other structures are provided for selecting between a plurality of possible apertures for a steered continuous wave aperture. The selection is performed in response to a configuration of an ultrasound system, such as selection of a focal location or steer direction. The aperture is then used for either transmit or receive operations of steered continuous wave imaging. As yet another example, at least part of the steered continuous wave beamformer is provided within a transducer assembly. The transducer assembly includes a probe housing and a connector housing electrically connected by a cable. In yet another example, at least one angle of a three-dimensional indication of flow direction is input from a user. Velocity values in either steered continuous wave imaging or pulsed wave imaging are corrected as a function of a three-dimensional indication of flow direction.
US07972265B1	Device and method for remote vessel ligation A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned at the distal end of the cannula. A dissection cradle is located at the distal end of a distal portion of the retractor that is resiliently skewed relative to the cannula axis, and includes two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop therebetween. The procedure includes locating a vessel and side branch of interest and extending the retractor to retain the vessel in the dissection cradle to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula in order to isolate a side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.
US07972263B2	Penis rigidity stabilizer and method therefor A penis rigidity stabilizer and method therefore capable of being placed about the shaft of a penis while allowing the glans of the penis to remain exposed and capable of achieving and maintaining a rigid state and capable of maintaining its position about the shaft of the penis and being inherently rigid during sexual activity.
US07972262B2	Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment A surgical assembly for treating fecal incontinence can include an elongate needle, a sling and a coupler to conveniently and securely connect the coupler to an insertion end of the needle by moving the coupler and insertion end of the needle together.
US07972260B2	Radioactive therapeutic apparatus A method and device for applying a radioactive source to a tissue site is disclosed. The device facilitates the precise placement of, for example, 125Iodine seeds relative to the surgical margin, assures the seeds remain fixed in their precise position for the duration of the treatment, overcomes the technical difficulties of manipulating the seeds through the narrow surgical incision, and reduces the radiation dose to the clinicians. The device incorporates the radioactive seeds into a fastening means, preferably surgical staples, used in the surgical procedure. In this way, the seeds are concurrently secured in position directly adjacent to the surgical resection and remain immobile.
US07972255B2	Self-supporting bag The invention provides a self-supporting bag (10) in which a synthetic resin bag main body (11) constituted by a body portion (20) and a bottom portion (30) is molded preferably by a metal mold, and the entire main body (11) is set in a folded state in a step before filling the bag's main body (11), wherein the folded state of the bag's main body (11) is formed by folding the entire bottom portion (30) in parallel to the body portion (20).
US07972251B2	Exercise device and method of use There is an exercising device, and a method of use, configured to perform upper body and abdominal type exercise. The exercise device includes a pad member configured to support a forearm of a user. The exercise device also includes a handle extending from a top surface of the pad member about a front end of the pad member and configured to provide a grip for a hand. In addition, the exercise device includes a selectably coupleable attachment member coupled to a bottom surface of the pad member and configured to alter a movement characteristic of the device when in operation. The selectably coupleable attachment member includes a plurality of wheels. The exercise device further includes a tongue and groove attachment member configured to selectably couple the attachment member to the pad member.
US07972250B2	Exercise training tool Embodiments of the invention are directed to a multi-purpose exercise training tool and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the multi-purpose exercise training tool includes a planar bottom face and a contoured top face and is approximately elliptical-shaped or circular-shaped. The multi-purpose exercise training tool may include one or more sets of grip portions allowing a user to grip the multi-purpose exercise training tool at different arm width distances allowing the user to target different muscle groups during use. The training tool is made of a hard, durable material and can be manufactured in a variety of weights.
US07972245B2	Presenting information to users during an activity, such as information from a previous or concurrent outdoor, physical activity A system and method for providing information during an activity is described. In some examples, the system includes a capture device that captures information during a first activity and a presentation device that presents the information during a second activity. In some examples, system employs and is implemented on one or more mobile devices that transfer, process, and generate information based on performance of activities.
US07972243B2	Control device for plural propulsion units A control device for propulsion units is adapted to synchronize the engine rotational speeds of a plurality of propulsion units arranged in a row on a vessel and operatively and electrically connected to two control levers that are positioned adjacent to each other. The control device synchronizes the engine rotational speeds by correcting the throttle opening of a target propulsion unit or units based on a deviation between the engine rotational speed of a reference propulsion unit and the engine rotational speed of the target propulsion unit. Upon cancellation of synchronization, the throttle opening correction is reduced stepwise from its corrected throttle opening to its natural throttle opening based on the position of the corresponding control lever. As such, large fluctuations in engine speeds are avoided upon cancellation of synchronization.
US07972241B2	Drive control device of an automatic gearbox for a motor vehicle and method therefor A drive control device of an automatic transmission of a vehicle. The transmission having a main oil pump driven by an internal combustion engine, an electrically driven auxiliary oil pump and a hydraulic control device; a device for determining the required volumetric flow rate needed to determine the oil/hydraulic target volumetric flow rate during current operating conditions, based on the transmission oil temperature; a device for determining the volumetric flow rate to determine the actual volumetric flow rate that can be delivered during the current operating conditions by the main and/or auxiliary oil pump, and a device for controlling the target volumetric flow rate to reduce the target volumetric flow rate to at least the currently deliverable actual volumetric flow rate, if the currently deliverable actual volumetric flow rate is below the current target volumetric flow rate.
US07972240B2	Work machine with power limit control using an infinitely variable transmission A work machine includes an internal combustion (IC) engine, and an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) coupled with the IC engine. The IVT includes an adjustable module and a mechanical module, with an adjustable input/output (I/O) ratio. A clutch is coupled with the mechanical module and has an output. An adjustable operator input device provides an output signal representing a power limit control. At least one electrical processing circuit is coupled with the operator input device and configured for controlling a selected combination of the I/O ratio and the clutch output, dependent upon the output signal from the operator input device.
US07972239B2	Dual pump design for hybrid electric automatic transmission A dual pump strategy for a hybrid electric automatic transmission necessitating one internal mechanically driven pump linked to the engine output shaft and an external fixed displacement pump powered by a brushless permanent magnet motor consisting of a controller with closed loop feedback control for operating such is disclosed. In neutral and electric drive mode, with the engine off, the flow demand for the transmission is sustained largely by the external pump.
US07972237B2	Gear train unit with motor generator A gear train unit with a motor-generator having a first planetary gear mechanism, a second planetary gear mechanism, an input shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch, and a second clutch is disclosed. The first planetary gear mechanism includes a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first carrier. The second planetary gear mechanism has a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second carrier. The second sun gear is connected to the first sun gear. The input shaft is connected to the second ring gear. The output shaft is connected to both the first ring gear and the second carrier. The first clutch selectively connects and disconnects the first carrier to and from the motor-generator. The second clutch selectively connects and disconnects the first sun gear and the second sun gear to and from the motor-generator.
US07972232B2	Chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point A chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point is disclosed. The chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point includes a chain drive tensioner assembly and a tensioner arm in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner assembly is in operable communication with the tensioner arm, and the tensioner assembly is moveable between a first tensioner position and a second tensioner position. The tensioner arm includes an internal gear and an external gear rotatably mounted within the internal gear, such that movement of the tensioner assembly from the first tensioner position to the second tensioner position along with concurrent rotation of the external gear within the internal gear is operable to move the tensioner arm laterally from a first position to a second position.
US07972230B2	Systems and apparatus for archery equipment An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to provide data concerning one or more flight characteristics of the arrow in flight and a communication link coupled to the sensor, the communication link configured to communicate the data to a device external to the arrow.
US07972228B1	Lacrosse head pocket shaper and protection device A device for shaping and forming a lacrosse head pocket may comprise a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces that form a top surface, and a plurality of openings. The top surface may have a curved surface. The plurality of openings may be at opposite side surfaces of the plurality of side surfaces and the plurality of openings may extend through the opposite side surfaces.
US07972227B2	Lacrosse handle with gripping structure A lacrosse handle including a gripping structure that provides a user with an improved grip of the handle. The gripping structure can provide tactile feedback regarding the precise positioning of the lower hand at a particular location between the top end and bottom end of the handle. Optionally, the upper portion of the lacrosse handle may remain substantially bare, allowing a user to easily position and reposition their upper hand by sliding the hand up and down the upper portion of the handle during play. The gripping structure can be formed having one or more layers of a clear lacquer material and one or more ink layers applied to the outer surface of the handle via a wet transfer technique, or other processes.
US07972221B2	Method of spherical object orientation and orienter for the same A method of orienting a spherical object comprising the steps of acquiring an image of a spherical object at an imaging station; analyzing the image with a first computer to determine an analysis; transferring the object from the imaging station to orienting stations using a transfer mechanism; and orienting the object to a predetermined orientation according to the analysis; wherein the orienting stations comprise first, second, and third stations each rotating the object about a single axis; the first, second, and third stations collectively orienting the object by rotation about alternately perpendicular axes. In one embodiment, at least one of the orienting stations is at least partially mounted onto the transfer mechanism. In another embodiment, the transfer mechanism is a compliant object carrier that is movable translationally and substantially immovable rotationally. In an alternate embodiment, the ball is orientated with a gimbaled mechanism. An object orienter is also disclosed.
US07972217B2	Universal joint having slip bush Universal joint having slip bush including a tube, a slip bush inserted into the tube, and a shaft inserted into and slidably engaged with the tube via the slip bush. The universal joint further includes: one or more rows of guide holes formed by perforating a circumferential wall of the slip bush, the rows being arranged in the longitudinal direction of the slip bush; one or more guide balls fitted in the guide holes, respectively; and one or more C-type parts longitudinally formed on the circumferential wall of the slip bush. When axial pressure is applied to the universal joint in a state in which rotational torque is applied to the universal joint, the guide balls fitted in the guide holes come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the tube, thereby reducing sliding frictional force while producing rolling frictional force so that the universal joint can be smoothly collapsed. In addition, the guide balls serve as supports when torsional fracture torque is applied to the slip bush, thereby improving the torsional fracture strength, which in turn improves a safety factor.
US07972216B2	Video game system and camera accessory for a video game system A digital camera accessory is provided for use with a game system having a processing system to execute a video game program and player controls operable by a user to generate video game control signals. The digital camera accessory includes an image sensor for capturing video images, communication circuitry configured to transmit the captured video images, and a connector that, in use, electrically connects the digital camera accessory to the game system.
US07972214B2	Methods and devices for downloading games of chance The present invention provides methods, devices and systems for downloading gaming software. According to some implementations of the invention, gaming software is continuously transmitted on a plurality of channels, e.g., by one or more servers. In some such implementations, each channel is dedicated to software for a different wagering game. In other implementations, gaming software components are transmitted on a plurality of channels, with each channel dedicated to a particular gaming software component. Some implementations provide gaming software in response to a request from a gaming machine. Implementations over dedicated and/or public networks are provided. Preferred implementations of the invention allow gaming software to be downloaded to gaming machines in a secure manner that automatically ensures that licensing and regulatory requirements are satisfied. Some such implementations determine whether payment is required for gaming software and provide for automated payment, if so required.
US07972213B2	Method and apparatus for player communication Systems and methods are provided for monitoring gaming activities of a player at a gaming device. It is determined, based on the gaming activities, whether to initiate communication between the player and an individual. Communication is enabled between the player and the individual.
US07972211B2	Pattern codes used for interactive control of computer applications Methods for determining input to be supplied to a computer program are provided. One of the methods include processing a first video frame having a pattern code before light is applied to the pattern code. The first video frame defines a first characteristic of the pattern code, and the pattern code is defined by at least two tags. The method further includes processing a second video frame having the pattern code when light is applied to the pattern code, such that the second video frame defines a second characteristic of the pattern code. Then, decoding the first characteristic and the second characteristic of the pattern code to produce decoded information. An interactive command is then initiated to the computer program. A type of the interactive command is defined by the decoded information, wherein one of the tags has a reflective surface and one of the tags has a non-reflective surface.
US07972209B2	Gaming system having progressive tournaments and weighting A gaming system that provides game play in a tournament in exchange for monetary input per game played is disclosed. The gaming system includes a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive tournament controller. The progressive tournament controller manages a tournament prize value that is incremented using criteria other than monetary input. The tournament prize is incremented over time at random intervals rather than being incremented by coin input.
US07972207B2	Dynamic assignment of pay lines in a game of chance A game of chance is disclosed that looks like a multi-line gaming machine having a matrix of rows and columns of positions for displaying slot symbols or cards to a player. A player wagers to play one or more games but the actual pay lines are dynamically determined by events that occur during the course of game play, not before. Pay lines are dynamically determined during the course of game play dependent on choices made by the player during the course of game play. The player chooses ones or all of a first, randomly dealt set of slot symbols or cards in one row of the matrix to be held and used in the game play. The symbols or cards not held are discarded and a second, final draw of slot symbols or cards is done in the matrix, including the positions in the one row where cards were discarded. Pay lines are then established through the matrix that all pass through the held cards in the one row of the matrix.
US07972204B2	Vehicle door seal venting system and method A vehicle door seal venting system is provided for venting air trapped in the seal gap between two or more spaced environmental seals. As the vehicle door transitions to a closed position, the seals engage between the vehicle door and vehicle body door opening, acting to closeout the seal gap. The compression of the seal gap as the door further closes results in pressurization of the trapped air, which then acts to resist closure of the vehicle door, therefore requiring that additional closure force be applied to fully close the door. The vehicle door seal venting system relieves the pressurized air from between the seals without compromising the integrity of the seals or overall noise and sealing performance of the door system.
US07972201B2	Ruckers capable of rucking fixed diameter coverings and associated devices, methods, systems and computer program products Methods, apparatus and associated devices for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a translating member disposed in a housing having an axis of movement configured to reciprocally translate a chute body about the axis of movement; and at least one gripping member disposed in the housing in cooperating alignment with the translating member. Each at least one gripping member has a gripping edge portion that defines a gripping surface. The at least one gripping member configured to reciprocally translate substantially orthogonal to the axis of movement. In operation, the at least one gripping member has an automated stroke cycle whereby the at least one gripping member is configured to travel inwardly a distance sufficient to snugly abut an outer surface of the chute body while the chute body travels in a first direction about the axis of movement and to travel outwardly a sufficient distance to prevent contact with the chute body while the chute body travels in a second opposing direction about the axis of movement.
US07972199B2	Hand-held power tool with locking nut A hand-held power tool includes a drive spindle (2) rotatable about a rotational axis (A) and provided at its free end with a clamping flange (3) and a locking thread (4) having at least one thread undercut (8), and a locking nut (7) tightenable on the locking thread (4) for securing a disc-shaped tool (5) between its clamping surface (6) and the clamping flange (3) of the drive spindle (2), with the thread undercut (8) having an axial length that corresponds to at least an axial length of an inner thread (9) of the locking nut (7).
US07972198B2	Groove machining method by means of water jet, heat exchanger member, and heat exchanger There is provided a groove machining method by means of water jet which machines grooves by means of a water jet device including injection nozzles for injecting a water jet on a face to be machined of a member to be machined, including a step of disposing protection members which are more resistive against an injection power of the water jet than the member to be machined so as to cover a portion which is a part of the face to be machined, and on which grooves are not to be formed in order to form ends of the machined grooves in a travel direction of the injection nozzles inside an outline of the face to be machined, and a step of moving the nozzles across the protection members and the face to be machined while injecting the water jet at a predetermined injection power from the injection nozzles.
US07972195B2	Tire grinding method and grinding device In a grinding device, first, an eddy-current-sensor detects a distance from the eddy-current-sensor to an outer peripheral surface of a belt layer while a tire to be retreaded held by a pair of half rims is caused to rotate. Thus, an eccentricity amount and an eccentricity direction of the tire to be retreaded with respect to a device axial center, corresponding to the phase of the tire to be retreaded, can be respectively determined, so position control signals corresponding to the phase, eccentricity amount and eccentricity direction of the tire to be retreaded can be generated. Next, on the basis of the position control signal, a carriage causes a rasp to be moved in a radial direction with respect to the tire to be retreaded along the radial direction whose center is a device axial center, and the rasp grinds a tread surface of the rotating tire to be retreaded.
US07972193B2	Non-conductive balloons and methods of producing same The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.
US07972188B2	Trolling motor mount An apparatus for mounting a trolling motor to a watercraft includes a bracket, a coupling hinge, a lift arm, a cam mechanism, a collet, a resistance knob, a first bias spring and a second bias spring. The bracket is adapted to mount on a transom or a gunnel of the watercraft. The coupling hinge receives a shaft of the trolling motor therethrough and retains the trolling motor via the collet and resistance knob mounted thereon. The collet and knob can be selectively tightened or loosened about the shaft of the trolling motor. The bracket defines detents and an arcuate track in which a track follower portion of the coupling hinge can move. The movement of the coupling hinge along the bracket tilts the trolling motor between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lift arm is pivotally coupled to the coupling hinge and carries a locking pin. The lift arm is biased by the first bias spring such that the locking pin engages the detents. The cam mechanism is pivotally coupled to the bracket and is biased by the second bias spring to disengage the locking pin from a lower portion of the detents.
US07972182B2	Electrical connector with improved contact arrangement An electrical connector has a receiving space (10) and includes an insulative housing (1) and a set of contacts. The insulative housing includes a tongue portion (12) protruding into the receiving space. The tongue portion has a mating face (14), a set of depressions (141) formed in a front region of the mating face, and a set of passageways (142) defined in a rear region of the mating face and being spaced away from the depressions. The contacts are held in the tongue portion and include a set of first and second contacts (21,22). The first contacts have elastic first contact portions (15) being movably received in the passageways and protruding beyond the mating face and into the receiving space, and first tail portions (16) opposite to the first contact portions. The second contacts have stiff second contact portions (25) retained in the depressions and exposed to the receiving space, and second tail portions (28) opposite to the second contact portions. The first and the second tail portions are arranged in only a single row.
US07972180B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulating body having an accommodating base and at least one tongue plate extending forwardly from the accommodating base. The tongue plate has at least one accommodating space in communication with the accommodating base. Each accommodating space being provided with at least one stopper. At least one first conductive terminal and at least one second conductive terminal are received in the accommodating base. The second conductive terminal has a second connecting portion and a second contacting portion extending towards the accommodating space. The first conductive terminal is partially located below the second connecting portion, and has at least a portion extended under the stopper. The second connecting portion is located at a level higher than that of the stopper. This arrangement can prevent the first conductive terminal from contacting with the second conductive terminal, and a normal connection of the electrical connector is guaranteed.
US07972178B2	High density connector for interconnecting fine pitch circuit packaging structures A pinned interposer and mating sockets to facilitate removable mounting of high connection density micro devices between a pair of substrates in compact electronic circuit packages. The pinned interposer has an inner set of contacts, typically in a rectangular array, that, in cooperation with a mating socket, allows pluggable connection of a micro device such as a MEMS device connected to a first printed circuit substrate. An outer set of contacts on the interposer provides electrical interconnection between the first substrate and a second substrate located atop the high connection density micro device, thereby effectively sandwiching the micro device between the first and second substrates. The outer set of contacts may be disposed in a circular array.
