最新美国发明专利第2011-08-02期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07989344B2	Method for forming a nickelsilicide FUSI gate Ni3Si2 FUSI gates can be formed inter alia by further reaction of NiSi/Ni2Si gate stacks. Ni3Si2 behaves similarly to NiSi in terms of work function values, and of modulation with dopants on SiO2, in contrast to Ni-rich silicides which have significantly higher work function values on HfSixOy and negligible work function shifts with dopants on SiO2. Formation of Ni3Si2 can applied for applications targeting NiSi FUSI gates, thereby expanding the process window without changing the electrical properties of the FUSI gate.
US07989338B2	Grain boundary blocking for stress migration and electromigration improvement in CU interconnects Example embodiments of a structure and method for forming a copper interconnect having a doped region near a top surface. The doped region has implanted alloying elements that block grain boundaries and reduce stress and electro migration. In a first example embodiment, the barrier layer is left over the inter metal dielectric layer during the alloying element implant. The barrier layer is later removed with a planarization process. In a second example embodiment the barrier layer is removed before the alloying element implant and a hard mask blocks the alloying element from being implanted in the inter metal dielectric layer.
US07989336B2	Methods of forming a plurality of conductive lines in the fabrication of integrated circuitry, methods of forming an array of conductive lines, and integrated circuitry A method of forming a pair of conductive lines in the fabrication of integrated circuitry includes forming a trench into a damascene material received over a substrate. Conductive material is deposited over the damascene material and to within the trench to overfill the trench. The conductive material is removed back at least to the damascene material to leave at least some of the conductive material remaining in the trench. Etching is conducted longitudinally through the conductive material within the trench to form first and second conductive lines within the trench which are mirror images of one another in lateral cross section along at least a majority of length of the first and second conductive lines. Other implementations are contemplated.
US07989334B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which method is made up of a process of forming a wiring groove using a hard mask, a metal hard mask 107 is used to form a wiring groove 111, allowing the shape of the wiring groove 111 to be stabilized. Furthermore, a part or all of the metal hard mask 107 is removed before the formation of TaN and Cu layers in the wiring groove 111. This enables a reduction in possible damage, which may increase the dielectric constant of the surface of low-dielectric-constant film, and thus in possible inter-wire leakage current. As a result, a reliable semiconductor device can be provided.
US07989333B2	Methods of forming integrated circuit devices having anisotropically-oxidized nitride layers Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include forming a gate electrode on a substrate and forming a nitride layer on a sidewall and upper surface of the gate electrode. The nitride layer is then anisotropically oxidized under conditions that cause a first portion of the nitride layer extending on the upper surface of the gate electrode to be more heavily oxidized relative to a second portion of the nitride layer extending on the sidewall of the gate electrode. A ratio of a thickness of an oxidized first portion of the nitride layer relative to a thickness of an oxidized second portion of the nitride layer may be in a range from about 3:1 to about 7:1.
US07989332B2	Thin film transistor, display device having thin film transistor, and method for manufacturing the same A thin film transistor with excellent electric characteristics, a display device having the thin film transistor, and a method for manufacturing the thin film transistor and the display device are proposed. The thin film transistor includes a gate insulating film formed over a gate electrode, a microcrystalline semiconductor film formed over the gate insulating film, a buffer layer formed over the microcrystalline semiconductor film, a pair of semiconductor films to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added and which are formed over the buffer layer, and wirings formed over the pair of semiconductor films to which the impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added. A part of the gate insulating film or the entire gate insulating film, and/or a part of the microcrystalline semiconductor or the entire microcrystalline semiconductor includes an impurity element which serves as a donor.
US07989328B2	Resistive memory array using P-I-N diode select device and methods of fabrication thereof An electronic structure includes a resistive memory device, and a P-I-N diode in operative association with the resistive memory device. A plurality of such electronic structures are used in a resistive memory array, with the P-I-N diodes functioning as select devices in the array. Methods are provided for fabricating such resistive memory device-P-I-N diode structures.
US07989322B2	Methods of forming transistors Some embodiments include methods of forming voids within semiconductor constructions. In some embodiments the voids may be utilized as microstructures for distributing coolant, for guiding electromagnetic radiation, or for separation and/or characterization of materials. Some embodiments include constructions having micro-structures therein which correspond to voids, conduits, insulative structures, semiconductor structures or conductive structures.
US07989321B2	Semiconductor device gate structure including a gettering layer A method is provided that allows for maintaining a desired equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) by reducing the thickness of an interfacial layer in a gate structure. An interfacial layer is formed on a substrate, a gate dielectric layer such as, a high-k gate dielectric, is formed on the interfacial layer. A gettering layer is formed on the substrate overlying the interfacial layer. The gettering layer may function to getter oxygen from the interfacial layer such that the interfacial layer thickness is decreased and/or restricted from growth.
US07989320B2	Die bonding A die bonding method and apparatus by which a wafer substrate 11 adhered to a carrier tape 13 by an adhesive layer 12 is laser machined through the wafer substrate and through the adhesive layer at most to scribe the carrier tape to form a singulated die 15 with an attached singulated adhesive layer, without substantial delamination of the adhesive layer 12 and carrier tape 13 or substantial production of burrs from the adhesive layer 12. The carrier tape 13 is cured, preferably by ultraviolet light, to release the adhesive layer from the carrier tape. The singulated die is picked and placed on a die pad and the adhesive layer 12 is cured, preferably by heat, to adhere the die to the die pad.
US07989319B2	Semiconductor die singulation method In one embodiment, semiconductor die are singulated from a semiconductor wafer by etching openings completely through the semiconductor wafer.
US07989318B2	Method for stacking semiconductor dies A system and method for stacking semiconductor dies is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises forming through-silicon vias through the wafer, protecting a rim edge of the wafer, and then removing the unprotected portions so that the rim edge has a greater thickness than the thinned wafer. This thickness helps the fragile wafer survive further transport and process steps. The rim edge is then preferably removed during singulation of the individual dies from the wafer.
US07989317B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device To provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device in which manufacturing cost can be reduced, and a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device with reduced manufacturing time and improved yield. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device is provided, which includes the steps of forming a first layer containing a metal over a substrate, forming a second layer containing an inorganic material on the first layer, forming a third layer including a thin film transistor on the second layer, irradiating the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer with laser light to form an opening portion through at least the second layer and the third layer.
US07989312B2	Double-sided integrated circuit chips A semiconductor structure and method of fabricating the structure. The method includes removing the backside silicon from two silicon-on-insulator wafers having devices fabricated therein and bonding them back to back utilizing the buried oxide layers. Contacts are then formed in the upper wafer to devices in the lower wafer and wiring levels are formed on the upper wafer. The lower wafer may include wiring levels. The lower wafer may include landing pads for the contacts. Contacts to the silicon layer of the lower wafer may be silicided.
US07989311B2	Strained semiconductor by full wafer bonding One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for forming a wafer with a strained semiconductor. In various embodiments of the method, a predetermined contour is formed in one of a semiconductor membrane and a substrate wafer. The semiconductor membrane is bonded to the substrate wafer and the predetermined contour is straightened to induce a predetermined strain in the semiconductor membrane. In various embodiments, a substrate wafer is flexed into a flexed position, a portion of the substrate wafer is bonded to a semiconductor layer when the substrate wafer is in the flexed position, and the substrate wafer is relaxed to induce a predetermined strain in the semiconductor layer. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US07989309B2	Method of improving a shallow trench isolation gapfill process A method of forming a graded trench for a shallow trench isolation region is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a substrate region. The method further includes forming a pad oxide layer overlying the substrate region. Additionally, the method includes forming an etch stop layer overlying the pad oxide layer. The method further includes patterning the etch stop layer and the pad oxide layer to expose a portion of the substrate region. In addition, the method includes forming a trench within an exposed portion of the substrate region, the trench having sidewalls and a bottom and a first depth. The method additionally includes forming a dielectric layer overlying the trench sidewalls, the trench bottom, and mesa regions adjacent to the trench. The method further includes etching the substrate region to increase the depth of at least a portion of the trench to a second depth.
US07989297B2	Asymmetric epitaxy and application thereof The present invention provides a method of forming asymmetric field-effect-transistors. The method includes forming a gate structure on top of a semiconductor substrate, the gate structure including a gate stack and spacers adjacent to sidewalls of the gate stack, and having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; performing angled ion-implantation from the first side of the gate structure in the substrate, thereby forming an ion-implanted region adjacent to the first side, wherein the gate structure prevents the angled ion-implantation from reaching the substrate adjacent to the second side of the gate structure; and performing epitaxial growth on the substrate at the first and second sides of the gate structure. As a result, epitaxial growth on the ion-implanted region is much slower than a region experiencing no ion-implantation. A source region formed to the second side of the gate structure by the epitaxial growth has a height higher than a drain region formed to the first side of the gate structure by the epitaxial growth. A semiconductor structure formed thereby is also provided.
US07989296B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same A semiconductor device and related method of manufacture are disclosed. The semiconductor device comprises a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate, an active region containing spaces formed below the gate electrode, a channel region formed between the gate electrode and the spaces, and source and drain regions formed on opposite sides of the gate electrode within the active region. The spaces are formed by etching a semiconductor layer formed below the gate electrode in the active region.
US07989292B2	Method of fabricating a semiconductor device with a channel formed in a vertical direction In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device on a substrate which includes a plurality of pillar patterns, an impurity region between adjacent pillar patterns, a gate electrode on each pillar pattern, a first capping layer covering the gate electrode, and a separation layer covering the first capping layer between the gate electrodes of adjacent pillar patterns, the first capping layer is removed except for a portion contacting the separation layer, a sacrificial layer is formed to cover the gate electrode, a second capping layer is formed on sidewalls of each pillar pattern, the sacrificial layer is removed and a word line connecting the gate electrodes of the adjacent pillar patterns is formed. In the manufactured device, the first capping layer isolates the impurity region from the word line and the second capping region prevents the sidewalls of the respective pillar pattern from being exposed.
US07989291B2	Anisotropic stress generation by stress-generating liners having a sublithographic width A protruding structure having a linear edge is formed on a substrate. The protruding structure may be a gate line of a field effect transistor. A stress-generating liner is deposited on the substrate. A non-photosensitive self-assembling block copolymer layer containing at least two immiscible polymeric block components is deposited on the stress-generating liner, and is annealed to allow phase separation of immiscible components. The polymeric resist is developed to remove at least one of the at least two polymeric block components, which formed a pattern of nested lines due to the linear edge of the protruding structure. Linear nanoscale stripes are formed in the polymeric resist which is self-aligning and self-assembled. The stress-generating layer is patterned into linear stress-generating stripes having a sublithographic width. The linear stress-generating stripes provide a predominantly uniaxial stress along their lengthwise direction, providing an anisotropic stress to an underlying semiconductor device.
US07989288B2	Transistor constructions and processing methods A transistor construction includes a first floating gate having a first conductive or semiconductive surface and a second floating gate having a second conductive or semiconductive surface. A dielectric region is circumferentially surrounded by the first surface. The region is configured to reduce capacitive coupling between the first and second surfaces. Another transistor construction includes a floating gate having a cavity extending completely through the floating gate from a first surface of the floating gate to an opposing second surface of the floating gate. The floating gate otherwise encloses the cavity, which is filled with at least one dielectric. A method includes closing an upper portion of an opening in insulator material with a gate material during the deposition before filling a lower portion with the gate material. The depositing and closing provide an enclosed cavity within the lower portion of the opening.
US07989282B2	Structure and method for latchup improvement using through wafer via latchup guard ring A method and structure for preventing latchup. The structure includes a latchup sensitive structure and a through wafer via structure bounding the latch-up sensitive structure to prevent parasitic carriers from being injected into the latch-up sensitive structure.
US07989281B2	Method for manufacturing dual gate in semiconductor device Provided is a method for manufacturing a dual gate in a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a gate insulating layer and a gate conductive layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a diffusion barrier layer on the gate conductive layer, forming a barrier metal layer on the diffusion barrier layer, depositing a first gate metal layer on the barrier metal layer, forming a metal nitride barrier layer on a surface of the first gate metal layer by supplying nitrogen (N2) plasma on the first gate metal layer, forming a second gate metal layer on the metal nitride barrier layer, and forming a hard mask layer on the second gate metal layer.
US07989279B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device A method of fabricating a semiconductor device in which a plurality of conductive lines having a fine pitch and a uniform thickness can be formed is provided. The method includes forming a plurality of first conductive patterns in a insulation layer as closed curves, forming a plurality of mask patterns on the insulation layer, the mask patterns exposing end portions of each of the first conductive patterns, and forming a plurality of second conductive patterns in the insulation layer as lines by removing the end portions of each of the first conductive patterns.
US07989278B2	Compound semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same The compound semiconductor device comprises an i-GaN buffer layer 12 formed on an SiC substrate 10; an n-AlGaN electron supplying layer 16 formed on the i-GaN buffer layer 12; an n-GaN cap layer 18 formed on the n-AlGaN electron supplying layer 16; a source electrode 20 and a drain electrode 22 formed on the n-GaN cap layer 18; a gate electrode 26 formed on the n-GaN cap layer 18 between the source electrode 20 and the drain electrode 22; a first protection layer 24 formed on the n-GaN cap layer 18 between the source electrode 20 and the drain electrode 22; and a second protection layer 30 buried in an opening 28 formed in the first protection layer 24 between the gate electrode 26 and the drain electrode 22 down to the n-GaN cap layer 18 and formed of an insulation film different from the first protection layer.
US07989274B2	Display device having oxide thin film transistor and fabrication method thereof A display device including an oxide thin film transistor (TFT) is disclosed. A nitride-based gate insulating layer of a gate pad area is etched when an oxide semiconductor layer of a pixel area is etched by using a half-tone mask, a metal layer is formed at a contact hole of the etched gate insulting layer, and then a passivation layer formed thereon is etched. Thus, an overhang of the passivation layer can be prevented from being generated when the gate insulating layer is etched, and accordingly, the fabrication process can be simplified.
US07989271B2	Method for fabricating an LCD device A method for fabricating an LCD device is disclosed, in which a reliable thin film pattern is formed as process deviation is minimized. The method includes forming a thin film on a substrate; forming an etch resist solution on the thin film; applying a soft mold having a concave portion and a convex portion to the etch resist solution, wherein the convex portion includes a first width and a second width different than the first width; forming an etch resist pattern having a predetermined linewidth controlled by the pressure applied by the soft mold; hardening the etch resist pattern; separating the soft mold from the substrate; and patterning the thin film using the etch resist pattern as a mask.
US07989267B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device and manufacturing method of lead frame Improvement in the reliability of a semiconductor device is aimed at. By heating a lead frame, after preparing a lead frame with a tape, until a resin molding is performed, at the temperature 160 to 300° C. (preferably 180 to 300° C.) for a total of more than 2 minutes in the atmosphere which has oxygen, crosslinkage density becoming high in resin of adhesives, a low molecular compound volatilizes and jumps out outside, therefore as a result, since a low molecular compound does not remain in resin of adhesives, the generation of copper migration can be prevented.
US07989266B2	Methods for separating individual semiconductor devices from a carrier A wafer of integrated circuits may be bonded to a carrier wafer using a layer of bonding material. The thickness of the wafer of integrated circuits may then be reduced using a series of grinding operations. After grinding, backside processing operations may be performed to form scribe channels that separate the die from each other and to form through-wafer vias. The scribe channels may be formed by dry etching and may have rectangular shapes, circular shapes, or other shapes. A pick and place tool may have a heated head. The bonding layer material may be based on a thermoplastic or other material that can be released by application of heat by the heated head of the pick and place tool. The pick and place tool may individually debond each of the integrated circuits from the carrier wafer and may mount the debonded circuits in packages.
US07989265B2	Process for making a semiconductor system having devices that have contacts on top and bottom surfaces of each device Multiple devices, including a first device and a second device, have operational circuitry and opposing first and second surfaces. First and second electrical contacts are formed at the first surface, while a third electrical contact is formed at the second surface opposite the first electrical contact. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to the operational circuitry, and the second electrical contact is electrically connected to the third electrical contact. The first device and the second device are subsequently stacked such that the first surface of the second device is located adjacent the second surface of the first device such that the first electrical contact of the second device is aligned with the third electrical contact of the first device. The first electrical contact of the second device is electrically connected to the third electrical contact of the first device.
US07989263B2	Method for manufacturing a micromechanical chip and a component having a chip of this type In a method for manufacturing a micromechanical chip, a sacrificial layer and an epitaxy layer are initially applied to a semiconductor substrate to produce a layer stack. An opening is subsequently introduced into the epitaxy layer from the front side of the layer stack. In order to electrically insulate the subsequent filling of the opening using a conductive contact layer from the material of the epitaxy layer, the walls of the opening are provided with an insulating layer. For removing the sacrificial layer and thus for producing the chip, separation trenches are subsequently etched through the epitaxy layer to the sacrificial layer also from the front side of the layer stack, which separation trenches also delimit the lateral extension of the chip.
US07989255B2	Optical device A method of forming an optical device comprising the steps of: providing a substrate comprising a first electrode capable of injecting or accepting charge carriers of a first type; forming over the first electrode a first layer that is at least partially insoluble in a solvent by depositing a first semiconducting material that is free of cross-linkable vinyl or ethynyl groups and is, at the time of deposition, soluble in the solvent; forming a second layer in contact with the first layer and comprising a second semiconducting material by depositing a second semiconducting material from a solution in the solvent; and forming over the second layer a second electrode capable of injecting or accepting charge carriers of a second type wherein the first layer is rendered at least partially insoluble by one or more of heat, vacuum and ambient drying treatment following deposition of the first semiconducting material.
US07989248B2	Method of forming monolithic CMOS-MEMS hybrid integrated, packaged structures A method of forming Monolithic CMOS-MEMS hybrid integrated, packaged structures includes the steps of providing: providing at least one semiconductor substrate having a CMOS device area including dielectric layers and metallization layers; applying at least one protective layer overlying the CMOS device area; forming at least one opening on the protective layer and patterning the dielectric and metallization layers to access the semiconductor substrate; forming at least one opening on the semiconductor substrate by etching the dielectric and metallization layers; applying at least one filler layer in the at least one opening on the semiconductor substrate; positioning at least one chip on the filler layer, the chip including a prefabricated front face and a bare backside; applying a first insulating layer covering the front face of the chip providing continuity from the semiconductor substrate to the chip; forming at least one via opening on the insulating layer covering the chip to access at least one contact area; applying at least one metallization layer overlying the insulating layer on the substrate and the chip connecting the metallization layer on the substrate to the at least one another contact area on the chip; applying a second insulating layer overlying the metallization layer on the at least one chip; applying at least one interfacial layer; applying at least one rigid substrate overlying the interfacial layer; and applying at least one secondary protective layer overlying the rigid substrate.
US07989246B2	Package method of micro-electro-mechanical system chip The present invention proposes a MEMS chip and a package method thereof. The package method comprises; making a capping wafer by: providing a first substrate and forming an etch stop layer on the first substrate; making a device wafer by: providing a second substrate and forming a MEMS device and a material layer surrounding the MEMS device on the second substrate; bonding the capping wafer and the device wafer; after bonding, etching the first substrate to form at least one via; etching the etch stop layer through the via; etch the material layer; and forming a sealing layer on the first substrate.
US07989243B2	Method for fabricating pixel structure A pixel structure fabricating method is provided. A gate is formed on a substrate. A gate insulation layer covering the gate is formed on the substrate. A channel layer, a source, and a drain are simultaneously formed on the gate insulation layer above the gate. The gate, channel layer, source, and drain form a thin film transistor (TFT). A passivation layer is formed on the TFT and the gate insulation layer. A black matrix is formed on the passivation layer. The black matrix has a contact opening above the drain and a color filter containing opening. A color filer layer is formed within the color filter containing opening through inkjet printing. A dielectric layer is formed on the black matrix and the color filter layer. The dielectric layer and the passivation layer are patterned to expose the drain. A pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain is formed.
US07989238B2	Group III nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device and production method therefor Provided is a Group III nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device including aluminum regions. The Group III nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device includes a sapphire substrate; aluminum regions which are formed on the substrate; an AlN buffer layer; an Si-doped GaN n-contact layer; an n-cladding layer formed of multiple layer units, each including an undoped In0.1Ga0.9N layer, an undoped GaN layer, and a silicon (Si)-doped GaN layer; an MQW light-emitting layer including alternately stacked eight well layers formed of In0.2Ga0.8N and eight barrier layers formed of GaN and Al0.06Ga0.94N; a p-cladding layer formed of multiple layers including a p-type Al0.3Ga0.7N layer and a p-type In0.08Ga0.92N layer; a p-contact layer having a layered structure including two p-type GaN layers having different magnesium concentrations; and an ITO light-transmitting electrode.
US07989234B2	Method for manufacturing thin film transistor and method for manufacturing display device An object is to provide a method for manufacturing a thin film transistor and a display device with reduced number of masks, in which adverse effects of optical current are suppressed. A manufacturing method comprises forming a stack including, from bottom to top, a light-blocking film, a base film, a first conductive film, a first insulating film, a semiconductor film, an impurity semiconductor film, and a second conductive film; performing first etching on the whole thickness of the stack using a first resist mask formed over it; forming a gate electrode layer by side etching the first conductive film in a second etching; forming a second resist mask over the stack; and performing third etching down to the semiconductor film, and partially etching it, using the second resist mask to form a source and drain electrode layer, a source and drain region, and a semiconductor layer.
US07989233B2	Semiconductor nanowire with built-in stress A semiconductor nanowire having two semiconductor pads on both ends is suspended over a substrate. Stress-generating liner portions are formed over the two semiconductor pads, while a middle portion of the semiconductor nanowire is exposed. A gate dielectric and a gate electrode are formed over the middle portion of the semiconductor nanowire while the semiconductor nanowire is under longitudinal stress due to the stress-generating liner portions. The middle portion of the semiconductor nanowire is under a built-in inherent longitudinal stress after removal of the stress-generating liners because the formation of the gate dielectric and the gate electrode locks in the strained state of the semiconductor nanowire. Source and drain regions are formed in the semiconductor pads to provide a semiconductor nanowire transistor. A middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer may be formed directly on the source and drain pads.
US07989229B2	Tactile surface inspection during device fabrication or assembly Processes for inspecting a surface during device fabrication include contacting the surface with a tactile sensor. The tactile sensor is an electroluminescent tactile sensor array or a current electrode sensor array or a capacitive sensor array. The sensor is configured to convert local stress resulting from contact with the surface into light intensity and/or modulation in local current density. Both the light intensity and current density are linearly proportional to the local stress. The image stress provided by the sensor can then be captured by focusing the light intensity onto a suitable detector to provide a topographical image of the surface. Current density can alternatively be directly sensed via high resolution electrode array.
US07989227B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor chip and semiconductor module An FOM (figure of merit) enabling evaluation from a cost aspect, as well as evaluation of electrical performance, is newly proposed to provide a method of manufacturing based on the FOM a semiconductor chip intended for a lower cost production in addition to satisfying electrical performance. An FOMC of a semiconductor chip is defined as the product of a term represented by electrical performance of a substrate S and a term represented by a semiconductor chip cost CC; the FOMC of each of the semiconductor chips on substrates SS, SC of different type is determined by calculation of the product thereof. Based on the magnitudes of the calculation results, a desired substrate is selected from the substrates SS, SC and then a semiconductor chip is fabricated by forming a semiconductor element on the desired substrate selected.
US07989226B2	Clocking architecture in stacked and bonded dice A method and apparatus for distributing clock signals throughout an integrated circuit is provided. An embodiment comprises a distribution die which contains either the clock signal distribution network by itself, or the clock signal distribution network in tandem with a clock signal generator. The distribution die is electrically connected through an interface technology, such as microbumps, to route the clock signals to the functional circuits on a separate functional die. Alternatively, the distribution die could be electrically connected to more than one die at a time, using vias through the distribution die to route the clock signals to the different die. This separate distribution die reduces the coupling between lines and also helps to prevent signal skew as the signal moves through the distribution network.
US07989224B2	Sidewall coating for non-uniform spin momentum-transfer magnetic tunnel junction current flow A magnetic tunnel junction device comprises a substrate including a patterned wiring layer. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack is formed over the wiring layer. A low-conductivity layer is formed over the MTJ stack and a conductive hard mask is formed thereon. A spacer material is then deposited that includes a different electrical conductivity than the low conductivity layer. The spacer material is etched from horizontal surfaces so that the spacer material remains only on sidewalls of the hard mask and a stud. A further etch process leaves behind the sidewall-spacer material as a conductive link between a free magnetic layer and the conductive hard mask, around the low-conductivity layer. A difference in electrical conductivity between the stud and the spacer material enhances current flow along the edges of the free layer within the MTJ stack and through the spacer material formed on the sidewalls.
US07989220B2	Metal-enhanced fluorescence for polarization-based affinity assays A method and kit for determining the quantity of an analyte include providing a functionalized substrate and a reagent. The functionalized substrate includes metallic nanoparticles and a plurality of substantively identical bioactive target molecules affixed to a substrate. The bioactive target molecule binds to a particular analyte. The reagent includes identical detection molecules. Each detection molecule includes a fluorophore, and binds to a particular analyte or competes with a particular analyte for binding to the target molecule. The functionalized substrate is contacted to a test sample and the reagent. The functionalized substrate and a covering solution are exposed to polarized electromagnetic waves that excite the fluorophore. A quantity of the particular analyte in the test sample is determined based on measuring polarization anisotropy of fluorescent emissions from the substrate and the covering solution.
US07989219B2	Bispecific capturing molecule A capturing molecule having an association containing a plurality of polypeptide chains that specifically bind to different sites of a target substance, characterized in that each of the polypeptide chains has a domain having a hypervariable loop structure at a binding site binding to the target substance and an association portion for forming the association, and the polypeptide chains are associated via the association portions present in the polypeptide chains.
US07989211B1	Functionalized gold surface-enhanced raman scattering substrate for rapid and ultra-sensitive detection of anionic species in the environment This invention relates to the development of a new Raman enhancing reagent and a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method for rapid and ultra-sensitive detection and identification of perchlorate (ClO4−) and other anions such as technetium (TcO4−), uranium and nitrate in environmental samples. The method involves the synthesis of controlled gold nanoparticles which are modified with amine functional groups such as 2-(dimethylamino)ethanethiol and N,N,N-trimethylaminethiol. These functionalized Au nanoparticles were found to be reactive with perchlorate and other anions and can be used to detect these anions by Raman spectroscopy at ultra low concentrations in complex environmental matrices. This invention overcomes the limitations of currently-available analytical techniques by offering an inexpensive, rapid, ultra-sensitive, and real-time identification and detection of perchlorate and other anions. The technique is not only sensitive but also highly specific because of the unique Raman vibrational bands of perchlorate and other anions.
US07989206B2	High expression Zymomonas promoters Identified are mutants of the promoter of the Z. mobilis glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, which direct improved expression levels of operably linked heterologous nucleic acids. These are high expression promoters useful for expression of chimeric genes in Zymomonas, Zymobacter, and other related bacteria.
US07989203B2	Methods for use of apoptotic cells to deliver antigen to dendritic cells for induction or tolerization of T cells This invention relates to methods and compositions useful for delivering antigens to dendritic cells which are then useful for inducing antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and T helper cells. This invention also provides assays for evaluating the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. According to the invention, antigens are targeted to dendritic cells by apoptotic cells which may also be modified to express non-native antigens for presentation to the dendritic cells. The dendritic cells which are primed by the apoptotic cells are capable of processing and presenting the processed antigen and inducing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity or may also be used in vaccine therapies.
US07989188B2	Conjugates for cancer therapy and diagnosis The present invention relates to conjugates of a drug and an amino acid or an amino acid derivative or analog, pharmaceutical compositions that include the conjugates and methods of use thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to conjugates of anti-proliferative drugs and asparagine and glutamine and analogs thereof as compositions for treatment of cancer, and conjugates of imaging agent carriers and amino acids for the diagnosis of tumors and metastases.
US07989187B2	Microorganisms and processes for enhanced production of pantothenate The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate, by increasing enzymes or substrates that contribute directly or indirectly to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.
US07989186B2	Compositions and methods for detecting cryptococcus neoformans Disclosed are oligonucleotides useful in methods for determining whether a sample contains Cryptococcus neoformans, a causative agent for human cryptococcosis. These oligonucleotides, which have nucleotide sequences derived from a coding segment of the gene encoding the fungal specific transcription factor gene in Cryptococcus neoformans, are useful as forward and reverse primers for a polymerase chain reaction using nucleic acids from a biological sample as templates, and as probes for detecting any resultant amplicon. Detection of an amplicon indicates the sample contains Cryptococcus neoformans. Real-time PCR and detection using florescence resonance energy transfer is disclosed.
US07989185B2	Rapid, informative diagnostic assay for influenza viruses including H5N1 A rapid diagnostic assay for influenza virus, particularly avian influenza and more particularly H5N1, is described. The assay is based on amplification of a significant portion of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene and sequencing of several loci within the HA gene, using techniques which can obtain real time sequence information from multiple sites of a target DNA, in particular pyrosequencing and bioluminescence regenerative cycle. The assay contemplates the use of information-rich subsequences within the HA gene, e.g., (1) a glycosylation sequon; (2) receptor binding site; and (3) HA1/HA2 cleavage site. Other subsequences for sequencing include strain and clade markers, which vary among H5N1 strains.
US07989183B2	Soluble fusion proteins comprising heterologous polypeptides A soluble fusion protein is disclosed. The soluble fusion protein comprises at least one soluble polypeptide and a heterologous polypeptide being fused thereto, the heterologous polypeptide being normally insoluble and/or suboptimally expressed when expressed in a cell, wherein the at least one soluble polypeptide has an amino acid sequence at least 65 percent similar to SEQ ID NO: 1 and/or 2, as determined using the Standard protein-protein BLAST [blastp] software of the NCBI.
US07989181B2	Methods and compositions for producing recombinant proteins using a gene for TRNA The invention relates to host cells with improved protein expressed properties. The host cells comprise rare tRNA genes within the one or more rRNA operons.
US07989179B2	LXR ligand testing method A method of easily measuring whether or not an LXR ligand has the function of effecting, e.g., increasing, plasma triglyceride concentration and/or LDL cholesterol concentration in a mammal by using the binding activity between LXR and a coactivator, and a method of identifying LXR ligands that do not have the function of effecting, e.g., increasing, plasma triglyceride concentration and/or LDL cholesterol concentration by using the binding activity between LXR and a coactivator.
US07989177B2	Method and device for ultrasound assisted particle agglutination assay Ultrasound-assisted particle agglutination assay methods and apparatuses are described based on first providing a standing wave ultrasound field at a resonance frequency of a test liquid in a resonator cell containing microparticles covered with a binding agent with high affinity to an analyte sought to be detected by the assay test. Formation of the specifically-bound and nonspecifically-bound aggregates of these microparticles is then followed by effective stirring of the liquid with swept-frequency sonication causing disintegration of nonspecifically-bound aggregates and leaving specifically-bound aggregates in place for further detection and measurement. The methods and devices of the invention allow significant improvement in the sensitivity and specificity of agglutination tests and are advantageously applicable to detecting various proteins, DNA, RNA and other biologically active substances. Specific examples are provided.
US07989169B2	Selective amplification of methylated nucleic acids The invention is related to a method for amplifying a methylated target nucleic acid in a sample while avoiding amplification of a non-methylated target nucleic acid by inactivating it. This is accomplished by a restriction enzyme digest after bisulfite treatment of the target nucleic acid. The invention is further related to the use of a restriction enzyme to avoid amplification of a non-methylated target nucleic acid while amplifying a methylated target nucleic acid in a sample and kits for performing the methods according to the invention.
US07989166B2	Circle probes and their use in the identification of biomolecules The present invention provides oligonucleotides and methods for efficient detection of target nucleic acids using rolling circle replication. In one aspect, the oligonucleotides of the invention are characteristic in that they can be circularised without an external ligation template. In another aspect, the oligonucleotides of the invention are characteristic in that they can generate a free 3′end of the target nucleic acid necessary for rolling circle replication. The oligonucleotides and detection methods of the invention are useful e.g. as research tool and for diagnosis.
