最新美国发明专利第2011-08-30期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08008070B2	Using coulomb forces to study charateristics of fluids and biological samples A LoC (Lab on a Chip) is described to analyze surface properties of fluid drops. Substrates with cavities near the edge are filled with fluids that have a contact angle greater than 90°. The surfaces of two different drops can be brought in contact with one another by using Coulomb forces. Several experiments can be carried out while the drops are in contact: the concentration of the fluid in each drop can be altered, tangential and normal forces can be applied to the contact surface, voltage differences across and current flow through the contact surface can be monitored. MEMS pumps can be used to mix reagents or buffers with the fluid to determine the protein concentration or to extract DNA from whole cells, respectively. Substrates holding optical components can be used to align fibers with either lasers or receivers. The alignment is automatic and controlled by a control unit.
US08008065B2	Disposable bioreactor vessel port A port for use with a bioreactor vessel comprising: i) a base member comprising a hollow tubular portion and a base plate configured to be sealingly affixed to a hole in the wall of a bioreactor vessel ii) a hollow, generally tubular bushing member for containing electrical, optical, microfluidic and/or chemical monitoring components which bushing member fits inside the bore of the tubular portion of the base member, both the base member and bushing member providing access to the contents of a bioreactor by; iii) a monitoring assembly inserted into the bushing member which assembly comprises means for providing incoming optical and/or electrical signals and means for collecting and transmitting measurement signals resulting from the interaction of incoming optical and/or electrical signals with the contents of a bioreactor; and iv) a cover which maintains the position and alignment of components ii) and iii) relative to the base member.
US08008059B1	Method utilizing enzyme substrates producing insoluble fluorescent products and chromogens, and use in combination with enzyme substrates producing soluble products A method of detection of cells, microorganisms, or molecules by the use of various combinations of fluorogens and a chromogens which yield fluorophores and chromophores when cleaved by specific enzymes and which can be viewed by UV and visible light. Included is the method of application of a family of compounds producing both insoluble fluorophores and chromophores identified as dual enzyme substrates.
US08008058B2	Ketose 3-epimerase, its preparation and uses An object of the present invention is to provide a novel ketose 3-epimerase, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for producing a ketose by using the enzyme. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a ketose 3-epimerase which is obtainable from a microorganism of the genus Rhizobium, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for converting D- or L-ketohexose into corresponding D- or L-ketohexose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketohexose; and D- or L-ketopentose into corresponding D- or L-ketopentose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketopentose; by using the enzyme.
US08008057B2	Subtilases The present invention relates to methods for producing variants of a parent JP170 subtilase and of a parent BPN′ subtilase and to JP170 and BPN′ variants having altered properties as compared to the parent JP170/BPN′ subtilase.
US08008055B2	Thermotolerant ribonuclease H Polypeptides having an RNase H activity highly useful in genetic engineering; genes encoding these polypeptides; and a process for genetic engineeringly producing these polypeptides.
US08008054B2	Thermostable nucleic acid polymerase from Thermococcus gorgonarius A purified thermostable enzyme is derived form the thermophilic archaebacterium Thermococcus gorgonarius. The enzyme can be native or recombinant, retains approximately 90% of its activity after incubation for two hours at 95° C. in the presence of stabilizing agents and possesses 3′-5′ proofreading exonuclease activity. Thermostable DNA polymerases are useful in many recombinant DNA techniques, especially nucleic acid amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
US08008053B2	Allosteric control of proteins by manipulating mechanical tension A method of altering the conformation of a polypeptide having a known three-dimensional structure is described. The method comprises attaching a first end of a polymer to a first portion of the polypeptide, attaching a second end of the polymer to a second portion of the polypeptide, and altering the mechanical tension of the polymer, thereby altering the conformation of the polypeptide. The alteration of the conformation of the polypeptide may increase or decrease the binding affinity of the polypeptide for a substrate bound by the polypeptide, or alter the catalytic rate of an enzyme. Typically, the polymer is a polynucleotide or polypeptide.
US08008046B2	Thermal cycling method This invention provides a method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions involving heating and cooling of samples in sample vessels utilizing a heat block comprising a liquid. The method can be used to perform multiple nucleic acid amplification reactions simultaneously in which each of the reactions is performed so as to have temperature profiles. The apparatus can be used for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with control and uniformity.
US08008037B2	Matrix composition with alkylphenazine quaternary salt and a nitrosoaniline A chemistry matrix for use in determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid includes a glucose dehydrogenase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, an alkylphenazine quaternary salt, and/or a nitrosoaniline. The chemistry matrix is used with an electrochemical biosensor to determine the concentration of an analyte after a reaction occurs within the biosensor, at which time an analysis is completed to determine the concentration. A method of determining the concentration of an analyte using the chemistry matrix of glucose dehydrogenase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, an alkylphenazine quaternary salt, and/or a nitrosoaniline is another aspect that is described. The method also further features test times of five seconds or less. Methods utilizing the new chemistry matrix can readily determine an analyte such as blood glucose at concentrations of from about 20-600 mg/dL at a pH of from about 6.5 to about 8.5.
US08008034B2	Reducing optical interference in a fluidic device This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.
US08008029B2	Method and device for characterizing cellular components of a biological fluid The invention concerns a method for differentiating and counting cellular components present in a biological fluid sample comprising a primary cytological analysis step typically implemented by a flow cytometry equipment (1) to obtain a set of primary results enabling the set of cellular components of the sample to be differentiated and counted in different populations; and a complementary step of cytological analysis of a particular type of cellular components, based on an identified cellular peculiarity, to obtain complementary results enabling at least one cell population or subpopulation of the sample to be differentiated and counted for identification of said cellular peculiarity. The invention is applicable in particular to hematological analyses.
US08008028B2	Panel cell used for granulocyte antibody detection A panel cell for detecting anti-HNA antibody is disclosed. The panel cell is obtained by introducing a DNA coding for an HNA antigen corresponding to the anti-HNA antibody into a cell so as to enable the expression of the DNA under the condition for use in the detection procedure, wherein the cell for DNA introduction exhibits no detectable reaction with anti-HLA-ABC antibody, anti-HLA-DR antibody, anti-HLA-DQ antibody, anti-HLA-DP antibody, anti-HNA-1 antibody, anti-HNA-2a antibody, anti-HNA-3a antibody, anti-HNA-4 antibody, anti-HNA-5 antibody, and serum from normal subject, in the detection procedure. The panel cell allows accurate and rapid detection of granulocyte antibody.
US08008027B2	Methods of screening for compounds that modulate the activity of ADEC, a chemokine expressed in inflamed adenoid The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (ADEC) from inflamed adenoid tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ADEC, expression vectors for the production of purified ADEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of ADEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ADEC, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on ADEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC.
US08008026B2	Methods for differentially detecting a multimeric form from a monomeric form of a multimer-forming polypeptide through three-dimensional interactions The present invention relates to a method for differentially detecting a multimeric form from a monomeric form of a multimer-forming polypeptide in a biosample, which comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a carrier-capturing antibody conjugate by binding a capturing antibody to the surface of a solid phase carrier in a three dimensional manner, wherein the capturing antibody is capable of recognizing an epitope on the multimer-forming polypeptide; (b) preparing a detection antibody, wherein an epitope recognized by the detection antibody is present at a position in the multimer-forming polypeptide to cause a steric hindrance by the capturing antibody bound to its epitope to prevent the binding of the detection antibody to the multimer-forming polypeptide; (c) contacting simultaneously the carrier-capturing antibody conjugate and the detection antibody to the biosample; and (d) detecting the formation of a carrier-capturing antibody-multimeric form-detection antibody complex.
US08008023B2	Natural ligand of G protein coupled receptor RCC356 and uses thereof The invention relates to the identification of isovaleric acid as a natural ligand of the RCC356 G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). The invention encompasses the use of the interaction of RCC356 polypeptides and isovaleric acid as the basis of screening assays for agents that modulate the activity of the RCC356 receptor. The invention also encompasses diagnostic and other assays performed based upon the RCC356/isovaleric acid interaction, as well as kits for performing diagnostic and screening assays.
US08008022B2	Methods and kit for detecting breast cancer The present inventions relates to kits and methods for diagnosing and monitoring breast cancer. An increase in the level or activity of proteins of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, and ancillary proteins thereof, as compared to normal control or benign tissue is indicative of breast cancer.
US08008020B2	Biomarkers for peripheral artery disease This invention provides biomarkers whose concentrations in blood plasma are associated with the presence or absence of PAD in the patient from whom the plasma sample is taken. The invention also provides biomarkers for distinguishing between PAD patients who are long claudicators and PAD patients who are not. In addition, the invention provides methods for identifying additional biomarkers, methods for detecting the biomarkers in patients, and methods for identifying agents, including pharmaceutical agents, which interact with the biomarkers and are useful for preventing or treating PAD in patients.
US08008019B2	Use of dual-tags for the evaluation of genomic variable repeat regions The methods and compositions of the present invention allow for the evaluation of a nucleotide expansion, contraction or deletion. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for detecting a nucleotide expansion, contraction or deletion comprising amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence with a primer pair, each primer comprising a target specific sequence and a differentiating tag sequence, labeling the target nucleic acid sequence to produce a dual-tagged amplification product; digesting the dual-tagged amplification product to produce an expansion region fragment and an internal control fragment; hybridizing the fragments to separate capture complexes; detecting the signals produced by the labels on the immobilized fragments and comparing the intensity of the signals to detect the nucleotide expansion, contraction or deletion region.
US08008018B2	Determination of fetal aneuploidies by massively parallel DNA sequencing The present methods are exemplified by a process in which maternal blood containing fetal DNA is diluted to a nominal value of approximately 0.5 genome equivalent of DNA per reaction sample. Digital PCR is then be used to detect aneuploidy, such as the trisomy that causes Down Syndrome. Since aneuploidies do not present a mutational change in sequence, and are merely a change in the number of chromosomes, it has not been possible to detect them in a fetus without resorting to invasive techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling. Digital amplification allows the detection of aneuploidy using massively parallel amplification and detection methods, examining, e.g., 10,000 genome equivalents.
US08008015B2	Genetic markers of the risk of developing restenosis Methods and kits for diagnosing the risk of developing restenosis after revascularization by implantation of stents based on the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
US08008014B2	Capture, recapture, and trapping of molecules with a nanopore In a molecular analysis system, there is provided a structure including a nanopore and first and second fluidic reservoirs. The two reservoirs are fluidically connected via the nanopore. A detector is connected to detect molecular species translocation of the nanopore, from one of the two fluidic reservoirs to the other of the two fluidic reservoirs. A controller is connected to generate a control signal to produce conditions at the nanopore to induce the molecular species to re-translocate the nanopore at least once after translocating the nanopore. This enables a method for molecular analysis in which a molecular species is translocated a plurality of times through a nanopore in a structure between two fluidic reservoirs separated by the structure.
US08008013B2	Predicting and diagnosing patients with autoimmune disease The present invention provides methods for the prediction and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, using single nucleotide polymorphism in TNFAIP3 (A20).
US08008008B2	Mitochondrial mutations and rearrangements as a diagnostic tool for the detection of sun exposure, prostate cancer and other cancers Mitochondrial DNA deletions useful for the detection of cancers and sun exposure are provided. In particular, methods and kits for detecting mitochondrial DNA deletions for the early detection, diagnosis and progression of prostate cancer, sun exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer are provided.
US08008006B2	Synthetic nucleic acid molecule compositions and methods of preparation A method to prepare synthetic nucleic acid molecules having reduced inappropriate or unintended transcriptional characteristics when expressed in a particular host cell.
US08008004B2	Compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of glial origin The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of glial origin in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US08008001B2	PCV-2 vaccine The present invention relates to a vaccine and a method for protecting piglets against PCV-2 infection by administering a vaccine comprising at least 20 micrograms/dose of ORF-2 protein of porcine circovirus type 2, even when they have a relatively high titer of maternally derived antibodies against PCV-2. A vaccine according to the invention may contain a recombinant ORF-2 protein, wherein said recombinant protein is preferably produced by way of expression from a baculovirus expression vector in insect cells, said baculovirus expression vector containing the PCV-2 ORF-2 gene sequence under control of a suitable promoter.
US08008000B2	Viral variants detection and application 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 or nucleotide 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 and/or develop or design agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.
US08007997B2	Methods and compositions for inhibiting the growth of hematopoietic malignant cells Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reducing the growth of hematopoietic malignant cells (e.g., B-cell leukemia cells). The methods involve reducing the growth of hematopoietic malignant cells by contacting hematopoietic malignant cells with GP88 antagonists. GP88 is an 88 KDa autocrine growth factor that promotes the growth of hematopoietic malignant cells. Antagonists to GP88 are provided which inhibit its expression or biological activity. The antagonists include antisense oligonucleotides and antibodies. Also provided are methods for determining if a patient is responding or is responsive to anti-cancer therapy (e.g., glucocorticoid therapy). Increased levels of GP88 in hematopoietic cells indicates a patient is not responding or responsive to anti-cancer therapy.
US08007995B2	Moesin, caveolin 1 and yes associated protein 1 as predictive markers of response to dasatinib in breast cancers The invention described herein relates to methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancers that express particular genes, including the moesin, caveolin 1, and/or yes-associated protein 1 genes.
US08007993B2	Method for storage and perfusion of organs using a solution comprising L-carnitine and isovaleryl L-carnitine 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.
US08007991B2	Three-dimensional physiological matrices for oncological testing, and methods for their production and use Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analysis of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compounds and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.
US08007990B2	Thick film layers and methods relating thereto Thick film layers for a micro-fluid ejection head, micro-fluid ejection heads, and methods for making micro-fluid ejection head and thick film layers. One such thick film layer is derived from a difunctional epoxy component having a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 2500 to about 4000 Daltons, a photoacid generator, an aryl ketone solvent, and an adhesion enhancing component. One such thick film layer has a cross-link density upon curing that increases the dimensional stability of the thick film layer sufficient to provide flow features therein having substantially vertical walls.
US08007989B1	Method and solution for forming a patterned ferroelectric layer on a substrate A method for forming a patterned ferroelectric layer, having ferroelectric electronic properties, on a substrate. A composite layer, made of ferroelectric layer producing metal acrylate compounds, a photoinitiator compound and an acrylate crosslinking compound is formed on the substrate. A photomask is formed on the composite layer. Unmasked areas of the composite layer are irradiated with ultraviolet light. A solvent removes non-irradiated areas of the composite layer from the substrate. The patterned composite layer is heated in an oxygen atmosphere to cause a chemical reaction among the ferroelectric layer producing metal acrylate compounds and oxygen, a patterned ferroelectric layer being formed on the substrate.
US08007981B2	Resist composition and method of forming resist pattern A resist composition of the present invention is obtained by dissolving a resin component (A) that displays changed alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure in an organic solvent (S), wherein the organic solvent (S) includes an aromatic organic solvent (S1). According to the present invention, a resist composition and a method of forming a resist pattern, in which the level of LWR is reduced, can be provided.
US08007979B2	Acrylic polymer-containing gap fill material forming composition for lithography There is provided a gap fill material forming composition for lithography that is used in dual damascene process and is excellent in flattening property and fill property. Concretely, it is a gap fill material forming composition characterized in that the composition is used in manufacture of semiconductor device by a method comprising coating a photoresist on a semiconductor substrate having a hole with aspect ratio shown in height/diameter of 1 or more, and transferring an image to the semiconductor substrate by use of lithography process, and that comprises a polymer, a crosslinking agent and a solvent.
US08007978B2	Aqueous dispersions for use as toners A compound that includes an aqueous dispersion, wherein the dispersion includes a thermoplastic resin and at least one stabilizing agent, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a colorant and a magnetic pigment, wherein the dispersion has an average volume diameter particle size from about 0.05 to about 10 microns is described.
US08007977B2	Toner and image forming method using the toner A toner satisfying at least one of the following relationships: 10° C.<(T1−T2)<60° C. and 0
US08007974B2	Toner, image forming apparatus using the same, image forming method using the same, and process cartridge A toner that is excellent in low-temperature fixing property, offset resistance, storage stability, charge rising property, charge stability with time and pulverizability and allows for forming high-quality images over a long period of time. The toner contains at least a binder resin, a colorant and a charge controlling agent, wherein the charge controlling agent contains an aromatic oxycarboxylic acid metal compound having a trivalent or more central metal, the binder resin comprises a polyester resin (A) having a softening point Tm (A) of 120° C. to 160° C. and a polyester resin (B) having a softening point Tm (B) of 80° C. to less than 120° C., and at least any one of the polyester resins (A) and (B) contains 1,2-propane diol at 65 mol % or more in a divalent alcohol component and can be obtained by condensation polymerizing an alcohol component substantially composed of only an aliphatic alcohol with a carboxylic acid component.
US08007972B2	Electrophotographic photoconductor, and image forming apparatus, process cartridge and image forming method using the same An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus containing an electrophotographic photoconductor, a charging unit, an exposing unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit and a cleaning unit, wherein the electrophotographic photoconductor contains a support and at least a photosensitive layer disposed on the support, wherein the photosensitive layer contains a charge generating material and a compound expressed by the following Structural Formula (1), and wherein, in the Structural Formula (1), “R1” and “R2” may be identical to each other or different, and represent any one of hydrogen atom, alkyl group which may be substituted, cycloalkyl group which may be substituted and aralkyl group which may be substituted. “R3”, “R4”, “R5”, “R6”, “R7”, “R8”, “R9”, “R10”, “R11”, “R12”, “R13” and “R14” may be identical to each other or different, and represent any one of hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, amino group, hydroxyl group, alkyl group which may be substituted, cycloalkyl group which may be substituted and aralkyl group which may be substituted. “n” is a number of replication and represents an integer of 0 to 100.