US07972177B2	Slide clip These objects are attained by a box for connecting an output conductor of a solar panel with a feed cable and that has a flat base mountable on the solar panel and having a first opening for the feed cable and a second opening for the output conductor. A contact mounted on a conductor of the feed cable has a flat connection region extending parallel to the base. A contact clip secures the conductor to the connection region.
US07972176B2	Hardline coaxial cable connector A hardline coaxial cable connector includes a body subassembly, a back nut subassembly and a deformable ferrule disposed within the back nut subassembly. The back nut subassembly is rotatable with respect to the body subassembly and a coaxial cable inserted therein. Axial advancement of the back nut subassembly toward the body subassembly causes the ferrule to deform radially inwardly.
US07972173B1	Dual spring probe coaxial contact system A connector system includes first and second mateable connectors (12, 14) with coaxial contacts, wherein the first connector has movable center and outer contacts (20, 22) that are each biased forward by a separate spring (24, 26) to engage stationary contact pads (34, 36) of the mating second connector. A stationary tubular insulator (100) surrounds much of the movable center contact, and a stationary sheet metal shield (102) lies around the tubular insulator and within the outer contact. The front end of the movable outer contact forms an internal flange (80) with a hole (84) that allows the front end of the movable center contact to pass through. The shield front-end has an internal flange (112) that lies between the front end of the tubular insulator and the movable outer contact internal flange, to maintain a constant impedance through out the first connector.
US07972170B2	Card connector The present invention provides a card connector that can be loaded on a double-sided printed circuit board and allows intergration of components using common components. A first and a second housing 1, 2 have a pair of cranked hook-shaped projections 17. A first and a second covering plate 5, 6 have a cranked hook-shaped opening 57. The first covering plate 5 can be joined to the second housing 2 by reversing in a left-right direction the first covering plate 5. The second covering plate 6 can be joined to the first housing 1 by reversing in a left-right direction the second covering plate 6. The first and the second housings 1, 2, and the first and the second covering plates 5, 6 can be used as common parts, respectively.
US07972169B1	Passive electrical component with a body with I/O structure including ground at two opposite corners of the body The present invention is directed to a corner interconnect component which is a passive filter component. The corner interconnect component includes a body portion having an input structure located at a first corner of the component for receiving an input. At a second corner of the component, diagonally opposite the first corner, the component further includes an output structure for providing an output. The corner interconnect component further includes a conducting portion which is connected to the first and second corners of the body structure. The corner interconnect component is configured such that a plurality of the corner interconnect components may be implemented in a corner-to-corner configuration in a filter structure.
US07972166B2	Waterproof push-in wire connectors A push-in wire connector having a sealant therein to enable formation of a waterproof electrical connection by axial insertion of a wire into a chamber contained an electrical conductor protected by the sealant with the electrical conductor displaceable into a waterproof electrical contact with the wire while both the conductor and the wire remain in the presence of the sealant.
US07972165B1	Apparatus for providing a secure connection between different devices An apparatus for holding at least two devices together is provided with a first securing member, a second securing member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second securing members. The first securing member may be an elongate member having first and second ends such that the elongate member has a length between said first and second ends sufficient to wrap around one of the at least two devices, and the first end of the first securing member having securing means that operates to connect the first end to the second end. The second securing member may receive at least one other of the at least two devices, and may have at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. Each receptacle may receive the at least one other of the at least two devices. The two devices may be one or more cords, extension cords, and electrical plugs.
US07972159B2	Electrical connector for test socket An electrical connector (100) for electrically connecting a Central Processing Unit (CPU) with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), includes a base (2), a plurality of insulative layers (34), a plurality of contacts (4) and a plurality of cams (33). The base defines a cavity (21) and the insulative layers are stacked and received in the cavity. The insulative layers define a plurality of passageways therein. The contacts are received in the passageways of the insulative layers. The cams are rotatable around to push different insulative layers to have different degrees of movement in a predetermined direction.
US07972152B1	Power socket device having rotation-operated switch function A power socket device having a rotation-operated switch function is disclosed, and has a housing, a first conductive frame, a second conductive frame and a plurality of socket units. The housing has recesses, each of which is installed with a socket plate having terminal slots. The first and second conductive frames are mounted in the housing. The socket unit is rotatably installed in the recess and corresponding to the socket plate. The socket unit has a socket housing, an insulating body and terminals. Each of the terminals has one end passing through one of the terminal slots to be in contact with or separated from the first and second conductive frame. Thus, the socket units can be rotated to switch on or off without unplugging the power socket device, so that the operation of the power socket device is relatively simple and labor-saving.
US07972151B2	Electrical connector with improved arrangement of ground and signal contacts An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing having a base portion, a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion, the tongue portion being thinner than the base portion; a metal shell attached to the base portion to enclose the tongue portion to define a receiving room therebetween; a plurality of contacts including a plurality of first contacts and a plurality of second contacts, the first contacts each defining a first contacting arm and a first soldering leg, the second contacts each defining a second contacting arm and a second soldering leg; and wherein the first soldering legs and the second soldering legs are arranged in one row, the contacts at least include a first pair of differential contacts adjacent to each other, a second pair of differential contacts adjacent to each other, a pair of ground contacts adjacent to each other and positioned between the first pair of differential contacts and the second pair of differential contacts.
US07972141B2	Blood pressure simulation apparatus with tactile feedback Many people do not have a physical feeling for what normal and abnormal blood pressure levels mean in relation to the forces exerted on the heart and blood vessels. A blood pressure simulation apparatus provides human subjects a means to physically feel simulated blood pressure levels through tactile feedback. Both normal and abnormal blood pressure cycles are simulated. Interfacing of the apparatus to an electronic blood pressure monitor is provided.
US07972137B2	Anti-microbial dental formulations for the prevention and treatment of oral mucosal disease Compositions and methods are directed to antimicrobial compositions and articles that release ●NO from the composition and/or article in an amount effective to prevent gingival and other oral mucosal diseases.
US07972123B2	Electric compressor An inverter assembly includes a substrate, a capacitor assembly and a coil, a varistor and a base. The base fixes and supports thereto the substrate, the capacitor assembly, the coil, and the varistor, and is detachably fixed together to a first housing with screws.
US07972118B2	Variable capacity compressor The first maximum inclination angle θ1 is a maximum inclination angle of a link member 45 allowed by a clearance between a slit 41s of a rotor 21 and one end 45a of the link member 45; the second maximum inclination angle θ2 is a maximum inclination angle of the link member 45 allowed by a clearance between a slit 43s of a swash plate 24 and the other end 45b of the link member 45; the third maximum inclination angle θ3 is a maximum inclination angle of a first linking pin 46 allowed by a clearance between the first linking pin 46 and a first bearing hole 41a; the fourth maximum inclination angle θ4 is a maximum inclination angle of a second linking pin 47 allowed by a clearance between the second linking pin 47 and a second bearing hole 43a; and the fifth maximum inclination angle θ5 is a maximum inclination angle of the swash plate 24 with respect to the drive shaft 10 allowed by a clearance between the drive shaft 10 and a pair of the tilting guide faces 37, 37. Relations (θ3+θ4)<θ5<θ1, θ2 are established.
US07972117B1	Pump control system for submersible pumps A pump control system for a submersible pump is provided. The system includes a pump controller adapted to activate the pump when water has reached a high threshold level and to deactivate the pump when water has dropped to a low threshold level. The pump controller also incorporates one or more sensing devices that are capable of detecting the presence of a non-conductive fluid in water so that the pump can be deactivated if oil is detected in water. The system further includes an auxiliary control device which is adapted to automatically override the pump controller and de-energizes the pump if the pump remains activated when water drops to a level below the low threshold level.
US07972116B2	Blade for a gas turbine engine A blade for a gas turbine engine includes an aerofoil portion and a root portion defined by concave and convex walls having opposing inner surfaces. A reinforcing member is located between the concave and convex walls and is bonded to the inner surfaces of the concave and convex walls, and the root portion includes an unbonded region in which the reinforcing member contacts an inner surface of one of the concave and convex walls but is not bonded to the concave and convex walls.
US07972113B1	Integral turbine blade and platform A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine, in which the turbine blade includes an airfoil portion with a root having a dovetail shape, and two platform halves that include a dovetail shaped opening within the platform halves to secure the blade root within the platform halves when fastened together. The platform halves have an outer fir tree shaped surface so that the blade assembly can be inserted into a slot within a rotor disk. the blade is uncoupled from the platform in the invention so that the airfoil can be made from a single crystal material with low casting defects because the platform is not cast with the airfoil. the two platform halves include the openings with side walls that are curved to follow the contour of the airfoil root so that the airfoil is secured within the platform halves against all directions of movement. An annular groove extends around the platform opening to provide for a seal to produce a seal between the high pressure cooling air supply passage within the platform and the lower pressure hot gas flow passing through the blade.
US07972111B2	Fan assembly A fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base. The base comprises an outer casing, an impeller housing located within the outer casing, the impeller housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an impeller located within the impeller housing and a motor for driving the impeller to create an air flow through the impeller housing. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the air outlet of the impeller housing and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly. A flexible sealing member is located between the outer casing and the impeller housing.
US07972109B2	Methods and apparatus for fabricating a fan assembly for use with turbine engines A method for fabricating a fan assembly is provided, wherein the method includes providing a rotor having a plurality of rotor blades. At least one rotor blade is fabricated from a frangible material. The method also includes coupling a casing substantially circumferentially about the rotor, and positioning the casing a distance from the plurality of rotor blades. The distance is selected to facilitate increasing an amount of initial resistance created between the casing and the plurality of rotor blades after a bladeout.
US07972108B2	Turbine and hydroelectric power plant for very low head A turbine for a hydroelectric power plant intended to equip a water stream at the level of a very low head lower than 10 meters, and preferably from 1 to 5 meters, comprising a helix-shaped wheel, the ratio between the kinetic energy of the water flow coming out of the wheel and the potential energy of the head being smaller than 20%.
US07972107B2	Device for cooling a turbomachine turbine casing A device for cooling a turbine casing in a turbomachine including a turbine is disclosed. The turbine includes several stages, at least one of the stages includes a nozzle assembly formed of an annular row of fixed vanes and an impeller mounted to rotate in a cylindrical shroud formed of ring sectors fixed to the casing, a cooling circuit including ducts carrying cooling air into cavities formed in the vanes of the nozzle assembly, and an air-carrying arrangement which carries air to casing upstream hooks for suspending the ring sectors.
US07972105B2	Turbine anti-rotating stall schedule A method of starting up a turbine with a compressor have an inlet guide vane, a number of bleed valves, and a number of blades so as to limit the duration in a rotating stall window. The method may include starting rotation of the blades, increasing the speed of the rotation of the blades, closing one or more bleed valves so as to shift the rotating stall window to a higher rotational speed, partially opening the inlet guide vane to a position outside the rotating stall window, and opening the bleed valves while partially closing the inlet guide vane such that the number of blades pass through the rotating stall window.
US07972104B2	Overhead traveling vehicle system A lower buffer 6 is placed under a traveling rail for an overhead traveling vehicle 16, and a side buffer 8 is provided on a side of the traveling rail. The overhead traveling vehicle 16 has a hoisting frame 30, and a lateral feeding unit 24 for laterally feeding the hoisting frame 30.
US07972097B2	Rigid tapping feedback assembly for a milling machine This invention is related to a rigid tapping feedback assembly that is adapted to being retrofit on a milling machine having a spindle with a spindle end extending beyond a bearing cap and an automated drive. In embodiments, the assembly comprising a housing, spindle-pulley adapter that is drivably engaged with the spindle end, pulley assembly, shaft assembly, housing cover plate, and rotary encoder. The housing mounts to the bearing cap and holds the shaft assembly in substantially parallel-spaced alignment with the spindle-pulley adapter. The pulley assembly mechanically links the spindle-pulley adapter and the shaft assembly, typically utilizing pulleys and a timing belt. The housing cover plate mounts to the housing enclosing the assembly components above and supporting the rotary encoder in substantial axial alignment with the shaft assembly. In operation, the rotary encoder senses spindle rotational speed spindle and provides feedback to the automated drive to control downward movement of the spindle.
US07972095B2	Clamping device A temporary securing device for plate-like work pieces includes a split body and an anchor segment, the split body has a resiliently compressible biasing member to allow an outer diameter of the split body to contract allowing passage within a plurality of openings in the work pieces, the split body has an engagement portion near a first end, the engagement portion has an operative surface to engage an outer surface on a first outer work piece, the split body has a second end and a threaded inner support near the second end, the anchor segment is operable to engage an outer surface on a second outer work piece, the anchor segment includes a threaded member to engage the threaded inner support, the threaded member be rotationally operational to draw the split body toward the anchor segment.
US07972094B2	Rotary cutting tool having releasably mounted self-clamping cutting head with locking member A rotary cutting tool having a longitudinal axis defining forward and rearward directions and a direction of rotation, includes a cutting head releasably mounted to a front end of a tool shank. The cutting head includes a cap portion and a rearwardly extending tail portion. The cap portion is provided with a plurality of head segments, each head segment having a rotationally leading end facing the direction of rotation and a rotationally trailing end. The trailing end of each head segment is provided with a locking member which extends in a direction opposite the direction of rotation. The tool shank has a forward end provided with a corresponding plurality of locking recesses opening out to the direction of rotation, and a shank pocket recess. In the assembled tool, the tail portion of the cutting head is received into the shank pocket recess and each of the plurality of locking members is received into a corresponding locking recess.
US07972089B2	Device for enabling the displacement of parts inside a conduit Disclosed is a system of displacing a plurality of parts to be stocked and distributed, each part defining a first end and a second end. The system comprises a conduit, the conduit defining an interior to house an actuation fluid, an axis of displacement in the interior, and an interior surface; and a plurality of devices. Each device includes a periphery configured to contact the interior surface of the conduit and to move along the interior surface, a device first surface approximately perpendicular to the axis of displacement, the device first surface being subject to a pressure of the actuation fluid thereby subjecting the device to displacement in the conduit, a first device-end shaped to receive the first end of a corresponding first part in the plurality of parts, and a second device-end shaped to receive the second end of a corresponding second part in the plurality of parts. The second device-end defines a recess including a bottom surface intersected by the axis of displacement, the recess being configured to center the corresponding second part in the conduit. The device is positioned between the corresponding first part and the corresponding second part in the conduit.
US07972088B2	Conveyor for a preparation machine used to orient objects A conveyor which can be used to route oriented objects, such as caps, covers, lids, etc. from a finishing machine of the type including a belt, a vibrating bowl or other. The conveyor includes a module having a vertical conveyor in the form of a column with an adjustable height and an intermediate conveyor in the form of a casing which is disposed between the finishing machine and the column. In addition, the module includes channel-type devices for guiding the objects and devices for propelling the objects, in the form of jets of air pulsed through eyes. The channel and the eyes form a continuous assembly between the finishing machine and the upper end of the column. The conveyor also includes devices enabling the automatic ejection of objects from grooves provided in the belt of the machine.
US07972075B2	Applicator To provide an applicator in which an application core does not become shaky or unstable even if force in a lateral direction is applied to an application portion of the application core during use, an applicator is provided with a container (1) having an accommodation portion (101) to accommodate a liquid material (10), and an application core (2) supported by a leading end inner portion of the container (1) from an outside and having a communication hole (23) communicated from an inside of the accommodation portion (101) and extending toward a leading end side, the container (1) has a guide tube (102) guiding the liquid material (10) toward a leading end side from an inside of the accommodation portion (101) to be inserted fitly to the communication hole (23) from a rear side, and the application core (2) is supported by the guide tube (102) from a rear side.
US07972071B2	Spool adapter An adapter for a spool includes a body having a first body portion and a second body portion that are slidably joined together. The first and second body portions are slidably adjustable to each other. The first body portion includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface comprising at least one projection adaptable for joining to the spool.
US07972070B1	Impulse actuated MEMS devices An impulse actuated device for, e.g., an optical element of a digital camera, includes an elongated flexure having a first end upon which the optical element is disposed, and an opposite second end fixed so as to constrain the element to move along an arcuate, relatively long first trajectory between opposite initial and final positions, and a short-throw, high force element actuator that includes a stator and a stage supported for movement relative to the stator and along a second trajectory intersecting the first trajectory at the initial position of the element, and an apparatus for accelerating the stage along the second trajectory and against the element such that at least some of the momentum of the stage is imparted to the element and causes the element to move along the first trajectory and from the initial position to the final position.
US07972067B2	Fiber optic connector assembly A fiber optic connector assembly includes a coupling interface component, a connector housing, and an optical fiber connector. The coupling interface component extends along a center axis from a back end to a coupling end and includes an interior chamber. The connector housing is disposed within the interior chamber of the coupling interface component. The optical fiber connector is joined to an optical fiber and is interconnected with the connector housing. The optical fiber connector is configured to optically couple the optical fiber with a mating connector. The coupling interface component engages the connector housing and the mating connector and prevents movement of the connector housing relative to the coupling interface component and the mating connector.
US07972063B1	Inflatable beverage insulator A beverage insulator as described herein may comprise a generally hollow body having an interior space, wherein the interior space is adaptable to receive at least a portion of a beverage container, and a compartment disposed exteriorly of and in fluid communication with the interior space. The interior space and the compartment may be in fluid communication with each other via a valve or other suitable conduit. The interior space may be sized and shaped complementary to a beverage container such that when the beverage container is inserted into the interior space, the compartment is inflated with air or other fluid. Alternatively, a valve may be configured to receive a tube through which a user may blow air or other fluid in order to inflate the compartment. The inflated compartment insulates the beverage container and its contents.
US07972060B2	Dental radiology image sensor with soft overmolding The invention relates to an intra-oral dental radiology sensor. The sensor comprises an electronic image acquisition module and a molded casing made of a hard plastic which is locally provided with overmoldings made of a softer plastic having the consistency of smooth rubber, covering the hard plastic in areas located on the outside of the casing and corresponding to projecting angular portions of the hard plastic, and also in areas located inside the casing at places where the electronic module may bear. The soft plastic is preferably a copolymer of the SEBS (styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene) type whereas the hard plastic is preferably a polyamide. The patient's comfort is improved and the module is better protected against shocks without increasing its size.
US07972052B2	Backlight unit A backlight unit including a light guide panel which has opposite upper and lower faces, and guides light, introduced into an inside thereof, between the upper and lower faces through internal reflection, and a prism sheet which collects and transmits the light, introduced from the light guide panel, and has, on its surface, a plurality of prism patterns, each having a first main inclined face, to which light introduced from the light guide panel is incident, a second main inclined face having a curvature or a plane which reflects light incident from the first main inclined face, and two auxiliary inclined faces which are opposite to each other between the first and second main inclined faces, and define a side face of the prism pattern.
