最新美国发明专利第2011-07-12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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US07977147B2	Strained silicon with elastic edge relaxation A thin blanket epitaxial layer of SiGe is grown on a silicon substrate to have a biaxial compressive stress in the growth plane. A thin epitaxial layer of silicon is deposited on the SiGe layer, with the SiGe layer having a thickness less than its critical thicknesses. Shallow trenches are subsequently fabricated through the epitaxial layers, so that the strain energy is redistributed such that the compressive strain in the SiGe layer is partially relaxed elastically and a degree of tensile strain is induced to the neighboring layers of silicon. Because this process for inducing tensile strain in a silicon over-layer is elastic in nature, the desired strain may be achieved without formation of misfit dislocations.
US07977143B2	CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof A CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The method includes forming a plurality of photodiode regions on a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of color filters respectively corresponding to the photodiode regions, forming a planarization layer on the color filters, forming a protective layer on the planarization layer, and forming a microlens layer comprising a plurality of microlenses corresponding to the photodiode regions by depositing a low-temperature oxide layer on the protective layer and then patterning the low-temperature oxide layer. After the planarization layer is formed, the protective layer is formed by plasma processing. Thus, the planarization layer can be protected from chemical penetration via numerous pin holes in the microlens layer in the course of wet processing. Accordingly, the method prevents the microlens from lifting from the planarization layer.
US07977142B2	Manufacturing method of microlens of CMOS image sensor A method of manufacturing an image sensor having a minimized spatial distance between microlenses to improve integration, and thus, enhance the ability of each microlens to condense light incident.
US07977137B1	Latching zip-mode actuated mono wafer MEMS switch method A process for making a latching zip-mode actuated mono wafer MEMS switch especially suited to capacitance coupled signal switching of microwave radio frequency signals is disclosed. The single wafer fabrication process used for the switch employs sacrificial layers and liquid removal of these layers in order to also provide needed permanent physical protection for an ultra fragile switch moving arm member. Latched operation of the achieved MEMS switch without use of conventional holding electrodes or magnetic fields is also achieved. Fabrication of a single MEMS switch is disclosed however large or small arrays may be achieved. A liquid removal based fabrication process is disclosed.
US07977136B2	Microelectromechanical systems structures and self-aligned high aspect-ratio combined poly and single-crystal silicon fabrication processes for producing same Disclosed are one-port and two-port microelectromechanical structures including variable capacitors, switches, and filter devices. High aspect-ratio micromachining is used to implement low-voltage, large value tunable and fixed capacitors, and the like. Tunable capacitors can move in the plane of the substrate by the application of DC voltages and achieve greater than 240 percent of tuning. Exemplary microelectromechanical apparatus comprises a single crystalline silicon substrate, and a conductive structure laterally separated from the single crystalline silicon substrate by first and second high aspect ratio gaps of different size, wherein at least one of the high aspect ratio gaps has an aspect ratio of at least 30:1, and is vertically anchored to the single crystalline silicon substrate by way of silicon nitride.
US07977131B2	Method for manufacturing nano-array electrode and photoelectric conversion device using same The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a nano-array electrode with a controlled nano-structure by filling a compound having an electron-accepting structure or an electron donating structure into the fine pores of an anodic-oxide porous alumina film obtained by anodically oxidizing aluminum in electrolyte. The spaces defined between the nano-arrays formed of the compound by removing the alumina film are filled with a compound having an electron-donating structure if the nano-arrays have an electron-accepting structure and a compound having an electron-accepting structure if the nano-arrays have an electron-donating structure. A high-performance, high-efficiency photoelectric converting device comprising a nano-array electrode manufactured by the method is also disclosed.
US07977126B2	Method of manufacturing organic light emitting device having photo diode A method for manufacturing an organic light emitting device including a photo diode and a transistor includes forming a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer on separate portions of a buffer layer formed on the substrate; forming a gate metal layer on the first semiconductor layer, the gate metal layer covering a central region of the first semiconductor layer; forming a high-concentration P doping region and a high-concentration N doping region in the first semiconductor layer by injecting impurities into regions of the first semiconductor layer not covered by the gate metal layer to form the photodiode; forming a source and drain region and a channel region in the second semiconductor layer; and removing the gate metal layer from the central region of the first semiconductor layer by etching and simultaneously forming a gate electrode by etching, the gate electrode being insulated from the channel region of the second semiconductor layer, to form the transistor.
US07977120B2	Fluorescent sensors for cellular amines The invention provides compounds of formulas I, II, and III, methods of making them, and methods of their use. The compounds of the invention can be used as fluorescent sensors, for example, to detect an amine-containing analyte in a biological sample. The compounds can be selective for one type of amine over others and the amount of fluorescence can be correlated with the concentration of the amine in the sample.
US07977119B2	Chemical arrays and methods of using the same Methods and compositions for generating mixtures of product molecules from an initial chemical array are provided. In the subject methods, a chemical array of surface immobilized first moieties is subjected to cleavage conditions such that a composition of solution phase first moieties is produced. The resultant composition of solution phase first moieties is then contacted with one or more reactants to produce a mixture of product molecules that are different from the first moieties. Also provided are the arrays employed in the subject methods and kits for practicing the subject methods.
US07977115B2	Method for determining composition balance of cooled brine A method of determining whether a brine composition for freezing an item is in a desired balance. The method includes: adding an effective amount of dye into the brine composition, cooling the dye composition to a pre-determined temperature, and comparing the color of the brine composition to a pre-established correlation of color and brine composition at the pre-determined temperature, thereby determining whether the brine composition is in the desired balance.
US07977114B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring processes using a single detector Embodiments of the invention feature methods and apparatus for the efficient utilization of detectors and other components. The apparatus comprises a pump for receiving and propelling one or more samples in a fluid path. The apparatus further comprises a valve element in fluid communication with the pump for receiving the samples from the pump and directing the sample along one fluid path selected from a group. The group comprises a delay path comprising a delay volume, and a chromatography assembly having at least one chromatography column. The apparatus further comprises a detector or grouping of detectors in fluid communication with the delay path and the chromatography assembly for detecting compounds of interest to allow a single detector or single grouping of detectors to receive samples from the two fluid paths.
US07977113B2	Biological agent detector method A biological agent detector detects the presence of any biological agents, such as anthrax or other biological warfare agents, in a sample of air. The biological agent detector includes a bio-concentrator that concentrates an aerosol and a pyrolyzer portion including two detecting devices. One detecting device operates in a sample collection mode and collects a sample of air when the other detecting device operates in a sample analysis mode and analyzes a sample of air. After a predetermined amount of time, the detecting devices switch functions, providing continuous sampling of air.
US07977103B2	Method for detecting the onset of ovulation A method for detecting the onset of ovulation in a female mammal is provided. The method includes contacting mouth air of the female mammal with an arylmethane test chromogen in an amount effective to undergo a rapid and detectable color change in the presence of one or more volatile sulfur compounds. The color of the test chromogen is compared to a control color that corresponds to a pre-ovulatory sulfur content. The difference in color between the test chromogen and the control color is correlated to the onset of ovulation.
US07977097B1	Method of screening multiply transformed cells using bicistronic expression of fluorescent proteins A method of screening multiply transformed/transfected cells to identify those cells expressing at least two peptides or proteins of interest. The method comprising: 1. Simultaneously or sequentially transforming a cell with at least two different expression cassettes in which the gene of interest is linked via an IRES to a fluorescent marker gene. Each marker gene is different. 2. Providing conditions in which expression of the genes will occur. 3. Identifying cells expressing proteins by detecting the different fluorescent signals.
US07977094B2	Compositions for repair of defects in osseous tissues, and methods of making the same Tissue repair compositions, particularly bone repair compositions, containing demineralized bone fragments and homogenized connective tissues, and methods for making the same. The compositions can be used in the form of an injectable gel, an injectable paste, a paste, a putty, or a rehydratable freeze-dried form.
US07977090B2	Filtration device for biological samples An open-topped container (10) is sealed by a cap (12) to the underside of which is fixed a sealed enclosure (13) containing a fixative solution. At the end of the enclosure remote from the cap is a receptacle (14) for a fecal specimen and this is surrounded by protrusions (15) of the enclosure which are ruptured by teeth (22) surrounding an uppermost filter (19) as the cap is screwed on. The fixative solution escapes from the enclosure, mixes with the fecal matter and passes through filters so that parasitic eggs are collected in the conical false bottom (23) of the container. During the final travel of the cap skirts engage the non-perforated periphery (21) of the upper filter to prevent the fixative solution flowing back into the enclosure when the container is inverted. The filtrate can be poured or pippetted out of the container through its spout (24).
US07977085B2	Process for the cultivation of micro-algae Process for the cultivation of micro-algae comprising the planting of an algal strain in an aqueous environment and the growth process, under solar irradiation, by continuously feeding a gaseous stream essentially consisting of carbon dioxide and a stream of nutrients based on nitrogen, consisting of wastewater from industrial plants, coming from secondary treatment processes.
US07977081B2	Recombinant carboxypeptidase B A nucleic acid coding for pro-carboxypeptidase B (Pro-CPB), comprising three segments A, B and C, wherein at least one of the segments has one of the sequences according to SEQ ID No. 1, 2 or 3.
US07977079B2	Nucleic acid constructs encoding cytotoxic ribonuclease variants This invention relates to altered forms of members of the RNase A superfamily. An RNase A can be modified to be cytotoxic by altering its amino acid sequence so that it is not bound easily by the ribonuclease inhibitor while still retaining catalytic properties. While earlier work had identified some modifications to RNase A that would result in cytotoxicity, the use of the FADE algorithm for molecular interaction analysis has led to several other locations that were candidates for modification. Some of those modifications did result in RNase A variants with increase cytotoxicity.
US07977078B2	Ketoreductase polypeptides for the production of (R)-3-hydroxythiolane The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize chiral compounds.
US07977072B2	Sandwich immunoassay for identifying partial proANP peptides Disclosed is an improved sandwich immunoassay for identifying partial proANP peptides in cardiac and sepsis diagnosis by using two antibodies which specifically bond to partial sequences in the mid-regional area of NT-proANP, extending from amino acid 53 to amino acid 83 of NT-proANP.
US07977071B2	Binding moieties based on shark ignar domains The present invention relates to immunoglobulin new antigen receptors (IgNARs) from fish and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to modified IgNAR variable domains and to domains from members of the immunoglobulin superfamily that have been modified to include structural features derived from IgNAR variable domains.
US07977065B2	Yeast strains autonomously producing steroids The present invention relates to genetically modified yeast strains autonomously producing, from a simple carbon source, steroids. The invention also relates to a method for producing steroids from such yeast strains.
US07977063B2	Method for determining an allergic response The present invention concerns a method for determining an allergic response by determining the extent of degranulation of human IgE sensitized cells upon activation by allergens in food products.
US07977062B2	Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 161P2F10B useful in treatment and detection of cancer A novel gene 0161P2F10B (also designated 161P2F10B) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 161P2F10B exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 161P2F10B provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 161P2F10B gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 161P2F10B can be used in active or passive immunization.
US07977059B2	17867, a novel human aminopeptidase The present invention relates to a newly identified human aminopeptidase. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the aminopeptidase. The invention further relates to methods using the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides as a target for diagnosis and treatment in aminopeptidase-related disorders. The invention further relates to drug-screening methods using the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides to identify agonists and antagonists for diagnosis and treatment. The invention further encompasses agonists and antagonists based on the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention further relates to procedures for producing the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides.
US07977058B2	Diagnostic method for atherosclerosis The invention relates to a method of identifying/monitoring active atherosclerotic plaques associated with blood vessel walls wherein the plaques comprise activated macrophages having accessible binding sites for a ligand. The method comprises the steps of administering to a patient being evaluated for atherosclerosis an effective amount of a composition comprising a conjugate of a ligand and a chromophore capable of emitting light under predetermined conditions, allowing sufficient time for the ligand conjugate to bind to the activated macrophages, subjecting the blood vessels to the predetermined conditions using a catheter-based device, and identifying active plaques by detecting light emitted by the chromophore using a catheter-based device or by using an external imaging technique. The invention also relates to a similar method wherein a chemical moiety capable of emitting radiation is conjugated to the ligand.
US07977053B2	Circular probe amplification (CPA) using energy-transfer primers The present invention provides methods and kits for the rapid exponential amplification of nucleic acid molecules using a padlock probe. The present invention improves upon the existing methods for amplifying padlock probes by eliminating or delaying the appearance of artifact products that cause false positive results, and also increase the sensitivity and speed of the assay. Further provided are nucleic acid amplification primers containing non-informative base analogs.
US07977051B2	EGIII-like enzymes, DNA encoding such enzymes and methods for producing such enzymes The present invention is directed to cellulase compositions which share unique highly conserved regions with a known useful cellulase. More specifically, the present invention relates to a series of newly discovered enzymes from fungi and bacteria which are related by virtue of having at least one of five important conserved amino acid sequences which are also present in EGIII.
US07977046B2	Method of selecting DNA constructs for herbicide tolerance in plants An improved method for selecting among DNA constructs conferring herbicide tolerance for those which confer superior vegetative and reproductive tolerance in crop plants. Additionally, an improved method for selecting among DNA constructs conferring herbicide tolerance for those which confer superior tolerance in vegetative tissues of crop plants but little or no tolerance in male reproductive tissues of crop plants for the purpose of producing male sterile plants useful in a hybrid crop production system.
US07977044B2	Rapid dissolve media A method for producing a pelletized material includes mixing a media powder with a treated water, the treated water comprising a additive for substantially preventing bacterial contamination, pouring a mixture of the media powder and halogenated water on a non-binding surface, spreading the mixture into a wafer, drying the mixture, and grinding the mixture to produce the pelletized material.
US07977039B2	Rinse treatment method, developing treatment method and developing apparatus In the present invention, in a rinse treatment method of cleaning a substrate after an exposed pattern thereon has been subjected to developing treatment, the following steps are performed such as supplying pure water onto the substrate to clean the substrate with the pure water; supplying a first rinse solution composed of a surfactant with a predetermined concentration onto the substrate to clean the substrate with the first rinse solution; and supplying a second rinse solution composed of a surfactant with a concentration lower than that of the first rinse solution onto the substrate to clean the substrate with the second rinse solution. According to the present invention, in the rinse treatment of the substrate after developing treatment, it is possible to dry the substrate without causing pattern collapse to restrain variation in pattern line width, and to reduce the remaining precipitation-based defects to increase the productivity.
US07977036B2	Resist pattern forming method A fine and high-accuracy resist pattern, which is excellent in etching resistance, can be formed. Disclosed is a resist pattern forming method, which includes the steps of developing a resist composition having photosensitivity to a predetermined light source through a lithography technique to form a resist pattern 2 on a substrate 1, and bringing the resist pattern 2 into contact with a supercritical processing solution 5′ including a supercritical fluid 3′ which contains a crosslinking agent 4.
US07977034B1	Method for making circuitized substrates having photo-imageable dielectric layers in a continuous manner Apparatus and method for making circuitized substrates using a continuous roll format in which a layer of conductor is fed into the apparatus, layers of photo-imageable dielectric are applied to opposite sides of the conductor layer, thru-holes are formed through the composite, and then metal layers are added over the dielectric and then patterns (e.g., circuit) are formed therein. Several operations are performed in addition to these to form the final end product, a circuitized substrate (e.g., printed circuit board), all while the conductor layer of the product is retained in a solid format, up to the final separation from the continuous layer.
US07977030B2	Photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive resin laminate, and method for pattern forming A photosensitive resin composition, a photosensitive resin laminate, and a method for forming a pattern capable of realizing high hardness while using an epoxy group-containing acrylic resin are provided. In a photosensitive resin composition including (A) an epoxy group-containing acrylic resin, (B) a photopolymerization initiator, and (C) a sensitizer, an onium salt having a specific structure is used as the component (B), and at least one kind selected from 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene, and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene is used as the component (C).
US07977025B2	Emulsion aggregation methods A method of making toner particles, including: mixing, at less than about 17° C. and without homogenizing, a resin emulsion with a coagulant, a colorant, an optional wax, and optional additives, to form pre-aggregated particles in a slurry; heating the slurry to form aggregated toner particles; freezing aggregation of the particles in the slurry once at a desired aggregated particle size; and further heating the aggregated particles in the slurry to coalesce the aggregated particles into toner particles.
US07977023B2	Ink formulations and methods of making ink formulations Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include ink composition for use in electrostatic imaging, method of making an ink formulation for use in electrostatic imaging, and the like.
US07977020B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor containing enamine compound, image formation apparatus provided with the same, enamine compound and method for producing the same An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising laminating a monolayer type photosensitive layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transport material or a laminate type photosensitive layer obtained by laminating a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material in this order, on a conductive support, wherein the charge transport layer of the monolayer type photosensitive layer or laminate type photosensitive layer contains an enamine compound represented by the following formula (1).
US07977013B2	Nanowire-based membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.
US07977012B2	Method of coating a surface of a fuel cell plate A method of coating a surface of a fuel cell plate is disclosed herein. The method involves forming a sol gel mixture including a metal oxide modified with at least one functional group, where the at least one functional group is configured to improve adhesion; and adding carbon modified with a hydrophilic functional group to the mixture, thereby forming a suspension. The suspension is applied to the surface of the fuel cell plate, and is activated to form a porous, hydrophilic, and conductive film on the surface of the fuel cell plate.
US07977011B2	Fuel stack structure with an adhesive layer (1) In a fuel cell stack structure wherein a stack is formed by stacking cells each of which is formed by sandwiching an MEA between two separators, an adhesive layer 33a is provided between the two separators sandwiching the MEA, without a constant thickness structure or pseudo constant thickness structure provided between the separators. (2) An adhesive layer 33b is provided between adjacent cells, without a bead gasket provided therebetween. (3) The adhesive layers 33a, 33b have a Young's modulus of 100 MPa or less.
US07977010B2	PEM fuel cell system with a porous hydrophobic plug for maintaining system back pressure and methods for designing the plug and for designing systems for using the plug A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant is cooled evaporatively by a non-circulating pressurized water coolant system. The coolant system utilizes a hydrophobic porous plug for bleeding air from the coolant water while maintaining coolant back pressure in a coolant flow field of the system. Furthermore, there is a first method for identifying appropriate parameters of the hydrophobic porous plug for use with a known particular coolant system; and a second method for determining proper operating conditions for a fuel cell water coolant system which can operate with a hydrophobic porous plug closure having known physical parameters.
US07977007B2	Nanowire-based membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.
US07977005B2	Edge-protected catalyst-coated membrane electrode assemblies A fuel cell including an anode-side catalyst coated membrane and a cathode-side catalyst coated membrane. At least a portion of a reduced-permeability layer is disposed between the ionically conductive membrane and the anode-side and cathode-side gas diffusion media, wherein the reduced-permeability layer is formed of a material that has a permeability that is less than a permeability of the ionically conductive member. The reduced-permeability layer may also be formed of a material that is softer than the ionically conductive membrane.
US07977002B2	Fuel cell system and mobile article There is disclosed a fuel cell system including a fuel cell for generating electric power by a reaction of a fuel gas an oxidation gas, and a power storage device, and being configured to perform a scavenging operation when an operation of the fuel cell is stopped for discharging a moisture from the fuel cell by supplying a gas into the fuel cell by using the power supplied from the power storage device. The fuel cell system further includes control means for setting an operating condition of the fuel cell so that a moisture content of the fuel cell when it is in operation is less than a target moisture content set in accordance with a state of the power storage device.
US07976996B2	Fuel cell system The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell; a power conditioner that converts a cell power supplied from the fuel cell to a power corresponding to a load; a capacitor to which an excessive output power of the fuel cell is charged at the time of a low load operation and from which a power corresponding to the insufficient output power of the fuel cell is discharged at the time of a high load operation; a voltage detection means for detecting a voltage of the capacitor; and a control means that determines the low load operation or the high load operation, calculates an output power from the fuel cell to maintain the excessive power generated at the time of the low load operation within a space capacity of the capacitor, and controls the output power of the fuel cell not to exceed the calculated value.
US07976995B2	Fuel cell system comprising a voltage limit device A fuel cell system that has a fuel cell stack with a plurality of laminated cells, each of the laminated cells includes an electrolyte membrane interposed between a fuel electrode receiving a supply of fuel gas and an oxidizing agent electrode receiving a supply of oxidizing agent gas. A fuel gas supply device supplies a fuel gas to the fuel electrode. An oxidizing agent gas supply device supplies an oxidizing agent gas to the oxidizing agent electrode. A fuel electrode side discharge system discharges a discharge gas from the fuel electrode to an external. A circulation device re-circulates the discharge gas discharged from the fuel electrode into an upstream side of the fuel electrode. A voltage limit device limits a voltage across the fuel cell stack by drawing a current from the fuel cell stack at a time of an activation of the fuel cell system. A controller halts the supply of the oxidizing agent gas to the oxidizing agent electrode from the oxidizing agent gas supply device at the time of the activation of the fuel cell system, inhibits a discharge of the discharge gas to the external through the fuel electrode side discharge system, and starts the supply of fuel gas to the fuel electrode from the fuel gas supply device in a state where the discharge gas is circulated through the circulation device.
US07976991B2	Relative humidity control for a fuel cell A model uses various operating characteristics of a fuel cell to predict the relative humidity profile that is occurring within the fuel cell as a function of the reaction progress. The model is used to predict the relative humidity profile that will occur in response to changes to one or more of the operating characteristics of the fuel cell. A high frequency resistance of the fuel cell can also be used as a measure that is indicative of the humidity within the fuel cell. The model and/or the high frequency resistance can be used in a closed-loop feedback system to control the operation of the fuel cell to maintain the humidification of the MEA and fuel cells within a desired range to achieve a desired fuel cell performance.
US07976990B2	High efficiency fuel cell system A technique includes operating a fuel cell, which produces an effluent flow. The technique includes routing the effluent flow through an electrochemical pump to extract fuel from the effluent flow to produce a first feedback flow. The technique includes using the effluent flow to produce a second feedback flow separate from the first feedback flow and routing the second feedback flow through a venturi to the fuel cell.
US07976989B2	Precious metal oxide catalyst for water electrolysis The invention is directed to iridium oxide based catalysts for use as anode catalysts in PEM water electrolysis. The claimed composite catalyst materials comprise iridium oxide (IrO2) and optionally ruthenium oxide (RuO2) in combination with a high surface area inorganic oxide (for example TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2 and mixtures thereof). The inorganic oxide has a BET surface area in the range of 50 to 400 m2/g, a water solubility of lower than 0.15 g/l and is present in a quantity of less than 20 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. The claimed catalyst materials are characterised by a low oxygen overvoltage and long lifetime in water electrolysis. The catalysts are used in electrodes, catalyst-coated membranes and membrane-electrode-assemblies for PEM electrolyzers as well as in regenerative fuel cells (RFC), sensors, and other electrochemical devices.
US07976988B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium secondary battery using the same A non-aqueous electrolyte comprising (i) a non-aqueous solvent, especially mainly composed of a cyclic carbonate and a cyclic ester and optionally a linear carbonate, and (ii) an electrolyte salt, especially LiBF4, dissolved therein and (iii) a vinyl sulfone derivative having the formula (I): wherein R indicates a C1 to C12 alkyl group, C2 to C12 alkenyl group, or C3 to C6 cycloalkyl, and also a lithium secondary battery using the same are disclosed.
US07976987B2	Separator for nonaqueous secondary battery, method for producing the same, and nonaqueous secondary battery The present invention is to provide a separator that is excellent in heat resistance, shutdown function, flame retardancy and handling property. The separator for a nonaqueous secondary battery of the invention is a separator for a nonaqueous secondary battery that has a polyolefin microporous membrane at least one surface of which is laminated with a heat resistant porous layer containing a heat resistant resin, and is characterized by containing an inorganic filler containing a metallic hydroxide that undergoes dehydration reaction at a temperature of 200 to 400° C.
US07976983B2	Lithium ion secondary battery A lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode including a lithium composite oxide represented by the general formula (1): LixM1-yLyO2 (0.85≦x≦1.25 and 0≦y≦0.50; M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co; and L is at least one selected from the group of alkaline earth elements, transition elements other than Ni and Co, rare earth elements, and elements of Group IIIb and Group IVb). The lithium composite oxide is treated with a coupling agent having a plurality of hydrolyzable groups, and the remaining hydrolyzable group is inactivated.
US07976982B2	Alkaline storage battery An alkaline storage battery includes, as main constituent elements, a positive electrode having nickel hydroxide as an active material, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte made of an aqueous alkali solution, and a foamed three-dimensional porous substrate composed of nickel as a main component is used as a core substrate of the positive electrode, and the weight ratio of this core substrate in the positive electrode is set to 30% to 50%, thereby allowing both electron conductivity and ion conductivity of the positive electrode, with long life and high output even under severe conditions.
US07976980B2	Secondary battery module, a battery system including the secondary battery module and method of manufacture of the battery system Disclosed herein is a secondary battery module constructed approximately in a rectangular parallelepiped structure. The battery module includes a pair of side members (right and left side members) having pluralities of grooves formed at the inside surfaces thereof such that the sides of unit cells are securely fitted in the grooves and at least one connection member integrally formed with the side members such that the side members are spaced apart from each other by the width of the unit cells while the grooves of the side members face each other. A medium- or large-sized battery system is manufactured using one or more secondary battery module. The secondary battery module allows a plurality of unit cells to be mounted in the battery module with high density. Consequently, the total size of the battery system can be considerably reduced, and the electrical connection between the electrodes is highly stable. Furthermore, a risk of an engineer or a user being exposed to the electrical short-circuits is minimized, and a risk of electrical short-circuits due to external forces is greatly reduced.
US07976976B2	Composite current collector Composite current collectors containing coatings of metals, alloys or compounds, selected from the group of Zn, Cd, Hg, Ga, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi and Se on non-metallic, non-conductive or poorly-conductive substrates are disclosed. The composite current collectors can be used in electrochemical cells particularly sealed cells requiring a long storage life. Selected metals, metal alloys or metal compounds are applied to polymer or ceramic substrates by vacuum deposition techniques, extrusion, conductive paints (dispersed as particles in a suitable paint), electroless deposition, cementation; or after suitable metallization by galvanic means (electrodeposition or electrophoresis). Metal compound coatings are reduced to their respective metals by chemical or galvanic means. The current collectors described are particular suitable for use in sealed primary or rechargeable galvanic cells containing mercury-fee and lead-free alkaline zinc electrodes.
US07976974B2	Vanadium halide redox flow battery A vanadium halide redox cell including: a positive half cell containing a positive half cell solution including a halide electrolyte, a polyhalide complex, vanadium (IV) halide and vanadium (V) halide; a negative half cell containing a negative half cell solution including a halide electrolyte, vanadium (II) halide and vanadium (III) halide; wherein the ratio of the number of moles of polyhalide complex and vanadium (V):number of moles of vanadium (II) halide is about stoichiometrically balanced and wherein the ratio of the number of moles of polyhalide complex:the number of moles of vanadium (II) halide is in the range of from about 0.7:2 to about 1.3:2.
US07976973B2	Spirally wound battery A battery includes a spirally wound electrode body in which a cathode and an anode are layered with a separator in between and spirally wound. The spirally wound electrode body is attached with at least one lead on the spirally-winding center side. The cathode has a cathode current collector having a pair of opposed faces, an outer-face cathode active material layer provided on the spirally-winding outer face side of the cathode current collector, and an inner-face cathode active material layer provided on the spirally-winding inner face side thereof. A thickness of the inner-face cathode active material layer is smaller than a thickness of the outer-face cathode active material layer. An outer face active material region provided with only the outer-face cathode active material layer is formed to be overlapped with the lead on the spirally-winding center side of the cathode.
US07976971B2	Power generator with a pneumatic slide valve A power generator having a fuel cell and a fuel container in an enclosure with a pneumatic slide valve interposed between the fuel cell and the fuel container. The fuel cell may provide water vapor which goes to react with the fuel of the container and result in a production of hydrogen for the fuel cell. The valve may be connected to a pressure sensitive membrane that is linked to the valve such that when the pressure within the enclosure increases, the membrane will begin to move and close the valve to cut off the supply of water vapor to the fuel to reduce hydrogen production and consequently the pressure. With a reduction or stoppage of hydrogen production, the pressure may decrease and the membrane may begin to open the valve to let in water vapor to the fuel to make more hydrogen.
US07976970B2	Fuel cell unit and fuel cell device comprising a number of said fuel cell units Method and apparatus for establishing a fuel cell unit (10) in the form of an extruded monolith having channels (14), of which every second constitutes a fuel channel (14a) and every other second an oxygen channel (14b). The channels (14) are designed in such a manner that the fuel channels (14a) are displaced laterally in relation to the oxygen channels (14b), in such a way that all the fuel channels (14a) protrude a certain distance from the end points of all the oxygen channels 14b) and all the oxygen channels (14b) protrude a certain distance from the end points of all the fuel channels (14a). The distance is less than the length of respective channels. The invention also relates to a fuel cell device that includes several of the fuel cell units (10) that together establish an enhanced system of fuel cell units that lend themselves to compact.
US07976969B2	No-welding type battery pack using forced-inserting type rivet Disclosed herein is a no-welding type battery pack using one or more forced-inserting type rivets. A cap assembly includes a base plate mounted to an open upper end of a battery case, a protection circuit module (PCM) mounted on the base plate, and a top cap coupled to the upper end of the battery case while the top cap covers the PCM. The top cap is made of an insulative material. The electrical connection and the mechanical coupling between the PCM and the base plate are accomplished by one or more forced-inserting type rivets. The cap assembly is included the battery pack. The no-welding type battery pack using the one or more forced-inserting type rivets is manufactured without welding or soldering requiring an excessive amount of time and skilled technique during the electrical connection between the battery cell and the PCM. As a result, the assembly process of the battery pack is simplified, and therefore, the manufacturing time of the battery pack is reduced. Consequently, the manufacturing costs of the battery pack are decreased, the automation of the assembly process is accomplished, and the structural stability of the battery pack is improved.
US07976967B2	Glass substrate for magnetic disk apparatus A main surface of a glass substrate for a magnetic disk is disk-shaped and has a ski jump on an outer peripheral end portion of the main surface opposing a magnetic head slider to be loaded. A rate of change of angles of tangents to a slope of the ski jump in a radial direction in a range between an inner circumferential side and a transition point on the slope is equal to or less than 10/W μrad/mm where W is a width of the magnetic head slider.
US07976962B2	Moldable and low-temperature cure high-temperature composites A method for preparing a high-temperature heat-resistant composite material by combining a mixture of submicron alumina powder and submicron silica powder, wherein the ratio of alumina to silica is from about 4:1 to about 5:1, submicron Group II metal oxide powder, and a Group I metal silicate solution to form a slurry, wherein the weight of the Group II metal oxide powder is an amount corresponding to about 5% to about 10% of the weight of the silicate solution; contacting reinforcing high-temperature resistant fibers with the slurry to form a composite precursor composition; and curing the composition at a temperature sufficient to produce the high-temperature heat-resistant composite material capable of resisting temperatures up to about 1400° C. Composite materials prepared according to the method and articles incorporating the material are also presented.
US07976955B2	Vulcanized rubber composition and articles manufactured therefrom The rubber compositions described herein have been found to have an exceptionally long life as a spring-biased actuator diaphragm material that maintains its position compressed, e.g., bolted, between opposed flanges, while maintaining excellent compressibility, low temperature flexibility, hydrocarbon resistance, abrasion resistance and mechanical strength. The compositions include a copolymer rubber component; a plasticizer for the copolymer rubber; a vulcanizing agent for the copolymer rubber; a silica filler; and a coupling agent, such as a silane coupling agent, capable of coupling the silica filler to the copolymer rubber.
US07976954B1	Layer by layer self-assembly of large response molecular electro-optic materials by a desilylation strategy The preparation of robust, thin film materials with large second-order optical nonlinearities through the covalent self-assembly of chromophoric compositions and innovative use of silyl chemistry.
US07976951B2	Laminate containing an adhesive-forming composition A laminate includes a backing material coated with an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition includes a silylated polyurethane obtained from the silylation of a polyurethane prepolymer derived from the reaction of polybutadiene polyol and polyisocyanate; and an additional adhesive component.