US08007971B2	Tris(enylaryl)amine containing photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a tris(enylaryl)amine containing charge transport layer.
US08007970B2	Low friction electrostatographic imaging member Present embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having low contact friction surfaces to ease sliding mechanical interaction and suppressing abrasion/wear failure and methods of preparing thereof. The improved imaging member has layers comprising one or two low surface energy polymeric materials that enhance the physical and mechanical functions and reduce the layers surface contact friction of the imaging member to extend service life.
US08007962B2	Photomask A photomask includes a base, a plurality of chip pattern regions over which a light shielding pattern of a metal material is defined, the plurality of chip pattern regions being defined on the base, scribe regions defined between the chip pattern regions, the scribe regions being defined by using the light shielding pattern, and slits in which the light shielding pattern is not defined, the slits being defined so as to surround the chip pattern regions.
US08007960B2	Light reflecting mask, exposure apparatus, and measuring method A light reflecting mask includes a reflecting layer which is provided on a substrate and reflects light, an absorbing layer which is provided on the reflecting layer and absorbs light, a device pattern which is formed in a first region of the absorbing layer, and a reflectance measuring pattern which is formed in a second region of the absorbing layer. The reflectance measuring pattern is a diffraction grating.
US08007957B2	Electrode for fuel cell, fuel cell system comprising the same, and method for preparing the same The electrode for a fuel cell of the present invention includes a carbonaceous electrode substrate, a microporous layer formed on the surface of the electrode substrate with the microporous layer including a carbonized polymer, and nano-carbon formed on the surface of the microporous layer with a catalyst layer coated on the surface of the nano-carbon. Alternatively, an electrode for a fuel cell includes a carbonaceous electrode substrate in which carbon particles are dispersed, a nano-carbon on the electrode substrate with a catalyst layer on the surface of the nano-carbon.
US08007956B2	Separator for flat-type polyelectrolyte fuel cell and polyelectrolyte fuel cell employing that separator A separator having a separator member coupled body having a metal plate as a base body, and formed by integrally coupling a plurality of separator members each having through holes for feeding fuel to an electrolyte of the fuel cell, said through holes arranged so as to correspond to the unit cell and to be perpendicular to a surface of said base body, and frame coupled bodies each made of an insulating material, each having openings for fuel feeding or oxygen feeding corresponding to the respective separator members, and each formed by integrally coupling a plurality of frame portions that give insulation between the unit cells, wherein said frame coupled bodies, making a pair, sandwich said separator member coupled body from its both sides, and each frame portion of one of said frame coupled bodies is capable of fitting a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the fuel cell into the opening.
US08007949B2	Edge-protected catalyst-coated diffusion media and membrane electrode assemblies A fuel cell including an anode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium and a cathode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium that sandwich an ionically conductive membrane. A sealing material is disposed between the ionically conductive membrane and the anode-side and cathode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium, wherein the sealing material is formed of a material that has a permeability that is less than a permeability of the ionically conductive member. The sealing material may also be formed of a material that is softer than the ionically conductive membrane such that the sealing material may deform and enable an membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell to be subjected to uniform pressures throughout the assembly.
US08007939B2	Cell electrode plate and process for producing the same A cell electrode plate is constituted by band-like core member made of metal foil and a plurality of sheets of electrode active material applied discontinuously on and longitudinally of at least one of upper and lower surfaces of the core member, the mutually adjacent sheets of the electrode active material having mutually different end positions widthwise of the core member. Thereby, an increase in worn amount of surfaces of press rolls is prevented when the cell electrode plate is pressed by a roll press machine with the press rolls so as to prolong the service life of the press rolls. Thus, the number and/or amount of grinding the press rolls is reduced to reduce the roll maintenance cost and enhance production efficiency.
US08007937B2	Battery pack A battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a generator device having a battery element disposed on a flexible covering material folded to cover the battery element, wherein three sides of the flexible covering material around the battery element are sealed; a rigid covering material for covering the generator device, having an opening and being bonded to the flexible covering material of the generator device; and a cover fitted into the opening of the rigid covering material, wherein the rigid covering material has a three-layer structure having an outer packaging layer, a metal layer, and a heat-bonding layer which are stacked on one another, and the heat-bonding layer is one selected from an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, an ethyl acrylate copolymer, a methyl acrylate copolymer, a methacrylic acid copolymer, a methyl methacrylate copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, an ethylene vinyl alcohol resin, a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, acid-modified polypropylene, or an ionomer.
US08007935B2	Plate assembly, core and lithium ion battery Disclosed are a plate assembly for a battery, a core and a lithium ion battery. The plate assembly comprises a plate, a conductive terminal and a membrane bag, the plate is encapsulated in the membrane bag, an encapsulation line is formed when the membrane bag is encapsulated, and the conductive terminal is disposed at one end of the plate and protruded out of the membrane bag, wherein the encapsulation line has at least two loops around the periphery of the plate. The core comprises the plate assembly of the present invention. The lithium ion battery comprises the core of the present invention. Since the membrane bag included in the plate assembly of the present invention is encapsulated by at least two loops of encapsulation line around the periphery of the plate, the membrane bag can be encapsulated tightly, which can prevent effectively the membrane bag from being cracked, and prevent the short circuit from being occurred due to the contact of the positive and negative plates, and thereby effectively improves the mechanical impact resistance of the battery.
US08007933B2	Vehicle power storage unit and vehicle A vehicle power storage unit, has: a power storage assembly; a coolant for cooling the power storage assembly; a casing having a coolant inlet through which the coolant is filled into the casing and containing the coolant and the power storage assembly; a gas-discharge pipe through which gas produced by the power storage assembly is discharged from the casing to the outside of a passenger compartment or a trunk of the vehicle; and a first pressure-release valve which is provided at the coolant inlet and through which the pressure in the casing is released to the outside when gas is produced by the power storage assembly.
US08007932B2	Magnetic disk and magnetic disk unit Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic disk having a lubricating layer formed on the surface thereof, which meets all the requirements for adhesiveness, adequate flowability, and strong binding power. In a particular embodiment, a magnetic disk has a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and a lubricating layer which are formed on a non-magnetic substrate, which is characterized in that said lubricating layer is comprised of a lubricant containing a first ingredient and a second ingredient, said first ingredient as the main constituent being a first perfluoropolyether compound represented by the formula (1) below, which has a weight-average molecular weight of 500 to 6000 and a dispersity smaller than 1.3, and said second ingredient being a second perfluoropolyether compound which has a weight-average molecular weight of 500 to 6000 and has 6 to 10 hydroxyl groups (on average) in one molecule, Rt-Rf1-Rt (1) where, Rf1 denotes a perfluoropolyether chain represented by the formula (2) and Rt denotes a terminal group represented by the formula (3), —CF2O—[(CF2CF2O)m—(CF2O)n]—CF2— (2) where, m and n each denote a natural number,
US08007926B2	Luminescent compounds with carbene ligands An organic light emitting device is provided. The device has an anode, a cathode and an organic layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The organic layer comprises a compound further comprising one or more carbene ligands coordinated to a metal center.
US08007925B2	Organic electroluminescence device and display apparatus The present invention provides an organic electroluminescence device using a novel phosphorescent metal complex compound and having high efficiency, high luminance, and high durability. The organic electroluminescence device includes a pair of electrodes including an anode and a cathode, and one or more organic layers each containing an organic compound, the one or more organic layers being interposed between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one of the one or more organic layers contain a phosphorescent metal complex compound having at least one ligand structure represented by the following general formula (1): where at least one of X, Y and Z represents an aromatic oligomer having 13 or more carbon atoms and bonded directly or via a linking group.
US08007924B2	Organic electroluminescent device and display using same An organic electroluminescent device including: at least two or more emitting layers (4), (8) between an anode (10) and a cathode (2), and an intermediate electrode layer (6) being interposed between emitting layers (4), (8), the intermediate electrode layer (6) being a single layer or a multilayer structure of a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers (6) including a semiconductive material having a resistivity of 0.001 to 10,000 Ω·cm. The device and a display using the same have a high efficiency and long life time.
US08007921B2	Gypsum board containing antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds A novel gypsum board having improved antimicrobial and antibacterial properties is disclosed. The board comprises a gypsum core, front and back paper facings, and a polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound effective at inhibiting fungal growth. Preferred polymeric antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds include polyDADMAC, polyTMMC, and quaternized polyvinyl pyridine derivatives. The novel gypsum board further comprises a non-polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound. Preferred non-polymeric antimicrobial or antibacteral compounds include cetyl pyridinium chloride and sodium pyrithione. The polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound can be present in the gypsum core and/or on one or both of the paper facings. The non-polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound may be encapsulated in a material or ionically associated with the polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound to allow releases of the non-polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound over time and/or upon exposure to moisture. Methods for preparing the aforementioned novel gypsum board are also disclosed.
US08007911B2	Material for room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material,coating material using same and coating film To provide a coating material for a room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material having chipping resistance and not allowing occurrence of cracks, and a room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material using the same, the room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material being excellent in abrasion resistance and in performance such as weather resistance, contamination resistance and adhesion.A coating material is formed of a lipophilic polyrotaxane including a cyclic molecule, a linear molecule piercing through the cyclic molecule to include it, and blocking groups disposed at both end terminals of the linear molecule to prevent departure of the cyclic molecule. In the lipophilic polyrotaxane, at least one of the linear molecule and the cyclic molecule has a hydrophobic modification group. A room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material is formed to contain the coating material preferably within a range of from 60 to 100% by mass relative to a film-forming component.
US08007909B2	Carbon film Disclosed is a carbon film which has optical characteristics of retaining a high transparency and being high in refractive index and low in double refractivity, is excellent in electric insulating performance, can be applied to various base materials with good adhesiveness, and can be formed at low temperature. Also disclosed is a laminate including a carbon film and a method for producing the laminate.
US08007904B2	Metal-coated fiber A multicomponent fiber having a metal phobic component and a metal philic component that allows for the selective distribution of metal across the surface of the fiber is disclosed. The inventive multicomponent fibers may be used in fabrics and other products manufactured therefrom for economically imparting at least one of an antistatic quality, antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy, and ultraviolet and/or electromagnetic radiation shielding.
US08007902B2	Multilayer clear over color polyolefin sheets and layered backing structure A multilayer structure includes a clear polyolefin layer, a colored polyolefin layer, and a random polyolefin backing layer. The colored and backing layers are coextruded and are permanently bonded at a layer interface, which is exclusive of an adhesive. The structure has a DOI of 70 or greater and passes a gravelometer impact test per the GM9508P standard, with a 10 pint load, at a −30° C. temperature, and at an impact angle of 30 degrees. Among other uses, the structures are appropriate for use as body panels in the motor vehicle industry. The structures display a “class A” finish and meet a variety of requirements for durability and weatherability. An ABA structured backing layer and a method of making it are also described herein.
US08007899B2	Segmented abradable coatings and process(es) for applying the same A segmented abradable ceramic coating comprises a bond coat layer, at least one segmented 7 weight percent yttria-stabilized zirconia layer disposed upon said bond coat layer, and at least one 12 weight percent yttria-stabilized zirconia layer disposed upon said at least one segmented 7 weight percent yttria-stabilized zirconia layer.
US08007895B2	Transparent film The present invention provides a novel technology and a novel transparent material having high thermal stability, excellent pliability, surface smoothness, dimensional stability and gas barrier properties, for the technical fields of packaging materials, sealing materials and display materials, and the invention relates to an inorganic layered compound film having oriented inorganic layered compound particles, exhibiting high surface smoothness, high dimensional stability, high transparency, excellent pliability, excellent gas barrier properties and high heat resistance, that is obtained by dispersing an inorganic layered compound of high transparency and a small amount of water-soluble polymer of high transparency in water or a liquid having water as a main component thereof, to thereby obtain a homogenous dispersion containing no agglomerates, applying thereafter this dispersion onto a support having a flat and water-layered compound particles, and separating the liquid, as a dispersion medium, according to any of various solid-liquid separation methods, for example, centrifugation, filtration, vacuum drying, vacuum freeze drying, evaporation by heating or the like to thereby attain formation into a film shape, and optionally followed by methods such as drying/heating/cooling to thereby effect detachment from the support.
US08007893B2	Reinforcement structures and processes for manufacturing same Reinforcement structures and processes for forming same are provided, wherein the reinforcement structures are adapted for use in forming composite parts. The structures comprise a first reinforcement layer; a second reinforcement layer; and a flexible core layer comprising elongated fibers and a plurality of discrete bodies.
US08007886B2	Performance enhancing underlayment, underlayment assembly, and method An underlayment for supplementing one or more physical properties of wall, ceiling, and floor construction components is used to in a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly that may be fabricated on site. The assembly includes: first and second wall, ceiling, or floor construction components which each have physical properties and an underlayment component which has at least one supplemental physical property for supplementing the physical properties of the first and second construction components. The construction components may or may not be secured together with the underlayment sandwiched between the second and first construction components to form a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly with the supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment. The supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment may include, but are not limited to, latent storage of thermal energy, sound transmission reduction, and/or burn through resistance.
US08007885B2	Light-emitting diode assembly housing comprising poly(cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) compositions Light-emitting diode assembly housing comprising high temperature poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) compositions containing titanium dioxide.
US08007879B2	Recording medium and producing method thereof, and inkjet recording method The invention provides a recording medium excellent in the water resistance and image fixability and a producing method thereof and an inkjet recording method using the recording medium, comprising: sequentially laminated, a base paper; a first layer containing a binder; and a second layer containing a white pigment and at least one selected from the group consisting of a urethane resin and an acrylic resin, each having a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or less, wherein a Cobb water absorption degree during a contact time of 120 sec in a water absorption test in accordance with JIS P8140 on a surface of the first layer disposed on the base paper is 2.0 g/m2 or less and an amount of water absorption during a contact time of 0.5 sec in the Bristow method on a surface of the second layer is 2 to 8 mL/m2.
US08007872B2	Electrostatic coating method and apparatus for the same An electrostatic coating method in which a coating material cartridge is used. When a coating material feeding path (68, 88) is cleaned by a liquid fed from a coating material feeding unit (20), the liquid is fed from the coating material feeding unit to a storage part (13) and stored. The liquid in the storage part is then fed to a fluid chamber (83) inside a coating material cartridge (19) via a fluid circuit (10A). The liquid in the fluid chamber pushes out the electrically conductive coating material inside a coating material chamber (84) via a free piston (82), and the electrically conductive coating material is fed to a coating gun (14).
US08007871B2	Electrospray deposition: devices and methods thereof Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for selectively depositing molecular ions on nanoscale substrates such as carbon nanotube arrays using electrospray ionization.
US08007870B2	Plasma-sprayed layers of aluminum oxide Plasma-sprayed layers of aluminium oxide on a substrate are produced by using a pyrogenically produced aluminium oxide, for example selected from the group consisting of borosilicate and steel, as starting powder.
US08007867B2	Multilayered information recording medium and process for producing said multilayered information recording medium, and apparatus for producing multilayered information recording medium and screen constituting said production apparatus for producing multilayered information recording medium The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a multilayer information recording medium including at least two information recording portions and a resin layer interposed between the information recording portions, both of which are disposed on a signal substrate. The method includes a first process of forming a predetermined information recording portion on one principal surface of the signal substrate and a second process of passing a part of a resin-containing coating, which is supplied on a screen having an application region with a plurality of first pores and a removal region with a plurality of second pores, through the first pores by sliding a squeegee on the screen so as to form a coating layer on the predetermined information recording portion, and curing the resin contained in the coating layer so as to form the resin layer. The first process and the second process are carried out respectively a predetermined number of times. In each second process, at least a part of the resin-containing coating that has not been applied on the predetermined information recording portion and that remains on the screen is allowed to pass through the second pores so as to be removed from the screen surface.
US08007866B2	Simulated patina for copper A process for imparting a simulated patina appearance to a copper substrate including selecting a colorant having the desired initial patina color tone and producing a noncontinuous layer of the colorant on a surface of the copper substrate to provide the appearance of patination of the desired tone via interspersed spots of the colorant. The remaining portion of the substrate is exposed for natural patination.
US08007864B2	Method for forming metallic nanowires A method for forming well-aligned metallic nanowires includes: (a) providing a substrate formed with a crystal layer thereon; (b) disposing the substrate in such a manner that the crystal layer faces downwardly; (c) applying a metal salt solution, which contains metal ions therein, to the crystal layer on the substrate; and (d) subjecting the metal ions in the metal salt solution on the crystal of TiO2 layer to a reduction treatment, thereby resulting in reduced metal that grows downward toward earth's gravity.
US08007859B2	Manufacturing method of electrolyte filled cathode for molten carbonate fuel cell Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing the electrolyte-filled cathode of a molten carbonate fuel cell. The method includes the steps of a) manufacturing an air electrode through a sintering process; b) dispersing electrolyte powder throughout one surface of the air electrode according to a composition of eutectics; c) attaching the electrolyte powder, uniformly dispersed throughout the one surface of the air electrode, to the air electrode using pressure by pressing the electrolyte powder on the air electrode at a predetermined pressure; and d) filling the air electrode with the electrolyte powder, attached to the air electrode, through heat treatment.