US07972051B2	Double-sided backlight and assembly incorporating a double-sided light source coupling light guide Described are a backlight, a backlight assembly for use in an electronic device and an electronic device configured to activate the backlight's first light source and to activate the backlight's second light source independently of one another. The described double-sided backlight may illuminate either the primary display or the secondary display. The disclosed backlight includes two light sources, each used to direct light in opposite directions from the double-sided backlight. The light guide of the backlight is configured to direct light from the first light source in a first direction to exit the light guide via its first face, and to direct light from the second light source in a second direction different from the first direction to exit the light guide via its second face.
US07972050B2	Display apparatus having right-hand and left-hand illumination units The invention relates to a display apparatus with a display unit, having means for background lighting at the back of the display apparatus. According to the invention, the means for background lighting comprise two illumination units being provided at the right-hand and left-hand of the display apparatus, said illumination units being formed as substantially vertically positioned, longitudinal light guides comprising means for coupling out light, each of the light guides being provided on at least one of its ends with a light source. The light sources preferably comprise coloured LEDs.
US07972049B2	Vehicle lighting device A vehicle lighting device is provided, and includes a mount member, a semiconductor-type light source, a reflector, and screws. Mounting boss portions in which the screws are to be threaded are provided at the mount member. At the reflector, through holes into which the screws are to be inserted are provided for the mounting boss portions. A hollow axle portion, which rotatably engages with one of the mounting boss portions from the outside, is provided at an edge of one of the through holes of the reflector. As a result, this vehicle lighting device allows the reflector to be mounted on the mount member having the semiconductor-type light source mounted thereon, without the semiconductor-type light source and the reflector interfering with each other.
US07972045B2	Automatic headlamp control system A vehicle headlamp control system includes an imaging sensor and a control. The control processes data from the imaging sensor and generates at least one control output. Selection of a high beam state and a low beam state for a vehicle headlamp is responsive to the control output, and is determined responsive to a detection of an object of interest. The control is responsive to a signal indicative of a vehicle speed of the controlled vehicle, and inhibits adjustment of the vehicle headlamp from a low beam state to a high beam state when the vehicle speed is below a threshold speed level. The control is responsive to data indicative of a vehicle trajectory of the controlled vehicle, and inhibits adjustment of the vehicle headlamp from a low beam state to a high beam state when a radius of curvature of the vehicle trajectory is below a threshold value.
US07972043B2	Built-in light fixture The present invention relates to a built-in light fixture to be fitted in a suspended ceiling or similar, with a mounting ring (4) insertable into an opening in the ceiling and fixable by holding elements (6) and a light unit (3) which is attached in particular releaseably to the mounting ring (4), wherein fixed to the mounting ring (4) is a support frame (13) which defines a mounting space for the light unit (3) and has on its upper side facing away from the mounting ring (4) attachment means (18) for fixing the light unit (3) onto the support frame (13).
US07972041B2	Light emitting diode package and light guide pipe and backlight module and liquid crystal display device using the same A light emitting diode (LED) package includes a base, a body and several LED chips. The body having an end surface is disposed on the base. A peripheral recess is formed in the end surface. The LED chips are disposed on a bottom of the peripheral recess for providing sidelight of the LED package. The LED package is connectable to a light guide pipe including a column having an external circumferential surface and an internal reflection surface, and a plurality of prism structures disposed between or on at least one of the external circumferential surface and the internal reflection surface for scattering light received by the light guide pipe from the LED package.
US07972039B2	Light guiding diffuser A light guiding diffuser used for assembling with a light emitting diode module to form an illuminating light source. The light guiding diffuser includes an elliptical ring-shaped base portion and a convex portion extended from a surface of the base portion and formed a space with the base portion for accommodating the light emitting diode module. The convex portion has a cross section which has a minimum thickness in a center thereof and the thickness of the cross section continuous increases from the center toward the base portion.
US07972036B1	Modular bollard luminaire louver A modular louver assembly for a bollard luminaire comprises a louver having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening, a heat sink disposed within the opening of the louver and adjacent the lower surface, a plurality of LEDs disposed about the heat sink on a lower surface of the louver, and, a lens disposed beneath the heat sink.
US07972033B2	Indicator light An indicator light (10) is provided. The indicator light (10) includes a body section (11), a cover section (12) detachably mounted on the body section (11), a printed circuit board (14) received in the body section (11) and a lamp (13) electrically connected to the printed circuit board (14). The lamp (13) faces the cover section (12) guiding lights from the lamp (13) to the body section (11).
US07972025B2	Light emitting diode device A light emitting diode device includes a light emitting diode illumination element, a solar cell unit generating power for the illumination element and a rechargeable cell unit storing the power.
US07972024B2	Illuminating device Disclosed is an illuminating device that includes a light source and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is configured to adapt the light source thereon and is capable of being accommodated within a user's mouth. The mouthpiece includes a switch and a power source. The switch is electrically connected to the light source. The power source is electrically connected to the switch and the light source and is capable of providing electrical power to the light source for illumination. Upon receipt of the mouthpiece within the user's mouth and application of pressure on the switch by the user's teeth, the light source is illuminated.
US07972014B2	Scanning projection apparatus with phase detection and compensation A scanning projection apparatus for displaying image comprises a light source for generating a light beam, a beam scanner which deflects the light beam to project a two dimensional image field, a modulation means for modulating the intensity of the light beam, and a sensor to detect the scanned light beam. The light source may consist of a plurality of semiconductor lasers and/or solid state lasers to generate light beams with wavelengths of red, green and blue colors aligned into a single light path. The image field is divided into an active image field for displaying image and a dark field in the perimeter of the image field wherein the light beam is switched off to reduce inherent image defects. The sensor is positioned outside the active image field to detect a scan line once per image frame to eliminate image distortion due to phase difference between the actual and the predicted positions of the scanned beam, and to detect both the horizontal and the vertical scanning operations of the beam scanner for safety precaution.
US07972009B2	Projector and projection unit A projector includes: a light source which emits light; an image forming unit which forms an image having desired size by using light emitted from the light source; and a projection unit which projects the image formed by the image forming unit on a light receiving surface. The projection unit has a light diffusing member disposed at a position where an intermediate image corresponding to light released from the image forming unit is formed to diffuse the light, and a projection system which projects the light diffused by the light diffusing member on the light receiving surface. Diffusion intensity distribution of light released from a predetermined position of the light diffusing member contains at least two prominences with the center axis of the light interposed between the prominences.
US07972008B2	Projection system using high-frequency drive modulation to reduce perceived speckle An image producing system (1400) delivers images (1414) having reduced speckle by employing one or more drive circuits (1404, 1405, 1406) that deliver both a direct current drive signal (205) and an alternating current drive signal (405) to one or more lasers (1401, 1402, 1403). Specifically, an alternating current drive circuit (403) is used in conjunction with a direct current drive circuit (203) to modulate a drive signal. The modulation can be at a frequency of between 400 MHz and 600 MHz. When lasers, such as the red laser (1401) or the blue laser (1403) of a multi-laser system are modulated in such a fashion, their emitted spectral widths (407) greatly expand, thereby reducing speckle in projected images (1414).
US07972006B2	Apparatus, system, and method for the desktop-based creation, management, and publication of enhanced audiovisual presentations A software apparatus for the user-friendly, desktop-based authoring, creation, management, and publication of a personal, enhanced audiovisual presentation comprising a software program which automatically captures and encodes the audiovisual presentation recorded by the user using the webcam, allows the user to edit an application-imported textual resume and synchronize parts of the textual resume with segments of the recorded audiovisual presentation, assigns a URL to the completed enhanced audiovisual presentation, and. A computer teleprompter especially adapted for use with the disclosed apparatus for desktop-based recording of an enhanced audiovisual presentation comprising a front enclosure with an opening, a webcam mount, a webcam position adjustment knob attached to the webcam mount, a lower mirror, and a beam splitter mirror with a transmission-to-reflection ratio that is adapted for use with a webcam.
US07972005B2	Computer projector method and apparatus having a safety feature for blacking out a portion of the image being projected onto a person A method includes detecting a person located between a projector and a surface on which a first image is projected by the projector, and automatically blacking out a portion of the first image, so that light from the projector does not fall on the face of the person.
US07972004B2	System and method for uniform light generation A system and method for uniform light generation in projection display systems. An illumination source comprises a light source to produce colored light, and a scrolling optics unit optically coupled to the light source, the scrolling optics unit configured to create lines of colored light from the colored light, and to scroll the lines of colored light along a direction orthogonal to a light path of the illumination source. The scrolling optics unit comprises a single light shaping diffuser to transform the colored light into the lines of colored light, an optical filter positioned in the light path after the light shaping diffuser, and a scrolling optics element positioned in the light path after the optical filter. The single light shaping diffuser is capable of simultaneously transforming colored light into lines of colored light having substantially uniform intensity to provide uniform illumination.
US07972003B2	Visible in-vehicle laser beam projection system with controlled trajectories to guide vehicle operator A visible laser beam projection system determines a target point of position to which a visible laser beam is to be projected, a start point and a trajectory from the start point and the target point based on data of conditions inside and outside of a vehicle. The system starts projecting the visible laser beam from the start point, moves the visible laser beam while it is being projected along the trajectory and stops the projection of the visible laser beam. The start point, target point and the trajectory may be changed depending on contents to be indicated.
US07972001B2	Projection illumination device and method for projection visual display system using multiple controlled light emitters having individual wavelengths A method for compensating for a shift in color in a light source and a system of color illumination for a projection visual display (PVD) system. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) field sequentially operating an array of emitters to generate a sequence of light beams, each light beam comprising an uncompensated saturated color, (2) determining a compensated target color from the uncompensated standard color, the compensated target color determined based upon a variation in the uncompensated standard color and variations in at least two other uncompensated standard colors, (3) combining a first light beam of a first color with a second light beam of a second color to produce said compensated target color, the first and second light beams combined in an optical path to travel concurrently, the combination of the first and second light beams resulting in a composite color coordinate and without exceeding the etendue limit and (4) directing the combination of the first and second light beams at the spatial light modulator, said modulator operable to receive the combination and produce a desired color on a display.
US07971996B2	Multi-tint colored ophthalmic lenses for the short-sighted The present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens, having, on its surface, a colorless or yellow, central first zone and at least one peripheral second zone, selectively transmitting visible light having a wavelength of less than 570 nm.
US07971994B2	Electro-active spectacle lenses An adapter for a spectacle frame is disclosed which is configured for enabling the spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein. In particular, the spectacle frame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.
US07971989B2	Printer used with rolled sheet In a printer, a first section is sized to accommodate a rolled sheet therein. A printing head is horizontally movable along a moving path extending in a first direction and operable to perform printing on a part of the rolled sheet which is drawn out from the first section. A second section is provided on a first side of the first section relative to the first direction. A third section is provided on a second side of the first section relative to the first direction opposite to the first side. A control board on which a circuit operable to control an operation of the printer is mounted is disposed in the first section so as to extend vertically. An ink supplying member is disposed in the third section that supplies ink to the printing head. The moving path is longer than a dimension of the first section in the first direction.
US07971982B2	Recording apparatus and inkjet printer having a channel unit and meniscus vibrator A recording apparatus may include a channel unit including a pressure chamber configured to store a liquid, and nozzles. The recording apparatus may include a reservoir unit connected to the channel unit and including a supply port, a drain port, a supply channel communicating with the channel unit, and a drainage channel branching off from the supply channel and communicating with the outside via the drain port. The recording apparatus may include actuators configured to apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber. The recording apparatus may include a meniscus vibrator configured to drive the actuators to vibrate meniscus produced in the nozzles without causing liquid droplets to be ejected therefrom when the liquid supplied from the supply port is being drained from the drain port after traveling through the supply channel and the drainage channel.
US07971980B2	Solid ink stick with reflection features An ink stick for use in an imaging device comprises an ink stick body formed of a phase change ink material; and a reflection surface formed in the ink stick body. The reflection surface is configured to receive light from a light source associated with the reflection surface in an ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device. The reflection surface is configured to direct the light from the light source away from or onto one or both a first light detector and a second light detector associated with the reflection surface in the ink delivery system.
US07971972B2	Nozzle arrangement with fully static CMOS control logic architecture A nozzle arrangement for a pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink supply channel; an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel, the ink chamber defining an ink ejection port around which an ink spreading prevention rim is provided; a thermal actuator mechanism arranged in the substrate and configured to eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port, the mechanism having a thermal actuator arm adapted to deflect as a result of relative thermal expansion; and control logic architecture provided on the substrate for controlling the thermal actuator arm. The architecture has a plurality of successive shift registers, a transfer register for receiving data output from a last shift register, and a firing control gate. The firing control gate has an enabling input and a gate data input for receiving an output from the transfer register. The gate operatively drives the thermal actuator according to the enabling and gate data inputs. The shift register and transfer register are provided as fully static CMOS.
US07971960B2	Printhead integrated circuit having longitudinal ink supply channels reinforced by transverse walls A printhead integrated circuit that has a plurality of nozzles formed on a frontside of a monolithic wafer substrate, the nozzles being arranged in rows extending longitudinally along the substrate. Each nozzle has a respective nozzle inlet extending partially through the monolithic wafer substrate. The integrated circuit also has a plurality of ink supply channels defined in a backside surface of the monolithic wafer substrate which extend longitudinally along the backside of the substrate. Each ink supply channel is deep enough to meet the nozzle inlets such that ink fed to the backside surface of the substrate is supplied to the nozzles on the frontside. The nozzles supplied with ink from one of the ink supply channels are different to the nozzles supplied with ink by another of the ink supply channels such that different ink colors are simultaneously printed. Each ink supply channel is separated into channel sections by one or more transverse walls that structurally stiffen the monolithic wafer substrate.
US07971957B2	Ink-jet line printer and image forming apparatus using the same An ink-jet line printer (30) is constituted by multiple ink-jet heads (1-1 to 1-3). Actuators (3-1 to 3-3) are arranged so as to be moved between a home position and a print position, and backup mechanisms (2-1 to 2-3) are arranged at home positions. In this ink-jet line printer, the ink-jet heads can be protected and recovered by backup mechanisms, thus making high-speed continuous printing possible. Even though the backup mechanisms are incorporated, a compact apparatus can still be achieved.
US07971956B2	Liquid container Provided herein is a liquid container including a liquid containing portion for containing liquid; and a detection portion which outputs a detection signal having a frequency of about 1/odd number of a frequency of a detection signal output when the amount of liquid contained in the liquid containing portion is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, when the amount of liquid contained in the liquid containing portion is greater than the predetermined amount.
US07971950B2	Method of controlling printhead A method is provided of controlling a printhead having nozzles which discharge ink by application of a firing pulse to respective actuators. The actuators are connected in groups to a power source which applies the firing pulses. In the method firing pulses are applied to each group of the actuators in turn to discharge ink from the nozzles in each group. The firing pulses are applied to the subsequent groups so that the fired nozzles are physically separated in the printhead as far as possible from the nozzles fired in the immediately prior group and the immediately subsequent group.
US07971946B2	Printer and method for printing A printer includes first and second ink cartridges, a print head having first and second nozzle arrays, first and second ink supply passages having first and second valves, and a connecting passages having a third valve. The first passage connects the first cartridge to the first nozzle array. The second passage connects the second cartridge to the second nozzle array. The connecting passage connects the first and second passages at first and second connecting portions, respectively. The first valve is provided in the first passage between the first cartridge and the first connecting portion. The second valve is provided in the second passage between the second cartridge and the second connecting portion. Both the first and second valves are open and the third valve being closed in a first state. The third valve and either one of the first and second valves are open in a second state.
US07971942B2	Trailer brake system A trailer brake system constructed and arranged to effect the relay of a brake signal from the tractor and an automatically generated brake signal of an electronic control device of the trailer to one or more additional trailers in an expanded vehicle train. In one embodiment, the brake signal is relayed to an additional coupled trailer in the form of an electrical signal via an electrical interface. In another embodiment, the brake signal is relayed to an additional trailer by means of a valve device. In yet another embodiment, the brake signal is relayed to an additional trailer by means of a combination of electrical signal transmission and valve device.
US07971933B2	Handle for infant carrier An infant swing has a base member supported by hanger members for reciprocal movement. The base member is formed with an upwardly extending mounting protrusion that nests into a mating receiver structure formed on the bottom of the seat carrier. A latch mechanism carried by the seat carrier is selectively operable to disengage a pivoted, spring-loaded latch member mounted on the base member mounting protrusion. The seat carrier is formed with a pivoted lift handle that provides a dual lift function, including the normal lift function associated with the lift handle being raised into the upright operative position. The lift handle is formed with grip openings adjacent the pivot connection of the lift handle such that the grip handles are rotated for access when the lift handle is lowered to the folded position to enable the seat carrier to be lifted by grasping the two transversely spaced grip openings.
US07971932B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat 1 includes a seat back 3, a seat unit 2 for supporting the seat back 3, and a rotary damper 5 for interconnecting the seat back 3 and the seat unit 2, and for tilting the seat back 3 backward while absorbing energy generated by a load when the load is applied to the seat back 3 backward, the load having a predetermined strength or more.
US07971930B2	Table and bench system A picnic table may include a table and one or more seat members disposed about the table. One end of each seat member is preferably pivotally attached to the table by a support structure so that the seat member may pivot or rotate between various positions relative to the table top. One or more feet may be connected to the support structures and the feet may be sized and configured to facilitate movement of the seat members relative to the table top. The picnic table may also include a frame and the frame may include a plurality of elongated support members with a first end and a second end. The elongated support members may be interconnected to form a generally polygon-shaped structure and an end of each support member may extend beyond the perimeter of the generally polygon-shaped structure.
US07971925B2	Air deflector An air deflector adapted to be attached to the upper windshield crossbeam of a convertible vehicle. The air deflector includes a top surface, a front portion, an outer side portion, an inner side portion and a rear wing portion. The rear wing portion extends upwards from the top surface. The air deflector may further include a locking device adapted to lock the air deflector in the locking arrangement for the retractable top.
US07971913B2	Door handle device for vehicle A base member is fixed to a rear surface of a door panel for a vehicle. A grip member is supported on the base member in a tiltable manner. The grip member is arranged on the base member from a front surface of the door panel. A pivot shaft is arranged on the grip member. A shaft supporting member supports the pivot shaft with respect to the base member so that the pivot shaft can pivot relative to the base member. As a result, the grip member is ensurely prevented from becoming loose with respect to the base member in a longitudinal direction of the grip member.
US07971912B2	Quick connector A quick connector with sealing capacity for preventing the leakage and penetration of fuel and the entrance of foreign matters, such as mud, and water past a retainer. The quick connector includes a housing (12) internally provided with first sealing rings (29) and (30) for sealing a gap between the metallic surface of an uncoated end part of a tube (16) and the inside surface of the housing (12), and second sealing rings (33) and (34) for sealing a gap between the surface of a coated part of the tube (16) and the inside surface of the housing (12).