US07976950B2	Transparent conductive film and electronic device including same The transparent conductive film according to the present invention comprises graphene platelets which overlap one another to form a multilayer structure. The average size of the graphene platelets is 50 nm or more and the number of layers of the graphene platelets is 9 or less. The transparent conductive film has an electrical resistivity of 1.0×10−6 (Ωm) or less and a light transmission at a wavelength of 550 nm of 80% or more.
US07976948B2	Nanosized phosphor The present invention is to provide a nanosized phosphor exhibiting enhanced luminance as a molecular labeling phosphor by controlling an electrostatic charge of an inorganic phosphor. The nanosized phosphor is featured in that at least 90% of total particles have a particle size of 1 to 100 nm and an electrostatic charge of the total particles is in the range of −20 μC/g to 5 μC/g.
US07976940B2	Component, method for coating a component, and powder Coatings which are applied to a component have to be removed again in a complex way in certain regions, since a coating was not desired to be present in those regions. The subsequent removal of this layer adversely affects the component, for example its geometry. The method according to the invention for coating a component includes a masking which at least partially comprises a ceramic powder and can therefore easily be removed after the component has been coated.
US07976939B2	Large high density foam glass tile composite A large, high density foam glass tile which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile can also be used with other materials to form a panel or a composite. The present invention may be used on the critical surfaces of buildings at high risk for terrorist attacks, in combination with cement, steel or other high strength building materials. The present invention may also be used in surfaces of typical buildings. The present invention has the advantage of absorbing a substantial portion of a shock wave caused by an explosion. The present invention also has the advantage of being more resistant to earthquakes.
US07976938B2	Lightweight decorative cementitious composite panel Disclosed is a decorative panel having a composite structure bonded by an elastomeric cementitious coating. The cementitious coating bonds together a foam core and glass fiber mesh to form a highly durable and lightweight decorative panel. The panel can further include a finish coat of a substantially maintenance free pigmented coating. The panel may be attachment to the exterior surface of barriers and bridges. The lightweight construction of the panel adds little weight to the structure it adorns while matching or exceeding the wear characteristics of the attached structure.
US07976935B2	Carbon nanotube containing intermediate transfer members A UV curable intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a first supporting substrate, such as a polyimide substrate layer, and a second surface layer of a carbon nanotube.
US07976934B2	Cloth and solid piece assembly and production method for cloth and solid piece assembly Disclosed is a cloth and solid piece assembly, which comprises a cloth which is subjected to an embossing process to have a receiving portion formed through the embossing process in such a manner as to protrude from a surface of the cloth in a direction perpendicular to the surface to have an opening oriented in a direction opposite to the protruding direction, a solid piece received inside the receiving portion, and an adhesive material. The adhesive material is received inside the receiving portion and bonded to an inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion while plugging the opening of the receiving portion, so as to fix the solid piece inside the receiving portion. The cloth and solid piece assembly can reliably suppress peeling of a bonded region between the adhesive material and the cloth, in a simple structure.
US07976933B2	Sports mat A sports mat includes a first foam layer, a second foam layer laminated on the first foam layer and a patterned laminate bonded on the second foam layer. The first and second foam layers are both made of polyethylene foam containing material of elastic resin and have a density in the range of 2 to 8 pcf and a total thickness in the range of 2 to 8 mm. In addition, the first foam layer is embossed therebottom with a plurality of elongated ridges parallel to one another. The patterned laminate includes a first plastic film laminated to the second foam layer, a second plastic film laminated to the first plastic film, and a pattern placed in between the first and second plastic films and visible through the second plastic film. Additionally, the pattern laminate together with the second foam layer is embossed to define a plurality of concaves in an exterior surface thereof.
US07976932B1	Ballistic-resistant panel including high modulus ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape A ballistic resistant panel including a strike face portion and a backing portion. The strike face portion includes a plurality of interleaved layers of non-fibrous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape. The backing portion includes a plurality of interleaved layers of cross-plied fibers of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The entire stack of interleaved layers is compressed at high temperature and pressure to form a ballistic resistant panel having a strike face on one side. It has been found that ballistic resistance increases as the weight ratio of the strike face portion with respect to the backing portion decreases. A composite panel having a strike face Tensylon tape with at most 40% of the total weight of the panel exhibits improved ballistic resistance properties as compared to a monolithic structure of strictly interleaved layers of cross-plied high modulus fibers.
US07976930B2	Non-fibrous high modulus ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape for ballistic applications A non-fibrous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape having a width of 1-inch or greater and a modulus of 1,400 grams per denier or greater. The non-fibrous UHMWPE tape is obtained by compression molding ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene powder at a temperature below its melting point and then drawing and stretching the entire resultant compression molded UHMWPE sheet, with no slitting or splitting of the sheet, at a draw ratio of at least 100:1. The UHMWPE tape can be produced in weights of 6,000 to 90,000 denier or greater. The UHMWPE tape of the present invention minimizes the effect of stress concentrators that are prevalent with fibers and thereby enables the tape to be drawn at much higher draw ratios than is possible with fibrous UHMWPE. When used in ballistics panels, the high modulus high molecular weight polyethylene tape of the present invention improves ballistic performance by providing enhanced dissipation of the impact energy of a projectile.
US07976922B2	Optical recording medium An optical recording medium including a substrate, an information recording layer including a recording layer and a cover layer, wherein information is written and read on the information recording layer by irradiation of laser beam via the cover layer, the cover layer includes an ultraviolet curing resin and an inner hardness Hi defined as hardness H of the cover layer on a side of the information recording layer satisfies the following relationship: 3.8≦Hi≦5.5, when H=3.8584×F/(h×h), wherein h represents an indented depth in a state in which a triangular pyramid indenter with a tip angle of 115° is pressed under F=9.8 mN.
US07976916B2	Refrigerated display case having a transparent insulating glazing unit A refrigerated display case having a transparent insulating glazing unit for displaying cold or frozen products. The glazing unit has an antifrosting absorbent layer that inhibits the formation of visible condensation or frost.
US07976915B2	Endoprosthesis with select ceramic morphology An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes a ceramic, such as IROX, having a select morphology and composition.
US07976913B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least the two characteristics. It is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a nematic liquid crystal composition that include a specific optically active compound as a first component and a specific compound having a positively large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and that may include a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a small viscosity as a third component, and a specific compound having a small minimum temperature and a positively large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and provides a liquid crystal display device including this composition.
US07976912B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light, and a high stability to heat, or provides a liquid crystal composition that is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. The invention provides an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase, wherein the first component may contain a specific optical active compound, the second component may contain a specific compound having a small minimum temperature and a large optical anisotropy, the third component may contain a specific compound having a large maximum temperature or a small viscosity, and the fourth component may contain a specific compound having a small minimum temperature, and positively large dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition.
US07976904B2	Curtain coating process using a high solids content composition, and coated product The invention relates to a curtain coating process for coating substrates with a stable curtain and a uniform coating at low flow rates wherein a free-falling curtain of an aqueous composition comprising a high solids content is coated onto the moving substrate at a flow rate per unit die length value (Q) equal to or inferior to 10−4 m3/(s·m), the said high solids content composition comprising a polymeric rheology modifier and a non-ionic surfactant. The invention relates in particular to a curtain coating process for coating fibrous substrates such as paper or board. The invention also relates to a coated product.
US07976901B2	Polishing sheet and manufacturing method of elastic plastic foam sheet A polishing sheet which can improve waviness at a face of a material to be polished and which has a long life is provided. The polishing pad 1 has a polyurethane sheet 2 made of polyurethane resin. The polyurethane sheet 2 has a polishing layer which is disposed inside a surface layer and which is allowed to wear away by polishing and whose thickness is larger than a thickness of the surface layer. The polishing layer has an approximately uniform foam structure in a direction of the thickness of the polishing sheet 2 by being formed foams whose space volume is larger than that of foams formed at the surface layer and which are communicated so as to form a network by continuous holes.
US07976900B2	Method for producing a fire-retardant veneer, and corresponding fire-retardant veneer For producing a fire-resistant veneer or material composite having different core materials without adding salts or other commercial fire-retardant materials, liquid is drawn out from the pores of the veneer by heat treatment and is replaced by resin, and the veneer is, if required, subjected to a refining process.
US07976899B2	Methods for selective deposition of graded materials on continuously fed objects Embodiments of the invention include a selective deposition method that allows for coating of selective portions of an object, such as an electronic device, and inhibits coating of other selective portions of the object, such as the electric contacts. The selective deposition method includes providing a web to transport the object through a deposition chamber. The web may include and reference mechanisms to register the object relative to the web. The method further includes providing deposition material and a shadow mask that has open spaces in it to inhibit coating selective portions of the object. The deposition material serves as the coating material.
US07976897B2	Thermal chemical vapor deposition methods, and thermal chemical vapor deposition systems One embodiment thermal chemical vapor deposition method includes exposing a substrate within a chamber to first and second deposition precursors effective to thermally chemical vapor deposit a material on the substrate, and exhausting unreacted first and second deposition precursors from the chamber through a vacuum pump via a first exhaust line comprising a filter. A reactive gas is flowed to the material on the substrate, with the reactive gas being reactive with the material. After flowing the reactive gas, an inert purge gas is flowed through the chamber and through the vacuum pump. The flowing of the inert purge gas to the vacuum pump is through a second exhaust line not comprising the filter. The exposing, the flowing of the reactive gas, and the flowing of the inert purge gas are repeated effective to deposit material of desired thickness on the substrate.
US07976895B2	Method for fabricating a fuel cell on a porous support To prevent the liquid electrolyte from penetrating into the porous support while at the same time preserving or increasing the power density of the fuel cell, before the liquid electrolyte is deposited, at least a part of the walls delineating the pores of said support is covered by a film formed by a material presenting a contact angle of more than 90° with a drop of said liquid electrolyte. Said film further presents a thickness enabling passage of the reactive fluid in the pores of the support.
US07976892B2	Method for producing a conductive coating on an insulating substrate In a method for producing a conductive coating on an insulating substrate, at least one surface of an electrically insulating substrate is equipped, in selected regions, with a coating of an electrically highly conductive first metal; the coated surface is cleaned; the coating made of the first metal on the substrate is seeded with seeds of a second metal; a layer of the second metal is deposited onto the layer thus seeded; the substrate thus coated is fired.
US07976891B1	Abluminal stent coating apparatus and method of using focused acoustic energy The apparatus and method use an optical feedback system to align a transducer with a stent strut. Once alignment is achieved, the transducer causes a coating to be ejected onto the stent strut and the transducer is moved along the stent strut to coat the stent strut.
US07976890B2	Method of producing body deodorizing garlic An herb liquid is sprayed into peeled garlic, after which the garlic is subjected to a predetermined processing. The herb liquid is produced from at least one type of herb selected from each of the following groups A, B, C, and D: Group A: sweet basil; bush basil; lemon basil; licorice basil; cinnamon basil; dark opal and catmint, Group B: spearmint; apple mint; peppermint; catmint; orange mint; curry mint; north mint; ginger mint; bergamot mint; pennyroyal; summer savory and winter savory, Group C: parsley; sage; red sage; clary sage; and pineapple sage, and Group D: fennel; Florence fennel; true fennel and dill.
US07976889B2	Doughs containing dehydrated potato products Improved doughs containing dehydrated potato products, food products made from said doughs, and the methods for making the same are disclosed. Although the improved doughs contain non-ideal dehydrated potato products, processing efficiency and finished product quality are comparable to that of finished products made with doughs containing dehydrated potato products having from 40% to 60% broken cells and from 16% to 27% free amylose.
US07976886B2	Blended cheeses and methods for making such cheeses Methods for preparing cheese blends of analog cheese and soft or firm/semi-hard, ripened or unripended, cheese are provided. The methods generally involve combining a slurry that contains the basic ingredients for an analog cheese and optionally one or more other ingredients with a mass of heated soft or firm/semi-hard cheese. Slurries that are used in the methods and cheeses produced by the methods are also provided.
US07976885B2	Anti-microbial injection for web packaging pasteurization system Systems and methods for antimicrobial injection in a web packaging pasteurization system are provided. A pressurized mixture of pasteurizing medium and at least one antimicrobial agent is applied to the surfaces of a food product. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one microbial agent is injected into and thereby mixed with the pressurized supply of pasteurizing steam prior to its discharge into a pressurized chamber and application to the food surfaces. Preferably, the mixture is introduced into the pressurized chamber at an inflow rate and vented from the chamber at an outflow rate that is slower than the inflow rate such that the pressure in the chamber increases to increase the temperature of the mixture to an effective temperature for killing bacteria.
US07976883B2	Method for delivering hot and cold beverages on demand in a variety of flavorings and nutritional additives The invention relates to a method for delivering a flavored and/or nutritionally enhanced non-carbonated beverage on premise. The method comprises a step of providing at least one packaged source of a liquid premix base comprising at least one microbiologically, physically, enzymatically and/or chemically sensitive beverage component which is not solely carbohydrate, a water activity lowering component. The liquid premix based is formulated with a water activity and/or solid content effective to render it shelf stable at room temperature. The method comprises a step of separately providing a plurality of flowable additive packaged sources adapted to tailor the flavor, aroma, body and/or nutritional value of the beverage. The method comprises a step in which liquid premix base is mixed to hot or cold non-carbonated water to provide a beverage base which is dispensed to the cup and wherein at least one additive is delivered and mixed with the beverage base into the cup.
US07976882B2	Demucilaged flax sprouts and their by-product as well as production and application thereof The present invention relates to demucilaged flax sprouts derived from flaxseeds freed of their mucilage. The flax sprouts according to the invention are easily digestible and can be utilized in different fields, e.g. in food industry, therapy and hus-handry. The invention also relates to the production process and applications of the demucilaged flax sprouts. The present invention further relates to a process for recovering mucilaginous substance generated as a by-product in the production process as well as to various applications thereof.
US07976881B2	Combinations of vasoactive agents, their use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic field, and formulations containing them Combinations of vasoactive substances which act at venous or arterial level with phosphodiesterase inhibitors including phosphodiesterase V, in particular: visnadin or esculoside; at least one compound selected from icarin or derivatives thereof or extracts containing it, Gingko biloba dimeric flavones either in the free form or complexed with phospholipids, amentoflavone; at least one compound selected from escin, escin beta-sitosterol complexed with phospholipids, sericoside, sericoside complexed with phospholipids or Centella asiatica extract in the free form or complexed with phospholipids. The formulations are useful in reducing parmiculopathy and problems associated with venous insufficiency of the lower limbs.
US07976876B2	Anti-bacterial, anti-virus, and anti-fungus composition, its preparation and use The present invention relates to an anti-bacterial, anti-virus, and anti-fungus composition, its preparation and use. The composition of the present invention mainly includes the following three ingredients in an adequate ratio: (A) a metal compound having a catalytic function; (B) a mixture of a coenzyme having reducing ability and a quinone, and (C) an additive. The anti-bacterial, anti-virus, and anti-fungus composition of the present invention is capable of destroying viruses as well as killing bacterial and fungi. Therefore, the composition can be formulated as an aerosol and a film for applying to protection devices such as respirators, masks, gloves, filters, condoms, etc. The present composition can also be used in household, vehicle, hospital, school, restaurant, hotel, internet coffee shop for applying to filter of air-conditioner, tap, stool, interior of elevator and its keyboard. Additionally, the present composition can be applied to human being such as applying to hand, foot, genital organs, oral cavity, and the like in a lower dose to attain the effect of destroying of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
US07976874B2	Injectable calcium phosphate cements and the preparation and use thereof A calcium phosphate cement suitable for use in dental and bone prosthesis is disclosed, which include calcium phosphate particles having a diameter of 0.05 to 100 microns, wherein said calcium phosphate particles on their surfaces have whiskers or fine crystals having a width ranging from 1 to 100 nm and a length ranging from 1 to 1000 nm.
US07976872B2	Method for distributing a pharmaceutically active compound in an excipient A process for uniformly distributing a pharmaceutically active particulate material in a pharmaceutically inert particulate material includes steps of providing a first layer of a pharmaceutically inert particulate material, disposing a layer of a pharmaceutically active particulate material on the first layer of pharmaceutically inert particulate material, passing the layers of particulate material through a static mixer, and discharging the blended mixture from the static mixer. The process is particularly useful for blending a low dose, high potency drug having a propensity to stick to process equipment surfaces with pharmaceutically inert particulate materials, such as diluents and/or excipients.
US07976870B2	Gastric retentive oral dosage form with restricted drug release in the lower gastrointestinal tract Controlled release oral dosage forms are provided for the continuous, sustained administration of a pharmacologically active agent to the upper gastrointestinal tract of a patient in whom the fed mode as been induced. The majority of the agent is delivered, on an extended release basis, to the stomach, duodenum and upper regions of the small intestine, with drug delivery in the lower gastrointestinal tract and colon substantially restricted. The dosage form comprises a matrix of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, erodible polymer with an active agent incorporated therein, wherein the polymer is one that both swells in the presence of water and gradually erodes over a time period of hours, with swelling and erosion commencing upon contact with gastric fluid, and drug release rate primarily controlled by erosion rate.
US07976869B2	Fenofibrate tablets The present invention relates to a novel galenic formulation of fenofibrate for oral administration and to the process for its preparation. According to the invention, the formulation is a tablet obtained by compressing a mixture comprising: a) granules containing: 1 to 5% of a surfactant; micronized fenofibrate; and at least one solid excipient selected from starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof, with the exception of C12 disaccharides, said granules being obtained by granulating the mixture with the aid of an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone; b) crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone; and c) optionally flow aids or lubricants, the amount of fenofibrate being greater than 50% by weight, expressed relative to the weight of the tablet.
US07976860B2	Implant and process for its production The present invention relates to an implant having a structured material component and having a protein matrix which has a pore structure. The structured material component is moreover at least partly anchored in the protein matrix. The implant also has on at least one its surfaces a protein membrane crosslinked with the protein matrix.
US07976858B2	Drug delivery to a joint A method of intra-articular drug delivery may include selecting an attachment zone in a synovial joint; affixing a drug release device in the attachment zone, the drug release device comprising a base affixable in the attachment zone, a sustained-release drug carrier, and a drug, the device positioned so that the device releases the drug into the synovial fluid of the synovial joint, and so that agitation of the synovial fluid facilitates elution of the drug from the drug release device.
US07976855B2	Metal ion modified high surface area materials for odor removal and control This invention relates to modified high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles that are coated with metal ions, and articles treated with the modified high surface area materials. The modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are applied to nonwoven webs to provide odor removing articles for industrial and consumer use in refrigerators and trash containers.
US07976851B2	Non-toxic biofilm inhibitor The present invention relates to a composition and method for preventing or inhibiting biofilm formation on biotic or abiotic surfaces. The composition comprises a peptide based on the C-terminal receptor binding domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type IV pilin, which binds to an abiotic surface (e.g., steel, plastic) with high affinity and prevents binding of a variety of P. aeruginosa strains to the surface. The inventive composition represents a non-toxic inhibitor for biofilm formation, particularly on an abiotic surface, which is responsible for a large number of problematic diseases and massive economic losses. The inventive method is useful as a safe and environmentally friendly means of modifying a surface of a variety of biomedical, nanotechnological, and biotechnological devices or articles.
US07976839B2	Growth differentiation factor-11 A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is provided. Also provided are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals, including humans, with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-11. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue and bone tissue.
US07976837B2	Method of preventing and treating brain infarction The present invention is intended to clarify the relationship between PAR-2 and cerebral infarction and thereby provide an efficient method of preventing and treating cerebral infarction, as well as a pharmaceutical composition therefore. Namely, the present invention relates to a method of preventing and treating cerebral infarction by activating PAR-2 and/or promoting expression of PAR-2 gene. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cerebral infarction, comprising one, or two or more of the active ingredients selected from the group consisting of a PAR-2 activator and/or a PAR-2 gene expression promoter; as well as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It further relates to a method of screening an active ingredient for preventing and treating cerebral infarction using as an indicator the PAR-2 activation promoted by a test substance.
US07976835B2	Methods and compositions for preventing and treating solid tumors Compositions and methods of preventing or treating a breast cancer are disclosed. The composition and method can utilize an endothelin B agonist and a chemotherapeutic agent as active ingredients to treat a solid tumor in mammals, including humans. Alternatively, the composition and method can utilize an endothelin B antagonist and an optional angiogenesis inhibitor to treat a solid tumor in mammals, including humans.
US07976833B2	Ophthalmic surgical irrigating solutions containing hyaluronidase and method for preventing post-operative intraocular pressure increases An ophthalmic irrigating solution containing hyaluronidase and an antioxidant is provided. The solution prevents a post-operative intraocular pressure rise when used during an ophthalmic surgical procedure, and also protects corneal endothelial cells. A method for preventing post-operative intraocular pressure increases in an eye during ophthalmic surgery involves irrigating an anterior chamber of the eye with an ophthalmic solution containing hyaluronidase and an antioxidant. Kits containing hyaluronidase and base medium solutions are also provided. The kits are designed such that the hyaluronidase and base medium solution are combined and administered together to an eye of a patient during or following an ophthalmic surgical procedure, such as cataract surgery, intraocular lens surgery, corneal transplant surgery, or glaucoma surgery. Administration of the components of the kit prevents an increase in post-operative intraocular pressure and also protects corneal endothelial cells.
US07976831B2	Method for treating hair fibers The present disclosure relates to methods for treating hair fibers, wherein the hair fibers are not fixed with an oxidizing composition, comprising the following steps: applying to the hair fibers at least one reducing composition containing no ceramide, comprising at least one reducing agent chosen from thiols and at least one cosmetic active agent chosen from polymeric active agents; increasing the temperature of the hair fibers with a heating iron at a temperature of at least 60° C., wherein the temperature of the hair fibers may be increased before or after optionally rinsing the hair fibers.
US07976827B2	Nail enamel compositions having a decorative color effect A base coat nail enamel composition that forms a decorative color effect over natural or synthetic nails. The base coat nail enamel composition includes at least one dye in a sufficient amount, such that when a clear, tinted or pigmented top coat nail enamel composition is formed thereon, the combined base and top coat nail enamel compositions will exhibit a decorative effect by virtue of forming a different color than either the color of the base nail enamel composition or the top coat nail enamel composition.
US07976826B2	Compositions and methods relating to prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia The present invention relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a chemical inducer of the stress protein response sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug. It also relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. It further relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective heat dose sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug.
US07976820B2	Composition and method for improved aluminum hydroxide production An improved method and composition for producing aluminum hydroxide crystals in a Bayer process pregnant liquor, involve the addition of an emulsified crystallization modifier comprising a C8-C10 fatty acid, precursors, salts or blends thereof. The alkyl chain of the fatty acid crystallization modifier is free of functional groups. The modifier yields a commercially viable product in the presence and absence of a hydrocarbon oil which dissolves the fatty acid. Further, the modifier, prepared in either an emulsified form or as a fatty acid neat, facilitates formation of oxalate aggregates greater than 200 μm which may be readily screened out with minimum trihydrate loss.
US07976818B2	Method for recovering titanium tetrachloride from a waste liquid A method for continuously recovering titanium tetrachloride TiCl4 from a waste liquid comprising TiCl4 and by-products, wherein said waste liquid is subjected, as a flowing liquid film, to an evaporation step for a residence time of less than 15 minutes at a temperature higher than 90° C.
US07976815B2	Shape controlled growth of nanostructured films and objects A method and apparatus for growing nanostructures is presented. A growth substrate including at least one reaction site is provided as is a device disposed proximate the growth substrate. Energy is provided to the reaction site and a reaction species is introduced to the growth substrate. This results in a nanostructure growing from the reaction site wherein the growth process of the nanostructure is controlled by providing a force to the device.
US07976813B1	Form of carbon C60 and C70 carbon atom compounds are prepared by evaporating graphite in an inert quenching gas. The vapor of carbon is collected and is selectively extracted with an organic non-polar solvent.
US07976811B2	Process for the manufacture of P4O6 The invention relates to a process for the production of P4O6 of high purity by reacting oxygen, or a mixture of oxygen and an inert gas, with gaseous or liquid phosphorus to generate said reaction product in a reaction unit. The reaction product is kept in the reaction unit at an average temperature in the range of 1600 and 2000 K by removing the heat created by the exothermic reaction of phosphorus and oxygen. A residence time of at least 1 second of the reaction product passing the reaction unit is maintained. The reaction product is then conventionally cooled in a quenching unit connected with the reaction unit. The final reaction product contains P4O6 with a very low content of elemental phosphorus.
US07976810B2	Method for preparing cerium carbonate powder In a method for preparing cerium carbonate powder by mixing a cerium precursor solution with a carbonate precursor solution and carrying out a precipitation reaction, wherein cerium carbonate is controlled to have an orthorhombic crystal structure, a hexagonal crystal structure or an orthorhombic/hexagonal mixed crystal structure, by using at least one type of organic solvent comprising at least two hydroxyl groups (OH) in molecular formula as a solvent for either or both the cerium precursor solution and the carbonate precursor solution, and varying a number of carbons or hydroxyl groups (OH) included in the molecular formula of the organic solvent. The method can easily and inexpensively obtain cerium carbonate powder with a desired crystal structure without the danger by high-temperature high-pressure and the need for an expensive system in hydrothermal synthesis.
US07976806B2	Granular material comprising porous particles containing calcium and/or magnesium A granular material having a high strength and a large BET specific surface area composed of porous particles comprising calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide wherein the calcium oxide is contained in an amount of 30 to 80 weight % based on a total amount of the calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide and the porous particles have a BET specific surface area of 40 m2/g or more, or composed of porous particles comprising calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide wherein a ratio of an amount of magnesium to a total of an amount of calcium and an amount of magnesium is in the range of 0.05 to 0.80, a total hydroxide content in the whole particles is in the range of 1 to 20 weight % and the porous particles have a BET specific surface area of 50 m2/g or more.
US07976804B2	Method for the decomposition of N2O in the Ostwald process A catalyst for the decomposition of N2O under the conditions of the Ostwald process, comprising a carrier and a coating made of rhodium, rhodium/palladium or rhodium oxide applied thereto, ensures to yield NO with a particularly low content of laughing gas as the first process product.
US07976798B2	Method for recovery of rare earths from fluorescent lamps Method for recovery of rare earths from fluorescent lamps. The method comprises six steps. •The individual process steps are: Mechanical separation of coarse components. •Separation of the halophosphate. •Extraction in acids of easily soluble rare-earth fluorescent substances (mainly Y, Eu-oxide) •Extraction in acids of rare-earth fluorescent substances which dissolve with difficulty (for example rare-earth phosphates) •Breakdown of the remaining components which contain rare earths (for example rare-earth-aluminates) •Final treatment.
US07976797B2	Advanced materials for regenerative pyrolysis reactors, methods, and reactors using the same In one aspect, the invention includes an apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock in a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system, the apparatus comprising a regenerative pyrolysis reactor comprising a stabilized refractory grade zirconia in a reactive region of the reactor system. In another aspect, this invention includes a method for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock using a reverse flow regenerative pyrolysis reactor comprising the steps of providing a reverse flow regenerative pyrolysis reactor including a stabilized refractory grade zirconia in a heated reaction zone of the reactor; and pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock within the reactive region.
US07976784B2	Methods and systems including CO oxidation catalyst with low NO to NO2 conversion Catalysts, catalyst systems, and methods for removing ammonia and/or carbon monoxide in flue gases are provided where ammonia is used with a selective catalytic reduction catalyst for reducing oxides of nitrogen. An oxidation catalyst is utilized, which comprises particulate platinum or platinum/palladium dispersed on zirconia particles, the particulate platinum or platinum/palladium having an average particle size less than about 10 nm. The catalyst is effective to convert less than 20% of NO to NO2 passing through the oxidation catalyst.
US07976783B2	Reactor with jet impingment heat transfer A catalytic reactor containing a core structure near the reactor axis and a casing structure near the reactor wall, the two structures differing from each other to promote catalysis and heat transfer, respectively. The casing contains a multiplicity of first devices for directing fluid centrifugally to impinge a reactor wall and second devices for permitting fluid to flow away from a reactor wall as the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor.
US07976780B2	Method and apparatus for measuring isotopic characteristics Methods and apparatus are provided to measure isotopic characteristics of a number of sample types. Embodiments of the invention combine novel and existing components to produce more accurate isotopic information. Further, embodiments of the invention allow for isotopic readings to be taken and analyzed outside of a laboratory. An example of such an embodiment is an apparatus comprising a combustion furnace; a reactant tube passing through the combustion furnace; an injector coupled to one, or a combination of, the combustion furnace, and reactant tube, to introduce a sample; a laser isotopic measurement device coupled to the reactant tube on the exit end; and a processor electrically coupled to one, or a combination of, the injector, the combustion furnace, the reactant tube, and the isotopic measurement device, in which a carrier gas transports the sample through the apparatus.
US07976779B2	Integrated LC-ESI on a chip A microfluidic system with on-chip pumping which can be used for liquid chromatography and also electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and which provides improved efficiency, better integration with sensors, improved portability, reduced power consumption, and reduced cost. The system can include (A) a main chip comprising: a substrate having a front face and a back face; a chromatography column on the front face of said substrate, wherein said column has an inlet and an outlet; an electrospray ionization (ESI) nozzle on the front face of said substrate, wherein said nozzle has an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the inlet of the nozzle is microfluidically coupled to the outlet of the column; one or more pump systems on the front face of said substrate comprising a pump chamber, one or more electrodes, and an outlet microfluidically coupled to the inlet of said column; and (B) a reservoir chip comprising a front surface and a back surface, wherein the reservoir chip has one or more cavities in the back surface which when disposed next to the front surface of the main chip extends the volume of the pump chamber of one of the pump system. Microfabrication can be used to prepare the chips, which can be assembled with a cover and inserted into a testing jig for electronic control and mass spectral analysis. Peptide separations are demonstrated which compete with present commercial systems.
US07976776B2	Mercury dispensing compositions and manufacturing process thereof Compositions are disclosed comprising mercury, titanium, copper and one or more of tin, chromium and silicon, useful for the release of mercury in applications requiring the same, in particular in fluorescent lamps. A process for the preparation of these compositions is also disclosed.
US07976775B2	Sintered binary aluminum alloy powder sintered material and method for production thereof Disclosed is a binary aluminum alloy powder sintered material which comprises aluminum and iron, which has a completely crystalline microstructure comprising an aluminum matrix and an α-Al phase and at least any one phase of an Al6Fe phase or an Al13Fe4 phase mixed in the aluminum matrix as nanocrystalline phases, and which has an extremely high strength and a well-balanced high ductility, though being free from any rare earth element.
US07976772B2	Filter A filter includes a crucible, a filtering container, and a receiving tank. The crucible has a heater for heating a pre-filtered object to comprise a primary material in liquid and at least one other material in solid. The filtering container has a body, a sieve, and a press rod. The body connects with the crucible for receiving the heated pre-filtered object in a channel and provides a guide-out member; the sieve is disposed in said channel; and the press rod movably received in the channel for pressing the primary material of the pre-filtered object to flow through the sieve and to the guide-out member. The receiving tank has an entrance facing the guide-out member of the filtering container to receive the filtered primary material.
US07976768B2	Aluminum titanate ceramic forming batch mixtures and green bodies including pore former combinations and methods of manufacturing and firing same A ceramic forming batch mixture including inorganic batch materials, such as sources of alumina, titania, and silica, a pore former combination including first and second pore formers with different compositions; an organic binder; and a solvent. Also disclosed is a method for producing a ceramic article involving mixing the inorganic batch materials with the pore former combination having first and second pore formers of different composition, adding an organic binder and a solvent, forming a green body; and firing the green body. A green body having a combination of first and second pore formers with different compositions is disclosed, as are several methods for firing to produce ceramic articles such as aluminum titanate.
US07976767B2	Lightweight preform and method of manufacture A preform for use in blow molding a plastic container is disclosed herein. The preform has an open end and closed end, and a body adapted to form a body of the container when the container is blow molded. The preform further includes a finish having a top surface, an inner wall having circumferentially-spaced thin segments alternating with thick segments, and an outer wall wherein the thin segments exist entirely in the finish and extend towards the open end of the body of the preform. The thick segments do not extend to the top surface.