US08007853B2	Vitamin/mineral composition with DHA Compositions containing the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in combination with at least one vitamin and mineral are provided to supplement nutrition in a mammalian diet. DHA is present in the composition in concentrated amounts, advantageously in a carrier such as marinol oil, to allow for quantities of DHA sufficient to supply expectant and new mothers and their children as recommended on a daily basis. This DHA may also be used to treat a variety of disorders in children and adults. The compositions advantageously include vitamins, minerals, and optionally other nutrients to provide a nutritional supplement which may be convenient to swallow and taken once a day.
US08007851B2	Buffered tea-milk compositions and associated beverages and methods for preparing same A beverage composition includes water, milk solids, a tea material, and a pH buffer that itself includes a lactate salt and a carbonate salt. The pH buffer reduces or eliminates precipitation of milk protein when dissolved milk solids are mixed with acidic tea components. Methods of preparing the composition, and packaged beverages are also described.
US08007848B2	Pneumatic seasoning system A pneumatic seasoning system and method utilizing a rotating drum for seasoning, a funnel-fed pneumatic eductor, line splitters, and a plurality of specially-designed swirl-inducing nozzle spools for inducing a broad and even seasoning plume. In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic seasoning system transports seasoning from a seasoning hopper to food items within a rotating drum using a combination of an eductor and four in-line vacuum generators, which vacuum generators operate on compressed air. Each vacuum generator comprises a distributing nozzle roughly shaped like a collared spool, wherein compressed air is supplied to the annular region defined between the spool and its collar, and said compressed air exits through swirl ports distributed about the circumference of the spool exit. Each swirl port preferably has a pitch angle of 15° and a yaw angle of 15°.
US08007845B2	Method and system for recovering and preparing glacial water Methods and systems for grouping, recovering, and processing ice obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein. In particular, the ice obtained from the ice source is separated and grouped according to common unique properties and processed as a beverage for consumption having the same unique properties.
US08007842B2	Composition for inhalation therapy and methods of use A composition for providing aromatherapy, and in particular, symptomatic relief of nasal and sinus congestion is provided in unit dosage format. The composition includes a penetrating aromatic vapor whose release from a preparation of warm water is augmented by an effervescent component which reacts in the warm water to promote release of the aromatic fragrance, or sustained over time by tableting or gelatin encapsulation. As the fragrance is inhaled, symptomatic relief is obtained. The composition of matter may be rendered ingestible, so that the warm water containing the composition is consumed following inhalation. In preferred embodiments, the release of the penetrating aromatic fragrance persists over time.
US08007838B2	Process for producing a stable concentrated dietary supplement and supplement produced thereby A stable concentrated dietary supplement containing fucoxanthin as the main active component. The dietary supplement is made by a process including grinding crude freeze-dried flakes of wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) with desirable characteristics into a powder, extracting the active fucoxanthin from the powder with use of an aliphatic or aromatic organic solvent, then filtering and distilling the extract to form a thick syrupy fucoxanthin-containing mass having a solids content of from about 10-99% by wt. The mass is then purified by dissolving it in an organic non-polar solvent having a Polarity Index of <6, wherein the resultant solution is filtered to remove any solid material therefrom and the remaining liquid is then concentrated to a dried mass by removing substantially all of the solvent, which mass is thereafter ground and sifted to obtain a plurality of particles measuring approximately 60-100 mesh in size. The supplement contains at least about 10% by weight of fucoxanthin, less than about 1 ppm iodine and less than about 1 ppm arsenic, and the fucoxanthin contained in the supplement remains substantially stable for at least about 2 years. The particles by themselves, or in admixture with other components well known in the relevant art, comprise a supplement that may be constituted in a form selected from, for example, tablets, capsules, powders and granules.
US08007837B2	Herbal composition for maintaining/caring the skin around the eye, methods of preparing the same and uses thereof Disclosed is a novel herbal composition for maintaining/caring the skin around the eye, the composition comprising extracts of Saxifraga ligulata syn. Bergenia ligulata, Cipadessa baccifera and Emblica officinalis and cosmeceutical excipients thereof. Also disclosed is a method of extraction, delivery system comprising the same and use thereof.
US08007836B2	Cleome spinosa extract used in pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetic compositions The invention relates to a Cleome spinosa extract used as an active ingredient in a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for extending the growth of hair follicles.
US08007835B2	Hibiscusanthocyanins for inhibiting cancers This invention provides a composition for inhibiting cancer cell growth comprising Hibiscus anthocyanins extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa. This invention also provides a method for treating cancer comprising administering a patient with an effective amount of Hibiscus anthocyanins.
US08007831B2	Loading of hydrophobic drugs into hydrophilic polymer delivery systems A process is described for loading hydrophilic polymer particles with a water-insoluble solvent-soluble drug. The particles are preferably embolic agents. The method provides particles having little or no drug at the surface and in a surface layer, whereby the burst effect is minimised. The drug is precipitated in the core of the particle, leading to extended release. The drug is, for instance, paclitaxel, rapamycin, dexamethasone or ibuprofen.
US08007829B2	Method to fabricate inhomogeneous particles A method for making inhomogeneous microparticles comprises a) providing an amount of each of at least two polyelectrolytes having a charge, b) providing an amount of a counterion having a valence of at least 2, c) combining the polyelectrolytes and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form inhomogeneous aggregates, and d) adding nanoparticles to the solution such that nanoparticles arrange themselves around the inhomogeneous aggregates to form inhomogeneous particles. The polyelectrolyte may have a positive or negative charge. The charge ratio R of total charge of the counterions to the total charge of the polyelectrolyte may be greater than 1.0.
US08007826B2	Sustained release aminopyridine composition A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a aminopyridine dispersed in a release matrix, including, for example, a composition that can be formulated into a stable, sustained-release oral dosage formulation, such as a tablet which provides, upon administration to a patient, a therapeutically effective plasma level of the aminopyridine for a period of at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours or more and the use of the composition to treat various neurological diseases.
US08007825B2	Oral compositions containing a salivation inducing agent Oral dosage forms, and particles used therein, containing salivation inducing agents are disclosed. The salivation agents may be in the core of the dosage form and/or in coatings applied thereto, or alternatively may be within particles and/or the matrix of such dosage forms, in coatings applied to such particles, or on the surface of such coated particles. The particles may be produced into a tablet form, such as a chewable tablet form, that provides for the immediate release of the active ingredient. Other oral dosage forms include thin film strips, gummi, foam tabs, and lozenges.
US08007821B2	Substrates containing polyphosphazene as matrices and substrates containing polyphosphazene with microstructured surface The invention relates to substrates containing polyphosphazene with a forming surface as matrices for producing biological materials that can be implanted in a mammal. The invention also relates to a method for producing said substrates and substrates containing polyphosphazene with a microstructured surface.
US08007820B2	Wide spectrum insecticide and miticide composition An environmentally safe, pesticidally effective composition is provided to control insect/mite pests. In an exemplary embodiment, a composition is provided that includes a pesticidally effective, yet environmentally safe, concentration of at least one spinosyn with at least one additional contact-acting insecticide and/or miticide and at least one solvent or carrier.
US08007819B2	Methods for deactivating allergens and preventing disease This invention relates to articles of manufacture containing liquid compositions of hypohalous acid or hypohalous acid salt for deactivating allergens and preventing diseases on hard surfaces, soft surfaces and in the air. The articles of manufacture contain usage instructions with health claims. This invention also includes methods of instructing the public and promoting the use of these compositions.
US08007818B2	Polyanionic polymer adjuvants for haemophilus influenzae B saccharide vaccines The present invention relates to the field of vaccines, and in particular vaccines comprising antigens of low isoelectric point at pH 7.0, in particular the capsular polysaccharide or oligosaccharide of H. influenzae B (PRP). Immunogenic compositions and methods of making such compositions are presented in which the PRP is surprisingly protected from immune interference by adding a polyanionic polymer (such as PLG-poly-L-glutamic acid) to the composition.
US08007813B2	CD95-Fc fusion proteins The invention relates to fusion proteins comprising at least a first domain and a second domain selected from a constant Fc immunoglobulin domain.
US08007812B2	Flagellin related polypeptides and uses thereof The use of flagellin and flagellin related polypeptides for the protection of mammals from the effects of apoptosis is described.
US08007805B2	Chimeric antigens for breaking host tolerance to foreign antigens Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against antigens. In particular, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against foreign antigens that are otherwise recognized by the host as “self” antigens, thus breaking host tolerance to those antigens. Presenting the host immune system with a chimeric antigen comprising an immune response domain and a target binding domain, wherein the target binding domain comprises an antibody fragment, enhances the immune response against the foreign or tolerated antigen. Antigen presenting cells take up, process, and present the chimeric antigen, eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response against the desired antigen.
US08007802B1	Antibodies to Lawsonia intracellularis The present invention relates to the field of animal health and in particular to Lawsonia intracellularis. In particular, the invention relates to a method of diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infection and a diagnostic test kit using Lawsonia intracellularis-specific antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of the method or test kit for diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infections.
US08007799B2	Vascular endothelial cell growth factor antagonists and uses thereof The present invention provides vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) antagonists and methods of using VEGF antagonists. VEGF antagonists contemplated by the invention include VEGF antibodies and VEGF receptor fusion proteins. Methods of treating edema and stroke using VEGF antagonists are also provided.
US08007796B2	Means and methods for the treatment of tumorous diseases The invention relates to pharmaceutical means and methods for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of indolent or aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B NHL) and B cell leukemia comprising the administration of a bispecific single chain antibody construct to a subject and the use of the bispecific single chain antibody construct for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of indolent or aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B NHL) and B cell leukemia. The construct is to be administered for at least 1 week in specified daily doses. Moreover, the invention relates to kits comprising a bispecific single chain antibody construct to be used in accordance with this invention.
US08007786B2	Radioprotective SOD soluble isoform and uses thereof The invention refers to a specific isoform of MnSOD (Mn-superoxide dismutase) and its uses for protecting and curing subjects exposed to radiations, specifically space radiations.
US08007778B2	Use of calcium binding proteins to improve cardiac contractile function Methods useful in the regulation of myocardial contraction are disclosed. The methods are useful in the regulation of heart function. The invention reveals that sorcin overexpression enhances cardiac contractile performance and establishes the concept of sorcin as a regulator of myocardial contractility. The invention also provides screening assays that allow for the identification of agents that modulate sorcin expression. Such agents are useful, for example, for diagnosing cardiac contractile function associated disorders in subjects, and treating the subjects with the agents identified as being able to modulate sorcin expression.
US08007774B2	Matrix composed of a naturally-occurring protein backbone cross linked by a synthetic polymer and methods of generating and using same The present invention relates to biodegradable scaffolds composed of a naturally-occurring protein backbone cross-linked by a synthetic polymer. Specifically, the present invention provides PEGylated-fibrinogen scaffold and methods of generating and using same for treating disorders requiring tissue regeneration.
US08007770B1	Purified linear polypeptide epitopes from walnuts and associated methods A purified Ig-E binding immunogenic polypeptide the amino acid sequence of which consists of SEQ ID NO:1 is disclosed. The purified amino acid sequence is a major allergen of the walnut Juglans regia. Also described are a diagnostic test kit and use of the purified polypeptide in tests for identifying patients having an allergy to walnuts. Mutations of the disclosed polypeptide, as well as nucleic acid sequences encoding therefor are claimed as part of the invention.
US08007769B2	Method for diagnosing an increased risk of preeclampsia by measuring the level of HIF-α Methods are provided for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with increased risk of preeclampsia. The methods involve measuring levels of TGF-β3, receptors of cytokines of the TGβ family, or HIF-1α.
US08007766B2	Microwave method for preparing radiolabelled gallium complexes The present invention relates to a method of producing radiolabelled gallium complexes that could be used as diagnostic agents, e.g. for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
US08007764B2	Preparation of molecular sieve SSZ-13 Disclosed is a method for preparing crystalline zeolite SSZ-13 said method comprising (a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising (1) at least one active source of an oxide of a tetravalent element or mixture of tetravalent elements, (2) optionally at least on active source of an oxide of a trivalent element or mixture of trivalent elements (3) at least one active source of an alkali metal, (4) seed crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, (5) benzyl trimethylammonium cation in an amount sufficient to form crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, the benzyl trimethylammonium, cation being used in the absence of a 1-adamantammonium cation, and (6) an amount of water that is not substantially in excess of the amount required to cause and maintain crystallization of the small pore zeolite; and (b) heating said reaction mixture at crystallization conditions for sufficient time to form crystallized material containing crystals of SSZ-13.
US08007761B2	Carbon dioxide emission reduction method Carbon dioxide emissions within a refinery are reduced by reforming a hydrocarbon containing feed at low pressure to enhance the conversion of methane to hydrogen and carbon monoxide and thereby reduce methane slip. The hydrocarbon containing feed is composed entirely or at least in part of a refinery off gas. The resulting reformed stream is then subjected to water-gas shift conversion to form a shifted stream from which carbon dioxide is separated. As a result of the separation and the low pressure reforming, hydrogen containing fuel gas streams, that are thereby necessary lean in carbon dioxide and methane, are used in firing the steam methane reformer and other fuel uses within the refinery to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon dioxide that is separated can be sequestered or used in other processes such as enhanced oil recovery.
US08007759B2	Process for preparing aluminium species A static ion-exchange process for the preparation of a polynuclear Al species comprising the treatment of an aqueous aluminum chloride solution with a hydroxide-form ion-exchange resin at a temperature of from 5° C. to 60° C. for a period of at least 30 minutes.
US08007757B2	Multi-dimensional complex nanocrystal structures and methods of making same A method of synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of heating a reaction mixture at an elevated temperature, T, for a period of time effective to allow the growth of desired nanostructures. The reaction mixture contains an amount, P, of a carboxylate salt and an amount, L, of a fatty acid ligand, defining a molar ratio of the fatty acid ligand to the carboxylate salt, α=L/P, and a hydrocarbon solvent. The reaction mixture is characterizable with a critical ligand protection, μ, associating with the chemical structure of the carboxylate salt such that when α<μ, the reaction mixture is in a limited ligand protection (LLP) domain, and when α>μ, the reaction mixture is in a sufficient ligand protection (SLP) domain. The nanostructures are formed in the form of single crystalline and nearly monodisperse nanocrystals, which are in the form of dot-shaped nanocrystals, when the reaction mixture is in the SLP domain, and in the form of nanoflowers, when the reaction mixture is in the LLP domain, respectively.
US08007756B2	Process for the synthesis of nanotubes and fullerene-like nanostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides, quasi one-dimensional structures of transition metals and oxides of transition metals The object of the invention is a process for the synthesis of nanotubes of transition metal dichalcogenides, of fullerene-like nanostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides, of nanotubes of transition metal dichalcogenides, filled with fullerene-like nanostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides, of quasi one-dimensional structures (nanowires, microwires and ribbons) of transition metal oxides and of quasi one-dimensional structures of transition metal dichalcogenides, consisting of fine crystallites of transition metal dichalcogenides. The process is characterized in that the synthesis occurs by the chemical transformation of quasi one-dimensional compounds with a sub-micron diameter, described by the formula M6CyHz, 8.2
US08007755B2	Carbon fibrous structure A method for forming a carbon fibrous structure having a plurality of granular parts, to which a plurality of carbon fibers are bound, includes heating a mixture of a carbon source and a catalyst at a temperature between 800 ° C. and 1300 ° C. to produce aggregates of a first intermediate, heating the aggregates of the first intermediate to remove hydrocarbons, at a temperature between 800 ° C. and 1200 ° C. to produce aggregates of a first product, heating the aggregates of the first product at a temperature between 2400 ° C. and 3000 ° C. to produce aggregates of a final product; and pulverizing the aggregates of the final product such that area-based circle-equivalent mean diameter of each aggregate of the carbon fibrous structure of the product is 50-100 μm, bulk density of the carbon fibrous structure is 0.0001-0.02 g/cm3, and powder resistance under pressed density of 0.8g/cm3 is not more than 0.02 Ω·cm.
US08007751B2	Hydrophilic precipitated silica for defoamer formulations Precipitated silicas with a high pH and their use in applications as defoamers having optimum silanol group density and a process for preparing precipitated silicas and to their use, particularly in defoamer formulations.
US08007750B2	Multilayered catalyst compositions A layered, three-way conversion catalyst having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides is disclosed. Methods of making and using the same are also provided. In one or more embodiments, the catalyst comprises three layers of catalytic material in conjunction with a carrier. A first layer comprises a platinum component on a first support; a second layer comprises a rhodium component on a second support; and a third layer comprises a palladium component and a third support. The palladium, rhodium, and/or platinum can independently be deposited on a support of high surface area refractory metal oxide, or of an oxygen storage component, or both.
US08007749B2	Method for scavenging mercury Disclosed herein is a method for removing mercury from a gas stream comprising contacting the gas stream with a getter composition comprising bromine, bromochloride, sulphur bromide, sulphur dichloride or sulphur monochloride and mixtures thereof. In one preferred embodiment the getter composition is adsorbed onto a sorbent. The sorbent may be selected from the group consisting of flyash, limestone, lime, calcium sulphate, calcium sulfite, activated carbon, charcoal, silicate, alumina and mixtures thereof. Preferred is flyash, activated carbon and silica.