US07989164B2	Detection of macromolecular complexes with harmonic cantilevers Method and apparatus which uses harmonic cantilevers, such as used in atomic force microscopy, to detect variations in the attractive and repulsive forces on a solid surface as a result of macromolecular binding, for example, hybridization of a single stranded DNA molecule attached to the surface with another DNA molecule. The complexed macromolecule is less flexible than an uncomplexed molecule. It will typically have more negative charge due to amino acids or DNA monomers. Both stiffness of the surface and the attractive capillary forces will change after binding and may be detected. By scanning the harmonic cantilever across a surface with macromolecules attached in tapping-mode and by recording the signals at the high frequency vibrations provided by harmonic cantilever, complexed molecules on a surface may be identified and quantified.
US07989162B2	Viral variants with altered susceptibility to nucleoside analogs and uses thereof The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.
US07989161B2	Methods for determining human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) protease sensitivity or resistance to antivirals utilizing an inducible yeast expression system A method for determining sensitivity or resistance of isolates of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) retroviruses to chemical molecules having an inhibiting activity on a viral protease or to therapeutic treatments based on inhibitors of the viral protease, including causing cell lysis of at least one yeast by expression of the retrovirus protease.
US07989160B2	Polynucleotides and polypeptide sequences involved in the process of bone remodeling This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling, variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides, uses of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives, and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are the isolation and identification of polynucleotides polypeptides variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.
US07989158B2	Solution containing carnitine for the storage and perfusion of organs awaiting transplantation A storage solution to maintain and perfuse organs awaiting transplantation comprising (a) an isotonic balanced solution comprising a physiologically acceptable amount of potassium, mono acidic phosphate, biacidic phosphate, chloride, sodium and bicarbonate ions; (b) 50-250 mM glucose; (c) 0.2-20 mM of an alkanoyl L-carnitine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof; (d) 1-100 mM of L-carnitine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof; (e) water is described. The storage solution can also include other components such as anti-oxidants and/or chelating agents.
US07989156B2	Substrate treatment method and substrate treatment apparatus A substrate treatment apparatus which uniformly forms a fine resist pattern with a desired dimension within a plane of a substrate is disclosed. In a solvent vapor supply unit, a solvent vapor discharge nozzle is provided which can discharge a solvent vapor for swelling a resist pattern while moving above the front surface of a wafer. The wafer for which developing treatment has been finished and on which a resist pattern has been formed is carried into the solvent vapor supply unit, and the solvent vapor discharge nozzle is moved above the front surface of the wafer, so that the solvent vapor discharge nozzle supplies the solvent vapor onto the front surface of the wafer. This uniformly supplies a predetermined amount of solvent vapor to the resist pattern on the front surface of the wafer. As a result, the solvent vapor causes the resist pattern to evenly swell by a predetermined dimension, so that a resist pattern with a desired dimension is finally uniformly formed within the plane of the wafer.
US07989148B2	Method for forming photoelectric composite board In a method for forming a photoelectric composite board (10) on which a photoelectric transducer (5) is mounted, photo-masks (111, 112, 113) which are used in processes to form the photoelectric composite board (10) are respectively disposed on the basis of a reference mark (33) previously formed on a metal thin film (101). In addition, openings (22) are formed on solder resist layers (8) by irradiating laser beams at positions defined on the basis of a reference point (4a) defined above a light deflector (4) formed on an end of a light guide (3).
US07989145B2	Method for forming fine pattern of semiconductor device A method for forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device comprises forming a spin-on-carbon layer over an underlying layer, forming an anti-reflection pattern including a silicon containing polymer with a first etching mask pattern, forming a photoresist pattern including a silicon containing polymer with a second etching mask pattern between elements of the first etching mask pattern, and etching the spin-on-carbon layer with the etching mask patterns to reduce the process steps and the manufacturing cost, thereby obtaining a uniform pattern profile.
US07989141B2	Lithographic printing plate precursor and method for preparing lithographic printing plate A lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support; and an image forming layer formed from a photosensitive composition, wherein the photosensitive composition includes: a photopolymerization initiator; a polymerizable compound; and a binder polymer including a graft chain, and the graft chain is a hydrophilic graft chain including a hydrophilic group.
US07989140B2	Curable composition, image forming material, and planographic printing plate precursor A curable composition, including: a polymerizable compound (a) including an ethylenically unsaturated bond; a binder polymer (b); a radical polymerization initiator (c); and an alicyclic compound (d) including a urea bond is provided.
US07989139B2	Azo-metal chelate dye and optical recording medium The azo-metal chelate dye to which the present invention is applied is a compound formed as follows: for example, 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring is selected as the diazo component; the diazo component is combined with a coupler component having condensed rings including a fluorine-substituted alkylsulfonylamino group and an amino group, to form an azo dye compound; and the azo dye compound forms chelate bonds with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Cu and Pd. Here, two absorption bands (OD1 and OD2) are seen in the absorption spectrum, which is measured in a range of 400 to 800 nm wavelengths. The azo-metal chelate dye is characterized in that the optical density ratio (OD2/OD1) of the two absorption bands is greater than 1.25. By using this azo-metal chelate dye, an optical recording medium capable of high-speed recording is provided.
US07989135B2	Solvent-free phase inversion process for producing resin emulsions A process for making a resin emulsion suitable for use in forming toner particles includes melt mixing a resin possessing acid groups at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin, optionally adding a surfactant before, prior to, during, or after melt mixing the resin, and adding a basic neutralization agent and water to the resin to form an emulsion. In embodiments, the resin emulsion thus produced may be utilized to form a toner.
US07989132B2	Image sheet forming method and image sheet forming apparatus An image sheet forming method includes supplying a first sheet including a non-transparent layer, and transferring a toner image onto a toner image carrying surface of the first sheet. The method further includes integrating a second sheet, which includes a base layer and a transparent layer, with the first sheet in a manner that the toner image is sandwiched between the toner image carrying surface of the first sheet and the transparent layer of the second sheet. The method further includes separating the base layer from the second sheet while fixing the toner image.
US07989130B2	Electrostatic latent image developing toner, manufacturing method for electrostatic latent image developing toner, electrostatic latent image developing developer, and image forming method The present invention provides an electrostatic latent image developing toner including a binding resin having an acidic polar group, a magnetic powder, and a carboxylic acid group-containing compound, the toner having a shape factor (SF1) of 110 to 140, wherein the carboxylic acid group-containing compound has a weight-average molecular weight of 1800 to 50,000 and an acid value of 150 to 600 mg KOH/g.
US07989129B2	Hydroxyquinoline containing photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer that contains at least one charge transport component, and where the photogenerating layer contains a hydroxyquinoline.
US07989120B2	Separator for high-temperature fuel cell Provided is a high-temperature fuel cell separator. The fuel cell separator includes a fuel gas flow path containing hydrogen, an oxidant gas flow path containing mainly an oxygen component being supplied from an oxygen/nitrogen separator of a system and participating in electrochemical reactions, and a cooling gas flow path containing a nitrogen component to remove heat produced upon power generation of a fuel cell. Such a configuration provides a high-temperature fuel cell separator which is capable of improving efficiency of an overall fuel cell system through improved performance of a fuel cell stack due to increased oxygen partial pressure and which is also capable of improving reliability of the fuel cell stack through inhibition of the occurrence of a high-temperature region resulting from heat produced upon power generation of a fuel cell, by means of a flow of cooling gas containing a nitrogen component.
US07989118B2	System and method for manufacturing fuel cell stacks A method of manufacturing a fuel cell stack is provided. The method provides forming an inspectable preassembly of multiple fuel cell assemblies that may be termed a pseudostack. Each fuel cell in the pseudostack has permanent electrical interconnections and sealing connections on only one of the two electrodes, namely an anode layer or a cathode layer. For example, an anode interconnect may be firmly attached to the anode layer by means of a bonding agent and a sealing agent used to seal passages on the anode layer of the fuel cell. Alternatively, seals and permanent electrical connections may be made on the cathode layer of the fuel cell, and not on the anode layer.
US07989115B2	Highly stable fuel cell membranes and methods of making them A solid polymer electrolyte membrane having (a) an ion exchange material and (b) dispersed in said ion exchange material, a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst bound to a carbon particle support, wherein the hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst comprises (i) polyvinylphosphonic acid and (ii) cerium.
US07989111B2	Fuel cell and information electronic device mounting the fuel cell A fuel cell includes cell units each composed of a hydrogen ion conductive polymeric electrolyte membrane, a pair of electrodes arranged on the front and rear faces of the hydrogen ion conductive polymeric electrolyte membrane, and a diffusion layer contacting the electrodes to cover the electrodes. The cell units are pushed down by an end plate having a current-collecting metallic plate and a resin substrate for fixing the current-collecting metallic plate. A layer having a humidity-adjusting component is formed on the surface of the resin substrate of the end plate.
US07989109B2	Organic electrolytic solution and lithium battery employing the same An organic electrolytic solution for a lithium primary or secondary battery includes a lithium salt; an organic solvent; a radical initiator represented by Formula 1 below; and a polymerizable monomer represented by Formula 2 below: R1—N2+X− wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and X− are described herein. The organic electrolytic solution improves charge-discharge efficiency and increases cell capacity of the lithium primary or secondary battery.
US07989108B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte battery and producing method thereof A non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode includes a molded body made by compression molding a granulated material containing a negative electrode active material, a conductive agent, and a binder. The negative electrode active material includes a Si-containing material. Volume-based 90% particle size R (D90) of the negative electrode active material, volume-based 10% particle size Rz (D10) and 90% particle size Rz (D90) of the granulated material, and thickness T of the molded body satisfy the following relation formulae: (i) R (D90)
US07989107B2	Lithium-ion secondary battery A lithium-ion secondary battery where a current collecting member and a foil are joined to each other securely while damage of the foil is suppressed is provided. The lithium-ion secondary battery is provided with a winding group obtained by winding a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate via a separator. An end portion of a positive electrode mixture non-application portion and an end portion of a negative electrode mixture non-application portion project at an upper portion and a lower portion of the winding group, respectively. Current collecting disks 7 are disposed so as to face both end faces of the winding group, respectively. The current collecting disk 7 has projecting ridge portions 8 on a face thereof opposite to the winding group and flat face portions facing the winding group at positions corresponding to the projecting ridge portions 8. The projecting ridge portions 8 are formed radially. The end portion of the positive electrode mixture non-application portion and the end portion of the negative electrode mixture non-application portion are caused to abut on the flat face portions of the current collecting disks 7 and joining is performed by irradiating the projecting ridge portions 8 with laser beam. The flat face portions of the current collecting disks 7 abut on the end portion of the positive electrode mixture non-application portion and the end portion of the negative electrode mixture non-application portion approximately evenly.
US07989102B2	Battery pack structure with heater A battery pack structure with heater including a plurality of secondary batteries, a housing case housing them, and a heater is arranged to prevent uneven heating among the secondary batteries, reducing temperature variations among the secondary batteries. Specifically, the battery pack structure with heater of the present invention includes: a battery pack including a plurality of secondary batteries and a housing case housing them; a first heater; and a second heater. The housing case includes a metal spaced part separated with a space S from each of the secondary batteries. The first heater and the second heater are placed on at least part of an outer surface of the spaced part of the housing case.
US07989098B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium A perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an antiferromagnetic layer disposed above the substrate, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer formed on the antiferromagnetic layer and exchange-coupled to the antiferromagnetic layer.
US07989097B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium with tilted easy axis of magnetization, method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium, and magnetic recording apparatus comprising magnetic recording medium According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, a first underlayer formed on the substrate and including an amorphous alloy containing Ni, a crystalline second underlayer formed on the first underlayer and including simple Cr or an alloy containing Cr, and a magnetic recording layer formed on the second underlayer and including at least one element of Fe and Co and at least one element of Pt and Pd, and containing magnetic crystal grains having an L10 structure. An oxygen amount remaining on the upper surface of the second underlayer is larger than an oxygen amount remaining on the lower surface of the second underlayer, and a normal line to a (001) plane of the magnetic crystal grains in the magnetic recording layer is oriented with a tilt angle in a range of 3 to 25° to a normal line to a medium plane.
US07989094B2	Opposed functional coatings having comparable single surface reflectances A sheet-like pane bearing a low-maintenance coating on one surface and a low-emissivity coating on the opposite surface, wherein one of the low-maintenance coating and the low-emissivity coating has a single surface reflectivity of less than 3 times, and more than one-third, that of the other coating.
US07989091B2	Silanes containing phenothiazine-S-oxide or phenothiazine-S,S-dioxide groups and the use thereof in OLEDs Silanes comprising phenothiazine S-oxide or phenothiazine S,S-dioxide groups, organic light-emitting diodes comprising the inventive silanes, a light-emitting layer comprising at least one inventive silane and at least one triplet emitter, a process for preparing the inventive silanes and the use of the inventive silanes in organic light-emitting diodes, preferably as matrix materials and/or blocker materials for triplet emitters.
US07989090B2	Near infrared emitting organic compounds and organic devices using the same Certain iridium compounds which may comprise an iridium(III)-ligand complex having the general formula: (C^N)2—Ir—(N^N). (C^N) and (N^N) may each represent a ligand coordinated to an iridium atom. The iridium compounds may have a primary phosphorescent photoluminescence peak wavelength in the near-infrared (IR) range. Also, organic devices that use certain iridium compounds. The organic device may comprise an organic layer and the organic layer may comprise any of the iridium compounds disclosed herein. Also, organic devices that use certain metalloporphyrin compounds. The metalloporphyrin compounds may comprise a core porphyrin structure with four pyrrole rings. The metalloporphyrin compounds may have a primary phosphorescent photoluminescence peak wavelength in the near-IR range.
US07989088B2	Barrier layer for thick film dielectric electroluminescent displays A novel sub-structure of a thick film dielectric electroluminescent display and a thick film dielectric electroluminescent display incorporating the same is provided. The sub-structure comprises a barrier layer between a substrate and a thick film dielectric layer. The barrier layer is chemically inert with respect to the substrate and the thick film dielectric layer and the barrier layer inhibits diffusion of at least one chemical species therethrough. This sub-structure results in a higher capacitance for the thick dielectric layer, which provides higher display luminance and a reduced tendency for dielectric breakdown of the thick dielectric layer. The barrier layer permits for lower cost substrates, such as glass, to be used.
US07989087B2	Brazing fin material for heat exchangers, heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same A brazing fin material for heat exchangers includes a core material and a filler metal clad on each side of the core material, wherein the core material is an aluminum alloy including manganese, the filler metal is an aluminum alloy including 6 to 9.5 mass % of silicon, silicon particles in the filler metal have an average circle equivalent diameter of 3 μm or less, and the brazing fin material has a thickness of 0.06 mm or less.
US07989083B2	Acid-modified polypropylene resin, method for producing same, and resin composition using same To provide an acid-modified polypropylene resin which can be used for an adhesive capable of bonding a polyolefin type resin and a polar resin with sufficient force, its production process and a resin composition using it.An acid-modified polypropylene resin, which is obtained by grafting an organic acid component to a polypropylene resin, wherein the polypropylene resin is an isotactic polypropylene resin, the grafted amount X (wt %) of the organic acid component in the acid-modified polypropylene resin is within a range of from 1.0 wt % to 20.0 wt %, and the melt flow rate Y (g/10 min) of the acid-modified polypropylene resin satisfies the expression: Y≦18.5 exp(0.82X), a process for producing such an acid-modified polypropylene resin, a resin composition using it and a laminate.
US07989081B2	Resin composite copper foil, printed wiring board, and production processes thereof A resin composite copper foil comprising a copper foil and a resin layer containing a block copolymer polyimide and a maleimide compound, the resin layer being formed on one surface of the copper foil, a production process thereof, a copper-clad laminate using the resin composite copper foil, a production process of a printed wiring board using the copper-clad laminate, and a printed wiring board obtained by the above process.
US07989078B2	Halogen-free trivalent chromium conversion coating Trivalent chromium conversion coatings are provided on a metal substrate wherein the trivalent chromium conversion coating has a halogen content of 1 atom % maximum.
US07989074B2	Thermoset siloxane-urethane fouling release coatings A polymeric material may be prepared by reacting a mixture comprising an amino functional polyorganosiloxane, polyisocyanate, and polyol. The polyol may comprise a hydroxy-functional poly(meth)acrylate. The polymeric material may be used as a coating for a substrate and may inhibit fouling on a surface exposed to aquatic conditions.
US07989073B2	Epitaxial silicon wafer and fabrication method thereof An epitaxial silicon wafer is provided in which an epitaxial layer is grown on a silicon wafer having a plane inclined from a {110} plane of a silicon single crystal as a main surface. In the silicon wafer for growing the epitaxial layer thereon, an inclination angle azimuth of the {110} plane is in the range of 0 to 45 degrees as measured from a <100> orientation parallel to the {110} plane toward a <110 > direction. With such an arrangement, LPDs of 100 nm or less can be measured from a {110} wafer that has a carrier mobility (including the hole and electron mobilities) higher than that of a {100 } wafer. Also, surface roughness degradation in the {110} wafer can be suppressed. Also, the surface state of the {110} wafer can be measured. Further, a quality evaluation can be performed on the {110} wafer.
US07989070B2	Coating composition for achieving excellent MVSS adhesion A coating composition comprises a crosslinkable carbamate-functional resin and an aminoplast. The aminoplast comprises the reaction product of an aldehyde and a melamine. The aminoplast has a content of imino groups of less than or equal to about 10%, a content of alkylol groups of at least about 7%, and a remainder of groups being alkoxyalkyl groups, all based on a total number of reactive sites present in the melamine prior to reaction. A coating system includes a clear coat layer that comprises the reaction product of the crosslinkable carbamate-functional resin and the aminoplast. Threshold adhesion strength, in accordance with MVSS standards, can be achieved between glass and the coating system when the crosslinkable carbamate-functional resin and the specific aminoplast set forth above are reacted to form the clear coat layer, while minimizing problems associated with high viscosity of aminoplasts having a high content of imino groups of greater than 10%.
US07989067B2	Incorporation of functionalizing molecules in nanopatterned epitaxial graphene electronics In a method of making graphite devices, a thin-film graphitic layer disposed against a preselected face of a substrate is created on the preselected face of the substrate. A preselected pattern is generated on the thin-film graphitic layer. At least one functionalizing molecule is attached to a portion of the graphitic layer. The molecule is capable of interacting with π bands in the graphitic layer.
US07989066B2	Support member for high-temperature heat-treated metal molding object and process for production thereof A carbonaceous support member for a high-temperature heat-treated metal molding object, particularly a setter for heat-treatment in powder metallurgy, is formed as a carbon-ceramic composite shaped product having a bulk density of 1.2-1.6 g/ml and including a carbonaceous matrix and 3-20 wt. % of ceramic particles which are uniformly dispersed in the carbonaceous matrix and partly exposed to the surface of the composite. The support member can effectively prevent carburization of a metal molding object supported thereby during the heat-treatment without causing a problem of peeling of coating layer as encountered in a ceramic-coated support member. The support member may be prepared by compression molding of a powdery mixture of a fine carbon precursor and ceramic particles, followed by heating at 1000-2000° C. to carbonize the fine carbon precursor.
US07989061B2	Polylactic acid resin, textile products obtained therefrom, and processes for producing textile products A polylactic acid monofilament includes a linear polylactic acid with a relative viscosity ηrel of in the range of 2.7 to 4.5, prepared from lactic acid monomers wherein at least 95 mol % of the lactic acid is an L-isomer, and wherein the resin contains 0 to 30 ppm of Sn and 0 to 0.5% by weight of residual monomer.
US07989057B2	Composite material A composite material comprises a layer of fibres conjoined to a matrix, where one of the matrix and fibres comprises a first component which exhibits auxetic behaviour for loading along a first direction, and the other of the matrix and fibres comprises a second component which exhibits non-auxetic behaviour for loading along the first direction.
US07989056B2	Hydrophobic surface coating with low wetting hysteresis, method for depositing same, microcomponent and use A hydrophobic surface coating, preferably obtained by chemical vapor deposition, comprises at least an upper thin layer formed by a compound selected from the group consisting of SiCxOy:H with x comprised between 1.4 and 2 and y comprised between 0.8 and 1.4 and SiCx′Ny′:H with x′ comprised between 1.2 and 1.4 and y′ comprised between 0.6 and 0.8, so as to obtain a free surface with a low wetting hysteresis. Such a hydrophobic surface coating can be arranged on the free surface of a microcomponent comprising at least one substrate provided with, an electrode array and particularly suitable for moving drops of liquid by electrowetting on dielectric.
US07989055B2	Security element and method for producing the same The invention relates to a security element for security papers, bank notes, ID cards or the like, having at least one plastic layer on which at least two metal layers of different color are so disposed side by side and on the same side of the plastic layer that the different colors are visually checkable.
US07989053B2	Electroconductive diffuse reflective film and method of producing the same An electroconductive diffuse reflective film is made of an electroconductive metal, wherein the electroconductive diffuse reflective film has a porous structure in which crystal grains having an average grain diameter of 50 nm or more and 1,000 nm or less are separately arranged at intervals of 10 nm or more and 800 nm or less on average.
US07989052B2	Airbag cover The present invention relates to an airbag cover, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a decor layer (1) having a decor side (2) forming an observation area, which borders the space in which the airbag deploys if the need arises, and an airbag side (3) opposite to the decor side. The decor layer further has a weakening (4) in the region of a tear line for deploying the airbag, which extends from the airbag side of the decor layer such that the decor layer is substantially intact on the decor side. The air bag cover of the present invention further has at least one second layer (2) which may be designed as spacer mesh, the second layer being attached to the airbag side of the decor layer (1) and which also has a weakening region (7) along the tear line. In order that the weakening in the decor layer (1) remains permanently invisible from the decor side (2), an intermediate layer (5) is further provided in the airbag cover of the invention which is arranged between the decor layer and the second layer. The intermediate layer is substantially intact in the region of the tear line and connected to the decor layer so that it can take up or compensate forces in the plane or parallel to the plane of the decor layer at least in the region of the weakening of the decor layer. Contrary thereto, the intermediate layer is designed such that it easily tears open substantially perpendicular to this plane under the influence of force.
US07989051B2	Magnetic modular coating This invention relates to a magnetic modular coating for floors and walls, even in wet sites and under water, that is composed of a sole fixing element laid between a magnetic adherence decorative plate and a metallic framework structure (3). Such coating also includes a bi-directional magnetic adherence layer (4) of minimum thickness; a decorative surface layer (5), and an upper rigidifying sheet (6) made up of a laminar unit. Adhesives used can be of any kind suitable to join components together. The modules allow for a fast installation, are easily removable and can be re-used.
US07989046B2	Protective covering for a privacy curtain A protective covering is readily installed on and removeable from standard privacy curtains. The covering is made of a disposable sheet material having two sections interconnected by a crease. The two sections are positioned over the side surfaces of the curtain, the edge of the curtain being located within the crease. Attachment of the curtain is accomplished by snap connectors which extend through the upper mesh section of the privacy curtain and adhesive components which adhere to the side surfaces of the curtain.
US07989044B2	Process for sealing of a joint Means for installation of panels, the panels comprising a core, a decorative upper surface and edges provided with joining means for positioning the panels towards one another. Predetermined portions of the edges are provided with an encapsulated agent which is made present on the edges of the surface elements before assembly and which encapsulation is ruptured by means of assembly making the agent available to the core. The surface elements are hereby joined to one another by use of the joining means wherein a unit of a plurality of surface elements is formed.
US07989043B2	Antimicrobial product and method for using the same An antimicrobial product and a method for using the same display and/or store a first food product and/or a second food product. The antimicrobial product has a base layer having a first side and a second side for contacting and/or for abutting the first food product and/or the second food product. A first water resistant layer is connected to the first side of the base layer. A first antimicrobial layer is connected to the first water resistant layer. A second water resistant layer is connected to the second side of the base layer. The base layer and/or the first water resistant layer is colored and/or displays a first color and/or a second color. The second water resistant layer and/or the first antimicrobial layer is transparent to expose and/or to display the first color of the base layer and/or the second color of the first water resistant layer. A second antimicrobial layer is connected to the second water resistant layer. The antimicrobial product is formed with a texture having first depressions and/or second depressions for contacting and/or for abutting the first food product and/or the second food product. The first color of the base layer and/or the second color of the first water resistant layer enhances and/or improves a color and/or an appearance of the first food product and/or the second food product.
US07989042B2	Medical devices with highly flexible coated hypotube Hypotubes such as micromachined hypotubes can include one or more tie layers appropriate for subsequent application of a hydrophilic coating. In particular, a medical device may include a micromachined hypotube having a level of flexibility and a tie layer disposed over the hypotube such that the medical device has a level of flexibility at least substantially equivalent to the level of flexibility of the hypotube.
US07989039B2	Connecting material for cold transfer printing paper and preparation A connecting material for cold transfer printing paper is provided and includes an acrylic coating agent composition as an isolating layer and an acrylic coating agent composition as an ink-receiving layer. Also provided is a method for preparing the connecting material for cold transfer printing paper, a cold transfer printing paper and a method for printing a pattern or letter on a fabric by using the cold transfer printing paper.
US07989037B2	Composition, retardation plate, and liquid-crystal display device A composition comprising at least one liquid-crystal compound and a polymer having at least one group of the following formula (A) as the constitutive unit thereof: wherein Mp represents a trivalent linking group; L represents a single bond, or a bivalent linking group; X represents a substituted or unsubstituted functional group having a cyclic structure.
US07989035B2	Liquid crystalline medium The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈), which is distinguished by the fact that it has a value for the ratio γ1/Δn2 in the range 6-45 with a clearing point of >60° C. and a Δ∈ of ≦−2.3. Media of this type are particularly suitable for electro-optical displays having active-matrix addressing based on the ECB, PA LCD, FFS or IPS effect.
US07989033B2	Silicon precursors to make ultra low-K films with high mechanical properties by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition A method for depositing a low dielectric constant film on a substrate is provided. The low dielectric constant film is deposited by a process comprising reacting one or more organosilicon compounds and a porogen and then post-treating the film to create pores in the film. The one or more organosilicon compounds include compounds that have the general structure Si—CX—Si or —Si—O—(CH2)n—O—Si—. Low dielectric constant films provided herein include films that include Si—CX—Si bonds both before and after the post-treatment of the films. The low dielectric constant films have good mechanical and adhesion properties, and a desirable dielectric constant.
US07989030B2	Silicone resin and silicone composition A silicone resin containing boron, aluminum, and/or titanium, and having silicon-bonded branched alkoxy groups; a silicone composition containing a silicone resin; and a method of preparing a coated substrate comprising applying a silicone composition on a substrate to form a film and pyrolyzing the silicone resin of the film.
US07989029B1	Reduced porosity copper deposition A method for reducing porosity of metal layers on a substrate may comprise depositing a precursor onto at least a portion of the substrate, and adding metal layers over the precursor comprising at least one cycle, wherein each cycle comprises: depositing a metal layer over the precursor, and exposing the metal layer to a breath-out solution.
US07989027B2	Metal gasket material plate and method for manufacturing the same The present invention is intended to provide a metal gasket material plate with which exfoliation of the coating or blister can be prevented even if it is used in the presence of an electrolyte aqueous solution and which can be manufactured through a process without use of hexavalent chromium in consideration of the environment, etc.The present, invention relates to a metal gasket material plate comprising a metal plate 1 having a rubber layer 4 on one side or both sides thereof through an adhesive layer 3, wherein a rust-resistant pigment is added to both of said adhesive layer 3 and said rubber layer 4.
US07989024B2	Method of making a low-resistivity, doped zinc oxide coated glass article and the coated glass article made thereby What is described and claimed is an atmospheric chemical vapor deposition method of making a low-resistivity, doped zinc oxide coated glass article, made by directing one or more streams of gaseous reactants, specifically a zinc containing compound, a fluorine containing compound, an oxygen containing compound, and at least one compound containing one or more of boron, aluminum, gallium and indium onto a surface of a heated glass substrate.
US07989020B2	Method of forming bond coating for a thermal barrier coating According to a method for forming a coating system on a turbine engine component substrate that comprises a nickel-based superalloy substrate having at least one refractory metal included therein, a nickel-based layer is formed on the substrate, the nickel-based layer comprising at least one active material selected from the group consisting of elemental silicon and a silicon compound. The at least one active material is then diffused into the substrate. An yttrium-modified platinum aluminide bond coating, or a MCrAlX bond coating, may be then formed over the active material-modified nickel-based layer.
US07989014B2	Beverages and foodstuffs resistant to light induced flavour changes, processes for making the same, and compositions for imparting such resistance One aspect of the present invention is concerned with a composition that can suitably be used as an additive in beverages and foodstuffs, which composition: i. contains at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1.0%, by weight of dry matter, of pyrazine derivatives according to formula (I): wherein R1-R4 independently represent hydrogen; a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue; an ester of a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue; or an ether of a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue; and at least one R1-R4 is a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue or an ester or an ether thereof, and ii. exhibits an absorption ratio A280/560 of at least 80, preferably of at least 250. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a beverage or a foodstuff that is resistant to light induced flavour changes, said method comprising introducing into said beverage or foodstuff the aforementioned light stabilising composition and to a process for the manufacture of such a light stabilising composition.
US07989013B2	Furyl thioalkanals useful in the flavor industry The invention relates to new derivatives of 2-methyl-3-furanthiol which are useful as flavoring ingredients to confer meaty, juicy taste to a large variety of edible consumer products, chewing gums and oral care products, without imparting thereto undesirable off-notes typical of prior known furanthiol derivatives.
US07989011B2	Filtration of vegetable slurries Shown is a two stage filtration system for treatment of fibrous vegetable matter, particularly oilseed materials such as oil-extracted canola flakes to separate the low valued fibrous material from soluble material and small non-structural water-insoluble material of higher value. The filtration system receives a vegetable matter slurry and passes the slurry through first stage filter which is an impeller type filter that operates to separate the slurry into a filtrate and a moist retentate. The moist retentate is further filter in a second compression filtration stage or a centrifuge to remove additional water. Small non-structural insoluble matter is removed in the filtrate.
US07989008B2	Cosmetic preparations designed to reduce unsightly cellulite The invention relates to a new derivative of aryldimethylpyrazolone of formula (I) which is effective in reducing unsightly cellulite, and compositions containing it.
US07989006B2	Annatto extract compositions, including geranyl geraniols and methods of use Annatto extract composition (AEC), including cis and trans geranyl geraniols (GG) and tocopherol-free C-5 unsubstituted tocotrienols (T3), increases the de novo synthesis of intermediate isoprenoid and distal protein products, including endogenous coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), dolichols (DL) and all subsequent GG-prenylated and DL-glycosylated proteins, including GG-porphyrinated hemes. This intermediate and distal product replenishment by AEC reverses maladies of myotoxicity (of both drug and non-drug origins), including maladies that affect the muscle, kidney, eye, GI tract and skin, nerve, blood, and CoQ10-related syndromes of energetics and LDL protection. AEC anabolically increases the endogenous de novo CoQ10 synthesis via GG elongation/prenylation of side-chain and conversely CoQ10 catabolically increases the endogenous de novo GG synthesis via beta-oxidation of CoQ10. Also, such AEC decreases de novo synthesis and increases disposal of triglycerides (TG) in humans via PPAR activation and SREBP deactivation. Such drop in TG by AEC reverses maladies of insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS), prediabetes, diabetes and diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). GG activates PPAR and down regulates SREBP transcription factors. This AEC, containing GG, inhibits cancer growth whether or not GG involvement in protein prenylation is required.
US07989004B2	Antitubercular extracts of Salicornia brachiata The present invention relates to enhancement of anti-tubercular activity of active fraction isolated from Salicornia brachiata. The invention also discloses the non-toxic nature of the fraction and positively identifies Sucrose as its main constituent. Pure Sucrose is shown to have no anti-tubercular activity indicating thereby that activity of the fraction resides in one or more of the minor constituents. The minor constituents are shown to be relatively low molecular weight entities and a chromatographic technique is disclosed for separating them from the bulk sucrose to probe their activities and structures in detail, as also the possibility of their synthesis if the leads thrown up are novel.
US07989001B2	Method of separating tumor cells with and without lymphotropic metastatic potential in a human carcinoma A method for separating tumor cells with lymphotropic metastatic potential from those without lymphotropic metastatic potential in a human carcinoma. Cells of the carcinoma are transplanted in each of a plurality of fresh athymic mice. At least one of the athymic mice which does not develop a palpable tumor at the transplant site is treated to suppress the T-cell independent innate anti-tumor activity of natural killer cells therein. Tumor-forming cells at the transplant site of the treated athymic animal are harvested to obtain a cell line of cells with lymphotropic metastatic potential, which is also tested for the expression of T-lymphocyte associated molecules. Such cells are intimately associated with low or diminished angiogenicity and immunogenicity. The traditional scientific criteria for human cancer cells is re-defined, and therapeutic targets for human cancer cells is re-focused.