US07976765B2	System and methods of laser assisted field induced oxide nanopatterning A method of forming a nanoscale pattern on a substrate surface. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a substrate having a surface; providing a nanoscale pattern forming device, comprising an elongated cantilever that has a tip portion proximate an end of the elongated cantilever; and controllably illuminating at least the tip portion of the cantilever with a beam of substantially coherent monoenergetic particles when the cantilever moves relative to the substrate to form a nanoscale pattern on the surface, wherein the tip portion of the cantilever is made from lightly doped silicon.
US07976763B2	Method of making a protective element for a breakwater or wave-retarding construction A protective element for a breakwater or wave-retarding construction comprises a body that has at least two opposing projections. The projections are on either side of a flat base and extend transversely thereto. The periphery of the base is non-circular, so that rolling of the protective element under the influence of the beating of the waves is resisted.
US07976761B2	Process of production of patterned structure A process for producing a patterned structure comprises imprinting a first pattern by pressing a stamper having a projection-depression configuration on the surface against an imprint-work layer, and imprinting a second pattern by displacing relatively the stamper from the position of the first pattern to another position on the imprint-work layer and then pressing the stamper against the imprint-work layer.
US07976759B2	System and method for producing particles and patterned films A system including a mold having a fluoropolymer wherein the mold defines a plurality of cavities having a predetermined shape and a cross-sectional dimension less than about 100 micrometers; a roller; a surface in cooperation with the roller to form a nip point configured to receive the mold, wherein the nip point is further configured to receive a substantially liquid composition and accelerate entry of the substantially liquid composition into the cavity. A method of forming particles including applying a substantially liquid composition to a mold, wherein the mold comprises a fluoropolymer and defines a plurality of cavities each having a broadest cross-sectional dimension of less than about 100 micrometers; nipping the mold between a roller and a surface such that the substantially liquid composition enters the cavities of the mold; and hardening the substantially liquid composition in the cavities of the mold to form a particle within each cavity, wherein the particle has a size and shape that substantially mimics the size and shape of the cavity of the mold.
US07976757B2	Mold decoration process An in mold decoration process includes inserting a film with decorations into a first mold tool cavity side. The first mold tool cavity side is then engaged with a first mold tool core side, and the film in the first mold tool cavity side undergoes a high-pressure heat forming procedure. After the forming procedure, the film is formed with a cavity and maintained in the first mold tool cavity side. The first mold tool cavity side is then disengaged from the first mold tool core side and engaged with a second mold tool core side, and the film undergoes an injection molding procedure. The cavity is injected with a molten resin. After the molding procedure, the molten resin becomes a plastic component bound to the film to form a semi-finished product. The semi-finished product is then ejected out of the first mold tool cavity side and trimmed to form a finished product.
US07976756B2	Aqua tiles A process for producing mosaics, tiles or various figures where the construction of these items retains the article or design inside the mosaic, tile or figure. The article or design may be of many different themes, such as underwater life including fish, shells and sea plants. Other themes might include, but not be limited to, trees, flowers, vegetables, fruits, etc. These finished mosaics, tiles or figures can be displayed anywhere that will allow the mounting of a tile such as in bathrooms, on walls, ceilings, floors, swimming pools (interior or exterior), etc.
US07976754B2	Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, device and equipment for the implementation thereof Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.
US07976750B2	Method of encapsulating optoelectronic components Method of encapsulating optoelectronic components, by embedding the components to be encapsulated between a first transparent polymer layer and a second polymer layer, which is filled with unactivated foaming agent, and then activating the foaming agent, so that the two polymer layers join to one another, in particular weld to one another, and the components are enclosed between the two polymer layers.
US07976749B2	Injection process for making a moulding completely recyclable, multilayered article An injection moulding process for making a completely recyclable, multilayered article which contains: i) a rigid layer formed of a thermoplastic polymer and ii) a foamed skin layer formed of a thermoplastic polymer compatible with the material of the rigid layer, by injection moulding of the rigid layer into a mould composed of two sides, lifting one side of the mould, or change one side of the mould to obtain a small gap of between 3 to 4 mm between the rigid layer and the side of the mould lifted or changed and injecting the foamed skin layer into the gap formed in step b).
US07976747B2	Method for restoring power cables A method for extending the useful life of an in-service electrical cable section having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable section having an average conductor temperature T. The method comprising (i) continuously introducing a non-condensing exclusion fluid into the interstitial volume, the exclusion fluid comprising at least one non-condensing exclusion component having a solubility in the insulation polymer at least 100 times the corresponding solubility of water, each solubility being determined at temperature T; and (ii) injecting a condensing dielectric enhancement fluid into the interstitial void volume, wherein the dielectric enhancement fluid has a virtual flow rate within the interstitial void volume of less than about 0.1 liter per hour.
US07976744B2	Process of using microwave deposition of metal oxide onto an organic substrate The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of a plane-parallel structure (a platelet-shaped body, or flake), comprising at least one dielectric layer consisting of one or more oxides of a metal selected from groups 3 to 15 of the periodic table, which comprises the steps of: (a) applying a thin film of the dielectric material on a flexible belt, by passing the belt through an aqueous solution of a fluorine scavenger and one or more fluorine containing metal complexes which are the precursors of the desired metal oxide coating; and subjecting said solution to microwave radiation to deposit the metal oxide onto said flexible belt, wherein step (a) can optionally be repeated using different fluorine containing metal complexes to produce one or more metal oxide layers or a gradient of concentration of 2 different metal oxides across the thickness; (b) separating the resulting layer from the flexible belt as plane-parallel structures.
US07976741B2	Method of manufacturing light guide plate of keypad A method of manufacturing a light guide plate containing a plurality of light-guiding micro structures comprises the steps of: preparing a mold that has a concave hole formed by a plurality of light-guiding micro structures; pouring a mixture of ultraviolet curable resins and glass microbeads into the mold; attaching a carrier onto the mixture; using a rolling tool to roll the surface of the carrier, such that the mold is filled up with the mixture uniformly, while the air among the mold, the carrier and the mixture is discharged; and finally projecting the ultraviolet light onto the ultraviolet curable resin, such that the ultraviolet curable resin can be cured at the carrier and removed from the mold, so as to form a light guide plate having a plurality of light-guiding micro structures.
US07976737B2	Silver organo-sol ink for forming electronically conductive patterns The present invention relates to solution type silver organo-sol ink for forming electrically conductive patterns. The present invention provides silver organo-sol ink of solution type for forming electrically conductive pattern comprising effective amount of silver aromatic carboxylate and a reactive organic solvents, which can form chelate or complex with silver, are, for example, organic solvents having keton, mercapto, carboxyl, aniline or sulfurous functional group, substituted or unsubstituted. By the present invention, silver organo-sol ink of solution type basically having higher content of silver is obtained. The solution type ink of the present invention can be used for forming conductive patterns in flat panel display such as plasma display panel(PDP) to reduce the numbers of steps for pattern forming drastically.
US07976736B2	Process for preparing silver-containing aqueous formulation useful for electrically conductive or reflective coatings Process for preparing A silver-containing, disperse, water-containing formulation useful for producing electrically conductive and/or optically reflective coatings, which comprises (i) reacting a silver salt solution with a solution containing hydroxide ions, wherein at least one of said solutions comprises a polymeric dispersant, to produce an Ag2O sol, (ii) reacting the Ag2O sol obtained from step i) with a reduction agent, and (iii) purifying the solution obtained from step ii).
US07976735B2	Conductive paste and grid electrode for silicon solar cells A conductive paste for grid electrodes in solar cells includes a conductive component, glass frit, and resin binder, wherein the conductive component is selected from the group consisting of (i) silver particles and metal particles selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ir, Pt, Ru, Ti, and Co, (ii) alloy particles comprising silver and metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ir, Pt, Ru, Ti, and Co, and (iii) silver particles and core-shell particles in which a metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ir, Pt, Ru, Ti, and Co is coated on the surface of silver or copper.
US07976731B2	Metal complexes for enhanced dispersion of nanomaterials, compositions and methods therefor Metal complexes (“compatibilizers”) having properties particularly useful for treating and compatibilizing nanomaterials (i.e. carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, nanographite) include metal cations and anionic surfactants. The treated nanomaterials can be isolated as solid treated nanomaterial and used in further applications where increased dispersion is desirable.
US07976730B2	Blends of low equivalent molecular weight PFSA ionomers with Kynar 2751 A polymer blend useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a first polymer that includes a non-ionic segment and a second polymer that includes a sulfonic acid group.
US07976729B2	Stabilized polymer compositions A composition for stabilizing organic polymers comprising a sterically hindered phenol produced by reacting p-cresol and dicyclopentadiene to produce a precursor and alkylating the precursor with isobutylene, and a tertiary amine oxide.
US07976728B2	Aqueous solution of polymer having upper critical solution temperature, aqueous dispersion of particle modified with the polymer and method of storing the same It is intended to provide an aqueous solution of a thermoresponsive polymer and an aqueous dispersion of a thermoresponsive particle, which show an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and are capable of maintaining a dissolved state and a dispersed state, respectively, even if they are stored for a long period of time at a temperature at which a ligand such as an antibody or an antigen is not inactivated. A UCST lowering agent is incorporated in a predetermined amount in an aqueous solution of a thermoresponsive polymer which shows a UCST in a state of containing water or an aqueous dispersion of a thermoresponsive particle containing the polymer, thereby lowering the UCST of the aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion to less than the storage temperature, and the resulting aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion is stored.
US07976727B1	Chromium-doped zinc-nitro-antimony-gallium-tellurium infrared phosphors This patent covers infrared phosphorescent materials which exhibit extended persistence lifetimes and are composed of mixtures of the elements zinc, antimony, gallium, tellurium, oxygen and nitrogen, and are doped with varying amounts of chromium, neodymium, dysprosium, yttrium or thulium. A typical formula is given by Zn(1-n %-m %-l %)SbxGa2-xTezO4+2z-yNy: n % Cr3+, m % P, l % Q, where Zn is zinc, Sb is antimony, Ga is gallium, Te is tellurium, O is oxygen, N is nitrogen. Additionally, x (0 to 2) y (0 to 0.5) and z (0 to 1) are the molar concentration in the composition. Cr3+ is the doped chromium ion, P is a codopant and Q is a second codopant and n, m, l are the concentration respectively (m,m,l are from 0.1 to 10). An example is the material ZnSbGaTeO5.95N0.05:3% Cr3+, 1% Nd3+, which has an emission peak at 760 nm and a persistent time of over 20 hours (measured with Fluorolog-3 spectrometer with a PMT detector).
US07976720B2	Composite magnetic sheet and production method thereof The present invention provides a composite magnetic sheet having a high magnetic permeability, to be produced easily at a low cost. The composite magnetic sheet includes magnetic substance powders and polytetrafluoroethylene powders.
US07976717B2	Method of forming polarization reversal area, apparatus thereof and device using it Provided are a method and an apparatus for forming a nanometer-order polarization-reversed region in a ferroelectric single crystal, and a device using the ferroelectric single crystal.The method according to the present invention for forming a polarization-reversed region in a ferroelectric single crystal includes the steps of grounding a first surface of the ferroelectric single crystal, and irradiating a second surface of the ferroelectric single crystal opposite to the first surface with an ion beam. The ion beam is irradiated such that the charge density Q (μC/cm2) accumulated on the second surface irradiated with the ion beam satisfies the following relationship: 0.7×Ps≦Q≦5×Ps where Ps is the spontaneous polarization (μC/cm2) of the ferroelectric single crystal.
US07976716B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A method of using a heat exchanger efficiently and uniformly to cool or heats portions to be controlled to a prescribed temperature, and then continuously carry out stable processing. The heat exchanger is constructed by arranging partition walls between two plates to form a fluid channel and a fin parallel with the channel or inclined by a prescribed angle on each of the two plates insides the channel so that the plate or a member in contact with the plate is cooled or heated with the fluid flowing through the channel.
US07976711B2	Batch filtration system for preparation of sterile fluid for renal replacement therapy A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.
US07976707B2	Apparatus and method for treating organic-containing wastewater In treating organic-containing wastewater by a biological treatment in a stage prior to a advanced treatment such as membrane separation or the like, the amount of the biological metabolites produced in the biological treatment step is reduced to reduce the amount of the organic substances flowing into the advanced treatment step in a latter stage, thereby making the advanced treatment stable and efficient and efficiently recovering treated water of high quality. Water anaerobically biologically treated in an anaerobic reaction tank 11 including an acid production tank 11A and a UASB reaction tank 11B is subjected to a coagulation treatment and then to solid-liquid separation in a No. 1 sedimentation tank 14. The resultant separated water is aerobically biologically treated water is subjected to a coagulation treatment and then to solid-liquid separation in a No. 2 sedimentation tank 24. Then, the resultant water is subjected to a membrane separation treatment in a RO membrane separator 40 as advanced treatment means. By performing anaerobic biological treatment, aerobic biological treatment, and solid-liquid separation prior to the advanced treatment means, organic substances can be sufficiently removed, and treatment by the advanced treatment means can be made stable and efficient.
US07976703B2	Treating unit for simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen from wastewater and treating apparatus having the same The present invention provides a treating unit of activated sludge for wastewater treatment and a treating apparatus having the same. The treating unit is constructed by a cage-shaped supporting structure which defines an interior space for containing the microbial cell therein. The present invention provides a measure for simultaneous removal of organics and nitrogen compounds from the wastewater under a condition of controlled aeration, and makes the configuration of treating apparatus as well as the treating process more simplified. It is also an alternative to replace the traditional A2O process. According to the present invention, the design of sludge return, which is essential for the conventional activated sludge treatment, is not needed. Moreover, the present invention is compatible with the conventional activated sludge treatment process and is advantageous in its short start-up period during which a stable operation is achievable.
US07976702B2	Fluid purification systems and methods Apparatuses and methods for filtering particulates and volatiles from fluid systems. The apparatuses and methods include particulate filter and evaporator sections. The apparatuses and methods may furthermore include a heater disposed at least in part in the evaporator section having a ridge on a surface of the heater. The apparatuses and methods may furthermore include an evaporation tube positioned around the heater having a conically shaped outer surface and a heater safety sensor. The apparatuses and methods may also include an air inlet and an air outlet in the evaporator section.
US07976700B2	Water separation unit and fuel supply apparatus for internal-combustion engine A water separation unit includes a water separation portion. The water separation portion includes a component separation wall, a liquid chamber, and a gas chamber. The separation wall divides the water separation portion between the liquid chamber and the gas chamber. Liquid fuel is led to the liquid chamber. The separation wall includes a separation membrane, which water selectively permeates to be separated from liquid fuel in the liquid chamber. Water passing through the separation wall is temporarily stored in the gas chamber. A fuel supply apparatus supplies liquid fuel in a fuel tank to an internal-combustion engine. The apparatus includes the water separation unit. The water separation portion is disposed integrally in one of the fuel tank and a passage leading from a filler opening into the fuel tank, such that the liquid chamber is located above the gas chamber in a vertical direction of the water separation portion.
US07976692B2	Metallization process for making fuser members The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to an improved metallization process for making fuser members which avoids the extra steps of metal seeding or special substrate treatment. In embodiments, a metallized substrate, formed via a polycatecholamine-assisted metallization process, is used for the complete fabrication of the fuser member.
US07976691B2	Fabrication and use of semipermeable membranes and gels for the control of electrolysis A microfluidic device and method is disclosed having one or more membranes for the control of electrolysis. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is disclosed that includes body with first channel and second channels separated by a gel layer. A first electrode positioned in the first channel and a second electrode positioned in the second channel wherein a potential applied to the first and second electrodes passes electrons from the first channel to the second channel through the gel layer. In another embodiment, a microfluidic device includes a body having a surface with a channel separating two first reservoirs. One or more membranes are positioned on the surface covering a portion of the channel and a blank is positioned covering the channel and the one or more membranes. A second reservoir through the blank is in contact with the membrane, each second reservoir in communication with the channel via the membrane. A first electrode is positioned in the first reservoir and a second electrode is positioned in the second reservoir wherein a potential applied to the first and second electrodes passes electrons from the first channel to the second channel through the membranes.
US07976685B2	Remote controllable pot tending module for use in aluminum production plants Pot tending module (7) for a series of electrolytic cells for production by igneous electrolysis, including a chassis (8) that can be fixed to a trolley (6) moving along a travelling crane (4) and provided with a set of tools, particularly including at least one anode handling device (11), which is also provided with at least two display means (41 and 42) capable of taking views and transmitting them in the form of electromagnetic signals, typically two video cameras, the display means disposed at a distance from each other and from the working area, to be able to aim at the working area (23) of the anode handling device(s) along two non-parallel directions (D1) and (D2), forming an angle preferably close to 90°. This pot tending module may also include a third camera (43) that presents an overview of the tools and working areas for these tools, and a fourth camera (44) fixed onto the base of the anode grab actuators.
US07976682B2	Hinged screen plate for drum pulp washer and method for cleaning the plate A pulp washer including: a cylindrical assembly of trays to receive pulp, wherein the assembly rotates the trays through at least one wash stage; a housing having a header to direct pulp to the trays and the at least one wash stage, wherein the housing has at least one access port aligned with one or more of the trays; a screen plate in each tray of the assembly, wherein the screen plate has apertures sized to retain pulp fibers and allow liquid to pass through the plate, and a screen hinge attached to a side edge of the screen plate and to the tray, wherein the screen plate pivots about the hinge to allow a cleaning spray to be applied to an outer screen plate surface and a back screen plate surface.
US07976680B2	Rope guide arrangement Rope guide arrangement, deflection device, and method for guiding a leader strip of a material web through a device. The arrangement includes at least two ropes being arranged offset relative to one another in a first plane defined by a machine direction and a transverse machine direction. Further, the at least two ropes are arranged offset relative to one another in a second plane oriented at a non-zero angle from the first plane.
US07976679B2	Fibrous structures comprising a low surface energy additive Fibrous structures comprising an additive, more particularly finished fibrous structures comprising a low surface energy solid additive, and/or sanitary tissue products comprising such finished fibrous structures, are provided.
US07976675B2	Continuous digester system In a continuous digester system the digester system is greatly simplified by using a single vertical atmospheric vessel, replacing the conventional chip bin, steaming vessel, chip chute, high pressure pumping or sluice feeders, impregnation vessels and top separator. Chips are simply fed to the top of the atmospheric vessel, and a chip level is established in the vessel. Treatment liquids are added to the vessel such that a total liquid volume (Z1+Z2) with a liquid level (LIQ LEV) is established under the chip level (CH LEV). Impregnation stage and subsequent cooking stages are implemented in the atmospheric vessel at successively increasing temperature and depths into the total liquid volume, thus preventing boiling in the stages and preferably reducing steam blow trough of the chip surface in the top of the vessel.
US07976670B2	Surface insensitive anaerobic adhesive and sealant compositions Surface insensitive, storage-stable, single-package liquid anaerobic adhesive and sealant compositions which are substantially free of amines, especially aromatic and tertiary amines, and imides, especially sulfimides such as saccharine and saccharine-type compounds.
US07976669B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive and retardation layer-attached polarizing plate, method for manufacturing thereof, optical film, and image display A pressure-sensitive adhesive and retardation layer-attached polarizing plate (4) comprises a retardation layer-attached polarizing plate (3) comprising a polarizing plate (2) that comprises an iodine-based polarizer (1) and a transparent protective film laminated on both sides of the polarizer and a method for manufacturing the pressure-sensitive adhesive and retardation layer attached polarizing plate (4).
US07976655B2	Method of manufacturing wood-like plywood substitute Discarded or recycled carpets or other textiles can be converted into wood-like materials, in sheets comparable to plywood. The carpets or textiles are shredded, combed, and layered across a conveyor to form a low-density mat, which is compressed and needle-punched to create a cohesive but flexible mat. An adhesive is applied to at least one and preferably two or more mats, by an applicator that spreads a liquid prepolymer onto one or more surfaces of the mat(s). The mat(s) travel through a press while the adhesive cures and hardens, and the use of foaming adhesives can ensure uniform permeation through dense fiber mats. The hardened sheets can be sawed, nailed, and otherwise handled like wood, and are strong, durable, and highly resistant to damage by water or insects.
US07976654B1	High explosive fills for very small volume applications High explosives suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms, used as safe and arm devices, are prepared from slurries of crystalline energetic materials including organic liquid and applied using various methods. These methods include swipe loading, pressure loading and syringe loading. The organic liquid serves as a volatile mobile phase in the slurry so as to partially dissolve the energetic material so that, upon evaporation of the mobile phase, the energetic material precipitates and adheres to the loading hole.
US07976653B2	Ammonium dinitrimide based liquid monopropelants exhibiting improved combustion stability and storage life Ammonium dinitramide based liquid monopropellants exhibiting stabilised combustion characteristics and improved storage life, containing ammonia, a base weaker than ammonia, or a base which is sterically hindered, added in an amount of 0.1 to 5% of the total weight of the other components of the propellant.
US07976652B2	Method for producing beryllium-copper A method for producing beryllium-copper containing at least Be and Cu, includes holding the beryllium-copper for a predetermined solid solution time in a solid solution temperature range in which the Be is dissolved into the Cu, cooling the beryllium-copper at a cooling speed at which the Be remains dissolved in the Cu, applying plastic strain to a cooled beryllium-copper over multiple times in a processing temperature range in which the Be is not precipitated, and holding the beryllium-copper for a predetermined age hardening time in a precipitation temperature range in which the Be is precipitated.
US07976649B2	Method of fabricating strips or foils, respectively, from TiAl6V4 A method of fabricating a superplastically formable strip or a superplastically formable foil from TiAl6V4 with a thickness of no more than 0.9 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm, comprises the steps: a) hot rolling a sheet metal made of TiAl6V4; b) thermal pre-treatment of the hot-rolled sheet metal at a temperature between 650 and 850° C.; and c) cold rolling the hot-rolled and thermally pre-treated sheet metal at a forming rate of at least 30%, wherein the forming rate per single pass amounts to between 1 and 15%, to form a strip or a foil with a thickness of no more than 0.9 mm, wherein the cold-rolled strip or the cold-rolled foil is not annealed.
US07976647B2	Very high mechanical strength steel and method for making a sheet thereof coated with zinc or zinc alloy The invention concerns a very high mechanical strength steel, whereof the chemical composition comprises in wt. %: 0.006%=C=0250%; 0.400%=Mn=0.950%; Si=0.300%; Cr=0.300%; 0.100%=Mo=0.500%; 0.020%=AI=0.100%; P=0.100%; B=0.010%; Ti=0.050%, the rest being iron and impurities resulting from preparation. The invention also concerns a method for making a sheet of said steel coated with zinc or zinc alloy.
US07976638B2	High negative zeta potential polyhedral silsesquioxane composition and method for damage free semiconductor wet clean A composition for removing particulate matter from integrated circuit substrates, including (a) one or more metal ion-free base; (b) a water-soluble metal ion-free onium salt of a polyhedral silsesquioxane; (c) an oxidizing agent; and (d) metal ion-free water, and a composition obtained by combining ingredients including (a), (b), (c) and (d). A process for removing particulate matter from a surface of an integrated circuit device, including applying to the surface the composition including (a), (b), (c) and (d) or applying to the surface the composition obtained by combining ingredients including (a), (b), (c) and (d).
US07976636B2	Multiple nozzle evaporator for vacuum thermal evaporation Disclosed is a multiple nozzle evaporator in which a material to be evaporated in the evaporator can be deposited on a substrate with an improved efficiency of use of the material, thereby forming a large-area uniform thin film. The evaporator includes a rectangular post-shaped crucible with an open top face; and a nozzle having a body portion having a rectangular post-like shape with a height smaller than that of the crucible and assembled to an upper portion of the crucible, and a plurality of evaporation tubes penetrating through the body portion between top and bottom faces of the body portion. The evaporation tubes are divided into four groups of which evaporation tubes are inclined toward respective four corners of a top face of the nozzle unit. An evaporated material spouts toward peripheral areas of a substrate due to the inclined evaporation tubes, thereby improving the uniformity of a thin film to be deposited and the efficiency of use of the evaporated material, and preventing condensation of the evaporated material at a spouting portion.
US07976630B2	Large-area seed for ammonothermal growth of bulk gallium nitride and method of manufacture A high-quality, large-area seed crystal for ammonothermal GaN growth and method for fabricating. The seed crystal comprises double-side GaN growth on a large-area substrate. The seed crystal is of relatively low defect density and has flat surfaces free of bowing. The seed crystal is useful for producing large-volume, high-quality bulk GaN crystals by ammonothermal growth methods for eventual wafering into large-area GaN substrates for device fabrication.
US07976624B2	Nano gel wax An aqueous gel wax formulation includes a cationic wax microemulsion and an anionically charged polishing agent having a particle size less than about 200 nanometers and optimally a quaternary ammonium substituted silicone and an amino functional silicone. The components combine to form a gel wax formulation which can be applied without buffing.
US07976622B2	Wet flue gas desulfurization apparatus Absorption liquid recirculating pipes fitted with absorption tower (absorber) recirculating pumps corresponding to individual spray headers are inserted from the void tower portion inside absorption tower, near the liquid surface of liquid trapping portion (recirculation tank), in the interior of the absorption tower, erected vertically from substantially the center of the absorption tower and connected to respective spray headers provided in multiple stages along the direction of gas flow. Multiple nozzles of each of the spray headers are disposed mutually concentrically or rectangularly on a plane orthogonal to the direction of flue gas flow within the absorption tower. Thus, there can be provided a wet flue gas desulfurization apparatus (system) that is capable of large-capacity flue gas treatment and that in a plant where highly efficient desulfurization of flue gas of high SOx concentration is demanded, even when the amount of liquid circulated through the absorption tower is increased, can avoid increasing of the height of absorption tower and the power of absorption tower recirculating pumps and can realize easily disposing of footpath for maintenance.
US07976617B2	Multichannel circulation oxygen generator A multi-channel circulation oxygen generator, comprising a body shell, a top cover set and a base set; the body shell is provided with at least two big tanks for loading molecular sieve substances at its internal, having a set of gas passage, a set of gas intake passage, a gas storage tank and a set of gas outtake passage at its surrounding, and providing with a plurality of orderly arranged heat dissipation ribs shaped at its outer surface; the top cover set caps the top side of the body shell, and its bottom side corresponding to the big tank is provided with filtration and one way barricading parts, connecting to the inside of the big tank; the base set joins the bottom of the body shell, having switching solenoid valves to control the big tanks for alternating between the intake and outtake of air.
US07976613B2	Dehydration of natural gas in an underwater environment A process for removing water from a natural gas in an underwater environment is described. The process comprises dehydrating a natural gas feed stream in an apparatus arranged to exchange heat with the underwater environment, preferably including the step of forming hydrates in a hydrate forming zone of a hydrate vessel. The step of forming hydrates in the hydrate zone may comprise the step of introducing the natural gas feed stream into the hydrate vessel through an expansion device with the expansion device is located at and defines a gas inlet to the hydrate vessel. Heat exchange with the hydrate vessel itself need not occur as in one embodiment, heat exchange with the underwater environment takes place through an arrangement of pipes upstream of the hydrate vessel.
US07976610B2	Pressure control in direct smelting process A direct smelting process for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material in a direct smelting vessel is disclosed. The process includes using a stream of off-gas from the vessel as a fuel gas in (i) stoves for generating a hot blast of air or oxygen-enriched air for the process and (ii) a waste heat recovery apparatus for generating steam for the process. The process also includes controlling pressure in the vessel by controlling pressure in the off-gas stream while the process is producing molten metal.
US07976593B2	Gasifier and gasifier system for pyrolizing organic materials A gasifier and gasifier system based on the gasifier, which contains as a major component, a novel feed system for feeding organic materials into the burn pile of the gasifier. The gasifier feed system is a horizontal auger driven feed system that feeds directly through a ceramic elbow into the furnace without having to auger the feed through significant vertical elevations.
US07976591B2	Fuel composition and its use A fuel composition is provided that contains a major amount of a mixture of hydrocarbons in the gasoline boiling range and a minor amount of a certain aniline additive compound. Use of such aniline additive compound in a combustion engine is also provided.
US07976586B2	1-phenoxy-2-propanol as a formulating aid for dyes The invention relates to an aqueous dye solution comprising a) 5 to 30% by weight of an anionic or cationic direct dye, b) 0.1 to 10% by weight of 1-phenoxy-2-propanol, c) 0 to 20% by weight of an inorganic or an organic acid, d) 0 to 20% by weight of further additives and e) water to complete to 100%, a process for the preparation of the solution and the use thereof for dyeing paper.
US07976584B2	Dyeing composition comprising a dye and a propylene glycol derivative The invention relates to a keratin fiber dyeing composition comprising, in a suitable medium, at least one dye that is selected from among direct dyes and dye precursors, said cosmetic medium containing water and at least one propylene glycol derivative having formula R1(OC3H6)nOR2 (I). The inventive composition can be used to obtain strong color while retaining the softness of the treated hair.
US07976581B2	Electric power generation control method during idle charge in hybrid electric vehicle A method of controlling electric power generation during idle charge in a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining whether an idle charge condition is satisfied; if the idle charge condition is satisfied, calculating a first charge power amount based on whether a load is applied, a gear shift position, and a state of charge of a battery; calculating a target charge speed based on the first charge power amount; calculating an altitude correction coefficient based on atmospheric pressure; calculating a second charge power amount based on the altitude correction coefficient and the first charge power amount; and controlling an amount of power generation and an amount of battery charge based on the second charge power amount.
US07976578B2	Buffer for a human joint and method of arthroscopically inserting A buffer (10) for placement in a human knee between the femur and tibia comprises an outer sack (14) formed of a pliable material and having a one-way valve (22), a generally circularly shaped inner ring (16) received within the outer sack (14), and a friction reducing fluid (18) received within the outer sack (14) via the one-way valve (22). The inner ring (16) includes top and bottom surfaces (38,40) angled inwardly with respect to each other, such that the ring (16) is generally concave. The buffer (10) is configured for insertion between the femur and tibia so as to at least partially prevent the bones from contacting each other, which reduces the pain and discomfort associated with a loss of articular cartilage (12). The buffer (10) is arthroscopically inserted in the knee using an especially designed sleeve (20) configured for support of the buffer (10) during insertion.
US07976576B2	Stent with variable features to optimize support and method of making such stent An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portions or ostial regions. The stent can include an end region which is fabricated to have a greater radial strength than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in ostial regions, which require greater support near the end of the stent. The stent alternatively can include sections adjacent the end of the stent with greater bending flexibility than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in curved arteries. The stent can also be constructed with an end that has greater radial strength and sections adjacent the end with greater bending flexibility. Such a stent prevents flaring of the stent end during insertion.
US07976575B2	Curve forming apparatus and curvable stent graft A stent graft delivery arrangement for a stent graft (50) has a proximal end to be deployed into a patient in use and a distal end to remain outside the patient. The stent graft (50) is a tubular body of a biocompatible graft material with a plurality of self expanding stents (54). The stent graft is releasably retained onto the delivery device (132) towards the proximal end thereof. A curve forming arrangement (56) on the stent graft is arranged to curve a portion of the stent graft towards its proximal end. A pulling arrangement (58) extends along the delivery device. The pulling arrangement releasably engages the curve forming arrangement such that pulling on the pulling arrangement causes the a curve forming arrangement on the stent graft to form a curve in a portion of the stent graft towards the proximal end. The pulling arrangement can be subsequently released leaving the curve forming apparatus in place on the stent graft and the portion of the stent graft towards the proximal end thereof being laterally curved. The curve forming arrangement can comprise a suture thread. A gripping arrangement engages the suture thread between the second position and the third position to prevent re-extension of the suture thread after retraction thereof. The gripping arrangement can be a slip knot (107).
US07976574B2	Delivery system with variable delivery rate for deploying a medical device A delivery system utilizes a handle assembly including an actuating mechanism capable of initially providing sufficient mechanical advantage to overcome static friction when initiating deployment of the medical device. The actuating mechanism includes components which help to increase the speed of deployment as the physician continues to manipulate the actuating mechanism.
US07976572B2	Forced air warming unit Both the flow rate and the temperature of the air exiting a forced air warming unit are regulated in response to a single act or operation of a single element of control on a manually-operated remote control.