US07971910B2	Conduit to component fitting having a leak detection mechanism A leak detection mechanism for use with a pressurized system that relates generally to an assembly for connecting a conduit to a component. The mechanism utilizes a fluid passageway for detecting a leak or absence of a seal after connecting a conduit to a component such as an expansion valve of a pressurized fluid system. The fluid passageway forms a predetermined leak path enabling fluid flow into or out of the system when an o-ring or other seal means is missing.
US07971902B2	Vehicle occupant restraint system A vehicle occupant restraint system including: a seatbelt device including a shoulder belt portion restraining a part of a vehicle occupant from one of shoulders to a chest, and a lap belt portion restraining a waist of the vehicle occupant; an upper airbag provided in the shoulder belt portion, and configured to be deployed forward from the shoulder belt portion; a lower airbag provided in the lap belt portion, and configured to be deployed forward from the lap belt portion, the deployed upper and lower airbags coming into contact with each other in a vertical direction; and a movement restraining portion restraining relative movement of the deployed upper and lower airbags in a front-rear direction, extending downward from a lower side of the deployed upper airbag, and positioned in the rear of the deployed lower airbag.
US07971900B2	Side airbag apparatus for vehicles A side airbag apparatus provided with an airbag cushion installed in an armrest side portion of a seat frame of a vehicle, may include an airbag module having the airbag cushion therein; and a strap fastened at a first end portion thereof to a portion of the airbag cushion and fastened at a second end portion thereof to the seat frame or a bolster support wire frame, the strap surrounding a front portion of the seat frame.
US07971894B2	Device for swivel joint coupling, particularly for semi-trailers A device for the active damping of swivel joint couplings, particularly for semi-trailers, articulated buses, and rail vehicles. The device serves to avoid or reduce dynamic driving instabilities known as yaw, sliding, rocking, oversteering, and jack-knife effects in curves, in lane changes, for example in construction sites, in the case of uneven road contact, and in the case of uneven load distribution, for example in semi-trailers. The damping device includes primarily a rotational assembly (5, 12) and a friction brake (9) which is applied front inside to outside within the rotation assembly. The friction brake minimizes or avoids rotational movements of the vehicle about the vertical axis (10) of the vehicle. The damping moment created by the brake (9) is electronically controlled according to the present driving condition.
US07971891B2	Boarding and/or access aid for passenger vehicles A boarding and/or access aid for vehicles with passenger carrying service contains a frame with two parallel side parts (4) connected by an end profile (5), contains a step plate (2) supported in the side parts (4) in such a manner that it can be retracted and extended, and contains drive means comprising a drive motor (10) for the step plate (2). According to the invention the drive means contains two drive elements (19) designed as a chain or belt and associated one of the two side parts (4), which drive elements are arranged between guide tracks (9) and outer walls (4c) of the associated side parts (4), have a driving connection to the step plate (2) and are guided over a deflection roller (18) and a drive roller (17) connected to the drive motor (10).
US07971890B2	Independent suspension assembly An independent suspension assembly having a wheel support member and upper and lower control arms that is well adapted for use with the front steerable wheels of a large truck. The upper and lower control arms are each pivotally secured to the wheel support member at a first location on the control arm and pivotally supported relative to the frame at a second location on the control arm. The wheel support member is vertically displaceable relative to the frame by pivotal movement of the upper and lower control arms relative to both the frame and wheel support member. A leaf spring and an air spring may be positioned between the lower control arm and frame to communicate loads therebetween. A vertically extending linkage member may be disposed between the lower control arm and frame. The lower control arm may extend across the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle below the engine.
US07971888B2	Suspension system for vehicle A suspension system for a vehicle may include a torsion beam disposed along width direction of the vehicle and including an attaching portion formed to an end portion thereof, a trailing arm disposed to the attaching portion of the torsion beam and aligned along length direction of the vehicle, wherein one end portion of the trailing arm is coupled to a wheel and the other end portion of the trailing arm is connected to a vehicle body, and a stiffener connecting the attaching portion of the torsion beam and the trailing arm disposed between the stiffener and the attaching portion of the torsion beam.
US07971886B2	Steering for towed implements An implement includes a caster wheel pivotally attached to the implement to support the implement for movement. A steering link is engaged with the caster wheel, and an actuator is operative to move the steering link from a neutral position to a controlling position. When the steering link is in the neutral position, the caster wheel can pivot about the caster axis through a 360 degree pivot range. When the steering link is moved to the controlling position, the caster wheel is oriented to roll toward a first side of the implement.
US07971881B2	Apparatus and method for automatically shuffling cards An apparatus and method of automatically shuffling a deck of playing cards is described. The apparatus includes three compartments disposed laterally with respect to each other and at least one compartment movable vertically with respect to another other compartment. Cards placed in one of the compartments are dispensed into the other two compartments so as to cut or strip the deck, and are returned to the original compartment by interleaving cards from the other compartments. The process may be repeated to substantially randomize the deck for use in playing a game of cards. The cards may be removed either through a top aperture through which the cards were introduced into the apparatus or using a removable tray.
US07971879B2	Gaming machine with superimposed display image A spinning reel slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information.
US07971877B2	Transfer out device A device to transfer printed products out of the transport channel of a gathering and collating machine in which the printed products are transported in a clocked flow comprises an arrangement for transferring the printed products in a downward direction out of the transport channel. The printed products are preferably removed through an opening in a bottom part of the transport channel, wherein the opening is provided with a flap that can be pivoted downward and away from a product guide wall of the transport channel for the transfer out of a printed product.
US07971875B2	Sheet accumulation apparatus and image formation apparatus including the apparatus A sheet accumulation apparatus includes a tray moving device elevatably provided at an apparatus frame and having a fork member; a tray device detachably attached to the fork member; a driving device for elevating the tray moving device; and a carrier device having a hand truck frame with a fork member. An operation handle is connected to the hand truck frame for accommodating the tray device separated from the tray moving device to transport the tray device from the tray moving device. The tray moving device and the carrier device are structured so that the tray device is transferred between the tray moving device and the carrier device at an attachment/detachment position at which the tray moving device is lowered.
US07971874B2	Printing assembly for printing and binding pages Provided is a printing assembly for printing and binding pages. The assembly includes pinch rollers for feeding a sheet of paper into the assembly, and a printhead arrangement arranged after the rollers for printing on the paper. The assembly also includes an adhesive applicator arranged after the printhead for applying adhesive to the printed paper, as well as a binding press arranged after the applicator for binding printed sheets of paper together.
US07971866B2	Sheet-feeding scanning apparatus having mechanism for feeding business card A sheet-feeding scanning apparatus having a business card feeding mechanism is provided. The sheet-feeding scanning apparatus includes a scanning module, an ordinary document input tray, an ordinary document pick-up roller assembly, an ejecting tray, a transfer channel, a plurality of transfer rollers, a business card input tray, and a business card pick-up roller assembly. The business card input tray has a business card support plate. In a case that a jam event occurs, the business card support plate may be swung for facilitating removing the jammed business card.
US07971864B2	Positioning method and device for columnar structure The method and the device for positioning a columnar structure which can promote properties of the resulting columnar structure, such as thermal shock resistance, isostatic strength, thermal stress, mechanical stress, and the like, and can exhibit improved productivity due to excellent drying performance of the coated areas by approximation of the central axis of the columnar structure and the central axis of the seat, thereby flattening the coating thickness when a coating is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the columnar structure, are provided. After causing the positioning fixture to abut on the seat mounting the columnar structure thereon, the columnar structure is moved from the seat using a positioning adjustment fixture placed opposing the positioning fixture, while keeping the columnar structure to abut on the positioning adjustment fixture at one or two points, thereby causing the columnar structure to abut on the positioning fixture.
US07971861B2	Safe liquid source containers Containers for providing vapor phase reactant from liquid sources include bubbler designs and designs in which carrier gas flows over the liquid surface. Among the bubbler arrangements, a bypass conductance is provided to release excess pressure from the gas volume inside the container, or an enlarged bubbler tube is provided with a volume sufficient to accommodate all possible liquid backflow without having the liquid exit the container. Among the overflow designs, flow dividers provide a tortuous path for the gas to increase the time exposure of carrier gas packets to the evaporating liquid surface. The flow dividers can be microporous to encourage capillary action, thereby increasing the evaporating surface. The tortuous gas flow path can be separated from the liquid phase by a breathable semi-porous membrane that permits vapor phase reactant to pass through but prohibits liquid from passing in the other direction.
US07971860B1	System and method for repairing or servicing a misting array assembly of an abatement system Various methods and apparatus are disclosed that relate to one or more aspects of an abatement system that removes heat and/or one or more byproducts of combustion from a gas flow. In various aspects a misting array assembly is provided that includes at least one nozzle tubing having at least one nozzle coupled thereto.
US07971858B2	Variable venturi carburetor A carburetor includes a main body defining a bore, a main passage and a venturi defined within the bore, and a fuel nozzle carried by the main body and including a fuel nozzle outlet communicating with the venturi. The carburetor may also include a valve member translatable across an axis of the bore, such that in a closed state, the valve member closes the main passage but maintains the venturi at least partially open. The carburetor may also include a needle valve disposed at an end of the fuel nozzle substantially opposite of the fuel nozzle outlet to variably control flow of fuel into a fuel nozzle inlet, and a needle valve transmission may be coupled between a throttle shaft and the needle valve to convert rotation of the throttle shaft to translation of the needle valve.
US07971851B2	Torque balance servo including electromagnetic force bias mechanism A torque balance servo is provided for use in conjunction with a fluidly-controlled device. The torque balance servo includes a pivoting table assembly and an electromagnetic force bias mechanism. The pivoting table assembly includes: (i) a pivoting table configured to pivot about a rotational axis, and (ii) a roller assembly mechanically coupled to the fluidly-controlled device and contacting a surface of the pivoting table. The electromagnetic force bias mechanism is disposed proximate the pivoting table assembly and configured to exert a variable torsional force about the rotational axis of the pivoting table.
US07971849B2	Recirculating valve A recirculating valve according to the present invention comprises a fuel supplying passage in fluid communication with a fuel tank and an engine, a return passage in fluid communication with the engine and the fuel tank, a communication passage in fluid communication with the fuel supplying passage and the return passage. A temperature sensitive displacement portion that is provided in the fuel supplying passage and displaces in accordance with the fuel temperature. An on-off valve closes the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is above a first prescribed temperature, and opens the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is below a second prescribed temperature, in accordance with a displacement of the temperature sensitive displacement portion.
US07971847B1	Roof rack and roof rack system for a portable shelter According to the present invention, a rook rack and a system of multiple roof racks of the present invention may be used to securely support equipment, such as, but not limited to, a satellite, to the roof of a portable shelter. The roof rack of the present invention generally comprises a crossbar and a pair of side supports coupled to each end thereof. A roof rack system of the present invention comprises at least two of these roof racks. The present invention further relates to a method of securing equipment to the roof of a portable shelter. This method comprises first providing a roof rack, and assembling and securing the same to the roof. After the roof rack system is secured to the roof of the portable shelter, the equipment, or an equipment platform, is placed on the crossbars and secured in its position by securing means, such as one or more clamps.
US07971846B2	Constant bearer The invention relates to a constant bearer for moving loads, especially pipelines and similar, comprising a fastening part, a load-bearing part, and a spring system located between the fastening part and the load-bearing part for generating a constant bearing force, where the spring system displays a main spring assembly absorbing the load and a compensating device to compensate for changing spring forces of the main spring assembly.With the objective of more easily transmitting the forces of the spring assembly and enabling improved compensation for the changing forces of the main spring assembly, two basic embodiments are proposed as a solution, where, in the first embodiment, an auxiliary spring assembly, as part of the compensating device, and the main spring assembly are located roughly perpendicularly to the bearing force, at least one cam part facing the main spring assembly is provided on the load-bearing part guided in sliding fashion over a travel path in the bearing force direction, and a load side of the main spring assembly is supported on the cam part of the load-bearing part. In the second embodiment, the auxiliary spring assembly is dispensed with and compensation for changing spring forces over a spring excursion is achieved via a cam part 13 with cam lever.
US07971843B2	Longitudinal guide for motor vehicle seats which are adjustable in a longitudinal direction and also removable A longitudinal guide for motor vehicle seats having a bottom rail and a seat rail that are displaceable with respect to each other in one longitudinal direction. The motor vehicle seats are adjustable in a longitudinal direction and are also removable from the longitudinal guide. Detents are formed in the bottom rail. The seat rail comprises a base part and a supporting part. The base part has at least one front and at least one rear transverse bolt, which cooperate with the detents. The base part is adjustable with respect to the supporting part between a lower position, in which the transverse bolts are not engaged with the detents, and an upper position, in which the transverse bolts engage detents. Only in the lower position is the seat rail displaceable with respect to the bottom rail.
US07971842B2	Swivelable sign hanging arrangement A swivelable support assembly for angularly adjustably supporting a sign from an overhead support rail. The support assembly comprises an elongated upper wing attachable to the overhead rail. An elongated lower wing is swivelably attached to the upper wing, the sign being secured to the lower wing. The lower wing has a housing with an alignment port therein for facilitating entry of a lift pole therein.
US07971841B2	Motorcycle saddlebag wall hanger A motorcycle saddlebag hanger is described which includes a vertically disposed support which is secured to a wall or which may be free standing. The hanger includes two identical structures formed thereon for supporting a pair of motorcycle saddlebags when the saddlebags have been removed from a motorcycle. The saddlebags are secured to the hanger utilizing the hardware which normally secures the motorcycle saddlebags to the motorcycle. The hanger may also be free standing. Further, the hanger may be a two-component hanger so that the saddlebags may be positioned in either a vertically spaced-apart manner or in a horizontally spaced-apart manner.
US07971833B2	Cable protection and guide device A cable protection and guide device in which wear damage in mounting portions of a mounting bracket is avoided and the mounting bracket is reliably and strongly mounted so that the cable is smoothly protected and guided. The mounting operation of the bracket is easy. A cable protection and guide device includes a mounting bracket having a mounting hole which surrounds and accommodates a tap bolt. A threaded portion 162 of the tap bolt includes a metallic bush 170 and the length H1 of the metallic bush 170 in a bolt inserting direction is shorter than the length H2 of the mounting hole 143 in a bolt inserting direction.
US07971828B2	Aircraft fuel tank and inerting system therefor An inerting system for an aircraft fuel tank (10) uses an air separation device (12) to produce a supply of nitrogen-enriched air to replenish the fuel tank on consumption of fuel and to maintain the pressure difference across the walls of the tank (10) below design limits. The air separation device (12) provides substantially the whole of the mass of the gas required and so there is substantially no inward venting. This provides a substantially homogenous nitrogen content in the air in the tank (10).
US07971826B2	Engine assembly for an aircraft comprising an engine as well as an engine mounting structure for such an engine An aircraft engine assembly including an engine, an engine suspension pylon, and a heat exchanger system including an outlet located between the box and the engine, aft from the aft engine suspension. Furthermore, the outlet of the heat exchanger system is provided on an outlet pipe connected to the exchanger and passing through a structural block fixed on a box, between the box and the engine.
US07971822B1	Pivotal yarn package holder A yarn package holder including a support post, a latch block coaxially disposed on the support post and selectively rotatable thereon, a rotatable support block coaxially disposed on the support post above the latch block, a cone holder extending laterally from the support block, a collar coaxially disposed on the support post above the support block and selectively rotatable thereon and stop means extending upwardly from the support block and cooperating with a stop extension extending from the collar to stop rotation of the support block.
US07971820B2	Webbing take-up device A webbing take-up device comprising: a take-up shaft that takes up a webbing belt; a metal frame that axially supports the take-up shaft; and a lock mechanism comprising a lock plate that blocks rotation in the pullout direction of the webbing of the take-up shaft by engaging the take-up shaft directly or indirectly. The lock plate is formed by performing press-punch and press-bend processing on a metal plate and has a connecting portion formed so that one end side thereof is continuous with a lock, which engages the take-up shaft. The connecting portion spans between one side and the other side of the frame.
US07971819B2	Wire depositing apparatus A wire depositing apparatus of the type providing for deposition of the wire, such as welding wire, steel wire with low carbon content, stainless steel wire, core wire or aluminum wire wrapped in a loop, inside a drum. The wire depositing apparatus consists essentially of two parts and more precisely a first part wherein are positioned the capstans for driving and drawing the wire, as well as a device, known as a flyer, which provides for depositing and winding the wire inside the drum. The drum to be filled with the wound wire is set and manipulated in the second part of the depositing apparatus. The flyer, in addition to a rotation movement about its vertical axis, is provided with a vertical reciprocating rectilinear movement.
US07971816B2	Crushing apparatus for demolition or similar works A crushing apparatus for demolition works includes a main body having a connecting portion intended to be connected to the end of a handling arm, and at least a swingable jaw articulated to the main body at a distal portion with respect to the connecting portion, which is adapted to allow, during a demolition work, that a member to be demolished is grasped. Actuator devices are interposed between each swingable jaw and the main body, which are intended to control the movement of the respective jaw. The apparatus also includes percussion devices adapted to carry out an action of percussion on a member to be demolished, which it is grasped by said at least one jaw.
US07971814B2	Non-symmetrical airlock for blowing wool machine A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a shredding chamber having an outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber and is configured for distributing the blowing wool into an airstream. The discharge mechanism includes a housing and a plurality of sealing vane assemblies mounted for rotation. The housing has a wrap angle of approximately 240°. The sealing vane assemblies are configured to seal against the housing as the sealing vane assemblies rotate. The housing includes an eccentric segment extending from the housing. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism. The sealing vane assemblies become spaced apart from the housing as the sealing vane assemblies rotate through the eccentric segment.
US07971813B2	Blowing machine for loosefill insulation material A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool includes a chute configured to receive the bag, a shredder mounted at an outlet end of the chute and configured to shred the bag and to pick apart the blowing wool, a rotatably mounted ripper, distinct from the shredder, mounted to rip apart a portion of the bag, and a blower for distributing the blowing wool and shredded bag into an airstream.
US07971810B2	Food waste disposer with PWM based control of grinding profile A food waste disposer has a motor driven with pulse width modulation (“PWM”). A grinding profile is controlled based on PWM values of the PWM controller driving the motor. In an aspect, controlling the grinding profile includes varying the speed of the motor based on the PWM values. In an aspect, the grinding profile is initiated after the food waste disposer is started and a PWM value exceeds a set value indicating the presence of a grinding load in a grinding section of the food waste disposer. In an aspect, it is determined that the grinding load has been sufficiently ground once the PWM value does not exceed a first set value after the grinding profile has been initiated. In an aspect, corrective action is initiated when the PWM value exceeds the set value after a predetermined period of time.
US07971809B2	Fibrous materials and composites Methods of making fibrous materials are disclosed that include shearing a fiber source to provide a first fibrous material, and passing the first fibrous material through a first screen. Also, composites are disclosed that includes a fibrous material, a resin and a dye.