US07989000B2	Absorbable putty-like implants and methods for their use for mechanical hemostasis of bone and for the treatment of osseous defects Disclosed are body-implantable, appropriately absorbable, biocompatible, putty-like compositions useful as mechanical hemostatic tamponades for the control of osseous hemorrhage arising from surgical intervention or trauma and for providing an osteoinductive matrix to foster improved bone healing.
US07988998B2	Sustained-release tramadol formulations with 24-hour efficacy A sustained-release tramadol formulation oral administration is provided which, upon initial administration of one dose, provides an analgesic effect within 2 hours, which analgesic effect continues for at least 24 hours after administration.
US07988993B2	Oral controlled release dosage form A dosage form that provides a controlled release solid dosage form for the oral administration of a central nervous system stimulant, preferably methylphenidate hydrochloride.
US07988991B2	Adhesive patch A patch agent of the present invention comprises a support, and an adhesive layer laid on the support and containing an adhesive base and a drug, wherein the adhesive base contains an acrylic polymer substantially having no carboxyl and no hydroxyl in molecules thereof, and a rubber-based polymer, so as to achieve sufficiently high skin permeability of the drug and preparation properties. Accordingly, the present invention enables administration of the drug through skin to be implemented with drug administration effect at a sufficiently high level and on a stable basis.
US07988984B2	Insect repellent and attractant and auto-thermostatic membrane vapor control delivery system A membrane enclosed fluid diffusion system for insect attractants and repellents, auto thermostatic heaters, and chemical delivery using an additive and/or selectively permeable membrane that interacts with the enclosed fluid to maintain steady delivery rates over a range of temperature and humidity. Systems can be formed with permeable membranes, impermeable membranes, chemical hydrates, wicks, scent fluids, fuel fluids, catalytic heaters, energy conversion devices, visible images, infrared images, trapping systems, sound systems, electronics, and apparel. The device results in efficient and effective devices for mosquito control drug delivery, and portable heaters.
US07988980B2	Tuberculosis vaccine with improved efficacy The present invention relates to novel recombinant vaccines providing protective immunity against tuberculosis. Further, the present invention refers to novel recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors containing said nucleic acid molecules, cells transformed with said nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides encoded by said nucleic acid molecules.
US07988977B2	Modified live Aeromonas hydrophila vaccine for aquatic animals Safe and effective live vaccines against Aeromonas hydrophila of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in native Aeromonas hydrophila isolates; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL-B-50040 and NRRL-B-50041. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent Aeromonas hydrophila infection.
US07988976B1	Method for enhancing antioxidant component of Gracilaria tenuistipitata extract A method for enhancing antioxidant components of Gracilaria tenuistipitata extract is proposed. The method involves providing an extraction environment of 40° C., and performing cyclic grinding to a Gracilaria tenuistipitata solution with an ultrasonic disrupter outputting a vibrating frequency between 20 KHz and 45 KHz for 60 to 120 minutes, so as to stabilize chemical properties of the Gracilaria tenuistipitata solution and obtain a Gracilaria tenuistipitata extract having more activated protein and phycoerythrin as compared with an extract obtained through the prior art, thereby improving the Gracilaria tenuistipitata extract in antioxidative ability.
US07988975B2	Modified HIV-1 group M cyclic gp41 peptides and their use in the detection of anti-HIV-1 antibodies The invention involves a synthetic peptide derived from HIV-1 virus gp41 having sequence where X615 is F or G, a method of preparing the synthetic peptide, a composition and a kit containing the synthetic peptide, and use of the synthetic peptide in immunoassays for the detection of infections caused by HIV-1 viruses.
US07988973B2	Activin-ActRII antagonists and uses for increasing red blood cell levels In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.
US07988969B2	Treatment for central nervous system disorders Compositions that include an Aβ polypeptide linked to a non-Aβ polypeptide are described, as well as methods of using such compositions.
US07988967B2	High affinity human antibodies to human nerve growth factor A human antibody or antigen-binding fragment of an antibody which specifically binds human nerve growth factor (NGF) with KD of 5 pM or less, as measured by surface plasmon resonance, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds human NGF with an affinity of about 2-10-fold higher than the antibody or fragment binds rat and mouse NGF. The antibodies are useful in treating pain, including inflammatory pain, post-operative incision pain, neuropathic pain, fracture pain, osteoporotic fracture pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, pain resulting from burns, gout joint pain, as well as diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and liver cirrhosis.
US07988961B2	Gut commensal bacterium and methods of using the same The invention provides gut commensal bacteria that have been modified to express one or more biologically active polypeptides or protiens, the bacteria includes a promoter, such as a xylanase promoter, which is induced in response to the presence of xylan in the diet and which regulates the expression of the biologically active polypeptide or protien.
US07988953B2	UV absorbing chromophores covalently bonded to hyperbranched polymers The invention provides a conjugate comprising a hyperbranched polymer covalently bonded to at least three UV absorbing chromophores having an UV absorption maximum λmax≧270 nm.The conjugate is an effective and safe sunscreen which can advantageously be used in cosmetic compositions.
US07988943B2	Treatments of tail gas from a claus unit over an optimized sequence of catalysts For conversion of sulphur-containing compounds present in a gas comprising H2S and sulphur-containing compounds into additional H2S, a step A of contacting the gas with a reducing gas and a hydrogenation catalyst comprising cobalt, molybdenum and an alumina support, the sum of cobalt and molybdenum, in the oxide form, being 3% to 25% by weight, the surface area of alumina being more than 140 m2/g. In step B, effluent gas from step A is contacted with a catalyst comprising at least one alkaline-earth element, at least one dopant being iron, cobalt or molybdenum and at least one compound of titanium oxide and/or zirconium oxide, the catalyst for step B) being either in bulk or supported.
US07988942B2	Method and system for concentrating waste sulphuric acids from nitration processes A method for recovering diluted waste sulfuric acid by extractive rectification with concentrated sulfuric acid which is re-concentrated for reutilization. Waste sulfuric acid from the nitration process is fed into a first column, optionally together with another waste sulfuric acid in a DNT washing acid, and divided into an overhead product containing nitric acid and nitro-organic compounds and a prepurified sulfuric acid in the bottom product. The prepurified sulfuric acid withdrawn from the bottom of the first column is fed to the top of a second column, into the bottom zone of which another waste sulfuric acid is fed in the form of a diluted sulfuric acid recovered from the nitric acid concentration system so the prepurified sulfuric acid from the first column is further purified in the second column and is preconcentrated along with the diluted sulfuric acid recovered from the extractive rectification of nitric acid.
US07988940B2	Selective catalytic reduction system and process for treating NOx emissions using a zinc or titanium promoted palladium-zirconium catalyst A process and system (18) for reducing NOx in a gas using hydrogen as a reducing agent is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream (29) with a catalyst system (38) comprising sulfated zirconia washcoat particles (41), palladium, a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a promoter (45) comprising at least one of titanium, zinc, or a mixture thereof. The presence of zinc or titanium increases the resistance of the catalyst system to a sulfur and water-containing gas stream.
US07988939B2	Sorbents for coal combustion Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.
US07988938B2	Selectively leaching cobalt from lateritic ores A heap leach process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt from a lateritic ore, said process including the steps of leaching and/or agglomerating the ore with a lixiviant that includes ferrous ions, wherein the lixiviant is able to liberate cobalt from the cobalt containing minerals within the ore in preference to nickel, to produce a cobalt rich pregnant leach solution relatively free of nickel.
US07988928B2	Treatment or hydrotreatment reactor with a granular bed and an essentially liquid phase and an essentially gaseous phase flowing through the bed The present invention relates to a treatment or hydrotreatment reactor comprising at least one granular bed (12), an essentially liquid phase (L) and an essentially gaseous phase (G) present in the bottom of the reactor and separated by an interface (38), and a distribution plate (20) with at least one main chimney (32) allowing circulation of liquid phase (L) towards the bed and at least one passage (30) for feeding gas phase (G) into said bed. According to the invention, plate (20) also comprises at least one mixed chimney (34) for circulation of the liquid phase towards the bed or for feeding the gas phase into said bed.
US07988924B2	Device and process for distribution of mixed charges onto fixed beds of catalyst in descending-flow reactors The present invention relates to a device and respective process for distribution of mixed charges comprising a flat tray in the form of a disc drained by a series of drainage tubes located above the surface of fixed beds of catalysts, capable of promoting the homogenisation and distribution of charges by means of said device.Such drainage tubes mounted in said manner have the objective of restricting and reorienting the flow of mixed charges, multiplying the points whereon they fall, principally of the liquid phase, onto said beds of catalysts. For the purpose of doing so said drainage ducts, being segments of tubes, distributed on the entire surface of said tray possess caps affixed at the upper extremity thereof impeding the direct flow of charge onto the bed of catalyst, creating a reservoir of liquid on the tray, subsequently being drained down such device in a more controlled manner.
US07988918B2	Structures for enhanced detection of fluorescence Substrates are provided for use in the detection, identification and analysis of biologic or chemical samples that are labeled with a fluorescent label, in which the plane of maximum fluorescence is displaced from a reflective substrate surface so that the intensity maximum of the standing wave interference pattern of incident and reflected probe radiation is enhanced. The format of the substrates includes substantially planar surfaces as well as substrates with introduced variations to the substrate surface, e.g., depressions, wells, pedestals and the like, disposed in arrays or other similar structures such that one or more fluorophore-comprising objects can be attached thereto.
US07988917B2	Analytical test element with wireless data transmission The present invention concerns embodiments of a system for determining the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid which comprises an analytical test element and an instrument separate therefrom, wherein at least a part of the electrical components of the system are comprised of polymer electronics. Embodiments of the analytical test element comprise an area with reagent chemistry for the detection of an analyte and a transponder configured for wireless transmission of lot-specific data and/or measured values. The instrument has a reading module configured for wireless transmission of data, or data and energy, to the test element and an evaluation unit for evaluating the data or measured values received by the transponder.
US07988915B2	Microfluidic device using microfluidic chip and microfluidic device using biomolecule microarray chip Disclosed is a microfluidic device including a microfluidic structure formed in a platform in which various examinations, such as an immune serum examination, can be automatically performed using the biomolecule microarray chip. The biomolecule microarray chip-type microfluidic device using a biomolecule microarray chip comprises: a platform which is rotatable; a microfluidic structure disposed in the platform, comprising: a plurality of chambers; a plurality of channels connecting the chambers each other; and a plurality of valves controlling flow of fluids through the channels, wherein the microfluidic structure controls flow of a fluid sample using rotation of the platform and the valves; and a biomolecule microarray chip mounted in the platform such that biomolecule capture probes bound to the biomolecule microarray chip contact the fluid sample in the microfluidic structure.
US07988913B2	Biochemical reaction cartridge A biochemical reaction cartridge includes an injection port for injecting a specimen, a chamber for containing the specimen therein, a chamber for containing a reagent for treating the specimen, nozzle ports for applying or reducing pressure by using fluid. In the cartridge, the specimen is subjected to a biochemical reaction by controlling the fluid. The cartridge is mounted in a biochemical reaction apparatus.
US07988911B2	Method for removal of vaporized hydrogen peroxide from a region A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide.
US07988910B2	Method of disinfecting and wetting the interior of a building A method of disinfecting and wetting the inside of a building and articles therein at or about one atmospheric pressure which involves the steps of sealing the interior of the building, then conditioning the air inside of the building to a specific temperature and humidity, then heating said air and introducing any of a number of anti-bacterial agents in aqueous solution into said air until a higher specific temperature and humidity are achieved causing the air to be disinfected then optionally condensing the humid air and antibacterial agent until all of the interior surfaces are wetted and disinfected and condensing water vapor onto the interior surfaces then evaporating the liquid wetting said surfaces then condensing said vapor into a disposal tank or sewer and then condensing water again onto the interior surfaces and evaporating it then disposing of the vaporized water.
US07988909B1	Method and apparatus for conditioning room air A method and apparatus for conditioning the air within an interior area, includes a fan, a first module receiving air from the fan and preferably a first liquid, and a second module receiving air from the first module and preferably including a second liquid. The modules are preferably stacked, whereby air enters the fan module on the bottom and is delivered to the environment from the second module at the top. The air flows from the fan along a pathway which prevents liquid from escaping from the modules other than as vapor entrained in the air. The first liquid is preferably an aqueous alkaline solution, and the second liquid preferably includes a disinfectant and/or a buffer to neutralize the alkaline before air is delivered to the environment. The modules may have an inner wall and an outer wall presenting a dead-air space therebetween.
US07988905B2	Process for producing woody molding The invention provides a method for manufacturing a molded woody article, which includes compression molding a base material containing wood fibers, polylactic acid fibers and an inorganic filler at a temperature not less than a melting point of the polylactic acid fibers, and maintaining the molded base material at a temperature close to a crystallization temperature of the polylactic acid fibers for a desired period of time, thereby crystallizing the polylactic acid fibers. In the molding step, the base material is entirely deformed and molded into a desired shape while the polylactic acid fibers are melted, and in the crystallizing step, the polylactic acid fibers are solidified, thereby producing the molded article. In the crystallizing step, polylactic acid crystallizes rapidly and reliably utilizing the inorganic filler as a crystal nucleating agent.
US07988901B2	Method for treating thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers A method of forming a golf ball is disclosed herein. The method includes placing a golf ball precursor product with a cover comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane material and a dendritic polymer in a solution containing an isocyanate functionality reactive material. The precursor product is then removed and heated to remove solvent to prepare the precursor product for finishing.
US07988900B2	Method of making a cardiac valve There is provided an artificial cardiac or heart valve, more particularly a flexible leaflet heart valve used to replace natural aortic or pulmonary valves of the heart in which the leaflet geometry is defined by a parabolic function and a method of manufacturing said artificial cardiac valves. In addition, there is provided leaflets which have geometry defined by a parabolic function.
US07988897B2	Manufacturing method of synthetic resin hollow body A manufacturing method of a synthetic resin hollow body in which a molten resin is injected for an over-molding outside a hollow molding body made of a resin provided with a hollow body and at least an opening portion to form a resin sheathing body in an integrating manner with the hollow molding body. The method includes the step of injecting the molten resin for an over-molding under the state in which the hollow molding body is partially or wholly filled with a fluid substance. The manufacturing method of a synthetic resin hollow body is capable of suppressing resin cost and operation cost and can improve decorating property.
US07988895B2	Production method of microporous polyethylene membrane and battery separator A microporous polyethylene membrane having well-balanced permeability, mechanical properties, heat shrinkage resistance, compression resistance, electrolytic solution absorbability, shutdown properties and meltdown properties, with an average pore diameter changing in a thickness direction is produced by melt-blending a polyethylene resin and a membrane-forming solvent to prepare a solution A having a resin concentration of 25 to 50% by mass and a solution B having a resin concentration of 10 to 30% by mass, the resin concentration in the solution A being higher than that in the solution B, (a) simultaneously extruding the resin solutions A and B through a die, cooling the resultant extrudate to provide a gel-like sheet in which the resin solutions A and B are laminated, and removing the membrane-forming solvent from the gel-like sheet, or (b) extruding the resin solutions A and B through separate dies, removing the membrane-forming solvent from the resultant gel-like sheets A and B to form microporous polyethylene membranes A and B, and alternately laminating the microporous polyethylene membranes A and B, while easily controlling the average pore diameter distribution in the microporous polyethylene membrane in a thickness direction.
US07988888B2	Conductive pattern forming ink, conductive pattern, and wiring substrate A conductive pattern forming ink for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate by a droplet discharge method includes: metal particles; an aqueous dispersion medium in which the metal particles are dispersed; galactitol; and a polyglycerol compound having a polyglycerol skeleton. In the ink, H shown in the following formula (I) is 0.10 to 0.60; H = OH ⁡ ( A ) Mw ⁡ ( A ) ⁢ X ⁡ ( A ) + OH ⁡ ( B ) Mw ⁡ ( B ) ⁢ X ⁡ ( B ) Formula ⁢ ⁢ ( I ) where OH(A) represents an average number of hydroxyl groups in one molecule of the polyglycerol compound, Mw(A) represents a weight-average molecular weight of the polyglycerol compound, X(A) represents a content of the polyglycerol compound in the conductive pattern forming ink in weight percent; and OH(B) represents a number of hydroxyl groups in one molecule of the galactitol, Mw(B) represents a molecular weight of the galactitol, and X(B) represents a content of the galactitol in the conductive pattern forming ink in weight percent.
US07988883B2	Heat transfer compositions comprising renewably-based biodegradable 1,3-propanediol Disclosed herein are heat transfer and antifreeze compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol, wherein the 1,3-propanediol in said heat transfer or antifreeze composition has a bio-based carbon content of about 1% to 100%. In addition, it is preferred that the 1,3-propanediol be biologically-derived, and wherein upon biodegradation, the biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol contributes no anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
US07988881B2	Multilayer laminates comprising chiral nematic liquid crystals Provided are multilayer laminates having one or more layers comprising twisted nematic liquid crystals and one or more layers of a polymeric sheet. The twisted nematic liquid crystal layers reflect infrared radiation. Thus, the multilayer laminates are useful to reduce the transmission of infrared energy. For example, in some embodiments the multilayer laminates are useful as windows to reduce energy consumption necessary to cool the interior of a structure such as an automobile or building. Preferably, the multilayer laminates retain one or more of the beneficial properties of safety glass. The multilayer laminates may include additional layers such as infrared absorbing layers, half wave plates, and the like, to minimize the transmission of infrared energy. The multilayer laminates may also include further additional layers such as polymeric films, polymeric sheets, rigid sheets, and the like.
US07988880B2	Spinel type lithium transition metal oxide In order to provide a novel spinel type lithium transition metal oxide (LMO) having excellent power performance characteristics, in which preferably both the power performance characteristics and the cycle performance at high temperature life characteristics may be balanced, a novel spinel type lithium transition metal oxide with excellent power performance characteristics is proposed by defining the inter-atomic distance Li—O to be 1.978 Å to 2.006 Å as measured by the Rietveld method using the fundamental method in a lithium transition metal oxide represented by the general formula Li1+xM2−xO4 (where M is a transition metal consisting of three elements Mn, Al and Mg and x is 0.01 to 0.08).
US07988875B2	Differential etch rate control of layers deposited by chemical vapor deposition A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the etch profile of a multilayer layer stack by depositing a first and second material layer with differential etch rates in the same or different processing chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, a process for etching substrate material is provided including depositing a first silicon-containing material layer having a first etch rate on the substrate surface from a nitrogen-containing precursor at a first flow rate and a silicon-containing precursor, depositing a second silicon-containing material layer having a second etch rate different than the first etch rate on the first silicon-containing material layer from the nitrogen-containing precursor at a second flow rate different than the first flow rate and the silicon-containing precursor, etching the first silicon-containing material layer and the second silicon-containing material layer, and forming a taper etch profile in the first silicon-containing material layer and the second silicon-containing material layer.
US07988873B2	Method of forming a mask pattern for fabricating a semiconductor device A method of forming a mask pattern for fabricating a semiconductor device. A first region and a second region, having an intersecting third region, are defined in the semiconductor substrate. An inorganic mask layer is etched in the first region to a predetermined thickness, and etched in the second region to another predetermined thickness. While the inorganic mask layer is etched in the first and second region, an organic mask layer is exposed in the third region. The organic mask layer exposed in the third region is removed to form a mask pattern. Consequently, double exposure is performed using the organic mask layer and the inorganic mask layer, so that a fine feature size that closely follows a desired layout can be formed, damage to the organic mask layer by ashing is prevented, and adhesiveness between the organic mask layer and the inorganic mask layer can be improved.
US07988872B2	Method of operating a capacitively coupled plasma reactor with dual temperature control loops In a plasma reactor having an electrostatic chuck with an electrostatic chuck top surface for supporting a workpiece, thermal transfer medium flow channels in the interior of the electrostatic chuck, a method for controlling temperature of the workpiece during plasma processing includes circulating thermal transfer medium through the thermal transfer medium flow passages and supplying a thermally conductive gas between the workpiece and the electrostatic chuck top surface, and changing thermal transfer medium thermal conditions of thermal transfer medium flowing in the thermal transfer medium flow channels so as to change the temperature of the electrostatic chuck at a first rate limited by the thermal mass of the electrostatic chuck. The method further includes changing the backside gas pressure of the thermally conductive gas so as to change the temperature of the workpiece at a second rate faster than the first rate.
US07988870B2	Watershed runoff treatment device & method A watershed runoff treatment device is adapted to be used to convert a single-stage drain inlet vault (catch basin) into a two-stage clarifier in which treatment can be accomplished before discharging the water to further on-site treatment or detention or to storm drain. It includes a flow control box member to be mounted on the interior of the vault covering the discharge pipe(s) so that substantially all water runoff entering the vault must flow therethrough prior to exiting the vault. Floating, disposable hydrocarbon collection pads are deployed inside an open mesh container removably attached and covering the upstream face of the flow control box, as well as below the horizontal filter array described next. A horizontal filter array with removable, cleanable filter media is deployed below the flow control box for collection of suspended solids gravity-settling within the vault space, and enabling standing water in the vault interior to gravity flow through the permeable filter and suspended solids and automatically discharge from the vault, thus providing mosquito control and de-watering of solids for easy removal.
US07988867B2	Method of treating silicon powder-containing drainage water A method of treating silicon powder-containing drainage water, comprising the steps of: including an inorganic flocculant composed of a silica sol-water-soluble metal salt having a molar ratio of silicon to metal of 0.05 to 3.0 into drainage water containing silicon powders to ensure that the metal concentration becomes 15 to 300 mg/L; and adding an organic polymer flocculant. In this method, the coagulation treatment of drainage water containing fine silicon powders can be carried out.
US07988858B2	Method for generating metal chelating affinity ligands The present invention relates to a method for generating at least one polydentate metal chelating affinity ligand, which method comprises the steps of (a) providing at least one scaffold defined by the general formula (I): H2N—(X1)n—S—S—(X2)m—CH2—NH2 wherein X1 and X2 irrespective of each other are carbon atoms or heteroatoms, and n and m irrespective of each other are integers of 1 to 5; (b) providing at least one polydentate metal chelating affinity ligand arm, optionally in a form wherein the metal chelating functionalities of at least one arm are protected, on each scaffold by derivatisation of the nucleophilic NH2 groups of the scaffold; (c) reducing the disulfide bond of the derivatised scaffold; and, if required (d) deprotecting the functionalities of the ligand arm(s) provided in step (b). In the most preferred embodiment, the reduction of the disulfide bond and the deprotection step is performed essentially simultaneously.
US07988857B2	Method for treating mixed wastewater from pharmaceutical chemical industry park A method for treating mixed wastewater from pharmaceutical chemical industry parks including introducing mixed wastewater into a regulation tank for regulation of water flow and water quality, and then into a hydrolysis tank having a hanged filler and employing upflow water distribution, into an anaerobic tank employing upflow water distribution, into a moving bed biofilm reactor having a suspended filler and an aeration device at the bottom thereof, into a biological aerated filter including a ceramic filler, and finally treating using coagulating precipitation process. The final effluent has less than 100 mg/L COD.
US07988854B2	Dialysate regeneration system for portable human dialysis A dialysate regeneration chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the dialysate regeneration chamber may include a toxin trap configured to selectively trap toxins and repel select cations.
US07988852B2	Water treatment assembly A water treatment assembly includes a housing having a plurality of water treatment component interfaces. The water treatment assembly also includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component, wherein each of the water treatment components are coupled to a respective one of the water treatment component interfaces. Plumbing lines provide flow communication between the components, and the plumbing lines include a system water inlet and a system water outlet.
US07988851B2	Stormwater control system and related method A stormwater control system including conveyance, filtration and discharge systems. The conveyance system includes a set of conduits and connections providing a flow path through a compacted soil embankment from an upper inlet to a lower discharge area of an underlying soil infiltration zone. The control system has configurations for transferring stormwater from pervious and impervious surfaces to the soil infiltration zone. The control system optionally includes a media filter device that may be installed within the conveyance system to intercept sediment and other contaminants prior to discharge within the underlying soil infiltration zone.
US07988849B2	Customizable personal dialysis device having ease of use and therapy enhancement features A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface connected to the enclosure and configured to display a parameter associated with the dialysate pump; and a projector configured to project the parameter onto a surface external from the enclosure so as to allow a patient to readily view the parameter.
US07988847B2	Nozzle reactor and method of use Embodiments of a nozzle reactor of the type useable to inject a first material feed stock and a second material feed stock to cause interaction between the first material feed stock and second material feed stock are described herein. According to one embodiment, the nozzle reactor includes a reactor body having a reactor body passage with an injection end and an ejection end. The nozzle reactor also includes a first material injector having a first material injection passage and being mounted in the nozzle reactor in material injecting communication with the injection end of the reactor body. The first material injection passage can have an enlarged volume injection section, an enlarged volume ejection section, and a reduced volume mid-section intermediate the enlarged volume injection section and the enlarged volume ejection section. The first material injection passage can also have a material injection end and a material ejection end in injecting communication with the reactor body passage. The nozzle also includes a second material feed port penetrating the reactor body and being adjacent to the material ejection end of the first material injection passage and transverse to a first material injection passage axis extending from the material injection end and material ejection end in the first material injection passage in the first material injector.
US07988838B2	Adhesion of membranes on nitride layer in electrochemical sensors by attachment to underlying oxide layer An electrochemical sensor is provided that exhibits improved adhesion of the membrane to the nitride layer used as an insulating layer in silicon- or silicon-oxide-based electrochemical sensing devices. The sensing devices include a substrate, an oxide disposed on the substrate, a nitride disposed on the oxide, an electrically conductive structure disposed on the oxide layer, and an electrode disposed on the oxide layer and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive structure. At least one opening is formed in the nitride layer to form at least one adhesion trench that exposes a surface region of an oxide layer underlying the nitride layer. The membrane covers the electrode, and contacts the oxide surface regions exposed by the adhesion trenches. The contact between the membrane and the oxide surface region provides for improved adhesion of the membrane to the electrochemical sensing device.
US07988835B2	Silicon dot forming method and silicon dot forming apparatus There are provided a method and an apparatus which form silicon dots having substantially uniform particle diameters and exhibiting a substantially uniform density distribution directly on a substrate at a low temperature. A hydrogen gas (or a hydrogen gas and a silane-containing gas) is supplied into a vacuum chamber (1) provided with a silicon sputter target (e.g., target 30), or the hydrogen gas and the silane-containing gas are supplied into the chamber (1) without arranging the silicon sputter target therein, a high-frequency power is applied to the gas(es) so that plasma is generated such that a ratio (Si(288 nm)/Hβ) between an emission intensity Si(288 nm) of silicon atoms at a wavelength of 288 nm and an emission intensity Hβ of hydrogen atoms at a wavelength of 484 nm in plasma emission is 10.0 or lower, and preferably 3.0 or lower, or 0.5 or lower, and silicon dots (SiD) having particle diameters of 20 nm or lower, or 10 nm or lower are formed directly on the substrate (S) at a low temperature of 500 deg. C. or lower in the plasma (and with chemical sputtering if a silicon sputter target is present).
US07988828B2	Surface treating tissue webs via patterned spraying Tissue webs, such as are useful for making bath tissue, can be surface-treated in a pattern with selected papermaking chemicals, such as debonders and strength agents, to selectively improve the directional properties of the resulting tissue product, particularly the cross-machine direction strength properties. The pattern can be applied to the tissue sheet by spraying the selected chemical outwardly through a pattern of open areas in the shell of a rotating hollow roll, where the pattern of open areas corresponds to the desired pattern of chemical deposited on the surface of the tissue web.
US07988827B2	Emulsions An aqueous emulsion, including (a) a dialkylamide; and (b) a non-ionic surfactant, is provided. An emulsion, including (a) about 30% b.w. to about 70% b.w. of a dialkylamide; (b) about 5% b.w. to about 25% b.w. of a non-ionic surfactant; and (c) 0% b.w. to about 15% b.w. of an anionic surfactant, where the amounts, with water added and optional auxiliary agents, add to 100% b.w., is also provided. A method for reducing pitch in the production of paper includes adding the emulsion to pulp.
US07988826B2	Cationic surface sizing agent and paper coated with the same The invention improves a sizing effect even on paper containing no internal sizing agent and improves productivity by making solution polymerization in a small amount of an organic solvent. The invention provides a cationic surface sizing agent composed of a copolymer obtained by solution polymerization of (a) 15 to 35% by weight of a tertiary amino group-containing monomer, (b) 30 to 85% by weight of C1 to C4 alkyl(meth)acrylate, and (c) 1 to 50% by weight of styrenes in an organic solvent in the presence of a chain transfer agent. The copolymer may be subjected to cationization treatment with a quaternization agent. As a constituent monomer of the copolymer, 0 to 20% by weight of another copolymerizable vinyl monomer (d) may be contained. The cationic surface sizing agent is applied to paper.
US07988825B2	Web-forming section and method for manufacturing multi-layer web A web-forming section of a paper or board machine has a first web-forming unit with a first fiber layer (W1) formed on a first wire (10); a second web-forming unit with a second fiber layer (W2) formed on a second wire (30); and a couch shoe (39) over a curved deck (40) of which the fiber layers (W1, W2) are guided for joining them together. The second fiber layer (W2) is brought to the couch shoe (39) at an angle (α) of less than 20°, advantageously less than 15° in relation to the approach direction of the first fiber layer (W1). The couch shoe (39) is provided with underpressure and the radius of curvature of its deck (40) is usually larger than the radius of curvature of a guide roll (38) preceding it. By the couch shoe, the fiber layers can be joined together wetter than usual.
US07988823B2	Method of making textured tissue sheets having highlighted designs Textured non-woven webs, papermaking fabrics and tissue sheets made using the textured papermaking fabrics can contain design elements set in highlight areas which make the design elements more visible.
US07988817B2	Lift pin driving device and a flat panel display manufacturing apparatus having same A lift pin driving device and a flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing apparatus having the device are provided. The lift pin driving device can precisely move a plurality of lift pins using one motor, thus realizing a simple lift pin driving structure and a simple motor control structure. This allows a space below a chamber body of the manufacturing apparatus to be configured in a variety of ways, thus reducing the cost of equipment and the production cost of products.
US07988814B2	Plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing method, focus ring, and focus ring component When a substrate to be processed placed on a mounting table disposed in a process chamber is processed by plasma generated in the process chamber by application of high-frequency voltage, an electric field causing ions generated by the plasma to accelerate toward a lower surface of a peripheral edge portion of the substrate to be processed placed on the mounting table is formed under the peripheral edge portion of the substrate to be processed, and the ions consequently collide with the lower surface of the peripheral edge portion, which reduces the occurrence of deposition.
US07988809B2	Aircraft floor and interior panels using edge coated honeycomb Aircraft floor and interior panels where core-skin bonding is improved between honeycomb and composite face sheets (skins) by applying a polyamide and/or rubber-containing adhesive to the edge of the honeycomb prior to bonding. Edge coating of the honeycomb allows one to reduce panel weight without reducing the performance parameters that are required for different types of aircraft floor and interior panels.
US07988805B2	Foamed plastic sheet An unmixed plastic sheet, which is made of a thermoplastic material and which is composed of a number of body segments that are adjacent to one another in a plane, interconnected and made of a closed-cell foam material. The body segments are thermoplastically welded to one another at their abutting lateral faces while forming flat weld seams. The flat weld seams form a plastic intermediate layer, which has few pores, and which is provided in the form of a web structure that, when viewed from above, is reticular and reinforces the plastic sheet. The inventive plastic sheet is preferably used as a core layer in sandwich composites.
US07988801B2	Perchlorate-free green signal flare composition Perchlorate-free green flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce green smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.
US07988797B2	Nano-composite magnet, quenched alloy for nano-composite magnet, and method for producing them and method for distinguishing them A nanocomposite magnet according to the present invention has a composition represented by the general formula: RxQyMz(Fe1-mTm)bal, where R is at least one rare-earth element, Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B and C, M is at least one metal element that is selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Hf, Ta, W, Pt, Au and Pb and that always includes Ti, and T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni. The mole fractions x, y, z and m satisfy the inequalities of 6 at %≦x<10 at %, 10 at %≦y≦17 at %, 0.5 at %≦z≦6 at % and 0≦m≦0.5, respectively. The nanocomposite magnet includes a hard magnetic phase and a soft magnetic phase that are magnetically coupled together. The hard magnetic phase is made of an R2Fe14B-type compound, and the soft magnetic phase includes an α-Fe phase and a crystalline phase with a Curie temperature of 610° C. to 700° C. (ω phase) as its main phases.