US07976565B1	Expanding suture anchor having an actuator pin A method and apparatus for reattaching soft tissue to a pre-selected boney structure using an expanding suture anchor. Generally, an expanding suture anchor having an actuator pin is provided to fully secure a suture into the boney structure. The actuator pin is molded to a portion of the suture anchor and detaches from the suture anchor when the suture anchor is fully engaged with the boney structure. Thus, the soft tissue is fully secured to the boney structure ensuring proper healing.
US07976563B2	Medical instrument The invention relates to a medical instrument having on its proximal end a shaft with a handle consisting of two gripping members and on its distal end a tool consisting of two jaw members and in which, to open and close the tool, at least one jaw member can rotate with respect to the other jaw member around a point of rotation by means of a push-pull rod and in which the push-pull rod is connected on the proximal side with a rotatable gripping member of the handle. To produce a medical instrument that can be used even in closely confined spaces and with sufficient transmission of force, it is proposed with the invention that the point of rotation should be configured as a variable, virtual point of rotation that is dependent on the position of the jaw members to one another.
US07976561B2	Intravascular platforms and associated devices An intravascular platform for supporting an intravascular device includes two loops of wire each configured to assume a shape lying generally on a virtual cylinder of given diameter. The two loops are interconnected by at least one connecting wire which maintains the loops axially spaced from each other. Also disclosed are axially-extended loop forms, and associated intravascular devices.
US07976559B2	Articulated surgical probe and method for use A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.
US07976557B2	Cutting balloon and process A method of preparing a cutting balloon comprises the steps of providing a balloon body having an exterior surface, an unexpanded state and an expanded state; and engaging at least one blade to the exterior surface when the balloon body is in the unexpanded state.
US07976553B2	Surgical suturing apparatus with detachable handle A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, a handle, an elongated flexible member having a distal end attached to the suture housing and a proximal end attached to the handle, and a mechanism for releasing and reattaching the handle to the flexible member.
US07976552B2	Ligation apparatus A ligation apparatus includes an insertion tube extending toward one direction, a clamp part which is provided on a distal side of the insertion tube and clamps a living organ, a first control mechanism which is connected to the clamp part via a first control shaft member inserted inside the insertion tube and controls opening-and-closing action of the clamp part by advancing and retracting the first control shaft member, a ligation part which ligates the living organ by closing a pair of arm members provided on the distal side of the insertion tube; and a second control mechanism which is connected to the ligation part via a second control shaft member inserted inside the insertion tube, and closes the pair of arm members and releases the ligation part by advancing and retracting the second control shaft member.
US07976551B1	Transseptal delivery instrument Access to the left side of the heart is gained through a heart wall. A delivery instrument includes a guide that may include or carry a puncturing instrument that is adapted to be directed toward the heart wall. In some embodiments a distal portion of the delivery instrument may be adapted to be co-located with the coronary sinus. In addition, the guide may be located a known distance from the portion of the delivery instrument that is co-located with the coronary sinus. Access to the left side of the heart may thus be readily gained by positioning the delivery instrument relative to the coronary sinus.
US07976550B2	Insertion instrument for artificial discs An insertion instrument for inserting an implant in an intervertebral space is provided. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having proximate and distal ends with a longitudinal axis therebetween. On the distal end of the elongate shaft is a gripping device capable of shifting from a holding configuration for securing a portion of the implant relative the distal end and a releasing configuration to permit removal of the implant portion from the elongate shaft. The instrument includes a handle configured to be held with a generally neutral wrist position to permit comfortable use of the instrument. The instrument also includes an actuating mechanism coupled between the gripping device and the handle that is operable to configure the gripping device in the holding configuration upon an initial actuation thereof and the releasing configuration upon a subsequent actuation thereof.
US07976546B2	Magnetic targeting system for facilitating navigation The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetic material is configured and sized so as to positionable external of the anchoring member, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. An extender and connector have threads indexed to a securing set screw to facilitate positioning and affixation of the biocompatible material.
US07976544B2	Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods Surgical devices, systems and methods for treating tissue are provided. An exemplary surgical device comprises a tip portion including first and second jaws each having a tissue grasping surface, at least one of the jaws being movable toward the other jaw. The tissue grasping surface of each jaw has includes an electrically insulative surface. The device also includes first and second electrodes connectable to different terminals of an RF generator to generate electrical current flow therebetween, with each of the electrodes having an electrode surface. One of the electrode surfaces is located on one of the jaws separated from one edge of the tissue grasping surface, and the other of the electrode surfaces is located on one or the other of the jaws separated from the other edge of the tissue grasping surface. The device also includes at least one fluid passage being connectable to a fluid source.
US07976542B1	Adjustable high frequency electrode A method and apparatus for application of an electrical signal to neural and other target tissue in the living body.
US07976539B2	System and method for denaturing and fixing collagenous tissue A method for modifying a geometry of a collagenous tissue mass includes heating the collagenous tissue mass to a temperature sufficient to cause denaturation, and introducing a biocompatible fixative, such as genepin, into the collagenous tissue mass.
US07976538B2	Fast fibroadenoma treatment system and method A method of treating fibroadenomas with optimized freezing periods at a single freezing temperature and minimal thawing time between freezing periods, and a system for accomplishing the method.
US07976530B2	Infusion catheter with composite tip A catheter for use with a medical infusion or other fluid system. The catheter may include a flexible elongate tubular core that is resistant to radial collapse, and a separate tubular tip member forming the catheter distal tip. The catheter may further include a flexible, e.g., elastomeric, jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the tubular core. The jacket may have a radial compliance that is greater than that of the tubular core. The jacket may further define an outer diameter that is about 4 to about 6 times greater than an outer diameter of the core.
US07976529B2	High flow volume nasal irrigation device and method for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow A high flow volume nasal irrigation device for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow includes a segmented dip tube with a free end extending inside a squeeze bottle configured to convey a liquid under an elevated chamber pressure from a reservoir therein to a lower pressure outside the bottle. The device also includes an elastic segment at the free end of the tube configured to oscillate about a bending in the segment in response to a differential pressure between an internal pressure and the chamber pressure, the segment having an elastic restoring force in opposition to the bending. The disclosed device further includes a pulsatile portion of the elastic segment configured to close at the segment bending and to reopen under the elastic restoring force and to thus generate a periodic pulsatile fluid flow through the tube with a period corresponding to the elastic segment oscillation.
US07976528B2	Thrombectomy and soft debris removal device A device suitable for removing material from a living being is provided, featuring an infusate pump, and an aspiration pump, both powered by a motor. The aspiration pump and infusate pump preferably feature a helical pumping mechanism, and operate at a high rate of rotation, thereby ensuring adequate pumping performance and flexibility. Additionally, a narrow crossing profile is maintained, ensuring that the device may reach more tortuous regions of the vasculature. In one embodiment, the system comprises a wire-guided mono-rail catheter with a working head mounted on a flexible portion of the catheter that can laterally displace away from the guide wire to facilitate thrombus removal. The working head may be operated to separate and move away from the guide wire to come within a closer proximity of the obstructive material to more effectively remove it from the vessel.
US07976526B2	Sealed medical storage A medical bag of multi-liquid missing type for one-shot operation for opening the weak seal portion, which makes it possible to obtain simultaneous opening of a blending medicine inlet.The medical bag 10 is formed of a soft film material and having a weak seal portion, which divides the space inside the bag into a plurality of compartments 20 and 22. A blending medicine inlet port 14 is arranged adjacent the one compartment 20. The inlet port 14 includes sealed compartments 36A, 36B and 36C for storage of the respective blending medicines. The inlet port 14 is usually closed by a peel film member 44 for preventing the blending medicines from being discharged. The peel film member 44 is strongly adhered to the opposed surface of the plastic film constructing the medical bag. An integral movement of the peelable member with respect to a widening displacement of the medial bag is obtained when the weak seal 18 is opened under a pressing force, so that the peelable member 44 is separated from the inlet port 14, resulting in a discharge of the blending medicines from the compartments 36A, 36B and 36C into the medical bag.
US07976525B2	Compound absorbent article with improved body contact A personal care absorbent article has compound construction, a pad connected to an anchor. In use, the anchor is associated with a wearer's undergarment. The pad is attached to the anchor by a tether system, which allows the pad to at least partially decouple from the anchor.
US07976522B2	Appliance for irrigation and/or drainage The invention relates to an appliance for irrigation and/or drainage, which appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer for securing the appliance to the patient's skin, said wafer can be provided with an aperture for receiving a stoma, surrounding a wound, a fistula or a drainage site, a wall of flexible material, the wall comprising a rear wall and a front wall, the rear wall being attached to the wafer and having an opening suitable for surrounding the surface area of the skin to be cleansed, and the front wall comprising a coupling flange adapted for removable coupling and sealing to matching coupling means, an sealed chamber which, when inflated, provides a distance between the adhesive wafer and the coupling flange.
US07976520B2	Eye wall anchored fixtures Eye wall anchored fixtures each including at least one elongated anchor member for driven lengthwise insertion into an eye's eye wall in a transverse direction to its thickness for supporting an intraocular device in the eye's vitreous cavity. Fixtures are preferably anchored in circumferential incisions in a human adult eye's pars plana preferably 3.5 mm posterior to its corneal limbus, and perpendicular to a circumferential incision. The fixtures are either generally L-shaped with a single elongated anchor member designed for withdrawal from an eye wall or self-anchoring thereinto, or generally T-shaped with a pair of oppositely directed self-anchoring elongated anchor members for sealing a throughgoing incision. Intraocular devices can be designed for intraocular drug delivery, for acquiring intraocular physiological measurements, and the like.
US07976517B2	Fluid management flow implants of improved occlusion resistance This invention relates to achieving or improving uniform distribution of fluid flow in medical devices such as when combined with antibiotics impregnated in a catheter and/or with a drug-eluting catheter to further inhibit the catheter from becoming occluded by debris in the CSF or by bacterial biofilm formation or tissue proliferation in the catheter.
US07976513B2	Apparatus and method for selectively controlling flow in an infusion line An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.
US07976506B2	Syringe with selectable indicia of contents A syringe includes a barrel defining a liquid chamber, an aperture and two or more contents indicators; a plunger movable within said barrel whereby movement of the plunger in a first direction causes the liquid chamber to fill with a fluid and movement by the plunger in a second direction causes fluid to be expelled from the liquid chamber through the aperture; and a selecting mechanism disposed on the barrel that is actuated to select only one of the contents indicators.
US07976503B2	Haemostasis device A haemostasis device (200) comprises a low pressure seal (206) and a high pressure seal (208). A tubular bayonet (201) is movable from a retracted configuration to an inserted configuration to move the low pressure seal (206) between a closed configuration and an open configuration. With the low pressure seal (206) in the open configuration, a guidewire (222) may be inserted through the low pressure seal (206), and with the low pressure seal (206) in the closed configuration, the guidewire (222) may be passed through the low pressure seal (206) while maintaining sealing around the guidewire (222). A collet (209) is movable in a radial direction to move the high pressure seal (208) between an open configuration and a sealing configuration. With the high pressure seal (208) in the sealing configuration, the guidewire (222) is locked in position.
US07976502B2	Catheter introducer The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; and a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and is removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.
US07976500B2	Disposable infusion device with redundant valved safety A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that holds a volume of the liquid medicament received from the reservoir and displaces substantially all of the volume of the liquid medicament when actuated, and at least a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve. The valves establish fluid connection between the reservoir and the pump when in a first valve configuration and establish fluid connection between the pump and the outlet when in a second valve configuration. At least two of the valves isolate the outlet from the reservoir when the valves are in the first valve configuration.
US07976498B2	Needle assembly including obturator with safety reset A needle assembly is able to collect a sample of biological material in a needle of the assembly. The needle assembly has a safety shield capable of being moved on the needle assembly to cover a sharp tip of the needle assembly. The shield can be locked in place over the sharp tip by a locking mechanism. The assembly further includes an obturator that can be inserted into the needle to remove the sample from the needle. A reset member, which in some embodiments is associated with the obturator, is capable of operatively engaging the locking mechanism to release the locking mechanism and allow the shield to be moved away from the sharp tip.
US07976496B2	Balloon folding control mechanism A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is affixed to the distal end of the catheter so as to provide an air tight seal there between. A stiffening member extends distally of the distal end of the catheter and forms a slip joint connection with the distal end of the balloon to permit the distal end of the balloon to axially move or translate relative to the distal end of the catheter. The slip joint allows the axial length of balloon to change during inflation or deflation without transferring tensile or compressive forces between the balloon and the catheter. A balloon folding control mechanism is disposed about the portion of the stiffening member traversing the interior of the balloon, and is configured to promote refolding of the balloon into a predetermined and desired folding configuration upon deflation.
US07976492B2	Integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction.
US07976484B2	Hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus for treating lower part of the user's body An auxiliary mat for a hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus, a hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus including the same, and a method of using the hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus are provided. In a hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus including a main mat and an auxiliary mat, a receiving groove is formed at a side of the main mat or the auxiliary mat, and an external hyperthermo-therapeutic unit is detachably mounted in the receiving groove. In a state where a user sits astraddle on the main mat or the auxiliary mat, the external hyperthermo-therapeutic unit is operated so that a hot compress effect or an effect generated by radiating far infrared rays can be simply obtained on a lower part of a user's body. Upon use of the hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus, there are advantages in that the user does not need to take an uncomfortable posture for receiving a hot compress on the lower part of her/his body.
US07976482B2	Device and method for knee ligament strain measurement A device for measuring displacement of the tibia in relation to the femur in response to an applied force or torque on the tibia. A first shaft is tiltable about a first axis close to the ankle and approximately parallel to the coronal plane of the patient's body. A second shaft is connected to the first shaft and is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and is close to the ankle and approximately parallel to the tibia. A foot support platform is mounted on the second shaft, the foot support platform being configured for attachment of the foot at a fixed position. A displacement test device is provided for applying forces to the tibia and measuring the shift or displacement of the proximal tibia relative to the distal femur.
US07976477B2	Precision depth control lancing tip A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to lance with a precise depth and express fluid from both fingertip and alternate sites. In one form, the device is operable to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet into the skin. The bodily fluid sampling device includes a lancet adapted to form an incision in skin. A skin contacting member has an orifice through which the lancet extends when lancing the skin. The orifice has a first opening size that is sized to flatten the skin around the lancet during lancing. The orifice has a second opening size that is larger than the first opening size after the incision is formed to express fluid from the incision.
US07976475B2	Method for preparation and use of a two part medical measurement device A two part measuring device for a medical application, including a disposable first part for measuring the data of a patient, and a second part releasably secured to the first part for transmitting the data.
US07976468B2	Soft tissue diagnostic apparatus and method A soft tissue diagnostic apparatus for diagnosis of stress and injury in anatomical soft tissue by detecting the response of the soft tissue to acoustic energy and a method of detecting soft tissue damage or stress and treating the tissue. An acoustic transmitter transmits excitation acoustic energy toward a target area of soft tissue of a subject. An acoustic receiver receives responsive acoustic energy generated by the soft tissue in response to the excitation acoustic energy transmitted by the acoustic transmitter and generates an output signal representative of the response of the soft tissue to the excitation acoustic energy. An analyzer receives the output signal of the acoustic receiver and provides an indication of at least one of stress and injury in the soft tissue based on the output signal. Areas of stress are inhibited to find the origin of soft tissue pain.
US07976464B2	Access systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery A device for retracting tissue provides access to a spinal location within a patient. The device includes an elongate body and a passage. The elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The elongate body defines a length between the proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis such that the distal portion can be positioned inside the patient adjacent the spinal location while the proximal portion is accessible. A transverse cross-section of the elongate body in the proximal portion has a first dimension that is longer than a second dimension. The first dimension is perpendicular to the second dimension. The passage extends through the elongate body between the proximal and distal portions. The elongate body is configured such that the proximal portion may be tilted with respect to the distal portion in a first direction generally aligned with the first dimension and in a second direction generally aligned with the second dimension.
US07976459B2	Portable endoscope for intubation A portable, low power, low cost, endoscope having a removable probe with a miniature digital CCD imager, single white LED illuminator and an imaging lens on the distal end and a miniature multi pin connector on the proximal end; both ends connected with a multi trace flexible circuit hidden inside of the protecting flexible sleeve; and a full color LCD monitor and associated image signal processing electronics and powered by the small battery cells.
US07976455B2	Inflatable ventricular partitioning device This invention is directed to a device and method of using the device for partitioning a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion. The device is particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure. The device has an inflatable partitioning element which separates the productive and non-productive portions of the heart chamber and in some embodiments also has a supporting element, which may also be inflatable, extending between the inflatable partitioning element and the wall of the non-productive portion of the patient's heart chamber. The supporting element may have a non-traumatic distal end to engage the ventricular wall or a tissue penetrating anchoring element to secure the device to the patient's heart wall.
US07976453B2	Reducing effect of magnetic and electromagnetic fields on an implant's magnet and/or electronics An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts. The body and the implantable magnet are positioned such that the body is shifted to one of the first position and the second position as a function of the external magnetic field resulting in a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetically soft body.
US07976447B2	Conductive rubber roller and transfer roller A conductive rubber roller having a rubber layer on a conductive core material. The rubber composition constituting the rubber layer contains a rubber component and a filler. The rubber component contains an epichlorohydrin rubber. The filler includes carbon black (A) having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (N2SA) of 20 m2/g to 40 m2/g and having a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) oil absorption of 80 ml/100 g to 100 ml/100 g and carbon black (B) having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (N2SA) of 15 m2/g or less and having a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) oil absorption of 40 ml/100 g or less. The carbon black (A) is in a content of 10 parts by mass to 30 parts by mass and the carbon black (B) is in a content of 20 parts by mass to 60 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.
US07976445B2	Door mounted gym A portable door mounted exercise system that can be easily set up and taken down and which doesn't occupy any significant floor space. The system provides variable resistance for aerobic, cardiovascular and muscle building exercises. Variable resistance is provided through a set of elastic cords. A user can select to use any combination of the cords to provide a desired level of resistance for exercise and training. The cords can be attached to a handle, ankle strap, squat strap or neck strap depending on the type of exercise or training desired by the user. The cords can be attached to a pulley system and bracket which is slidably attached to a door mount to provide variable positioning for the pulley system. The system can also include a training computer to provide audio and video training information to the user.
US07976443B2	Adjustable weight kettlebell An adjustable weight kettlebell includes a weight lifting member that rests on top of a vertical stack of weights. A weight selector is rotatable into and out of underlying engagement of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the weight lifting member.
US07976437B1	Exercise treadmill having a simulated cobblestone running surface A running surface for a common exercise treadmill has an endless belt made of a rubber like material leaving a smooth finish to its upper and lower surfaces. At least one line of spaced apart holes penetrate the belt along its entire length. The holes enable fastening elements to affix generally circular rods to the upper surface to engage fastening eyelets by means of the fastening elements which are installed into at least one strengthening endless belt positioned below and urging against the lower extremity of the endless belt. The generally circular rods have prefabricated objects such as simulated cobblestones of various sizes and configurations in immediate adjacency to the upper extremity of the endless belt.
US07976435B2	Stationary exercise apparatus A stationary exercise device with adjustable members for varying the stride path and the exercise intensity of a user is disclosed. The stationary device having a stationary frame and a movable frame that moves relative to the stationary frame to vary the exercise intensity of a user.
US07976434B2	Exercise device A control system and method for exercise equipment and the like provides a way to simulate a physical activity in a manner that takes into account the physics of the physical activity being simulated to provide an accurate simulation. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control system and method takes into account the physics of the corresponding physical activity to generate a virtual or predicted value of a variable such as velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment in a way that causes the user to experience forces that are the same or similar to the forces that would be encountered if the user were actually performing the physical activity being simulated rather than using the exercise equipment.
US07976432B2	Sequential automatic transmission To alleviate a shift shock of an automatic transmission when a vehicle travels at a certain vehicle speed and a speed range is changed over to a drive range from a neutral range. When a neutral range is selected by a range selection lever, a neutral determination part outputs a determination signal Nt. When a vehicle speed V is equal to or more than a vehicle speed reference value Vref, a vehicle speed determination part outputs a signal VJ2. When the vehicle speed V is less than the vehicle speed reference value Vref, a signal VJ1 is outputted. The signal VJ1 is inputted to a shift map, and a hydraulic control unit determines a speed change stage base on the vehicle speed and a throttle opening degree. When a signal VJ2 is inputted to the hydraulic control unit, the shift stage is set at the neutral range.
US07976425B2	Eight speed automatic transmission An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes.
US07976424B2	Eight speed transmission An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes.
US07976423B2	Pre-load mechanism for helical gear differential A differential assembly for a vehicle includes a differential casing rotatable about an axis. The differential casing defines a cavity. A pair of side gears is disposed within the differential casing cavity. First and second pairs of pinion gears are rotatably positioned in the cavity in driving engagement with the side gears. A thrust block has circumferentially spaced apart recesses. Rotation of the thrust block is restricted by the first and second pairs of pinion gears being in communication with the recesses. A spring biases the thrust block into engagement with one of the side gears.
US07976421B2	Differential gear for vehicle and assembling method of the same A differential gear 1 for a vehicle comprises a differential case 2 having a pair of holes 9R, 9L for drive shafts, a pair of pinion gears 3, 4 supported by pinion gear supporters 10, 11 and a pair of side gears 5R, 5L engaging with the pinion gears 3, 4. A pair of thrust washers 6R, 6L is interposed between the backs of the side gears 5R, 5L and the inner peripheries of the holes 9R, 9L without radial movement.
US07976419B2	Control of the flow rate in a transmission oil cooler A system for controlling a flow rate in a vehicle transmission includes a source of fluid exiting a torque converter, an oil cooler, a source of control pressure, and a valve for regulating a rate of fluid flow from the torque converter to the cooler in response to the control pressure.
US07976417B2	Whistle ball A ball includes a body having an outer surface. A chamber is disposed within the body and has a concave curvature in at least two orthogonal directions. An aperture defines a fluid connection between the chamber and the outer surface of the ball. Air flow across the aperture produces a whistling sound.
US07976413B2	Combination pitching aid and batting tee Described herein is a combination pitching aid and batting tee apparatus. The apparatus includes a base having a front and a rear, a stand extending upwardly from the base, a support rod extending upwardly from the stand, and an arm extending outwardly from the support rod. The arm includes a target associated therewith that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The apparatus includes a screen having a top end and a bottom end and a support assembly having a top end and a bottom end that extends upwardly from the base. The bottom end of the screen is attached near the front of the base and the top end of the screen is attached to the support assembly. The support rod can be replaced with a batting tee.
US07976408B2	Casing layer for polyurethane-covered and polyurea-covered golf balls This invention is related to multi-layer golf balls having at least one layer containing a neutralized high acid ionomer linked to a grafted metallocene copolymer, where the golf balls exhibit improved performance characteristics and properties.
US07976397B2	Rotary game table A rotary game table includes a combination game table, two side support members, and at least one cross member. The combination game table includes a pool table surface formed on one side and an air powered hockey table surface formed on the opposite side. The at least one cross member is terminated on each end by a single side support member. The combination game table is pivotally retained by a side support member on each end thereof. To pivotally constrain the combination game table, at least one locking pin device is used; in a second embodiment at least two pivotal support arms; and in a fourth embodiment a pair of support latches. A third embodiment includes at least one side support member configured to retain a plurality of game accessories. A gaming table may be substituted for the air hockey table.
US07976396B2	Inflatable interactive amusement structure incorporating electronic audio and visual effects An interactive inflatable amusement structure in the form of an obstacle course or play area which incorporates audio and visual electronics at various locations within the obstacle course through the use of a plurality of transmitter/receivers in radio frequency communication with a central control unit for transmitting data such as elapsed time and points, the central control unit positioned at the egress to the inflatable structure proximate the start of the obstacle course or inflatable game, bounce, etc., and the transmitter/receivers positioned within pockets or the like formed at various locations on the inflatable obstacle course structure.
US07976383B2	Gaming machine and control method that accumulatively adds a fractional value A gaming machine switchable between an insurance mode and a non-insurance mode and which activates insurance compensation irrespective of a result of a game when a predetermined condition is established and a playing method thereof are disclosed. In accordance therewith, when a bet value or a payout value to be paid out includes a value less than one credit, that value is accumulatively stored as a fractional value, and the mode is switched from an insurance mode to a non-insurance mode when the accumulatively added fractional values reach a predetermined value or the number of unit games in which the fractional value is accumulatively added reaches a predetermined number.
US07976382B2	Casino gaming apparatus with a bonus associated with a cash out A casino gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a value input device, a user input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image to be generated on the display unit, to cause a bonus image to be generated on the display unit for a time period in response to a trigger event, to award a bonus in response to the person making an input via the user input device in response to generation of the bonus image on the display unit, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game.
US07976378B2	Gaming device having odds of winning which increase as a player's wager increases A gaming device having a game which requires the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount that the player bets at any one time. The award can be unchanging, e.g., $10,000, each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot, i.e., the jackpot builds unfit a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the player's bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the player's betting habits or betting ability.
US07976368B2	Method and device for processing fish, poultry, or other meat products transported in multitude along a processing line In a method for the processing of fish, poultry or other meat products being conveyed in a plurality along a processing line, components which are to be excluded from consumption are separated and edible products obtained as a result for consumption are checked with an automatic inspection device for residues left behind. Separation takes place in such a way that, in the case of a number of edible products, minimized residues of at least one kind are deliberately permitted and induced for further processing of the edible products, in particular to optimize the edible product recovery. The automatic inspection device is adjusted to detect the minimized tolerance residues, and inspected edible products with and without the tolerance residues are separated from each other. In an apparatus for carrying out the method, a separating device with at least one separating tool is designed in such a way that, in the case of a number of edible products, minimized tolerance residues of at least one kind are left behind for further processing of the edible products, and the inspection device is connected to a separator device which distinguishes edible products with and without residues according to the inspection results and discharges them separately from each other.
US07976364B2	Dust-collection container The invention relates to a dust collection container for a hand-held power tool, especially an electric sander, having a dust extraction connection (12). Said dust collection container has an inlet connection (17) configured to be slid onto the dust extraction connection (12) and a seal (18) that is effective between the inlet connection (17) and the dust extraction connection (12), the peripheral surface (182) of said seal sealingly fitting against the inner wall (172) of the inlet connection (17). In order to facilitate an easy and jerk-free handling of the dust collection box during attachment to the hand-held power tool and during detachment of the hand-held power tool, the seal (18) has a sealing surface (181) which is oriented at a right angle to the connection axis and which is configured to sealingly fit against the free, annular face (121) of the dust extraction connection (12).
US07976360B2	Tumbled, polished, vibrated broken tempered glass pieces An invention is provided for creating smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments. The invention includes placing a plurality of heat-treated glass fragments into a tumbling or vibrating apparatus. Each heat-treated glass fragment is formed from glass that has been heated to a temperature of at least 1000° Fahrenheit and rapidly cooled to a temperature below 700° Fahrenheit. The plurality of glass fragments are then tumbled or vibrated for a predetermined period of time such that surfaces of the heat-treated glass fragments are smoother than prior to tumbling. The glass fragments are thereafter removed from the tumbling apparatus, resulting in smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments that are suitable for direct handling without hand protection.
US07976359B2	Polishing machine comprising a work chamber and a platform A polishing machine for optical elements, comprising:—a spindle arranged to rotationally drive an optical element;—a polishing tool mobile relative to the spindle; wherein the polishing machine further comprises a platform mounted on top of a work chamber, the work chamber comprising the spindle, and the platform holding a body on which is mounted the polishing tool.
US07976358B2	Polishing apparatus and polishing method A polishing apparatus polishes wafers at a high yield rate even if roll-off exists. The polishing apparatus polishes a wafer by applying a pressure between a polishing member (polishing pad) and the wafer held by a holding member (top ring) and moving the polishing member relative to the wafer. The polishing apparatus includes a top ring for holding the wafer, a pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting a supporting pressure with which the wafer is supported on a supporting surface by a retainer ring, and a control unit for controlling the pressure adjusting mechanism to bring the supporting pressure to a desired pressure based on a roll off quantity of the wafer. The top ring comprises an air bag for pressing the wafer against the polishing pad, a retainer ring which surrounds the wafer, and an air bag for pressing the retainer ring.
US07976356B2	Toy vehicle A boom assembly for a bucket of a toy vehicle comprises at least one bucket bearer, which is articulated to a frame of the toy vehicle by a first swivel joint, and at least one telescopic support with two telescopic elements, which can be displaced in telescopic manner with respect to one another. One of the telescopic elements is articulated to the bucket bearer by a second swivel joint, the other telescopic element is articulated to the frame by a third swivel joint. Furthermore, at least one latch mechanism is provided, the latch mechanism having a latch body which is provided on one of the telescopic elements, and a counter body which is provided on the bucket bearer. The bodies of the latch mechanism are positioned with respect to one another such that when the bucket bearers are moved from a lowered basic position into a raised position, the latch body comes to rest against the counter body before the raised position is reached, the telescopic support being bent with the production of a bending tension. As the bucket bearers are moved further into the raised position, the latch body latches with the counter body so that the boom assembly is fixed in the raised position.
US07976352B2	Audio connector An audio connector includes: a body; a terminal plug fixed in position to the body and having a guide plate penetrating the body for supporting and being electrically connected to the conductive ends of a multi-core wire; a wire collecting member disposed inside the body, wherein the wire collecting member and the guide plate collectively define a receiving space for receiving and collecting the conductive ends of the multi-core wire; and a pressing member disposed inside the wire collecting member for pressing the conductive ends of the multi-core wire in conjunction with the guide plate and the wire collecting member, wherein a maximum width of the receiving space is smaller than or equal to that of the pressing surface of the pressing member.
US07976351B2	Electrical contact The invention relates to a terminal for connection with an electrical mating connector, and having a catch spring projecting therefrom for latching the terminal in a housing. The terminal includes a catch spring projecting from the terminal and having a cross-section having a first and second area, the catch spring is assembled with regard to its cross-section over substantially its entire extent in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the terminal. The first and second area are arranged bent relative to one another by a transitional area or are connected together in such a manner that they merge continuously.
US07976349B2	Communications patching and connector systems having multi-stage near-end alien crosstalk compensation circuits Communications patching devices include first and second connectors mounted immediately adjacent to each other. The first connector includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal that are connected to respective first and second conductive paths, and the second connector includes a third output terminal and a fourth output terminal that are connected to respective third and fourth conductive paths. The first and second conductive paths form a first differential pair of conductive paths and the first and second output terminals form a first differential pair of output terminals. The third and fourth conductive paths form a second differential pair of conductive paths, and the third and fourth output terminals form a second differential pair of output terminals. The output terminals are arranged such that a first signal coupling level from the first output terminal to the third output terminal in response to a communication signal that is transmitted through the first differential pair of output terminals exceeds a second signal coupling level from the first output terminal to the fourth output terminal in response to the communication signal. A first capacitor is provided between the first conductive path and the fourth conductive path and a second capacitor is provided between at least one of the first conductive path and the third conductive path or between the second conductive path and the fourth conductive path.
US07976337B1	Palmtop computer docking system with USB cable assembly A method and system for coupling to a palmtop computer that supports both mobile computing and desktop use. A palmtop computer docking system is disclosed that includes a cable assembly and a base. The cable assembly includes a palmtop computer connection mechanism that is connected to a USB connector and that is connected to a power connection mechanism via an electrical cable. Power is provided via the power connection mechanism. The cable assembly is adapted to engage the base so as to produce a fully functional docking cradle. In operation, once the cable assembly is engaged with the base, the USB connector is then coupled to the desired computing device (typically either a portable computer or a full-size computer). The resulting docking cradle facilitates desktop use such as, for example, communication with a full size computer. The cable assembly can be removed from the base and can be used independently of the base for mobile computing.
US07976336B2	Trigger signal-lighted connector A trigger signal-lighted connector including a terminal housing in which multiple terminals are inlaid; an adapter circuit board having multiple lines of printed circuits, each printed circuit being connected between one of the terminals and one of multiple signal wires, one of the printed circuits being connected to a grounding terminal, while another of the printed circuits being connected to a trigger signal terminal; and an insulation layer wrapping the terminal housing, the adapter circuit board and the signal wires. The insulation layer is made of transparent material and at least one light-emitting component is disposed on the adapter circuit board. One of two electrode pins of the light-emitting component is connected to the printed circuit, which is connected to the grounding terminal, while the other of the electrode pins is connected to the printed circuit, which is connected to the trigger signal terminal.