US08007748B2	Method of treating fluid containing vapor phase metals, vapor phase metal compounds, or both Perlite, particularly, perlite in powdered form, is employed to adsorb metals and metal compounds from fluids, in particular gases at elevated temperature. Treatment of perlite by boiling with sulfuric acid or suspending in a suspension of sulfur in carbon disulfide has been shown to significantly expand the surface area of perlite, thus increasing the efficiency of the process. In select embodiments, powdered perlite is treated to expand its surface area and injected into a fluid stream, such as flue gas, held for a specific retention period, and removed for subsequent disposal. In other embodiments powdered perlite is provided in an adsorption bed. Fluids containing metals or metal compounds in vapor form are permitted to pass through the adsorption bed until the expanded perlite powder is saturated (exhausted) with the metal and metal compounds adsorbed thereon. The perlite is then replaced, disposing of the exhausted perlite.
US08007745B2	Anti-clogging device and method for in-gel digestion applications An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum. The device also reduces or eliminates overflowing of a well in the event a drain becomes clogged during automated operation.
US08007743B2	Multifunctional vacuum manifold A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.
US08007741B1	Pipetting head with plate gripper A pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, and a gripper system, and which includes a floating gripper carriage, which is configured to move independently from said pipetting system. The pipetting system and said gripper system are configured to utilize a common motor. In alternative embodiment, a pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, and a stripper assembly. The pipetting system and the stripper assembly are configured to utilize a common motor. In another alternative embodiment, a pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, which includes a stripper assembly, a main carriage assembly, and a gripper assembly, where the stripper assembly and gripper assembly are both configured to move independently from the main carriage assembly. Also a method is disclosed for distributing material samples for laboratory processing.
US08007740B2	Reaction cuvette wash unit The invention discloses a reaction cuvette wash unit comprising a cleaning needle assembly, a straight guide pair, a slide screw pair, a motor, a trigger component associated with a cleaning needle of the cleaning needle assembly in a manner to move with that cleaning needle, and a sensor used to sense the position of the trigger component. When the trigger component moves to a predetermined position, the sensor is triggered and sends a signal to a controller such that the controller controls in a manner to stop the motor. Each of cleaning needle components further comprises a sheath holder and an elastic member. The elastic member is designed to provide an elastic contact while the cleaning needles touch the bottom surface of the reaction cuvette, such that a relatively small force is exerted upon the bottom of the reaction cuvette, thereby effectively protecting the reaction cuvette from damage.
US08007739B2	Protein crystallization screening and optimization droplet actuators, systems and methods Protein crystallization screening and optimization droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a screening droplet actuator is provided and includes: (a) a port for introduction of one or more crystallization reagents and/or one or more protein solutions; and (b) a substrate including: (i) an array of two or more mixing wells; and (ii) electric field mediated microfluidics for moving droplets comprising the crystallization reagents and protein solutions into the mixing wells. Optimization droplet actuators, systems including screening droplet actuators, methods of screening protein crystallization conditions, and methods of testing conditions for growing a crystal are also provided.
US08007735B2	Selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia to water and nitrogen A catalyst includes a platinum coating deposited on a silica support. The support has an average surface area between about 100 m2/g and about 120 m2/g. The platinum coating is between about 5 wt % and about 15 wt % of the catalyst. The combination of the selected surface area, silica support, and selected amount of platinum coating provides a catalytic activation temperature below 200° C. and avoids the formation of NOx.
US08007734B2	Isothermal reactor The present invention concerns an isothermal reactor (1) for carrying out exothermal or endothermal heterogeneous reactions comprising: —a substantially cylindrical outer shell (2) with longitudinal axis (X), —at least one catalytic bed (6) extending in the shell (2) and comprising opposite perforated side walls (7, 8) respectively for the inlet of a gaseous flow of reactants and for the outlet of a gaseous flow comprising reaction products, and —a heat exchange unit (12) immersed in said at least one catalytic bed (6) and crossed by a heat exchange fluid, characterized in that said heat exchange unit (12) comprises at least one succession of heat exchangers (13) arranged substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the direction in which said at least one catalytic bed (6) is crossed by said gaseous flow of reactants.
US08007733B2	Non-contact radiant heating and temperature sensing device for a chemical reaction chamber An apparatus and methods are provided for heating and sensing the temperature of a chemical reaction chamber without direct physical contact between a heating device and the reaction chamber, or between a temperature sensor and the reaction chamber. A plurality of chemical reaction chambers can simultaneously or sequentially be heated independently and monitored separately.
US08007728B2	System, apparatus, and process for cracking a hydrocarbon feed One exemplary embodiment can be a fluid catalytic cracking system. The fluid catalytic cracking system can include a reaction zone including a riser having a top and a bottom adapted to receive spent catalyst at a first elevation and regenerated catalyst at a second elevation. Typically, the first elevation is lower than the second elevation. Additionally, the fluid catalytic cracking system can include a gas distributor contained near the bottom of the riser in communication with a hydrocarbon feed.
US08007722B2	Analyzer An analyzer comprising: a reagent suction unit for suctioning reagent from a reagent container; an analyzing unit for analyzing an analyzing specimen comprising a sample and the reagent; a container raising and lowering unit comprising a mounting platform, wherein the container raising and lowering unit is configured to raise and lower the mounting platform; and a container holder configured to hold a plurality of reagent containers, wherein the container holder comprises a reagent container holding portion; wherein the mounting platform is configured to move a reagent container mounted thereon from a first position to a plurality of second positions, wherein the plurality of second positions comprises a position at which the reagent container is in contact with the reagent container holding portion is disclosed.
US08007718B1	System for and method of processing bone material using supercritical fluids A method of processing bone material using supercritical fluids is disclosed. The method comprises placing the bone material in a processing chamber, adding supercritical fluid to the processing chamber, pulsing the supercritical fluid in the processing chamber, and rinsing the bone material. A processing system for processing bone material using supercritical fluids in accordance with the present invention comprises a processing chamber for housing the bone material, a vat for storing a processing fluid, a pump, a heating element, a flow path, a tank, and a solvent port.
US08007717B2	Method and apparatus for decontaminating a region without dehumidification A method and apparatus for decontaminating a region with a gaseous or vaporous decontaminant (e.g., vaporized hydrogen peroxide) without dehumidification (e.g., without the use of a dryer). The saturation concentration of the decontaminant inside the region is monitored, and the concentration of the decontaminant inside the region is regulated to prevent condensation of the decontaminant. The bioburden reduction is continuously monitored during a decontamination phase to ascertain successful completion of a decontamination process in accordance with a target bioburden reduction.
US08007711B2	Method for operating a converter In a method for operating a converter (1), in which the converter (1) is mounted in a carrying ring (3) by means of carrying journals (2), a gear mechanism (4) is mounted in a floating manner on the carrying journals (2), the converter (1) is configured, as a result, such that it can tilt about its horizontal axis and the gear mechanism (4) is connected rigidly to a pedestal (6) by a torque support (5), the torque support (5) connects the gear mechanism (4) to the pedestal (6) during the tilting operation of the converter (1), and the torque support (5) is released from the pedestal (6) or from the gear mechanism (4) or from both during operation of the converter (1).
US08007707B1	Method of manufacture air freshening article An air freshening article, such as a deodorizing urinal screen, includes a body that is formed from a fragranced plastic that includes a plastic loaded with a fragrance material. The fragrance material is included in an amount of at least 15% by weight of the fragranced plastic. A method of producing a deodorizing urinal screen includes a fragrance loading stage in which a plastic is loaded with a fragrance material to produce a fragranced plastic. The fragranced plastic includes at least 15 wt % fragrance material. In a molding stage subsequent to the fragrance loading stage, the fragranced plastic is molded into the urinal screen.
US08007703B2	Process to prepare a shaped solid detergent A system for continuous casting of melt-cast products such as soaps, detergents and the like comprising: i) a substantially vertically disposable mold unit to favor solidification/casting of the melt cast composition during an upstream motion through the mold unit; ii) the mold unit operatively connected at it's lower end to a supply source of the melt-cast composition; iii) means for controlling the temperature of the melt in the mold unit to achieve the desired solidification and shaping during traverse of the melt from the bottom of the mold towards the top thereof, which is adapted to eject the formed cast product.
US08007695B2	Method of fabricating small dimensioned lens elements and lens arrays using surface tension effects A method is disclosed of implementing lens elements or lens arrays having dimensions ranging from a few centimeters down to the micro-scale or nano-scale using the surface tension of the lens material in a molten state to allow the curved shape of the lens to be precisely defined. The method has useful application in the fabrication of lens elements and lens arrays out of a large variety of material types, including elemental materials, as well as compound materials and alloys. The method also allows the implementation of lenses having far superior surface smoothness compared to other approaches, as well as very accurate lens shapes. The method allows the making of high quality lenses and lens arrays, wherein the diameter of the lenses are on the order of a few microns or less. Convex, concave, plano-convex, plano-concave, compound lenses, and many other types of lens shapes can be implemented using the method of the present invention.
US08007693B2	Zinc oxide based transparent electric conductor, sputtering target for forming of the conductor and process for producing the target Provided is a zinc oxide transparent electric conductor having zinc oxide (ZnO) as its principal component, containing an element to become an n-type dopant to zinc oxide, containing metal M in which P(P=(G+H mix)/RT, wherein G is the Gibbs free energy at temperature T of the metal, H mix is the mixing enthalpy at temperature T of zinc oxide and the metal, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature) as a parameter showing the wettability with zinc oxide is 6 or less and in which its resistivity is smaller than the resistivity of zinc oxide added with the n-type dopant, and wherein concentration of metal M in relation to the total atomicity of zinc and the n-type dopant and metal M, which are all metal atoms configuring the zinc oxide transparent electric conductor, is 0.05 to 2.0 at %. In the development of a transparent electric conductor that does not contain raw material In which is expensive and with concern of resource depletion, provided is a low resistivity transparent electric conductor by exceeding the limits of the conventional development technique of the single dopant method, presenting guidelines for selecting a secondary additive material effective in achieving low resistivity, and indicating types of specific materials and the appropriate concentration range.
US08007691B2	Fine particle of perovskite oxide, particle having deposited perovskite oxide, catalyst material, catalyst material for oxygen reduction, catalyst material for fuel cell, and electrode for fuel cell A catalyst for electrodes in solid-polymer fuel cells which comprises metal oxide particles themselves. The catalyst contains fine transition-metal oxide particles having, in the main phase, a perovskite structure represented by the general formula ABO3 (wherein A represents one or more elements selected among lanthanum, strontium, cerium, calcium, yttrium, erbium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, silicon, magnesium, barium, niobium, lead, bismuth, and antimony; and B represents one or more elements selected among iron, cobalt, manganese, copper, titanium, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum), the fine oxide particles having lattice constants satisfying the following relationship (1): 1.402<2b/(a+c)<1.422 (1) wherein a and c represent the minor-axis lengths of the perovskite type crystal lattice and b represents the major-axis length thereof.
US08007687B2	Solvent An organic solvent which is very useful in paints is made up primarily of n-butyl acetate, n-heptane, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, acetone and a light hydrotreated petroleum distillate. The solvent typically has a closed cup flash point of about 50 to 75° F. The petroleum distillate typically has a boiling range from 230 to 320° F., a closed cup flash point from 35 to 75° F. and a kauri-butanol value not less than 25. A mixture of 8-carbon and 9-carbon hydrocarbons which are typically primarily paraffins or cycloparaffins typically makes up the vast majority of the petroleum distillate.
US08007686B2	Nitride red phosphors and white light emitting diode using rare-earth-co-doped nitride red phosphors Disclosed are nitride red phosphors and white light emitting diodes using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a nitride red phosphor with easily controlled composition of phosphor fraction and improved uniformity and color gamut thereof, a method for preparation thereof, a white light emitting diode with excellent color rendition and high light emitting efficiency, and a white light emitting diode package using the same.
US08007682B2	Compound, liquid crystal composition, optical anisotropic material and optical device A compound of the following formula (1): CH2═CR1—COO—R2—OCO-Cy-COO-Cy-A-Cy-R3 (1) wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 is a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, provided that some or all of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the group may be substituted by fluorine atoms, and when it has 2 or more carbon atoms, it may have an etheric oxygen atom in a carbon-carbon bond, R3 is an alkyl or alkoxy group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or a fluorine atom, provided that when it is the alkyl or alkoxy group, some or all of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the group may be substituted by fluorine atoms; Cy is a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, provided that hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the group may independently be substituted by fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms or methyl groups; and A is a single bond, a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group, provided that hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the group may independently be substituted by fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms or methyl groups.
US08007681B2	Methods, compositions, and burner systems for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere A method of preparing an oxidant stream comprising: burning a combustion mixture comprising (a) one or more fuel composition and (b) oxidant comprising a first oxygen content of about 10 mole % or more and a first carbon dioxide (CO2) gas content of about 68 mole % or more on a dry basis, the burning producing a flue gas comprising CO2 gas, water vapor, and unreacted oxygen; separating from the flue gas a recycle stream; mixing at least a portion of the recycle stream having a first pressure with a sufficient amount of an oxygen stream having a second pressure which is sufficiently higher than the first pressure to entrain at least a portion of the recycle stream in the oxidant stream and to produce the oxidant stream having a second oxygen content of 10 mole % or more and a second CO2 gas content of about 68 mole % or more on a dry basis.
US08007680B2	Electrolyte solution for electrochemical device and electrochemical device using same The present invention has for its object to provide an electrolyte solution which can dramatically suppress the time degradation in performance of an electrochemical device, especially an electrochemical capacitor.The present invention relates to an electrolyte solution for electrochemical device which comprises an imidazolium salt (A) represented by the general formula (1) as a main component, wherein the content of the imidazolium salt (B) represented by the general formula (2) is not more than 15% by weight to the total weight of the imidazolium salt (A) and imidazolium salt (B); (in the formula, R1, R2 and R3 may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R4 and R5 may be the same or different and each represents an hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and X− represents a counter anion) (in the formula, R1, R3, R4, R5 and X− are the same as the definition for the general formula (1)).
US08007679B2	Electrolytic solution There is provided an electrolytic solution comprising a chain carbonate (I) represented by the formula (I): wherein Rf1 is a fluorine-containing ether group (Ia) having CF3 at its end; Rf2 is a fluorine-containing ether group or a fluorine-containing alkyl group, and an electrolyte salt (II), and the electrolytic solution is excellent in flame retardance, low temperature characteristics, withstand voltage and compatibility with a hydrocarbon solvent and high in solubility of an electrolyte salt.
US08007678B2	Textile yarn sizing composition Temporary sizing agent for natural and/or artificial individualized textile fibers comprises a water-soluble homopolymer or copolymer of at least one acrylamide monomer having a molecular weight not less than one million, advantageously more than three millions.
US08007672B2	Method for demineralizing condensate The present invention provides a multiple bed-type condensate demineralization method and apparatus for the method that are able to provide an improved treated water quality in ammonia operation by substantially reducing the cross contamination ratio during resin regeneration from the current cross contamination ratio.In the method of condensate demineralization using ion-exchange resin in a multiple-bed regime, condensate is passed through a resin layer having a multiple-bed structure in which an anion resin layer and a layer of a uniform particle size strong acid gel-type cation resin with a 10% to 16% degree of crosslinking, divided by a partition in such a manner that they do not mix with each other, are combined in alternation. The uniform particle size strong acid gel-type cation resin with a 10% to 16% degree of crosslinking is an ion-exchange resin that has a uniform particle size of 500 to 800 μm for which at least 95% of the resin particles fall in the range defined by the average particle size ±100 μm and the uniformity coefficient is less than or equal to 1.2. Ion-exchange resin that has come to require chemical regeneration is separately withdrawn and subjected to chemical regeneration by type and is returned into the originating partition.
US08007671B2	Microfiltration devices A method of treating a hollow fiber membrane microfiltration filter having an influent side and an effluent side to improve performance of the filter is disclosed. The method entails sealing imperfections in surfaces of the filter by flushing the filter with a liquid aqueous suspension of particulates. Filter cartridge devices also are disclosed. The devices may include a bactericidal chamber. A radial flow filter may be included in the devices. The filter cartridges may include a drain tube positioned within the filter for removing of effluent generated by the filter. A plurality of filter cartridges may be positioned on the drain tube.
US08007669B1	Top loading filter canister system A housing has a cylindrical side wall with lower and upper ends. The housing has a cylindrical chamber with an enlarged upper region. A basket is positioned within the chamber supported at the lower end of the housing. A filter has a central cylinder and outwardly extending filtering surfaces. The central cylinder is provided coaxial with the side wall. A stationary cap is attached to the upper end of the housing. The stationary cap has an upper end with a threaded aperture. The stationary cap has input and exit passages. A filter cap has a threaded exterior surface removably received in the threaded aperture. A flow discharge passage has a lower end positioned within the filter. The flow discharge passage has an upper end coupled to the exit passage. An annular flow cavity is provided between the flow discharge passage and the exit passage.
US08007668B2	Dialysis device with access port A device for dialysis of a sample includes a sample chamber formed by a gasket and dialysis membranes affixed to each side of the gasket in facing relationship. A housing supports the dialysis membranes and gasket. An air chamber causes the device to float in a generally upright position when the device is immersed in a dialysate. An access port is provided through the gasket and between the dialysis membranes. The access port is accessible from outside the housing and in communication with the sample chamber such that a dispensing end of a dispensing device can be inserted through the access port to dispense sample into the sample chamber. In one embodiment, the gasket is impermeable or essentially impermeable to the sample being dialyzed.