US07988795B2	R-T-B—C rare earth sintered magnet and making method An R-T-B—C rare earth sintered magnet (R═Ce, Pr, Nd, Tb, or Dy; T=Fe) is obtained by mixing an R-T-B—C magnet matrix alloy with an R fluoride and an R-rich R-T-B—C sintering aid alloy, followed by pulverization, compaction and sintering. The sintered structure consists of an R2T14B type crystal primary phase and a grain boundary phase. The grain boundary phase consists essentially of 40-98 vol % of R—O1-x—F1+2x and/or R—Fy, 1-50 vol % of R—O, R—O—C or R—C compound phase, 0.05-10 vol % of R-T phase, 0.05-20 vol % of B-rich phase or M-B2 phase (M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta or W), and the balance of an R-rich phase.
US07988793B2	Washing system for dissolution vessels and the like In one embodiment, a washing system including a nozzle assembly having a nozzle and having formed therein a rinse passageway and a waste passageway. Each passageway has first and second ends. The first end of the waste passageway is adapted to be coupled to a waste pump adapted to remove waste fluid via a waste aperture defining the second end of the waste passageway. The first end of the rinse passageway is adapted to be coupled to a rinse pump adapted to provide rinse fluid via a rinse aperture defining the second end of the rinse passageway. The nozzle is coupled to the rinse aperture and is adapted to rotate and direct flow of the rinse fluid outwardly while rotating.
US07988791B2	Dishwasher with multiple wash zones An automatic dishwasher, comprises a wash chamber, a rotating spray arm having an outer periphery or rotation and having at least one outlet for introducing a stream of liquid into the wash chamber, a disperser located within the wash chamber and exteriorly of the outer periphery of the rotating spray arm where during at least a portion of one revolution of the rotating spray arm the disperser is fluidly connected such that the stream of liquid is transferred to the disperser, and a liquid volume controller to control the volume of liquid transferred from the rotating spray arm to the disperser. Wherein the disperser provides an additional source of water spray to utensils in the wash chamber and the liquid volume controller controls the amount of such additional spray.
US07988790B2	Washing appliance water softener A water softener particularly for use in a dishwasher. The water softener is located in the dishwasher water supply (238) between the primary supply valve and the wash chamber. The softener includes a resin container (207) with an ion exchange resin (290). Water supplied to the wash chamber optionally passes through the resin container (207). Regenerating brine is developed in a brine container (203). The brine container (203) is supplied manually with solid salt (270) and water diverted into the container from the main supply at an air break (201). In the regenerating cycle brine is delivered from the brine container (203) to the resin container (207) by a pump (206). The duty cycle of the pump (206) determines the degree of regeneration of the resin (290).
US07988788B2	Process for rapid acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material and in a hydrolysis reactor Improvements in a process for rapid acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material and in a hydrolysis reactor, said lignocellulosic material being fed in different levels of a reactor and contacted with flows of lignin organic solvent, water and an extremely dilute solution of a strong inorganic acid, for obtaining a liquid phase of hydrolysis extract and a solid phase of non-reacted and non-dissolved material. A controlled steam flow is injected into the different levels of the reactor, so as to provide adequate temperatures of organic solvent and strong inorganic acid and forming the desired products (sugars). A flow of the liquid phase is recirculated in different levels of the reactor, the remainder thereof being withdrawn from the reactor, abruptly cooled with the solvent submitted to evaporation to obtain a concentrate. The lignin is transferred by decantation and the concentrate is transferred to subsequent process steps.
US07988783B2	Additive for hydraulically setting systems, the hydraulically setting mixtures and the use there of The invention relates to an additive for hydraulically setting systems based on modified polycarboxylates and water-soluble ethers of high polymeric polysaccharides, optionally containing further standard additives, characterized by a content of a) a water-soluble ether of cellulose or a cellulose-like compound with a viscosity of at least approximately 1,000 mPas, particularly at least approximately 2,000 mPas, measured as a 2% aqueous solution with a Brookfield viscosimeter at 20° C. and 20 rpm and b) a polycarboxylate, whose main chain is linked by means of ester, ether, imide and/or amide groups with polyethylene oxide-containing side chains. The invention also relates to hydraulic mixtures having a content of the above additive and the use thereof. Using the additive according to the invention in hydraulically setting systems comparable and in part much better characteristics are obtained compared with casein-containing formulations, such as a rheological flow behaviour comparable to casein, but with improved water retention.
US07988781B2	Non-settling refractory mortar A non-settling refractory mortar is provided, which includes 100 mass % of a ceramic powder such as cordierite, mullite, alumina, or silicon carbide, 0.5 to 1.5 mass % of a clay mineral, and a colloidal oxide solution, in which the Ca content in the total solid component is defined at 0.01 to 0.5 mass % as converted to oxide so as to be provided with a thixotropic property. As a result, the coating performance is not lowered if stored for a long period after kneading, the dimension change rate after coating is small, and cracks or gaps are not formed on the coat surface. The median diameter of ceramic powder is preferred to be 10 to 50 μm, and in order to reduce the dimension change rate after coating, the content of particles of 0.1 to 5 μm in ceramic powder is desired to be 1 to 20%.
US07988779B2	Absorbent articles comprising nanoparticles The present invention relates to soft surface coatings and absorbent articles comprising composite materials that are functionalized nanoparticles and in particular, metal-loaded nanoclays. In one embodiment, the metal is silver and the nanoparticle comprises a nanoclay. Silver ion is reduced to its neutral metal state (Ag0) and loaded onto the nanoclay.
US07988777B2	Aqueous ink composition and urethane resin composition for aqueous ink composition An object of the present invention is to provide a black ink composition by which a recorded matter in which a fine surface defect on a recorded matter is effectively suppressed, can be obtained. For this object, the present invention is a black ink composition containing water, carbon black, and a water-soluble polyurethane resin, wherein when a content of carbon black is not less than 0.4% by weight and less than 1.5% by weight, a content of a solid matter of the water-soluble polyurethane resin is not less than 0.67-fold and not more than 2.5-fold a content of the carbon black and, when a content of the carbon black is less than 0.4% by weight, a content of a solid matter of the water-soluble polyurethane resin is not less than 7.5-fold a content of the carbon black.
US07988770B2	Gas adsorbing device, vacuum heat insulator making use of gas adsorbing device and process for producing vacuum heat insulator A jacket material into which a gas adsorbing device and core material are inserted is decompressed in a vacuum chamber, the opening is sealed, and then the jacket material is exposed to the atmosphere. In the atmospheric pressure, a pressure of about 1 atm which is equivalent to the pressure difference between the inside and outside is applied to the jacket material of the heat insulator. The jacket material is made of a plastic laminated film and is deformed by pressure. A protruding portion is plunged into a container to drill through holes, and a gas adsorbent in the container communicates with the inside of the jacket material. Thus, both during holding and in applying to the vacuum heat insulator, the gas adsorbent can be applied to the vacuum heat insulator without degradation, and the high degree of vacuum can be kept for a long time.
US07988767B2	Hydrocarbon based sulfur solvent systems and methods Contemplated configurations and methods for elemental sulfur removal from various gases, and especially well acid gases employ a hydrocarbon solvent that dissolves the sulfur to form a rich solvent and that is then regenerated by hydrotreating. Thus, sulfur is removed from the rich solvent as H2S that may then be processed (e.g., in Claus unit or absorption unit) while the regenerated solvent is routed back to the well and associated production pipes.
US07988762B2	Protective gas composition for magnesium/magnesium alloy production and combustion preventing method There is provided a protective gas composition for preventing combustion of a molten magnesium/magnesium alloy, containing a compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (OHFC-1234ze), methyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (HFE-254pc), which are fluorine-containing organic compounds, and mixtures thereof; and a carrier gas.
US07988759B2	Method of producing metal powder A method of producing metal powder using a nozzle including a flow path and an orifice includes: storing molten metal in a supply part; passing the molten metal through a tubular member below the supply part and injecting the molten metal from a bottom end of the tubular member into the flow path; subjecting the molten metal to primary breakup via depressurization inside the flow path to yield liquid droplets; and subjecting the liquid droplets to secondary breakup via contact with fluid injected from the orifice to yield further fine shapes, and solidifying them by cooling to obtain the metal powder, wherein the orifice opens toward a bottom end of the flow path, and the depressurization inside the flow path is generated by a stream of the fluid injected from the orifice into the flow path.
US07988757B2	Air cleaner; replaceable filter cartridges; and, methods The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. An optional mechanical interlock, operated with a non-threaded, movement of the cartridge, is provided between the primary filter cartridge and the housing. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.
US07988753B1	Method and apparatus for recovery and recycling of hydrogen An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling hydrogen from a reforming process raises the pressure of at least one hydrogen-rich gas stream from at least one catalyst lock hopper and delivers at least a portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas stream to at least one predetermined downstream location. At least another portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas is used to maintain the desired pressure within the hydrogen recovery and recycling process and apparatus.
US07988752B2	Hot solids gasifier with CO2 removal and hydrogen production A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction. The hot CaCO3 is discharged to the calciner 42, the heat content of the CaCO3 being used to strip the CO2 from the CaO in an endothermic reaction in the calciner, with the CaO being discharged from the calciner 42 to the shift reactor 54.
US07988751B2	Method for producing hydrogen A method for controlling the purity of hydrogen in a reforming apparatus is described where in the apparatus includes a fuel processor, a purification unit and a system controller. The controller determines a calculated flow of reformate from the fuel processor and operates the purification unit based on the calculated flow. The calculated flow is derived from a process model of the fuel processor and known feed(s) to the fuel processor. The calculated flow of reformate is used to control the flow of reformate to adsorbent beds within the purification unit and can be used to control other materials flows within the apparatus. Means for reducing fluctuations in the pressure and/or flow rate of reformate flowing from the fuel processor to the purification unit are also disclosed. The purity of the hydrogen produced can be maintained by adjusting the operation of the purification unit in response to changes in reformate composition, pressure and/or flow rate.
US07988750B2	Method for recovering methane gas from natural gas hydrate The present invention relates to a method for recovering methane gas by adding a gas mixture containing N2 and CO2 gases to natural gas hydrate and reacting them. The method for recovering methane gas from natural gas hydrate of the present invention comprises the step of replacing CH4 gas in natural gas hydrate with a gas mixture containing N2 and CO2 gases by adding the gas mixture to the natural gas hydrate. The method for recovering methane gas of the invention assures a recovery rate of CH4 gas much higher than prior art method without dissociating natural gas hydrate layer and utilization of flue gas as a gas mixture containing N2 and CO2 gases, which makes possible its practical application for the production of natural gas in terms of economy and environmental protection.
US07988748B2	Additive as component of mineral oil compositions Mineral oil compositions with trace portions of additives contain as additive a comb polymer containing ester linkages, either based on a) ethylene-vinylester copolymers modified by hydroxy groups or glycidyl groups with molecular mass weight averages from 3000 to 50000 and an ethylene portion of 50 to 90 mass %, and b) partially imidated and/or partially esterified maleic anhydride copolymers, wherein in the comb polymer based on a) and b) the modified ethylene-vinylester copolymer component is connected by means of ester linkages to the partially imidated and/or partially esterified maleic anhydride copolymer component, or a comb polymer containing ester linkages based on c) ethylene-vinylester copolymers modified by acid and/or acid anhydride groups with molecular mass weight averages from 3000 to 50000 and an ethylene portion of 50 to 90 mass %, and d) polyalcohols partially esterified with C12-C40-monocarboxylic acids wherein in the comb polymer based on c) and d) the ethylene-vinylester copolymer component modified by acid and/or acid anhydride groups is connected by means of ester linkages with the polyalcohol component partially esterified with C12-C40-monocarboxylic acids. The mineral oil compositions are suitable as flowable media to be transported at low temperatures and as mineral oil fuels with high lubricity and flowability.
US07988744B1	Method of producing capacitor structure in a semiconductor device A method of producing capacitor structure includes, in at least one aspect, arranging first layer, adjacent first and second polarity conducting strips, the first layer conducting strips arranged as respective piecewise “S” shaped paths; arranging second layer, adjacent first and second polarity conducting strips, the second layer conducting strips arranged as respective piecewise “S” shaped paths, the second layer second polarity conducting strip is arranged overlying and electrically separated from the first layer first polarity conducting strip, and the second layer first polarity conducting strip is arranged overlying and electrically separated from the first layer second polarity conducting strip; electrically connecting the first layer first polarity conducting strip with the second layer first polarity conducting strip; and electrically connecting the first layer second polarity conducting strip with the second layer second polarity conducting strip.
US07988743B2	Method for manufacturing solid electrolytic capacitor Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor in which a capacitor element has conductive polymer solid electrolyte on a dielectric oxide film layer. The method includes the following processes: forming a manganese oxide layer on the dielectric oxide film layer; and chemically polymerizing a reaction solution containing a monomer, aromatic sulfonic acid, and a solvent using the manganese oxide layer as an oxidizing agent. Here, polyhydric alcohol capable of being coordinated to manganese ions released from the manganese oxide layer is made to coexist with the chemical polymerization reaction.
US07988741B2	Specific naphthalmide-type dyes, dye composition comprising at least one such dye, process using same and uses The present application relates to a novel family of cationic naphthalimide compounds that can be used as a direct dye, and to a dye composition for the dyeing of keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a suitable dyeing medium, at least one such compound. The present application also relates to the dyeing process using this composition and its uses.
US07988739B2	Multi-component hair dye composition A multi-component hair dye composition excellent in bleaching property and dyeing property including components (a), (b) and (c) which are mixed upon use:(a) one or more kinds of glycylglycine derivative represented by general formula (1) and having two or three amino acid residues, or salts thereof; [wherein X represents a bivalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, or an amino acid residue; Y represents an amino acid residue, or a bivalent group represented by general formula (2): (wherein symbol -* represents a bond that binds to an adjacent carbonyl group or oxygen atom); R represents a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in which the hydroxy group may be substituted; and m and n each represent 0 or 1, provided that when both m and n represent 1, X is not an amino acid residue]; (b) an alkali agent; and c) an oxidizing agent; wherein formula (I) is:
US07988736B2	Method and apparatus for providing resorbable fixation of press-fit implants A press-fit prosthesis for replacing a portion of a bone. The prosthesis can comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side can be operable to engage the bone. The prosthesis can include at least one resorbable fixation member coupled to the second side such that the at least one resorbable fixation member does not extend through to the first side. The at least one resorbable fixation member can be coupled offset from a center of the second side. The at least one resorbable fixation member can substantially resist movement of the prosthesis relative to the bone. The at least one resorbable fixation member can resorb at a rate that enables bone in-growth to fixedly couple the prothesis to the bone.
US07988733B2	Bioimplant with nonuniformly configured protrusions on the load bearing surfaces thereof A bioimplant is configured with at least two load-bearing surfaces each having a plurality of protrusions oriented at an angle with respect to one another to resist translation in all directions when opposing load bearing surfaces are under normally applied compressive loads.
US07988729B2	High ion and metabolite flux lenses and materials An exemplary embodiment provides a biocompatible polymer composition suitable for making intraocular lenses, especially posterior chamber phakic lenses, that includes a hydrogel having an equilibrium water content of less than about 55 wt. %. The hydrogel has a refractive index greater than about 1.41 and a sodium ion flux between about 16 to about 20 μeq-mm/hr/cm2.
US07988728B2	Physiological demand responsive control system A demand responsive physiological control system for use with a rotary blood pump; said system including a pump controller which is capable of controlling pump speed of said pump; said system further including a physiological controller, and wherein said physiological controller is adapted to analyse input data relating to physiological condition of a user of said pump; and wherein said physiological controller determines appropriate pumping speed and sends a speed control signal to said pump controller to adjust pump speed; said system further including a physiological state detector which provides said input data indicative of at least one physiological state of said user, in use, to said physiological controller.
US07988727B2	Prevention of myocardial infarction induced ventricular expansion and remodeling A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation.
US07988725B2	Segmented ring placement Apparatus is provided for repairing a valve of a heart of a patient which includes an annulus and at least first and second leaflets. The apparatus includes an annuloplasty structure, a plurality of tissue anchors, and a plurality of flexible longitudinal guide members removably coupled to the structure. Each of the guide members is configured to facilitate anchoring of the annuloplasty structure to the annulus of the patient by a respective one of the anchors. The guide members are configured to be advanced toward the annulus simultaneously with the annuloplasty structure. Other embodiments are also described.
US07988723B2	Flexible stent The stent of the present invention combines a helical strut band interconnected by coil elements. This structure provides a combination of attributes that are desirable in a stent, such as, for example, substantial flexibility, stability in supporting a vessel lumen, cell size and radial strength. The structure of the stent of the present invention provides a predetermined geometric relationship between the helical strut band and interconnected coil elements in order to maintain connectivity at any diameter size state of the stent.
US07988721B2	Axially-radially nested expandable device Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. These implants comprise an axially-radially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as translating and/or slide and lock. One advantage of the axially-radially nested stent is that it maintains the expanded size, without significant recoil.
US07988720B2	Longitudinally flexible expandable stent In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of serpentine bands and a plurality of connector columns. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of alternating straight band struts and turns. Adjacent serpentine bands are connected across a connector column by a plurality of connector struts. Each connector strut is connected at one end to a turn of one serpentine band and connected at the other end to a turn of another serpentine band. The turns of a serpentine band comprise connected turns that connect to a connector strut and unconnected turns that do not connect to a connector strut. At least one serpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of three band struts and then five band struts extending between connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed. At least one serpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of three band struts and then one band strut extending between connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed.
US07988719B2	Vascular stent with composite structure for magnetic resonance imaging capabilities A stent is adapted to be implanted in a duct of a human body to maintain an open lumen at the implant site, and to allow viewing body tissue and fluids by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) energy applied external to the body. The stent constitutes a metal scaffold. An electrical circuit resonant at the resonance frequency of the MRI energy is fabricated integral with the scaffold structure of the stent to promote viewing body properties within the lumen of the stent.
US07988718B2	Stent configurations Improved stent configurations exhibiting limited recoil, resistance to compression and improved longitudinal flexibility are disclosed. The stent comprised of a plurality of annular elements aligned to form a cylindrical stent body. The annular elements are comprised of a plurality of open, generally boomerang-shaped segments interconnected top-to-bottom around each of the annular elements. Adjacent annular elements are interconnected by interconnecting element.
US07988715B2	System and method for therapy and diagnosis comprising translatory distributor for distribution of radiation A system and method for interactive interstitial photo-dynamic tumour therapy and/or photothermal tumour therapy of a human or animal, said system comprising at least one radiation distributor, which is arranged for distribution of optical radiation from at least one radiation source to a reaction site, or from the reaction site to at least one radiation sensor. The radiation distributor comprises at least one translatory displacement element being translatory movable relatively to another element. First ends of first radiation conductors are fixed to the first translatory displacement element and first ends of second radiation conductors are fixed to the other element, wherein the first and the second radiation conductors are connectable to each other in different constellations through translatory movement of the translatory displacement element and the other element relative each other in order to obtain different operation modes of said system.
US07988713B2	Apparatus for bracing vertebrae An apparatus for bracing a plurality of vertebrae of the human spine has at least two pedicle screws, each having an annular head with an opening therewithin and including a slot therewithin. Each slot extends into the corresponding opening and includes internal threaded portions. A securing screw to be screwed in each slot is provided. A relatively stiff threaded rod is also provided and is to be inserted into the opening in the head of each of the pedicle screws and to be secured by the securing screws. Adjusting nuts are screwed on the rod and at least one cooperates with each head.
US07988710B2	Spinal stabilization device A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device, including: a first end portion and a second end portion, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engagable by a section of a first bone securing member; a flexible member located between the first and second ends, the flexible member permitting motion of the first end relative to the second end; and a transition area located between the first end and the flexible member, the transition area tapering in diameter from a first section of the transition area proximate to the first end toward a second section of the transition area proximate to the flexible member.
US07988703B2	Patient's skin puncturing device The device comprises a body (2) and placed therein a needle assembly (1) and a push button (3) located in the upper portion of the body (2), whereas the needle assembly (1) has in its lower portion a sheathed piercing needle (5), and the push button (3) has in its upper portion a press surface, and between the body (2) and the needle assembly (1) a return spring (27) is placed. The push button (3) is coupled with the needle assembly (1) by means of abutting surface elements (15, 44), whereas during the movement of the push button (3) and after resting the needle assembly (1) on the element (20) of the body (2) and after performing the full-depth piercing, one of the abutting surface elements (15, 44) bends, releasing the needle assembly (1) from the thrust of the push button (3), whereupon the needle assembly (1) retracts to the inside of the body by means of the return spring (27).
US07988702B2	Surgical clip with a self-releasing fluid reservoir The present invention generally relates to surgical clips. A surgical clip comprises a first piece comprising a first base and a first projection extending from the first base, a second piece comprising a second base, a second projection extending from the second base wherein the second projection further comprises a top surface, at least one side surface and a bottom surface, the surfaces defining a reservoir therein, and the first and the second piece are detachably connectable. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is self-releasing to deliver therapeutic materials when the first piece and second piece are connected.
US07988699B2	Adjustable instrumentation for spinal implant insertion A plurality of differently configured bone spinal implants for insertion in a spine have a cylindrical bore for receiving an insertion head stud. A plurality of instruments are disclosed each of which have a first connection element which is either a male or female member such as e.g., a ball and socket, a cylinder and socket and so on for forming either a stationary or articulating interchangeable joint for a plurality of disc processing heads or implant insertion heads. The plurality of disc space processing heads or implant insertion heads have a complementary second joint member for interchangeable attachment to the first connection element. The implant insertion heads or disc processing heads have different configurations for different shaped implants. Different instrument insertion or disc processing heads such as implant inserters, impactors, rasps, distractors, curettes, rongeur, and so on are disclosed as being interchangeable with a common instrument in which articulating or fixed joints are provided the interchangeable heads.
US07988698B2	Spinal rod approximator Spinal implants, spinal rod approximators for seating a stabilizing rod in a rod-receiving portion of a spinal implant, and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a spinal rod approximator is provided including an elongate member having a grasping member formed on a distal end thereof, and a rod pusher member slidably mated to or mounted on the elongate member. The grasping member is effective to grasp a portion of a spinal implant, and the pusher member is effective to grasp and engage a stabilizing rod and push the rod into a rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant being grasped by the grasping member.
US07988696B2	Perforated balloon and method for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone using same The present invention discloses a technique for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone cavity, which involves a forced-feeding balloon rupture mechanism. This mechanism includes continuously or intermittently injecting a liquid or gas into a perforated balloon containing a hardened orthopaedic paste therein in a bone cavity until the perforated balloon is dilated to exceed a critical size, and thus ruptures.
US07988691B2	Orthopaedic trauma bone plate kit A kit for the construction of a bone plate assembly for fixation of a fractured bone is provided. The kit includes a plurality of plate members, a connecting member for retaining the plurality of plate members in a desired configuration and a plurality of locking members for securing the plate members to the connecting member.
US07988688B2	Miniature apparatus and method for optical stimulation of nerves and other animal tissue A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.
US07988684B2	Syringe adapter A syringe adapter assembly 10 for permitting a front loadable power injector 100 having a pressure jacket 106 with an open front end to attach syringes 70 that do not require pressure jackets for their intended purpose. The syringe adapter assembly comprises a main adapter body 12 having a central bore 28 therethrough, a lifting ring 60 secured within the main adapter body 12, a connector plate 50 for attaching the main adapter body to the door injector, and a drive ram extender 30 that attaches to the drive ram. Additionally, the ram extender 30 may have a ram tip cone 40 attached at its forward end. The connector plate 50 is inserted into a recess 112 in the rear side of the door, and attaches to the main adapter body 12 located on the front side of the door. The invention additionally or alternatively comprises both a syringe lock 120 that locks an installed syringe relative to the injector to prevent unwanted movement of the syringe, and a method of locking syringe relative to an injector.
US07988679B2	Pressure responsive slit valve assembly for a plurality of fluids and uses thereof A pressure responsive slit valve assembly is designed to be used in a variety of configurations of medical devices to manage contemporaneous and pressure responsive fluid communications between such devices and a plurality of fluid sources. The pressure responsive slit valve assembly of the present invention includes a valve housing adapted to receive fluids from at least two sources and a pressure responsive slit valve means corresponding to each fluid sources.
US07988678B2	Needle mounting assembly for a medication injection device A needle mounting assembly for mounting a pen needle in fluid communication with a medication cartridge. A collet defines an opening in which is slidably fittable the outlet end of the cartridge. The collet is shiftable relative to the cartridge outlet end. When the collet is disposed in a first axial position, a plurality of fingers of the collet extend forward of the cartridge outlet end and are disposed in a first radial arrangement in which a needle hub of the pen needle can be freely axially placed onto and freely axially removed from the plurality of fingers. When the collet is moved to a second position, the plurality of fingers are shifted by engagement with the cartridge outlet end to operationally secure the needle hub. When the collet is moved back to the first position, the plurality of fingers shift back for free axial removal of the needle hub from the mounting assembly.
US07988677B2	Hand-held, hand-operated power syringe and methods A hand-held syringe includes a handle configured for suspending and using the syringe with a single hand. The handle includes pivotally connected first and second members. The members of the handle may be pivotally connected at intermediate positions along the lengths thereof or at or near ends thereof. The first member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe barrel, while the second member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe plunger. The syringe may be configured for a single-use (i.e., it may be disposable). Applications of use and methods of using a hand-held syringe are also disclosed.
US07988674B2	Externally releasable body portal anchors and systems Embodiments of the present invention include anchor assemblies and methods for using the same to immobilize a device within a body portal. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly is utilized to immobilize a catheter relative to a covered (e.g., skin-covered) burr hole formed in a skull. Anchor assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may include anchors located subdermally that may be unlocked from outside the body to release the device without a surgical procedure.
US07988673B2	Protective dressing and methods of use thereof A protective device having a substantially rigid casing for placement on a patient's skin, wherein the casing has a hollow interior facing the patient's skin and a lip. The casing can be spanned across its hollow interior by a membrane. The casing can have a first adhesive seal attached to a bottom surface of the lip of the casing, and a second adhesive seal attached to the top surface of the lip of the casing.
US07988657B2	Body cavity irrigation device A hand-held disposable body cavity irrigation device comprises a pump with an inlet and an outlet, a container for lavage fluid fastened removably to said pump, an applicator having an insertion tip, and divided longitudinally into an injection chamber with a first fitting and a drain chamber with a second fitting, and a first tube connecting said outlet to the first fitting wherein the first tube comprises at least one malleable element embedded longitudinally into an elastic wall, said inlet communicates with the lavage fluid within the container, and the drain chamber is disposed predominantly below the injection chamber and has at least one vent beyond the insertion tip.
US07988655B2	Catheter pump, catheter and fittings therefore and methods of using a catheter pump A catheter pump includes a catheter channel communicating with a distal end portion of the catheter for alternatingly leading fluid in proximal and distal directions. At least one outlet passage is distally spaced from the inlet passage or passages. The catheter pump further includes a displacement structure communicating with the proximal end portion of the catheter for alternatingly applying suction and pressure for driving the fluid displacement. At least in operating condition, the inlet passage or passages are continuously open. A catheter and fittings for such a catheter pump and method of using a catheter pump are also described.
US07988653B2	Orthopedic elbow brace having a length-adjustable support assembly An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support bar, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which receives the support bar. The locking mechanism includes a lock stop and a lock peg array having at least one column and a plurality of rows. The lock stop is perpendicularly positioned between two lock pegs in adjacent rows to prevent displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the closed position and the lock stop is parallely positioned to enable displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the open position.
US07988643B2	Biopsy needle for the histological examination of body tissue The invention relates to a biopsy needle for obtaining material for histological examination of body tissue, in particular, of bone marrow, or for the isolation, culture and modification of body cells, comprising a cannula with a cutting edge and a manual turning handle and a stylet running in the cannula. At the end of the cannula is an internal thread and preferably an outer thread. An easily visible marking is preferably provided on the manual turning handle. On withdrawing the biopsy needle the biopsy sample is thus held in position in the cannula and the advancing is precisely controllable.
US07988642B2	Vacuum assisted biopsy device A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen. The vacuum causes tissue to be drawn into and maintained in the tissue opening while the outer cannula severs tissue to obtain a biopsy core.
US07988640B2	Macro-control of treatment for sleep disordered breathing A method and apparatus for treating sleep disordered breathing. An arousal index is determined for use in an outer loop of a control algorithm, the arousal index being a measure of the frequency of sleep arousals. The respiratory airflow signal in an inner loop of the control algorithm is monitored to detect an airway obstruction. If the arousal index is high, then the sensitivity of obstruction detection and/or the aggressiveness of the treatment is increased, and if the arousal index is low, then the sensitivity of the obstruction detection and/or the aggressiveness of the treatment is decreased.
US07988639B2	System and method for complex geometry modeling of anatomy using multiple surface models Disclosed herein are methods and systems for creating a complex model of the human anatomy. The anatomy may be modeled using multiple geometries. Generally, a plurality of line-of-sight models may be combined into a composite model. Multiple clouds of points may be used to create surface models which may then be merged into a common volume. The resulting composite model may include portions that are not within a line of sight of a mean center point of the composite model. The surface models may be modeled using polygons, including for example, triangles. Disclosed herein are also ways in which electrophysiology data and/or other information may be mapped from a measurement point to a point on the composite model.
US07988638B2	Signal conditioning circuit between an optical device and a processing unit The invention concerns a conditioning circuit (10) for an external signal (IN) representative of a physiological quantity, arranged between an optical sensor (11) and a processing unit (12), the received external signal (IN) being broken down into a useful component and an ambient component, characterized in that the conditioning circuit includes a first stage (13) including a transimpedance amplifier with an incorporated high pass filter (15) using a feedback loop to subtract the ambient signal component from the received external signal, and to deliver at output an amplified useful signal (IN1), a second stage (16) including a blocker sampler circuit (17) for demodulating the amplified useful signal and delivering at output a demodulated useful signal (IN2), and a third stage (18) including a bandpass filter (19) for filtering the demodulated useful signal in the frequency band of the physiological quantity to be detected and for transmitting a conditioned signal (OUT) to the processing unit.
US07988636B2	Non-invasive electronic apparatus for measuring blood pressure A 3-way solenoid valve (20) is arranged between a cuff (10) and a first pressure sensor (30), wherein the common port of the 3-way solenoid valve (20) is connected with the first pressure sensor (30), the normally open port thereof connected with the cuff (10), and the normally closed port thereof connected with the air atmosphere during zeroing process. Moreover, an independent timing circuit (45) is provided additionally. In the measurement method of the present invention, the zeroing is performed with the help of the 3-way solenoid valve (20). Once a state of overtime or overpressure occurs, an air pump (50) is immediately closed, and a quick-deflation solenoid valve (60) is opened so that the pressure in the cuff (10) is released to ensure safe application.
US07988634B1	Adaptive cancellation of a signal component A cardiac-related signal such as a cardiogenic impedance signal is derived to obtain cardiac information such as stroke volume information that may be used to evaluate cardiac performance and/or other medical conditions. In some aspects detection of the cardiogenic impedance signal involves adaptively cancelling an unwanted component of a sensed signal. For example, in some embodiments a sensed respiratory signal may be subtracted from a thoracic impedance signal to reduce a respiratory component of the thoracic impedance signal. In this way, a more accurate cardiogenic impedance signal may be derived from the resulting signal.
US07988629B2	Cerebrum evaluation device There is provided a cerebrum evaluation device for evaluating the state of the cerebrum of a subject by analyzing a speech signal of the subject by using chaotic signal processing utilizing the periodicity of the signal. The cerebrum evaluation device evaluates the state of the cerebrum according to the speech signal uttered by the subject. The cerebrum evaluation device includes: a statistic information database containing chaotic index values of speech signals of a plurality of subjects; a speech signal acquisition unit for acquiring a speech signal; a chaotic index value calculation unit for calculating a chaotic index value of the speech signal by the chaotic signal processing utilizing the periodicity of the speech signal acquired; an evaluation unit for evaluating the state of the cerebrum of the subject according to the calculated chaotic index value by referencing the statistic information database; and an output unit for outputting the result evaluated by the evaluation unit.