US07976334B2	Capped insulation displacement connector (IDC) An electrical insulation displacement connector (IDC) assembly includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side configured for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire therein. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body and configured for electrical contact with a PCB. The IDC assembly includes a cap having a size and configuration so as to engage over the body, with the cap including a recess with an open bottom that is aligned with the body channel in a fitted configuration of the cap on the body. The wires may be initially received in the cap recesses wherein upon pressing engagement of the cap onto the body, the insulated conductive core wire is pressed into the body channel between and into the contact element.
US07976333B2	Laminar electrical connector A laminar electrical connector is provided that is formed from multiple superimposed strips of conductive material that form a stack having at least two ends. A second conductive material is used to join adjacent superimposed strips. The resultant connector has ends that are adapted to engage electrical terminals and provide an electrical communication therebetween. The resultant connector lacks a sheath on the ends or a grommet extending through the stack. Such a sheath or grommet limits the operative lifetime of the resulting connector and also creates current focusing that diminishes overall connector efficiency. A connector having a continuous layer of the second conductive material joining adjacent strips along the entire interface between the adjacent strips is also provided and improves connector performance in ways that are especially beneficial to applications associated with an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.
US07976325B2	Socket for testing semiconductor package A socket adapted for electrically connecting a semiconductor package to a printed circuit board, includes a main body defining a number of contact passageways and a plurality of contacts received in the contact passageways of the main body. Each contact has a base portion, a first contacting portion and a second contacting portion upwardly extending from the base portion, and a spring arm bent from a bottom edge of the base portion. The spring arm extends substantially in a horizontal direction and is bent downwardly at a free end thereof to form a tail. The spring arm can deform to provide an elastic force for the tail to press against the printed circuit board.
US07976323B2	Stacked card connector A stacked card connector (100) for receiving different cards comprises: a main base (1), a subbase (2) separately assembled to the main base (1) making repairing or changing the lower contacts easier and occupying less space, a bottom cover (42) placed in a bottom of the main base, and a top shell (41) enclosing the main base (1) and the subbase from a top side of the stacked card connector; the main base and the bottom cover defining a first space (11) with a first inserting opening (15), the subbase and the main base defining a second space (12) with a second inserting opening (16), the subbase and the top shell defining a third space (21) with a third inserting opening (24), the second inserting opening and the third inserting opening arranged in a side along a top-to-bottom direction, the first inserting opening arranged in a side perpendicular to the side where the second and third inserting opening are allocated.
US07976311B2	Automatic determination of E-learning obsolescence A method, system, and computer program for managing proficiency information about a degree holder. An active degree in a degree field is issued to a degree holder. The active degree includes a certification that the degree holder has completed at least one degree process, a strength value associated with the certification indicating a proficiency in the degree field, and a strength evaluator configured to adjust the strength value such that the strength value reflects the degree holder's proficiency in the degree field over time.
US07976301B2	Device and method for removing an oblong burr from a molded part A device for removing an oblong burr from a molded part including an energy source that introduces energy into the burr for removing the burr by heating. The energy source includes an infrared transmitter that irradiates the oblong burr with infrared radiation, a sleeve for receiving the infrared transmitter with an inner face facing the infrared transmitter and an outer face remote from the infrared transmitter, and an outlet region through which energy may be transported in the direction of the burr. The sleeve has an outer coating with a surface facing the outside, and an inner face facing the infrared transmitter which at least partially encloses the sleeve. Infrared radiation emitted by the energy source is concentrated by a radiation-forming element, so that only the burr is irradiated by the infrared radiation. The radiation-forming element may be formed by a gap in the outer coating.
US07976295B2	Compressor having capacity modulation system A compressor includes a housing, a first scroll member supported within the housing and having a first end plate with a discharge passage, and a second scroll member supported within the housing and having a second end plate with a second spiral wrap extending therefrom and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap to form a series of pockets. A first aperture extends through the first end plate and is in communication with a first product of the series of pockets. A modulation assembly axially biases the first scroll member into engagement with the second scroll member when the first aperture is in communication with a suction pressure region of the compressor.
US07976293B2	Centrifugal fan A centrifugal fan includes an impeller having a plurality of blades around a predetermined central axis, a motor that rotatably drives the impeller, a control circuit that controls the rotation of the motor, and a casing that houses the impeller, the motor, and at least a portion of the control circuit. A plurality of electronic components of the control circuit are disposed in an electronic component mounting portion provided between a circumferential wall of the casing and a virtually extending plane of an opening end surface of an exhaust port along a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis. In the centrifugal fan, the electronic components are disposed radially outside an air passage, and thus the centrifugal fan can be reduced in its axial size, so that downsizing of the fan can be achieved.
US07976292B2	Inner-rotor-type heat dissipating fan An inner-rotor-type heat dissipating fan includes a fan housing, a seal casing, an inner-rotor-type motor, an impeller and a circuit board. The fan housing includes an outer frame portion and a motor casing. The seal casing is a hollow housing made of magnetically conductive material. One end of the seal casing forms a connecting portion coupling to the motor casing. The inner-rotor-type motor is mounted inside the seal casing. The impeller is coupled to the inner-rotor-type motor and outside the seal casing. The circuit board is electrically connected to the stator. By this configuration, rotation stability of the impeller is enhanced by the inner-rotor-type motor, airflow generated by rotation of the impeller is effectively concentrated and guided by the fan housing, and a sealing effect for avoiding magnetic flux leakage is provided by the seal casing. Consequently, heat dissipating efficiency is enhanced.
US07976290B2	Air pump with sheet metal bracket An air pump has a bracket, a motor, a transmission device and pneumatic cylinder assembly. The bracket is formed from sheet metal and has a backplate, two side plates formed on the backplate and two top plates formed respectively on the side plates. The motor is mounted on the transmission device. The transmission device is mounted on the bracket and is connected to the motor. The pneumatic cylinder assembly is mounted on the bracket and is connected to the transmission device. The bracket formed from sheet metal is light and has a low cost.
US07976288B2	Refrigerant gas compressor A refrigerant gas compressor includes a cylinder block formed with plural cylinder bores, a first housing disposed at the one end of the cylinder block, a second housing disposed at the other end of the cylinder block, a drive shaft supported by the cylinder block and one of the housings, a crank chamber formed in one of the housings, a suction chamber and a discharge chamber formed in one of the housings, a valve plate assembly disposed between the cylinder block and at least one of the housings, a stepped portion formed adjacent to the valve plate assembly to receive a part of the valve plate assembly. A storage chamber is provided for reserving therein oil separated from refrigerant gas. An oil groove is formed by the stepped portion and the valve plate assembly and connecting the storage chamber with one of the crank chamber and the suction chamber.
US07976287B2	Capacity variable type twin rotary compressor and driving method thereof A capacity variable type twin rotary compressor may include a casing, a motor, a first cylinder having a first compression space, a second cylinder fixed to one side of the first cylinder and having a second compression space, first and second intakes respectively formed in the first and second cylinders and each connected to a gas intake pipe, first and second vane slits respectively formed in the first and second intakes first and second rolling pistons eccentrically coupled to the motor and respectively housed in the first and second compression spaces, first and second vanes slidingly received in the first and second vane slits, respectively, an expansion groove formed at the second vane slit separate from the inner space of the casing, and refrigerant switching valves that allow refrigerant of intake and discharge pressures to be supplied into the second compression space and the expansion groove, such that the second vane contacts the second rolling piston to perform a power driving or separates therefrom to perform a saving driving.
US07976286B2	Method and apparatus for pumping liquids using directional growth and elimination bubbles A method and device for the pumping of liquids utilizes the directional growth and elimination of gaseous vesicles or bubbles to provide the motive or pumping force. In one embodiment, the pumping device is a microfluidic pumping mechanism having a channel, a bubble generator for generating a plurality of bubbles within the channel, and a venting membrane disposed over a portion of the channel downstream of the bubble generator. A one-way valve or directional resistance feature is positioned upstream of the bubble generator to introduce directional transport of bubbles within the channel. The method and device may be integrated into micro fuel cells with organic liquid fuel such that liberated gaseous bubbles may be utilized to deliver fresh fuel or circulate reusable fuel without any power-consuming components.
US07976284B2	Pump controller system and method A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.
US07976280B2	Turbine bucket shroud internal core profile A turbine bucket including a bucket airfoil having a hollow tip shroud, the hollow tip shroud having a hollow core having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table I, in inches, wherein the shape of the core is defined by the cloud of points listed which are distributed around each surface of the shroud, and the complete hollow portion of the tip shroud could be constructed by defining smooth sheet surfaces through the listed points.
US07976279B2	Blade pitch actuation mechanism A blade pitch actuation mechanism for a plurality of propeller blades supported in a blade hub comprises a plurality of bearing assemblies, a bearing support plate and a yoke. The plurality of bearing assemblies receives a plurality of actuation trunnion pins from the plurality of propeller blades. The bearing support plate is connected to the plurality of bearing assemblies and unifies the plurality of bearing assemblies in a ring-like configuration. The yoke is connected to the bearing support plate and translates within the hub to adjust the pitch of the plurality of propeller blades.
US07976273B2	Tip turbine engine support structure A tip turbine engine assembly according to the present invention includes a load bearing engine support structure (12). The engine support structure (12) includes an engine support plane (P) that is substantially perpendicular to an engine centerline (A) and first rotationally fixed member (50) disposed about the engine centerline (A) and cantilevered from the engine support plane (P). A support member extends radially outward from the first rotationally fixed member (50) and structurally supports a second rotationally fixed member (58) that is coaxial with the first rotationally fixed member. A rotor is mounted on the first rotationally fixed member and rotates about the engine centerline (A).
US07976272B2	Inflatable bleed valve for a turbine engine A compressor for a turbine engine includes an inflatable bleed valve that selectively bleeds core airflow from the compressor. The bleed valve has an inlet leading from the compressor and a passageway leading from the inlet. An inflatable valve selectively obstructs the passageway based upon a controlled supply of high pressure air to the inflatable valve. The supply of high pressure air may be compressed core airflow from an area downstream of the inlet to the bleed valve.
US07976271B2	Stabilizing drive for contactless rotary blood pump impeller A rotary blood pump includes a casing defining a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a blood inlet and a tangential blood outlet. One or more motor stators are provided outside of the pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller is within the pumping chamber and is adapted to cause blood entering the pumping chamber to move to the blood outlet. The impeller has one or more magnetic regions. The impeller is radially constrained in rotation by magnetic coupling to one or more motor stators and is axially constrained in rotation by one or more hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces on the impeller.
US07976267B2	Helix turbine system and energy production means A helical turbine with a circular member attached to one end for redirecting axially flowing fluid into perpendicularly flowing fluid. A fluid diverter for redirecting substantially perpendicular flowing fluid into axially flowing fluid. A hollow circular member attached to an opposite end of the turbine allowing substantially axial flowing fluid into one end of turbine. A drive shaft of at least one generator is in continuous contact with the peripheral edge of the solid or hollow circular member producing faster rpm. A turbine assembly mounted on a rooftop utilizing accelerated wind. Fluid diverters increasing fluid flow into the helical turbine's receding blades. A fluid diverter preventing fluid from hitting turbine's oncoming blades. A tail section for maintaining optimal direction into oncoming fluid. Two counter rotating turbines where the attached circular member's edges are in continuous contact. Multiple turbine body assemblies, using different combinations of disclosed elements, produce multiple preferred embodiments.
US07976264B1	Truck bed apparatus The truck bed apparatus is provided as replacement or original equipment. An access below the platform selectively houses the individually rollingly removable ramps. Bi-directional hinges which fasten each ramp second section to each first section are lockable, giving the ramps infinite incline and decline capabilities. Bi-directional lockable hinges affix each third section to each second section for the same reason. Varied lengths of the hinged legs also provide selective angle and support for each ramp. The second and third sections can be pivotally fitted within the width of the first section and subsection, thereby providing a collapsed ramp height less than would otherwise be provided, which provides for the platform to be only marginally higher than a standard truck bed platform would otherwise be. The ramps can be collapsed and housed within the access, then removed and extended to a far greater length than the platform of the bed.
US07976259B2	System for feeding biomass into a pressurized vessel The present disclosure provides for a system for feeding biomass into a pressured vessel, the system includes a screw-feeding housing, a drive motor, a rotary airlock, a first conveyor screw, a second conveyor screw, a barrel, a low friction liner attached to a substantial portion of the inside surface of the barrel, a pressure sensor positioned within the screw-feeding housing for monitoring backpressure, a compression disk, an actuator, a function controller which controls the pressure sensor, the drive motor and the actuator, and a control loop which comprises the function controller, the actuator, the drive motor, and the pressure sensor for monitoring backpressure within the screw-feeding housing and for controlling and adjusting the force applied by the actuator to the compression disk and the torque applied by the drive motor to the first conveyor screw, thereby effectuating an effectively sealed biomass plug.
US07976257B2	Profile rail A profile rail has a face and is formed with a longitudinally extending channel open at the face and with longitudinally extending stabilizing formations on the face flanking the channel. The channel has confronting ribbed flanks. A stabilizing element has a face engageable with the face of the rail and formed with a pair of stabilizing formations fittable with the stabilizing formations of the rail and with a throughgoing hole between the respective stabilizing formations and aligned with the channel when the element stabilizing formations are fitted with the rail stabilizing formations. A screw fittable through the hole has a screwthread engageable with the flanks of the channel so that the screw can clamp the element to the face of the rail.
US07976255B2	Auto-rack railroad car vehicle wheel chock A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.
US07976250B2	Double-sided cutting inserts for high feed milling A double-sided cutting insert with a plurality of indexable convex cutting edges can have a top face and a bottom face, at least three convex cutting edges on each face connected by at least three nose corners, at least three peripheral side surfaces extending from each face toward a virtual middle plane; and a common lateral seating surface on each peripheral side surface. Each convex cutting edge can have at least a curved cutting edge region, and can further have a primary substantially straight cutting edge region intermediate the curved cutting edge region and the nose corner. Each peripheral side surface can further have a primary planar facet associated with the primary substantially straight cutting edge, and each face may also be single-handed in same direction.
US07976248B2	Surfactant-based water treatment for irrigated soils The disclosure is directed to methods of making and using a water treatment composition for improved water infiltration during irrigation of agriculture. These methods include combining additives with an aqueous fluid to create a treated irrigation water, wherein the additives comprise a preselected amount of a surfactant and a preselected amount of a displacement ion. The improved infiltration is obtained through a constant, or substantially constant, application of the treated irrigation water to the soil during the irrigation.
US07976234B2	Multi-chambered dispenser and process A dispenser (10) for dispensing flowable materials has a container assembly (12) having a dividing wall (19). A first chamber (18) and a second chamber (20) are defined in the container assembly (12). The first chamber (18) is configured to contain a first flowable material (M1) (140) and the second chamber (20) is configured to contain a second flowable material (M2) (142). A membrane (34) is positioned in the container and cooperates with the dividing wall (19) to enclose the first and second chambers (18, 20). The membrane (34) has a first section (132) having a first weld seam (148) and a second section (134) having a second weld seam (150). The first section (132) is separated from the second section (134) by a non-rupturable member (33). Rupture of the membrane (34) allows the flowable materials into a third chamber (42) in which the flowable materials mix to form a mixture, and from which the mixture is dispensed.
US07976231B2	Method and apparatus for adjusting a gap in a printer The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for adjusting a gap in a printer. The apparatus includes the printer that has a print head transport shaft. The print head is slidably coupled to the transport shaft. The apparatus includes an adjusting plate comprising a groove. The adjusting plate is located at a first side of the printer. The adjusting plate is slidably coupled to the transport shaft via the groove. Moving the adjusting plate along a first axis changes a first position of the print head on the first side of the printer to form the gap. The first axis is perpendicular to the transport shaft. The apparatus also includes a spring. The spring biases the adjusting plate such that the groove is biased toward the transport shaft.
US07976230B2	Actuator mechanism and a shutter mechanism In one example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more coils for establishing a magnetic field; a rotating permanent magnet, which has at least one extreme position depending on the magnetic field; and driving members, which are coupled to the permanent magnet and by means of which the members coupled to the actuator mechanism are driven. In another example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more wires, which are manufactured of a shape memory alloy that shrinks when heated; and driving members, which are coupled to said wire and by means of which the members connected to the actuator mechanism are driven.
US07976229B2	Lens barrier device, lens barrel, and imaging device A lens barrier device includes: a plurality of barrier blades disposed in an oscillatible manner in front of an imaging lens positioned in closest proximity to a subject side in an imaging optical system; and an oscillating mechanism that allows the plurality of barrier blades to oscillate so as to form a fully closed state in which an optical path of the imaging optical system is fully closed and a fully opened state in which the optical path is fully opened by the barrier blades. The oscillating mechanism includes a drive ring that is provided in an inversely rotatable manner within a predetermined angular range about an optical axis of the imaging optical system and allows the plurality of barrier blades to oscillate back and forth to form the fully closed state and the fully opened state by rotating forward and backward.
US07976227B2	Stabilized equipment support and method of balancing same A stabilized support for supporting motion-sensitive, ultra-lightweight, camera equipment includes a hollow platform on which the camera equipment is mounted, and a structure on which the platform is detachably mounted. The structure has a handle, a counterweight mounted below the platform, and an arm for connecting the handle with the counterweight. The platform has a plurality of interior compartments preferably arranged in generally parallel rows at opposite sides of the platform, each row extending past a center of gravity. A plurality of ballast weights is held and confined in the interior compartments within the platform to balance the support when held by the handle, or supported by optional support legs. The placement of the ballast weights is based on a balancing procedure in which the camera equipment is balanced relative to a stationary horizontal support surface.
US07976225B2	Apparatus and method of signal detection in an optical transceiver The present invention includes an optical transceiver having a fiber module with an optical data input and an electrical data output. The fiber module further includes a signal detect output that indicates the receipt of valid optical data. A physical layer device having a receive input is coupled to the electrical data output through a switch that is controlled by the signal detect output. The switch passes electrical data from the electrical data output of the fiber module to the receive input when the signal detect output indicates the receipt of valid optical data, and does not pass the electrical data when the signal detect output indicates invalid optical data. By using this configuration, the signal detects pins of the physical layer device are eliminated. In another embodiment, the switch is not utilized, and the electrical data output of the transceiver is ac-coupled to the differential receive input of the physical layer device. In this embodiment, the transceiver does not output electrical data when the optical data signal is invalid. Therefore, electrical data is identified at the receive input by the detection of a voltage variation on the differential receive input.
US07976221B2	System and method for improving lubrication in a fluid dynamic bearing near the contact region A system and method for improving lubrication in a fluid dynamic bearing are disclosed. A fluid dynamic bearing is formed. The fluid dynamic bearing comprises a shaft having an axis of rotation and a surface comprising a first groove at a first depth and a second groove at a second depth, wherein the first and second grooves are for supporting a film of lubricating fluid. The fluid dynamic bearing further includes a hub having an axis coincident to the axis of rotation and a complimentary surface juxtaposed to the shaft which is conducive to supporting the lubricating fluid such that the shaft is rotatably retained.
US07976215B2	Apparatus and method for measuring thermal diffusivity using the flash method The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring thermal diffusivity using the flash method. The apparatus includes: a laser generator 60 for generating a flash beam 30; a measurement sample 10 having graphite layers 20 formed on front and rear surfaces thereof, through which the flash beam 30 passes; an infrared sensor 70 disposed at the rear of the measurement sample 10 for measuring a temperature and time at the rear surface of the measurement sample 10 from heat 40 dissipated from the measurement sample 10; and operation means 80 for performing an operation based on an output signal of the infrared sensor 70.
US07976214B2	Portable watch A portable watch has a watch case body having front and back sides. A time display portion is disposed at the front side of the case body for displaying time. The back side of the case body has a lid-receiving surface and a concavity that opens at the lid-receiving surface. A back lid is disposed on the lid-receiving surface to close the interior of the watch case body from the back side thereof, and the back lid has marking indicia and a projection that engages with the concavity in the back side of the watch case body to position the back lid in a predetermined position in which the marking indicia align with the 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock direction of the time display portion. A holding ring is threaded onto the watch case body with the back lid clamped therebetween to removably attach the back lid to the watch case body while maintaining the back lid in the predetermined position.
US07976212B2	Apparatus for replenishing a source gas in a cavitation medium A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied. The system is configured such that the cavitation fluid will flow out of the cavitation chamber, through the lower coupling conduit and into the cavitation medium reservoir when the chamber is positioned higher than the reservoir, and flow out of the cavitation medium reservoir, through the lower coupling conduit and into the cavitation chamber when the reservoir is positioned higher than the chamber. As a consequence of this configuration, cavitation fluid can be readily exchanged between the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir, thereby aiding the degassing process as well as providing a means of replenishing reactant-depleted cavitation medium.
US07976209B2	Planar lighting device The planar lighting device includes, in addition to light sources, a light exit plane, a pair of light entrance planes formed on a pair of sides of the light exit plane, and a rear plane composed of a pair of inclined planes formed on a side opposite from the light exit plane such that the light guide plate grows thicker with an increasing distance from the light entrance planes toward the center. The light guide plate contains light scattering particles satisfying Npi>Np, where Npi is the particle density in a region of space within a given range of the light guide plate and Np the density in the other region of space. The planar lighting device with minimized brightness unevenness liable to develop near the light entrance planes when the light exit plane has great dimensions.
US07976208B2	Flat panel lens A light guide with input and output faces 2, 3a is polar-symmetric about the first face 2 and has optical properties such that the angle at which a ray is injected into the first face determines the position at which it leaves the second face 3a, or, if operated in the reverse direction, the position at which the ray enters the second face determines the angle at which the ray leaves the second face. The light guide includes a tapered transparent sheet 3, light from the first face entering at the thick end of this sheet, and the second face forming one face of the tapered sheet. An input/output slab 4 adjoins the tapered sheet 3 for fan-out of light from the first face 2 to the tapered sheet, and a transition region 8 is located between flat and tapered sheets. The polar symmetry means that light rays always travel in line with the taper direction, which suppresses banding. Preferably the light guide further includes a prism device 20 for folding the light so that the flat and tapered sheets can be folded over each other. A method of making such a prism is also disclosed.
US07976206B2	Structure of light bulb A light bulb includes a bulb body, a light guide, and at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The bulb body includes a light-transmitting shell and a conductive base. The light-transmitting shell is mounted to the base. A circuit board is fixed at one side of the base and is in electrical connection with the base. The LED is mounted to the circuit board that is arranged at one side of the base, and the LED is in electrical connection with the circuit board to provide an internal light source. The light guide is arranged inside the bulb body and has an end forming a cavity that receives the LED therein, whereby the light guide is set erect on the base. As such, advantages of easy manufacturing, reduced costs, operation safety, increased angular range of illumination, and extended lifespan can be provided.
US07976205B2	Light-emitting module, particularly for use in an optical projection apparatus A light-emitting module is specified, comprising at least two light sources disposed on a common carrier. At least one of said light sources includes at least two LED chips. Each light source of the module is followed downstream by an optic body of an optical element, and the optic bodies are suitable for guiding electromagnetic radiation to a light exit surface of the optical element. An optical projection apparatus comprising such a light-emitting module is also specified.
US07976195B2	Ultra-violet lamp and reflection/shield assembly An ultra-violet lamp and reflector/shield assembly designed to be mounted in a commercial HVAC, and to other types of A/C units is described herein. The reflector/shield includes a reflective inner surface creating an illumination pattern and an outer surface shielding the UV lamp from the air flow. An orienting and securing assembly for a UV lamp is also described herein.
US07976190B2	Custom assembly light-emitting module using plugs and jacks for obtaining vertical electrical connections A custom assembly light-emitting module using plugs and jacks for obtaining vertical electrical connections, includes a light-emitting unit, a lens unit, a plug unit and a jack unit. The lens unit is detachably combined with the light-emitting unit. The plug unit is disposed beside one side of the lens unit and electrically connected with the light-emitting unit. The jack unit is disposed on a bottom side of the plug unit and electrically connected with the plug unit. In addition, the light-emitting unit has two first retaining structures being formed on two opposite lateral sides thereof, the lens unit has a hollow transparent structure and a lens integratedly with the hollow transparent structure, two second retaining structures are disposed in the hollow transparent structure, and the light-emitting unit is detachably disposed in the hollow transparent structure.
US07976184B2	System and method for providing a uniform backlight An illumination system includes an illumination source such as an array of LED's over which is provided a diffuser. The illumination source provides light which, because of light refraction, radiates generally uniformly from edge to edge of the diffuser. The diffuser may be a planar flat piece of may include a hollow, cup like structure formed by a frame with a cover. The illumination system may be scaled up to provide multiple such illumination devices side by side to provide a greater area or strength of illumination. Multiple systems may utilize multiple diffusers or a single diffuser covering multiple illumination sources. The illumination source may be mounted to a backplate or heatsink which is larger than the illumination source to facilitate the addition of further electronic circuitry and or mounting capabilities.
US07976179B2	Solar-lamp assembly A solar-lamp assembly includes a main frame, a secondary frame mounted atop the main frame and having solar wafers and a photoelectric-transducing-and-controlling element; a housing attached below the main frame for accommodating therein a battery; a post connected below the housing; at least one electrically interconnected lamp element connected below the main frame by a respective lamp shade and including therein at least one lighting device, wherein the battery, the lamp element, and the photoelectric-transducing-and-controlling element are electrically connected; a flexible board provided between the lamp element and the main frame, wherein the flexible board allows a plurality of the lamp elements to project light in different directions; and at least an arm-shaped lamp supporter connected with one lateral of the housing and having at least one lamp element affixed thereto through another flexible board.
US07976176B2	Lighting unit, backlight unit, and liquid crystal display device In a lighting unit, fluorescent lights and LEDs having different spectroscopic characteristics are alternately arranged in a direction X on an irradiation plane. The fluorescent lights are arranged in certain intervals so as to provide uniform light intensity even around the end portions of the direction X. The LEDs installed at the ends of the direction X have a light intensity that is weaker than that of other LEDs in order to provide uniform light intensity around the end portions. As a result, the lighting unit provides uniform light intensity across the entire irradiation surface.
US07976172B2	Projection apparatus, projection method, and computer program Light emitted from a lamp enters a color wheel having a region for allowing a predetermined color to pass therethrough, is reflected on a mirror, and enters a DMD. After this, the light is reflected by the DMD and enters a color sensor, which then detects the color of the transmitting light. A projection apparatus automatically synchronizes the control on the rotation of the color wheel and the control on the proceeding direction of the transmitting light by the DMD, based on a color time-division pattern of the transmitting light detected by the color sensor.
US07976169B2	Waveguide display An apparatus (e.g. a display) including a display substrate and a waveguide. The waveguide may guide ultraviolet light from the light source onto the display substrate. The display substrate may include light emitting material configured to emit visible light in response to absorption of the ultraviolet light.
US07976168B2	Image projector with internally tiled intermediate images Disclosed are a system and method for microprojection that uses multiple imagers to produce a high resolution output image. Each of a set of imagers produces a portion of the final image. Relay lenses then tile the individual image portions together into a combined image. Because the height of the individual imagers is smaller than the height of a monolithic imager, they can fit into a very thin device. The combined image has a resolution equal to the sum of the resolutions of the individual imagers. The individual images are tiled together within the microprojector itself rather than on a projection screen. This allows the tiling to be adjusted once at the factory and set forever. In some embodiments, the light created for use by the microprojector is split by a polarizing beamsplitter. Each resultant polarized beam is then sent to an imager. Another polarizing beamsplitter combines the individual images.
US07976166B2	Optical system for image projection and image projection apparatus including a polarization beam splitting surface An optical system for image projection is disclosed which is capable of improving contrast while suppressing reduction of light amount. The optical system includes a converging optical system, and a polarization beam splitting surface transmitting an incoming light flux having a first polarization direction from the converging optical system, to introduce it to the image-forming element and causing light having a second polarization direction, of an outgoing light flux from the image-forming element, to proceed to a projection optical system. In a first cross-section parallel to a normal to the polarization beam splitting surface, the converging optical system has a configuration causing an incident angle on the splitting surface of a light ray passing through a barycenter of intensity distribution of the outgoing light flux to be larger than an incident angle thereon of a light ray passing through a barycenter of intensity distribution of the incoming light flux.
US07976163B2	System and method for measuring corneal topography A system measures a corneal topography of an eye. The system includes a group of first light sources arranged around a central axis, the group being separated from the axis by a radial distance defining an aperture in the group; a plurality of second light sources; a detector array; and an optical system adapted to provide light from the second light sources through the aperture to a cornea of an eye, and to provide images of the first light sources and images of the second light sources from the cornea, through the aperture, to the detector array. The optical system includes an optical element having a focal length, f. The second light sources are disposed to be in an optical path approximately one focal length, f, away from the optical element.
US07976162B2	Eye examining system and method The present invention is directed to a system and method of using a hand held occluder, which is visually opaque but transmits infrared light, in combination with an infrared imaging device for measuring deviations of an eye using cornea reflex measurement of a fixation target.
US07976160B2	Automatic pupillometer with visual verification The invention relates to an automatic pupillometer comprising a light source suitable for generating a corneal reflection on at least one of the eyes of an individual facing first and second windows, a collimator lens serving at least to position the light source to correspond to far vision of the individual, a detection receiver for automatically locating said reflection, and a calculator for calculating the pupillary distance of said individual. According to the invention, the pupillometer also comprises a third window where the eye of an observer responsible for the measurement is designed to be placed in the vicinity of the focus of said lens so as to view and verify measurement conditions.
US07976158B2	Ophthalmic eyeglass correcting both foveal vision and peripheral vision An ophthalmic eyeglass (1) is adapted for correcting both the foveal vision and the peripheral vision of a wearer. An image portion formed in the foveal zone of the wearer's retina is thus sharp, at the same time as another image portion is also sharp, which is formed on the retina away from the foveal zone, by light rays that are oblique to the line of sight of the wearer. To this purpose, the eyeglass comprises a central zone (10) and first (21) and second (22) regions that alternate in a peripheral zone (20) of said eyeglass. First parameters of the eyeglass in the central zone and in the first regions are adapted so as to correct the foveal vision of the wearer and second parameters of the eyeglass in the second regions are adapted for correcting the peripheral vision of said wearer.
US07976157B2	Eyewear for reducing symptoms of computer vision syndrome Computer eyewear for reducing the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). In one embodiment, the eyewear comprises a frame and two lenses. In some embodiments, the frame and lenses have a wrap-around design to reduce air flow in the vicinity of the eyes. The lenses can have optical power in the range of approximately +0.5 to +2.5 diopters for reducing accommodation demands on a user's eyes when using a computer. The lenses can also include prismatic power for reducing convergence demand on a user's eyes when sitting at a computer. The lenses can also include a partially transmissive mirror coating, tinting, and anti-reflective coatings. In one embodiment, a partially transmissive mirror coating or tinting spectrally filters light to remove spectral peaks in fluorescent or incandescent lighting.
US07976156B2	Wearing-orientation selectable contact lens A wearing-orientation selectable contact lens including: an optical zone; a first diopter power region provided in the optical zone; and a second diopter power region having a lens power that is more positive than that of the first diopter power region. A superficial center of the second diopter power region is decentered on a symmetrical meridian from a geometric center of the optical zone. A circumferential positioning member is provided so as to selectively set up: a first stable state where the superficial center of the second diopter power region is positioned to one of left and right side of the eye, and a second stable state where the superficial center of the second diopter power region is positioned to another of left and right side of the eye. A visible indicator mark is provided for identifying a lens orientation of the first stable state and the second stable state.
US07976154B2	Method for protecting spectacles arms, member board and method for making the members The invention pertains to the protection of spectacles arms and relates to a protection member for a spectacles arm comprising an elongated tubular envelope (54) sealed against chemical agents, having an open end and having an essentially flat shape in the plane of a hook-shaped spectacles arms. The envelope (54) includes, at a location corresponding to the position of the bend of a hook-shaped spectacles arm, a device (62) preferably for folding about a transverses axis and for reducing at said location the distance between the inner edge of the bend of the spectacles arm and the edge of the member provided on the side of the bend interior. Application in hairdressing facilities.