US08007667B2	Filtration device with releasable additive A filtration device is provided that includes a filter component and an additive component. The filter component includes concentrically arranged filtering elements disposed in a filter-in-filter configuration. The additive component includes at least one additive material that is introduced into a working fluid to be filtered. The filter component and additive component provide an assembly for a filtration system that would filter a variety of working fluids. The filter component and additive component provides an assembly that can filter fluids more efficiently. As a result, fluids may enjoy, for example, extended drainage intervals and thereby reduce component wear.
US08007661B1	Modified absorption recovery processing of FCC-produced light olefins Processing schemes and arrangements are provided arrangements are provided for the processing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock via hydrocarbon cracking processing with selected hydrocarbon fractions being obtained via absorption-based product recovery while minimizing or avoiding loss of light olefins via system purging.
US08007660B2	Reduced puffing needle coke from decant oil A reduced puffing needle coke is formed from decant oil, which includes a lesser amount of nitrogen within the coke so that carbon articles produced from such coke experience minimal expansion upon heating to graphitization temperatures.
US08007658B2	Reduced puffing needle coke from coal tar A reduced puffing needle coke is formed, which includes a lesser amount of nitrogen within the coke so that carbon articles produced from such coke experience minimal expansion upon heating to graphitization temperatures.
US08007655B2	Method and apparatus for measuring properties of weak electrolytic, organic fluids such as hydrocarbon-based fluids A method and system for determining chemical properties of a fluid. The method and system include providing a weak electrolyte fluid, a container for the fluid, a detection method performed by a device having at least two electrodes, a detection and amplification device coupled to the electrodes and a sensed current compared to an uncontaminated, base fluid or compared to data characteristic of fluid contaminated or chemically changed in order to monitor and characterize the fluid.
US08007654B2	Electrochemically activated anolyte and catholyte liquid An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided.
US08007652B2	Method for collection of valuable metal from ITO scrap Proposed is a method for collecting valuable metal from an ITO scrap including the steps of subjecting the ITO scrap to electrolysis and collecting the result as indium-tin alloy. Additionally provided is a method for collecting valuable metal from an ITO scrap including the steps of providing an ITO electrolytic bath and an indium-tin alloy collecting bath, dissolving the ITO in the electrolytic bath, and thereafter collecting indium-tin alloy in the indium-tin alloy collecting bath. These methods enable the efficient collection of indium-tin alloy from an ITO scrap of an indium-tin oxide (ITO) sputtering target or an ITO scrap such as ITO mill ends arisen during the manufacture of such ITO sputtering target.
US08007649B2	Hydrophilic treatment method and wiring pattern forming method A plasma treatment is performed on the surface of one side of a polyimide film made of a resin. When wettability is imparted to the surface of the one side of the polyimide film, the plasma treatment is performed on the surface of the one side of the polyimide film to which sprayed water adhere.
US08007643B2	Anode for electrolysis The invention relates to an anode comprising a titanium alloy substrate coated with noble metals by thermal decomposition of precursors thereof. The alloy of the substrate includes elements which can be oxidised during the thermal decomposition step, allowing electrical energy savings and a prolonged duration in industrial electrolytic processes. The anode of the invention is suitable for chlor-alkali electrolysis, allowing to produce chlorine with a lower oxygen content and a lower energy consumption than the anodes of the prior art.
US08007642B2	Electrochemical gas generator for combustible gases An electrochemical gas generator is provided with an electrolysis cell (1) with a housing, which is closed by a gas-permeable membrane (2) for the escape of the test or calibrating gas. A cathode (5) is provided formed of a noble metal, a mixture of noble metals or a material containing carbon. The cathode is in direct contact with an electrolyte (7) disposed in the housing. An anode (4) is provided formed of a noble metal, a mixture of noble metals or a material containing carbon. The anode is in direct contact with an electrolyte (7). The electrolyte (7) contains a carboxylic acid salt. A control unit (6) is provided that acts as a current source and which is connected to the electrodes (4, 5).
US08007641B2	Method of detecting arc discharges in a plasma process An arc discharge detection device is used for detecting arc discharges in a plasma process. The arc discharge detection device includes a comparator to which an instantaneous signal and a reference value are supplied. The reference value is formed by a setting means from an extreme value of the signal. The extreme value is determined by an extreme value detection device within a predetermined time period, and the comparator changes the state of an arc discharge detection signal when the comparison between the reference value and an instantaneous value of the signal shows that an arc discharge has occurred.
US08007636B2	Method of treating cellulose fibres with chlorine dioxide and an alkyl cellulose derivative The present invention relates to methods of modifying cellulose fibers and of producing paper which methods include providing a pulp suspension of cellulose fibers and adding a cellulose derivative during the bleaching of the cellulose fibers in an acidic bleaching stage.
US08007634B2	Wafer spin chuck and an etcher using the same A wafer spin chuck and an etcher using the same are provided. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provide a wafer spin chuck device comprising: a spin body which spins a wafer; and a stationary body which holds the spin body and is under the spin body with a space between the spin body and the stationary body, wherein the stationary body includes a blocking unit which blocks the space with a fluid.
US08007631B2	System and method for imprint lithography to facilitate dual damascene integration with two imprint acts A system and method are provided to facilitate dual damascene interconnect integration with two imprint acts. The method provides for creation of a pair of translucent imprint molds containing the dual damascene pattern to be imprinted. The first imprint mold of the pair contains the via features of the dual damascene pattern and the second imprint mold of the pair contains the trench features. The via feature imprint mold is brought into contact with a first imaging layer deposited upon a first transfer layer which is deposited upon a dielectric layer of a substrate. The trench feature imprint mold is brought into contact with a second imaging layer deposited upon a second transfer layer which is deposited upon the first imaging layer of the substrate. When each imaging layer is exposed to a source of illumination, it cures with a structure matching the features of the corresponding imprint mold. A sequence of etches transfer and combine the via features from the first imaging layer with the trenches from the second imaging layer to create the dual damascene openings within the dielectric layer.
US08007625B2	Method of mounting grip jacket to handlebar A method of mounting a grip jacket to a handlebar includes the steps of sleeving an elongated detachable bagging onto a handlebar, the detachable bagging having a closed first end and a closed second end for preventing the handlebar from entering an inside of the detachable bagging, by making the first end be stopped against a distal end of the handlebar and then gradually pushing the detachable bagging toward the handlebar until the detachable bagging fully covers the handlebar; mounting a grip jacket onto the detachable bagging in such a way that the detachable bagging is located between the grip jacket and the handlebar and the second end is exposed outside; and finally drawing the detachable bagging to remove it from the handlebar.
US08007622B2	Method of assembling personal care absorbent article Apparatus and methods for manufacturing personal care absorbent articles. Such personal care absorbent article includes a fastening area in the front portion for receiving fastener material thereon. First and second fault lines are formed on opposing sides of the fastening area leaving uncut web portions at the fault lines during selected manufacturing operations, thus to support machine direction stresses on the front portion web, and subsequently trimming away such uncut web portions of the fault lines. Fastener material is applied over the first and second fault lines, thus bridging the fault lines. The fastener material is releasably secured to the fastening area, non-releasably secured to the front portion outwardly of the respective fault lines, and unsecured to the front portion between the fastening area and the fault lines thus to support a re-fastening feature of such personal care absorbent articles.
US08007621B2	Method of making color fan deck The present invention is directed to a paint color sample display device for the illustration of paint colors and a method for making such a color display device. The color display device may be a color fan deck which displays color on each side of the blades of the fan deck. The fan blades include a painted polymeric film laminated to both sides of a base paper to form a painted film/base paper/painted film laminate for the fan blades.
US08007614B2	Elastomeric nonwoven laminates and process for producing same An elastomeric laminate for use in an absorbent article can have a first plurality of elastomeric strands and a second plurality of elastomeric strands bonded to a first substrate. The first plurality of elastomeric strands can be bonded to the first substrate in a first orientation while the second plurality of elastomeric strands is joined to the first substrate in a second orientation. The first and second orientations can be different such that the elastomeric laminate can accommodate tension forces which act on the laminate from different axes. Optionally, a second substrate or a third plurality of elastomeric strands may be added to the elastomeric laminate.
US08007611B2	Method for the production of composite elements based on mineral or organic thermal insulation materials with the aid of an adhesive The invention provides a method for the production of composite elements composed of at least one outer layer a) and a thermal insulation material b), where between the outer layer a) and the thermal insulation material b) an adhesive c) has been applied, the outer layer a) being moved continuously, the thermal insulation material b) being applied to the outer layer a) and, if appropriate, a further outer layer a) being applied to the thermal insulation material b), and the adhesive c) being applied to the thermal insulation material b) or to the outer layer a), which comprises applying the adhesive c) by means of a rotating flat body which is mounted horizontally or with a slight deviation from the horizontal, of up to 15°, preferably parallel to the outer layer a) or to the thermal insulation material b).
US08007602B2	Spring element made from a ferritic chromium steel Spring element, in particular spring rail for wipers, in particular of motor vehicles, with a low tendency to vibrate or a high attenuation, made from a ferritic chromium steel comprising 0.03 to 0.12% of carbon, 0.2 to 0.9% of silicon, 0.3 to 1% of manganese, 13 to 20% of chromium, 0.1 to 2.0% of molybdenum, 0.05 to 1.0% of copper, 0.02 to 0.05% of nitrogen, less than 0.01% of titanium, 0.01 to 0.10% of niobium and 0.02 to 0.25% of vanadium, remainder iron.
US08007601B2	Methods of producing high-strength metal tubular bars possessing improved cold formability A method for producing a tubular bar, more particularly a stabilizer bar, is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular bar of desired size having an outer and inner surface, heating the bar to an elevated temperature, quenching the bar by application of a cooling fluid to the surfaces of the bar, and forming the tube to a desired shape without annealing. The method further provides for the composition of a high-strength, high formability carbon steel alloy to be used in conjunction with the method. Advantageously, the bar is formable without thermal processing subsequent to quenching. In this fashion, metal tubular bars, such as stabilizer bars, may be formed at reduced cost.
US08007600B2	Soft magnetic thin strip, process for production of the same, magnetic parts, and amorphous thin strip The invention provides a soft magnetic thin strip which contains nanoscale fine grains and exhibits a high saturation magnetic flux density and excellent soft magnetic characteristics; a process for production of the same; magnetic parts; and an amorphous thin strip to be used in the production. In the invention, an amorphous thin strip is used, which is represented by the composition formula: Fe100-x-y-zAxMyXz-aPa (wherein A is at least one element selected from between Cu and Au; M is at least one element selected from among Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W and Mn; X is at least one element selected from between B and Si; and x, y, z and a (in terms of atomic percentage) satisfy the relationships: 0.5≦x≦1.5, 0≦y≦2.5, 10≦z≦23, and 0.35≦a≦10 respectively) and permits 180° bending. The amorphous thin strip can give through anneal a soft magnetic thin strip having a structure wherein grains of body-centered cubic structure having an average grain size of 60 nm or below are distributed in an amorphous phase with a grain volume fraction of 30% or above.
US08007597B2	Dishwasher providing usage guidance A dishwasher includes a tub having a door that provides access to the tub. The door has a handle which extends a top surface of the door beyond a front surface of the door. A touchscreen panel is mounted to the top surface of a door to provide a user interface. The user interface includes a carrousel of icons via which a user may select a wash cycle. The user interface further includes a programmed delay interface via which a user may specify a desired start time and/or stop time for the wash cycle. The user interface may further provide the user with usage guidance to aid the user in the usage of the dishwasher.
US08007594B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the step of conducting a cleaning process for a wafer formed with copper wiring lines to remove contaminations produced on a back surface of the wafer. The cleaning process is conducted by injecting onto the back surface of the wafer an etchant for removing contaminations and simultaneously injecting onto a front surface of the wafer a reductant containing hydrogen.
US08007592B2	Plants with increased activity of a starch phosphorylating enzyme The present invention relates to plant cells and plants, which are genetically modified, whereby the genetic modification leads to an increase in the activity of a starch-phosphorylating OK1 protein in comparison to the corresponding wild type plant cells or wild type plants that have not been genetically modified. In addition, the present invention concerns means and methods for the manufacture of such plant cells and plants. These types of plant cells and plants synthesise a modified starch. Therefore, the present invention also concerns the starches synthesised from the plant cells and plants according to the invention, methods for manufacturing these starches, and the manufacture of starch derivatives of these modified starches, as well as flours containing starches according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to nucleic acids, coding starch-phosphorylating OK1 proteins, vectors, host cells, plant cells, and plants containing such nucleic acid molecules. In addition, the present invention relates to OK1 proteins that have starch-phosphorylating activity.
US08007586B2	Clay plaster A clay plaster formulation and application. The clay plaster is a mixture of various clays, and aggregate. This plaster is both functional and decorative and is for use on new and existing construction.
US08007577B2	Ink, color filter, and method for manufacturing the same, and display device The present invention provides an ink including at least a monomer and/or an oligomer and a coloring agent, wherein the coloring agent includes 16 to 56% by mass of a pigment C.I.P.R. 254 and 4 to 14% by mass of a pigment C.I.P.R. 177 based on the solid content of the ink, 14 to 49% by mass of a pigment C.I.P.G. 36 and 6 to 21% by mass of a pigment C.I.P.Y. 150 based on the solid content of the ink, or 19 to 51% by mass of a pigment C.I.P.B. 15:6 and 1.0 to 2.7% by mass of a pigment C.I.P.V. 23 based on the solid content of the ink. The invention also provides a color filter using the ink, a method for manufacturing the color filter, and a display device provided with the color filter.
US08007568B2	Filter with memory, communication and pressure sensor The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.
US08007567B2	Apparatus and method for biogas purification The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe and optimal operation of the system.
US08007566B2	Electrostatic precipitator having a spark current limiting resistors and method for limiting sparking An electrostatic precipitator including: a collecting electrode in a gas passage; a discharge electrode in the gas passage and separated by a gap from the collecting electrode; a power supply applying a voltage to the discharge electrode, wherein the voltage establishes an electric field between the discharge electrode and the collecting electrode to ionize gas flow in the gap, and a resistor in series with the discharge electrode and having an effective resistance in series with the discharge electrode of at least 50 Ohms.
US08007565B2	Powered air cleaning system and air cleaning method A powered air cleaning system has a flow path extending through the system from an inlet to an outlet. A motor-driven fan is located along the flow path to draw particulate debris laden air into the inlet and rotate it about an axis to form a rotating flow that stratifies the debris laden air with the heaviest particles in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow. An ejector port ejects particulate debris laden air from the stratified rotating flow in the system. At least one de-swirl component located within the rotating flow aerodynamically redirects clean air from the innermost orbits of the stratified rotating flow toward the outlet to provide a positive airflow pressure out of the outlet. The system has a variable speed fan motor and an integrated controller for adjusting the speed of the motor and thereby the flow rate of clean air through the outlet of the system. The controller receives a signal that is a function of airflow requirements of a device supplied with clean air by the system. The system can be mounted above or below a hood housing an engine to be supplied with clean air.
US08007558B2	Organo-mineral soil amendment A soil amendment comprising compost and between about 5% and about 30% by weight of an agricultural liming material, wherein at least about 50% of said liming material has an average particle size of about 65 microns or less is described. Methods for using and manufacturing this soil amendment are also described.
US08007557B2	High-strength low-microcracked ceramic honeycombs and methods therefor A low-microcracked porous cordierite honeycomb ceramic particulate filter having a high strength in combination with a very low pressure drop, a very high filtration efficiency, and a high thermal shock resistance. Little or no microcracking, a fine median pore diameter, and a narrow pore size distribution contribute to high strength. A thin channel wall, high wall permeability, and narrow pore size distribution, contribute to low pressure drop. A fine pore diameter and narrow pore size distribution with a minimum of coarse pores contribute to high filtration efficiency. A high strain tolerance, MOR/E, contributes to high thermal shock resistance. Particulate filters disclosed herein can be useful as a hot gas particulate filter, and particularly as an internal combustion engine exhaust gas particulate filter, such as an exhaust gas filter for a gasoline direct injection engine.
US08007552B2	Cubic boron nitride compact A CBN compact comprises CBN and a matrix phase incorporating a secondary hard phase selected from TiCN, TiC, TiN and mixtures and solid solutions thereof and a maximum amount of titanium diboride where the XRD peak height of the (101) titanium diboride peak (after background correction) is less than 12% of the peak height of the (111) CBN peak.
US08007546B2	Method of increasing depth shade The invention relates to a method of increasing the depth of shade of dyed natural or synthetic polyamide fiber materials, which comprises treating the fiber material before, during or after dyeing with a liquor comprising a compound of formula (1) wherein R is halogen, C1-C12alkyl, C5-C24aryl, C6-C36aralkyl, —OR1, or —NR1R2, R1 and R2 being, each independently of the other, hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy, amino, mercapto, carboxyl, sulfo, C1-C12alkylsulfonyl, C5-C24arylsulfonyl or C6-C36aralkylsulfonyl groups, C5-C24aryl unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy, amino, carboxyl, sulfo, C1-C12 alkylsulfonyl, C5-C24arylsulfonyl or C6-C36aralkylsulfonyl groups, or C6-C36aralkyl unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy, amino, carboxyl, sulfo, C1-C12alkylsulfonyl, C5-C24arylsulfonyl or C6-C36aralkylsulfonyl groups, X and Y are, each independently of the other, mercapto, —NR3R4 or —N+R3R4R5A−, wherein R3, R4 and R5 are, each independently of the others, hydrogen or C1-C12alkyl and A− is chloride, bromite, iodide, sulfate or methylsulfate, R6 and R7 are, each independently of the other, hydrogen or C1-C12alkyl, and x and y are, each independently of the other, a number from 2 to 12.