US07988628B2	Security enabled medical screening device Embodiments of the invention pertain to networked kiosks capable of providing enhanced health and/or entertainment and/or advertising information. In an embodiment of the invention, biometric measurement devices coupled with a communications infrastructure implement a system of secure information exchange and enhanced user security. In an embodiment of the invention, a user's cell phone wirelessly connected via the machine to a call center or other responder to allow for consultation when appropriate. In an embodiment of the invention, a security/verification system is built into the kiosk, so as to be able to verify a user's identity. For example, one or more cameras associated with the kiosk provide various types of visual data usable for security purposes e.g., retinal scan data, face recognition parameter data, and so on. In further embodiments of the invention, other security features are provided additionally or alternatively.
US07988627B2	Biometric network exchange system A biometric measurement device and communications infrastructure implements a system of information exchange and usage. In an embodiment of the invention, a kiosk user's cell phone is used to wirelessly connect via the machine to a call center, doctor, or emergency center. In addition, the kiosk may automatically and wirelessly connect the user's cell phone through the kiosk to a call center representative or emergency service. The kiosk is able to collect and transmit user data, such as for promotional or advertising purposes in a further example.
US07988608B2	Apparatus for producing longitudinally folded products An apparatus for producing longitudinally folded products has a machine frame (17) which is arranged below a former arrangement which can be charged with web material. Transporting and processing units are arranged in tandem in the machine frame (17), and a superstructure wall (18) which carries web guiding members (19) associated with the former arrangement is mounted on the machine frame (17). At least one web ribbon (2a) is guided through the superstructure wall (18). The machine frame (17) has at least two modules (22, 23) arranged one above the other which are rotatable by 180° relative to one another and can be connected to one another. Each module (22, 23) has its own at least one drive motor, and every unit provided in the region of the dividing line (24) between modules (22, 23) which are rotatable relative to one another is constructed symmetrically with respect to a center working plane containing the axis of rotation.
US07988606B2	Machine comprising a mechanical guide element for guiding the displacement of a first and a second device The invention relates to a machine comprising a mechanical guide element (2a, 2b) for guiding the displacement of a first (3a, 3b) and a second device (4a, 4b). The machine comprises a first drive device (5a, 5b, 10a) for displacing the first device (3a, 3b) along the guide element (2a, 2b), and a second drive device (6a, 6b, 10b) for displacing the second device (4a, 4b) along the same guide element (2a, 2b) as the first device (3a, 3b). The mechanical construction of a machine is simplified due to said invention.
US07988601B2	Seated row exercise system A seated row exercise system including an exercise cycle assembly that detachably connects to a chair frame of a chair; and, an elongated support assembly. The exercise cycle assembly includes a main frame having a first end portion detachably connectable to a frame element of a chair frame, the main frame including a plurality of support legs for supporting the exercise cycle assembly relative to the floor; and, a pedal assembly securely connected to the main frame. The elongated support assembly includes a substantially vertical support member secured to the main frame; and, a pulley housing assembly attached to the vertical support member for supporting a cable assembly.
US07988598B2	Method and apparatus for interfacing between a wearable electronic device and a server and an article of fitness equipment The user puts on a wearable electronic device at a gym and the wearable electronic device updates itself wirelessly through a server with a fitness session for the user that is stored within a plurality of user workout routines in a database as part of the server. The fitness session is a sequence of exercises the user should perform at the gym where the wearable electronic device provides an indication to the user of the various exercises. The user determines which exercises to complete and thereafter at the end of the fitness session the user's progress is stored back to the database. On a subsequent visit to the gym a second fitness session is derived based upon the first fitness session where preferably this second fitness session is derived with the assistance of a trained professional. Optionally if an article of fitness equipment is busy, the user is advised of another article of fitness equipment to utilize. Optionally the machines are equipped with a wireless interface that allows the wearable electronic device to know which machine is being used.
US07988597B2	Method and apparatus for controlling a torque converter clutch A method and apparatus are provided for controlling actuation of a clutch device for a torque converter operative to transmit torque between an engine and a transmission. The method comprises controlling actuation of the clutch device effective to maintain an engine speed within a predetermined speed range when a transmission input speed is less than a threshold; and, controlling actuation of the clutch device effective to maintain slippage across the torque converter substantially at a predetermined slippage level when the transmission input speed is greater than the threshold.
US07988595B2	Control device for automatic transmission for vehicle A control device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle including a torque converter interposed between an output shaft of an engine and an input shaft of the automatic transmission, the torque converter having a lock-up clutch for mechanically connecting the output shaft and the input shaft in a direct manner, and a lock-up clutch engagement control unit for engaging the lock-up clutch by a predetermined engagement force in a predetermined operational region determined by a throttle angle and a vehicle speed. The control device further includes a shift map having a slip region for the lock-up clutch set in relation to a plurality of shift characteristics preliminarily set according to vehicle speeds, the slip region being defined by a downshift line and a slip start line deviated from the downshift line by a predetermined range of throttle angle toward lower throttle angles. When the throttle angle falls within the slip region before kickdown, the slip control of the lock-up clutch is performed by the lock-up clutch engagement control unit.
US07988594B2	Method for load-based stabilization of mode and fixed gear operation of a hybrid powertrain system A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electromechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, determining preferability factors associated with the current and potential transmission operating range state and the engine state wherein the preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states include load-stabilizing preferability factors, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the present transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors.
US07988588B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three 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 include clutches and brakes.
US07988586B2	Multi-speed transmission A 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 are clutches and brakes and are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US07988585B2	Kit to convert an open differential to a limited slip differential Disclosed is a kit which enables the rapid conversion of an open differential gear assembly in a golf cart to a limited slip differential gear assembly by replacing the side gears with side gears containing an integrated clutch surface that engage a double wound spring loaded case containing an integrated clutch surface that transmits power away from the slipping wheel and to the wheel having traction.
US07988580B2	Continuously variable transmission A continuously variable transmission that is highly suitable for use in a large car or light truck vehicle is provided.
US07988579B2	Vehicular drive system A vehicular drive system accommodated in a housing and including a first input shaft that receives a vehicle drive force generated by a vehicle drive power source, and a differential mechanism operable to distribute the vehicle drive force received from the first input shaft to a first electric motor and a second input shaft. The first and second input shafts are disposed coaxially with a first axis such that the second input shaft is disposed downstream of the first input shaft. The first input shaft is rotatably supported by a first support portion provided on the housing and an axial end portion of the second input shaft, and the second input shaft is rotatably supported by a third support portion and a fourth support portion that are provided on the housing.
US07988574B2	Transmission for a bicycle A transmission for a bicycle includes a derailleur shaft supported by a case member. A derailleur arm is movably journaled by the derailleur shaft. A guide rotational body is rotatably supported by the derailleur arm and an endless power transmission belt is wound therearound. The endless power transmission belt is shifted among a plurality of rotational body elements which constitute a speed-change rotational body for changing the speed-change ratio. An operating pin is connected to a wire which moves in the fore-and-aft direction in accordance with the speed-change operation so that the derailleur arm is rotated with respect to the derailleur shaft and translated toward the center axis of the derailleur shaft by the operating pin being moved while being guided through the guide hole by the speed-change operation via the wire. A roller is rotatably journaled by the operating pin is rotatably fitted in the guide hole.
US07988573B2	Device and method for controlling belt-type continuously variable transmission A control device includes an arrangement for deriving an input torque input to a belt-type continuously variable transmission based on a control amount of a first actuator. The continuously variable transmission includes a first actuator that is provided on a one movable sheave side, that presses the one movable sheave toward one fixed sheave, and that can generate a belt pinching pressure on the one movable sheave side, and a second actuator and a torque cam that are provided on the other movable sheave side, that press the other movable sheave toward the other fixed sheave, and that can generate a belt pinching pressure on the other movable sheave side.
US07988571B2	Golf ball with polygonal dimple groupings The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimple groupings comprised of multiple angular spiral shaped arms that are arrayed to form polygonal perimeters, wherein the number of arms equals the number of perimeter sides. This allows greater symmetry about the dimple grouping center, thereby improving the consistency of the aerodynamic performance of the ball. In another unique feature of the present invention, the angular shape of the arms facilitates the formation of polygonal shaped dimple groupings, which can fit closely together to cover a greater proportion of the ball's surface, preferably more than about 85% surface coverage, thereby further enhancing aerodynamic performance.
US07988570B2	Multi-layer core golf ball having opposing hardness gradient with steep gradient outer core layer A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center has a hardness of 56 to 80 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 85 to 98 Shore C and an inner surface having a hardness of 68 to 78 Shore C and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C.
US07988568B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads with adjustable center of gravity and moment of inertia characteristics Golf clubs, club heads, and club weighting systems may include: (a) a club head body member; and (b) one or more weight members movably engaged with the club head body member so as to move between a first position and a second position to change an overall exterior shape of the club head. This shape change may result in changes to the overall center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Alternatively or additionally, the weight member(s) may be removed from the club head body member, reoriented, and/or replaced with a different weight member, e.g., to change the overall exterior shape, center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Methods of making and using these clubs, club heads, and weighting systems also are described.
US07988567B2	Soft golf club head Provided is a soft golf club head that forms a striking surface with a plurality of strings fixed to a body of the head and a tension adjusting screw to enable adjusting of string tension, so that shock transferred to a golfer is reduced, flight distance of the golf ball can be adjusted, and a broader demography can enjoy golfing with less restrictions.
US07988558B2	Game apparatus and storage medium storing game program A game apparatus including an obtaining logic unit, a gravity direction calculating logic unit, a first movement direction calculating logic unit, and a game processing logic unit. The obtaining logic unit successively obtains acceleration data. The gravity direction calculating logic unit calculates a gravity direction based on values of a plurality of pieces of acceleration data obtained during a predetermined period, where an orientation of an input device is used as a reference. The first movement direction calculating logic unit calculates a first movement direction which is a movement direction of the input device, based on the values of the plurality of pieces of acceleration data obtained during the predetermined period, where the orientation of the input device is used as a reference. The game processing logic unit executes a game process based on the first movement direction and the gravity direction.
US07988555B2	Method and device for controlling a motion-sequence within a simulated game or sports event The invention relates to a method for the control of the movement course of an object (23) represented on a display device (12), which within the framework of a ball game or sport event simulated by a computation unit (11) is to move from a starting point (16) into another region of the environment indicated on the display device (12).The control is improved in that for determining the target, in a first step, a predefined target area (18) of a certain scope and shape is made available by the computation unit, and is represented on the display device, that in a second step the prepared target area is positioned by a playing person by way of an input unit (15), in the environment of the starting point (16) displayed on the display device (12), and that in a third step the object (23) is moved by the computation unit (11) on a movement path (20) from the starting point (16) to an end point lying in the target area (18), wherein the position of the end point within the target area (18) is determined according to a random principle.
US07988554B2	Game development architecture that decouples the game logic from the graphics logic A disclosed gaming machine is designed to execute a modular gaming software architecture. A plurality of gaming software modules may be loaded into RAM on the gaming machine and executed to play a game of chance. Many of the gaming software modules are designed to communicate via application program interfaces so that the logic in many of the gaming software modules may be designed independently of each other. In particular, the modular gaming software architecture allows a game flow software module used to generate a game of chance on the gaming machine to be decoupled from a game presentation software module used to present the game chance. Thus, a group of games may be designed where the games share a common game flow software module but use different game presentation software modules to change the look and feel of the game.
US07988553B2	Method and apparatus for enrolling gaming device players into a player-tracking system An apparatus and method for selecting an account for a gaming player is presented. In one embodiment, a preexisting card is electronically read. Information coded into the magnetic stripe or bar code on the preexisting card is decoded. The decoded information is used to identify matching player accounts. The identified player accounts are presented to the user, who can then select one of the accounts. The selected account is then accessed.
US07988551B2	Method and system for monitoring gaming device play and determining compliance status After a player purchases a contract providing insurance against gambling losses, a server or other device in communication with a gaming device (e.g., a “player tracking” server, “slot accounting” server and/or other computer device) may operate to (i) receive game play data in association with one or more plays of the gaming device, (ii) determine a compliance status based on the received game play data and one or more play requirements associated with the contract, and (iii) provide a refund amount due to the player based on the compliance status. Before providing any refund, the server or other device may store a status indicator relating to the one or more plays indicating whether the play was compliant with the contract. Furthermore, an alert may be provided to the player if a particular play is not compliant with the contract.
US07988548B2	Gaming apparatus and playing method thereof For a number of execution times of roulette game in a roulette game machine (1), if the number of land-in times at a prescribed numbered pocket (23) has become equal to or greater than a reference time number, then from among a plurality of control data sets such a control data set that is different from a current control data set is determined to be referred to.
US07988547B2	Jackpot wagering with supplementary draw A jackpot wagering system includes a number of player terminals, a random event generator and an accumulation facility. Each player terminal is operable by a respective player to place a corresponding wager on one or more different turns of a game of chance, while the accumulation facility is responsive to placement of each wager to accumulate a portion thereof in an accumulation account; The random event generator is activatable by placement of each wager to generate a random event upon which an outcome of a turn of the game of chance is based, the outcome being one of a number of possible outcomes that includes a favorable outcome causing the player who placed that wager to win the contents of the accumulation account. The jackpot wagering system also includes an enrolling means capable of enrolling each player in a lottery during a predetermined time period as a function of that player's corresponding wagers on the one or more different turns of the game of chance, and a selection means activatable to randomly select one of the enrolled players as a winner of the lottery, the winner of the lottery being awarded the contents of the accumulation account.
US07988546B2	Media containing puzzles in the form of clips A media game that employs a method for randomly shuffling through a large set of video and/or audio clips stored on readable media using a media player, such as a DVD player, is disclosed. In addition to the readable media, the game also includes a game board, moveable play pieces, trivia question cards, random name cards, a numbered die, and a challenge die. The game board can be converted from long play to short play by lifting the endmost sections of the game board and placing them next to each other on top of intermediate sections of the game board. A path circumnavigates the game board and appears to be continuous in both long and short play modes. The begin and end regions reside at least partially on the endmost sections and appear as unbroken shapes when configured for both long and short play.
US07988545B2	Game result evaluating method and device Further interest after completion of a game and motivation to participate in the next game are given to players of any skill. Using the results (for example, skill points, maximum combo number) of players evaluated for each predetermined parameter in for example a music game, and players again compete against each other. In other words, after the music game a separate game (secondary game) is played. Winning or losing in the secondary game depends on the results of the players for each parameter in the primary game, and the skill of the player in the secondary game. Therefore, a player's effort and skill in the primary game can be utilized in the result of the secondary game, and even if the result of the primary game is unsatisfactory, the player can seize the chance to win the secondary game, depending on the skill of the player in the secondary game. Therefore, players of various levels of skill in the primary game are given further interest after completion of the primary game, and moreover are given motivation to compete in the primary game.
US07988541B1	Meat pulling apparatus A meat pulling apparatus having a hopper and a rotating drum with a plurality of pins or rippers capable of pulling or shredding a food material. The hopper having one or more meat stops which assist in the pulling or shredding and prohibit the food material in an upper portion of the hopper from entering a lower portion of the hopper until the food material is pulled or shredded. The apparatus is capable of resting on or positioning over a receptacle which collects the pulled or shredded food product. One or more comb strips separate or clean the pulled or shredded food product from the drum and the pins or rippers. The drum is preferably rotated via the coupling of an electric motor therewith yet may utilize manual or other rotary type drives. A feed cover having a magnetic safety portion assists in food product feeding and promotes user safety.
US07988540B2	Brush module for a grinding brush A brush module (6) for a rotating grinding brush, said brush module comprising: an elongate body part (7); at least one abrasive cloth (9) protruding from the body part (7); a plurality of bristles (8) extending from the body part (7) essentially in the same direction as the abrasive cloth (9). The body part (7) is provided with an undercut, longitudinally extending guide (13), and at an edge the abrasive cloth (9) is provided with a protruding head (15) that is complementary with the undercut groove (13) to the effect that the undercut guide (13) and the protruding bead (15) constitute complementary mechanical interconnecting means for releasable mounting of the abrasive cloth (9) on the body part (7). The protruding bead (15) is provided on a holder (14) comprising two flaps (16, 17), between which an edge of the abrasive cloth (9) is securely clamped. Besides, use of such abrasive cloth (9) in a rotating grinding brush with or without brush module.
US07988538B2	Large angle grinder An angle grinder is provided including a radial fan assembly. The radial fan assembly is configured to direct exhaust radially outwardly and axially away from a user of the angle grinder. Brush card assemblies for an angle grinder are also provided. The brush card assemblies provide for the securing of brush cards to a field case of the angle grinder by the interface between the field case and brush cards. Additionally, a spindle lock mechanism and a safety mechanism for an angle grinder are provided.
US07988536B2	Grinding method for grinding workpieces An exemplary grinding method includes, firstly, providing a holding device including a first rotatable pressing portion and a second rotatable pressing portion, and providing a base. Then a number of workpieces are placed into a groove of the base. Two blocking members identical in shape are placed in the groove, with the workpieces therebetween. The blocking members are moved towards the workpieces to closely align with the workpieces. The sizes of the blocking members are compared with that of each workpiece, and then the blocking members are removed. If the workpieces are larger than the blocking members, the workpieces are thereafter held between the first and second pressing portions. Next, the base is removed and the first and second pressing portions are driven to rotate. Subsequently, the workpieces are ground, and then a number of finished products are obtained.
US07988531B2	Grinding machine Grinding machine with a machine bed, with a tool carriage that is linearly movable on the machine bed in a Y-axis, with a tool spindle, which is mounted in the tool carriage so as to rotate around an X-axis that is perpendicular to the Y-axis, and which can be rotationally driven, with an X-carriage that is linearly movable on the machine bed in the X-axis, with a Z-carriage that is linearly movable on the X-carriage with a Z-axis that is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, and with a work piece jig, which is arranged on the Z-carriage so as to pivot around a B-axis, which is parallel to the Y-axis, and which is capable of rotating around its A-axis, which is perpendicular to the B-axis.
US07988529B2	Methods and tools for controlling the removal of material from microfeature workpieces Methods and apparatus for controlling the removal of material from microfeature workpieces in abrasive removal processes. An embodiment of such a method comprises irradiating a periodic structure of the workpiece and obtaining an intensity distribution of radiation returning from the periodic structure. The workpiece can be irradiated with a wide spectrum of wavelengths (e.g., white light), or the workpiece can be irradiated with a laser or lamp at specific wavelengths. The intensity distribution can be an image or other signal from which a dimension or other physical parameter of the periodic structure can be determined. For example, the intensity distribution can be an intensity signal of radiation returning from the workpiece in a selected bandwidth (e.g., 200 nm-900 nm) or an image of a diffraction pattern of radiation that has been scattered by the periodic structure. The method further includes outputting a control signal based on the obtained intensity distribution. For example, the control signal can be an endpoint signal indicating the actual endpoint of the abrasive removal process.
US07988525B2	Method of integrating optical fibers into fabrics and plush toys A method for incorporating optical fibers into sheet materials, such as fabrics, creates a structure which can be incorporated into items such as plush toys. Optical fibers are made to pass through the sheet material in a desired arrangements. Ends of the optical fibers are enlarged such that they will not readily pass back through the fabric. The ends are then covered with material that permits light to pass therethrough. The resulting structure can be readily incorporated into an item, such as a plush toy.
US07988522B2	Electronic dinosaur toy An exemplary electronic dinosaur toy includes a body, a neck, four legs, a tail, a head, four first actuators, and four pressure sensors. The neck, the legs and the tail are connected to the body. The head is connected to a distal end of the neck. The four first actuators are arranged inside the respective legs and configured for driving the corresponding leg to move. The four pressure sensors are arranged at distal ends of the respective legs, and configured for sensing a variation of a pressure applied to the leg and outputting a feedback signal. Thereby, the first actuator adjusts a movement of the leg based on the feedback signal.
US07988520B2	Sculpture device A sculpture device may comprise a base, at least one figure, a cover and a control element. The base may have upper and lower surfaces. The figure may be movable along the upper surface. The cover may be coupled to the base and may have a lens mounted therein to which an operator may view the figure. The control element may include a magnetic mechanism for magnetically attracting the figure such that movement of the control element along the lower surface causes corresponding movement of the figure along the upper surface.
US07988519B2	Apparatus, method, and computer program product for toy vehicle An apparatus, method, and computer program product for an interactive toy vehicle that provides new structures and combinations of features for enhancing education and amusement, particularly for an improved small-scale vehicle toy that produces feedback (e.g., sounds or lights and a motorized output event) directly related to the amount of a child's input. The apparatus, method, and computer program product for a toy vehicle includes: a chassis; a motive element, coupled to the chassis, for moving the chassis; an impulse detector for generating an impulse signal responsive to one or more impulses applied to the chassis; and a controller, coupled to the chassis and responsive to the impulse signal, for: counting a number N of impulse signals received during a setup period; determining an operational mode responsive to the number N; setting a duty mode for the motive element responsive to the operational mode.
US07988517B2	Construction and gaming cubes This invention generally relates to a set of parallelepipedal bodies (cubes) capable of matingly compatible engagement for interconnection with substantially similar cubes or matingly conformed rails, so as to allow up to three degrees of freedom in the sliding movement of an individual cube or grouping of cubes about a grouping of other interconnected cells from the set. Each cube is constructed from six plates with an interior physical configuration adapted for connection and that lends itself to monolithic injection molding. The exterior physical configuration of all plates are substantially similar. When a number of cubes are assembled into a cubic array, there can be slab movement, row movement or solo cube movement.
US07988516B2	Construction and gaming cubes This invention generally relates to a set of parallelepipedal bodies (cubes) capable of matingly compatible engagement for interconnection with substantially similar cubes or matingly conformed rails, so as to allow up to three degrees of freedom in the sliding movement of an individual cube or grouping of cubes about a grouping of other interconnected cells from the set. Each cube is constructed from six plates or from three plate pairs. The interior physical configuration of tabs and slots lends itself to injection molding of plates or plate pairs. The exterior physical configuration of all plates and at least one of the exterior surfaces of the rails are substantially similar. When a number of cubes are assembled into a cubic array, there can be slab movement, row movement or solo cube movement.
US07988515B2	Method for manufacturing field emission electron source having carbon nanotubes A method for manufacturing a field emission electron source includes: providing a CNT array; drawing a bundle of CNTs from the CNT array to form a CNT yarn; soaking the CNT yarn into an organic solvent, and shrinking the CNT yarn into a CNT string after the organic solvent volatilizing; applying a voltage between two opposite ends of the CNT string, until the CNT string snapping at a certain point; and attaching the snapped CNT string to a conductive base, and achieving a field emission electron source. The field emission efficiency of the field emission electron source is high.
US07988506B2	Dual female terminal with two contact portions each having an aperture and a male terminal disposed in apertures of both contact portions The invention is directed to a plug-in connector arrangement (10) having a dual female terminal (22). The dual female terminal (22) has a first contact portion (24) with an aperture (26) formed the first contact portion (24) and a second contact portion (30) with an aperture (32) formed through the second contact portion (30). The first contact portion (24) and second contact portion (30) are connected together. A connector (40) having a male terminal (44) on one is disposed through said aperture (26) of the first contact portion (24) and said aperture (32) of the second contact portion (30). The second end (48) of the connector (40) is configured to be connected to a power source.
US07988505B2	Vibration-damping contact element The invention relates to a terminal for an electrical connector. The terminal includes, an outer body, a connector section, a crimping section, a contact retention section, a contact receiving area, and at least one main contact spring. The connector section is positioned to receive an pin that is insertable into the terminal. An electrical conductor is attachable in an electrically conductive manner to the crimping section. The outer body is retained in the contact retention section and fitted as a separate component. The at least one main contact spring includes a free end and at least one support area, and projects into the contact receiving area for the pin. Furthermore, the at least one main contact spring provides a contact force on the pin along a main spring path extending substantially transversely to the insertion direction of the connector section. The at least one main contact spring extends substantially in the insertion direction. The free end of the at least one main contact spring is directed substantially away from a contact opening of the connector section, while the at least one support area rests against the terminal in an inserted position.
US07988499B2	Receptacle connector having shuttle to selectively switch to different interfaces A receptacle connector including at least three mating interfaces is provided and includes an insulative housing with a first and second groups of contacts mounted thereon. The first group of contacts serve as first Interface (USB 2.0), and a second group of contacts alternatively serve as mating interface of second and third interfaces (ESATA and USB 3.0). A switching board is provided and includes mounting interface of the second and the third interfaces. A shuttle member is moveably disposed within the housing and selectively interconnects the second group of contacts with either the mounting interface of the second interface or mounting interface of the third interface.
US07988494B2	Extension cord lock and in line tap An electrical, circuit breaker protected, extension cord in-line tap, securement device for securing tandemly connected electrical extension cords. The securement device includes opposing proximal and distal open-ended hook members each having a hinged locking flap for receiving therein a looped end of the associated extension cord thereby preventing unintended separation of the extension cords. The hook members may comprise a back wall having a plurality of vertical ribs along at least a portion of the back wall. The vertical ribs may be configured to grippingly secure the extension cords. Embodiments of the in-line tap may also include a plurality of circuit breaker protected auxiliary electrical outlets on opposing sides for powering additional extension cords or electrical devices.
US07988492B2	Connector and light source apparatus A connector adapted to be disposed on a carrier and electrically connected to the carrier is provided. The connector includes an insulating base and two electrodes. The insulating base has a first side surface, a second side surface, a bottom surface, and two through holes. The bottom surface connects the first and the second side surfaces. The through holes extend from the first side surface to the second side surface. The electrodes respectively penetrate the through holes. Each electrode has a bar portion and a bending portion extending from the bar portion. The bar portion is located in the corresponding through hole and protrudes away from the first side surface. The bending portion extends on the second side surface and toward the carrier. An end of the bending portion penetrates through the carrier and is electrically connected to the carrier. A light source apparatus is also provided.
US07988479B2	Bayonet connector An apparatus for detachably-attaching a first half of an electrical connector to a second half includes an exterior first half housing as part of the first half that rotates about a split ring with respect to a remaining interior portion of the first half. The interior portion does not rotate. The first half housing rotates during connection as the interior portion is urged longitudinally. Electrical sockets and electrical contact pins are provided in the first half and the second half. The first half housing includes inward-protruding pins that engage with outward facing slots of the second half and follow the contour of the slots as the first half housing is rotated causing a longitudinal displacement of the first half with respect to the second half. The slots and housing structure prevent flame propagation by providing complete electrical disconnection before a final mechanical release of the bayonet connection occurs.
US07988478B2	Security socket and socket device having the same A security socket for use with a panel having at least one assembly hole is provided. The security socket includes a data socket and a security unit. The socket has a slot and is connected to the assembly hole of the panel in a direction toward the inner surface of the panel. The security unit engages with the socket in a direction toward the outer surface of the panel. The security unit has a protrusion and a through hole corresponding to the slot of the socket, and the protrusion perpendicularly extends from the surface of the through hole, wherein the protrusion further has an insertion hole penetrating through a bottom of the protrusion.
US07988476B2	Sealed plug assembly A protective plug assembly for use with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. The plug assembly is installed over a terminated USB connector and provides additional shielding for the USB connector, thereby allowing the USB connector to be used in military, aerospace, industrial or other applications in which signal degradation is a concern. The plug assembly is easily installed in the field, as the plug adapter assembly may be preassembled during manufacture. The plug assembly also provides sealing for the USB connector which allows the USB connector to be used in environmental conditions which are not conducive to the longevity of an unprotected connector.
US07988475B2	Connector assembly with guide projections A connector assembly is provided with an electric wire-side housing (51) to be fit on a device-side connector (10) that has relay terminals (20). Guide projections (58) project out from an outer peripheral surface of a wire-deriving tube (52) of the wire-side housing (51). The guide projections (58) guide a shielding tube (71) of a shielding shell (70) in position with respect to the wire-deriving tube (52). Therefore in fixing the shielding shell (70) to a connector-mounting member (40), an inner peripheral surface of the shielding tube (71) contacts the guide projections (58) of the wire-side housing (51) to fit the shielding shell (70) on the wire-side housing (51) without dislocation.
US07988472B2	Electronic device An electronic device comprises a main body comprising an inner surface and a sidewall defining a first through hole. A connector receives an electronic card, and comprising a support portion fixed to the inner surface of the main body. An axle is rotatably connected to the support portion. Two ends of each of the two torsion springs are fixed to the axle and the support portion respectively. A salver is located below the axle, and is slidably connected to the support portion. The salver comprises a spring tab for limiting the electronic card to slide. A groove member is located on the salver, and is connected to the support portion. The groove member comprises a main body and two extending portions. The main body limits the salver to slide. A resuming device is set inside of the main body.
US07988463B2	Electrical connector retaining a print circuit board at a middle highness An electrical connector secured to a PCB having a plurality of welding areas on an upward face and a plurality of through holes running through the PCB includes an elongate insulative housing and a plurality of contacts assembled to the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a mating face and a mounting face opposite to the mating face, a plurality of blocks protruding from the mounting face. Each contact defines a contacting portion connecting with a mating connector, a retaining portion retained in the insulative housing and a soldering portion welding to the welding areas of the PCB. A plurality of board-lock pieces made of metal material are under the corresponding blocks to clip the PCB between the blocks and the board-lock pieces. A projection from one of the board-lock piece and the block is inserted into the through hole.
US07988460B1	Electrical engagement structure of connection device A connection device includes an electrical engagement structure. The connection device includes a connector and a printed circuit board (PCB) based tongue. The PCB based tongue is received and retained in the connector and has a distal end extending toward an open-cavity plug receiving side of the connector in such a way that side edges of the tongue are spaced from corresponding inner walls of the connector. As such, the connector is made compatible to various buses through the PCB based tongue that include contacts that are selectively arranged to correspond to the buses.
US07988457B1	Electrical connector assembly having reduced depth terminals An electrical connector assembly includes a circuit board having vias extending at least partially through the circuit hoard along parallel via axes. The circuit board includes electrical conductors exposed within corresponding vias that extend between a top and a bottom. The electrical connector assembly also includes an electrical connector mounted on the circuit board that includes a housing having a mounting face configured to be mounted along the circuit board, and a plurality of variable depth signal terminals held by the housing. The signal terminals each include mounting contacts extending outward from the mounting face of the housing that are received in respective vias of the circuit board. The mounting contacts extend different depths into respective vias of the circuit board to engage the corresponding electrical conductors. The mounting contacts have a mounting end arranged at substantially the same depth within the via as the bottom of the electrical conductor.
US07988452B2	Test head for protective mask testing and test head system A test head (10) for breathing mask testing includes a hard head part (12) formed of a hard material and includes a face side (18) and a soft face front (14) of a defined thickness applied to the face side (18) of the hard head part (12). The soft face front (14) has a simulated human face surface defining a mask seal contact surface (22). A breathing mask testing system is also provided including the testing head (10) including a human face surface defining a mask seal contact surface (18) and a mouth opening connected to a respiration tube (50). A testing device (32) is provided with a test head adapter (30) protruding from the testing device (32). The hard head part (12) has a support portion (29) with an adapter interface for the adapter (30). The adapter interface includes a rotational position fixing mechanism for fixing the hard head part (10) to the adapter (30) in one of a plurality of rotational positions.
US07988449B2	Healing components for use in taking impressions and methods for making the same The present invention provides a healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with marking locations thereon. The marking locations either lack or have markers that provide a binary code system for retrieving unique information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant.
US07988448B2	Aesthetic ceramic veneered restoration The present invention relates to an aesthetic dental restoration having a layered structure, which dental restoration has the appearance of a natural tooth. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preparing such dental restorations. Particularly, the invention is based on the control of interaction between opalescence and fluorescence.
US07988444B2	Microlens transcription molding roller and manufacturing method thereof A microlens transcription molding roller used for transcription-molding a plurality of microlenses on a sheet includes a plurality of microlens molding surfaces arrayed on an outer circumference of the roller along one spiral around an axis of the roller at a constant interval.
US07988442B2	Vacuum mold and device for drilling extraction holes therein A vacuum mold includes a mold body with a molding surface. The mold body defines a plurality of extraction holes. Each extraction hole includes a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first hole portion and second hole portion. The first hole portion is adjacent to the molding surface, and a diameter of the first hole portion is smaller than a diameter of the second hole portion.
US07988439B2	Nozzle block for electrospinning Disclosed is a nozzle block for electrospinning which is able to simultaneously electrically spin two or more different types of polymer spinning dopes, wherein a single-layer distribution plate for dividing a planar space within the nozzle block into two or more segments is installed within the nozzle block. The apparatus is simple because a single-layer distribution plate is installed instead of a conventional multi layer distribution plate. A hybrid nano fiber laminate can be prepared without any additional laminating procedure because two or more different polymer spinning dopes can be simultaneously electrically spun through different nozzles arranged within the same nozzle block. It is possible to prepare a hybrid nano fiber nonwoven fabric or filaments or the like composed of two or more types of nano fibers different in thermal properties or physical properties because their fiber diameter or polymer type are different from each other.