US07976152B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus comprises a plurality of drums for holding a recording medium on their perimeter faces and for being able to rotate the recording medium, and printing unit, which are arranged as opposed to the perimeter faces of the drums, for being able to make printing on the recording medium. A tension generating unit for applying a tension to the recording medium is arranged in the upstream and the downstream of the drums on the conveyance path of the recording medium. A drum in the downmost stream side of the conveyance path is used as a driving drum, and the other drums are used as driven drums.
US07976151B2	Recording sheet/ink sheet integral cassette and printer apparatus utilizing the same The recording sheet/ink sheet integral cassette includes a recording sheet containing portion constituted of a substantially rectangular frame member which has a first aperture for sheet feeding, pressurization and recording sheet loading, and a second aperture for feeding the recording sheet to a surface opposed to the first aperture, an ink sheet containing portion for containing an ink sheet to be fed, and an ink sheet winding portion for winding up the ink sheet fed from the ink sheet containing portion. The ink sheet winding portion is positioned along a side of the substantially rectangular shape, the second aperture is positioned on a side opposed to the side, and the ink sheet containing portion is provided along the second aperture, and a third aperture for feeding and driving the recording sheet is provided in an intermediate portion between the ink sheet containing portion and the ink sheet winding portion.
US07976150B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus, including a recording head having a nozzle array to eject photo-curable ink onto a recording medium, and a radiating device which is placed next to the recording head, and which radiates an ink-curing light onto the photo-curable ink ejected on the recording medium, wherein the radiating device includes a plurality of light source units which radiate photo-curable ink, and a plurality of flow channels which are mounted to intersect with the nozzle array, and in which cooling water is made to flow to cool the plurality of the light source units.
US07976148B2	Active energy ray curable aqueous ink composition, and inkjet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit, and inkjet recording apparatus using the same To provide an active energy ray curable aqueous ink composition exhibiting excellent curing performance by including a water-soluble polymerizable substance with high reactivity and a water-soluble polymerization initiator having high initiation efficiency; and an inkjet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit, and inkjet recording apparatus all using the active energy ray curable aqueous ink composition. The active energy ray curable aqueous ink composition includes at least water; a polymerizable substance which undergoes radical polymerization by active energy rays; and a polymerization initiator which generates radicals by active energy rays, in which the polymerizable substance is a water-soluble compound having 2 to 6 (meth)acrylic groups; and the polymerization initiator is a water-soluble acylphosphine oxide compound.
US07976147B2	Inks for inkjet printing A printing ink for inkjet printing for improving the durability and image quality of an inkjet image including: a) a liquid carrier; b) ionic dye molecules with surface charge dissolved in the liquid carrier; and c) plate-like nanoparticles having parallel main surfaces, and minor edge surfaces, dispersed in the liquid carrier, with the main surfaces of the nanoparticles having a same sign of surface charge as the ionic dye molecule. Durability and image quality of an inkjet image is improved using the inventive ink, while also enabling a stable, printable formulation that does not require milling of the ink colorant.
US07976144B2	System and method for delivering solid ink sticks to a melting device through a non-linear guide A solid ink delivery system provides solid ink sticks to a melting device in a printer. The delivery system includes a guide for guiding the stick in a prescribed path. The guide defines an inlet for receiving the stick. The inlet provides unobstructed passage of the stick through the inlet. The guide also defines a channel having a first end and a second end. The first end extends from the inlet. The channel provides unobstructed passage of the stick through the channel. The channel is adapted to contain a plurality of sticks in the channel. The guide further defines an outlet extending from the second end of the channel. The outlet provides unobstructed passage of the stick through the channel. The outlet is positioned below the inlet whereby only gravity is used to advance the sticks from the inlet to the outlet.
US07976135B2	Liquid projection apparatus A device for projecting liquid as jets or droplets from multiple nozzles, the device comprising: a plurality of transducers oriented substantially parallel to one another and each having an inner face and an outer face opposite said inner face, the transducers being arranged in a substantially planar array; a plurality of nozzles to project liquid therefrom; liquid supply means for supplying a liquid to the nozzles; each nozzle is associated with an adjacent respective transducer which is excitable to cause movement of the adjacent associated nozzle in a direction substantially aligned with the nozzle axis, to project liquid therefrom; the liquid supply means supplies liquid to an inner end of said nozzle; means for selectively exciting transducers as required, thereby to project liquid as jets or droplets from the respective outer face by movement of the liquid through the nozzle in response to the movement of the nozzle; wherein one or more pressure absorbing regions are disposed at a predetermined distance from said nozzles, in a direction perpendicular to the substantially planar array of transducers.
US07976133B2	Liquid-jetting apparatus and method for producing the same A liquid-jetting apparatus comprises a nozzle plate formed with nozzles, a pressure chamber plate for forming pressure chambers, and a piezoelectric actuator arranged therebetween. A surface of the nozzle plate, which is opposed to the pressure chamber plate, has an insulating property. Wiring sections, which are formed on the surface having the insulating property, are connected to individual electrodes formed on the piezoelectric actuator. Accordingly, the liquid-jetting apparatus and a method for producing the same are provided, in which any wiring member such as FPC is dispensed with to decrease the number of parts, and the production steps are simplified.
US07976132B2	Printhead having moving roof structure and mechanical seal A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is provided. The nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber having a roof, the roof having a moving portion moveable relative to a static portion and a nozzle opening defined in the roof, such that movement of the moving portion relative to the static portion causes ejection of ink through the nozzle opening. The nozzle assembly also comprises an actuator for moving the moving portion relative to the static portion, and a mechanical seal interconnecting the moving portion and the static portion. The mechanical seal comprises a polymeric material selected from the group comprising: polymerized siloxanes and fluorinated polyolefins.
US07976131B2	Printhead integrated circuit comprising resistive elements spaced apart from substrate A printhead integrated circuit includes inkjet nozzle assemblies disposed on a substrate. Each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having a nozzle aperture and an actuator associated with the nozzle chamber. The actuator ejects an ink droplet from the nozzle aperture when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. The resistive element of the actuator is spaced apart from the substrate.
US07976128B2	Liquid transporting apparatus and printer There is provided a liquid transporting apparatus which includes a substrate having an insulating surface, a plurality of liquid transporting channels, a common liquid chamber which supplies a liquid to the liquid transporting channels, a plurality of individual electrodes arranged on the plurality of liquid transporting channels respectively, an insulating layer which covers the individual electrodes, a plurality of wire portions which are connected to the individual electrodes respectively, and a driver IC which applies a driving electric potential to the individual electrodes. Accordingly, it is possible to make simple a structure of the liquid transporting apparatus, and to reduce a manufacturing cost.
US07976127B2	Electrostatic actuator, droplet discharge head, methods for manufacturing the same and droplet discharge apparatus An electrostatic actuator includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, a movable electrode provided so as to oppose the fixed electrode with a predetermined gap therebetween, a driving unit generating electrostatic force between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode and moving the movable electrode, insulating films provided on opposing faces of the fixed electrode and the movable electrode, at least one of the insulating films having a layered structure of silicon oxide and a dielectric material whose relative permittivity is higher than the relative permittivity of the silicon oxide, and a surface protection film provided one or both of the insulating films and made of a ceramics-based hard film or a carbon-based hard film.
US07976126B2	Liquid jet head, line type liquid jet head, printer, line type printer and film forming apparatus A liquid jet head includes: a plurality of unit heads, wherein each of the unit heads has a nozzle forming region and a plurality of nozzle apertures arranged in a first direction in the nozzle forming region, the plurality of unit heads being laminated in a manner that the nozzle forming regions are shifted from one another in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the unit heads are laminated in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, and liquid is ejected in a fourth direction between the second direction and the third direction.
US07976119B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes a recording head that prints an image and an ink cartridge that stores ink to the recording head. The ink cartridge includes an ink pack and an ink-end sensor that detects an ink-end point based on the pressure of ink supplied from the ink pack. The ink pressure corresponding to the ink-end point detected by the ink-end sensor is set to a first pressure that is the minimum pressure near an outlet of the ink cartridge at which the recording head can print an image of predetermined quality. A determining unit permits starting of a printing or cleaning operation in response to a command issued before the ink-end sensor detects the ink-end point and prohibits starting of a printing or cleaning operation in response to a command issued after the ink-end sensor has detected the ink-end point.
US07976117B2	Printhead integrated circuit assembly with compensation controller A printhead integrated circuit assembly includes a substrate having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements formed thereon, each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement including a nozzle chamber defined by a crown portion, a skirt portion, and a wall portion; a lever arm included with the micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement, the lever arm connected at one end to the crown and skirt portions, and at another end to an actuator, the lever arm adapted to move the crown and skirt portions with respect to the wall portion; drive circuitry for supplying a current to the actuator, the current for heating a portion of the actuator to bend the actuator through thermal expansion; containment walls extending from the substrate to surround each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement; and a nozzle guard mounted on the containment walls to individually enclose therein, together with the containment walls, each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement, the nozzle guard defining therethrough a plurality of apertures aligned with nozzle openings of respective micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements.
US07976116B2	Inkjet printer system having equalised control of different nozzle count printhead ICs An inkjet printer system is provided having a printhead and controller. The printhead has a row of inkjet nozzles for printing one ink color formed by adjacent inkjet nozzle rows of adjacent integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit has a different number of inkjet nozzles in the respective inkjet nozzle row. The controller is configured to transfer print data to each of the integrated circuits at a rate proportional to the relative number of inkjet nozzles so that the print data is transferred to each of the integrated circuits in equal time.
US07976110B2	Hybrid braking system A hybrid braking system that operates in conjunction with a foundation braking system, whether an air, hydraulic, electric, mechanical or electric braking system. Recovered energy is returned to the axle wheels in a controlled manner while the vehicle is in motion and certain criteria are met so as to compensate for aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance for instance but not at a rate to accelerate or launch a vehicle.
US07976104B2	Seat and seat control method A seat includes a seat main body; first and second adjustable portions, each of which is provided on the seat main body and is placed in an adjustable state by operating force; an operating member which is displaced in a predetermined range; a first operating force transmitting portion for transmitting the operating force of the operating member to the first adjustable portion when the operating member is displaced in a first range; a second operating force transmitting portion for transmitting the operating force of the operating member to the second adjustable portion when the operating member is displaced in a second range; and an operation reaction force avoiding portion for keeping the first adjustable portion in the state that it is in when the operating member is displaced in the first range, when the operating member is displaced in the second range, by the input operating force.
US07976102B2	Seat having a saddle shape to fit a user ergonomically A seat includes a first seat body and a second seat body juxtaposed to and combined with the first seat body. The first seat body has a bottom provided with a first connecting plate. The second seat body has a bottom provided with a second connecting plate movably mounted on the first connecting plate of the first seat body. Thus, the distance and angle between the second seat body and the first seat body can be adjusted freely according to users of different sizes so that the seat is designed to satisfy the requirements of different users.
US07976098B2	Side vehicle-body structure of vehicle A pillar reinforcement of a center pillar comprises an upper part and a lower part with a boundary line of these parts being positioned below the middle level of the pillar reinforcement. The upper and lower parts respectively include side wall portions which extend along a vehicle side face and pairs of vertical wall portions which extend inwardly from front and rear end portions of the side wall portions. The pair of vertical wall portions of the lower part is slant relative to the vehicle width direction so that the distance between the vertical wall portions becomes wider toward the inward direction, and a slant angle of the pair of vertical wall portions of the lower part is greater than that of the vertical portions of the upper part.
US07976094B2	Folding locator pin for glass panels A locator pin aligns a glass panel during installation on a vehicle. The locator pin includes a base for affixing to the glass panel in a predetermined position prior to transporting it from a site where the glass panel is formed. A pin body has an elongated portion with a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal axis. A hinge pivotally attaches the pin body to the base at the proximal end so that the pin body pivots between a shipping position wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a surface of the glass panel and an alignment position wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the glass panel. The folding pin allows glass panels to be stacked closer together in shipping racks when they are transported from the glass fabrication facility to a place of installation.
US07976090B2	Moveable side mounted fire truck hose bed A fire truck equipped with a moveable side mounted fire truck hose bed, including: a fire truck chassis; a fire hose bed mounted onto a side of the fire truck chassis; and a mechanism for moving the hose bed between a lowered deployed position and an upper storage position.
US07976088B1	Roll holder A roll holder comprising a body having a first end and a second end. A handle is coupled to the body of the roll holder by an attachment. A pair of closing straps is attached to the body. A business card holder, coupled to the body, has a clear viewing window therein.
US07976085B1	Lift member—safety latch combination A lift member safety latch combination is disclosed. The lift member safety latch combination has a lift member that supports a drive mechanism and an actuator that is positioned adjacent to the drive mechanism. The lift member safety latch combination also has a confinement member that is in sliding communication with the lift member. The confinement member's position is responsive to the drive mechanism and has a state that is responsive to the actuator.
US07976081B2	Bumper faceplate with ports The use of a bumper faceplate with ports provides for the easy assembly, increased structural strength, and dramatically improved aesthetic appearance of an assembled bumper containing bumper components.
US07976080B1	Doorstop with releasably securable handle A doorstop has a foot coupled to a lower end of a handle. The handle of the doorstop has a length that allows a user to insert the foot under a lower edge of a door and to remove the foot from under the lower edge without requiring the user to bend over. The handle is removable from the foot for easy storage and travel. The doorstop foot may include a button for attachment to a clip thereby enabling a user to carry the doorstop on a belt. The coupling between the foot and handle is releasably securable and may be mechanical or magnetic. The handle may also telescope between a contracted position and an extended position.
US07976077B2	Integrated tilt/sash lock assembly An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly is mounted in a sash window having a top rail, a base, and two stiles connected together at their extremities. The integrated assembly contains a sash lock mechanism, a tilt latch mechanism, and a connector. The sash lock mechanism includes an actuator movable to adjust the assembly among a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position, and a rotor coupled to the actuator. The tilt latch mechanism includes a tilt latch housing supported by the top rail and a latch bolt slidably supported by the tilt latch housing and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the tilt latch housing has a generally circular cross-section. The connector has a first end of operably coupled to the latch bolt and a second end operably coupled to the sash lock mechanism.
US07976075B2	Probe seal having spring-energized sealing elements for female hydraulic coupling member A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more circumferential, spring-energized seals. One particular preferred seal comprises a closely-wound helical spring which imparts an inwardly-directed radial force to the crown seal. In certain embodiments, the helical spring is substantially encased in a polymer jacket. In yet other embodiments, a liner is interposed between the outer surface of the helical spring and the polymer jacket. An optional, axial extension on at least one end of the crown seal provides a bore liner for a female hydraulic coupling member in which the crown seal is installed.
US07976074B2	Isolation gasket system incorporating secondary seal and compression limiter Sealing systems for high pressure applications that provide electrical isolation between joined elements as well as enhanced resistance to leakage of media during a fire. High pressure sealing is accomplished using a metallic core to which an electrically isolating material is bonded on either or both sides. Sealing is achieved through a dielectric sealing element, such as a spring-loaded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ring. Flanges of the joint may be bolted together with the seal interposed therebetween, and the flanges bolted together. In the event of a fire, heat may be generated that is at a high enough temperature to burn away the isolating material and PTFE ring. Systems of various embodiments provide a metal core backup seal and a compression limiter, which, respectively, prevent the media from leaking from the joint and maintain bolt load at the flanges.
US07976073B2	Coupling device A coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector to a combustion engine fuel rail has a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis. The fuel injector cup is hydraulically coupled to the rail and engages an injector fuel inlet portion. A first ring element coupled to the cup prevents movement relative to the cup in a central axis direction. The first ring element has a first screw thread. A second ring element is coupled to the injector preventing movement of the second ring element relative to the injector in a central axis direction. The second ring element has a second screw thread in engagement with the first screw thread retaining the fuel injector in the fuel injector cup in central axis direction. One of the ring elements is designed to be rotatable around the central longitudinal axis relative to the injector and/or the cup.
US07976072B2	Receptacle with rotating release lock A connector for a high amperage, AC or DC connection comprises a plug and a receptacle configured to a securely mate and lock with each other. Connector receptacles comprise a locking mechanism having a bottom latch bracket having two slots, a top latch bracket having arcuate grooves and being pivotally coupled to the bottom latch bracket, and a latching rod configured to engage a plug and having guide pins extending through the slots and arcuate grooves. When the top latch bracket is in an unlocked position, the distance between the guide pins is at a maximum. Upon turning the top latch bracket, the guide pins move cooperatively within the arcuate grooves and the distance between the guide pins is minimized and the latching rod securely engages the plug.
US07976067B2	Gas fuel tank-equipped vehicle Hydrogen leaking from a hydrogen cylinder has a lower specific gravity than air, thus rises in a cylinder housing space, and reaches a ventilating opening constituted by a group of slits formed in an upper surface of a roof cover. At this time, the ventilating opening is formed in a position above the hydrogen cylinder, and thus the leaking hydrogen can reach the ventilating opening in a short distance as compared with the case where the ventilating opening is formed in a position apart from the position above the hydrogen cylinder. The ventilating openings are provided in a plurality of locations, and thus the leaking hydrogen reaches the closest ventilating opening. The hydrogen gas reaches the ventilating opening, passes upward therethrough and flows outside.
US07976066B2	Seat belt pretensioner A seat belt pretensioner may include a cylinder, a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder, a gas generator installed to rear end portion of the cylinder and configured to supply a propellant gas to the piston for moving the piston in a forward direction, a first direction conversion unit disposed between the gas generator and the piston and connected to the cylinder, and a coupling member for coupling a seat belt and the piston, wherein a portion of the coupling member is engaged with the first direction conversion unit so as to change a movement direction of the coupling member while the piston moves in the forward direction, and a reward movement restriction member configured to restrict a rearward movement of the piston while the piston moves in the forward direction by the propellant gas of the gas generator.
US07976065B2	Steering column attachment assembly A steering column attachment assembly is disclosed for adjustably locating and securing after market steering columns to an automotive vehicle. The attachment assembly comprises a penannular flexible insert having inner and outer portions. The outer portion of the flexible insert comprises a plurality of sides. The attachment assembly also comprises a strap clamp having inner and outer regions and an opening provided to the inner region for receiving the flexible insert. The inner region and outer region are formed from a plurality of sides corresponding to the plurality of sides of the outer portion of the flexible insert such that the plurality of sides of the flexible insert and corresponding plurality of sides of the inner region of the strap clamp are in contact during assembly. The strap clamp features a plurality of adjustable compression members that engage the flexible insert.
US07976064B2	Device for facilitating the movement of a vehicle A device for facilitating the movement of a vehicle across ground comprises a track able to move around a board. The device includes a track for contacting ground that is mounted on a board. Brackets are provided for attaching the board to a vehicle. The track is movable in a direction independent of the direction of movement of the vehicle in at least the reverse direction relative to the vehicle's direction of movement. That track is able to move around the board by means of cylinders arranged in the form of a belt extending around the board between the board and the track. The device can be used to facilitate movement of off-road vehicles across obstacles. It can also be used to provide snow-free sledges and skis. It is also envisaged that the device may be incorporated into a trolley, which can be used on uneven surfaces.
US07976063B2	Airbag and airbag device Provided are an airbag and an airbag device whose size of a package when the airbag is folded can be reduced while demonstrating effects of an inner chamber. An airbag device in the present invention includes a gas generator configured to generate gas under predetermined conditions, an airbag connected to the gas generator to be inflated and deployed, and a retainer configured to accommodate the airbag. The airbag includes an inner panel arranged in the interior thereof and a connection panel having a surface area smaller than the inner panel, and the inner panel includes a center seamed portion connected to an inner surface of the airbag with respect to the direction of thickness and a plurality of outer peripheral seamed portions connected to the connection panel which is arranged on the inner surface of the airbag apart from the portion where the center seamed portion is connected. The outline of the inner panel 4 between the outer peripheral seamed portions when the inner panel is deployed in a plane is formed into a shape following a straight line connecting the outer peripheral seamed portions.
US07976058B2	Occupant protection system The occupant protection system includes a catching body that is housed in a housing located between a near-by seat and a distant seat for upward deployment and a support body that supports the catching body. The catching body covers the impact side of a distant-side occupant to catch the occupant moving toward the impacted lateral and includes a distal end acting as a free end swingable in a left and right direction. The support body is located on a side of the near-by seat close to the impacted lateral for deployment to support the catching body when the catching body swings toward the impacted lateral after receiving the distant-side occupant.
US07976057B2	Automotive milled PSIR scoring with interlaced interfaces An automotive Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR) hidden door system contained in an automotive instrument panel and a method of scoring the PSIR door system. The system includes forward and rearward doors hingedly connected at first and second hinges, respectively, to a PSIR airbag chute. The system further includes a common tear line of reduced material thickness integrally joining the forward and rearward doors. The common tear line has a substantially non-linear shape with first and second linear ends.
US07976054B1	Shock dampening hitch ball assembly A hitch ball assembly attenuates the lateral forces experienced by a trailer while being towed by a tractor. A ball assembly has a flange with a neck extending upwardly therefrom and a hitch ball seated atop the neck. A wedge, having a pair of linear points, extends downwardly from the flange as does a threaded shank that passes through the wedge, the points being located on either side of the shank. The ball assembly is attached to a draw bar attached mount arm such that the shank passes through a bore in the mount arm with the points of the wedge seated within slots on an upper surface of the mount arm. A resilient bushing is received on the shank and abuts a lower surface of the mount arm, while a plate abuts the bushing, each held thereat by a locking nut threadably attached to an end of the shank.
US07976052B1	Lock and positioning assembly for the tongue of a steerable trailer A lock assembly for selectively latching the pivoting tongue of a steerable trailed vehicle includes an actuator assembly on the vehicle connected by a cable to latch bolt for spring biasing in discrete positions into aligned apertures for enabling and preventing tongue pivoting. The tongue is provided with a winch assembly having a cable attached to the trailed vehicle and operable for raising and lowering the tongue. The tongue includes a hitch assembly having an extendable and pivotable lunette for connection with a proximately located towing vehicle.
US07976047B2	Speed sensor collision prevention device A motorcycle includes a swing arm swingably provided on a body frame, a wheel rotatably provided at an end part of the swing arm, a disk plate attached to the wheel, a caliper bracket provided on the body frame side of the vehicle, a disk brake caliper provided on the caliper bracket, and a wheel speed sensor attached to the caliper bracket. The wheel speed sensor is disposed between the swing arm and the wheel. The wheel speed sensor and the swing arm overlap one other in a side view of the vehicle.
US07976046B2	Lean to steer recumbent vehicle Two versions of recumbent human powered three wheeled vehicles are disclosed. Both are of the tadpole type with two front wheels and one rear drive wheel. Both versions lean into turns causing weight transfer toward the inside of turns to prevent rollover during turns at speed.
US07976038B2	Trailing arm vehicle suspension system A duplex trailing arm chassis support system has two longitudinal trailing arm members disposed on respective sides of the vehicle chassis and a structurally connecting cross member joining the two trailing arms to couple the movement of the two respective arms. Resilient cushioning members extend between each of the trailing arms and the underside of the vehicle chassis or between the connecting member and the vehicle chassis to provide resilient support to the vehicle chassis. Each trailing arm carries a wheel axle having wheels on both ends of the axle, each of the wheel axles being pivotally mounted to its respective trailing arm for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the trailing arm, allowing the axles to rock from side to side.
US07976033B2	Shopping cart having a support for stacked baskets The trolley or shopping cart can be used to transport goods. This trolley includes a support on which two baskets can be stacked on top of one another, a first lower basket and a second upper basket. The support has at least two lateral posts or stanchions which can be engaged directly or indirectly to the baskets on two opposing sides to create a clearance providing direct access to the opening in the lower and upper baskets from the side used to drive the trolley. The position of the lower basket is offset substantially in relation to the upper basket, such that the lower basket extends out further on the side used to drive the trolley.
US07976031B2	Cart Assembly A cart assembly for use in adding a breakout to a fiber optic cable includes a frame having a first spool support, a second spool support and a central workstation. The central workstation is engaged with the first spool support and the second spool support such that the central workstation is disposed between the first and second spool supports. The central workstation is selectively releasably engaged with the first and second spool supports.
US07976030B2	Device for adjusting the height of the body of a motor vehicle The invention relates to a device for adjusting the height of the body of a motor vehicle having a bearing spring which is connected between the wheel guiding element of the wheel suspension and the body and which is supported on a spring disk which is vertically adjustable by way of an actuating device, and having an overload spring which limits a defined spring path in the deflection direction. According to the invention, the overload spring is assigned an actuating device with which the overload spring is vertically adjustable, preferably following the vertical adjustment of the spring disk.
US07976028B2	Non-asbestos gasket By improving a metal gasket having a corrugated portion which is advantageous in sealing property, a non-asbestos gasket in which the sealing property is further improved is provided. A non-asbestos gasket has a three-layer structured sealing portion S configured by: a core layer 1A which is made of a plate of a metal, and which is formed into a concentric circle-like corrugated shape; and surface layers 2, 3 which are made of expanded graphite, and which are stacked on the front and back faces of the core layer, respectively. In an outer circumferential end of the sealing portion S, the core layer 1A is protruded from the front and back surface layers 2, 3 toward an outer diameter side. In an inner circumferential end of the sealing portion S, the front and back surface layers 2, 3 are protruded from the core layer 1A toward an inner diameter side, thereby covering the core layer 1A.
US07976026B2	Methods and apparatus to facilitate sealing in rotary machines A method and seal assembly for a rotary machine including a rotary component and a stationary component is provided. The method includes providing a seal housing including a front plate and a back plate that is spaced from the front plate such that a cavity is defined between the front plate and the back plate. The method also includes coupling a plurality of flexible compliant plates to at least one of the seal housing and the stationary component such that the compliant plates are spaced from the front plate and the back plate within the cavity, and coupling at least one projection to at least one of the seal housing and the compliant plates such that the at least one projection facilitates reducing flow through at least one of a first axial gap and a second axial gap that are defined between the seal housing and the compliant plates.
US07976022B1	Video wheel indicator A game system, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to, for example, increase a progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an game with a video rotating wheel. The position of the video wheel when it stops rotating indicates a predetermined result.
US07976018B2	Discharged-sheet monitoring mechanism and method for printer A discharged sheet monitoring mechanism for a printer includes: a paper receiving tray configured to receive and stack discharged printed sheets thereon; a stack amount detector configured to detect a stack amount of discharged sheets stacked on the paper receiving tray; a remaining amount calculator configured to calculate a remaining amount based on the stack amount detected by the stack amount detector, the remaining amount being a difference in amount between the stack amount and a maximum stacking amount of the paper receiving tray; a sheet type acquisition unit configured to acquire a type of a sheet to be printed; a dischargeable sheet amount calculator configured to calculate a dischargeable number of sheets further stackable on the paper receiving tray until the paper receiving tray is full therewith based on the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculator and the sheet type acquired by the sheet type acquisition unit; and a notification unit configured to notify the dischargeable number of sheets calculated by the dischargeable sheet amount calculator.
US07976013B1	Cyclically controlled paper feeder with optical stack level control In paper feeder apparatus, the combination comprising first means including a support for a paper stack and transfer elements for successively transferring paper sheets from the top of the stack upwardly and laterally to a delivered position, and optical control means to determine the level of an upper paper or papers in the stack to control the vertical positioning of papers on the stack, to enable said upwardly and laterally sheet delivering as the stack height diminishes, and a controller for cyclically controlling said transfer elements to integrate cyclic upward and lateral movement of successive sheets transferring from the stack.
US07976012B2	Paper feeder for modular printers An integrated printing system is provided and includes a plurality of image marking engines, at least two media feeder modules, and a first forward substantially horizontal interface media transport integrated with the plurality of image marking engines and the at least two feeder modules for selectively transporting media from the at least one media feeder module to at least one image marking engine. The system further comprises a footprint, and at least one of the feeder modules having a first and a second paper feed tray, wherein the first and the second feed trays are canted upward at an angle from horizontal thereby reducing the footprint of the system.
US07976011B2	Image-forming apparatus and control method thereof When a first feeding unit is not ready to perform air feeding at the beginning of a print job, roll feeding using a second feeding unit is performed; when it is determined that the first feeding unit is ready to preform air feeding, air feeding using the first feeding unit is preformed. Upon execution of a print job by roll feeding, a preparation is started to make the first feeding unit ready to air feeding. When the first feeding unit is ready to execute the print job by air feeding, the print job is executed by exchanging roll feeding to air feeding using the first feeding unit.
US07976007B2	Multiple sheet feed performance enhancing system A multiple media feed system includes an adjustable media singulator feeder that is adjustable to feed from a stack of media items a selectable number of media items to form a group of overlapped media items. A thickness sensor is positioned to measure the thickness of media items fed from the stack of media items. A controllable media feeder is positioned to engage and feed media items fed from said stack of media items by the adjustable media singulator feeder. The controllable media feeder is controlled to feed media items when the thickness sensor has determined that the thickness of the selected number of media items is at the controllable media feeder.
US07976003B2	Bookbinding apparatus and bookbinding system To form a consistent non-application area at an end of a spine of a sheet bundle by adjusting either an application start timing or application termination timing of adhesive through an application device.
US07975997B2	Supporting pin A supporting pin which can cancel thermal expansion of a mounting table (hot plate) includes an upper supporting pin and a lower supporting pin, wherein the upper supporting pin and the lower supporting pin are independent of each other, the upper supporting pin is retained by the penetrating hole of the mounting table, and the lower supporting pin is attached to an elevator mechanism. Since the lower end of the upper supporting pin and the upper end of the lower supporting pin are in contact with each other, the operation of the supporting pin can be normally performed even when thermal expansion of the hot plate occurs.
US07975996B2	Scan stage for semiconductor wafer pollutant measurement apparatus Provided is a scan stage for a semiconductor wafer pollutant measurement apparatus, which includes: a stage main body which comprises: a circular fixed housing; an adsorption plate which is rotatably installed in the inside of the fixed housing, at the center of which an adsorption path is formed, at the bottom of which a vacuum port is connected, and which is rotated by an external rotating force; and a step motor which is placed at the bottom of the fixed housing and connected with the adsorption plate; a base plate that is supported by pillars to form a lower space between the fixed housing of the stage main body and the base plate; a cylinder at the bottom of which a cylinder load is connected so that the base plate moves up and down; and support jigs that hold up a wafer in the outer side of the stage main body, in which three support jigs are disposed in proximity with the outer circumference of the stage main body.
US07975994B2	Displacement element A displacement element includes a first piston, a second piston, a cylindrical housing filled with a fluid under pressure, a piston rod, and a spring. Each of the pistons is adapted to the respective internal diameter of its section and divides the respective section into two pressure chambers. The first piston is arranged at one end of the piston rod, and both pistons each include means for damping the movement of the piston rod respectively in one direction. The second piston is arranged on the side of the first piston facing away from the piston rod and is capable of displacement by means of the first piston in a direction facing away from the open end. The spring is arranged on the side of the second piston facing away from the first piston, and supported by the second piston and the housing.
US07975993B2	Method for vaporizing liquid material capable of vaporizing liquid material at low temperature and vaporizer using the same A vaporizer is provided with a vaporizing chamber heated by heaters; a primary filter positioned in a bottom end portion of the vaporizing chamber and heated by the heater; a liquid material supply portion for dropping down a flow-controlled liquid material from upper portion of the vaporizing chamber toward the primary filter; a carrier gas guiding passage for guiding a carrier gas into the underside of the primary filter; and a material delivering passage for discharging a mixed gas including the carrier gas and a vaporized liquid material from the top of the vaporizing chamber. The liquid material dropped down onto the primary filter is partially vaporized, while the rest thereof is atomized by being subjected to bubbling effect provided by the carrier gas flowing from underneath.
US07975988B2	Device for carbonating a liquid with pressurized gas A device for carbonating a liquid (L) in a container (10) with a pressurized gas (G) comprises a receiving flask (20) for the container (10) and a filling head (30) which has means (31) for adding gas into said liquid in the container (10). The receiving flask (20) and the filling head (30) are movable in relation to each other between an insertion position (I) and a carbonating position (C). In the insertion position (I) the filling head (30) is spaced from the receiving flask (20). In the carbonating position, the receiving flask (20) and the filling head (30) are in contact with each other such as to form a substantially closed cavity (19). An interlocking connection directly connects the receiving flask (20) to the filling head (30).