US08007545B2	Deodorant compositions The present invention relates to a deodorant composition including (a) a polyhydroxyamine compound having a specific structure and/or a salt thereof, and (b) a penetrant including at least one substance selected from the group consisting of (b1) a nonionic surfactant having a specific structure, (b2) a surfactant having a residue of a monosaccharide, etc., (b3) a nonionic organic solvent having a log P value of from 0 to 4; and (b4) an amine oxide type or carbobetaine type amphoteric surfactant; as well as a deodorizing method using the deodorant composition. The deodorant composition of the present invention is capable of reducing or eliminating a composite odor derived from sweat smell and aldehydes, readily producing a water-based deodorant, and is safe even upon contacting with a human body.
US08007544B2	Low profile prosthetic foot A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.
US08007543B2	Vacuum attachment system A vacuum socket system pertaining to the field of prosthetics wherein an enhanced suspension mechanism is provided by incorporating a vacuum source, circuitry, and a power source. A virtually air-tight seal between residual limb and prosthesis allows a vacuum fit to be generated via a vacuum source. The vacuum source is in constant interaction with circuitry and software for a means of vacuum pressure control, data recordation, and other means. A sound dampening method is employed to lessen both the sound and vibration generated from the vacuum source.
US08007542B2	Freeze-dried collagenous biomaterial medical sponge device The invention involves a submucosa tissue that has the capability of being shape formed or shape configured. The submucosa involves a purified form of submucosa tissue. Optionally, the submucosa can be packaged in such a manner to permit sterility or maintain sterility of the submucosa.
US08007540B2	Ureteral stent with end-effector A system and related methods for maintaining the patentcy of the ureter comprising a pusher tube having a pusher tube lumen and an inflate lumen disposed within a wall of the pusher tube and a urinary stent having a proximal and distal portions with an elongated body portion therebetween configured to fit the ureter of the patient and defining a lumen. The system further includes an end-effector that may comprise an inflatable balloon positioned at the proximal portion of the urinary stent for retaining the proximal portion in the urinary bladder. At the distal portion, a retention end-piece is positioned for retaining the distal portion of the stent in the renal pelvis. The end-effector and the retention end-piece of the stent maintain the elongated body portion in situ. The end-effector may also include an inflatable balloon and may contain pharmaceutical or biologic agents for controlled release into the bladder.
US08007533B2	Progressive grip assembled bone-tendon-bone grafts, methods of making, and methods of use The present technology is related to the field of bone-tendon-bone implants, grafts, and components thereof, for implantation in mammals, particularly for implantation in humans. More particularly, the present technology relates to assembled implants that comprise a length of tendon and at least two bone components or intermediate bone blocks that are assembled to form a bone-tendon-bone implant, and methods of making such implants. In some embodiments, implants of the present technology provide a first grip on the tendon prior to implantation and a second grip during or after implantation. In some embodiments, bone block assemblies or intermediate bone blocks of the present technology have a first geometric configuration prior to implantation and a second geometric configuration during or after implantation.
US08007532B2	Dimensionally adjustable soft tissue expander A soft tissue expander includes an expandable cover, a base, an adjustable central portion and a connecting member joined to side portions and extending across the central portion to determine the width of the expander.
US08007531B2	Implantable prosthesis for positioning and supporting a breast implant An implantable prosthesis for use in positioning a breast implant comprising a sheet of a prosthetic material configured to form a sling-shaped receiving area for receiving and supporting the breast implant. The surface area of the implantable prosthesis contacting the breast implant comprises a biocompatible or chemically inert material to prevent abrasion of or reaction with the breast implant. The implantable prosthesis of the present invention can be used during corrective procedures to reposition and support a malpositioned breast implant or during reconstructive or cosmetic procedures at the time the implant is first positioned within the patient. The prosthesis is used with implants in the partial sub-muscular, completely sub-muscular, and sub-glandular position and is used to prevent medial, lateral and inferior displacement of the implant.
US08007529B2	Medicated porous metal prosthesis A porous prosthesis for delivering a medication to the site of implantation. The prosthesis, such as a stent, includes a first porous region and a second porous region and is at least partially formed from a molybdenum-rhenium alloy. The porous regions can have different porosity. A stent includes first, second and third porous region, the first porous region being between the second and third porous regions, and a therapeutic agent is disposed in the first porous region. A stent can also include a solid core and inner and outer porous layers surrounding the core.
US08007527B2	Stent with dual support structure A intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. The tube includes a structural beam extending between first and second ends. The structural beam changes from a first geometry to a second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. The structural beam includes first and second longitudinal elements each extending at least partially between the first and second ends and with a spacing between the first and second elements. Each of said first and second elements changes from the first geometry to the second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter for the spacing to remain substantially unchanged as the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter.
US08007526B2	Difunctionalized aromatic compounds and polymers therefrom The present invention relates to compounds of formula I, which are difunctionalized aromatic compounds, and polymers formed from the same. Polymers formed from the di-functionalized aromatics are expected to have controllable degradation profiles, enabling them to release an active component over a desired time range. The polymers are also expected to be useful in a variety of medical applications.
US08007519B2	Dynamic spinal stabilization system and method of using the same A spinal stabilization system includes a pair of vertebral anchors and a flexible construct extending between the anchors to provide dynamic stabilization of the spine. The flexible construct includes first and second spring arms coupled to the anchors at first ends thereof and second ends coupled at a joint. The spring arms are capable of flexing toward and away from each other during movement of the spine. The system may include a biasing member for biasing movement of the spring arms toward and/or away from each other. The system may further include an adjustment feature that allows the distraction to be adjusted in situ. The stiffness characteristic of each of the spring arms may be selectively adjusted to meet the specific application. A method of stabilizing a spine includes securing anchors to selected vertebrae and coupling the flexible construct to the anchors through a top loading procedure. The flexible construct may be coupled so that a rotational axis of the flexible construct is anterior of a head portion of the anchors.
US08007518B2	Load-sharing component having a deflectable post and method for dynamic stabilization of the spine A dynamic spinal stabilization component suitable for use in stabilizing of the spine. The component is selectably attachable to a bone anchor for implantation in a bone of the spine. The dynamic spinal stabilization component includes a deflectable post connectable by a joint to bone anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a compliant member. The force/deflection properties of the deflectable post may be adapted to the functional requirements and anatomy of the patient. The dynamic spinal stabilization component, when secured to a bone anchor, provide load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy.
US08007515B2	Suture retention device A tissue retractor for displacing body tissue during surgery includes a tissue piercing member such as a surgical needle, a wire-like filament such as a suture line affixed to the surgical needle, a fixed element such as an anchoring port being associated with a stable surgical platform such as a sternum retractor and a movable element such as an anchoring plug cooperating with anchoring port to engage a portion of suture line after the suture line is threaded through the body tissue with the surgical needle and after the suture wire is tensioned to effect a predetermined displacement of the body tissue. The predetermined displacement of body tissue is maintained by retention of the engaged portion of suture line by the fixed anchoring port and the movable anchoring plug.
US08007510B2	Embolic protection filtering device that can be adapted to be advanced over a guidewire An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter.
US08007505B2	System for tissue approximation and fixation A system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. The devices are advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create one or several divisions or plications within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a tissue acquisition and folding device and a tissue stapling or fixation device, each of which is used together as a system. The acquisition device is used to approximate tissue regions from within the hollow body organ and the stapling device is advanced through a main lumen defined through the acquisition device and is used to affix the approximated tissue. The stapling device is keyed to maintain its rotational orientation relative to the acquisition device as well as to provide the user positional information of the stapling device. The acquisition device is also configured to provide lateral stability to the stapling device prior to the stapling device being clamped onto tissue.
US08007503B2	Apparatus and method for manipulating or retracting tissue and anatomical structure Integrated systems and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchoring devices for such purposes.
US08007499B2	Variable geometry occipital fixation plate A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone; a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device.
US08007498B2	Methods and devices for treatment of bone fractures A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded may enhance and expedite bone healing.
US08007496B2	Method of therapeutically treating tissue while preventing perfusion/ventilation of the tissue A method of treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) is provided. The method comprises introducing a delivery sheath within an anatomical conduit that supplies the tissue region with a fluid (e.g., blood or air). The anatomical conduit may be any naturally occurring conduit within a patient. The method further comprises expanding an occlusive device (e.g., a balloon) associated with the delivery sheath, such that the conduit is at least partially occluded to reduce the flow of fluid through the conduit. The method further comprises introducing a tissue treatment catheter within the delivery sheath, advancing the treatment catheter from the delivery sheath through an aperture in a wall of the conduit adjacent the tissue region, and conveying thermal energy from (i.e., hyperthermia) or to the treatment catheter (i.e., hypothermia) to treat (e.g., by ablating) the tissue region.
US08007495B2	Catheter for circumferential ablation at or near a pulmonary vein A catheter has a three-dimensional, hollow ablation assembly that carries at least one ribbon electrode for circumferential ablation. In one embodiment, the assembly has a free-form framework that is constructed of multiple tensile members or wires that are interwoven such that the length of the framework increases while the circumference of the framework decreases, and vice versa. The assembly can also have a self-expanding stent-type framework which is mounted on the expander. In another alternative embodiment, the framework is a tubular or cylindrical structure whose side wall has longitudinal slots between longitudinal slats for radial expansion to a greater circumference when the length is decreased. The flexible ribbon electrode on the assembly is elastic, or is pleated so that it folds when the framework is collapsed and unfolds when the framework is deployed.
US08007494B1	Device and method to prevent surgical burns A surgical instrument and safety system comprises a safety shield having an inner surface and an outer surface, an active conductor having a first end adapted to connect with an electrode and a second end adapted to connect with an electrosurgical generator, the electrosurgical generator including contact quality monitoring circuitry, an insulator surrounding the active conductor and disposed between the active conductor and the safety shield, and a circuit interruption device in electrical communication with the safety shield. The circuit interruption device is adapted to couple to the contact quality monitoring circuitry of the electrosurgical generator and disable the flow of current to the electrode upon the occurrence of a fault condition.
US08007491B2	Methods for application of reduced pressure therapy The tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer creates a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming an airtight seal around an area of tissue. The suction apparatus is in fluid communication with the sealant layer and together, create a closed, reduced pressure therapy system. The suction apparatus self-creates reduced pressure by decreasing the density of air molecules underneath the sealant layer by expanding the volume of the air molecules.
US08007487B2	Method of treating a joint using an articular injection system Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location.
US08007484B2	Pants type product and method of making the same A pants type disposable undergarment is provided which is equipped with an elasticized side panel. The side panel is elasticized with elastic film. The elastic film is attached to a nonwoven layer. The elasticized nonwoven layer is then split into two sections. A portion of the elasticized nonwoven layer is then ultrasonically cut to the desired configuration. The elastic film does not traverse the crotch region. Also provided are methods for producing such disposable undergarments.
US08007481B2	Subatmospheric pressure mechanism for wound therapy system A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing. The system further includes a cover selectively engageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The cover is configured to receive a control unit and has a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and the cover to establish and maintain a substantial sealed relationship between the two components when assembled.
US08007476B2	Administering apparatus comprising a dosing device An administering apparatus having a casing including a reservoir for a product to be administered, a piston which can be shifted in the reservoir in an advancing direction towards a reservoir outlet to administer the product, a piston rod, a dosing and drive element for performing a dosing movement for selecting a product dose and a delivery movement for delivering the product dose, and a dose setting member which is moved in the advancing direction during the delivery movement, and which engages the piston rod and the casing such that it can only be moved in the advancing direction jointly with the piston rod and is moved counter to the advancing direction relative to the piston rod during the dosing movement.
US08007468B2	Method to secure an elastic component in a valve An apparatus for controlling fluid flow through medical devices, specifically for sealing devices which remain in place in the body to provide long term access to the vascular system. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe a wedge or other similarly shaped geometrical feature for fixing an elastic component and controlling an internal stress of the elastic component.
US08007467B2	Device for vein stabilization Apparatuses and methods for performing and aiding venipuncture. The apparatuses of the present invention provide the medical practitioner with an improved tool for performing venipuncture methods. The apparatus preferably includes a handle that is connected to a plurality of tines that run roughly parallel to one another. During use, the tines of the apparatus are pressed against the skin of the patient such that they sit astride the vein to be accessed. The distance between the various tines of the present apparatuses varies so as to be able to accommodate a variety of vein widths. The apparatuses of the present invention may have tines at either one or both ends of the body of the apparatus. The apparatuses of the present invention may be used with a variety of vein accentuating devices, such as those that employ light to accentuate the vein to be punctured.
US08007460B2	Patient hydration system and method A patient hydration system including an infusion device for administering hydration fluid to a patient, and a hydration fluid measurement device responsive to a source of hydration fluid, a patient urine output measurement device. A controller is responsive to the hydration fluid measurement device and the patient urine output measurement device. The controller operates the infusion device, in response to the patient urine output measurement device and the hydration fluid measurement device, to hydrate the patient based on the patient's urine output. The controller also monitors the operation history of the infusion device thereby providing redundancy in the measurement of the amount of hydration fluid administered to the patient.
US08007458B2	Treating urinary retention A urethral prosthesis provides relief of urinary retention and has first and second tubular elements with an interposed bridge segment. A valve can be disposed in the second tubular element to control the flow of urine therethrough.
US08007451B2	Servo motor for CPR with decompression stroke faster than the compression stroke The invention regards a resuscitation system having a chest compression device to repeatedly compress the chest of a patient and thereafter cause or allow the chest to expand. The device includes an electric motor connected to a compression element. A controller is coupled to the electric motor and causes the motor to actuate the compression element according to a predetermined profile. The controller is further operable to draw the compression element away from a patient's chest upon detecting a malfunction.
US08007447B2	Guide wire A guide wire includes a first wire disposed on the distal side of the guide wire and a second wire disposed on the proximal side. The second wire has an elastic modulus larger than the first wire. The first wire is joined to the second wire at a welded portion by welding. A coil is disposed on the distal side of the first wire. A cover layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the wire member in such a manner as to cover at least the welded portion. The cover layer is made from a material capable of reducing the friction of the cover layer, for example, a fluorocarbon resin or a hydrophilic material, to thereby improve the sliding performance of the guide wire. Such a guide wire is excellent in operationality and kink resistance.
US08007446B2	Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue A body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site has a housing and a penetrating member driver at least partially within the housing. At least one cartridge is in the housing. The cartridge includes an analyte sensor in a sample chamber configured to receive body fluid from a wound in tissue created by a penetrating member. A penetrating member is associated with the sample chamber. Each penetrating member, and its associated sample chamber, has a combined occupied volume of no more than about 5.0 cm3. The penetrating member is at least partially co-located with the analyte sensor in the sample chamber. The sample chamber receives body fluid from a wound in tissue created by a penetrating member, and the analyte sensor determines analyte levels using a body fluid sample of less than about 1 microliter. A transport mechanism engages the cartridge. The penetrating member is operatively engaged with the penetrating member driver when moved into position by the transport mechanism. The driver provides the force to advance the penetrating member. A user interface on the housing displays information to a user.
US08007440B2	Apparatus and methods for low-cost intravascular ultrasound imaging and for crossing severe vascular occlusions An intravascular ultrasound catheter system is provided and enables a simplified, economical technique for ultrasound visualization of a blood vessel. The catheter may include a spark ablation system for crossing chronic total occlusions and severe stenoses. The catheter is advanceable and is oriented entirely under manual control of the clinician and the application of radiofrequency energy for spark erosion of the stenosis also is controlled manually by the clinician. The system enables the clinician to observe an ultrasound image sufficiently to determine where to orient the ablation electrode so as to reduce the risk of dissection or perforation of the blood vessel. The ultrasound image is generated in response to manual rotation of the catheter and the ablation spark is generated only when the physician is satisfied as to the orientation of the electrode within the vessel.
US08007439B2	Method and apparatus to produce ultrasonic images using multiple apertures A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from the echoes received by the single omnidirectional transducer is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. Specular reflections are attenuated by using even a single omnidirectional receiver displaced from the insonifying probe. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. In fact, gaps can be left to accommodate spanning a patient's ribs, or simply to reduce the cost of the large aperture array. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.
US08007436B2	Biological information monitoring system A biological information monitoring system includes a plurality of biological information sensor modules 1A and 1B attached to the right side and left side of a subject body, which sensor modules 1A and 1B each incorporate a biological information sensor for detecting biological information, and a communicator capable of wireless radio communication for the biological information. At least one of the biological information sensor modules 1A and 1B includes a determination device for performing determination of an abnormality by comparing the biological information detected by one biological information sensor in one of the sensor modules with biological information sent from the other biological information sensor module through the communicator.
US08007432B2	Endoscopic accessory control mechanism Devices and methods useful for manipulating tools at a surgical site are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, an accessory device is provided and can include an insertion member and a control wire. The insertion member can have a lumen for receiving a tool therethrough, such as an endoscope. The control wire can be coupled to the insertion member and have a distal portion extending distally from the insertion member and be adapted to receive and to manipulate a tool extending through the insertion member. The control wire can have a wide variety of configurations, and in certain exemplary embodiments the control wire can be slidably received in one or more control wire lumens formed through the insertion member. In use, the control wire can be manipulated, for example by axially sliding the control wire in one or more control wire lumens to control a tool.
US08007429B2	Vessel occlusive device and method of occluding a vessel An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.