US07971806B2	Poppet check valve for air-assisted spray gun An air-assisted sprayer comprises a platform, a fluid cup, an air reservoir, a spray cap, a pressure line, a fluid reservoir and a poppet valve. The fluid cup is connected to the platform to hold a volume of fluid. The air reservoir extends through the platform and is configured to receive pressurized air. The spray cap is connected to the platform to receive pressurized air from the air reservoir. The pressure line connects the air reservoir with the fluid cup to pressurize the volume of fluid. The fluid reservoir extends from the fluid cup to the platform to provide pressurized fluid to the spray cap. The poppet valve is in fluid communication with the pressure line between the volume of fluid and the air reservoir to prevent fluid from entering the air reservoir.
US07971805B2	Atomizer The invention relates to an atomizer and method of operation for an atomizer having an application element for applying a spray of coating medium on a component to be coated and at least one integrated shroud air nozzle for delivering conditioned shroud air which at least partially surrounds the spray of the coating medium.
US07971803B1	Portable sprayer having automated pressurizing means The portable sprayer having automated pressurizing means includes a canister, air compressor, and battery compartment. In an alternative embodiment a pair of fold out wheels can extend and retract from underneath the canister to improve the overall mobility of the sprayer. In yet another embodiment, the canister includes an optional manual pump to use in the event the batteries lose their charge. In all embodiments, a cover screws onto a top of the canister to enable refilling of the canister.
US07971799B2	Heating assembly for a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning installation for a vehicle cabin The invention is directed to a heating assembly comprising, in combination, a main radiator (1) for fluid flow and an electric radiator. The latter is disposed on one face of the main radiator (1) defining its general plane, and consists of a plurality of independent heating elements (6). Each of these heating elements (6) comprises an elementary electrical heating body (7), having connecting means (31, 31′) for connection to an electrical power source, and a finned element (8). These heating elements (6) are assembled on a connecting structure of the electric radiator on the face of the main radiator (1).
US07971798B2	Resettable thermal pressure relief device A resettable thermal pressure relief device (TPRD) is disclosed. The TPRD includes a piston, a housing adapted to receive the piston and allow movement between an open and a closed position. The housing includes an actuator having a temperature sensitive material disposed therein. The temperature sensitive material volumetrically expands, increasing a length of the actuator and forcing a lever from a first position to a second position. The piston is held in the closed position by the lever in the first position. When the lever moves to the second position, the piston is allowed to move to the open position, allowing a fluid to flow through the TPRD from a high pressure vessel in communication therewith.
US07971797B2	Thermostat valve A thermostatic valve comprising a valve head and a flat, annular, elastomeric sealing element at the valve head, a valve spring mechanically biasing the valve member against a valve seat and a temperature-sensitive expansible element the valve member displacing the valve member against the valve spring, characterized by the valve head comprising at its circumference an annular groove, the flat annular sealing element being stamped out of an elastomer which swells in the presence of water, in particular an EPDM material, and exhibiting a thickness which is equal to or slightly less than the width of the annular groove.
US07971796B2	Control device for conserving energy of a water heater The control device for conserving energy for heating water contained in a water heater (30) comprises an electronic detection device (21) for measuring the quantity of hot water remaining in the tank (2), the electronic detection device (21) consisting of a capillary tube (10) containing a heat transfer fluid and an amplification device (15) placed outside the tank (2) of the water heater (30) and connected to an electronic control card (26), the amplification device (15) being suitable for transmitting a variation in resistance to the electronic control card (26) under the effect of the expansion of the fluid contained in the capillary tube (10) and control means (50) connected to the electronic control card (26) for determining the hot water consumption profile of the users in order to control the period or periods of resumption of the heating of the water in the tank (2).
US07971791B2	Multi-function card device A multifunction card device has an external connection terminal, an interface controller, a memory, and the security controller connected to the interface controller and the external connection terminal. The interface controller has a plurality of interface control modes, and controls an external-interface action and a memory interface action by the control mode according to the instruction from the outside. The external connection terminals have an individual terminal individualized for every interface control mode, and a communalized common terminal. A clock input terminal, a power supply terminal, and an earthing terminal are included in the common terminals. A data terminal, and a dedicated terminal of the security controller are included in the individual terminals. Partial communalization and individualization of an external connection terminal attain a guarantee of the reliability of an interface, and increase control of physical magnitude to some kinds of interface control modes. The security process by a security controller independent interface can also be guaranteed.
US07971790B2	Laser pointer with controllable pattern and size of projected image A laser pointer includes a human-machine interface disposed above the housing for users to control components inside the housing to decide patterns and size of the projecting image. The components consist of a frequency/phase control module, a driving energy control module, a laser beam generating module and a light scanning device. The frequency/phase control module controls the driving energy control module while the driving energy control module controls driving energy of the light scanning device. The size of the image is controlled by change of the amplitude of the light scanning device while the amplitude is changed along with the driving energy. The amplitude may also change along with the driving frequency. When the driving energy is fixed and the driving frequency is close to the resonant frequency, the amplitude increases. On the contrary, the amplitude decreases.
US07971784B2	Sensing device with mode changes via nib switch A sensing device for enabling a user to interact with a computer system. The sensing device is operable in a cursor control mode and a substrate-interaction mode. The sensing device includes: a nib; a nib switch configured to effect a mode change between the cursor control mode and the substrate-interaction mode; an optical sensor for sensing coded data printed on a substrate; a processor for generating cursor control data or interaction data; and a transceiver for communicating the cursor control data or the interaction data to a computer system. The cursor control data initiates a cursor control response in the computer system, while the interaction data initiates a substrate interaction response in the computer system.
US07971778B2	Transaction data capture system and method therefor A transaction data capture system comprises a data capture interface, a portable data capture module (herein, the “PDCM”), and a data transfer interface. Transaction data from an electronic transaction device that would normally be directed to a paper printer is sent to the data capture interface and written to the PDCM. A data transfer interface formats the captured and stored transaction data for import into a software application operating on a computing device. The software application is selectable by a user of the computing device.
US07971777B2	Clothes treating apparatus A clothes treating apparatus is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clothes treating apparatus which includes a RFID reader capable of reading information of clothes with RF tags such that the information of the clothes may be identified via an external computer. According to the clothes treating apparatus, the RFID reader is used and the information on treating states or positions of the clothes is identified via an external computer or display device. As a result, it can be simple to manage each item of clothes. Furthermore, the information on the treating states of the clothes may be identified. As a result, troubles of treating the clothes again unnecessarily as well as fabric damage may be saved.
US07971772B2	Method of brazing pipe member to counterpart member A method of brazing a pipe member to a counterpart member includes steps of mounting in a circumferential direction an engaging portion in a ring shape to an outer periphery of the pipe end portion proximate an endmost portion of the pipe member, engaging a brazing-filler-metal-made ring in a ring shape with the engaging portion, inserting the pipe end portion of the pipe member provided with the brazing-filler-metal-made ring into the counterpart member, heating and melting the brazing-filler-metal-made rug with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end portion being in abutment with the inner peripheral surface of the counterpart member, pouring a brazing filler metal into an abutment portion between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end portion and the inner peripheral surface of the counterpart member, and securing by brazing the pipe end portion to the counterpart member.
US07971771B2	Method and device for producing tubular jackets In at least one embodiment, for producing segments of tubular jackets, a strip-shaped sheet material is continuously reshaped transverse to the strip axis into a closed form and following the welding of a longitudinal seam, jacket sections are cut off the jacket strip. In at least one embodiment, a support edge is provided on the inside of the continuously formed jacket strip for the cutting operation, essentially in the form of a closed circle and extending in a normal plane to the longitudinal axis of the jacket strip, which fits directly against the inside of the jacket strip and cooperates with at least one cutting tool. The cutting tool is pivoted into the cutting position during the cutting operation along the support edge, so that a cutting region rotates once around the longitudinal axis. A section of the jacket strip is cut off, wherein during the cutting operation, the support edge and the at least one cutting tool are advanced along with the jacket strip. Following the cutting operation, the at least one cutting tool is moved to a non-contacting position relative to the support edge and together with the support edge is moved counter to the movement of the jacket strip and back to the starting position occupied prior to the cutting operation.
US07971767B2	Driving machine When a push lever is brought in contact with a member to be driven, a second trigger stopper slides and a first trigger stopper slides via a second spring. After a third trigger stopper turns ON a push switch 18 according to sliding of the first trigger stopper, the first trigger stopper further slides and a projecting portion and a projecting portion of a trigger are disengaged from each other, so that the trigger is made rotatable. A trigger switch is turned ON according to rotation of the trigger.
US07971761B1	Apparatus and method for nasal passage rinse An apparatus and method for preparing saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing nasal passages. The apparatus includes a container (10) having sidewalls and opening for a removable cap (13). The cap has an external tapering hollow nozzle (14). The nozzle (14) is inserted into one end of a flexible tube (21). The other end of the tube (21) is inserted into a hollow removable contoured dispenser tip (23) which is shaped to fit a human nostril comfortably. A thin tubular conduit (19) is attached to the cap by means of a fitting (16) and the conduit extends into the container (10) close to its bottom when the apparatus is fully assembled. A saline solution is prepared by adding iodine free common salt to warm distilled or boiled water in the container. After attaching the cap (13) to the container (10) and inserting the dispenser tip (23) into one nostril, a user bends forward and tilts the head to the side of the other nostril and breaths through open mouth. The user then allows the saline solution to flow by gravity through one nostril and come out through the other open nostril, after passing through nasal passages, by holding the container (10) inverted (bottom up cap down) and raising it above the level of nostrils. The rate of flow of the saline solution to the nostril can be controlled by varying the height at which the container is held above the level of nostrils.
US07971760B1	Divot mix dispenser A divot mix dispenser having an annular body sized to mate with a holder mounted to a golf cart. The body includes a spout located at the upper end of the body with the spout having an opening offset from a centerline of the container through which the divot mix flows out of the dispenser. The lower end of the body defines an inlet for removable attachment with a cap so that the cap can be removed to fill the dispenser with divot mix and attached to secure the divot mix within the dispenser.
US07971758B2	Caulk gun A motorized caulk gun has a housing which receives a plunger. The plunger is disposed adjacent to caulk cartridge which is received in the housing. The plunger is movable in a first direction to discharge caulk from the cartridge. A first and second plate moves the plunger rod in a direction to squeeze caulk from the cartridge. A first and second cam act on the plates via a cam follower such that the plates alternately engage the plunger rod to drive it in a forward direction to squeeze caulk from the cartridge.
US07971754B2	Water bath refill system A refill system and method of use for a beverage dispenser. The refill system includes a fill tube coupled to the water bath generally at an upper portion to dispense water into the water bath. The tube is configured for coupling to a dispense nozzle of the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser can be operated to dispense water only when the fill tube is coupled to the nozzle. The beverage dispenser can be controlled to prevent dispensing of product into the water bath when the fill tube is attached to the nozzle. An overflow tube may be provided and may be used to monitor the level of water retained in the water bath.
US07971749B2	Apparatus for releasing tablets from blister packs Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack (3) having a plurality of tablets (41) contained in corresponding blisters (40), the apparatus comprising abutment means (30), receiving means (10, 26) for receiving a blister pack with any selected one of a plurality of blisters of the pack in registry with the abutment means, either one of the abutment means (30) and the receiving means (10, 26) being moveable to cause a collapsing force to be exerted on a selecting blister thereby to release a tablet from the blister, wherein the apparatus includes biasing means (14, 20) for urging the receiving means into engagement with the blister pack, and that the receiving means is so arranged that said engagement releasably retains, and locates, the blister pack in position relative to the abutment means prior to the release of the tablet.
US07971745B2	Smoker's station A disposal unit for discarded smoking products has, a lower tubular section mounted on a base, an upper tubular section with an interior partition to form a closed-bottom receptacle for the discarded smoking products, a removable cap covering an open end of the upper tubular section, and the cap and tubular sections are detachable from one another for emptying the receptacle.
US07971737B2	Adhesively mountable angled wall shelf A wall mountable shelf for storing items in a shower or bath enclosure includes a frame, a base member connected with the frame, a back plate connected with the frame and arranged to support the frame on the wall, and adhesive arranged between the back plate and the wall for securing the shelf to the wall surface. The frame includes a top rail portion, a front rail portion, and a pair of side rail portions connecting the top rail portion and the front rail portion. Each side rail portion includes a back portion extending downwardly from the top rail portion and a bottom portion extending from the back portion to the front rail portion arranged at an angle of less than 90°.
US07971736B1	Magnetic knife holders Magnetic holders for knives or similar objects, formed from boards that are sawed in half lengthwise, to form a front half and a rear half. A shallow wide hole is drilled in the center of the exterior surface of the front half, in which a disk having company logo or other design is inserted. On both sides of the center, evenly-spaced wide holes are drilled from the interior surface of the front half about half-way through, then narrow holes are drilled the rest of the way through from the centers of the wide holes. Coin-shaped magnets are placed in the wide holes, and dowels are placed in the narrow holes to mark the position of the magnets. Knives may be retained on the holder by the magnets at the positions marked by the dowels. The front and rear halves are then glued together, for a seamless look.
US07971734B2	Wafer boat Wafer boat for holding semiconductor wafers in a spaced vertical arrangement during processing, said wafer boat comprising a plurality of vertically spaced holding positions for receiving and supporting said wafers in a substantially horizontal orientation, wherein the holding positions can be accessed from a front side of the wafer boat to allow for insertion and removal of a wafer, wherein at least one holding position comprises a back support for engaging a back side portion of a wafer and two lateral supports for engaging opposite lateral side portions of the wafer, and wherein the back support is disposed at a lower position than said two lateral supports such that sagging of a front side portion of an inserted wafer near the front side of the wafer boat due to gravity is at least partially compensated for.
US07971723B1	Wafer container with oval latch A wafer container including a container body having an opening formed on one sidewall and a door joining with the opening, the characteristic of the wafer container in that: A latch component disposed in a platform of the door comprising an oval cam with an arrester disposed at its center, one surface of the oval cam being disposed with at least a groove, a pair of moving bars respectively having an engaging portion that is engaged in the groove for the pair of moving bars to be engaged with the oval cam, a guiding element disposed at the center of the oval cam, and a long narrow spring framingly disposed on the guiding element, wherein the arrester is used to control the rotation of the oval cam for the moving bars to go to and fro between the pair of socket holes and the pair of latch holes.
US07971719B2	Combination daily reminder and holder for medicinals A product or device for holding medicinals, and serving as a convenient daily reminder to the user to take the medicinals at prescribed periodic intervals. The device comprises a board having ridges or slots on each side, with the ridges or slots arranged in a saw-tooth configuration. Indicia are inscribed on the board to indicate to the user when each medicinal is to be taken. A length of flexible or elastic material is affixed to the board and interwoven on each side of the board along the ridges or slots to hold the medicinals in place until removed by the user.
US07971710B1	Workout schedule fitness band A workout aid including a beverage container, and a band secured about the beverage container, the band comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein at least a portion of the first surface is matingly engaged against the beverage container, a first end and a second end, a means for detachably securing the first end of the band to the second end of the band, and wherein the second surface of the band is opposite from the first surface and has a schedule printed thereon or viewable therethrough, wherein the schedule includes a plurality of cells arranged in at least one column and at least one row.
US07971709B2	Workpiece carrier system and friction conveyor A workpiece carrier system for the loose support on a friction conveyor comprises a displacement element. The displacement element has a friction surface adjacent to drive elements, such as drive rollers of the friction conveyor for displacing the workpiece carrier system. The displacement element is connected with a carrier element for receiving a workpiece. Support elements are connected with the carrier element for absorbing part of the workpiece weight.
US07971707B2	Snap-in wear guide A wear guide assembly for use with a plastic modular conveying belt. The wear guide snap fits into position onto a support channel. The wear guide has a back wall, a first wall extending from the back wall, and a second wall extending from the back wall. The assembly also includes a support channel with a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls have distal portions bordering an opening. The first and second side walls have opposed projections extending from the distal portions that form first and second shoulders.
US07971706B2	Conveyor chain and conveyor chain driving device A conveyor having conveyor chain 100 adapted to be engaged and driven by drums 180 and 190 having spiral flights. The conveyor chain has a number of interconnected conveying modules 120, 140, 150 and 160. Selected modules 120 are aligned in the direction of travel parallel to the axis of rotation of the drums. Each of the aligned modules has a traveling guide socket 122 on the back surface, which engages with flight portions 180a and 190a of the spiral drums, so that the chain is advanced by the rotation of the drums. The modules are rectangular and are interconnected in columns and rows, preferably in a brick pattern.
US07971702B2	Auger hopper support device A hopper support device supports a hopper on an agricultural granular material conveying auger such that the hopper can be readily separated from the auger or the hopper can remain adequately supported on the auger when the auger is displaced. The hopper support device comprises a frame arranged to receive the hopper therein and a mounting member arranged to be mounted on the auger tube to support the frame and the hopper on the auger tube wherein the frame is movable relative to the mounting member between mounted and released positions either by relative sliding in a longitudinal direction of the auger, relative pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis, or both.
US07971701B2	Diagonal sorter In one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to divert articles on the conveyor belt, and a drive mechanism that engages the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being configured to drive the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being adjustable such that the conveyor belt rollers can be selectively driven in a first angular direction and, optionally, a second, opposite angular direction so that articles can be selectively diverted to either side of the conveyor belt at a desired diverting angle. One version of the drive mechanism has drive rollers mounted in cartridges and rack gears engaging pinion gears on the cartridges to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers to drive them in selectively opposite angular directions. Such a conveyor system with a series of sequential roller actuation zones driven by separately actuated drive mechanisms is arranged diagonally to an infeed conveyor and a multi-lane outbound conveyor to realize a switch conveyor.
US07971698B2	Telescopic chute A chute for mechanical guiding of pieces or particles of material comprises two or more separate chute elements which are coaxially mounted above each other and connected by flexible connecting devices and designed to be telescopically mutually stackable. The separate chute elements have two or more replaceable wall elements.
US07971696B2	Dual mass clutch flywheel and clutch, and a method for manufacturing such dual mass clutch flywheel In order to realize an idling disengagement by simple structural means in a dual mass clutch flywheel, a separation is provided between the damper system and spring system of a torsional vibration damper in this dual mass clutch flywheel.
US07971694B2	Automatic transmission and shaft system therefor A shaft system for an automatic transmission includes a stator support shaft having an internal axial bore for receiving an input shaft, a forward engagement portion for engaging a stator of a torque converter of the automatic transmission and an integral stator support flange extending radially outward for engaging a stator support of the automatic transmission and transferring to the stator support substantially all of a torque load imposed on the stator support shaft by the stator. The stator support flange includes at least one oil flow bore positioned therein to supply oil between different components of the transmission.