US07988437B1	Method and apparatus for installing flexible linings in underground pipes A method and apparatus for installing a flexible lining tube in an underground pipe by eversion. A pressure vessel is equipped with a gasket that has an arcuate slot for receiving the lining tube in a manner that provides an effective seal without creating undue friction. A guide has a cylindrical wall curved in conformity with the slot and a conical surface leading to the cylindrical wall.
US07988426B2	Compressor ported shroud for foil bearing cooling A compressor ported shroud takes compressed air from the shroud of the compressor before it is completely compressed and delivers it to foil bearings. The compressed air has a lower pressure and temperature than compressed outlet air. The lower temperature of the air means that less air needs to be bled off from the compressor to cool the foil bearings. This increases the overall system efficiency due to the reduced mass flow requirements of the lower temperature air. By taking the air at a lower pressure, less work is lost compressing the bearing cooling air.
US07988424B2	Bucket for the last stage of a steam turbine A turbine bucket including a bucket airfoil having an airfoil shape is provided. The airfoil shape has a nominal profile according to the tables set forth in the specification. The X and Y coordinate are smoothly joined by an arc of radius R defining airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The profile sections at the Z distances are joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US07988421B2	Retrofit sleeve for wind turbine blade A wind turbine blade includes a body having a first surface characteristic; and a sleeve, arranged on the body, having a second surface characteristic which is different from the first surface characteristic.
US07988419B1	Turbine blade with serpentine flow cooling A large and highly twisted turbine blade for an IGT having a lower span serpentine flow cooling circuit and an upper span serpentine flow cooling circuit connected in series to provide low flow cooling for the blade. The lower span serpentine is a forward flowing 5-pass serpentine, while the upper span is an aft flowing 3-pass serpentine circuit. The last leg of the lower span serpentine and the first leg of the upper span serpentine are both aligned along the leading edge region to provide cooling there. The trailing edge includes lower span exit cooling holes and upper span exit cooling holes in which the lower span exit holes are connected to the first leg of the lower span serpentine and the upper span exit holes are connected to the last leg of the upper span serpentine. All of the cooling air from the lower span serpentine circuit that does not flow out the lower span exit holes flows into the upper span serpentine circuit to provide low flow cooling with the lower span cooled before the upper span.
US07988416B2	Wind turbine blade with damping element A blade for a wind turbine generally comprises a shell body defined by first and second shells extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, an inner spar supporting at least a portion of the shell body, and a damping element coupled to at least one of the shell body or inner spar. The damping element is configured to move relative to the shell body to dissipate vibrations of the blade, and has a greater degree of freedom in a flapwise direction between the first and second shells than in an edgewise direction between the leading and trailing edges.
US07988415B2	Lightning protection for wind turbines A rotor blade for a wind turbine is provided. The rotor blade includes a rotor blade body, at least one receptor adapted to be a location for lightning impact, and at least one down conductor connected to the receptor and located within the rotor blade body. The down conductor includes a first conductor connected to the receptor and a ground connection of the wind turbine, and a second insulated conductor connected to the receptor and a non-grounded location of the wind turbine. A path is formed from the ground connection of the first conductor to the non-grounded location of the second insulated conductor. This path facilitates a continuity test used to evaluate a condition of the lightning protection system.
US07988414B2	Method and system for operating a wind turbine generator A method of operating a wind turbine generator having at least one wind turbine blade includes increasing a pitch angle of the at least one wind turbine blade as the at least one wind turbine blade rotates through a first range of blade azimuth values. Such increasing of the pitch angle reduces acoustic emissions generated by the wind turbine generator. The method also includes decreasing the pitch angle of the at least one wind turbine blade as the at least one wind turbine blade rotates through a second range of blade azimuth values. Such decreasing of the pitch angle increases electric power generated by the wind turbine generator.
US07988413B2	Vertical axis wind turbine A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine.
US07988409B2	Method and apparatus for extending flow range of a downhole turbine The present invention provides means to extend the flow rate range over which a downhole turbine 70 will return a power output sufficient to meet the minimum downhole power requirements. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an arrangement of axial vanes 77 that are situated such that the rotation of the rotor 76 generates an increasing drag force, thereby extending the upper limit of the flow rate range. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an arrangement of restriction assemblies 75 that can be used to maximize the fluid velocity relative to the fluid flow rate past the stator 74 to achieve the necessary speed and power to rotate rotor 76, thereby extending the lower limit of the flow rate range. In another embodiment, the axial vanes 77 and restriction assemblies 75 are used in combination to further extend both the upper and lower limits of the flow rate range of the downhole turbine 70.
US07988404B2	System and method for dispensing prescriptions An apparatus for transporting a workpiece within a three-dimensional volume includes: a first rail extending in a generally horizontal direction; a first carriage that is slidably connected to the first rail for movement in the horizontal direction; a second rail attached to the first carriage and extending in a generally vertical direction; a second carriage that is slidably connected to the second rail for movement in the vertical direction; a traveler unit mounted to and revolvable along a generally horizontal annular path about the second carriage; and a gripper unit mounted to the traveler unit configured to grip the workpiece.
US07988402B2	Tire-handling device The tire-handling device (10) is a compact, lightweight tool for carriage within a motor vehicle trunk or storage compartment to facilitate handling of a tire (T) during a tire change or similar operation. The device includes a tire support cradle (30) supported by opposed vertically adjustable handles (32). The handles (32) and cradle (30) therebetween may be adjusted to position the cradle (30) beneath a tire (T) on a raised axle during a tire change, or for aligning a fresh tire with the wheel mounting studs of the wheel hub. Two mutually opposed tire support belt rollers are disposed within the cradle (30). A tire support belt extends between the rollers, allowing a tire (T) resting thereon to be rotated for alignment with the mounting studs of the vehicle wheel hub.
US07988401B2	Car dumper dust collection method and apparatus An apparatus for rotary dumping of rail cars, including a material receiving pit. A rotational frame is disposed at least partially in the pit, is configured to dump a load from a rail car during rotational motion. A backside airflow diverter is disposed within the pit along with a backside hood for removing contaminated air. At least one baffle contacts the upper surface of the backside airflow diverter during at least a portion of the rotational motion. The invention includes an end of hood close off panel extending substantially from a platen supporting wall to the backside air flow diverter or an end ring baffle that extends from a grizzly upwardly to approximately the perimeter of a supporting ring and from the backside airflow diverter toward a dump side of the pit whereby dust laden air is substantially prevented from escaping from the pit under the end ring baffle.
US07988400B2	Vial conveyance device and arm for the same A vial conveyance device which includes, in order to hold and release a vial, at least two arms that can be opened and closed, an urging member that urges the arms in an opening direction, a frame body for opening and closing the arms, and a frame body stopper that stops the frame body in a state in which the arms are closed.
US07988399B2	Mid-entry load lock for semiconductor handling system In a system having a number of semiconductor processing modules sharing a common vacuum environment, a mid-entry load lock is provided to permit insertion and removal of wafers into the vacuum environment at a point between various other robotic handlers, process modules, and load locks. This arrangement permits increased flexibility in scheduling when multiple wafers are processed concurrently.
US07988397B2	Fastening element A fastening element is provided for connecting mechanical parts to one another. The fastening element includes integrated, cutting machining grooves which are designed to work the edges of the hole, during fixing of the fastening element, by the removal of material in the parts to be mutually connected, so that the hole is made to fit against the shell surface of the fastening element. A fastening element can be provided which, in a cheap and simple manner, is designed to absorb both occurring shearing loads and compression/traction loads between the connected parts.
US07988395B2	Mechanical fastener system for high-temperature structural assemblies A relatively low cost, lightweight and thermal stress-free mechanical fastener system having particular application for reliably joining together high temperature structural members (e.g., a pair of flat fiber-reinforced ceramic composite plates). The mechanical fastener system includes a ceramic composite fastener having a semi-circular head at one end to be countersunk in the structural members to be joined together and a dove tail retention feature formed in the shank or root at the opposite end. The composite fastener has a 2-dimensional (i.e., flat) profile that facilitates an economic manufacture thereof from densified ceramic composite material. A matched pair of thread forms having external threads and an internal dove tail relief to match the dove tail retention feature at the root of the composite fastener is held in face-to-face mating engagement with one another so as to establish a mechanical interlock around the root of the composite fastener. A 2-dimensional ceramic backing washer has a rectangular center hole dimensioned to receive the root of the composite fastener therethrough. A nut having internal threads that correspond to the external threads of the pair of thread forms is rotated into surrounding engagement with the thread forms to prevent a removal of the composite fastener and a separation of the structural members.
US07988393B2	Fastener assembly for transport vehicle This invention relates to a fastener assembly that has a rail (1) and a fastener device (6) that can be installed in a transport vehicle, characterized in that a rail head (2) is coated with a layer (3) of alumina with polytetrafluoroethylene seal and that at least a portion (5) of the fastener device in contact with the rail head is made of metal coated with a layer of polymers (7).
US07988391B2	Self-locking, overrideable and attenuating cargo guide and restraint An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.
US07988387B2	Cutting insert for high feed face milling A cutting insert for milling operations, such as, face milling, slot milling, plunge milling, and ramping operations. The cutting insert exhibits a combination of favorable cutting edge strength, and unique cutting edge geometry, thus, allowing milling operations at relatively high feed rates. The cutting insert includes at least four cutting edges, wherein at least one of the cutting edges is a convex cutting edge. Certain embodiments of square cutting inserts will have four convex cutting edges which may be connected by nose corners. The convex cutting edge may comprise at least one of a circular arc, a portion of an ellipse, a portion of a parabola, a multi-segment spline curve, a straight line, or combinations of these. Wherein the convex cutting edge comprises a circular arc, the circular arc may have a radius greater than or equal to two times a radius of the largest circle that may be inscribed on the top surface.
US07988386B2	Split collar with offset hook and hinge hopper assembly A mounting assembly uses one hinge and one cam bolt mutually offset upon a two piece collar. A hopper tee has a member usually a vertical pipe and occasionally a horizontal pipe that connects to a hopper flange to receive bulk material. This assembly has two collars that mutually engage and surround a hopper flange. Pins pass through the collar pieces and the hopper flange then secure to tapped holes in the collar pieces to prevent rotation. A collar piece mounts a hook bolt and the other collar piece mounts a hinge in a spaced apart and offset manner. The other collar piece has a pivotal connection to a hinge arm and opposite the hinge arm, the hook bolt engages a cam. Opening the cam unfolds the tee downwardly while the hook bolt remains engaged. This partially open position allows for removal and installation of a valve. In opening and closing the assembly, the hinge arm spaces the flange below a hopper to admit a valve. The present invention fits standard hopper tee flanges, has a ground clearance below the horizontal member of at least 7 inches, and aids in the unloading of bulk materials.
US07988384B2	Arctic platform The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms that are particularly useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Methods and means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, improved platform floor plans are provided, and various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means are also described. Methods and means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided. Also taught are a variety of methods of adjusting the height and level of an assembled drilling platform, and methods and means of adding extension members useful for extending the length of a support post are also described.
US07988381B1	Disabling apparatus for road vehicles A vehicle disabling apparatus may include at least one plunger assembly having a plunger and a toggle operable to pivot inside the vehicle tire. The apparatus may include energetic material disposed adjacent the plunger and configured to force the plunger into a vehicle tire. A method of disabling a vehicle having a tire may include using the vehicle's tire to move the plunger and thereby activate the energetic material; and moving the plunger into the tire using gas produced by the energetic material.
US07988380B2	Seal hub for protection of seal and bearing from metal fragments due to shearing of a shock device A seal device for preventing entry of debris into a rotary cutter drive housing when a shock protection device having frangible drive features is removed after having fractured the drive features following a driveline overload condition. The housing includes an upwardly facing opening through which a drive shaft for the cutter extends. The drive shaft rotationally engages the shock protection device for driving the rotary cutter. The seal device is disposed in the upwardly facing opening beneath the protection device and includes drive means for rotation in unison with the drive shaft. The seal device further includes a seal interface for sealing interface with a contact seal disposed on the inner circumference of the opening thereby preventing the entry of debris into the housing.
US07988379B2	Joint mechanism An exemplary joint mechanism (100) includes a pivot shaft (10), a joint (20), a rotary arm (30), and two bearings (50). The pivot shaft (10) is non-rotatable relative to the joint (20). The joint (20) is received in the rotary arm (30). The rotary arm (30) is rotatable relative to the joint (20). The two bearings (50) are fixed to an inner surface of the rotary arm (30). Each bearing (50) includes a concave inner surface, and the concave inner surface is engaged with a curved outer surface of the joint (20).
US07988375B2	Tooth- and gingiva-cleaning construction operating with carbon dioxide originating in situ The invention relates to a tooth- and gingiva-cleaning construction which functions by the use of carbon dioxide; the construction consists of a tooth- and gingival-cleaning tool as well as of a container tool ordered to the cleaning tool at least before the application and fitting to the cleaning tool. Typical character of the construction is that the headpiece is divided into two elastic chambers which are separated from each other with a water- and gas-impermeable separating wall, and the individual chambers each has filling opening through which the different tooth-paste ingredients can be filled from the two container compartments of the container tool, and on both chambers each a slit can be found firstly near to the separating wall, through the slits the dentifrice content of the two chambers can flow out by the help of pressure.
US07988368B2	Optical connector An optical connector that is capable of ensuring excellent waterproofing using a simple structure is provided. The optical connector comprises a connector plug and socket. Each of the plug and socket have a housing, which has a cable-guiding part and a cable-retaining part; a ferrule disposed within the housing and to hold a leading-end part of an optical fiber exposed from a sheath of an optical cable; and a seal member disposed between the cable-guiding part and the cable-retaining part to seal the cable-guiding part.
US07988365B2	Cage for a bearing assembly A cage used in a ball bearing assembly is rendered to be of a ring shape having a plurality of pockets defined therein to hold a corresponding number of balls in a circumferential row. The radius of a bore of a circumferentially extending body of the cage as measured from the geometric center of the bore to an inner peripheral surface area of the circumferentially extending body aligned with each of the pockets is chosen to be greater than the radius as measured from the geometric center of the bore to a different inner peripheral surface area of the circumferentially extending body intermediate between the neighboring pockets.
US07988364B2	Lubrication seal and wind turbine with lubrication seal A lubrication seal such as an oil seal is described for providing a lubrication barrier to confine lubrication in a bearing with a first bearing ring and second bearing ring, comprising a support ring that rotates with one of the bearing rings, mounted in the support ring are a first seal ring and a second seal ring which seal rings are suitable for forming the lubrication barrier with a sealing surface that rotates with the other bearing ring and which support ring is displaceable from a first sealing position in which the first seal ring forms the lubrication barrier with a first sealing area and the second seal ring does not engage the sealing surface to a second sealing position in which the second seal ring forms the lubrication barrier. The sealing surface comprises a second sealing area that only cooperates with the second seal ring after the support ring is displaced into the second sealing position.
US07988361B1	Hydrodynamic type oil-impregnated sintered bearing A hydrodynamic type oil-impregnated sintered bearing includes a porous bearing body of sintered metal having a bearing surface opposed to a sliding surface of a rotating shaft, hydrodynamic pressure generating grooves slanting against an axial direction provided in the bearing surface, and lubricating oil or lubricating grease impregnated in pores inside the bearing body, wherein a rate of area of surface holes on the bearing surface is set within a range of 3%-15%, the surface holes being distributed substantially uniformly over the whole area of the bearing surface including areas of the hydronamic pressure generating grooves, wherein the lubricating oil or a base oil of the lubricating grease forms a lubricating film in a bearing clearance, and wherein the lubricating oil or a base oil of the lubricating grease is a lubricating oil selected from among mixtures of poly-α-olefin or hydrogenated compound thereof and a defined phosphoric ester.
US07988356B2	Radiographic imaging apparatus and method A cooling unit is provided in a storage section to locally cool a heat generating portion of an imaging device and to thereby reduce nonuniformity of the distribution of the temperature in the imaging device. Detectors detect a mount orientation of the imaging device, that is, whether the imaging device is mounted in landscape orientation or portrait orientation. Cooling portions of the cooling unit are selectively driven on the basis of the detection result.
US07988354B2	Temperature detection for a semiconductor component Temperature detection for a semiconductor component is disclosed. One embodiment includes a circuit arrangement for measuring a junction temperature of a semiconductor component that has a gate electrode and a control terminal being connected to the gate electrode and receiving a control signal for charging and discharging the gate electrode, where the gate electrode is internally connected to the control terminal via an internal gate resistor. The circuit arrangement includes: a measuring bridge circuit including the internal gate resistor and providing a measuring voltage which is dependent on the temperature dependent resistance of the internal gate resistor; an evaluation circuit receiving the measuring voltage and providing an output signal dependent on the junction temperature; a pulse generator providing a pulse signal including pulses for partially charging or discharging the gate electrode via the internal gate resistor.
US07988351B2	Device comprising a piezoelectric resonator element, method for producing the same and method for outputting a signal depending on a resonant frequency The invention relates to a device (31) which comprises at least one piezoacoustic resonator element (2) having a piezoelectric layer (32) and two electrodes that are electrically contacted to the piezoelectric layer (32). The piezoacoustic resonator element (2) is configured in such a manner that, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric layer (32), a thickness oscillation of the piezoelectric layer (32) is excited via the electrodes with a resonant frequency. The inventive device is characterized by comprising, integrated into the piezoacoustic resonator element (2), a temperature measurement device (3) having a measuring element (37) that is configured as a thin layer.
US07988350B2	Watch case with a composite middle part The middle part includes an inner metallic middle part (10) and an outer middle part (20) made of a natural or synthetic mineral material, such as ceramics. The inner middle part (10) is itself made up of a top ring (12) and a bottom ring (14), each ring including a radial, peripheral extension (13, 15), whose opposite shoulders can mechanically lock the outer middle part (20), for example by screwing the two rings (12, 14) one inside the other.
US07988348B2	Turbine driven mixer An improved fluid mixing apparatus is disclosed for the mechanical mixing of fluids or solids-laden slurries contained within a vessel. The invention utilizes a fluid driven turbine to drive a submerged mixing impeller through a speed reducing gearbox. A fluid conducting stator houses one or more turbine blade row(s) that are rotated as a working fluid is pumped through the turbine section by an external pump that circulates fluid at the required flow rate and head. The turbine shaft is rigidly connected to the high speed input shaft of a speed reducing gear box. The low speed output of the gearbox is rigidly attached to submerged mixing impeller(s).
US07988346B2	All-LED visible light and IR light headlamp A headlamp for a vehicle (air, land or sea) providing a planar array of infrared (IR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and visible light LEDs, and arranged and mounted within a housing so as to provide for cooling of the LEDs without forced convection, by conducting heat from the LEDs to protruding cooling fins. A switch system is also provided, for enabling either the visible light or the infrared light, and for selecting a high-beam or low-beam pattern. The beam pattern is provided in some embodiments so as to meet US Federal Motor Vehicle standards.
US07988339B2	Illumination system An illumination system includes at least one illumination module and a mechanism. The illumination module includes a light source generating a light beam, a first reflector, in which the light source is positioned, including a first reflective surface to reflect the light beam to form a first beam, and a second reflector including a second reflective surface reflecting the light beam and the first beam to form a second beam and a third beam, wherein the second and third beams combine to generate a projection pattern. The mechanism adjusts the position of the second reflector relative to the light source to change the projection pattern.
US07988335B2	LED illuminating device and lamp unit thereof An LED illuminating device includes a mounting module and a lamp unit mounted in the mounting module. The lamp unit includes a light-emitting module and a heat sink. The light-emitting module includes a light source having a plurality of LEDs, and a light penetrable cover located below the light source and defining a plurality of air venting holes therein. The heat sink includes an elongated base defining a plurality of air exchanging holes therein and a plurality of fins. The base has an outer convex surface and an opposite inner concave surface defining an elongated recess. The light source is received in the recess and thermally attached to the concave surface. Air flows into and out of a chamber defined between the base and the cover via the venting holes of the cover and the air exchanging holes of the base.
US07988328B2	Optical lens and illuminating device incorporating the same An optical lens (10) includes an array of lens units (11). Each lens unit includes a main body (101), a light diverging portion (112) and a light converging portion (114). The main body includes a light incident surface (110) and a light emitting surface (112) opposite to the light incident surface. The light diverging portion is used to expand a light field along an x-direction. The light converging portion is used to compress a light field along a y-direction. In specific embodiments, the light diverging portion and the light converging portion are respectively formed on the light incident surface and the light emitting surface.
US07988325B2	Wavelength converting system An embodiment of the invention discloses a wavelength converting system. The wavelength converting system comprises: a wavelength converter having a first area and a second area; a first light source disposed under the first area and inducing a first mixed light being visible above the first area; a second light source disposed under the second area and inducing a second mixed light being visible above the second area; and a carrier supporting the first light source and the second light source. The first light source and the second light source have a dominant wavelength difference of 1 nm˜20 nm, and the first mixed light and the second mixed light have a color temperature difference less than 100K.
US07988324B2	Light system with stacked light pipe structure The present invention includes decorative, architectural, and building materials and methods of making these materials, using them or both. The present invention relates to an article of manufacture that includes a light source and a substrate with a plurality of volumes of material, where each volume is capable of transmitting light from one location to a second location on a surface of the substrate. The present invention also relates to an article of manufacture having a substrate with a first surface, and a volume of material contained within the substrate and adapted to transmit light from a first location on the first surface to at least a second location. The present invention also relates to methods of making the articles and to methods of transmitting information.
US07988323B2	Lighting devices for illumination and ambiance lighting An Edison-style light bulb (40) which supports a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (50) and an illumination source (54). First and second electrical circuits (56) and (58) are mounted in the bulb to supply electrical power to the illumination source and to the LEDs. A switch circuit (60) is connected to control the supply of electrical power to the first and second electrical circuits (56) and (58) to adjust and coordinate the light output from the LEDs (50) and from the illumination source (54).
US07988321B2	LED lamp An LED lamp includes a bracket, two guiding plates and a number of LED assemblies. Each of the guiding plates includes a body, a top flange and a bottom flange extending from top and bottom edges of the body, respectively. The bottom flanges are mounted on opposite sides of the bracket. The top flanges are oriented towards each other. The LED assemblies are mounted to the bracket and sandwiched between the bodies of the guiding plates. The LED assemblies slide along a longitudinal direction of the guiding plates before the LED assemblies are assembled to the bracket by screwing the LED assemblies to the guiding plates. The quantity of the LED assemblies assembled to the bracket is selective thereby to meet different luminous density requirements/specifications.
US07988320B2	Lighting device having adjustable solar panel bracket A lighting device includes a support structure, a light source connected to the support structure, and an attachment bracket connected to the support structure. The lighting device further includes a support bracket moveably connected to the attachment bracket, wherein the support bracket has an arched shape, and a solar panel attached to the support bracket. The solar panel with respect to the solar radiation source is altered as a function of the moveable connection of the support bracket to the attachment bracket and the arched shape of the support bracket.
US07988319B2	Inertial-power light-emitting device A light-emitting device driven by an inertial power includes an inertial module, a magnetic element, a magnetic-conductive element, at least one wire, and a light-emitting module. Under an inertial effect, the inertial module drives the magnetic element to rotate, such that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic-conductive element changes due to the rotation of the magnetic element. Moreover, the wire wound around the magnetic-conductive element generates a drive current in response to the changing of the magnetic field, so as to drive the light-emitting module to emit a light. As such, the magnetic field is changed under an inertial power, so as to generate a drive current for driving the light-emitting module, thereby achieving, a renewable energy source, environmental protection, and power-saving purposes.
US07988318B1	Apparatus and method for illuminating blood An apparatus including a light-emitting device configured to illuminate blood is described. The light-emitting device may include a red light source configured to emit red light. The light-emitting device may also include a green light source configured to emit green light. The light-emitting device may additionally include a first refractive lens and a reflector having a concave surface to reflect a portion of red light emitted by the red light source and a portion of green light emitted by the green light source toward the first refractive lens. The first refractive lens may be configured to direct red light emitted by the red light source to form a red light beam and to direct green light emitted by the green light source to form a green light beam. Additionally, the light-emitting device may include an optical adjuster configured to adjust a separation distance between the first refractive lens and at least one of the green light source and the red light source. The optical adjuster may further be configured to move the first refractive lens with respect to at least one of the red light source and the green light source. A method for illuminating blood is additionally disclosed.
US07988317B2	Storage case Provided is a storage case which can be opened and closed by a main body and a cover, including: an electric power switch having function of an electric contact switch added to a locking unit between the body and the cover; a lamp which emits light and flickers by electric power supplied according to an on- or off-state of the electric power switch; a half mirror which operates as a mirror or a glass plate through change of light transmissivity; a general mirror located at the back of the storage case for reflectivity of light; and a light transfer medium positioned within a gap space between the half mirror and the general mirror, and controls a refractive index of light, to reveal a feeling of solidity. Through self-lighting in the storage case, values of jewels, cosmetics etc., contained in the storage case as well as the storage case can be heightened.
US07988316B2	Stainless steel airport light cannister apparatus and method An airport inset light adjustable alignment container set provides a light fixture and stainless steel support for airport runway, taxiway, or other aircraft ground traffic areas. A variable length extension means rotatably adjusts height and azimuth by a rotatable vertical displacement. In one aspect, a previously installed, airport inset light and stainless steel base of the present invention receives a variable length extension assembly for rotatably adjusting the height and azimuth alignment of an airport inset light. Rotation locking means are provided for securing the rotatable adjustment apparatus from further rotation. A novel stainless steel base is adapted to receive various different designs of inset lights and, in one aspect, to provide a stainless steel protection ring “mud dam.”
US07988313B2	Illuminated headgear An illuminated headgear (10), with an energy absorbing support structure (11), operationally coupled to an outer shell (12), with illuminated graphical lighting displays, containing graphical representations that are illuminated by lights (25a-25f), the lighting displays being integrated with the outer shell instead of being supported on the supporting structure (11), and further comprising graphical support membrane (82), enabling individuals to make and apply their own unique graphical representations to light-transmissive windows (13, 14) in the generally opaque outer shell (12).
US07988311B2	Light emitting device having a phosphor layer A light emitting device and method of producing the same is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a light emitting semiconductor, an encapsulation layer, wherein the light emitting semiconductor is disposed within the encapsulation layer, a phosphor layer provided over the encapsulation layer, and an air gap provided between the encapsulation layer and the phosphor layer.
US07988310B2	Sheet-shaped lightguide member, operation panel-lighting device and electronic device A sheet-shaped lightguide member has a first surface (11A), which is divided into at least two areas. The sheet-shaped lightguide member has the first surface (11A) and a second surface (11B) that face each other and a peripheral edge surface (11C). The lightguide member receives light through at least a part of the peripheral edge surface, guides the light, and emits the guided light from the first surface (11A) serving as a light exit surface. The lightguide member is divided into the at least two light exit areas (14A, 14B) and has a light-blocking part (18) provided along a boundary between mutually adjacent light exit areas to block transmission of light between the adjacent light exit areas.
US07988308B2	Individual mirror control system A control system for one or more electrochromic elements used in an outside electrochromic (OEC) mirror used in automobiles or other vehicular applications, to control the glare of both IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). An ambient light sensor (129) and glare sensor (133) operate to determine a glare level used to control both IEC and OEC electrochromic elements. The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be controlled so as to account for various factors such as tinted glass characteristics in the vehicle.
US07988307B2	Image display device An image display device includes a lighting section including a light source, a light modulation section that modulates light emitted from the lighting section in accordance with an image signal to form an image, and a scintillation reduction section that reduces the scintillation caused by the light emitted from the lighting section, and the scintillation reduction section reduces the scintillation so that a plurality of areas having different extents of reduction of the scintillation from each other is formed in the image.
US07988306B2	Afocal attachment for projection lens A projection apparatus has a spatial light modulator to modulate illumination from a laser light source. A base projection lens has, from its long conjugate side to its short conjugate side, a first lens group with negative focal length and with a first lens element that has a negative focal length and a second lens element of positive focal length, a second lens group of negative focal length and spaced apart from the first lens group and having one or more cemented lens elements, and a third lens group spaced apart from the second lens group and having a lens with a positive focal length. The base projection lens has a first field of view and is telecentric in its short conjugate. An afocal attachment to the base projection lens alters the first field of view by the same amount in both of two orthogonal directions.
US07988302B2	Cooling system for projection device A cooling system for cooling down a heat source of a projection device is disclosed. The cooling system includes a fan, and a control module. The control module is configured for supplying a first voltage to the fan for a first duration after the projection device is powered off and a second voltage to the fan for a second duration successive to the first duration. The second voltage is greater than the first voltage.
US07988301B2	Heat transfer apparatus An apparatus for transferring heat between an object and a fluid, the apparatus comprising at least one set of elongate members, the elongate members each having a tip for contacting the object. The tips of the elongate members generally make a point contact with the object and allow heat to be transferred between the object and a fluid, often air. A gap is provided between adjacent elongate members to facilitate fluid flow around the object and between the elongate members.
US07988291B2	Intraoperative estimation of intraocular lens power Apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, including surgical apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, an autorefraction device associated with the surgical apparatus, wherein the autorefraction device is configured to perform autorefraction on the aphakic eye to provide one or more aphakic refraction measurements, and a processor connected to the autorefraction device, wherein the processor is configured to process the aphakic refraction measurements and provide the user of the apparatus with information regarding the power of the intraocular lens.
US07988288B2	Method for visual field testing A method of ocular testing is provided using a testing apparatus having a display (2) and a control means (6, 17) for controlling movement of a cursor (7). The method comprises providing a fixation target (T), detecting when an observer (1) moves the cursor (7) over the fixation target, and once the cursor has been moved over, providing a new target on the display (2). The observer (1) is then encouraged to move the cursor (7) over the new target, this then becoming the fixation target. If the observer (1) does not move the cursor (7) over the new target, it is determined that the new target falls outside the observer's visual field. The above is then repeated to build up a visual field of the observer (1) based on the detected and undetected target positions.
US07988287B1	Objective traumatic brain injury assessment system and method A system and method for determining the neurological function of a patient by examining ocular responses.
US07988285B2	Light adjustable multifocal lenses The invention relates to novel intraocular lenses. The lenses are capable of post-operative adjustment of their optical properties, including conversion from single focal lenses to multifocal lenses.
US07988284B2	Eyeglass manufacturing method using variable index layer An eyeglass lens and manufacturing method using epoxy aberrator includes two lenses with a variable index material, such as epoxy, sandwiched in between. The epoxy is then cured to different indexes of refraction that provide precise corrections for the patient's wavefront aberrations. The present invention further provides a method to produce an eyeglass that corrects higher order aberrations, such as those that occur when retinal tissue is damaged due to glaucoma or macular degeneration. The manufacturing method allows for many different applications including, but not limited to, supervision and transition lenses.
US07988282B2	Spectacle frame A spectacle frame including at least one member, having a metal core part and a moulded part, the metal core part is an interior part of the at least one member and the moulded part is a composite material part comprising a material having a matrix material and reinforcement material embedded in the matrix material, whereby a spectacle frame or a member of a spectacle frame can be manufactured using composite materials while still allowing the frame or the member to be adjusted, and whereby the frame or the member can readily be shaped, adjusted as regards the curvature etc. by forcing the member to take the desired shape, and the metal core part will counteract the composite materials natural tendency to return to the initial shape, whereby the frame or the member will remain in the desired shape.
US07988280B2	Ultraviolet irradiation device and ink ejection device An ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a light source which irradiates ultraviolet curable ink with ultraviolet rays; and a jetting port which jets gas to form a gas film facing the light source in an irradiation direction.
US07988278B2	Inkjet ink and printing method using the same An inkjet ink and a method for printing on hydrophobic media such as offset coated media, using the inkjet ink, including an inkjet containing a pigment, water, a surfactant and 40 to 75 weight % of a polar non-protic solvent with a molecular weight of 40 to 130 which has permeability to a hydrophobic surface such as the coating of an offset coated medium.
US07988271B2	Ink jet printer, ink supply mechanism for the ink jet printer, and ink supply method An ink jet printer system includes an ink jet head, a plurality of ink supplying cartridges, an ink flow channel and a control device. The ink flow channel connects the ink jet head and the plurality of ink supplying cartridges to supply ink from the plurality of ink supplying cartridges to the ink jet head. The control device is configured to sequentially supply ink from each of the plurality of ink supplying cartridges to the ink jet head.