US07975986B2	All-air vehicle lifting jack Disclosed is an all-air jack for lifting a vehicle, comprising: a frame assembly; a first bellow at an upper portion of the frame assembly; a second bellow at a lower portion of the frame assembly; an air bellow attachment plate positioned between the first and second bellows; an air supply with a first and second air tube, the first air tube in communication with the first bellows and the second air tube in communication with the second bellows; wherein inflation of the bellows raises the jack to lift the vehicle. The first and second air tubes and air supply are connectable by a 3-way air valve. Preferably, 120 psi of air is used to inflate the bellows.
US07975985B2	Rod activated valve for saving water A rod activated water valve includes a valve base that mates with a standard water faucet. A valve housing attaches to the second end of the valve base, and has an inward protruding lip at a bottom end. The valve includes a water flow chamber with a solid cylindrical outer surface and a substantially flat foraminous surface at one end. An aperture is located central to the flat foraminous surface and a top edge of the water flow chamber has a lip for holding an upper plate o-ring. A rod having a rod head at one end passes through the aperture and is held in place by the rod head. A valve stem for selectively blocking the flow of water from the water faucet to the water flow chamber, activated by the rod head and providing a gradual stopping of the flow of water, thereby reducing water hammer.
US07975983B2	System, method and apparatus for split gate valve with mechanically isolated seal surfaces A split gate is movably mounted within a valve body along a valve axis between valve seats. The split gate has gates, each extending between one of the valve seats and the other gate. In an open position, gate holes register with a fluid aperture and the valve seats to permit fluid flow. In the closed position, the holes do not register with the fluid aperture to prevent fluid flow. The split gate valve also has a gate guide located in the body for moving the gates with respect to the valve seats along the fluid axis. The gate guide forces the pair of gates apart along the fluid axis and into contact with the valve seats in both the open and closed positions. The gates have axial play along the fluid axis when the split gate is between the open and closed positions.
US07975978B2	Positively engaging mounting apparatus for securely and detachably retaining of a cylindrical tank A releasable mounting apparatus for securely retaining of a cylindrical tank in an inverted vertical position adjacent to a seat back assembly of an emergency vehicle including a foot plate and a top clamping assembly between which a tank receiving zone is defined for receiving and holding of a cylindrical tank in the inverted position. The top clamping assembly can include a three part positioning apparatus including a rear positioning device and an upper centering guide as well as a top clamping member. Preferably the top clamping member is movable between a lower clamping position and an upper retaining position for facilitating securing and releasing of a cylindrical tank relative to the receiving zone thereof.
US07975976B2	In-wall interface and mounting method for display mount A recessed in-wall interface box assembly that is relatively easy to install in a finished wall, including accommodations for video and electrical wiring in the box, having an attractive appearance, and that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
US07975974B2	Adjustable lamp An adjustable lamp holder has a mounting structure arrayed about a longitudinal axis. A pair of hollow pivot pillars extends from the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and a receptacle is positioned on the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially opposite the pivot pillars. A body with a body axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis has a pair of pivots formed thereon for engaging the pivot pillars. A projection is formed on the body substantially opposite the pivots and an angle adjuster, having a proximal end and a distal end, has the proximal end positioned in the projection and the distal end positioned in the receptacle. Movement of the angle adjuster tips the angle of the lamp.
US07975973B1	Camera tree mount apparatus A camera tree mount apparatus includes a boring member that includes a coupler, a central body attached to the coupler and a drill head is attached the central body opposite of the coupler. The drill head is threaded and has a pointed free end to threadably bore the drill head into a tree trunk. The coupler has an outer end positioned distal to the central body. A shaft has a pair of threaded shaft ends one of which is attached to the coupler. A mounting panel has a peripheral edge having a threaded aperture therein. One of the shaft ends is extended into the threaded aperture and threadably coupled to the mounting panel. The mounting panel has at least one hole extending therethrough. A camera is mountable on the mounting panel after the drill head is extended into a tree to couple the camera to the tree.
US07975972B1	Convertible apparatus for attaching an article to a wall An attachment device for attaching an article to a wall surface includes a bracket with an outwardly extending plate having a hole through which an elongated portion of the article can be placed and an attachment plate, perpendicular to the outwardly extending plate, having at least one hole through which the bracket may be attached directly to the wall by a screw. The attachment device additionally includes a housing having a suction cup for attachment to the wall, a coupling for removably receiving the bracket, and an actuator for causing the suction cup to engage and release the wall surface.
US07975969B2	Rotatable positioning structure An exemplary rotatable positioning structure includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a positioning track portion and defining a hole therein. The second element includes a pivot shaft engaging in the hole. The pivot shaft includes a through hole defined therethrough, a restriction portion and a positioning portion. The first element is restricted by the restriction portion of the pivot shaft. The positioning portion and the positioning track portion are capable of making the first element and the second element maintain a fixed position after relatively rotation therebetween.
US07975968B2	Method and apparatus for detection of the occupied or free state of a track section A method and a device for detecting the occupied or free status of a section of track by way of a track current circuit, into which a transmitted signal is introduced and from which at least one detection signal is extracted. A longer maximum possible track length is achieved in that the track current circuit is divided into part sections overlapping over half the length thereof. The transmitted signal is introduced in the middle of each part section into which a rail vehicle enters, detection signals being extracted at both ends of the part section or further transmitted over adjacent part sections to the track circuit ends and extracted there. Each part section is provided in the center and the ends thereof with transceiver devices. The central transceiver device functions as a transmitter and the end transceiver devices function as receivers.
US07975967B2	Automatic activation device for a parachute and a method for activating an opening of a parachute An automatic activation device for a parachute has a pressure input for inputting a pressure value and is provided for operating in selectable working configurations according to which a reference pressure is determined either on the basis of the input pressure value or on the basis of a QNH value. Preferably the device can also operate in another selectable working configuration, where a preset time and a reference fall down speed are used.
US07975963B2	Safety system for reducing the impact energy of a container A safety system for reducing the impact energy of a container for an aircraft includes an aircraft cargo hold with at least one safety wall; an accommodation device; and at least one airbag. The accommodation device can be affixed to the safety wall, wherein the accommodation device is designed to accommodate the at least one airbag. In the case of a movement of the container, the at least one airbag can be activated so that air can be injected into the airbag so that some of the impact energy of the container can be absorbed by the at least one activated airbag, with the remaining forces then being distributed over an area of the at least one safety wall.
US07975961B2	Air induction control Air induction control systems and methods for aircraft are provided. A particular aircraft includes a fuselage, a pair of wings and an engine. The aircraft also includes an inlet defining an aperture to receive air for delivery to the engine. The inlet has a longitudinal axis generally aligned with a direction of flow of the air as the air approaches the inlet. The aircraft also includes at least one first dielectric barrier discharge generator positioned to apply a first force to the air prior to the air being received by the engine. The first force acts in a first direction. The aircraft further includes at least one second dielectric barrier discharge generator positioned to apply a second force to the air prior to the air being received by the engine. The second force acts in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction.
US07975956B2	Expansion reel mandrel The invention relates to a reel mandrel (1) comprising radially mobile expansion segments (2) and/or closing strips (4, 13) arranged on the periphery thereof. According to the invention, the reel mandrel (1) is provided with axially arranged guiding grooves (12) on the periphery thereof, and the expansion segments (2) are provided with ribs (6). The invention further relates to a method for fixing and/or maintaining an expansion segment (2) and/or a closing strip (3, 13) on a reel mandrel (1).
US07975947B2	Food chopper A food chopper has a two-part housing, with an upper housing section and a lower housing section, with a receiving chamber in which the goods to be cut can be positioned. At least one knife element is arranged to move axially within the housing with at least one knife edge moved into the receiving chamber. The housing is closed at its lower housing section with a receiving chamber. The knife element is connected to an inertia mass element.
US07975945B1	Anti-jam cutting knife for a paper shredder An anti-jam knife device for a paper shredder is characterized in that a circular parting wheel is provided on a blade shaft and is closely adjacent to a guide-parting plate, with an outer diameter of the parting wheel being higher than a parting knife-edge at a bottom of a notch of the guide-parting plate. Therefore, when shredding plural pieces of paper, the paper is cut first by the guide-parting plate associated with the parting wheel, and is then shredded by plural original sets of blades to prevent from paper jam.
US07975940B2	Systems and methods for reducing the particle size of a pozzolan A system for reducing the particle size of a pozzolan includes a thermal fracture system and a defracturing apparatus. The system is highly efficient at drying and heating a natural pozzolan having a natural distribution of particle sizes. The system can create a reduced-size pozzolanic material with a desired particle size and particle morphology. The system for reducing the particle size of a pozzolan includes a thermal fracture system for heating and thermally fracturing the pozzolan and a defracturing apparatus that agitates the thermally fractured pozzolan to break the thermally fractured pozzolan apart.
US07975939B2	Boom assembly for a hose drag system An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid solution to soil includes an articulating tractor, a frame, a pivot point, a boom and a drag hose. The articulating tractor has a front portion and a rear portion connected to an articulation point. The rear portion has a rear wheel axle. The frame is adapted to mount on the rear portion of the articulating tractor. The frame has a front frame end located between the rear wheel axle and the articulation point. The pivot point is on the front frame end and positioned about 12 inches or more from the rear wheel axle. The boom pivotally attaches to the pivot point. The drag hose has a distal end in fluid communication with a source of liquid or solid-liquid solution and a proximal end coupled to the boom.
US07975937B2	System for creating a water void display A liquid management system comprising a first chamber that has a first boundary wall, and a second chamber that has a second boundary wall. The second chamber has a base surrounded by the second boundary wall and the second boundary wall is within the first boundary wall. The second boundary wall height is lower than the first boundary wall height. The liquid management system also comprises a liquid level control module for controlling i) a first level of the liquid within the first chamber, and ii) a second level of the liquid within the second chamber. The liquid level control module is operable to lower the second level of the liquid in the second chamber below the second wall height while concurrently maintaining the surface level of the liquid in the first chamber higher than the second wall height such that the liquid within the first chamber flows over the second boundary wall from the first chamber into the second chamber to form a void in the liquid, the void has liquid sides inside the second boundary wall.
US07975936B2	Aspirating scented oxygen enriched faucet and shower head A plumbing fixture including, but not limited to, an aspirating type shower head operates to add a selected scent to the spray water. The showerhead utilizes a venturi assembly where the water supply passes through a venturi. A negative pressure is created at the high velocity water jet stream point, near the narrow area of the venturi. A number of small openings in the venturi, to a surrounding air chamber, allow air from the chamber, to be drawn into the venturi. The air chamber has inlet openings for the aspiration of room air. At a portion of these inlet openings is a quick connect port to receive a scented cartridge. The scent cartridge is positioned within the quick connect port of the showerhead. Room air is drawn through and over the scented material where the high velocity air picks up scent molecules for expulsion from the outlet.
US07975933B2	Method and arrangement to insulate rail ends A rail joint arrangement comprises two rails. The rails have adjacent rail ends separated and thereby forming a gap. The rails have a top end containing a rail head and a bottom end. The gap is defined between the top end and the bottom end of the rails, and the width of the gap is non-uniform throughout its entire length. In addition, the rail joint arrangement comprises at least one electric insulator positioned within the gap. The rail joint arrangement is fastened together by a rail joint bar attaching the two rails together.
US07975930B1	Optical signature system destruction systems and methods System and methods are described for irreversibly destroying optical signatures that utilize optical signature defining material, for example discrete objects or fluids, disposed in optical signature chambers to create individual optical signatures that together form an optical signature for the system. By irreversibly destroying the individual optical signatures, unauthorized replication of the system optical signature is prevented ensuring the security of the optical signature and any technology relying upon or tied to the optical signature.
US07975928B2	Systems and apparatus for expressing multimedia presentations corresponding to print media The present invention provides an educational or entertainment system capable of activating audio, web-based streaming or flash video presentations from designated portions of a printed surface containing visual images, comprising a surface containing a plurality of discrete, visually colored zones which code for particular presentations, each of said colored zones being overlaid by or surrounded by a zone of invisible fluorescent substance which can be detected by the use of light outside the visible spectrum and means for detecting the same. The system further includes a portable reader comprising: (i) a sensor pipe, (ii) a means for directing a first beam of light within the visible spectrum, located within the sensor pipe and a means for directing a second beam of light, also within the visible spectrum, located within the sensor pipe, (iii) a detector for detecting light emanating from said invisible fluoprescent substance when light outside the visible spectrum impinges upon it and for detecting light reflected from the visually colored zones, (iv) a means activated by the detector when light emanating from said invisible substance is detected which causes the reader to emit said second beam of light, and (v) means for playing audio, web-based or flash video presentations coded by the visually colored zones when light of a particular wavelength within the visible spectrum is reflected from a visually colored zone and detected.
US07975927B1	Electronic transaction card An electronic transaction card such as a gift card includes a card member having a front surface and a rear surface. Sandwiched between the front and rear surfaces is a microprocessor that is activated by a solar cell array positioned on the front surface of the card. The microprocessor is in communication with a multi-digit display and a text message display on the front surface of the card member. Whenever the card member is exposed to ambient light, the recipient's name, a prerecorded message and the remaining available balance of the card as previously recorded on the microprocessor automatically appear on the respective displays.
US07975923B1	Optical signature system and method A system and method for creating a unique optical signature that uses a plurality of optical signature chambers containing fluids having differing optical properties, for example differing indices of refraction, that produce different individual optical signatures for each chamber. If the chambers are broken causing the fluids to spill or the fluids are otherwise discharged from the chambers, the fluids mix together so one does not know which fluid came from which chamber, thereby preventing replication of the correct optical signatures. This destruction of the optical signatures can occur mechanically, without the application or presence of electrical power.
US07975911B2	Banking system controlled by data bearing records A banking system is controlled responsive to data included on data bearing records. The system includes a deposit accepting machine for accepting deposit items, such as deposit bags, currency, and checks. The deposit accepting machine is in connection with a card reader operative to read data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. The apparatus further includes an RFID reading device that is operative to read signals from RFID tags to obtain deposit information therefrom. The information can include data associated with of the deposit, such as an account number and the deposit amount. The information can include cash value. A computer is operative to credit a financial account for value associated with deposit items responsive to data read by the card reader and/or RFID reading device.
US07975907B2	Information processing terminal, IC card, portable communication device, wireless communication method, and program An information processing terminal is disclosed that is allowed to carry out contactless data transmission or reception with a reading or writing device by use of a magnetic field. The information processing terminal includes a data transmitter or receiver, a signal processor, and a load modulator. The data transmitter or receiver is configured to generate an induced voltage from a magnetic field generated from the reading or writing device at the time of data reception, and send a transmission signal to the read/write reading or writing device at the time of data transmission. The signal processor is configured to generate a response signal based on the induced voltage. The load modulator controls a variable resistance based on the induced voltage and carries out load modulation relating to the transmission signal based on the response signal and the variable resistance.
US07975903B2	Envelope that protects privacy of primary content when inserting secondary material An envelope that allows a mailer to partly seal an envelop such that the primary content is sealed within the envelope while still allowing a third party to insert secondary material into the envelope is provided. An envelope includes a first sheet and a second sheet that forms a first pouch between the second sheet and the first sheet. The first pouch has a top opening and a side opening. The envelope also includes a third sheet that forms a second pouch between the third sheet and the second sheet. The second pouch has a top opening. The envelope also has a first flap for closing both the top opening of the first pouch and the top opening of the second pouch. The envelope also includes a second flap for closing the side opening of the first pouch.
US07975901B2	Bonding apparatus and wire bonding method A bonding apparatus including a chamber for maintaining an inert gas atmosphere; a first plasma torch for performing a surface treatment on pads and electrodes, the first plasma torch being attached in the chamber, to apply gas plasma to a substrate and a semiconductor chip that is placed inside the chamber; a second plasma torch for performing a surface treatment on an initial ball and/or wire at a tip end of a capillary that is positioned inside the chamber, the second plasma torch being attached in the chamber, to apply gas plasma to the initial ball and/or wire; and a bonding unit for bonding the surface-treated initial ball and/or wire to the surface-treated pads and electrodes in the chamber, thereby cleaning of the surface of the electrodes and pads as well as the wire can be effectively performed.
US07975893B2	Return cord assembly for a power tool A tool with a driver, a motor, a structure to which the motor is coupled and a return cord assembly. The driver that is translatable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The motor is configured to translate the driver from the returned position to the extended position. The return cord assembly is coupled to the driver and the structure and includes a spring and an elastomeric return cord that are employed to return the driver from the extended position to the retracted position.
US07975891B2	Stapler To provide a staple using insertion-cutting blades that are manufacturable inexpensively, by which the strength of the insertion-cutting blades that are necessary when penetrating binding sheets is secured and the penetration of a staple through the binding sheets is executed reliably. The stapler is constituted by including a handle, a frame and a base. The frame is provided, in the vicinity of the front edge portion of a feeding path through which the interlinked staples are fed, with a driver executing the penetration of the staple with respect to the binding sheets. Punching blades are mounted respectively on the right and the left of a staple push down unit at the lower edge portion of the driver main body portion. Each punching blade has a predetermined length and is provided with a blade edge at one edge portion. Also, each punching blade is provided, in the vicinity of the edge portion including the blade edge, with a protrusion portion which has a slope surface at least on a side of the blade edge and which is protruded by a predetermined amount thereof. Here, the protrusion portion is not formed with the full width of the cutting blade, and each cutting blade has a linear portion that is continuous from one edge portion to the other edge portion in the longitudinal direction.
US07975888B2	Rear-mounted bicycle carrier with stabilizing structures A bicycle carrier configured to be mounted to a rear of a vehicle is disclosed. The bicycle carrier includes a first support frame structure having a base portion disposed between a pair of support arms configured to carry one or more bicycles, the base portion being configured to contact an upper region of the rear of the vehicle, where the base portion is wider than the distance between the support arms; a second support frame structure having a base portion configured to contact a lower region of the rear of the vehicle; and at least one hub assembly operatively connecting the first and second support frame structures and permitting selective pivoting of one support frame structure relative to the other frame structure.
US07975886B2	Sock donning system The sock donning system enables persons of limited mobility to don socks, stockings, and similar footwear without need for excessive bending at the waist and/or knee. The system includes a pair of identical grasping poles or extensions with remotely operable clasps at their distal ends. Triggers are located adjacent the handles to allow the user to operate the clasps. Socks or stockings are provided with two opposed loops extending from their upper edges or apertures formed near the upper edges. The user secures the clasp of each extension to one of the loops or apertures of a single lo stocking, and uses the two extensions simultaneously to pull the sock over the foot, ankle, and lower leg as applicable. The triggers are operated to open the clasps and release them from the sock, once the sock has been donned. The system may also be of assistance in removing socks.
US07975883B2	Liquid container lid with dispensing and sealing mechanism A liquid container lid for use on a container is disclosed having a pouring spout disposed on an upper surface of the lid, a vent hole disposed on the upper surface of the lid and rear of the pouring spout, a pair of U-shaped lugs disposed on the upper surface of the lid and rear of the vent hole, a seal plate having a trunnion on a lower surface thereof, and a post extending downwardly from the lower surface and opposing the trunnion, a gasket removably disposed over the post on the seal plate, the trunnion of the seal plate pivotally engaging the pair of U-shaped lugs, allowing the seal plate to pivot in a cantilevered motion from a first raised position to a second lowered position wherein the gasket is inserted in the pouring spout and seals the pouring spout.
US07975882B2	Dispenser of powdered product having a removable reservoir A dispenser of a product in powder from, composed of: a case delimiting a housing; a reservoir removably installed in the housing, the reservoir being adapted to contain the product in powder form and having a dispensing orifice; and a device for obturating the dispensing orifice. The device has a blocking member in the form of a shutter mounted to the reservoir for movement between a position for closing the dispensing orifice and a position for opening the dispensing orifice. The housing, the reservoir and the device are constructed to enable the reservoir to be installed in the housing by a vertical linear movement and to cause automatic movement of the shutter from the position for closing to the position for opening in response to the vertical linear movement of the reservoir into the housing.
US07975881B1	Beverage dispenser A refrigerated beverage dispenser. A beverage container is carried in a covered refrigerated housing that includes a heat exchanger for maintaining beverage at a predetermined temperature. A dispensing tube provides a conduit for the beverage. To dispense the liquid, a pressure differential is produced whereby the pressure on the liquid in the container is greater than the pressure at a dispensing port.
US07975880B2	Hydration system for use with a pack A pack with a hydration system is disclosed. The hydration system includes a reservoir and a hose. The reservoir comprises a front side and a rear side that maintain a fixed cross section as liquid is filled and/or drained from the reservoir. Also, as the reservoir empties, the rear side contracts towards the front side, which displaces the center of mass of the reservoir closer to a wearer's back.
US07975867B1	Waiter's dish caddy A dish caddy includes a base frame formed of multiple, tiered circular racks with vertical support rods attached to the periphery thereof. Each rack includes a wedge-shaped notch formed on its periphery. Superimposed on an upper end of the base frame is a dome-shaped cover having a handle attached thereto. To transport multiple plates to a table, a waiter places each plate on one of the tiered racks and grasps the handle with either hand. The frame is then transported to the table where the waiter can easily remove and serve each plate.
US07975857B2	Cooking utensil support apparatus A cooking utensil support apparatus for catching and containing runoff from supported cooking utensils has a support body with an integral depressed catch well or basin. The support body further has a pair of spaced-apart and mutually parallel walls, each terminating upwardly in a top edge. The top edge of each wall has a plurality of slots for resting cooking utensils therein. The slots extend downwardly from the top edges in mutually aligned pairs between the walls. A tray is positioned below where the working ends of utensils are positioned when resting in the slots so that runoff drips into the tray for easy disposal.
US07975856B2	Accessory tray for a pressure washer An accessory tray for a pressure washer. The accessory tray of some embodiments has an accessory supporting portion for supporting and/or storing accessories of the pressure washer. The accessory supporting portion has a concave surface, which allows the accessories to be supported substantially normal to the ground regardless of the relative angle between the accessory tray and the ground. Some embodiments also have a flexible cantilevered member positioned above a portion of the accessory tray to trap an accessory against the accessory tray. Some embodiments can have a hose hook that supports and stores a hose of the pressure washer. The hose hook has a concave shape to allow the hose to be supported substantially normal to the ground.
US07975854B2	Rotary fan press A system (10) for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform (12) having an upper surface (14), a system mass input (16), a polymer feeding and blending system (18) on the upper surface (14), a liquid extraction assembly (40) on the upper surface (14), and piping (22) having a first section (24) between the system mass input (16) and the polymer feeding and blending system (18), and a second section (26) between the polymer feeding and blending system (18) and the liquid extraction assembly (40). The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input (16), transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system (18) through the first section (24) of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system (18), and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system (18) to the liquid extraction assembly (40). Pressure from the mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly (18) forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.
US07975853B2	Method and apparatus for sorting small food items for softness The invention relates to the high speed non-destructive sorting of small food items for softness. The food item is conveyed on a series of belts designed to accurately drop the food item onto a flexible surface at an oblique angle. Accelerometers mounted under the flexible surface generate impact waveforms, which are computer analysed to both detect the item landing position and enable comparison with an operator-selected softness threshold level. Within a few milliseconds of the food item contacting the flexible surface it continues to drop past a rejection point. If determined by analysis to be soft, it is ejected to a waste conveyor.
US07975851B2	Soil remediation apparatus A soil remediation apparatus comprises: a trommel screen having an inlet and an outlet; a trommel screen housing, and air extraction means operable to extract contaminant vapors volatilized by the trommel screen during soil aeration from the housing and to contaminant remediation means, such as a biofilter. The trommel screen housing comprises: a trough in which the trommel screen is mounted with its inlet inclined upwards; a front cover mounted at the front of the trough and having an impacted soil inlet in communication with the trommel screen inlet; a rear cover mounted at the rear of the trough and having a vapor discharge outlet above the trommel screen and a treated soil outlet in communication with the trommel screen outlet, and a vapor cover frame at least partially removably mounted to the trough and a flexible vapor cover removably mounted over the frame.
US07975850B2	Apparatus and method for separating sand from a manure slurry A separation apparatus (A) separates particulates such as sand from a slurry of water/sand/manure. Particularly, passage (20) receives the slurry and injectors (40) assist the slurry over ramp (42) and aid in separating the sand and organic material from the slurry. The sand proceeds through a discharge (44) and preferably a counter flow of sanitizer from sterilizing passage (60) proceeds through the sand. Cleaned and sanitized sand is temporarily stored in a collector (62).
US07975838B2	Device for transmitting force and conveying system A conveying system include a guiding channel (12) with at least one conveyor unit (10) that is guided inside it and may be moved along it and a drive unit (30) for driving at least one conveyor unit (10). The conveyor unit (10) includes a series of several links which, when viewed in the axial direction, have a first joint element (1) at their first end and a second joint element (2) at their second end, respectively. The first and second joint elements (1, 2) are formed in a mutually corresponding manner and, as a result, the conveyor unit (10) is provided for transmitting pushing forces. The drive unit includes at least one roller body (35) consisting of a plurality of rollers (31), wherein the rollers (31) can be conveyed in a circular orbit (34) by a roller drive (36).
US07975832B2	Transfer assembly for transferring glass articles A transfer assembly for transferring glass articles from a supporting surface onto an unloading conveyor, wherein a pickup member, for engaging the articles for transfer, is hinged to one end of a first powered actuating rod, and is connected to one end of a second powered actuating rod movable independently of the first powered actuating rod to adjust the angular position of the pickup member about a movable hinge axis as the pickup member rotates between a pickup position and a release position in which the articles are released onto the unloading conveyor.
US07975823B2	Clutch and reverse-locking device The present invention discloses a clutch and reverse-locking device comprising a stop bolt (1), an internal clutch stem (2), a clutch control member (3), a clutch casing (4) and a stopper (5). The internal clutch stem (2) is inserted into the clutch casing (4) and they move independently of each other. The internal clutch stem (2) has a slot (21) to house and guide the stop bolt (1). The clutch control member (3) is installed in the internal clutch stem (2) and has an edge (42) set against the groove (11) of the stop bolt (1). The stopper (5) is fitted in the internal clutch stem (2) and protrudes partially outward therefrom. The protruding or non-protruding position of the stop bolt (1) in the internal clutch stem (2) correlates or disconnects the joint movement of the clutch casing (4) and the internal clutch stem (2), activating or deactivating the clutch operation of the clutch device. Being driven by the clutch casing (4), the stopper (5) moves the internal clutch stem (2) in tandem, to achieve the reverse-locking function.
US07975821B2	Torque limited decoupler A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing assembly. A bare, helical clutch spring is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub. A torque limiter, preferably a spring or sleeve, is wrapped about the torsion spring limiting outward expansion of the torsion spring and isolating the torsion spring from torques above a predetermined limit.
US07975820B2	Radial flow chamber for clutches in a clutch assembly The present invention broadly comprises a clutch assembly with a radial flow chamber including a first hub and a carrier. The first hub and carrier form at least one first opening and a first portion of at least one radial chamber or passageway in the clutch assembly. First and second radially disposed segments of the first hub and carrier, respectively, partially define the first portion. A second portion of the chamber is formed between the first segment and a third radially disposed segment connected to a second hub. Openings in the first segment connect the first and second portions. A third portion of the passageway is formed between the second segment and a fourth radially disposed segment. A plate forms at least a portion of an axial barrier with respect to a second clutch in the clutch assembly.
US07975818B2	Rotational coupling device A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having improved magnetic efficiency and structural integrity. An electrical conduction assembly is disposed within a field shell between radially spaced inner and outer poles of the field shell. The assembly includes a conductor disposed within a shell having a radially extending flange that is disposed proximate the outer pole of the field shell and that is affixed to the field shell at a plurality of points.
US07975817B2	Bridging clutch between two dampers A torque converter is provided with a bridging clutch and two dampers, wherein the bridging clutch is positioned in the power path between the dampers. The converter is provided with a three-duct system for the oil supply.
US07975814B2	Method for arranging a separating piston in a cavity and a device with such a separating piston A steering damper system and method of regulating the fluid pressure of such a system are provided. The system can comprise a piston rod, a cylinder, a passage, and a damper portion. The damper portion can comprise a damper cavity, an outer piston, an inner piston, and a biasing component. The damper cavity can be in fluid communication with the passage. The outer piston can be slidably disposed in the damper cavity and define a chamber and a duct that is in fluid communication with the chamber and the passage. The inner piston can be slidably disposed in the chamber of the outer piston. The biasing component can exert an axial biasing force against the inner piston for regulating the pressure of fluid disposed in the system passing intermediate the passage, the damper cavity, and the chamber of the outer piston.
US07975812B2	Wheel hub for camshaft serviceability A wheel hub includes a hub flange that extends about the wheel hub. The hub flange includes a removed section that is aligned with a camshaft assembly. An insert is used to fill the removed section. The insert is selectively removable from the hub flange to provide access to the removed section such that the camshaft assembly can be removed from a brake assembly via the removed section without having to remove the wheel hub from an axle assembly.
US07975809B2	Method and arrangement for preventing disturbing noise caused by the counterweight of an elevator The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for preventing disturbing noise caused by the counterweight of an elevator. At first temporary tightening means (8), e.g. slings provided with tightening elements (9), are fitted and tightened around the counterweight (1). After this the actual tightening means (10), e.g. steel belts, are fitted and tightened around the counterweight (1), after which the slings are removed.
US07975808B2	Saturation control for destination dispatch systems One version of this disclosure includes a system for assigning an elevator car to respond to a call signal wherein a controller is responsible for determining which elevator car will respond to a call signal. This version includes the controller receiving a hall call signal, receiving information regarding the elevator system, determining whether the call assignment can be made in view of a first rule associated with a banned call assignment, and eliminating the rule against banned call assignments when necessary to avoid saturation of the elevator system.
US07975806B2	Lubrication system for a part in an internal combustion system A lubrication system comprising a bore including an inlet for receiving lubrication, an outlet for distributing lubrication, and a inner passageway extending between the inlet and outlet is provided. The outlet may be provided with a wider opening than the passageway. The outlet may further include a groove having a radius of curvature, and defined by a pair of flat or curved sidewalls, and a pair of curved end walls each extending toward the inner passageway.
US07975802B2	Intake air sound generation device An intake air sound generation device 40 for an internal combustion engine 2, comprises an introduction tube 41 which is connected to an intake passage 30 of the internal combustion engine 2 to introduce an intake pulse of an intake system, a vibrating body 50 which has a vibration surface 52 that is vibrated by the intake pulse and an accordion portion 53 that promotes vibration of the vibration surface 52, and is provided to cover one end of the introduction tube 41, and a resonance tube 42 which is connected to the introduction tube 41 via the vibrating body 50 and increases a sound pressure in a predetermined frequency band of an intake air sound generated by the vibration of the vibration surface 52. Thus, the sound pressure of the intake air sound at the predetermined frequency can be increased, and the durability of the vibrating body 50 can be improved.
US07975801B2	Apparatus for controlling vehicle Tire-uniformity components may generate a lateral force on a vehicle body, when the vehicle is in a turning movement. The lateral force may cause vibrations on the vehicle body. The controller controls a motor of an electric power steering system to modulate an assist torque acting on steerable wheels in accordance with the tire-uniformity components. The assist torque is modulated in the same direction as the lateral force. As a result, it is possible to reduce vibrations on the vehicle body, since the modulated assist torque avoids conflict with the lateral force and release the lateral force.
US07975800B2	Steering device for vehicles having a pair of wheels which can be steered freely by means of lateral forces A steering device for vehicles having a pair of wheels which can be steered freely as a function of the current driving state of the vehicle or whose steered position can be locked by an electronically actuable locking device, having an electronic control device and having sensors which are connected to the electronic control device and have the purpose of monitoring current driving state values, with the electronic control device actuating the locking device when a minimum velocity of the vehicle is exceeded, in such a way that the steered position of the pair of wheels is locked, characterized in that driving state values which characterize critical driving situations are additionally stored in the electronic control device, in which the steered position of the pair of wheels is locked in critical driving situations, and in which, after a critical driving situation, the locking device does not release the pair of wheels again until predefined critical driving state values are undershot at least for a predefined period of time.