US07971689B2	Hydraulic caliper brake assembly for a bicycle A hydraulic caliper brake assembly for a bicycle comprises a caliper body; a first chamber installed in the caliper body; a first piston installed in the first chamber; a second piston installed in the first chamber; an inner chamber formed between the first piston and the second piston for receiving brake oil; an outer chamber installed between the second piston and the caliper body for receiving brake oil; and an outer valve installed in the second piston for switching flowing of the brake oil between the inner chamber and outer chamber. When a small force is applied, the brake oil will flow into the inner chamber; by closing the outer valve, the first piston is pushed to have the effect of speed reduction; when the braking force is increased, by opening the outer valve, the second piston is pushed to have the effect of emergent braking.
US07971688B2	Adjustment of transport system parameters using a power model A system and a method for the adaptation of parameters in a transport system involve a power model which describes power flow in the transport system by means of transport system parameters, which include input parameters and status parameters. The system and method also involve the determination of at least a first and a second input parameter, and the power model is updated on the basis of at least the first input parameter. At least one transport system status parameter is adjusted using at least the updated power model and the second input parameter thus determined.
US07971687B2	Elevator belt assembly with noise reducing groove arrangement An elevator load bearing assembly (20) includes a plurality of cords (22) within a jacket (24). The jacket has a plurality of grooves (32, 34, 36, 38 40) spaced along the length of the belt assembly. Each groove has a plurality of portions (50, 52, 54, 56) aligned at an oblique angle (A, B) relative to a longitudinal axis (48) of the belt (20). In one example, the grooves are separated such that there is no longitudinal overlap between adjacent grooves. In another example, transitions (60, 64) between the obliquely aligned portions are at different longitudinal positions on the belt. Another example includes a combination of the different longitudinal positions and the non-overlapping groove placement.
US07971679B2	Power steering system A power steering system for a vehicle is described, wherein a magnetic or electromagnetic actuator, which can be acted on via a controller, is associated with a torsion bar connected to a steering wheel, and by which the torsional stiffness of the system is variable in dependence on the vehicle speed, the steering angle speed and/or the transverse acceleration. In this connection, the electrical power supply of the magnetic or electromagnetic actuator taking place via the controller is interrupted or reduced when a steering angle speed of zero is detected or when a steering angle speed of zero and a vehicle speed of zero are detected.
US07971673B2	Saddle-ride type electric vehicle A saddle-ride type electric vehicle includes an electric motor for generates power for rotationally driving a rear wheel. Foot rests are provided for an occupant seated on an occupant seat. A battery is disposed in a space S surrounded by a down frame which is coupled to a head pipe or to a front end of a main frame and which extends downwardly, pivot frames, and the main frame. Steps disposed to both sides of the battery in planar view are provided to front ends of a pair of left and right step frames coupled to lower portion of the pivot frames, the step frames extending forward and overlapping a rear portion of the battery in planar view. The battery is wider in an area adjacent to the head pipe as compared to the width of the battery in an area adjacent to the steps.
US07971666B2	System and method of extending regenerative braking in a hybrid electric vehicle A method of generating brake force to decelerate a vehicle is provided. The method includes during a deceleration condition, generating brake torque via a downstream electric energy conversion device to generate electric energy storable in the battery; and rotating the internal combustion engine via torque output from an upstream electric energy device to deplete electric energy from the battery.
US07971664B2	Efficient actuation and selective engaging and locking clutch mechanisms for reconfiguration and multiple-behavior locomotion of an at least two-appendage robot The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot.
US07971663B1	Polycrystalline diamond compact including thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond body held in barrier receptacle and applications therefor PDCs including a barrier receptacle that holds a thermally-stable PCD body at least partially within a substrate, and methods of fabricating such PDCs are disclosed. A PDC comprises a substrate including a substrate recess formed therein, a barrier receptacle defining a receptacle recess, and a thermally-stable PCD body including an upper surface, a back surface, and at least one lateral surface. The barrier receptacle is received by the substrate recess. The thermally-stable PCD body is at least partially received by the receptacle recess. Other applications include utilizing the disclosed PDCs in various articles and apparatuses, such as rotary drill bits.
US07971658B2	Chemically Enhanced Stimulation of oil/gas formations Method is provided for drilling of formations containing carbonate minerals with flexible tubing capable of being turned in a very short radius. The very flexible tubing may be placed inside a work string in a well with coiled tubing and a micro-jet bit on the tubing be diverted to a selected direction and depth. Acidic drilling fluid pumped through the micro-jet bit allows high rates of drilling with hydrochloric acid. A slip joint between coiled tubing and the flexible tubing may be used to allow jet drilling without movement of the coiled tubing and use of a jet bit with forward-facing jets. Mixing of acid and base solutions downhole may be used to provide hotter acid solutions for drilling.
US07971656B2	Hand-held power tool with a vibration-damped handle with a switch A hand-held power tool, has a housing, at least one partially hollow U-shaped C-shaped handle with a yoke part and two parallel leg parts and supported in a resilient manner such that the handle is movable relative to the housing in order to dampen vibrations, at least one coupling element accommodated at least partially inside the C-shaped handle to synchronize motion between the two leg parts and having a recess, and a switch arranged in a vicinity of the coupling element and having a switch housing extending in an interior of the handle and accommodated in the recess of the coupling element.
US07971650B2	Electric submersible pumps A method of pumping wellbore fluid, comprising the steps of: installing an electric submersible pump in a wellbore; and operating the pump at more than 4,500 rpm to pump the wellbore fluid. Pumping in this manner provides a number of advantages in use in that the required high-speed motor and pump is shorter for a given power than existing arrangements, and provides increased reliability due to reduced complexity. A much shorter motor/pump combination also allows such equipment to be used in deviated boreholes with a reduction in damage due to mishandling and bending, as well as facilitating assembly and testing in the manufacturer's plant.
US07971648B2	Flow control system utilizing an isolation device positioned uphole of a liquid removal device A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well uphole of a producing formation to remove liquid from the well. An isolation device is positioned uphole of the pump such that the pump is between the isolation device and the producing formation, the isolation device capable of being selectively engaged to substantially reduce gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.
US07971644B2	Fluid loss additive and breaking agent A system includes a hydraulic fracturing fluid including a polymeric constituent and an additive having particles including poly-vinyl acetate in an amount sufficient to control fluid loss. The system includes a formation of interest having a downhole temperature, and the particles including poly-vinyl acetate have a size and/or shape such that the poly-vinyl acetate hydrolyses at the downhole temperature. The particles may have a size and/or shape such that the particles are deformable at the downhole temperature. The poly-vinyl acetate in the particles may be a part of the particle substrate, a coating on the particles, and/or the entire particle may be poly-vinyl acetate. The poly-vinyl acetate may be included in any portion of the hydraulic fracturing fluid, or only the portion of the hydraulic fracturing fluid that is not proppant laden.
US07971643B2	Methods and compositions of a storable relatively lightweight proppant slurry for hydraulic fracturing and gravel packing applications Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particulates. Particles that may be employed include particulates of naturally occurring materials that may be optionally strengthened or hardened by exposure to a modifying agent; porous materials including selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials; and well treating aggregates composed of an organic lightweight material and a weight modifying agent. The relatively lightweight particulate may be suspended as a substantially neutral buoyant particulate and stored with a carrier fluid as a pumpable slurry.
US07971640B2	Method and device for setting a bottom packer The invention refers to a device for sealing an annular space formed between an outer cylindrical element (4) having an end closure (16) and an inner pipe (1) extending within the outer element and having a free end. The invention incorporates a packer element (2) being slidably disposed around said pipe (1), an actuation element (6) adapted for telescopic assembly around the outer surface of the pipe (1) and slidable from a first position to a second position, a conical ring (12) adapted for installation on the pipe (1), where the actuation element (6) comprises an abutment element (10) designed for abutment against said packer (2), and an actuation pipe (8) extending beyond the pipe (1) first end when the actuation element (6) is in said first position. The invention also refers to a method for sealing the annular space.
US07971638B2	Work string controller Well bore servicing equipment is provided. The well bore servicing equipment comprises a first manipulator to grip a well bore work string, to raise the work string, and to lower the work string. The well bore servicing equipment further comprises a controller to receive a work string trajectory input and to automatically control the first manipulator to raise and lower the work string substantially in conformance with the work string trajectory input.
US07971635B2	Collecting tank and heat exchanger The invention relates to a plastic charge air tank or coolant tank (5) comprising at least one tie rod (10) that is integrated thereinto and is connected thereto as a single piece or in a fixed manner. The tie rod (10) is provided with at least one continuous hollow space which extends along the longitudinal axis thereof.
US07971630B2	Method and apparatus for detecting a crater end of a continuously cast product A method for detecting a crater end of a continuously cast product, including installing an ultrasonic shear wave sensor for transmitting an ultrasonic shear wave to the continuously cast product and receiving the transmitted ultrasonic shear wave in a continuous casting machine, detecting based on variations of an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic shear wave sensor that the crater end of the cast product is matched with the installed position of the ultrasonic shear wave sensor, calibrating a physical property value used in a calculation based on a heat condition equation such that the crater end computed based on the heat condition equation using casting conditions at that time is matched with the installed position of the ultrasonic shear wave sensor, and after the calibration, determining the crater end by the calculation based on the heat condition equation under respective casting conditions by using the calibrated physical property value.
US07971628B2	Method and apparatus for die casting of parts A cold-chamber die-casting apparatus and method for making a die-cast part with an open space within the geometry of the part. The apparatus includes an injection shaft which receives molten material for casting the part. The molten material is pushed with a plunger through a gate and into a tool cavity corresponding to the part. The gate is disposed at an end of the injection shaft and adjacent the tool cavity at a position that corresponds to the open space of the part and is inside the geometry of the part.
US07971627B2	Device for producing metal sample and process for producing metal sample A process and a device for easily and rapidly producing a metal sample for analysis for determining the content of impurities in a molten metal with high accuracy. More particularly, according to the metal sample production process, a metal sample for high accuracy analysis is produced by solidifying a collected molten metal without segregating impurities contained in a molten metal, by rapidly cooling a collected molten metal using a metal sample production device having a thin-walled mold having a thin sample collection space for collecting a molten metal, and an opening/closing operation part with which the mold can be freely opened/closed.
US07971620B2	Label producing message center and personal shopping device The present invention is directed to a one-touch label-dispensing device for dispensing labels marked with time information, such as the month, day and year, that can be attached or integrated into the panel of a refrigerator so that labels automatically marked and dispensed can be used to mark food items placed in the refrigerator and/or cabinets. The present invention is also directed to a one-touch label-dispensing device for dispensing labels that can be equipped with a recording device for recording audible and text messages, such as e-mails, to be played back at a later time.
US07971617B2	Welding machine incorporating vacuum track assembly A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.
US07971616B2	Apparatus for producing non-woven fabric An apparatus for applying weft yarns in a cross direction to warp yarns having an adhesive scrim thereon includes the warp yarns on a beam which are fed downstream of the apparatus by first laying the warp yarns onto a transfer belt to reduce the tension in the yarns. The warp yarns are fed upstream from a spool along a rotating tube on which they are mounted and pass through a tensioning apparatus to unify the tension in the various yarns running along the tube. The uniformly tensioned weft yarns pass through individual nozzles around the circumference of the rotating tube where the yarns are deposited onto the adhesive scrim. After the weft yarns are deposited on the warp yarns, the transfer belt moves the fabric having warp and weft yarns across a cooling section of a mandrel where the adhesive is set.
US07971612B2	Floor planks production machines and method A floor planks production method, for producing wood flooring from raw lumbers, by surfacing top and lower faces of the lumbers to a final thickness of the lumbers; optimizing the lumbers along a length thereof to determine lengths of best faces; and profiling edges of the optimized lumbers. The system comprises a surfacing unit processing both top and lower faces of each lumber to final dimensions; an optimizing unit receiving lumbers from the surfacing unit; and a profiling unit processing edges of each length of best faces positioned by the optimizing unit.
US07971609B2	Water saving device A water saving device for use at or near a water outlet has a first water flow regulating element; a second water flow regulating element disposed downstream of the first regulating element; and a chamber formed between the first and second regulating elements. All of one or more water flow regulating parts of the second regulating element are made from substantially solid material.
US07971605B2	Air admittance vent diaphragm assembly An air admittance vent diaphragm assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a base, an annular retainer ring, and an annular malleable washer. The base has an annular portion and a stem extending orthogonally from the center of the annular portion. The annular retainer ring includes a circumferential skirt engaged with an outer perimeter of the annular portion of the base, with the stem extending beyond the annular retainer ring. The annular malleable washer is disposed between the annular retainer ring and the annular portion of the base.
US07971600B2	Compressor throttling valve assembly A throttling valve assembly has an outer housing that is sealed. An actuator is connected to a pressure balanced shaft that extends into the housing to operate a plurality of linkages that can rotate blades in tandem. With the surrounding housing sealed, the shaft penetrations of the blade support shafts no longer need seals or a purge system to supply process gas during times of reduced pressure in situations with the blades nearly closed. A pressure equalization system has balance passages internal to the housing to allow flow from higher pressure zones to lower pressure zone of the process gas so as to avoid creation of a condition that can draw air into any zones of reduced pressure in the housing.
US07971590B2	Cushion for a respiratory mask assembly A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a cushion. The cushion has a non-face contacting portion structured to be connected to the frame, a face-contacting portion structured to engage the patient's face, and a central portion that interconnects the non-face contacting portion and the face contacting portion. The frame may be structured to allow a forehead support to assume multiple positions, to compensate for replacement cushions that may have a different profile, shape or size. The cushion is structured to compensate for variations in strap tension, treatment pressure and/or movement of the patient. Headgear may be provided with a strap assembly in which one or more straps is provided with selectively adjustable elasticity or extensibility that may be automatically changed in dependence of treatment pressure and/or treatment type.
US07971587B2	Apparatus and method for solar thermal energy collection An apparatus for collecting solar energy includes a receptacle adapted for receiving solar thermal energy; an insert located within the receptacle, the insert being a heat pipe adapted to transfer heat; and an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert. The insert enters the receptacle substantially at a cross-sectional center of the receptacle, and further inside the receptacle, the insert shifts to become closer to the absorption fin.
US07971585B2	Hydrogen elimination and thermal energy generation in water-activated chemical heaters Less hazardous methods for generating thermal energy for heating water, medical supplies or comestible products using improved flameless chemical heaters/flameless ration heaters by novel chemical or electrochemical means, each capable of suppressing the generation of hydrogen gas. Remote unit self-heating meals may be more rapidly heated by forming a reaction mixture comprising magnesium or a magnesium-containing alloy, and a hydrogen eliminator or suppressor, and introducing water to react the reaction mixture and generate a more rapid release of thermal energy sufficient to effectuate a more accelerated temperature rise and more rapid heating of medical supplies, water, rations or other comestible substances while simultaneously suppressing or eliminating the generation of potentially hazardous hydrogen.
US07971584B2	Sawing strip and method for simultaneously cutting off a multiplicity of slices from a cylindrical workpiece using a sawing strip A sawing strip for fixing a substantially cylindrical workpiece when cutting off slices from this workpiece with a wire saw has a first face, which is concavely curved perpendicular to its longitudinal direction for connecting to the workpiece, a second face opposite the first face for connecting to a mounting plate, and two side faces which connect the first face and the second face, two edges of the sawing strip at which the side faces meet the first face at a distance a from each other, an imaginary line on the first face marking its minimum distance d from the second face, the side faces being at a distance b, measured at the height of the line and perpendicular to the distance d, wherein the distance b is less than the distance a. The sawing strip is useful for decreasing waviness of wafers cut from a cylindrical workpiece using the sawing strip.
US07971579B2	Air-exhaust mixing apparatus An apparatus for mixing intake air and exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine includes a chamber having an inlet to supply a stream of intake air, and a second inlet that receives an exhaust gas flow. The second inlet includes a section extending into the chamber of the mixer that has an outer surface that is elongated in cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the chamber in the direction of flow of the flowable media. The mixing apparatus mixes the intake air and exhaust gases without high pressure head loss across the apparatus.
US07971576B2	Internal combustion engine and method for operating an internal combustion engine The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, wherein exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine is returned to the internal combustion engine via an exhaust gas recirculation device, which comprises at least two cooling units with each of which a bypass is associated, the exhaust gas being cooled in the exhaust gas recirculation device as a function of the load state of the internal combustion engine, and wherein fresh air is fed to the internal combustion engine via a charge-air feed device, which comprises at least one cooling unit and at least one bypass connected in parallel to the cooling unit, the fresh air being supplied via the cooling unit and/or the bypass as a function of the load state. The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas recirculation device and a charge-air feed device.
US07971567B2	Directly injected internal combustion engine system An engine system for a vehicle, comprising of a combustion chamber, a first in-cylinder direct injector configured to deliver a first substance including at least gasoline directly to the combustion chamber at a first pressure; and a second in-cylinder direct injector configured to deliver a second substance including at least an alcohol directly to the combustion chamber at a second pressure less than the first pressure.
US07971566B2	Piston for an internal combustion engine and method for its production The present invention relates to a piston (10) for an internal combustion engine, having a combustion depression (13) which is provided in the piston head (11) and has an encircling undercut (14), wherein the encircling depression edge (15) which connects the undercut (14) to the piston head (11) has alternately rounded (16, 17) and sharp-edged depression edge regions (18, 19). It is provided according to the invention that the encircling depression edge (15) merges along its entire periphery into a planar encircling face (20) which in turn merges along its entire periphery with a sharp edge into the undercut (14). The method according to the invention for producing a piston (10) of the type is characterized in that, in a first method step, a combustion depression with an encircling undercut and with an encircling depression edge is formed in the piston head (11) using a lathe tool, and in that, in a second method step, in order to produce the rounded (16, 17) and sharp-edged depression edge regions (18, 19), the lathe tool is moved radially outwards rectilinearly from the central point of the combustion depression by a defined magnitude.
US07971561B2	Diesel engine exhaust purifier An exhaust emission control apparatus for diesel engines is offered which is capable of achieving better power performance and exhaust emission purification efficiency in an optimally reconciled manner, and from which torque deficiency during hill climbing on a steep slope is eliminated. Emulsified fuel including light oil, water and emulsifier supplied respectively from a light oil tank 4, a water tank 5 and an emulsifier cartridge 6, of which the water ratio is adjusted by flow variable control valves 11-13, is supplied to a combustion chamber 4. The water ratio is normally set to a basic water ratio corresponding to the signal of an accelerator opening sensor 39 (Step S32). However, when a difference between target acceleration and actual acceleration of a vehicle corresponding to the accelerator pedal opening exceeds a predetermined value (Step S36), the basic water ratio is corrected so as to reduce the water ratio (Step S37).
US07971554B1	Bird feeder and associated method A bird feeder preferably includes a top lid, a central housing pivotally coupled to the top lid, a bottom base pivotally coupled to the central, and a mechanism for automatically articulating a first one of the top lid and the bottom base along a first arcuate path while manually articulating a second one of the top lid and the bottom base along a second arcuate path. In this manner, the central housing remains at a statically fixed position while the top lid and the bottom base articulate between corresponding open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the articulating mechanism may include an actuating shaft contiguously abutted against a gear for ensuring the bottom base simultaneously rotates with the top lid during opening and closing positions respectively.