US08007426B2	Developing roller A developing roller that can form a toner image with high quality includes: a supporting shaft, and at least one resin layer formed on a peripheral face of the supporting shaft, the resin layer containing carbon black in which a number average Feret's diameter is in a range from 5 to 300 nm and primary particles account for 5% or more on a number basis, and the carbon black being dispersed in a base resin material thereof.
US08007425B2	Suction roller for transporting flat material blanks A suction roller for transporting flat material blanks has a roller axis and a mantle surface. The suction roller is independent of format and therefore can be universally used for transporting flat material blanks, particularly label blanks. The suction roller has controllable suction holes or suction zones that lie at the closest possible distance from one another on its mantle surface. To this end, the suction roller has a plurality of suction slits, which run parallel to the roller axis and open into the mantle surface, whereby at least adjacent suction slits can have suction air applied to them independent of one another, and whereby a slit cover provided with passage holes is disposed on the mantle surface, in such a manner that the passage holes align with the suction slits, at least in part.
US08007423B2	Collapsible exercise chair An exercise chair of the type wherein a user can sit on a seating platform and extend and retract his legs while his feet are resting on a spring-resisted foot rod includes a structure which permits the chairs to be stacked in nested relationship or a structure using foldable support legs for a seating platform allowing the seating platform to be folded into close relationship with a base frame for storage purposes.
US08007419B2	Overspeed trainer system A single-handed overspeed trainer system that detachably tethers an athlete to a trainer through a substantially quiet, non-hook and loop material, release structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the athlete wears a belt with a substantially rigid loop extending therefrom. The trainer holds one end of a tether that contains a retractable pin toward its opposite end. The pin holds the rigid loop of the belt until the pin is retracted by the trainer, preferably when the tether's handle is released by the trainer.
US08007416B2	Flat dumbbells that may be clustered in various combinations and held together by the user's grip A rigid adjustable hand weight system for use in physical fitness exercise consisting of a rigid flat handle portion with rigid flat weight members disposed on either end whose size and shape are such that two or more units may be bundled together and held within the user's hand secured together by the user's grip. Each unit may be held singularly or in a group with one or more other units in various combinations to create a hand weight bundle of the desired poundage. For instance, units weighing 2, 3 and 4 pounds may be lifted singularly or combined as necessary to create 5, 6, 7 and 9 pound weight combinations as the user desires. Eliminated is the need for fasteners such as screws, pins or other means since the user's grip provides the force that keeps the units bundled together. This allows for quicker changing of the weight being lifted as the user can simply pick up or put down the number of units required to achieve the desired lift weight rather than adding or removing weight plates to or from a single connecting device and securing them by mechanical means.
US08007413B1	Exerciser with length-adjustable inelastic straps An exerciser includes two straps and a handle mounted to an end each strap. A connecting member is mounted to the other end of each strap. The exerciser further includes a suspension member having an inelastic strap. A stop is engaged with an end of the inelastic strap. A retaining ring is engaged with the other end of the inelastic strap. A plurality of rings is fixed to the inelastic strap. The retaining member is releasably engageable with one of the rings, so that the inelastic strap forms a loop. The connecting member is releasably engaged with one of the rings. The inelastic strap is mounted around a rod or the like or extended through a gap between a door and a door frame, allowing user to perform exercises resisting the weight of the user.
US08007410B2	Removable device allowing stationary swimming in an above-ground swimming pool or self-supporting swimming pool A device for stationary swimming in an above-ground or self-supporting swimming pool includes an item of equipment intended to surround the body of a swimmer, a flexible tether fastened at one end to the item of equipment, and at least one attachment pole with at least one hitching point for fastening to the other end of the tether. The base of the attachment pole is removable manner and has at least one anchoring plate extending laterally with respect to the base of the pole. The plate has an elongate shape and a size such that a large portion of its length can be slipped beneath one of the ends of a water basin lying on the ground. The mass of water contained in the basin firmly blocks the pole, thereby immobilizing and stabilizing the attachment pole.
US08007401B2	Hybrid vehicle drive control apparatus and method A hybrid vehicle drive control apparatus and method for a vehicle including an engine and a motor-generator are taught herein. When a drive mode requested by a driver is a power mode that attaches greater importance to an acceleration performance than to fuel consumption efficiency, a power mode engine torque that is larger than an optimum fuel consumption efficiency engine torque is used as a target engine torque of the engine.
US08007399B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set; a second planetary gear set; a third planetary gear set; an input shaft; an output shaft; and five friction elements. A first ring gear is constantly locked. A third sun gear is connected with a first sun gear to define a first rotating member, and a second sun gear is connected with a first carrier to define a second rotating member. The input shaft is constantly connected with the first rotating member, and the output shaft is constantly connected with a third carrier. The five friction elements include a first friction element adapted to selectively connect a second ring gear with a third ring gear, a second friction element adapted to stop a rotation of a second carrier, a third friction element adapted to selectively connect the second carrier with the third ring gear, a fourth friction element adapted to selectively connect the second ring gear with the third carrier, and a fifth friction element adapted to selectively connect the first rotating member with the second carrier. Each of at least seven forward speed-ratios and one reverse speed-ratio is achieved by an engaged state of two friction elements selected from the five friction elements.
US08007388B2	Plate-link chain A plate-link chain for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio and having a large number of link plates pivotally connected with each other via pairs of rocker members that each includes two rocker members. The rocker members extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain and are positioned in openings in the link plates. Curved contact surfaces are provided on the rocker members and on the link plate openings, along which curved surfaces of the rocker members and link plates bear against each other to transmit force. Curved rolling surfaces are provided on the rocker members, along which contacting rocker members of a rocker member pair roll against each other and/or slide on each other on pitch lines to transmit force. The link plate openings have at least three inwardly extending, convexly curved regions.
US08007387B2	Inverted tooth chain sprocket with frequency modulated meshing A sprocket includes teeth defined relative to respective tooth centers spaced evenly about an axis of rotation. An inverted tooth chain includes rows of links each structured for inside flank engagement with the sprocket, with leading inside flanks of each row projecting outwardly relative to the trailing outside flanks of a preceding row. The leading inside flanks of each row are positioned to make initial meshing contact with an engaging flank of one of the sprocket teeth. At least some of the teeth are standard teeth and other ones of the teeth are flank-relieved teeth. The engaging flanks of the flank-relieved teeth are negatively offset as compared to the engaging flanks of the standard teeth measured relative to their respective tooth centers. The root surfaces leading the flank-relieved teeth are raised relative to the root surfaces leading the standard teeth.
US08007377B2	Golf green repair tool A golf ball turf repair tool preferably includes a handle member, a fork member and a pivot pin. The fork member includes a pivot base, at least one fork and a support projection. The at least one fork extends from one end of the pivot base and the support projection extends from the other end of the pivot base. The handle member preferably includes a substantially concave top surface, a pivot base slot and a support projection pocket. A pivot pin is inserted through an end of the handle member and pivot base. The fork member of the turf repair tool is inserted into the turf adjacent a ball crater. If the user attempts to rotate the turf repair tool clockwise relative to the turf, the turf repair tool will collapse and fold. If the turf repair tool is rotated counterclockwise, the turf repair tool will repair the ball crater.
US08007376B2	Dual core golf ball having negative-hardness-gradient thermoplastic inner core and steep positive-hardness-gradient thermoset outer core layer A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness substantially less than its outer surface hardness to define a “positive” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer.
US08007374B2	Multi-layer core golf ball having thermoset rubber cover An all rubber golf ball with one or more thermosetting rubber core layers and one or more thermosetting rubber cover layer. At least one of the ball's layers has moisture vapor barrier property, and in one aspect the moisture vapor barrier layer is an intermediate layer. In one embodiment, the thermosetting rubber layers follow a cis- or a trans-polybutadiene gradient from the center of the ball to its cover.
US08007371B2	Golf club head with concave insert A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head is thus contoured such that its surface area is substantially large. The club head may also be formed of a single, relatively light-weight material.
US08007364B2	Method of developing the activity of an on-line game site An on-line game site involves a question engine coupled with a plurality of terminals controlled by respective players, for (i) sending predefined questions to the players, receiving answers to the questions from the players, and awarding prizes to the players over a given period of time as a function of the answers received, an activity measured by a traffic index representative of the number of players that have played the game over a given time interval, (ii) displaying, together with the questions sent to the players, paid-for advertising insertions, established on the base of a given rate, (iii) evaluating the receipts associated with the paid-for advertising insertions, (iv) establishing an endowment for the prizes to be awarded players over a given period of time, the endowment being a function of the level of the receipts, and (v) repeatedly increasing the endowment corresponding to an increase in the receipts resulting from an increase in the traffic index.
US08007363B2	Game system, game server device therefor, and method of controlling game server device, and game device therefor and method of controlling game device A game system has a plurality of game devices (1), and a game server device (3) that communicates the game devices (1) to obtain a game result for each of a plurality of players, and a plurality of portable terminals (terminal devices) (4) operated individually by at least one of the players. The game server device (3) stores a private player identifier for identifying each of a plurality of players in association with a game result. The game server device (3) also stores a private player identifier of one of the players in association with a private player identifier of a competitor player specified by the one player. The game server device (3), upon receiving a view request from the game device (1) a view request instructing that a game result of the competitor player be transmitted as a response, transmits a view response containing the game result.
US08007359B2	Gaming machine and gaming method thereof A gaming environment is described. When a predetermined time is elapsed, spinning reels are stopped and symbols are displayed on symbol display areas. Then, if it is determined that a winning combination will be newly realized in a case where any symbol is displayed on another symbol display area, the symbol is enlarged displayed over plural symbol display areas. And then, an award corresponding to the realized winning combination will be provided.
US08007358B2	Regulated gaming—multi-act games Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends”. Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making.
US08007353B1	Clean grain conveyor for an agricultural combine A clean grain conveyor for an agricultural combine (10) includes an auger conveyor (52) and a paddle elevator (53) that are connected by a transition tube (218) having a triangular aperture.
US08007349B2	Dual surface sanding block A sanding block is disclosed having an elongate shape having a constant cross section along most of its longitudinal axis. The sanding block is formed of a flexible material and has a curved upper surface and a flat lower surface. The curved upper surface has a width less than that of the flat lower surface but has an arc length about equal to the width of the flat lower surface. The sanding block is used by securing strips of sand paper to one or both of the upper and lower surfaces. The width of the lower surface and the arc length of the upper surface are preferably chosen to be about equal to the width of the sandpaper.
US08007345B2	Portable belt sander A portable belt sander having a drive pulley capable of being produced at a limited period. The sander includes a main body accommodating therein a motor, a drive shaft rotationally driven by the motor, a drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft, a driven shaft, and an endless polishing belt mounted between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The drive pulley includes a base section coupling the drive shaft and made from a rigid material, and an outer low hardness section made from an elastomer material and disposed over an outer peripheral surface of the base section and integrally therewith by injection molding. Mating surfaces between the base section and the outer section are irregularly formed.
US08007339B2	Virtual character video toy with movable display A video toy is provided which may include a video screen and first and second housing segments. Each housing segment may have a diorama displaying features and objects to simulate a scene such as an apartment or room. The video screen may move from a position in front of a first diorama to a position in front of a second diorama. The diorama behind the video screen may be visible through the screen. The video toy may be programmed to display characters on the screen that engage in activities consistent with the diorama visible through the video display and simulate interacting with objects in the diorama. Players may interact with the characters through inputs such as buttons. Virtual characters may be programmed to have activities and interactions with the player that are modified based on type and frequency of user inputs.
US08007335B2	Manufacturing method for electronic device A manufacturing method for an electronic device, the method including forming a transparent conductive film, including conductive polymers, on a base material, and irradiating ultraviolet light onto a part of the transparent conductive film such that first regions of the transparent conductive film are not irradiated and second regions, adjacent to the first regions, are irradiated, thus forming irradiated portions and non-irradiated portions. The irradiated portions having an electrical resistance value higher than that of the non-irradiated portions. The ultraviolet light includes a wavelength that exhibits an absorbance in an absorption spectrum of the conductive polymers, of the transparent conductive film, two or more times higher than that of a background.
US08007333B2	Method of forming field emission light emitting device including the formation of an emitter within a nanochannel in a dielectric matrix In accordance with the invention, there are field emission light emitting devices and methods of making them. The field emission light emitting device can include a plurality of spacers, each connecting a substantially transparent substrate to a backing substrate. The device can also include a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels can include one or more first electrodes disposed over the substantially transparent substrate, a light emitting layer disposed over each of the one or more first electrodes, and one or more second electrodes disposed over the backing substrate, wherein the one or more second electrodes and the one or more first electrode are disposed at a predetermined gap in a low pressure region. Each of the plurality of pixels can further include one or more nanocylinder electron emitter arrays disposed over each of the one or more second electrodes.
US08007332B2	Fabrication of a semiconductor nanoparticle embedded insulating film electroluminescence device A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor nanoparticle embedded Si insulating film for electroluminescence (EL) applications. The method provides a bottom electrode, and deposits a semiconductor nanoparticle embedded Si insulating film, including an element selected from a group consisting of N and C, overlying the bottom electrode. After annealing, a semiconductor nanoparticle embedded Si insulating film is formed having an extinction coefficient (k) in a range of 0.01-1.0, as measured at about 632 nanometers (nm), and a current density (J) of greater than 1 Ampere per square centimeter (A/cm2) at an applied electric field lower than 3 MV/cm. In another aspect, the annealed semiconductor nanoparticle embedded Si insulating film has an index of refraction (n) in a range of 1.8-3.0, as measured at 632 nm, with a current density of greater than 1 A/cm2 at an applied electric field lower than 3 MV/cm.
US08007330B2	Steering apparatus with integrated steering actuator The present invention relates to a steering apparatus for a marine craft. The marine craft has a stern and a propulsion unit. The steering apparatus includes a stern bracket connectable to the stern of the marine craft. A swivel case is connected to the stern bracket. The swivel case defines a steering axis. The steering apparatus includes an electric motor coaxially disposed within the swivel case for swivelling the propulsion unit about the steering axis. The steering apparatus includes a gear reducing unit having an input operatively engageable with the electric motor and an output. A first member operatively extends from the output and is connectable to the propulsion unit.
US08007327B2	Electrical connector having positioning posts defined on insulative base An electrical connector assembly includes an insulative base and a complimentary connector assembled therewith along an up-to-down direction instead of a left-to-right direction. Thus, a small assembly space will be achieved compared to the prior art.
US08007325B2	Cable connecting apparatus A cable connecting apparatus comprises a plug type connector having a connectively engaging portion provided with a plurality of plug contacts which are arranged on each of first and second opposite surfaces of the connectively engaging portion to be connected with cables and a receptacle type connector having a housing on which an opening through which the connectively engaging portion of the plug type connector is inserted is formed at an end portion of the housing and a plurality of receptacle contacts arranged in the housing, wherein each of the receptacle contacts is provided with a pair of contacting points for coming into press-contact with the plug contact respectively on both sides of the first and second surfaces of the connectively engaging portion of the plug type connector and a distance from the end portion of the housing to one of the contacting points is different from a distance from the end portion of the housing to the other of the contacting points.
US08007319B2	Electrical connector contacts retained by releasable first and second inserts held by releasable first and second shells In accordance with one aspect, a connector includes contacts meeting MIL-C-39029/57 or MIL-C-39029/58 without requiring a retaining clip to hold such contacts in place and without embedding such contacts in a plastic housing. The contacts are attached to electrical power or data conductors and loaded into apertures in a rear and front insert. The rear and front insert are held together by a rear and front shell so the contacts remain secure in the apertures. In accordance with another aspect, a latching mechanism provides a robust, reliable mechanism for securing a socket portion of a connector to a plug portion of a connector.
US08007318B1	Shielded integrated connector module An electrical connector assembly is provided for mating with electrical plugs. The electrical connector assembly includes a housing having a top wall and a bottom wall that is opposite the top wall. The housing includes a mating face having ports that are configured to receive the electrical plugs therein. A jack sub-assembly is held by the housing. The jack sub-assembly includes jacks having electrical contacts held within the ports for engagement with the electrical plugs. The jack sub-assembly includes a signal pin array having signal pins for connection to a host circuit board. The signal pin array includes a front side extending along the bottom wall of the housing. An electrically conductive outer shield covers the top wall of the housing. The outer shield includes a bottom flap covering an end of the bottom wall of the housing. An electrically conductive bottom shield covers the bottom wall of the housing between the bottom flap of the outer shield and the front side of the signal pin array.
US08007315B2	Electrical connector system having reduced mating forces An electrical connector system includes a circuit board having a mounting side and first and second electrical connectors mounted to the mounting side of the circuit board. The first and second electrical connectors each having a mating interface. The first and second electrical connectors being mounted to the circuit board in an offset configuration such that the mating interfaces of the first and second electrical connectors are parallel to one another and non-coplanar with respect to one another. Optionally, the mating interfaces may be perpendicular to the mounting side. The first and second electrical connectors may be identical to one another.
US08007310B2	Insulation displacement crimp connector An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector portion for supporting a plurality of insulated electrical conductors, and a second connector portion removably engageable with the first connector portion. The first connector portion includes a plurality of detent elements to secure the electrical conductors to the first connector portion, and at least one alignment recess. The second connector portion includes socket portions corresponding to the plurality of electrical conductors of the first portion, and an alignment member cooperative with the alignment recess to guide the second connector portion into engagement with the first connector portion. Socket portions include an insulation displacement crimp (IDC) connector portion configured to penetrate a corresponding external insulating layer of a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical conductors to place the IDC connector portion in electrical communication with the conductive core portion of the corresponding electrical conductor.