US07988268B2	Ink tube non-contact image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprises a printing head that ejects one or more ink drops onto a medium. The print head is mounted on a carriage and is supplied with ink via a supply tube. A sheet like member keeps the supply tube apart from the medium when the printing head ejects ink drop onto the medium.
US07988266B2	Ink cartridge for inkjet printer A valve core of an ink cartridge includes an elastic valve sheet having an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion extends outwards from the inner portion and protrudes towards an upstream side of the valve core. The outer portion is adapted to sealingly engage and disengage with a valve seat in which the valve core is mounted.
US07988264B2	Method for forming a fluid ejection device A method of forming a fluid ejection device includes forming a pair of first glass layers and forming a second glass layer. Each first glass layer includes a first side and a second side with the second side defining a first fluid flow structure. The second glass layer includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, with each respective first side and second side defining a second fluid flow structure. The second glass layer is bonded in a sandwiched position between the respective first glass layers with each respective second fluid flow structure of the second glass layer in fluid communication with the respective first fluid flow structure of the respective first glass layers to define a fluid flow pathway for ejecting a fluid.
US07988259B2	Inkjet printer An inkjet printer including a UVLED unit which emits ultraviolet light to a print medium supported on a supporting table to cure UV ink droplets deposited on the print medium. The inkjet printer further includes a controller which adjust the light quantity of ultraviolet light, emitted from the UVLED unit to the UV ink droplets deposited on the print medium, from a light quantity for temporary curing to a light quantity for final curing, and a control unit capable of selecting between a two-stage curing mode in which UV ink droplets deposited on the print medium are temporarily cured ant are then finally cured and a single-stage curing mode in which UV ink droplets are finally cured by an irradiation with ultraviolet light at one time by means of the UVLED unit and the controller.
US07988257B2	Ink cartridge, image forming apparatus, and method to manufacture ink cartridge An ink cartridge to prevent image degradation due to a misalignment of nozzles in a transfer direction of a printing medium and a transverse direction includes a print head substrate, a first head unit including at least one first print head chip which is disposed on the print head substrate and includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in plural lines in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is a transfer direction of a printing medium, thereby forming a first line in the second direction, and a second head unit including at least one second print head chip which is disposed on the print head substrate and which has an ink jetting area overlapping a predetermined area of the first line, thereby forming an overlapping area, and which includes a plurality of second nozzles arranged in plural lines in the second direction, thereby forming a second line spaced from the first line, and dots formed by the first and the second nozzles, which neighbor each other in the overlapping area when jetting ink, have a gap with respect to the first and the second directions within a range satisfying the following equation: T≦(n±⅛)*P(n is integer) wherein “T” denotes a gap between dots formed by the first and the second nozzles neighboring each other, and “P” denotes a pixel value.
US07988252B2	Method of estimating alignment The invention relates to a method of estimating the alignment in the printing medium direction between a first and a second pen of a printing system having a scan axis, whereby: the first, respectively second pen prints a first, respectively second pattern element; the first and second pattern elements are substantially aligned and separated by a space along the scan axis; each of the first and second pattern elements comprises a first and an associated second mark separated by a blank along the scan axis, the first and the second marks being staggered in the printing medium direction; an optical sensor scans along the scan axis over the first and second pattern elements, an analysis of the sensor output leading to estimating the alignment.
US07988249B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a head having a nozzle; a pressure-changing unit for changing pressure of liquid in the nozzle in such a manner that the liquid is ejected from the nozzle; a first level-data setting unit for setting a selected first level data from a plurality of first level data, based on an ejecting data for a first kind of liquid; a second level-data setting unit for setting a selected second level data from a plurality of second level data, based on an ejecting data for a second kind of liquid; a driving-signal generator for generating a driving signal; and a driving-pulse generator for generating a driving pulse based on the selected first or second level data and the driving signal. The plurality of first level data and the plurality of second level data are different from each other.
US07988246B2	Mounting apparatus for slide rail A mounting apparatus is provided for mounting a slide rail to a fixed structure includes a mounting bracket fixed to the slide rail, an actuating member slidably attached to the mounting bracket, at least one blocking member extending from the actuating member, a locking member deformably attached to the mounting bracket, and a resilient member connecting between the mounting bracket and the actuating member. The actuating member is slidable between a first position to maintain securing of the mounting bracket to the support, and a second position to allow release the mounting bracket from the support. The locking member comprises at least one first abutting end releasably abutting the blocking member to maintain the actuating member in the first position, and at least one second abutting end releasably abutting the blocking member to maintain the actuating member in the second position. The resilient member biases the actuating member to the first portion.
US07988242B2	Method to reduce carbon brake wear through residual brake force The method for reducing aircraft carbon brake wear involves monitoring the commanded initiation of braking, and setting a residual brake clamping force to a predetermined minimum residual brake clamping force, which is maintained following the commanded initiation of braking to prevent release of braking during taxiing of the aircraft. The minimum residual brake clamping force is applied despite a commanded release of braking until at least one predetermined control logic condition occurs.
US07988241B2	Brake system A brake system includes an electric brake force generator for braking a wheel of a vehicle by a driving force of an electric motor. A problem determination device is provided in which the problem determination device sends an electrical signal to the electric motor such that the electric motor rotates in a direction opposite that of the direction of rotation to generate a brake force. If a rotation of the electric motor is not detected, then the problem determination device determines that a problem has occurred.
US07988239B1	Bearing mount for wheel mounted decorative member A wheel assembly includes a decorative member mounted on an outer race of a bearing carried in a holder with an inner race mounted on a spindle and secured by an attachment fastener. The bearing holder is carried on the spindle projecting from a coupler hub fixed to an axle cap secured to a vehicle axle hub. Set screw fasteners are employed to retain securement fasteners to the spindle and to retain the coupler hub fasteners with the axle cap. The wheel mounting assembly permits the movably mounted decorative member carried on the rotatable vehicle axle hub to remain static or to rotate while the wheel is turning as a vehicle travels along a roadway.
US07988236B2	Integrated base assembly A sofa includes a furniture base assembly that is easily assembled without the need of a jig or fixture, provides for a reduced number of component parts, and provides for aesthetically pleasing base assembly joints. In one embodiment, the front rail member and the back rail member are integrally formed with the corner block members, side rails are connected thus forming an integrated rail member and thereby dispensing with a base joint exposed on the front of the furniture product. The base is affixed to the sofa frame and upholstery is attached to the frame for providing a finished sofa with a showood base.
US07988235B2	Retractable footrest A vehicle seat that embodies a foot support assembly that is movable from a stowed position proximate the seat back to a deployed position wherein the assembly extends rearwardly of the seat. The foot support assembly of the vehicle seat includes a sub-assembly that comprises a pair of side-support members that support a footrest, the sub-assembly being positioned so as to automatically pivot downwardly as the foot support assembly is moved into its deployed position. The footrest is pivotally connected to the pair of side-support members for movement from a stowed position between the side-support members to a deployed position wherein it extends outwardly from the side-support members.
US07988231B2	Low maintenance configuration for sliding seats A vehicle has an area capable of seating ambulatory passengers and alternatively receiving a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair. The area provides tracks for mounting at least two movable seats that can be moved to provide space in the area for the mobility aid. The tracks are provided with track covers that reduce maintenance requirements by preventing entry of debris. One of the seats is configured to move further than the other whereby the spacing between the seats after moving to accommodate a mobility aid is less than the spacing of the seats when used by ambulatory passengers. The seat configured to move further has a longer track cover, but the tracks are laterally spaced to avoid engagement between the track covers of the two seats whereby they can be moved to be spaced from each other by a distance less than the length of either of the track covers.
US07988229B2	Vehicle seat arrangement, especially for a motor vehicle A vehicle seat arrangement (1) is provided including a seat structure divided, in a transversal direction, into an outer first seat (11), a middle second seat (12), and an outer third seat (13), which can all be moved in a longitudinal direction in relation to the vehicle structure and can be locked therewith. The arrangement is provided with a coupling device (20) which couples the second seat (12) to one of the two outer seats (11, 13), forming a pair, when the other of the two outer seats (11, 13) is moved in relation to the pair in the longitudinal direction.
US07988227B2	Structure for fixing fender panel in car In a fender panel fixing structure of a passenger vehicle according to the present invention, a notch portion of a fender panel is provided with a first flat plate-shaped projection strip that is capable of being inserted into a space between an upper end periphery of a fixed window and a side body and has an engagement portion, and a second flat plate-shaped projection strip that is capable of being inserted into a space between a lower end periphery of the fixed window and the side body and has an engagement portion. The side body has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that are disposed in portions covered by the upper end periphery and the lower end periphery of the fixed window. The first and second engaging portions are respectively capable of engaging the first flat plate-shaped projection strip and the second flat plate-shaped projection strip.
US07988226B2	Reflector support structure A reflector support structure capable of reducing the effect on the appearance of a vehicle body, while maintaining good visibility. In a vehicle including a wheel disposed on a vehicle body frame via a suspension, a fender covering an upward area of the wheel, a cross frame disposed on an inside of the fender and extending laterally across the vehicle body frame, and a shock absorber having an upper end attached to the cross frame, a reflector is disposed visibly from an outside of the vehicle body on the cross frame disposed on the inside of the fender.
US07988223B2	Vehicle cowl structure A vehicle cowl structure is provided with a cowl box disposed so as to be positioned between a rear end portion of a hood and a front end portion of a front glass, a cowl cover covering an upper portion of the cowl box; and a vertical wall provided at a position under the rear end portion of the hood in the cowl cover. The vertical wall is slantingly disposed rearward and obliquely upward in the cowl cover.
US07988222B2	Vehicle body panel structure A vehicle body panel structure, wherein an inner panel is disposed on the inner surface of an outer panel and a reinforcing inner panel is disposed on the inner surface of the inner panel. A plurality of recesses and projections forming a wave shape in cross section are formed on the inner panel and the reinforcing inner panel in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body. These panels are joined to each other so that a closed cross section is formed of the inner panel and the reinforcing inner panel at the lower part of a joined part between the outer panel and the inner panel and a closed cross section is formed of the outer panel and the inner panel at the upper part of a joined part between the inner panel and the reinforcing inner panel. Accordingly, even if a head part moving distance is small, an HIC value can be lowered and uniformized at those portions other than an impact portion. Thus, even an Al alloy hood can sufficiently reduce the HIC value to contribute to a reduction in the weight of the vehicle body.
US07988220B2	Wheel pant device for a vehicle and control method thereof In a wheel pant device (12), wheel pant plates (34 and 36) that form this wheel pant device are able to be rotated in at least a vehicle width direction. By detecting a driving state of a vehicle using a detecting device and rotating the wheel pant plates of the wheel pant device (12) in response to that detected driving state, the airflow acting on the vehicle can be controlled, thereby enabling the driving performance of the vehicle to be improved.
US07988219B2	Recreational vehicle slide out roof block A recreational vehicle slide out roof block prevents foreign material such as water, dirt, or debris from accumulating on a recreational vehicle slide out roof. A slide out roof block has a size and shape selected to fill a gap between a slide out roof and an awning sheet extending over the slide out roof. Embodiments of a slide out roof block comprise a compressible bolster having a rain flap along a bottom edge of a front side. The bolster includes a block of compressible polymer foam in some embodiments. One or more pole sleeves may optionally be attached to the front side of the bolster. A pole inserted into a pole sleeve may be used to install or retrieve a slide out roof block. Some embodiments have an airtight cover and a valve, enabling a slide out roof block to be compressed for storage and reinflated for installation.
US07988218B1	Component camper shell kit with optional cargo rack A camper shell kit including a plurality of removable panels that are individually mountable onto a frame is herein disclosed. The frame serves as the skeleton for the shell and also provides a base for an optional top-mounted rack. Each panel may be mounted individually to the frame to create customized camper shell configurations. Panel insertion may not require the use of tools. Panels can be interchanged with others made of different materials for specific tasks. The frame may be integrated to match the shape of the truck and provide flush mounting for shell panels offering a smooth, integrated appearance with the vehicle. The frame mounts directly onto standard truck bed mount points which may provide maximum strength and load-bearing capacity. The frame permits the panels to be locked into place providing security for the payload against theft.
US07988211B2	Automatic-locking-device An improved integrated interbox connector to permit vertical stacking of cargo containers using no manual labor and includes an automatic pivoting engagement lock, a latch, a lip/end stop. The connecting corner can be retrofitted to existing containers by welding or the like.
US07988210B2	Cabin door device A cabin door device having a cabin frame, comprises: a door mounted to a side part of the cabin frame so as to be moveable between a fully closed position and a fully open position; and a main striker supported by the cabin frame, wherein the door has a lock device, and the door is held in the fully closed position by the lock device engaging the striker; and an auxiliary striker that is supported by the cabin frame and whose position can be changed between a held posture, in which the door is held at an intermediate position between the fully closed position and the fully open position by coupling with the lock device, and a retracted position in which the lock device of the door is allowed to engage with the striker.
US07988208B2	System for locking doors on goods boxes System for locking doors on goods boxes, involving a mechanism that consists of an operating lever (4), to which attachment is made of a set of knuckle-jointed connecting rods (7 and 8) pivoting like a compass, forming a four-sided articulated arrangement that is operated by use of the lever (4) in order to lock and release the respective head arrangements (10 and 12) with regard their corresponding lock attachment housings (11 and 13).
US07988204B2	Pipe fitting for connecting between a metal piece of plumbing and a polymer piece of plumbing A pipe fitting includes a polymeric body molded into and fixedly connected to a metallic body, so that the metallic body extends around the polymeric body. The polymeric body extends around and is contiguous with a passageway of the pipe fitting, and at least partially defines a first opening of the passageway that is for being mated to a polymeric pipe. The metallic body extends around and is contiguous with the passageway, and at least partially defines a second opening of the passageway that is for being mated to a metallic pipe.
US07988202B2	Branch connection stub, a branch connection device comprising a main pipe and said branch connection stub, and a method of connecting such a branch connection stub by welding A branch connection stub for connection to a main pipe. The branch connection stub presents an outside surface of revolution and has at least one axial internal passage, a rear segment with a fastener flange, an intermediate segment, and a front segment having a free end presenting a circular outline suitable for being mounting by plane welding around a circular opening in the wall of the main pipe. The intermediate segment includes a first wall and a second wall forming between them an acute angle towards the internal passage. The branch connection stub is applicable to a hot heat exchanger for rocket engines.
US07988198B2	Photo album An album includes a front cover panel, a back cover panel, and a spine panel extending between the front and the back cover panels edge-to-edge. A folding arrangement, which couples between a last album page and the back cover panel, includes a flexible sheet having two longitudinal edges coupling at an outer side of last album page and an inner side of the back cover panel to retain the last album page being overlapped on the back cover panel in a slidably movable manner. When the album is folded at an opened position, the front cover panel, the spine panel, and the back cover panel are aligned to form a planer backing for providing a completely plane on the surface of the album.
US07988196B2	Lap loop three point seatbelt system A seatbelt assembly for motor vehicle occupant restraint applications of the three point type in which a lap belt section is formed of two layers of seatbelt webbing. The system may be implemented in connection with single or dual seatbelt retractors. A loop tongue is provided which is releasably affixed to a seatbelt buckle and has at least one slot which allows the free movement of webbing through the tongue between the use and storage conditions of the seatbelt system. An end of the webbing is also attached to the tongue. The system is operated by an occupant in a manner like a conventional three point restraint system using a single releasable attachment. Through the use of a pair of thicknesses of webbing in the lap belt section of the restraint system, control of reduced chest deflection and pelvic excursion may be provided.
US07988193B2	Airbag cushion for driver and folding method thereof An airbag cushion for a driver and a folding method thereof. The method of folding an airbag cushion installed inside a cover bracket of a steering wheel includes folding a rear end portion of the airbag cushion at least once towards a bottom surface; folding a front end portion of the airbag cushion at least once towards an upper surface; inserting the folded rear and front portions of the airbag cushion into a space between the upper surface and the bottom surface of the airbag cushion; and folding at least a longitudinal end of the folded airbag cushion at least once. When the airbag cushion deploys, the rear portion of the airbag cushion unfolds towards the inside of the rim portion of the steering wheel and the front portion of the airbag cushion unfolds towards the outside of the rim portion.
US07988192B2	Gas generator A gas generator includes, a cylindrical housing having a port and closed at both ends, an ignition device attached to one end of the housing, a first chamber provided in the housing at a position close to the ignition device and filled with a first agent, a cylindrical filter provided in a space adjacent to the first chamber, a second chamber provided inside the filter and filled with a second agent, and a retainer disposed between the first and second chambers, the retainer having an annular flat surface and an annular circumferential wall surface that protrudes from an inner circumferential edge of the annular flat surface, the annular flat surface abutting one end of the filter and the annular circumferential wall surface abutting a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the filter, an inner diameter of the second chamber being smaller than that of the first chamber.
US07988187B2	Head-protecting airbag apparatus A head-protecting airbag apparatus includes an airbag having such a vertical dimension that the lower end region thereof is located on the beltline of a door of a vehicle upon deployment. The airbag includes a plurality of vertical cells disposed side by side along an anteroposterior direction and each inflatable into a rod-like shape extending generally vertically and a reinforcing portion located either on the inboard side or on the outboard side of at least two adjoining vertical cells out of the vertical cells at the lower end region of the airbag. The reinforcing portion is in gas communication with the vertical cells and inflatable into a horizontal rod-like shape (extending across the adjoining vertical cells).
US07988186B2	Airbag seam pattern for increased occupant protection An airbag (10) for a vehicle occupant restraint system. The airbag includes an airbag body (12) defining an interior (15) of the airbag (10). A series of substantially sinusoidal seams (20) join together portions of the airbag body (12) to partition the airbag interior (15) into a plurality of fluidly communicating chambers (22). It is believed that characteristics of the airbag (10) during inflation and after inflation may be controlled by varying the characteristics of the sinusoidal seams (20).
US07988185B2	Knee-protecting airbag apparatus The knee-protecting airbag apparatus includes an airbag folded and housed in a lower area inside the column cover. The airbag pushes and opens a door section on the column cover upon deployment. When the door section is thus opened, a door of the door section blocks off an allowance gap formed between an outer circumference of the column cover subjected to position adjustment and a lower area of a peripheral region of an installation opening on a dashboard for installing the column cover by locating a rear edge region of the door to abut on a rear side of the dashboard or the lower area of the peripheral region of the installation opening on the rear side of the dashboard.
US07988183B1	Airbag system Opposite end portions of an airbag made of a folded metal plate and formed into a tubular shape are capped by respective end caps and are attached to an attachment surface of a front pillar, and the airbag is deployed along the front pillar by use of gas produced by an inflator, thereby protecting by the airbag a pedestrian that collides with the front pillar. Bolts penetrating through long holes formed in the end portions of the airbag and bolt holes of the end caps are screwed to weld nuts, and thereby the end portions of the airbag are slidably supported by the end caps. Accordingly, when the airbag is deployed the long holes slide with respect to the respective bolts toward inside in a longitudinal direction of the airbag, and a tension in the longitudinal direction of the airbag is prevented from acting on a metal plate of the airbag, thereby enabling the airbag to be deployed reliably near the end caps. Therefore, it is possible to inflate the airbag evenly along its entire length and thereby enhancing the shock absorbing performance when a pedestrian collides.
US07988180B2	Ski binding with a positioning and fixing mechanism for its binding piece bodies The invention describes a ski binding with guide elements for a front and a rear binding piece body oriented in the binding longitudinal direction, which binding piece bodies are designed to retain the front and rear end portion of a sports shoe. This ski binding comprises a first coupling element connected to the front binding piece body and a second coupling element connected to the rear binding piece body. A positioning and fixing mechanism is disposed between the binding piece bodies in order to adjust and retain the binding piece bodies by reference to the binding longitudinal direction. The first and second coupling element can be selectively rigidly coupled with one another and uncoupled from one another.
US07988173B2	Bicycle suspension system A bicycle suspension system of the present invention generally includes a bicycle suspension and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a fluid pump, a fluid responder and a fluid path. The fluid pump is mountable to a bicycle handlebar. The fluid responder is mountable to the bicycle suspension. The fluid path links the fluid pump and the fluid responder. The fluid responder is operatively connected to the bicycle suspension to operate the bicycle suspension between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between the fluid pump and the fluid responder.
US07988172B2	Power-supplemented manual height-adjusting wheelchair A wheelchair having a lower frame with drive wheels and forwardly extending arms with casters and an upper frame with a seat and backrest. Linkage assemblies on opposing sides pivotably attach at a first end to the lower frame and at a second end to the upper frame. Power cylinders attached on opposing sides are extendable between the upper frame and the lower frame and are lockable from moving from a selected position. When unlocked, the power cylinders apply a supplemental force in association with a force applied by a user on the drive wheels for moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame guided by the linkage assembly. A method of adjusting the seat height of a wheelchair is disclosed.
US07988167B2	Construction machine A highest footboard of steps serving as an up and down passage provided on the laterally opposite side to a cabin in an upper rotating body is located at a higher position than a highest footboard of steps of standard specifications. In a space which is height difference between the highest footboards, a fuel supply unit is installed. The steps are supported by a step supporting portion of a bracket provided in a device chamber through the fuel supply unit.
US07988164B2	Arrangement of a roll stabilization system and a steering system on a motor vehicle An arrangement of a roll stabilization system equipped with a split lateral stabilizer and an arrangement of a steering system on a double track motor vehicle is provided. A gear of the roll stabilization system is arranged essentially coaxially between two halves of the lateral stabilizer rotatable with respect to one another, and a motor for introducing a stabilization torque is arranged at the side of this gear and the lateral stabilizer. The steering system has, in addition to a steering gear, with which steering arms can be moved essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle, a motor, which is arranged at the side of the steering gear and a movement axis defined by the movable steering arms. The motor of the roll stabilization system and the motor of the steering system lie in essence one behind the other, as viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and may preferably be electric motors with essentially coinciding axes of rotation that run in the transverse direction of the vehicle and are arranged inside an axle carrier so as to lie essentially in the plane thereof.
US07988162B2	Auger dolly (an attachment for all handheld power earth augers) A rolling dolly like apparatus comprising a longitudinal column of predetermined length, having a rotary mechanism at each end, whereby power is transferred to a move a supportive structure in a parallel direction with said column. At the lower end of said column, a small frame having multiple wheels is attached to the said column by means of a swiveling mechanism. The said supportive structure in configured as to receive the attachment of any type of handheld portable power posthole digger, so that the Auger Dolly and the said attached handheld power posthole digger function in concert with each other, thereby increasing the portability and maneuverability of any handheld power posthole digger, and also thereby eliminating the reverse torque and recoil being exerted on the operator, as well as eliminating the physical stress and danger associated with normal use of any handheld power posthole digger.
US07988160B2	Cleaning cart A cleaning cart (1) is provided with an expandable frame (2) comprising combinable and detachably connectable elements, with a first element (3) being designed so as to be U-shaped and with its two ends (4) being bent to form right angles so that the ends (4) project outwardly from the U-shaped plane.
US07988158B2	Driving device for adjusting an orientation of a vehicle wheel A driving device for adjusting an orientation of a wheel attached to a vehicle body includes: a driving unit; a lifting shaft extending along a first axis and capable of moving axially when driven by the driving unit; a suspension arm extending along a transverse direction intersecting the first axis, and having one end adapted for connection with the wheel and another end disposed in proximity to the lifting shaft; and a cam unit including at least one roller connected to one of the lifting shaft and the suspension arm, and an inclined cam face provided on the other one of the lifting shaft and the suspension arm. The roller and the inclined cam face interact with each other such that the suspension arm moves along the transverse direction.
US07988150B2	Media transport device with vacuum-controlled positioning A machine which transports and processes print media can incorporate a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber can be within a print media transport device in order to maintain a print medium at a uniform predetermined distance from a print media processing device, such as an image printing device (e.g., an inkjet printer), an image scanning device, or a spectrophotometer). In one embodiment the vacuum chamber is located within a roller that transports print media past the processing device. In another embodiment the vacuum chamber is located on an opposite side of a belt that transports print media past the processing device. In each of the embodiments the size of the vacuum chamber opening, which defines the vacuum area on the transport device, and also the amount of vacuum pressure may be selectively adjusted depending upon the size and weight, respectively, of the print medium being processed.
US07988147B2	Sheet conveying apparatus A sheet conveying apparatus for OCR/VSC integrated systems, which selectively delivers postal items to upper- and lower-side stackers, includes at least one pair of conveyor belts bifurcating from a bifurcation gate to the down-side stackers, and at least one pair of conveyor belts bifurcating from the bifurcation gate to the upper-side stackers. The conveyor belts include a first twisted section, an S-shaped ascending portion, and a second twisted portion. Each postal item is tilted by the first twisted portion, then raised by the S-shaped ascending portion with its tilted attitude maintained, and returned to upright by the second twisted portion.
US07988140B2	Sheet stack loader and sheet loading method A sheet stack loader includes a loading table to support a first folded sheet bundle, an elevator to lift the first folded sheet bundle from the loading table, and a conveyer to convey a second folded sheet bundle into a space between the loading table and the first folded sheet bundle, wherein the space is created by the elevator.
US07988137B2	Adjustable stand An adjustable stand for receiving an object, e.g., an automobile panel.
US07988134B2	Transfer trays for mass transfer columns in offshore use The invention describes a mass transfer column with at least one transfer tray via which liquid is routed in essentially the horizontal direction and through which gas is routed in the vertical direction. The transfer tray is designed as a reverse flow tray and a first separating weir (4) for changing the flow direction of the liquid flowing over the transfer tray by at least 90°, especially by roughly 180°. The transfer tray (2) is equipped with riser neck caps (3), at least one guide weir (5) for routing the liquid flow, and at least one braking weir (6) for reducing the flow velocity. The transfer tray (2) is divided into sections (7) by the separating weir (4), guide weirs (5), braking weirs (6), and column wall. The use of the riser neck caps (3) and weirs (4, 5, 6) with the resulting division of the transfer tray (2) into sections (7) ensures an almost uniform distribution of the liquid regardless of the tilt of the mass transfer column (1). The described mass transfer column (1) is thus suitable especially for use under offshore conditions.
US07988132B2	Block with improved central mounting A block with a rotating sheave mounted between a pair of side plates. Between the side plates may be a post about which a mounting loop may be mounted. The post is configured to permit the loop to be attached or detached from the block.
US07988129B2	Floating slit valve for transfer chamber interface The present invention generally comprises a floating slit valve for interfacing with a chamber. A floating slit valve moves or “floats” relative to another object such as a chamber. The slit valve may be coupled between two chambers. When a chamber coupled with the slit valve is heated, the slit valve may also be heated by conduction. As the slit valve is heated, it may thermally expand. When a vacuum is drawn in a chamber, the slit valve may deform due to vacuum deflection. By disposing a low friction material spacer between the chamber and the slit valve, the slit valve may not rub against the chamber during thermal expansion/contraction and/or vacuum deflection and thus, may not generate undesirable particle contaminants. Additionally, slots drilled through the chamber for coupling the slit valve to the chamber may be sized to accommodate thermal expansion/contraction and vacuum deflection of the slit valve.
US07988126B2	Electromagnetic actuation unit The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuation unit (2) of a hydraulic valve (1), with a housing (14), a closing body (4b) and a sealing element (6), the closing body (4b) being plugged into an insertion opening (14a) of the housing (14), the sealing element (6) bearing against the closing body (4b) and the housing (14) and protecting the interior of the actuation unit against the ingress of media.
US07988118B2	Modular suspended wine bottle holder A suspended bottle holder has substantially vertically disposed first and second straps, each of which has an upper strap portion and a lower strap portion. A bottle base holding loop has proximal and distal longitudinal ends, the bottle base holding loop being attached to the upper and lower portions of the first strap, for engaging at least a portion of a bottle base. A bottle neck holding loop has proximal and distal longitudinal ends, the bottle neck holding loop being attached to the upper and lower portions of the second strap, for engaging at least a portion of a neck of the bottle. A connector connects the first and second straps to a structural member. The bottle base holding loop and the bottle neck holding loop are sufficiently spaced and the first and second straps are of a substantially equal length both when a bottle is removed from, or received in, the bottle base and bottle neck holding loops, so as to maintain the bottle in a substantially horizontal disposition.
US07988113B2	Display device A display device includes a seat, a support member, an adjusting member, and a display panel. The adjusting member is moveably attached to the rear of the display panel. The adjusting member includes a pair of first linkage poles, a pair of second linkage poles, a pair of third linkage poles, a fixing member, a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a third rotating shaft, and a fourth rotating shaft. The linkage poles and rotating shaft form a transmutable quadrilateral.
US07988110B1	Cable clamp A cable clamp includes a base, a cover, a supporting plate, and a piece of foam secured to a top of the supporting plate. The cover includes a main body, a connection member and a fixing member extending from opposite ends of the main body. The connection member is fixed to a first end of the base. A latch is formed on a second end of the base to engage with the fixing member of the cover, the supporting plate is slidably installed to a top of the base.
US07988104B1	Drilling riser auxiliary clamp with integral mux clamp Segments of open framework auxiliary clamps are fastened together around a drilling riser. The clamps have depressions which mate with recesses in caps to hold auxiliary lines. Larger depressions and recesses hold choke and kill lines. The caps of the choke and kill clamps are extended radially through openings in buoyancy covers as mux clamp mounts. Extensions on mux clamps engage slots in the mux clamp mounts. Opposing channels in the mux clamps and covers hold inserts, with grooves in which multiplex lines are mounted.
US07988103B2	Solid state supersonic flow actuator and method of use A method and device are provided for manipulating high-speed flows without moving aerodynamic structures. More particularly, a flow control actuator device is provided that is capable of producing a pulsating synthetic jet with high exhaust velocities for manipulating high-speed flows without moving aerodynamic structures. The high exhaust velocities of the actuator device may reach sonic levels of Mach 1 or greater. In one embodiment, the device may be constructed as an array of devices. In such an embodiment, each individual device is preferably reduced to a very small size. In such an embodiment, each individual device can then be fired in temporal patterns to create high-speed synthetic jets of air extending above the surface of the each device.
US07988102B2	Aircraft with a fluid-duct-system An aircraft with a fluid-duct system for extraction of the laminar layer and/or blowing out of fluid at vulnerable places of the outer skin, wherein the fluid-duct system (26, 19, 18) by means of switchable valves (6, 4) is connectable to a pump facility (3), which is driven by the exhaust air from the cabin for generating a reduced pressure for the extraction of the laminar layer.
US07988099B2	Winglet A winglet for an aircraft wing is provided. The winglet has an airflow control arrangement, for example in the form of a trailing edge flap (20) by means of which lift generated by the winglet can be varied. The control arrangement desirably forms part of a manoeuvre load alleviation system (22) for the aircraft.
US07988094B2	Aircraft window erosion shield An erosion shield for an aircraft window includes an annular band having a radially outer brim and a radially inner clip. The shield is sized to cover a composite window frame having an outer rim and an inner sash around a central aperture in which is mounted a window pane. The clip is asymmetrical around the central aperture to protect the sash and permit assembly of the shield thereto.
US07988093B2	Window frame for aircraft A window frame (1) for installation in the exterior (5) of an aircraft, which comprises in each case at least one outer flange (2), one inner flange, and one vertical flange (4) arranged perpendicular between these flanges, is manufactured from a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin, in which, first, a semifinished part comprising fiber material is inserted into a molding tool, in which, under pressure and temperature, resin is injected, and subsequently, the component made in this manner is hardened in the molding tool. The semifinished part can have a layer structure either made from a webbing material, from fiber bundles, or from a combination of fiber bundles and a webbing material.
US07988089B2	Swashplate trajectory control A system and method of controlling a rotary-wing aircraft includes transforming a non-rate limited servo position command into a rate limited servo position command.
US07988087B1	VTOL aircraft nozzle A nozzle arrangement for a VTOL or STOVL aircraft having an airframe mounted lift system comprises a hinged deflector door pivotally mounted on the underside of the airframe for exhaust efflux deflection. The door is movable about its axis to vector impinging exhaust gases rearwards during the transition between vertical and horizontal flight, and in addition comprises a pair of lateral sidewalls which are movable in the plane of the door to direct the exhaust efflux sideways for improved aircraft yaw control.