US07971551B2	Powder spray coating apparatus and powder spray coating method A powder spray coating facility is automatically switched between a first operating mode in which only recovery powder is moved into an intermediate receptacle, and a second operating mode in which only fresh powder from a fresh powder unit is fed to the intermediate receptacle. Switching may be carried out from the second operating mode to a reserve powder operating mode when, following switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, an intermediate receptacle sensor continues to transmit a “powder needed” signal.
US07971550B2	Rigid tube buoyancy assembly for boats A stabilized watercraft having a pointed bow, a transom and curved sides, and a rigid buoyancy tube which extends from the bow to a point past the transom. The tube has a cross-section which is approximately rectangular, but is generally somewhat wider in a lower portion than in an upper portion thereof over at least an aft portion of the boat. The tube has a dead rise in the range of 0° to +15° with the upper surface of the tube being flared outwardly in the range of 30°-80° at the bow portion of the watercraft and an angle of 60°-80° at the stern portion.
US07971548B2	Shallow water anchor system for fishing boats A shallow water anchor system provides a single arm arrangement with a fixed end of the arm mounted to the transom of a boat and the distal end of the arm retaining a rod adapted to be buried into the bottom of a lake, estuary, or other shallow body of water. The fixed end of the arm includes a first sheave and the distal end of the arm includes a second sheave, with a cable under tension between the first and second sheaves. A hydraulic operating mechanism drives a sliding block clamped to the cable. A hydraulic pressure is applied to one side of the other of a hydraulic piston with a cylinder to drive the operating mechanism, the sliding block moves back and forth thereby moving the arm up and down in a rotary motion about a shaft on the fixed end of the arm. In the down position, the rod is embedded into the bottom. In the stowed position, the arm is oriented straight up in a vertical position.
US07971547B1	Underwater surface cleaning vehicle for integrated cleaning and effluent treatment system A method and apparatus for the cleaning of an underwater surface, such as a hull. The method and apparatus enables cleaning to be conducted while mitigating the release of removed material into surrounding waters. The integrated apparatus includes a cleaning deck for removing fouling from the underwater hull surface, and a pre-processing deck with integrated components for the processing of cleaning effluents. According to the method and apparatus, materials removed by the shroud are sucked into the pre-processing deck, crushed, and separated into a separator effluent that may be recycled to the shroud, and a concentrate, which is discharged to a land treatment unit for further processing.
US07971545B2	Watercraft having a kite-like element The invention relates to a water craft comprising a kite element, which is connected to the water craft by a traction cable. The water craft is characterized in that the kite element is equipped with adjusting devices and an energy generation unit, which delivers energy when the tractive force that is exerted on the traction cable is modified.
US07971540B2	Control of combustion system emissions A process for capturing undesirable combustion products produced in a high temperature combustion system. Very finely sized particles of alkaline earth carbonates or hydroxides, with or without added ground fly ash, are provided in slurry form and are injected into the high temperature zone of a furnace. The particles flash calcine to provide substantially unagglomerated particles having a particle size of less than about 0.5 microns to capture and neutralize SOx, NOx, and toxic chemicals.
US07971537B2	Amusement ride The carnival ride has a travel path for cars with seats and at least one screen arranged adjacent to the travel path. In order to design the carnival ride in such a way that the passengers in the car have an optimal gaming experience, the screen follows the car at least along a section of its travel distance. In this way, the passengers in the car have a very long-lasting visual contact with the screen or with the movie shown on the screen.
US07971533B1	Methods and apparatus for weapon fuze Methods and apparatus for a weapon according to various aspects of the present invention comprise and/or operate in conjunction with a warhead case and a fuze system. The fuze system may comprise a fuze housing including a flange configured to be secured to the weapon. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus operate in conjunction with a fuze well rigidly attached to the warhead case. In addition, the methods and apparatus may include a sensor mounted on the flange, and a booster attached to the fuze well adjacent the fuze housing.
US07971526B2	Embossing or bonding device containing facetted impression elements Facetted impression elements are disclosed. The impression elements can be located, for instance, on an anvil roll and may be used during an embossing or bonding process. The impression elements include at least two chamfered surfaces that at least partially surround the top surface. The chamfered surfaces are at an angle to the top surface that lower and reduce drag that may occur between the impression element and a sheet of material as the impression element enters and exits the sheet. In one embodiment, the impression element includes a first chamfered surface having an angle of from about 5° to about 40° and a second chamfered surface having an angle of from about 40° to about 70°.
US07971523B2	Removable divider for food warming apparatus A food warming apparatus includes a cabinet with one or more heating compartments for holding one or more trays. Each tray has a rim extending outwardly from a tray opening and may contain previously cooked food portions. One or more dividers are removably mounted inside a heating compartment, dividing the heating compartment into a first sub-compartment and second sub-compartment. The one or more dividers include a first support flange that extends into the first sub-compartment and a second support flange that extends into the second sub-compartment. The first support flange supports a rim of a first tray in the first sub-compartment such that the first tray is suspended above a lower compartment surface of the heating compartment. The second support flange supports a rim of a second tray in the second sub-compartment such that the second tray is suspended above the lower compartment surface of the heating compartment.
US07971522B2	Grill liner In summary there is provided in one embodiment a grill liner for placement on top of a cooking grate and used to cook food placed thereon. The grill liner includes a plurality of holes to help allow heat to move through the grill liner. The grill liner further includes at least one flap that is secured to a portion of the grill liner through a frangible bridge, point, or line of weakness. The frangible bridge when broken permits the flap to bend downwardly. The grill liner when placed on the cooking grate may then have its one or more flaps bent downwardly through bars such that the grill liner movement across the cooking grate can be limited.
US07971517B2	Gun recoil A gun comprising: a generally tubular barrel defining a barrel axis and having an external barrel surface about the perimeter of the tubular barrel a cradle having a cradle bore for accommodating a section of the barrel wherein the barrel is slidably mounted in the cradle bore such that the barrel can move relative to the cradle along the barrel axis across a range of barrel positions and wherein an interface defined by the slidable contact between external barrel surface and the cradle bore—i) prevents rotation of the barrel relative to the cradle about the barrel axis; and ii) is maintained at a single section of the cradle over the entire range of barrel positions.
US07971516B2	Portable ballistic shield A portable ballistic shield is disclosed. The portable ballistic shield is contoured to conform to an individual's body and may be integrated with a rucksack and frame to provide protection to the user's back and torso while still allowing the user substantially unobstructed access to all parts of the rucksack. The portable ballistic shield may also provide rigidity for the rucksack, eliminating the need for a rucksack frame. The portable ballistic shield may also comprise a shape allowing for the user to concurrently utilize an assault rifle or other firearm. During times of hostility, the user may deploy the shield from the rucksack in a minimal amount of time in order to protect the user from oncoming gunfire or shrapnel.
US07971512B2	Cutting devices A cutting device includes a lock device for locking and unlocking a cover against a cover support. The cover includes a first cover removably mounted to the cover support and a second cover removably mounted to the first cover. The lock device is operable in a first mode, a second mode and a third mode. The first mode prevents the first cover from being removed from the cover support and prevents the second cover from being removed from the first cover. The second mode permits the first cover from being removed from the cover support but prevents the second cover from being removed from the first cover. The third mode permits the second cover to be removed from the first cover.
US07971510B2	Method for setting a cutting gap The invention relates to a method for setting the cutting gap on a cutting device for cutting food products. According to said method, the actual distance between the blade and the cutting edge is first determined and a desired distance between the blade and the cutting edge is subsequently set by an electric repositioning device, taking into consideration said actual distance.
US07971504B2	Articulated manipulator This invention provides a manipulator that can facilitate a teaching method, improve the operation speed of an arm, and mount a heavy load in a narrow space. The manipulator includes a plurality of arm bodies provided in series, joint parts rotatably connecting two adjacent arm bodies, and the joint parts in which slope of rotation axes of the adjacent joints are 90 degrees, at least one linear body disposed in the joint parts coaxially with the rotation axes. The joint parts are composed of a servo motor, and a speed-reduction mechanism. The rotation axes of the servo motor, the speed-reduction mechanism and the joint parts become the same axis.
US07971500B2	Sheet metal cylinder with a synchronization profile A sheet metal cylinder (1) with an axis of rotation (a) and a synchronization profile extending in axial direction (a), which can be manufactured by sheet metal shaping. The synchronization profile (4, 5) has a circumferential supporting element (6) located along its axial length (a).
US07971499B2	Adjustable gear position arrangement for synchronization of multiple generators A method for synchronizing multiple generators includes positioning a pilot feature of a shaft of a first generator positioned at a first angular position that is substantially aligned with a first predetermined reference point located at a predetermined angular position relative to an axis, locking the shaft of the first generator at the first angular position, aligning a pilot feature of a first shaft of a second generator with a second angular position that is substantially aligned with a second predetermined reference point located at a position relative to the axis that is substantially equal to the predetermined angular position, calculating an angular difference between the two angular positions, and rotating a second shaft splined with the first shaft of the second generator about the axis in another direction, based on the calculated angular difference.
US07971494B2	Coriolis mass flowmeter having a reinforcing bridge between two end connection plates A Coriolis mass flowmeter has exactly two measuring tubes that can be excited to oscillation and a housing. An end connection plate from a pipe to both measuring tubes is provided on each end of the measuring tube, and these the end connection plates are attached to one another by means of a reinforcing bridge that is separate from the housing.
US07971490B2	Load measurement method and device A device for axial load measurement on a mechanical control device (10) having rotating shaft (30) maybe used to derive a torque measurement. A mechanical control device (10) may comprise a valve actuator for fluid flow control devices. The load measurement device may include a beam (65a) operatively connected to a rotatable shaft and configured to deform under axial displacement of the shaft. A sensor (80) maybe coupled with the at least one beam (65a) and configured to produce an output signal related to the axial displacement of the shaft. The beam may be retained between two bearings (74) of the rotatable shaft at a first end, and fixed to the housing (120) of the mechanical control device at a second end. The first end of the beam (65a) may displace axially with the rotatable shaft. The beam (65a) may comprise a discrete segment of a uniform width and thickness.
US07971487B2	Linear position transducer with wireless read head A linear position transducer reliably and wirelessly tracks rapid motion. The transducer includes a scale, a control head, and a wirelessly-powered read head disposed proximate to the scale. The read head is configured to sense movement between the scale and the read head and to wirelessly communicate position data to the control head. The control head can include a wireless data receiver to receive position data from the read head, an output data driver to communicate with an external device, and a microcontroller to coordinate a data transfer between the wireless data receiver and the output data driver. In addition, the read head can include a wireless data transmitter to transmit position data to the control head, a linear position sensor to sense position along the scale, and a microcontroller to calculate a position measurement from the scale. The microcontroller in the read head can also coordinate a data transfer between the wireless data transmitter and the control head. To provide a complete wireless solution, the linear position transducer also includes a power system to wirelessly transfer energy from the control head to the read head.
US07971484B2	Method for evaluating reliability of steel and high-reliability steel obtained by the same A method for evaluating the reliability of steel in terms of inclusions is characterized in that the inclusions of approximately 100 μm or less in maximum inclusion size are evaluated by microscopy combined with the extreme-value statistical analysis; the inclusions of approximately 100 μm or greater in maximum inclusion size are evaluated by the ultrasonic flaw detection testing performed at a frequency of 5 to 25 MHz; and the reliability of the steel is evaluated based on the results of the extreme-value statistical analysis applied to the results of the microscopy and the results of the ultrasonic flaw detection testing combined.
US07971482B2	Humidity sensor A capacitive humidity sensor includes: a humidity sensing element with a humidity sensitive film and electrodes; and a processing circuit. The film has a dielectric constant variable in accordance with moisture. The electrodes detect capacitance of the film and outputs a signal corresponding to the capacitance. The processing circuit processes the signal. The film is made of inorganic material having fine pores for adsorbing the moisture. A diameter of the fine pores is set to be a predetermined diameter so that capillary tube aggregation phenomenon occurs at a predetermined relative humidity. The capacitance of the film has a change rate with respect to the relative humidity. The change rate in case of the relative humidity higher than the predetermined relative humidity is larger than that in case of the relative humidity lower than the predetermined relative humidity.
US07971476B2	Method and devices for the identification of various phases of an ionization current signal during the combustion in an internal combustion engine The present invention falls into the field of methods and devices for identifying the various phases of the ionization current during combustion in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine.The present invention develops over various phases comprising the measurement of the ionization current signal and the sampling of the signal within predetermined windows, with the subsequent identification of the sample signal which is preceded by a signal whose derivative has a positive value and followed by a signal whose derivative has a negative value.
US07971474B2	Internal combustion engine system and engine misfire detection method for internal combustion engine The internal combustion engine system of the invention calculates a time constant of a high pass filter for eliminating a resonance component of a damper as a distortional element from a rotation speed of an engine, and sets the high pass filter with computation of a transfer function from the time constant. The set high pass filter is applied to a 30-degree rotation time representing a rotational variation of the engine to obtain a filtered 30-degree rotation time with elimination of the resonance component of the damper. The occurrence of an engine misfire is detected, based on a 30-degree rotation time difference and a misfire detection base difference computed from the filtered 30-degree rotation times. This arrangement ensures highly-accurate detection of the occurrence of a misfire in the engine constructed to output power via the damper as the distortional element, irrespective of the rotation speed of the engine.
US07971462B2	Cable hanger production system and production method A system and method for producing a cable hanger formed by alternately and continuously forming the Z-winding spiral and the S-winding spiral using the hanger wire. The system and method involve the use of at least five spiral forming dice accommodated in a cylindrical space of the housing such that the spiral forming dice are adjacent to each other and can rotate independently from one another.
US07971461B2	Method of and apparatus for manufacturing a metal strip The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a metal strip (1), in which the metal strip (1) is guided over a number of rolls (2, 3, 4, 5) under such a strip stress (S), and is moved in a conveying direction (F), that it is largely flat at least between two rolls (2, 3). In order for it to be possible to inspect the strip in a simple and space-saving way, the invention provides for the inner tensile stresses which act in the metal strip (1) which is largely flat under tensile stress between the at least two rolls (2, 3), to be made optically visible and for the tensile stresses or tensile stress differences which are determined in this way to be utilized during the manufacture of the metal strip (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metal strip.
US07971458B2	Bracket assembly for lock One embodiment is a bracket assembly having a first bracket connected to an electronic device with a fastener and an opening that receives a lock. A second bracket covers access to the fastener to prevent the first and second brackets from being disassembled while the lock is secured to the first and second brackets.
US07971457B2	Devices for dispensing a laundry agent and methods for doing same The present invention relates to a dispenser for laundry additives comprising a base and a reservoir separated by an insert. The present invention further relates to a method of dispensing a laundry additive in an automatic washing machine comprising mounting a dispenser having a base and a reservoir within the automatic washing machine; adding the laundry additive to the reservoir; positioning an insert to seal the laundry additive within the reservoir; actuating the insert with centrifugal force in order to open the reservoir; releasing the laundry additive from the reservoir onto the base; and dispersing the laundry additive from the base within the automatic washing machine.
US07971456B2	Tub assembly and washing machine including the same A tub assembly and a washing machine including the same are disclosed. A tub assembly of a washing machine includes a front tub having an entrance formed in a front portion thereof for introducing the laundry, and a rear tub having a front portion vibration-welded to a rear portion of the front tub by a vibration-welding device and a rear portion with a bearing housing provided therein. A washing machine includes a cabinet for defining an exterior thereof, a tub assembly provided within the cabinet for holding wash water and the laundry, and a motor for transmitting power to the tub assembly. An object of the present invention is to provide a tub assembly which can be manufactured without any difficulties in spite of a front tub having a complex structure.
US07971455B2	Dosing and dispensing device The present invention relates to a dosing and dispensing device (1) comprising a double wall structure having an inner wall (10) and an outer wall (20), wherein the inner wall (10) defines a dosing chamber (12) with an opening (14) for filling and dispensing, and the outer wall (20) circumscribes the inner wall (10) at a line of intersection (30) so that an upper part of the dosing chamber lies on one side of the line of intersection (30), within the outer wall (20), and a lower part of the dosing chamber lies on the other side of the line of intersection (30), outside of the outer wall (20).The present invention further relates to a method dosing and dispensing a laundry product, preferably a liquid or gel detergent product, into a washing machine, comprising the steps of: a) providing the dosing and dispensing device (1); b) transferring a measured dose of a laundry product into the filling opening (14) of the dosing chamber (12) to fill, or partly fill, the dosing chamber (12); c) placing the dosing and dispensing device (1) containing the laundry product into the drum of an automatic laundry washing machine; d) running a washing cycle of the automatic laundry washing machine so that the laundry product is dispensed into the drum through the dispensing opening (14) of the dosing and dispensing device (1); e) recovering the empty dosing and dispensing device (1) for re-use after the end of the wash cycle.
US07971452B2	Triangular shaped diamond which displays hearts and arrows pattern A triangular shaped diamond adapted to display a hearts and arrows pattern when exposed to light comparable to the hearts and arrows pattern in a round diamond, comprising: six main crown facets, twelve crown half facets, a table facet, six main pavilion facets and a plurality of girdle facets separating the crown facets from the pavilion facets with each main crown facet having a symmetrically positioned opposite crown facet of substantially equal size surrounding the table facet and having at least one edge in parallel alignment with a corresponding edge in the main crown facet opposite thereto.
US07971449B2	Heat-activated heat-pump systems including integrated expander/compressor and regenerator Heat-activated heat-pump systems and related methods are disclosed that include a power cycle coupled to a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle both utilizing the same working fluid. The power cycle comprises a boiler, an expander receiving superheated vapor and producing work from the superheated vapor, a condenser, and a pump. A regenerator conducts a first stream of working fluid from the pump to the boiler and a second stream of the working fluid from the expander to the condenser while transferring heat from the second stream to the first stream. The refrigeration cycle comprises a compressor that compresses the working fluid from the evaporator and delivers the compressed working fluid to a condenser. The expander and compressor are coupled together such that at least a portion of the work produced by the expander is utilized for running the compressor.
US07971448B2	Air conditioner An air conditioner includes a heat-exchanger positioned in an outdoor unit and configured to conduct heat-exchange between air provided from outside of the outdoor unit and a refrigerant. The air conditioner also includes a fan configured to generate a flow of the air that is from the heat-exchanger to an outlet of the outdoor unit. The air conditioner further includes a driving unit configured to provide a driving force to the fan. In addition, the air conditioner includes a first member positioned in the flow of the air generated by the fan and a second member configured to guide a flow of the air to reduce collision between the air and the first member when the fan is operated.