US07975796B2	Reduced friction differential disconnect for a motor vehicle An axle disconnect system for selectively connecting or disconnecting a wheel-side shaft and a differential-side shaft having a common axis of rotation in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In the axle disconnect an output gear is splined to the wheel-side shaft on an outside diameter of the wheel-side shaft, and a translatable collar is splined to the output gear on an outside diameter of the output gear. The collar is arranged to be translated along the common axis of rotation for splined connection with the differential-side shaft while retaining the splined connection with the output gear.
US07975792B2	Straddle type vehicle A straddle-type vehicle provided with a transmission air intake passage for sending air into a transmission case housing a continuously variable transmission prevents an increase in vehicle width and prevents sand or the like from entering the air intake passage by covering the front side of the air intake passage. The transmission air intake passage extends upward from the transmission case on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of a main frame. A rearward cover covers the main frame and extends outward in the vehicle width direction to cover the rear side of the transmission air intake passage. A forward cover is curved forward from an edge outside in the vehicle width direction of a right leg shield part constructing the rearward cover and covers the transmission air intake passage from a front side.
US07975790B2	Wheel driving assembly of a moving apparatus A wheel driving apparatus for a moving apparatus is provided. The wheel driving apparatus includes a wheel, a driving motor to generate a driving power to rotate the wheel, a gear box to transmit the rotational force of the driving motor to the wheel, and a guide shaft movable vertically with respect to the base member, wherein the wheel, the driving motor, the gear box, and the guide shaft are connected integrally with each other to move vertically with respect to the base member in unison.
US07975786B2	Electric ground working vehicle There is provided an electric ground working vehicle including a left wheel and a right wheel, at least one caster, a working apparatus, an acceleration operating element for performing acceleration instructions, a turn operating element for performing turn instructions, and a control unit. The left wheel and the right wheel are independently driven by left and right electric motors respectively. The control unit controls a regenerative brake driving unit so that electric power is regenerated from the left and right electric motors to an electric power source unit when the acceleration operating element is not operated during traveling to regeneratively brake the left and right wheels. The control unit controls the brake force of the wheels so that the brake force of the wheel at the inside of a turn, among the left wheel and the right wheel, can be made greater than the brake force of the wheel at the outside of a turn when the acceleration operating element is not operated during traveling and turn instructions are inputted from the turn operating element.
US07975782B2	Earth bit having a pressure relief valve An earth bit includes a cutting cone mounted to a lug to form a bearing cavity. A valve is in fluid communication with the bearing cavity and a bit chamber, wherein the valve includes a diaphragm with an aperture. The aperture is repeatably moveable between open and closed conditions in response to a pressure difference between the material in the bearing cavity and bit chamber.
US07975772B2	Method and system of hydraulic control line connection A method of coupling a first control line to a second control line is provided comprising the steps of prepping the first and second control lines to respectively produce a first end and a second end. Prepping may comprise inserting a plug assembly into at least one of the first or second ends prior to facing the end containing the plug assembly. The method may further include butt-welding the first end to the second end to form a splice and providing a protective assembly to cover the splice. The plug assembly may comprise a plug member, a seal, and an end piece to couple the seal to the plug member, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the plug assembly may comprise a plug member and a seal coupled to the plug member.
US07975746B2	Device and method for removing a peelable seal A container or array of containers that is are sealed with a peelable seal is transported via a conveyor along a processing path toward a desealing station at which an adhesive surface having a width substantially the same as or greater than the width of the seal is pressed against the upper surface of the peelable seal. A collection rod applies a downward pressure on the adhesive surface, pressing it against the seal and keeping the container or container array in position on the conveyor as the plate moves with the conveyor. As the leading edge of the seal passes the collection rod, the adhesive surface is rolled upward, away from the plane of the seal, pulling up on the leading edge of the seal to separate it from the container or container array while the container or container array is held down by the roller. The removed seal is then discarded.
US07975741B2	Pneumatic tire and producing method of pneumatic tire A sidewall rubber disposed outside of a carcass layer, reinforcing a portion between beads, in a widthwise direction of the tire is configured from a wide rubber ribbon having a width of 20 to 100 mm wound spirally along a circumferential direction of the tire outward of the tire such that the rubber ribbon is deviated radially outward of the tire.
US07975740B2	Pneumatic tire and rim assembly with noise damper and pneumatic tire with noise damper To reduce road noise in running by disposing a noise damper made of a spongy material in a cavity of a tire, a tire and rim assembly is provided. The tire and rim assembly 1 including a rim 2, a pneumatic tire 3 attached to the rim 2, and a noise damper 4 made of a spongy material which is disposed in a tire cavity “i” surrounded by the rim 2 and the pneumatic tire 3 and extends in the tire circumferential direction, wherein the noise damper 4 has a volume of 0.4 to 20% of the whole volume of the tire cavity “i” and is fixed to an inner surface 2i or 3i of the tire or rim, the noise damper 4 has a height of 30 mm or less from the inner surface, and the spongy material of the noise damper 4 has a hardness of 10 to 250 N, a tensile strength of 70 kPa or more and a specific gravity of 0.014 to 0.052.
US07975736B2	Joint between wood pieces A joint between wood pieces, such as between timber, laminated timber, LVL, plywood etc., includes one or more bars forming a diagonal of a truss. A side of another bar forms a truss chord. The bars are connected to each other by a finger joint. The truss chord is asymmetrically.
US07975735B2	Tree processing vehicle A tree processing vehicle comprising a prime mover and a pair of tracks for propelling the tree processing vehicle, the prime mover being in a driving relationship with the tracks. The tree processing vehicle also comprises an operator cabin comprising a front side, a rear side, and a pair of lateral sides between the front side and the rear side. A first one of the lateral sides defines an access opening allowing an operator to enter or exit the operator cabin. The operator cabin also comprises a door for closing the access opening and a set of controls for allowing the operator to control the tree processing vehicle. The tree processing vehicle also comprises a pair of arms pivotally movable across a range of angular positions. The range of angular positions includes a first angular position in which a first one of the arms extends across at least part of the access opening and a second angular position in which the first one of the arms clears the access opening thereby allowing the door to be opened or closed.
US07975722B2	One way valve that uses fluid pressure to open and close the valve A positive pressure one way medical valve contains an inlet (10), outlet (11), an internal flow path between the inlet and the outlet and a plunger (12) movable between a retraced sealing position, where backflow is reduced or prevented and an extended open position, where fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet. The plunger is moved from the retraced to the extended position by insertion of a tip onto the inlet (10). A variable volume chamber (23) is defined partially by an elastomeric member (14) that is stretched, when plunger is in the extended position and reduced, when the plunger is in the retraced position so to increase or decrease the volume of the chamber respectively. A valve (50), which is movable between open and closed positions by the presence or absence of fluid passing through the inlet, immediately seals the flow pathway before the plunger is retraced.
US07975719B2	Auxiliary side hose connection for dual chamber fuel tank A hose connection (51) includes mounting structure (32) and suction structure (46) having an axis (B). The suction structure is mounted to the mounting structure such that the suction structure can rotate with respect to the mounting structure about the axis. The hose connection includes a hose (26′) coupled to the suction structure.
US07975716B1	Solenoid valve puck assembly and method A puck retaining recess in a plunger of a solenoid valve is formed with a puck retaining lip that is fixed or unified with the plunger. The puck is then radially compressed to fit through a central opening of the retainer lip, and once the puck is pushed past the retainer lip, it is allowed to radially expand within the recess where the puck is retained between a bottom of the recess and the retainer lip. This eliminates many problems that previously occurred with separable retainer lips pressed into position to hold a puck after its insertion into a plunger recess.
US07975712B2	Hunting blind A hunting blind is comprised of a frame and a fabric shell supported by and releasably attached to the frame. The frame is comprised of a pair of A-frame structures of similar configuration and each includes telescopic members forming legs and a cross-member that spans between the legs. Coupling assemblies pivotally attach the legs to the cross-member so that the legs can be selectively folded against or extended from the cross-member.
US07975709B2	Reactor cleaning apparatus In a reactor cleaning apparatus 1 which cleans an inner wall surface 72 of a reactor 70 which generates polycrystalline silicon, a bell jar of the reactor 70 has a dual structure, a through hole 11 is formed along a vertical direction at a central portion of a substantially disc-like tray 10 placed in a horizontal state, a flange portion 13 in which an opening edge of the reactor 70 is placed is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the tray 10, a shaft 20 is provided through the through hole 11 of the tray 10 so as to be rotatable and movable in the vertical direction, a nozzle device 50 which sprays a cleaning water at high pressure in three-dimensional directions is provided at an upper end of the shaft 20, a drive mechanism 30 which rotates the shaft 20 and moves the shaft in the vertical direction is provided at a base end of the shaft 20, and steam piping 62 capable of supplying the steam within the bell jar of the reactor 70 is provided.
US07975705B2	Cosmetic container A cosmetic container in accordance with the present invention has a base, a slide cover, a drawer and a transmission device. The base has a chamber, an opening and a mirror. The chamber is defined in the base. The opening is formed in the base and communicates with the chamber. The mirror is mounted on an upper part of the front. The slide cover is slidably mounted on the front of the base. The drawer is slidably mounted in the chamber of the base and selectively extends out of the chamber through the opening of the base. The transmission device is mounted inside the chamber, connects to the slide cover and the drawer and selectively ejects the drawer out of the base when driven by the slide cover. With the transmission, operating the cosmetic container is simple and convenient.
US07975704B2	Smoking article A smoking article in which a patch of web material such as paper containing an adsorbent material therein, such as activated carbon, is positioned towards the mouth end of the smoking article to achieve a flatter puff profile compared to a conventional cigarette by decreasing the smoke constituents in the final few puffs. Characteristics of the smoking articles may be changed to increase the delivery of smoke constituents in the first few puffs in order to maintain a constant ISO NFDPM yield. The adsorbent-containing paper extends over only a portion of the smoking article towards the mouth end and does not comprise a flavorant therein.
US07975701B2	Appliance, system and method for correction habits of an oral cavity An appliance, a system and a method correct habits of an oral cavity of a patient. The appliance is preformed or is custom-made in an open position or in a closed position. The appliance prevents the patient from breathing through an oral cavity of the patient and encourages the patient to breathe through a nose of the patient. The appliance corrects abnormal swallowing patterns, finger sucking habits, thumb sucking habits, abnormal tongue posturing, abnormal lip posturing and/or speech problems. A slot is formed on a top portion of the appliance to receive teeth of the patient for wearing the appliance. A shelf is formed on a bottom portion of the appliance to move a tongue of the patient to a correct position within the oral cavity during swallowing movements and/or during resting periods between the swallowing movements since there is more room above the shelf from a hollow area above of the shelf which is more comfortable for the patient. First projections are formed on the appliance which may contact the tongue to move the tongue to the correct position within the oral cavity. Second projections are formed on the appliance which may contact the tongue to prevent tongue thrusting by the tongue during the resting periods and/or during the swallowing movements. Third projections are formed on the appliance to move lips to a closed position during resting periods and/or the swallowing movements.
US07975700B2	System for adjustable tissue anchors Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate and pharyngeal airway.
US07975699B2	Condoms configured to facilitate release of nitric oxide The present disclosure relates to condoms that are configured to facilitate release of nitric oxide.
US07975698B2	Implant for treatment of vaginal and/or uterine prolapse An implant suitable for treatment of treatment of vaginal and/or uterine prolapse and/or pelvic floor reconstruction. The implant comprises a vaginal support member substantially sized or shaped to the portion of the vaginal wall to be supported and at least two extension portions projecting from the support member, wherein at least one extension portion has fixation means for anchoring the extension portion into pelvic paravaginal fibro-fatty issue without being faxed into defined structural tissues. A method of treating treatment of vaginal and/or uterine prolapse and/or pelvic floor reconstruction using the implant is also provided.
US07975697B2	Methods and apparatus for occluding reproductive tracts to effect contraception Systems and methods of visibly marking a reproductive tract, e.g., at least one ostium of the Fallopian tubes accessed transvaginally and transcervically, to indicate delivery of an occlusion device into the corresponding at least one Fallopian tube to effect contraception are disclosed. Marking is effected by delivery of a dye that stains the ostium and/or extension of the marking member from the delivered occlusion device into view in the uterine cavity or ostium. A catheter (or catheters) preferably introduced through a hysteroscope that illuminates and provides visualization of the uterine cavity and the ostia of the Fallopian tubes is employed to insert each contracted, stent-like, occluding device into each Fallopian tube and to mechanically expand or release to self-expand the occluding device.
US07975692B2	Respiratory device A device for artificial respiration, including a front support (3) which is connected to a respiratory mask (1) that includes a connection for the respiratory tube (4), a front support is coupled to the respiratory mask by a distancing element (2) and at least one cavity (11) is arranged in the region of the distancing element, the cavity leading into an inner chamber (12).
US07975688B1	Vibration reducing blower assembly mounting A medical device, such as a respiratory treatment device, includes a passive acoustic noise reduction system in the form of a vibration reducing blower assembly isolation mount. The device includes a housing, a blower assembly mounted therein, a patient circuit coupled to the blower assembly, and a noise reducing blower assembly isolation mount. The mount includes a first vibration damping member adjacent one side of the blower assembly spacing the blower assembly from a mounting surface upon which the blower assembly is supported. A securing member positions and holds the blower assembly onto the mounting surface, and a second vibration damping member adjacent an opposite side of the blower assembly spaces the blower assembly from the securing member. The vibration damping members are injection molded thermoplastic elastomeric members.
US07975687B2	Device and method for tempering and humidifying gas, especially respiratory air The device and a process for the heating and humidification of gas, especially respiratory gas. Fluid from a fluid reservoir is supplied to a sprinkling type chamber where, for the purpose of humidification, it is moved through the gas. The point is that the fluid is heated by a temperature controlled heater to a preset temperature. In addition to the description of the device, a description of the process underlying the operation of the device is described.
US07975681B2	Spherical projectile reloading system A reloading system for dispensing spherical projectiles is disclosed. The reloading system has a removable cartridge that removes from a base unit attached to a spherical projectile device. Upon insertion of the cartridge, a sliding gate on the removable cartridge permits direct feed of the projectiles to the projectile device. An ejection mechanism releases the cartridge for insertion of another cartridge.
US07975680B1	Arrow rest An arrow rest for a bow. An illustrative embodiment of the arrow rest includes a generally C-shaped arrow rest frame having a frame attachment segment, a guard segment extending from a first end of the frame attachment segment, an arrow support segment extending from a second end of the frame attachment segment, a pin support segment extending from the arrow rest segment and a frame opening defined by the arrow rest frame; a flexible arrow retainer pin extending from the pin support segment into the frame opening; and an attachment mechanism provided on the frame attachment segment of the arrow rest frame.
US07975676B2	Cooling arrangement A cooler arrangement of a vehicle includes a charge air cooler which itself includes at least one pipeline for guiding compressed air during cooling and a first tank for receiving the cooled compressed air from the first pipeline, and an EGR cooler which includes at least one second pipeline for guiding exhaust gases during cooling, and a second tank operable to receive the cooled exhaust gases from the second pipeline. A mechanical connection connects an end of the first tank of the charge air cooler to an end of the second tank of the EGR cooler so that the tanks constitute a composite tank unit in a fitted state in the vehicle.
US07975669B2	Apparatus and method for throttle control of internal combustion engines A throttle control valve is provided. It includes a valve housing having an inlet end, an outlet end. A valve body located within the housing has a sealing end and a spindle. The sealing end has a teardrop shaped cross-section for cooperating with the valve housing.
US07975668B2	Spark timing and control during transitions between spark ignited combustion and homogenous charge compression ignition A control system for an engine comprises an air per cylinder (APC) generating module that generates measured and desired APC values. A combustion transition module selectively transitions the engine from spark ignition (SI) combustion to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion and from HCCI combustion to SI combustion. A spark control module selectively retards spark during the transitions based on a ratio of the measured APC value and the desired APC value. Alternately, spark retard can be based on measured and desired engine torque representing values (ETRVs).
US07975666B2	Quick engine startup system and method A technique is provided for improved response of internal combustion engines to increased load demands. The engine is equipped with an air storage tank that stores compressed air. The air may be stored at an elevated pressure (e.g., manifold air pressure) during normal full load operation of the engine. Valving maintains the compressed air isolated during normal operation. During transitory periods of higher power output demand, the compressed air is directed to the engine, and output of a turbo-driven compressor can be vented to avoid surge. The technique allows for quicker reaction to load demands, and improved combustion during transitory periods, and reduced particulate and smoke emissions.
US07975665B2	Spark plug and internal combustion engine provided with the same A spark plug comprising a cylindrical portion which projects into a combustion chamber from an inner wall face of an engine head when the spark plug is fixed to the engine head, wherein the cylindrical portion has one or more ventilating portion comprised of a through hole or a notch in an outer circumferential face thereof. An igniting portion projecting into the combustion chamber improves ignitability. Further, because an air-fuel mixture fed from an inlet of the internal combustion engine flows to inside of the cylindrical portion through the ventilating portion, heat of an insulator is taken away and cooled down, whereby an occurrence of pre-ignition is prevented.
US07975646B2	Device for depositing a coating on an internal surface of a container Device for depositing a coating on an internal surface of a container, of the type in which the deposition is carried out by means of a low-pressure plasma created inside the container by excitation of a precursor gas by microwave-type electromagnetic waves. An injection tube is provided that dips into the container to a length of between one quarter and one half of the total height of the container in question, between the top and the bottom of the container said length of the injection tube constituting a longitudinal antenna capable of picking up a UHF electromagnetic wave generated by said generator and of propagating the HT ignition signal, a UHF short-circuit in the form of a plate being provided on the injection tube in such a way that the face of said plate on the cavity side defines a point of zero amplitude of the electromagnetic wave propagating along said injection tube, the length between said short-circuit and the free end of said injection tube corresponding to an odd number of quarter-wavelengths so as to obtain a maximum amplitude, that is to say an antinode, at the free end of the injection tube.
US07975643B1	Telescopic turntable The present invention features a telescopic turntable to allow a user to decorate a bakery item at various heights comprising a base for supporting a tube in a vertical position, a cake tray at the top of the tube, and a utensil tray at the middle portion of the tube.
US07975642B2	Automatic seasoning device An automatic seasoning device that includes a hopper, a seasoning dispenser positioned to receive seasoning from the hopper; and a moveable transition tray positioned to receive seasoning from the seasoning dispensing drum.
US07975639B2	Float for use in water-based security system Embodiments of this invention describe a float for use with a running gear entanglement system (RGES) deployed on water, in addition to an improved system and method for using an RGES deployed in water. The floats lock securely onto the RGES mainline rope. The floats may be stacked for additional buoyancy or to allow for multiple RGES ropes in the same deployment. The floats are designed to permit the RGES to be retrieved/stored on and deployed from a reel. The floats may be constructed of any color and may also be luminescent. The floats may be ballasted to assist in anchoring the RGES.
US07975638B1	Method and device for releasably latching a water vessel to a line A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line. The water vessel may include a step cutout portion to receive a line capturing device. The line capturing device includes a device housing having a capturing notch and a pivotal guide arm. The guide arm may be pivoted to a deployed position. When presented with a line, a water vessel with the line-capturing device may capture the line by deploying the guide arm to guide the line into the notch, where the line is releasably latched. Also included is a system for towing a smaller water vessel to a parent vessel, the smaller water vessel including a device for capturing a line. The line may be attached at one end to the parent vessel.
US07975636B2	Mechanism for controlling dropping down and picking up of an anchor to and from the water A mechanism for dropping down and picking up an anchor in a controlled manner, the anchor having a chain with one end connected to a capstan in a releasable and retractable manner, an arm section to which the chain is connected from its other end, and a tip section, the mechanism of the present invention comprises a movable carrier which guides the anchor a certain distance as the anchor leaves the marine vehicle and is picked up onto the same.
US07975633B2	Bi-directional seaming machine A seaming machine for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets includes a frame defining a sheet-receiving area and a pair of spaced seaming devices on opposed sides of the sheet-receiving area for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The frame typically defines a table-receiving space for a table to support the sheet segments. The machine provides for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop the table or another work surface. Relative back and forth movement between the frame and work surface facilitate the process.
US07975631B2	Combined agricultural machine The invention relates to a combine agricultural machine (1) comprising a planting device (3), in particular a potato planting device, provided with at least one storage container (10), an extraction device associated thereto, a setting plow (7) and an downstream mounted end damming device (4). A loosening tool (2) for preparing a seedbed is arranged upstream of the planting device (3) in a travelling direction and one or several wheels (18) for disintegrating soil and supporting the machine are mounted upstream of said loosening tool (2) in said travelling direction. The invention also relates to a method for mechanically planting seeds comprising a stage for preparing the seedbed, a sowing stage and a final damming stage which are simultaneously carried out by means of tools mounted on the agricultural machine (1). At the beginning, the wheels (18) of the machine pass along the soil to be processed for homogeneously disintegrating and breaking it, afterwards the seedbed is prepared by the loosening tool (2) wherein the seeds or seedstock are distributed and the end damming is carried out.
US07975628B2	Method for supplying combustion gas in incineration systems The combustion system for implementing the process has a combustion grate, hoppers below the combustion grate for supplying primary combustion gas through the grate and nozzles that lead into the furnace above the combustion grate to supply secondary combustion gas. At least one extraction duct for flue gas is provided at the rear end of the furnace above the combustion grate. This duct is connected to the suction side of a fan. The pressure side is connected to nozzles arranged in the upper area of the flue gas pass. The nozzle height allows the flue gases a residence time of at least 1 second after secondary gas is supplied.
US07975626B1	Computer table that is folded easily and quickly A computer table includes a rear frame, two side frames pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of the rear frame respectively, a support board detachably mounted on the rear frame and the two side frames to support a computer, a drawer board detachably mounted between the two side frames, and a carrier detachably mounted on one of the two side frames to support a host frame of the computer. Thus, the computer table can be folded to have a smaller volume to decrease the cost of packaging, storage and transportation of the computer table.
US07975625B2	Folding table A table may include a table top and at least one leg assembly. The table top may include a first table top section and a second table top section. The table top sections may be movable between a first position in which the table top sections are generally aligned and a second position in which the table top sections are at an angle. The leg assembly may be movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top. The leg assembly may include a first support structure and a second support structure. The support structures may be movable between a generally aligned position and an angled position when the leg assembly is in the extended position. Moving the support structures to the angled position may help retain the leg assembly in the extended position. Moving the table top sections to the second position may help retain the support structures in the angled position and thus further help retain the leg assembly in the extended position.
US07975620B2	Hybrid personal transit system A system and method for hybrid personal transit and components thereof is disclosed. The hybrid personal transit (“HPT”) system can be a system of combined highway and monorail transportation methods, which allows roadworthy HPT vehicles to transition onto, and run on, a system of monorails. The rails can be built on the ground, on poles, or in tunnels. A unique drive system will allow each HPT vehicle to alter drive output from the HPT vehicle's tires to a rail drive system.
US07975616B2	Bullet for black powder firearms A projectile for cap and ball revolvers and black powder rifles including but not limited to muzzleloaders, black powder cartridges etc. A soft lead body, cylindrical in form and having a front band designed to hold the projectile firmly in place prior to firing. During it's travel in the rifled bore, it then imparts spin to the projectile improving accuracy, range, and making the projectile stable during impact with intended target. Outside diameter of band is not drastic enough to negatively affect trajectory.
US07975615B1	Aerosol smoke grenade The invention is an aerosol search and rescue (SAR) grenade. A smoke signal is produced that is comparable to the smoke signal produced by a pyrotechnic grenade. An aspirating provides a propellant gas/air mixture to a reservoir of smoke material. A container configuration and gravity operated valve provide for a smoke plume only in the upward direction. The smoke grenade is useful in life rafts. It is also useful in inland areas posing a risk of fire.
US07975612B2	Constant-current, rail-voltage regulated charging electronic detonator A method of dynamically- and continuously-variable rate asynchronous data transfer, such as for use in an electronic blasting system, may employ a device that transmits data including synchronization bits and bits conveying other information, and a device that ascertains the rate of transmission of the synchronization bits and receives the bits conveying the other information at the ascertained rate of transmission.
US07975611B2	Metal-sealing material-feedthrough Metal-sealing material-feedthrough, especially for devices which are subjected to high pressures, include at least one metal pin located in a sealing material in a feedthrough opening in a base body, whereby the at least one metal pin is enveloped at least partially by a conductive component element, so that a conductive connection may be created on the one hand between the component element and the metal pin and whereby on the other hand the component element is in contact with the base body, so that a conductive connection can be established between the component element and the base body, the component element possessing a design form to the extent that the component element with respect to its contour essentially follows the contour of the inside wall of the feedthrough opening along a section S.
US07975608B2	Device and a method for feeding a material web to a printing unit of a web-fed rotary printing press A device is usable for feeding a material web to a press unit of a web-fed rotary press having a reel carrier which carries a material reel and which is mounted next to the machine line. At least one deflection rod is arranged in the web transport path between the reel carrier and the press unit. The deflection rod is angled at 45° with respect to the transport direction of the web which wraps onto it. In at least a wraparound angular region of the material web, the deflection rod has outlet openings which are configured as micro-openings for the passage of a pressurized fluid. The mean diameter of these micro openings is, at most 500 μm. When the material web is moving about the deflection rod, the micro openings are provided with pressurized fluid on a length which is greater than the width of the region which is covered by the material web which wraps around it.
US07975607B2	Side tension rails to control bale length variation in a square bale chamber An improved mechanism for controlling the pressure applied by the side walls of a square bale chamber comprising two independently positionable opposing pairs of bale tension rails, each pair perpendicularly arranged with respect to each other, whereby a uniform pressure may be exerted on all four sides of the bale in the bale chamber thereby resulting in improved consistency in bale length, density, shape, and appearance.
US07975604B2	Dough proofing apparatus and related methods A dough proofing cabinet includes a chamber having one or more air ducts with a plurality of air duct openings distributed both vertically and horizontally thereon, and an outlet opening in an upper part of the chamber. Operation of a blower causes air flow from the chamber, through the outlet opening, past the heating element to the air duct or ducts and out through the air duct openings. In one example, the chamber includes air ducts extending downward on opposite side of the chamber.
US07975603B1	Food processing system A food processing system includes sweep belt transfer of food product from a conveyor to a food processor such as a cooker or chiller. The conveyor may include upstream conveyance around a turn having a moving fence. The system may include an upstream conveyor to conveyor transfer from a widening gap upper conveyor to a lower conveyor.
US07975601B2	Engine cylinder liner An engine cylinder liner is provided. The engine cylinder liner includes a first liner end, a second liner end, and an inner surface extending between the first liner end and the second liner end. The engine cylinder liner also includes a first outer surface between the first liner end and a first outer surface end portion, and a second outer surface between the second liner end and a second outer surface end portion. The second outer surface end portion is closer to the first liner end, than the first outer surface end portion is to the first liner end. The engine cylinder liner further includes an inclined shoulder surface portion between the first and second outer surface end portions.
US07975595B2	Firearm A firearm having a bolt carrier comprising an operating rod slot that is open at an end of the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier also includes a cam slot extending from the operating rod slot. The firearm includes a bolt having a protrusion extending from the bolt which enters and is movable within the cam slot. The firearm further includes an operating rod comprising a piston and a foot. The foot is disposed within the operating rod slot to prevent the separation of the bolt from the bolt carrier and to connect the operating rod to the bolt carrier.
US07975592B2	Perforating apparatus, firing assembly, and method An apparatus for perforating a casing string including a first module and a second module, each including a gun assembly. The first module is positioned longitudinally adjacent the second module on the casing string. Each module contains a firing assembly for igniting the gun assembly in the first module, a remote signaler to remotely detonate the firing assembly, and ballistic transfer assembly for igniting the gun assembly in the second module. The ballistic transfer assembly includes a booster charge.
US07975591B2	Braiding bobbin, braiding machine and method for drawing off a fiber from the spool of a braiding bobbin A braiding bobbin includes a shaft and a spool from which a fiber thread can be drawn off through a thread guide mounted to rotate on the shaft. At least one torsion spring joins the shaft and the spool to each other. The spool is rotatable in a draw-off direction against the spring force and in an opposite, backwinding direction by the spring force of the torsion spring. A brake having an adjustable braking torque brakes rotation of the shaft in the draw-off direction.
US07975589B2	Scribing wheel for brittle material and manufacturing method for same, as well as scribing method, scribing apparatus and scribing tool using the same A scribing wheel for a brittle material includes a circumferential ridgeline in which two truncated cones have connected bottoms so as to share a rotational axis. Alternating notches and protrusions are formed along the circumference ridgeline. The protrusion are portions of the ridgeline remaining after the ridgeline is notched. The length of the notches is less than that of the protrusions so that a catch on the surface is improved while lowering the high penetrability.
US07975586B2	Microtome and method of reversibly altering a microtome A microtome includes a histological cassette support member that is adapted and configured to allow the microtome to be used in connection with relatively thin histological cassettes. A method of reversibly altering a microtome for use with different size histological specimen cassettes includes exchanging the cassette support member of the cassette holding assembly of the microtome with another cassette support member without altering other portions of the cassette holding assembly. A method is also disclosed that includes providing a microtome comprising a first histological tissue cassette clamp, providing a second histological tissue cassette clamp, securing the second histological tissue cassette clamp to the microtome via the first histological tissue cassette clamp, and securing a histological tissue cassette to the microtome via the second histological tissue cassette clamp when the second histological tissue cassette clamp is secured to the microtome via the first histological tissue cassette clamp.
US07975581B2	Apparatus for cutting off glass panes from a continuously produced glass sheet The apparatus for cutting glass panes from a continuously produced glass sheet includes a conveying apparatus for the glass sheet and for crosscut pieces; a crosscutting device for cutting the crosscut pieces from the glass sheet; a glass pane cutting device for cutting glass panes from the crosscut pieces; a glass fault detecting device; a border trimming station for cutting away borders; an edge control device and a cutting optimization device. The cutting optimization device determines one or more optimized cutting patterns so that cutting lines are placed in each crosscut piece close to regions to be discarded containing glass faults so that widths of the regions are minimized while providing a maximum number of usable glass panes. A method of cutting off glass panes so that the discarded glass sheet regions are minimized is also disclosed.
US07975579B1	System and method for cutting tires A system and method are provided for cutting scrap tires along a cut line that is generally parallel with sidewalls of the scrap tires. A base frame supports a cutting blade that is positioned to cut through the tread of a scrap tire lying on its sidewall. A blade engagement arm may be provided to at least partially receive the cutting blade from a back side of the tread portion. A motive system is provided for incrementally moving the cutting apparatus about a circumferential portion of the scrap tire as it is being cut.
US07975577B2	Self-opening hand tool The invention relates to a self-opening hand tool (1) with two tool halves (2, 3) that cross over each other at a joint (4), in particular in the form of a pair of pliers, scissors or the like, with one half of the tool (2, 3) forming a jaw (5) on one side of the joint (4) and a handle (6) on the other side of the joint (4), with a spring element (8) of elastically deformable rubber or plastic material also associated with a handle (6), which has an opening (9) through which the handle (6) passes, and that can be moved into at least one operating position at will by turning it from a non-operating position, in which operating position the spring element (8) contacts the opposite handle (6) depending on the spread angle of the handle (6) and the generation of the appropriate restoring force. To further improve the initially described hand tool for more advantageous use, it is recommended that the handle (6) be contained in a handle case and that the spring element (8) be supported by a form fit to maintain the operating position or the non-operating position.
US07975574B2	Ratchet wrench with switch moving in transverse direction A ratchet wrench includes a head and a handle interconnected to the head. The head includes a first compartment rotatably receiving a drive member. Two pawls are slideably received in a compartment of the head. A switch is slideably received in a third compartment of the head between first, second, and third operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. An actuator is slideably received in the second compartment and includes two guiding portions selectively engaged with one of the pawls when the switch is in one of the first and second operative positions. The pawls are disengaged from the guiding portions and engaged with the drive member when the switch is in the third operative positions, allowing the handle and the drive member to rotate in either of two directions driving a fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle relative to the drive member in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.

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