US07988084B2	Device for pretensioning a seatbelt In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for pretensioning a seatbelt is provided. The device comprises a spindle for receiving a portion of the seatbelt. A retractor frame that has a weakened portion is supported by the spindle for rotational movement within the retractor frame. A pretensioner is operatively connected to the spindle for rotating the spindle to tighten the seatbelt. The pretensioner includes pretensioner balls. The pretensioner is configured to drive the pretensioner balls toward a ball collection area adjacent to the weakened portion. The weakened portion is deformed by the pretensioner balls to increase the size of the ball collection area.
US07988081B2	Condiment grinders Condiment grinder and dispenser in which the usual shield for protecting the adjustment screw on the end of the drive shaft is replaced and the screw is secured against accidental removal and loss by providing a stop structure which is attached to or integral part of the end of the drive shaft. This structure, unlike a shield, does not interfere with the adjustment of the coarseness of the grind produced by the grinding dispenser, and yet maintains the integrity of the device without undue complexity or manufacturing expense.
US07988079B2	New-type dual-passage paper feeding safety structure for shredders The present invention relates to a new-type dual-passage paper feeding safety structure for shredders comprising a shredder upper lid, a dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate and a touch safety switch, touch components are arranged on the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate, the shredder upper lid has a paper inlet corresponding to the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate and above the set of paper shredding blade shafts of the shredders, the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is arranged in the paper inlet, the middle parts of two ends of the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is connected rotatably with the shredder upper lid, the touch safety switch is fixed inside the shredder upper lid and cooperated with the touch components so that the touch components would touch the touch safety switch when the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is rotated to open and work, more preferably, the middle parts of two ends of the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate are pivoted with the shredder upper lid, the touch components are touch cams, a working and stand-by limiting structure is also included, and the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate further has a disc feeding passage at its middle part, therefore the new-type dual-passage paper feeding safety structure for shredders of the present invention is designed dexterously and convenient to use, and has a high safety and economy.
US07988077B2	Connecting apparatus adapted in a conjunctive structure A connecting apparatus adapted in a conjunctive structure is provided. The conjunctive structure comprises a baseboard, a peripheral element and a connecting apparatus. The connecting apparatus comprises at least one first connecting element and at least one second connecting element. The first connecting element is a magnetic element and is placed on one corner of the peripheral element. The second connecting element is placed around a hole of the baseboard, and the second connecting element comprises two adjacent magnetic elements with opposite polarity arrangement.
US07988076B2	Non-clogging non-pressure compensated drip emitter A non-clogging non-pressure compensated drip emitter that utilizes one or more filters or one or more inwardly offset filters that have an inlet that projects inwardly toward a centerline of the hollow cylindrical emitter body and a labyrinth having only turbulent transfer zones after water enters the labyrinth, wherein the labyrinth couples the filter(s) or inwardly offset filter(s) to the pool. Prevents clogging by eliminating dead transfer zones where sediment can accumulate where no turbulence exists. Also prevents clogging when the filter is positioned downward as the inwardly offset filter rises above any sediment when the emitter is positioned in the field in this downward orientation. Also prevents clogging flat filter configurations that have filters offset radially, i.e., redundant filters per emitter.
US07988074B2	Nozzle apparatus for material dispersion in a dryer and methods for drying materials Apparatus and methods for the dispersion of material into a drying gas stream are disclosed. The material dispersion apparatus can have a nozzle and a venturi positioned downstream of the nozzle. The drying gas stream can be generated by pulse combustion dryer or by spray dryer and pass over at least a portion of the nozzle.
US07988072B2	Water sprinkler with water motor A sprinkler apparatus comprises a water wheel that is configured to be alternatively driven in a first wheel direction by a first fluid flow and a second wheel direction by a second fluid flow. The water wheel drives a water tube having at least one fluid outlet. The water tube is moveable in a first tube direction in response to the water wheel being driven in the first wheel direction, and is further moveable in a second tube direction in response to the water wheel being driven in the second wheel direction. The sprinkler apparatus further comprises a switch wheel positioned to receive an initial fluid flow and generate the first and second fluid flows therefrom. In particular, when the switch wheel is in a first position, the first fluid flow is generated. When the switch wheel is in a second position, the second fluid flow is generated.
US07988070B1	Shower head with brush unit A shower head includes a case having a chamber with an opening, and a cover is slidably engaged with the opening and has multiple holes. The cover has an inner space defined therein, and a brush unit is rotatably located in the inner space and the chamber. The brush unit includes multiple blades, and each blade has brushes connected thereto. The brush unit rotates by the water flow so as to brush the inner surface of the chamber.
US07988068B2	Liquid ejection head The liquid ejection head comprises: a pressure chamber which is connected to a nozzle; a diaphragm which constitutes one face of the pressure chamber; and a piezoelectric element which deforms the diaphragm for ejecting liquid inside the pressure chamber through the nozzle, wherein the liquid is ejected by driving the piezoelectric element in a temperature region in which a tendency of increase or decrease in viscosity of the liquid with respect to temperature of the liquid and a tendency of increase or decrease in a piezoelectric d constant of the piezoelectric element with respect to temperature of the piezoelectric element have a prescribed relationship.
US07988064B2	Faucet outlet fitting having a temperature sensitive valve having shape memory actuator A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.
US07988059B2	Method for connecting an electronic chip to a radiofrequency identification device A method for connecting an electronic chip (10) to contacts (47and 48) of an electric circuit, the chip having two conductive plates (31and 32) located on the last layer of the chip and at least one electromagnetic shielding layer, at least one of the plates (31or 32) being entirely covered with an electrical insulating layer (34). The method includes placing an adhesive dielectric material (40) on the circuit between the contacts (47, 48), to fix the electronic chip (10) relative to the circuit, positioning electronic chip (10) on the circuit so that conductive plates (31et 32) are opposite the contacts (47and 48), so as to create between the chip and the electric circuit at least one capacitive link made up of the conductive plate (31or 32), the electrically insulating layer and the contact (47or 48).
US07988056B2	Code carrier and codecarrier-set The invention relates to a code carrier that has a code carrier coil, whereby the code carrier coil is configured as a ring shaped like a triangle or the projection of the code carrier coil in the direction of the coil axis is shaped like a triangle. The code carrier coil or the code carrier, including the code carrier coil, is part of a cap that can be placed onto a corner of a cuboidal object and that functions as a physical corner protector, whereby the coil axis intersects the planes encompassed by the side surfaces of the object, all at an angle between 5° and 85°, and a body diagonal of the object pierces the triangle. The invention also relates to a code carrier set consisting of an object having a base area with a first edge and a second edge running obliquely, crosswise or perpendicular to the first edge, and consisting of a code carrier that is arranged on or in the object and that has a code carrier coil, whereby the perpendicular projection of the coil axis onto the base area runs obliquely to the first and second edges of the base area.
US07988055B2	Uncontrolled passive radio frequency identification tag and system with 3-D positioning Passive radio frequency identification tags comprising a simple antenna and a circuit with a unique frequency-dependent response, in place of an RF-powered integrated circuit with control logic, is disclosed. The unique frequency-dependence of the circuit, which may simply be a feature of the antenna, conveys the tags identification. Multiple frequency-dependent circuit RFID tags can be simultaneously identified and located in 3-D space through use of antenna arrays and sampling at multiple frequencies in order to provide spatial resolution.
US07988051B2	XML printer system with RFID capability An XML system is configured to print bar code labels, tags, tickets, cards, or other media, and/or encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system operatively coupled to a network. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label. Alternatively, the system includes an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, a ZPL processor configured to receive and process a format template, a variable data integrator configured to develop an association between the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and a barcode rendering engine configured to generate a printable representation of the bar code label, tag, ticket, card, other media, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device.
US07988048B2	Control chip of a card reader and method for detecting interference thereof A control chip of a card reader providing at least one card detection pin for detecting memory cards connected to corresponding read/write interfaces. The card detection pin is for the prevention of mutual interference caused by the memory cards connected with shared pins of the control chip. The card detection pin of the memory card may be used for the detection of another memory card being inserted into or pulled out from a read/write interface when the control chip of the card reader is accessing a memory card. An interference-acknowledgement signal is generated for the prevention or correction of accessing errors.
US07988047B2	Method for decoding an optically readable sheet An optically readable sheet has plural mark spaces and has at least two fiducial marks defining the orientation and scaling of the sheet. A method for reading an optically readable sheet may comprise imaging the sheet and decoding the fiducial marks from the image of the sheet for scaling the image of the sheet and decoding the mark spaces therein. Scaling the image may include comparing the locations of the decoded fiducial marks from the image of the sheet and the predetermined locations of the fiducial marks on the sheet.
US07988044B2	Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.
US07988041B1	Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read form data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine further includes a cash dispenser. The machine is operative to dispense cash to an authorized user based on identifying data including card data, and to cause a financial transfer from an account corresponding to card data through communication with at least one remote computer. The machine is operative to acquire data usable to configure a computer in the machine produce an audio signal including verbal information through the headphone port. The verbal information conveys the location of a user accessible portion of the at least one transaction function device.
US07988040B2	Payment system and methods Disclosed are payment system and methods.
US07988037B2	Device and method for contact information exchange A method and device exchanging contact information on an electronic device. Contact information is obtained from a contact by scanning a barcode using an electronic device and decoding the barcode to recover the contact information encoded therein. The contact information may be used to reciprocate by sending user contact data in a message addressed to an electronic address obtained from the contact information. The user contact data may be encoded in a second barcode displayed on the electronic device.
US07988035B2	Apparatus for secure postal and parcel receipt and storage A receptacle for secure mail and parcel receipt and storage. The receptacle includes a top which provides a roof for the receptacle, a base, and a housing connected to the top and the base. The housing includes an upper compartment into which mail is first placed, a lower compartment into which mail is deposited from the upper compartment, a front door, located on a front of the receptacle, which is opened to provide access to the upper compartment and through which mail is placed into the upper compartment, a trap door, operatively connected to the front door, in the upper compartment, and an access door that includes a lock. The trap door rests in an open position when the front door is closed, allowing communication between the upper and lower compartments. The trap door is moved to a closed position by the opening of the front door, thereby preventing access to the lower compartment from the upper compartment. The trap door returns to the open position when the front door is closed, depositing any mail placed in the upper compartment into the lower compartment. The access door is unlocked and opened to provide access to the lower compartment, whereby mail deposited and stored in the lower compartment may be retrieved through the access door.
US07988030B2	Wave soldering bath In a conventional wave soldering bath, the bottom surface of a bath body in a position which is below the inlet of a duct underwent erosion by molten solder and had a hole formed therein, causing molten solder to be spilled out from the hole. The cause of erosion of the bottom surface of the bath body is a vortex (T) of molten solder formed below the duct inlet accompanying rotation of an impeller pump (10), and the vortex rubs the bottom surface of the bath body.In the present invention, a shielding member (14) is installed between the duct inlet (12) and the bottom surface (13) of the bath body such that the vortex is prevented from affecting the bottom surface.
US07988027B2	Crimp and release of suture holding buttress material A mechanism is provided for crimping and releasing a suture securing a strip of buttress material to an end effector. The mechanism includes a retention member movably mounted within the end effector. The retention member is movable from a first position crimping the suture to the end effector to a second position releasing the suture from the end effector. The mechanism additionally includes a follower member, engageable with the retention member, and movable in response to actuation of a surgical instrument to move the retention member between the first and second positions. A lock mechanism is also provided to secure the retention member in the first position. The follower member operates to disengage the lock mechanism.
US07988024B2	Beach equipment carrying apparatus The present invention is a beach equipment carrying apparatus which is used to carry various items needed and used when visiting a beach or similar location. The apparatus includes a frame member, which can be adjustable in height, on which a plurality of components and compartments can be connected. The present invention further includes a hanger or hangers which are mounted to the frame member and on which beach going materials can be hung, including beach chairs. The present invention can also include a number of straps connected to the frame member to be used as shoulder straps, support straps or straps to hold down items secured to the apparatus.
US07988022B1	Sock applying device A sock applying device for helping a user put a sock on his feet comprising a first extension pole; a second extension pole; a first connector pole and a second connector pole for connecting the first extension pole to the second extension pole; a first threaded rod spanning the first extension pole; a second threaded rod spanning the second extension pole; a first spring-loaded clamp for grasping the sock disposed on the second end of the first threaded rod, wherein the first spring-loaded clamp is moveable between a closed position and an open position; and a second spring-loaded clamp for grasping the sock disposed on the second end of the second threaded rod, wherein the second spring loaded clamp is moveable between a closed position and an open position.
US07988021B2	Sliding-jacket pump A pump for a liquid cosmetic product dispenser including a body defining a metering chamber provided with an admission orifice at the bottom and having an opening at the top into which is inserted a sleeve carried by an axially movable operating head which is provided with a delivery duct and an open/close element and is acted upon by a return spring mounted on the outside of the body. The body encloses a jacket that moves axially inside the chamber and at least partly inside the sleeve and supports a lower valve for closing the admission orifice.
US07988019B2	Beverage tap plug The present invention relates to a beverage tap plug for occupying and disinfecting, cleaning, or sanitizing a faucet opening of a beverage tap. The beverage tap plug comprises a support member supporting a resilient absorbent member. The absorbent member comprises a generally cylindrical column of absorbent material. The support member of the beverage tap plug comprises a relatively flat, disk-shaped base supporting a thin post in which the post defines a longitudinal axis with a first base end and second distal end. The post protrudes outwardly from the center of the base at the base end. Additionally, the outside diameter of the absorbent member is larger than the diameter of the diameter of the outer rim of the faucet opening. The absorbent member of the beverage tap plug is impregnated with a disinfectant, sanitizer or cleaner.
US07988018B2	Sliding and tilting heated fluid dispenser having an insulated product package roller and holder An apparatus for dispensing a flowable product from a product package through a dispensing outlet at or above a preset elevated temperature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a container slide structure coupled with a first side of the container and having: a first slide member coupled with a first side of the container; a second slide member extendably coupled with the first slide member; a slide mounting bracket for connecting with a fixed surface coupled to the first slide member; a container tilt structure coupled with a first side of the container and having a: tilt member coupled with the first side of the container and the slide mounting bracket; a slot member having a slot coupled with the first side of said container; a slot engagement member slidably movable in the slot of the slot member coupled with the first side the container and the tilt member; and a pivot member coupled with the first side of the container at a lower back position of the container, enabling the tilting of the container about the pivot member from a horizontal position to a titled position, the titling being constrained by the movement of the slot engagement member in the slot of the slot member. Other embodiments disclose a roller and roller retainer mechanism; and a product package holder.
US07988014B2	Lid lock mechanism An exemplary lid lock mechanism (20) includes a main body (22) and a lid (24). Two resilient hooks (222) and two resisting portions (224) are formed on an inner surface of the main body. The lid includes a lid cap (242). Two hooking portions (246) and two extending pieces (248) are formed on a surface (244) of the lid cap. The hooking portions are engaged with the resilient hooks of the main body when the lid is connected to the main body. To detach the lid from the main body, the hooks of the hooking portions are disengaged from the resilient hooks of the main body.
US07988013B2	Flow control device A flow control device includes a hood, a ball valve, a sealing ring, and a handle. The ball valve is movably received in an interior receiving space of the hood and the ball valve is set in sealing engagement with the sealing ring. The ball valve and the handle located outside the hood are coupled together and are thus movable in unison with each other. The ball valve defines a flow passage. The hood forms a discharge opening. When installed on an opening of any kind of container, such as a PET bottle or a glass bottle, or an outlet tube of a water tank, by rotating the handle to move the ball valve, the flow passage can be selectively set in fluid communication with the discharge opening.
US07988012B2	Joint compound container A joint compound container has two opposing end walls, and a body having a generally trough shape formed from two planar side walls separated from one another by a planar floor. The body is affixed to the end walls. Each of the side walls shares a respective common radiused edge with the floor of the container.
US07988009B2	Litter bin with pivotal lid and automatic latching mechanism A litter bin includes a lid hingeably connected to a container. Opposite the hinge, a latch selectively secures the lid to the container. The latch includes a pivotably mounted latch member. The latch member includes a catch portion that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position upon pivoting of the latch member. A weight is pivotably connected to the latch member at a point offset from the pivot axis of the latch member, thereby further retaining the catch portion of the latch member in the locked position. The litter bin must be tilted past a nonzero tilt threshold before the latch member pivots the catch portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.
US07988008B2	Hermetic container A hermetic storage system for storing wipes is provided. The hermetic storage system may include a flexible container, a first member, a second member, and a third member configured for holding the wipes. The flexible container is disposed between the first member and the second member. The third member is releasably coupled to the second member and covers an aperture defined by the second member. The hermetic storage system is configured to provide a hermetic seal when the third member is releasably engaged with the second member.
US07988007B2	Container closure and closing cap having contoured bail handles A unitary threaded closing cap for a closure includes a body having a sidewall and a top panel and at least one bail handle unitarily joined to the top panel wherein the at least one bail handle is arranged in three sections, including an intermediate section and opposing end sections, the intermediate section including a shaped portion that extends above the top panel.
US07988006B2	Container with cover A soft-sided insulated container assembly with a removable thermal storage member mounted therein. The container has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion forms a body and the second portion forms a lid movable between a first position obstructing access to a chamber defined in the first portion and a second position permitting access. The lid has a structural frame having members defining a seat for the thermal storage member when the lid is in the first position. The storage member has portions operable matingly to engage the frame members.
US07988004B1	Dispensing closure with tamper evident device A dispensing closure having a tamper evident device. The closure having a spout positionable between an open position and a closed position relative to a closure base. An overcap with a tamper indicating band having an anti-rotational mechanism interacting with the closure base. The closure base has a plurality of projecting flanges engaging the tamper indicating band. The projecting flanges of the closure base curve towards the spout of the dispensing closure. The tamper indicating band of the overcap is supported interiorly by the spout in both the open position and closed position of the spout.
US07988003B1	Ratchet push and turn child resistant closure A child resistant closure having a ratchet push and turn mechanism. The ratchet push and turn mechanism includes an over cap disposed over an under cap, each with ratchet teeth in operable engagement. The ratchet teeth of the closure may have a groove. Another groove may extend between adjacent ratchet teeth allowing air to escape from between the under cap and the over cap during the assembly process of the closure.
US07987988B2	Display case for ribbon suspended medal(s) A display case comprised of a lid and a case is provided to showcase a ribbon suspended medal or multiple ribbon suspended medals in a cube-like enclosure made of transparent, semi-transparent, and/or opaque material of all components or selected components with the ribbon suspended medal(s) inside the enclosure and protected by the material. The ribbon suspended medal(s) is held by a multiple component lid with the ribbon(s) wound or bound in various fashions within the void area of the lid hence fully enclosed by the case but visible from all transparent sides. The features of the case allow for vertical expansion of the display cases by way of stacking features on the outside top and outside bottom which are used to affix stacked units securely in place.
US07987982B2	Retainer ring for a wire package and method of using the same A retainer ring is provided for use in a welding wire package having looped magnetic welding wire. The ring is a flat sheet of flexible permanent magnet material with an outer periphery and an inner periphery and includes printed material on the ring which can be cut from the ring and affixed to any metal surface.
US07987981B1	Wrench holder The present invention discloses a wrench holder which includes main body, handle, control element, connecting elements and door boards. The front of the main body is provided with a plurality of recesses for engaging wrench handles, and provided with fillister having wall provided with hookable part thereon. The handle is pivotally connected to the bottom of the main body. The handle can be bent to support the main body on a plane. The control element is pivotally disposed in the fillister. The connecting elements are pivotally connected to the main body and the door boards respectively. The door boards cover the main body and have bar part. The end of the bar part has a hooking edge to hook the hookable part in the fillister. When the control element is pulled to rotate and push away the hooking edge. Thus, users can open the door boards.
US07987971B2	Belt device and fixing device A belt device includes a belt; a driving unit that is provided inside the belt and drives the belt; a supporting unit that is provided inside the belt and supports the belt; and a position determination member that is fixed to one end in an axial direction of the driving unit or the supporting unit and comes in contact with an edge portion of the belt in the case where the belt is mounted so as to determine a position of the belt.
US07987970B2	Roller drive for a conveyor system and conveyor system A roll drive for driving a drive roller of a conveyor system has a stator which is arranged on a shaft and has a plurality of windings for generating a magnetic field, and a rotor which is arranged around the stator and is connected to a roller tub of the drive roller. A thermally conducting element is provided on the end side of the stator for dissipation of the heat which is produced during operation of the roll drive.
US07987969B2	Sheet-processing assembly having an apparatus for transporting a pallet, pallet conveying system and sheet-fed rotary printing press A sheet-processing assembly includes an apparatus for transporting a pallet bearing a sheet stack and a transfer conveyor having a number of transport rollers disposed transversely to the direction of transport of the pallet and a receiving fixture for a load-bearing element for the pallet, for example a lift truck fork. The receiving fixture is aligned parallel to the transport rollers. A conveying system having a transfer conveyor and a sheet-fed rotary printing press having a conveying system, are also provided.
US07987968B2	Chip component carrying method and system, and visual inspection method and system A method and a system for stabilizing the sight line of a chip component being carried on two discs, for stabilizing delivery of the chip component between the two discs, and improving and stabilizing the inspection accuracy in the visual check of the chip component. This is achieved by employing a mechanism for carrying the chip component while supporting it on the horizontal plane of the first rotary disc and then carrying the chip component while suction-holding it on the vertical plane of the second rotary disc. When the chip component is carried on the first rotary disc, the upper surface and one side face of the chip component are imaged by first and second cameras. When the chip component is carried on the second rotary disc, the lower surface and the other side face of the chip component are imaged by third and fourth cameras.
US07987967B2	Deformable-wheel conveyor exerting a progressive pinching force A conveyor device for conveying flat objects on edge, which device comprises at least two wheels having elastically deformable treads and disposed facing each other so as to move a flat object on edge by pinching and friction. The two wheels are arranged in such a manner as to exert a pinching force on the flat object on edge that varies progressively as the flat object is driven forwards.
US07987964B2	Article transfer and placement apparatus with active puck An apparatus for transferring articles such as absorbent cores or disposable diaper chassis components from a rotary mechanism, such as a pad turner, to a linear mechanism, such as a conveyor, for further processing. A puck on the apparatus is capable of manipulating the article during this transfer procedure.
US07987963B2	Container for transporting piece goods, particularly pieces of luggage A loading and unloading station for a container that transports piece goods, particularly pieces of luggage on a conveyor belt is provided. The upper part of the container receiving the piece goods is formed by a storage surface for the piece goods, the surface including an continuous carrying belt spanning the lower part of the container and capable of bearing a load, the carrying belt is arranged transversely to the transport direction of the container and drivably guided around a plurality of deflection rollers provided on both sides of the container. A method for transporting piece goods on a conveyor track including supporting and guide elements for the container is also provided.
US07987961B2	Coin dispensing apparatus A coin dispensing apparatus, which ejects coins by squeezing them substantially chordally between an element on a rotor and an ejector, has a variable height rotor (3), an improved two-part coin ejector (10a, 10b). A optical sensor for detecting coins being ejected positive detects both the presence and absence of coins in a coin path. Also, a payout device comprising a first coin dispensing device (61) including a dispensed coin type detector and a second coin dispensing device (62). The first coin dispensing device (61) is used to store coins of plurality of large denominations and is used initially for paying out an amount. The second coin dispensing device (62) is used for a single low denomination coin type and coins are dispensed from the second coin dispensing device (62) after the first coin dispensing device has been used as much as possible.
US07987958B2	Wedge one-way clutch A one-way clutch including first and second races with radially opposed circumferential surfaces and at least one wedge separate from the races and disposed radially between the races. The first race is arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element in an automotive device and is arranged to rotate independently of the second race for relative rotation in a first direction. A circumference for one of the circumferential surfaces has a uniform radius. A circumference for the other of the circumferential surfaces includes at least one radial protrusion. The wedge elements are arranged to engage the protrusions and the opposing circumferential surface to rotationally lock the first and second races for relative rotation of the first race in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction. During lockup, a circumferential extent of the wedge elements in contact with the second race is greater than an axial extent.
US07987955B2	Retracting luggage work station The retracting luggage work station is a rolling suitcase with a retractable shelf that extends out from the top of the suitcase and provides support for a portable laptop computer or food or beverage items while waiting at an airport or other transportation terminal. The shelf also can function as a seat. Vertical telescoping support members are attached to the front of the shelf, and the back of the shelf engages a slot on the interior of the extendable handles of the suitcase permitting the shelf to be height adjustable. An integral carrying strap is attached to the top of the suitcase for aid in stowing the luggage work station in an overhead compartment or under an airplane seat.
US07987952B2	Damping mechanisms and motor assemblies Damping mechanisms and motor assemblies are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a damping mechanism includes an end cap, a bearing retainer plate, a bearing damper ring, a bearing assembly, and first and second lateral dampers. The bearing damper ring is disposed in an annular cavity inwardly from an inner diameter surface of the end cap and has a radially inwardly-extending flange. The bearing assembly is disposed in the annular cavity radially inwardly relative to the bearing damper ring. The first lateral damper is disposed between a radially inwardly-extending wall of the end cap and the bearing damper ring. The second lateral damper is disposed between the bearing damper ring and the bearing retainer plate.
US07987946B2	Tropicalized petroleum sector cut-off valve gear box system and decontamination method for gear boxes A tropicalized petroleum sector cut-off valve gear box system and its respective method of application are described. The system involves the conversion of any gear box model with cut-off valves used in the petroleum industry, into tropicalized gear boxes, so as to allow total preventative maintenance with no need for interruptions on production lines.
US07987941B2	Construction vehicle with controller for suppressing reduction of traction force under low speed traveling condition A construction vehicle includes an engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, a travel hydraulic motor driven by pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump, travel wheels driven by the drive force of the travel hydraulic motor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control an engine speed, displacement of the hydraulic pump, and displacement of the travel hydraulic motor in order to control a vehicle speed and traction force. The controller is further configured to increase a maximum displacement of the travel hydraulic motor as the vehicle speed decreases within a low speed range in which the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.
US07987939B2	Hood system with multiple open positions A hood system with a plurality of hood hinges is disclosed. The hood hinges associated with the hood system include a hole configured to receive a removable fastener. By inserting a fastener in the hole when the hood is in a fully open position, a protrusion on the hood hinge can rest against the removable fastener to maintain the hood in the fully open position.
US07987938B2	Cooling device for motorcycle engine To enable the close arrangement of right and left cooling fans that are common to each other and rotate in the same direction. A radiator is disposed forward of an engine, is horizontally lengthwise and is formed such that the center thereof bends to protrude rearward. A pair of right and left cooling fans is provided on the rear surface of the radiator. The left and right cooling fans have the same specifications, rotating in the same direction. A support plate is provided to surround the cooling fans, that is, to close left and right sides of, the upper side of and the rear of the cooling fans and open the lower side thereof. A partition portion is formed to project from the center of a rear wall to partition between the left and right cooling fans. Thus, the adjacent cooling fans can be prevented from interfering with each other and can be arranged close to each other.
US07987937B2	Systems and methods for assembling a front end module to a vehicle The present disclosure provides a Front End Module (FEM) assembly and associated assembly method with a rail system to enable efficient assembly, tighter clearances between the front end module assembly and the vehicle, and time and cost savings. The present disclosure provides a FEM assembly including grilles and headlamps and a rail system enabling the FEM to be assembled on a vehicle. Advantageously, the present disclosure allows the FEM to pass between fenders on the vehicle with a very tight clearance condition. The rail system included in the present disclosure allows the FEM to be assembled efficiently while protecting grilles and headlamps from being damaged by fenders and protecting the fenders from damage from the FEM.
US07987931B2	Cutting element apparatuses, drill bits including same, methods of cutting, and methods of rotating a cutting element A rotary drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation may comprise a bit body, a cutting element coupled to the bit body, and a torque-generating assembly configured to apply torque, either continuously or periodically, to the cutting element. The torque-generating assembly may be powered by the rotary motion of the rotary drill bit or may be hydraulically or electrically powered. The cutting element may comprise a substrate, a table of superabrasive material disposed on an end of the substrate, and at least one impelling feature formed along the exterior surface of the substrate. In addition, a method of rotating a cutting element coupled to a drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation may comprise providing a cutting element comprising a table bonded to a substrate, coupling the substrate of the cutting element to a drill bit body, and applying torque to the substrate of the cutting element.
US07987929B2	Arrangement for processing dust The invention relates to a method for processing dust when breaking rock, to a dust separator, and further to a rock-drilling rig. Rock material and air sucked from a borehole or some other operating location is separated from each other in the dust separator. The separated rock material falls into a discharge part of the dust separator, from which it can be dosed in batches into a discharging device. The discharging device comprises a closed compression space in which the rock material batch is compressed into a more compact state. This forms a solid matter cake that is removed from the dust separator.
US07987925B2	Method and apparatus for collecting drill bit performance data Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data-sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.
US07987924B2	Automatic control system for connecting a dual-member pipe A system and method of making up and breaking out a dual-member drill string. The system comprises a spindle, a spindle carriage and a drive frame. The drive frame provides thrust to the spindle, while the spindle carriage provides rotation. The spindle has an outer spindle and an inner spindle, and is adapted to connect to a pipe section having an outer pipe section and an inner pipe section. Inner joints are geometrically shaped, while outer joints are threaded. When making up dual member drill string, the spindle is advanced, with the outer spindle rotating, and the inner spindle rotating in alternating directions, or “dithering.” A float sensor and a processor are used in tandem to cooperatively couple the inner spindle with the inner pipe sections and the outer spindle with the outer pipe sections.
US07987919B2	Discontinuous tightening wrench comprising means for measuring dynamic events caused by this tightening on the casing of the wrench The invention relates to a discontinuous clamping wrench, of the type comprising a motor and a pulse clutch integrated in a casing, characterised in that it comprises measurement means of dynamic phenomena induced by said clamping on said casing, with a view to correlating said measurement with a clamping level.
US07987918B2	Electric hand-held power tool An electric hand-held power tool has a housing, a double-shelled handle attached axially to the housing, a selector ring pivotably located in the housing, and an actuating element supported by the selector ring and swivelable manually. The housing and the handle have a line connecting domes oriented parallel to an axis of the housing and located in a parting plane region between the housing and the handle for receiving connecting units. The connecting domes include centering elements for guiding and exactly positioning the handle shells when the handle shells are attached individually to the housing.
US07987916B2	Integrated controls for a fire suppression system A fire suppression system having a plumbing assembly, an engine, a hose, an air-bleed valve, and a controller is provided. The controller includes a one-touch activation control. The controller is also configured to automatically activate the air-bleed valve to remove air within the hose to prevent user injury and damage to the fire suppression system. A fire suppression system that automatically configures the fire suppression system to output a predetermined fire suppression fluid composition upon actuation of a one-touch activation control is also provided. In addition, an integrated control system is provided to automatically configure a fire truck's interlock and shift pump operation.
US07987914B2	Controlling actuation of tools in a wellbore with a phase change material A technique is provided for actuating devices deployed in a wellbore. The technique utilizes an actuator that cooperates with a downhole device, such as a well tool. The actuator has a phase change material that can be caused to undergo a phase change upon an appropriate input. The phase change of the material is used to provide the force necessary for actuation of the downhole device.
US07987913B2	Electrical submersible pump with equally loaded thrust bearings and method of pumping subterranean fluid A rotary pump having thrust bearings includes a system for equalizing the loading on the thrust bearings. The thrust bearings are each supported on pistons that are in fluid communication with a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit has substantially the same pressure throughout, thereby floating each piston at the same pressure to provide an equal support force to each thrust bearing via each piston.
US07987911B2	Oil well perforators An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator is provided comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a liner with a further insert liner where the high explosive is positioned between the liner and the housing. In use the high explosive will collapse the liner and insert causing two cutting jets to form. The insert may substantially cover the surface area of the liner or it may over only partially cover the liner, such as the apical portion of the liner or the base portion of liner. Alternatively the insert may be varied in thickness across the surface area of the liner. Typically the thickness of the liner may be between 1 and 10% of the liner diameter and the thickness of the insert may be between 1 and 200% of the thickness of the liner. The insert may be produced during the manufacture of the liner, but preferably the liner will be a retro fitted item.
US07987910B2	Methods for manipulation of the flow of fluids in subterranean formations A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore to mitigate the production of unwanted fluids from the wellbore is carried out by forming a treatment fluid containing at least one of an oil-wetting or water-repelling surfactant and a carrier fluid. The treatment fluid is then introduced into the wellbore. The treatment or treatments may be performed remedially or prophylacticaly. The treatment may include the completion and production of zones containing the undesirable fluid(s) and the deliberate formation of cones therein.

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