US07971446B2	Computing environments A system can include an enclosure having an exterior surface and an interior region that is characterized by a width and a length that is longer than the width; a plurality of trays mounted in racks that line a majority of each side of the length of the interior region and that define an aisle therebetween which is suitable for passage by one or more human occupants; cooling coils configured to capture heat generated by the plurality of trays and exhaust the heat outside the interior region; a plurality of connections on the exterior surface for supplying electrical power to the plurality of trays, supplying cooling fluid to the cooling coils, and for receiving cooling fluid discharged from the cooling coils; and doors at either end of the aisle configured and positioned to facilitate emergency egress from the enclosure by a human occupant.
US07971443B2	Refrigerator There is provided a temperature switching compartment 3 which can switch the internal temperature thereof between a low temperature side at which a storage material is kept in cold storage and a high temperature side maintained at 50° C., to 80° C. at which cooked food is kept warm, by cooling with a cooler 17 and heating with a heater 15.
US07971442B2	Method for controlling air conditioner of vehicles The present invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle air-conditioner, which can prevent undershoot of an evaporator by performing a maximum capacity control or controlling an discharge capacity of a compressor through the outputting of an discharge capacity control value of the compressor directly before the stop of the air conditioner, and can improve the pleasant feelings of the passengers by preventing delay of response, which converges into the target temperature of the evaporator due to the delay of the decrease of the temperature of the evaporator.
US07971440B2	Thermal pump module and temperature regulation A voltage regulator is configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply, measure a temperature associated with a heat transfer medium, produce an output voltage to drive a thermo-electric cooler, and vary the output voltage in accordance with changes in the measured temperature. Varying the output voltage results in: 1) extracting of heat from the heat transfer medium when the measured temperature is above a threshold value, or 2) supplying of heat to the heat transfer medium when the measured temperature is below a threshold value. The voltage regulator can cap upper and lower bounds of the output voltage to prevent the thermo-electric cooler from reaching its saturation point. The voltage regulator can be configured to produce an output voltage having reduced voltage ripple.
US07971432B2	Flow diffuser for exhaust pipe A flow diffuser for vehicles of the type having an engine and an exhaust pipe generally includes a substantially tubular body having an outer surface and a first end configured for attachment to an exhaust pipe. The flow diffuser further includes a diffusion portion including at least one channel having a root end located near the outer surface, an exit port, and a channel axis extending between the root end and the exit port, the channel increasing in flow area along the channel axis to reduce exhaust gas velocity.
US07971431B2	Exhaust gas system An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle engine, is provided having, in one form, two cylinder banks arranged at an acute angle to one anther and each having at least one exhaust gas outlet, a so-called V-engine, having exhaust gas guide elements arranged in the region of the inner angle, including a housing surrounding the exhaust gas outlets of both cylinder banks in a gas tight manner and having at least one exhaust gas outlet opening is characterized in that the housing is made in two parts, with a first part which is connected to the one cylinder bank and surrounds its exhaust gas outlets and with a second part which is connected to the other cylinder bank and surrounds its exhaust gas outlets; in that the two parts each have a side facing the other part and having at least one housing opening via which the two parts communicate with one another; and in that an expansion compensation element is arranged between the two parts and surrounds the housing opening of the two parts in a gas tight manner.
US07971427B2	Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided. The apparatus includes a first group of cylinders; a second group of cylinders; an exhaust passage having a first branch passage connected to the first group of cylinders and a second branch passage connected to the second group of cylinders; a communication passage which connects the first branch passage and the second branch passage with each other; an exhaust gas purifying device provided in the exhaust passage and located downstream from a position connected to the communication passage; and an exhaust flow control device for controlling flow of exhaust gas such that exhaust gas emitted from one of the first group of cylinders and the second group of cylinders is introduced into the branch passage connected to the other group of cylinders through the communication passage when a predetermined exhaust flow switching condition is established, wherein a flow-passage cross section of the communication passage is smaller than those of the first branch passage and the second branch passage, and the communication passage is provided with a fuel addition valve for adding fuel to exhaust gas from upstream of the exhaust gas purifying device.
US07971426B2	Reductant injection system diagnostics A method is described for controlling operation of a reductant injection system. In one example, a pump of the reductant injection system is operated at a pressure to inject reductant into an exhaust system based on voltage supplied to the pump. The method can allow operation of the reductant injection system during degradation of a pressure sensor that is used to determine reductant flow.
US07971423B2	Gas turbine engine comprising a starter in the auxiliary gear box A gas turbine engine incorporating a starter mounted on the gear box is disclosed. The gas turbine engine includes an AGB gear housing mechanically connected with an engine shaft for driving auxiliary machines and an air starter mounted on the housing, the starter and housing enclosures being in communication such that the lubricating oil of the starter should be distributed from the AGB housing. The oil enclosure of the starter is pressurized by a source of air, being independent from the AGB housing. Advantageously, the pressurization air is taken from a pressurization enclosure of an engine bearing.
US07971419B2	Draper assembly with rollers and draper belt support pannels for flexible draper header A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a flexible draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly to permit the draper assembly to flex with the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes fore-and-aft extending rollers, fore-and-aft extending arms disposed between the rollers, and an endless flexible belt entrained around the rollers, with the arms being disposed within the belt. The draper assembly further includes support panels on the arms to support the belt.
US07971415B2	Grass mowing machine having adjustable width toolbar for mounting cutting units A grass mowing machine has a frame with an adjustable width toolbar including a center section and left and right outer sections telescoping into the center section. A pair of cutting units are mounted to lift arms pivotably connected to outboard ends of the outer sections of the adjustable width toolbar. A hydraulic lift cylinder is mounted between an inboard end of each lift arm and the adjustable width toolbar at a selected mounting point in the center section. The mounting point of the center section is aligned with a mounting point in one of the outer sections to provide a specified toolbar width suitable for the cutting units.
US07971413B2	Process and automatic system for orderly packaging of plastic preforms in carton boxes An automatic system for orderly packaging of plastic preforms in carton boxes includes a manipulator unit (6) having a vacuum gripping head (23) and one or more units (10) for handling and inserting separators (12) in the carton box (13) to be filled. The head (23) includes a plurality of compartments (30) conforming to the shape of the preforms (2) whereas the separator (12) has a plurality of partitions (12a) parallel to one of its sides and equally spaced at a distance at least corresponding to the length of the preform (2).
US07971409B2	Beam shoe A beam shoe for attaching a (first) beam end-on to a load-bearing construction, especially to a second beam disposed in the same plane as the beam to be attached and running at right angles thereto, the beam shoe comprising an originally flat, one-piece, strip-like sheet-metal portion or blank, which is shaped to an upwardly open channel-shaped retaining member having a web-like rectangular bottom for bracing the beam to be attached on the beam shoe as well as two web-like, parallel retaining legs, the retaining member embracing, in assembled condition, an end portion of the beam to be attached at the underside and side faces thereof, the legs, which are bent over upwardly from the bottom at right angles and disposed along two opposite borders of the bottom, being provided with through holes for rod-like fasteners such as nails in particular in order to join the beam shoe to the beam to be attached, the inside spacing of the legs therefore being (at least) as large as (and if necessary somewhat larger than) the width of the beam to be attached, wherein a fastening flange provided with through holes for rod-like fasteners such as nails and/or screws is bent over at right angles along that longitudinal border of each retaining leg which faces the load-bearing construction (or if necessary the second beam), the fastening flange being designed to be placed with its outside face remote from the channel-shaped retaining member of the beam shoe on the load-bearing construction/the second beam and to be fastened thereto with rod-like fasteners such as nails and/or screws, and wherein the web-like bottom is reinforced by a (bottom) reinforcing flange or the like in order to increase its section modulus against sagging under relatively large load.
US07971407B2	Wall block and wall block system for constructing walls Wall blocks and methods of constructing walls from the wall blocks which have a side connection system interlocking adjacent blocks whereby a side of the block is provided with a channel or slot that is configured to engage a corresponding projection on the adjacent block. The side connection system may alternatively have a connection receiving cavity formed by channels or slots on the sides of the blocks which are configured to align with a channel or slot from adjacent blocks where a connector may be received to interlock the blocks.
US07971406B2	Shingle layer or shingle having thick appearance A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.
US07971405B2	Drywall repair patch A drywall repair patch is disclosed. It includes a coated sheet attached to an adhesively coated porous substrate, which includes a porous sheet and a layer of dry, water-hardenable cement product carried on at least one side of said porous sheet. The repair patch is free of any rigid supporting plate.
US07971404B2	Systems and methods for installing panels Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substantially vertical surface and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one deformable body and at least one groove facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion.
US07971402B2	Ceiling structure for commercial kitchens A stack of a plurality of thin film adhesively bonded members are removably coupled to a ceiling. The adhesive is configured to allow an exposed layer to be removed without removing the entire stack of square members.
US07971401B2	Construction module The invention relates to a construction module for erecting flat structures, particularly walls, comprising two parallel panel-shaped wall parts and a module core arranged between them. According to the invention, each wall part has a number of room-height solid squared timbers that are set on end. These squared timbers are joined to one another in an at least non-positive manner via a mechanical pinning placed transversal to the longitudinal direction of the squared timbers and extending in the plane of the wall parts, and/or these squared timbers are each pinned in an at least non-positive manner with at least two crossbars, which extend essentially transversal to the longitudinal direction of the squared timbers and which are located in the future module core.
US07971397B2	Tuned liquid damper A tuned liquid damper comprising a housing with a hollow cavity within said housing and a first fluid which partially fills said hollow cavity. The inner surface of said hollow cavity is essentially spherical. The tuned liquid damper further comprises first fluid damping means arranged within the essentially spherical cavity of the housing. In this way, a tuned liquid damper is provided which has a response which is constant and independent of the orientation of the tuned liquid damper. Damping means are provided in order to be able to control the damping effect of the tuned liquid damper.
US07971396B1	Modular medical services unit with secure console A medical services unit for use in health care facilities where high security is required, such as in prison and psychiatric hospitals. The unit comprises a floor-to-ceiling column with an internal medical services section to provide a plurality of medical services. The medical services section is protected by a rotating steel door that prevents access to the enclosed services. The medical services section also includes a sub-door made of a transparent, shatterproof polymer, such as polycarbonate. Thus, the clear cover panel permits visual access to the gauges and controls for the services, but prevents unauthorized physical access to them. The column is entirely enclosed in a protective casing made out of rolled steel. Doors are provided in the casing for providing access b authorized personnel only to the internal medical services section.
US07971395B1	Multipurpose adjustable panel system A multipurpose adjustable panel system having support beams continuously adjustable between zero pitch and a pitch exceeding zero, wherein support beam pitch is influenced by vertical adjustment of support post assemblies and by horizontal spacing of support post assemblies. Multiple mounting fixtures are incorporated to accommodate beam pitch adjustment including pivotable beam support fixtures adjustably and positionably secured along the bottoms of the beams and pivotable panel support node fixtures adjustably and positionably secured along the tops of the beams, the pivotable beam support fixtures and the pivotable panel support node fixtures enabling ready adjustment of the pitch of the beams.
US07971393B2	Door actuation systems A door system includes a structural member and a door that is movably mounted with respect to the structural member for movement between an open position and a closed position. A spring is mounted with respect to the structural member or the door and being sufficiently positioned to bias the door toward its open position when the door is in its closed position. Active material based actuators may selectively compress the spring prior to door closure to minimize door closing effort.
US07971392B2	Opening and closing device for lift-up sliding doors and windows An opening and closing device includes a roller unit (10) which movably contacts a rail (203b) of a support frame (203), a pane frame support unit (20) which is provided in a pane frame (205) and moves away from and approaches the roller unit, a handle (5), which is rotatably provided on a leading end of the pane frame wherein rotation of the handle moves the roller unit relative to the pane frame support unit which causes the pane frame support unit and the pane frame to move vertically relative to the roller unit.
US07971389B2	Enhancing enzyme production The invention relates to a process for increasing the amount of enzymes in a grain by germinating the grain in conditions in which the grain is wounded. The invention also relates to hydrolases obtainable from grains for use in food processing and manufacturing industries, to the germination of grains such as barley and to isolation of enzymes from grains.
US07971388B2	Method for cultivating hon-shimeji mushroom on fungal bed According to the present invention, there is provided a fungal bed cultivation method of a hon-shimeji mushroom, wherein induction of primordia of a fruit body is conducted by illumination under incubation conditions, and an ongoing culture for fungal bed cultivation of a hon-shimeji mushroom, wherein primordia of a fruit body have been formed thereon during incubation. The culture medium is maintained in a clean state and it is advantageous because the formation of primordia of a fruit body can be carried out in a clean environment and the culture medium wherein primordia of a fruit body have been formed can be transferred to distant mushroom cultivation facilities under clean conditions as such.
US07971384B2	Interchangeable scope mount A system for interchangeably mounting sighting devices on a plurality of firearms which includes one or more ring assemblies and one or more mounting assemblies. A sighting device is coupled to a mounting assembly using a ring assembly forming a mounting system. The system can then be mounted to one or more firearms using a single connector via two receptacles in the surface of the firearm. An entirely different sighting device and associated mounting system can be exchanged with the existing sighting device by removing the existing mounting system and replacing it with the new sighting device and mounting system. Each sighting device and mounting system are configured to have identical mounting assemblies that interface into standard receptacles in the firearm. In a similar manner a single sighting device and associated mounting system can be mounted on several firearms that each possess the two mounting receptacles.
US07971381B1	Handgun safety apparatus The handgun safety apparatus provides a pair of loops, each of which wraps around a semiautomatic handgun so that the barrel/receiver, also sometimes referred to as the slide, and the trigger are prevented from operation. Even if a round is in the chamber of the handgun, the trigger cannot be operated. Further, the slide cannot operate to chamber a round, so the apparatus provides twofold safety. The apparatus is provided in a variety of sizes to fit a variety of handguns. Each of the loops has a rigid insert that provides rigidity. The inside of each loop is made of a material that will not mar the handgun in any way. The straps do not infringe upon the grip.
US07971379B2	Firearm A firearm including a barrel having a chamber and an integrally formed upper receiver having a passageway, an accessory rail extending the complete length of the upper receiver, and a guidance feature extending along the passageway. The firearm also includes an operating rod having an anti-bounce mechanism, a bolt that is rotated counter-clockwise to lock against the chamber, a bolt carrier having a safety extension disposed below the bolt that prevents a hammer from striking a firing pin until the bolt is locked against the chamber, a lower receiver, a recoil spring assembly, and a fire control group. The bolt includes a polymer spring that biases a sliding extractor against the base of a cartridge. The sliding extractor is disposed at an angle ranging from thirty degrees to fifteen degrees on the bolt face to provide a low ejection angle from the firearm.
US07971375B2	Tooth system A tooth system for a tool for earth moving machinery that includes a holder located on the tool and a front tooth portion that is detachably arranged on and in relation to the holder, which tooth portion is in the form of a replaceable wear/replacement part with a rear leg and the holder embodies a cavity designed to receive the leg of the tooth portion. This achieves a unified joint for assimilation of occurring loads via a predetermined connection geometry embodying special, opposite, mutually interacting contact surfaces and clearance surfaces arranged along the tooth portion and holder. The joint includes a multi-armed, preferably cruciform, cross section comprising at least four projection arms and at least four grooves each that interact with each projecting arm. Each projection arms includes a vertically arranged, upper arm, lower heel and two, essentially horizontally and laterally arranged, wing portions, with a tensioning device.
US07971374B2	Apparatus for use in footwear and the like An apparatus for use in footwear and the like, the apparatus having a primary body adapted to be mounted on a work object operable to perform a task; and at least two secondary bodies mounted on the primary body and adapted selectively to be moved by the work object in the performance of the task.
US07971373B2	Support sleeve for thin and/or high heels on ladies' shoes A support sleeve for high heels on ladies's shoes with a sleeve body to accommodate a heel, the sleeve body having a substantially larger base than the base of the heel to be accommodated, and a fixing arrangement (36, 38, 46) for attaching it to the heel.
US07971369B2	Shrouded floor drying fan A method and apparatus for drying floors and carpets using a fan for generating a pressurized air stream within a vertical cylindrical shroud that is spaced two to five inches away from the floor on a set of legs such that an opening is formed between the shroud and the floor. The air stream is directed along the cylindrical shroud vertically toward the floor. At least a peripheral portion of the air stream is exhausted from the shroud in a substantially laminar flow at an angle that is inclined from the vertical and is exhausted radially into ambient air as a substantially laminar air stream.
US07971367B2	Cut length indicator A distance-transferring device comprising a plurality of interconnected rails. Each rail, when extended, is self-supporting. Once the rails are extended and locked in place between two points, two planes, or one point and one plane, an accurate representation of a distance between the two points, two planes or one point and one plane is obtained. This distance can be transferred to another location without having to memorize a numerical measurement. Opposing abutting angled ends provide for both easy access into corners and a clear visual for when the abutting angled end contacts a plane or mark. A rotating component allows for operating the invention in more than one plane. A movable catch hooks onto an object such as wood moldings to facilitate the measurement transfer without adding any error to the distance being transferred. Extension stops prevent the rails from longitudinal separation. Bubble vials are provided for leveling both horizontally and vertically.
US07971365B2	Apparatus and method of measuring workpieces A method and apparatus for measuring a surface using a surface sensing device mounted on a scanning head on a member of a coordinate positioning apparatus. The coordinate positioning apparatus may be operated to produce relative movement between the scanning head and the surface profile and the scanning head includes a drive for producing rotational movement of the surface sensing probe about one or more axis. The coordinate positioning apparatus is driven to provide relative movement between the member and the surface profile in a circular path and the probe head is driven to move the surface sensing device about said one or more axes, such that the surface sensing device maintains a nominally constant lead angle. The motion of the coordinate positioning apparatus and probe head is synchronous.
US07971364B2	Device to monitor the position of an assembly containing nuclear fuel in a storage basket housing The invention relates to a monitoring device (20) of the position of an assembly containing nuclear fuel (4) in a housing of a storage basket (2). According to the invention, it comprises at least one mobile stop device (24, 26, 28) and a position indicator (30) suitable for being held at a stop by the mobile stop device in a first position indicating that the assembly occupies a first position, said mobile stop device being arranged so as to be able to be placed, by means of contact with the assembly located in a second position in its housing, in a position enabling it to release the position indicator devised to move automatically from the first position to a second position indicating that the assembly occupies the second position.
US07971363B2	Oscillating razor A head portion of a holder incorporates a pair of support arms, which oscillatably support a razor head, and a pusher, which is pressed against the razor head. The razor head includes a blade body with a cutting edge. The razor head is supported by the support arms at both ends in the extending direction of the cutting edge of the blade body. The razor head includes a pair of supported portions and a pair of contact portions. The support arms include first outer arm portions, which support the supported portions such that the razor head is rotatable in an oscillating direction. The pusher includes a pair of second outer arm portions formed on both ends in the extending direction of the cutting edge of the blade body. The second outer arm portions are pressed against the contact portions. At least part of each second outer arm portion is arranged in a region extending through the associated first outer arm portions in a direction perpendicular to a plane containing a contact direction of the pusher.

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