US08007309B2	Swayable electronic connector with aligning structure and electronic apparatus employing the same An electronic connector includes a cover, a connector body, and an aligning body. The cover defines an opening therein. The connector body partially extends through the opening, and defines an interspace between the cover and the connector body so the connector body is capable of swaying in the opening. The aligning body includes a top portion secured to the connector body, and two supporting legs arranged at two opposite sides of the top portion to support the connector body. The aligning body is swayable to vary the distance of the two opposite sides of the top portion from the cover along the sway directions that are inclined towards the two opposite sides of the top portion.
US08007306B2	Electrical connection system An electrical connection system 200 comprises a rail 202 and a plurality of electrically conducting posts 204 fixed to the rail 202. The rail 202 is in the form of a tube or rod provided with complimentary electrical connectors 208 and 210 at opposite ends. Each post 204 is coupled to a rail 202 by a short transverse link 205. A fitting 216 is provided at a free end 206 of each post 204 to facilitate mechanical and electrical connection with a through hole terminal. Pairs of rails 202 may be disposed side by side to form nominal positive and negative rails with the posts of the rails 202 interleaving each other and in mutual alignment. In some instances, photovoltaic tiles 10 that include holes 28 and 30 forming conductive terminals are fitted over posts 204.
US08007303B2	Card edge connector with an improved retainer A card edge connector for mating with an electronic card includes an elongated housing, a number of contacts and a retainer retained to the housing. The housing has a pair of side walls, a central slot between the side walls and a first tower upwardly extending at one end thereof. The first tower defines a first U-shaped cavity downwardly extending from a top end thereof and a mounting slot upwardly extending from a lower end thereof and located at outside of the first cavity. The first cavity communicates with the central slot along a length direction of the housing to receive the electronic card. The retainer has a non-flexible fastening portion retained in the mounting slot and a flexible locking barb obliquely protruding into the first cavity from a top end of the fastening portion to lock with the electronic card.
US08007301B2	Electrical connector An electrically conductive fork includes first and second arm members each having an electrical contact and a pivot portion, the pivot portion configured to receive a portion of a rod, where the first and second arm members are configured to pivot around the rod, and a connector mechanically connecting the first and second arm members in fixed relation to each other prior to insertion of a busbar between the electrical contacts, where the connector is configured to yield to a force imparted on the connector and allow the first and second arm members to pivot around the rod in response to insertion of the busbar between the electrical contacts, and the insertion of the bus bar causes the electrical contacts to separate and pivot the first and second arm members around the rod and impart the force on the connector.
US08007300B2	Lamp holder A bipin fluorescent-lamp holder has a housing formed with an outwardly open housing mouth and a rotor rotatable in the housing adjacent the mouth about an axis and having a diametrally throughgoing rotor slot. The rotor is rotatable between an installation position with the rotor slot aligned with the slot and an angularly offset contact position with the slot not aligned with the mouth. The rotor and housing are so dimensioned as to receive the pins extending parallel to the axis and to move the pins in a circular orbit centered on the axis on rotation of the rotor in the housing, and contacts in the housing diametrally flanking the axis each having a main part lying outside the orbit and a contact part engageable into the orbit. The contacts pins are aligned with the slot and project into ends of the slot and into engagement with the pins only in the contact position of the rotor.
US08007299B2	Apparatus, mounting structure, inserting and pulling jig, and fixing method An apparatus includes a first substrate, a first connector disposed on a top face of the first substrate, a to-be-fixed member disposed on a back face of the first substrate, a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate, a second connector disposed on the second substrate and connected to the first connector, and a fixing module disposed on the second substrate and pivoting a locking arm using a rotating shaft, wherein the to-be-fixed member is pushed by a pushing portion provided at a tip of the locking arm when the locking arm is at a first position.
US08007298B2	Electrical connector There is provided an electrical connector in which the retaining force of retaining a front cover is improved. Electrical connectors 1, and 1′ each have a housing 10 having contact accommodating cavities 13; a front cover 20 that is attached to the front side of the housing 10 and that has mating connector inserting openings 24 at positions that correspond to the contact accommodating cavities 13; and a retainer 30 that is attached form the lower side of the housing 10 and that locks contacts accommodated in the contact accommodating cavities 13. Retaining means 27, 28, 32, and 33 is arranged at the front cover 20 and the retainer 30 to cause the retainer 30 to retain the front cover 20.
US08007295B2	Rotatable and concealable electrical power receptacle Disclosed is a reversible and concealable electrical power receptacle, comprising: a main body, a shaft section, an accommodating section, and an electrical outlet assembly. The electrical outlet assembly is disposed on the main body; the accommodating section is for receiving the main body; the shaft section, comprises a first shaft member and a second shaft member. The second shaft member, being coupled to the main body and is perpendicular to the first shaft member, and the main body is rotatable with respect to the first and the second shaft members transversely respectively. Consequently, the main body is able to rotate transversely and perpendicularly with respect to the accommodating section in accordance with the rotational movements of the first shaft and the second shaft members, for resulting in an exposed state in use or a concealed state when not in use, thereby achieving effective space utilization.
US08007291B1	Implementing differential signal circuit board electrical contact A method, and structures are provided for implementing differential signal circuit board electrical contact. A removable member including a pair of independent electrical contacts is removably received within an associated contact-receiving cavity on the circuit board. The contact-receiving cavity includes a mating pair of circuit board pads. A respective dielectric is provided between each of the pair of independent electrical contacts and the mating pair of circuit board pads.
US08007290B1	Mounting device for a connector A mounting device for mounting a connector to an opening of an electronic device, an electronic device comprising the mounting device, and a method for mounting a connector to an opening of an electronic device are described.
US08007289B2	Connector apparatus An electrical connector for coupling two electrical connectors is described, the electrical connector configured to couple with a first complementary connector by means of a tongue portion and a pair of end walls, the tongue portion comprising first, second and third tongue sections; a plurality of contacts positioned in the connector housing; and wherein the contacts are grouped into first set and second sets of contacts positioned in the first and second tongue sections respectively. In another embodiment, the contacts are grouped into first, second and third sets of contacts positioned in the first, second and third tongue sections respectively. In another embodiment, an interconnect system having at least one electrical connector coupled to two electrical connectors is described.
US08007286B1	Circuit boards interconnected by overlapping plated through holes portions In some embodiments, an interconnectable circuit board may include one or more of the following features: (a) a first electrically conductive pad located on a top of the circuit board, (b) a plated through hole on the conductive pad which passes through the circuit board, (c) a second electrically conductive pad coupled to the plated through hole; the second conductive pad capable of being electrically connected to a third electrically conductive pad attached to a top of a second interconnectable circuit board, (d) cut marks indicating safe locations for separating the circuit board, and (e) a second cut mark adjacent to the first cut mark where the area between the first and second cut mark can be utilized to make a safe cut through the circuit board.
US08007279B2	Dental restorative system and components Disclosed within is a dental restorative system including an impression coping with a body portion having a first end, a second end, and an internal chamber having non-frustoconical side walls. The body portion also has a facial aspect and a lingual aspect and the distance between the first end and second end on the facial aspect is greater than the distance between the first end and second end on the lingual aspect. The first end of the impression coping may include an opening and an interproximal, continuous slope. Certain embodiments of the impression coping include means for engaging an abutment or implant, located on the internal chamber. Other embodiments include external flange portions for retention of the coping in impression material. Alternative embodiments of the impression coping are also disclosed.
US08007277B2	Non-custom dental treatment trays and mouth guards having improved anatomical features A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.
US08007275B2	Methods and apparatuses for heating semiconductor wafers Methods and apparatuses for heat treatment of semiconductor wafers are disclosed herein. A method of heating a semiconductor wafer in accordance with one embodiment includes heating the wafer in a loading enclosure of a heat treatment system above an ambient temperature external to the loading enclosure. The method also includes moving the heated wafer from the loading enclosure into a processing enclosure of the heat treatment system. In particular embodiments, the method can further include heating a flow of purge gas above the ambient temperature and introducing the flow of heated purge gas into the loading enclosure while the wafer is in the loading enclosure. In still further embodiments, the method can include heating a flow of process gas to a processing temperature and introducing the heated flow of process gas into the processing enclosure while the wafer is in the processing enclosure.
US08007272B2	Shooting pot for feeding multiple nozzles A hot runner system including a shoot pot system for transferring melt from a single shooting pot to multiple nozzles. Melt is fed from a source of melt into the cavity through the multiple nozzles, and a valve isolates melt in the cavity from melt in the source. A plunger within the cavity is driven forward to inject melt in the cavity into a mold cavity at high pressure without significantly increasing the pressure of melt in the source. The plunger optionally functions as both the plunger and the valve by opening and closing communication between the cavity and the manifold as it is rotated.
US08007263B2	Water-lubricated compressor A water-lubricated compressor has a discharge on-off valve in a discharge channel located between a discharge port of a compressor body and a water separating/recovering unit. A water circulation on-off valve is disposed in a water circulation channel located between a water cooler and a water supply portion in the compressor body. A gas release channel provides communication between a gas phase portion of the water separating/recovering unit and the exterior of the water separating/recovering unit. A gas release on-off valve is disposed in the gas release channel. When the compressor body is not in operation, the discharge on-off valve and the water circulation on-off valve are closed and the gas release on-off valve is opened, allowing water to be recovered to the water separating/recovering unit. When there is no demand for compressed gas, it is possible to remove water from the water cooler, which otherwise may be damaged.
US08007261B2	Thermally compensated scroll machine The scroll machine has a first and a second scroll member each having intermeshed scroll wraps. A compensation member is attached to one of the scrolls. As the scroll machine warms to operating temperature, the compensation member exerts a force on the one scroll member causing it to deflect. The deflection of the scroll member compensates for the unequal growth of the scroll wrap which is caused by a temperature difference between the radially inner section and the radially outer section of the scroll wrap.
US08007257B2	Reduced pressure delivery system having a manually-activated pump for providing treatment to low-severity wounds A manually-activated reduced pressure treatment system includes a substantially rigid housing, and an end cap slidingly received by the housing. An inner chamber is disposed between the end cap and housing, and a volume of the inner chamber is variable in amount depending on the position of the end cap within the housing. The end cap is slidingly movable between an uncompressed position at which the volume of the inner chamber is at a maximum value and a compressed position at which the volume of the inner chamber is at a minimum value. A position indicating member is associated with the end cap and housing to indicate the position of the end cap relative to the housing at predetermined positions between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.
US08007250B2	Compressor The present invention relates to a compressor, which includes a main refrigerant supply channel for supplying refrigerant by passing through the inside of a driving shaft and an auxiliary refrigerant supply channel for supplying refrigerant by passing through a suction chamber of front and rear housings and a slot of the driving shaft after passing through cylinder blocks in order to supply the refrigerant inhaled into a swash plate chamber to cylinder bores, thereby enhancing performance and lubricating ability of a driving shaft seal area since the refrigerant of the swash plate chamber can be used effectively.
US08007247B2	End of stroke detection for electromagnetic pump Detection of end of stroke for an electromagnetic pump is performed using, for example, a calculated first flux derivative.
US08007246B2	Methods and apparatus for coating gas turbine engines A method of fabricating a component for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes applying a bond coat to at least a portion of the component, applying a dense vertically cracked (DVC) thermal barrier coating to at least a portion of the bond coat using a spray mechanism positioned a first distance from the component, and overlying at least a portion of the DVC thermal barrier coating with a soft coat thermal barrier coating using a spray mechanism that is positioned a second distance away from the component, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance to facilitate adherence of the soft coating thermal barrier coating to the DVC thermal barrier coating.
US08007232B2	Centrifugal fan and impeller thereof A centrifugal fan includes a fan frame (20) and an impeller (40) received in the fan frame. The impeller includes a hub (41) having a circular top wall (410) and a cylindrical side wall (412) extending downwardly from a rim of the circular top wall, a plurality of blades (42) extending radially from the side wall of the hub and a blade ring (44). The blade ring includes an annular top plate (441), a cylindrical sidewall (442) extending downwardly from an outer periphery of the top plate, and a flange (443) extending outwardly from a bottom of the cylindrical sidewall. The blade ring is arranged on top surfaces of the blades received in an air inlet (24a) defined in a top surface of the fan frame, and the top plate of the blade ring and the top surface of the fan frame are coplanar with each other.
US08007229B2	Variable area turbine vane arrangement A ring vane nozzle for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a multiple of fixed turbine vanes between an inner vane ring and an outer vane ring and a multiple of rotational turbine vanes between the inner vane ring and the outer vane ring, each of the rotational turbine vanes rotatable about an axis of rotation.
US08007228B2	Wind guiding cover A wind guiding cover, mounted on a fan, includes a rotating ring and a plurality of slats. The rotating ring is pivoted to the fan, and has an opening for an air flow generated by the fan to pass through. The rotating ring has a weight portion for offsetting the center of gravity of the rotating ring and normally maintaining the rotating ring at a static equilibrium position. The slats are pivoted to the rotating ring and arranged at the opening. When the fan operates, the slats are lifted by the air flow to open the opening. When the fan stops operating, the slats cover the opening under the gravity.
US08007224B2	Depalletizing device The invention relates to a depalletizing device comprising a carriage as well as a friction roller attached to the carriage, which friction roller is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis and is coupled to a rotational drive in order to rotate. The carriage can be moved to and fro in a direction at right angles to the rotation axis of the friction roller in order to push the friction roller against a side of an object on the pallet in such a manner that the friction roller exerts an upward friction force on the object as a result of which the object is raised on that side, and in order for the friction roller to pass underneath said object after the latter has been raised. The depalletizing device comprises drive means with variable driving power in order to drive the carriage. The drive means comprise detection means. The drive means are designed such that, when the carriage moves, it is driven with a power of not more than a base value and that, when the friction roller engages on the side of the object, the driving power is increased from that power until the detection means detect that the object has been raised. The power is then immediately reduced to the power of not more than the said base value when the detection means detect that the object has been raised sufficiently high.
US08007220B2	Wheelchair lifting bay A wheelchair lifting bay comprising base means, a lifting platform, lifting means and pivot means, in which the lifting platform is connected to the base means by the pivot means, in which the lifting platform comprises a bottom wall and a back wall, in which the pivot means is disposed rearward of said back wall and is spaced apart from it, in which the lifting means is mounted between the base means and the lifting platform forward of the pivot means, and in which the lifting means rotates the lifting platform about the pivot means in use such that the back wall follows a circumferential path about the pivot means.
US08007216B2	Plastic threaded insert The present invention relates to an insert comprising a tubular plastic body having a hollow, axially extending threaded interior, and a plurality substantially parallel ribs extending radially outward from the plastic body and along the majority of the length of the insert. The insert is capable of threadable engagement with a threaded fastener, such as a crew, to attach a base to a component.
US08007215B2	Fastening mechanism A fastening mechanism which is easy to handle and operate. The fastening mechanism includes a bolster, a bolt, at least two elbows, and a support bracket. The bolster is provided with several retainer walls externally disposed, one side thereof being formed into an opening and the inside thereof being formed into a hollow space with a passage through which the bolt can pass. At least two elbows extend from the bottom end of the retainer walls. When the bolt mates with the inner thread formed in the retainer wall, a friction plate formed with the support bracket lodges into a tapered slot between two retainer walls so that the support bracket cannot move against the retainer walls. The at least two elbows angle outwards to retain the support bracket when the bolt is traveling along the inner thread.
US08007211B1	Apparatus for making aligned inclined holes in work pieces An apparatus is disclosed for making aligned inclined holes in upper and lower work piece. The apparatus includes a set of drill bits and an alignment element. Each of the drill bits can be driven into the upper and lower work pieces to make the inclined holes. The alignment element includes a horizontal plate, a vertical plate extended from the horizontal plate and a tube extended from a corner formed between the horizontal and vertical plates. The horizontal plate is used for contact with the upper work piece. The vertical plate is used for contact with the lower work piece. The tube includes a tunnel for receiving a selected one of the drill bits, a space for receiving debris produced because of the drilling and an aperture through which the selected drill bit is inserted into the space from the tunnel.
US08007206B1	Low profile cable bolt headers Improved roof cable bolts with reduced protrusion from a mine roof. Particularly, a roof cable bolt head can preferably be dimensioned such that most of its length fits inside a drilled hole in the mine roof.
US08007204B2	Floating structure for support of mixed use facilities A method for providing a sustainable offshore community that includes a floatable, low cost platform structure which covers a large amount of real estate and is supported above the surface of the ocean from columns which pass through the structure such that the extremities of the structure are supported with stays that run from the top of the columns to the extremities of the platform. This type of staying structure permits the formation of the large floatable platform for supporting self sustaining communities by providing sizeable living and recreational areas, thus to permit an offshore community to exist at sea for a number of years.
US08007201B2	Septic system A modular or integral appendage for a septic collection housing having a first section for connected to a lateral side of the housing with the first section having a number of apertures thereon. The first section has a first area. The lateral side of the housing has a second area. The first area is greater than the second area for increased drainage and thus adds capacity to the housing. The second area having a plurality of protuberances thereon.
US08007197B2	Coupler device to connect bucket or tool to boom arm A coupler device for releasably connecting a boom arm to a tool such as a bucket including a coupling frame adapted for connection to the boom and having wedge members on opposite sides thereof, these members being provided to engage in channels formed by connecting members on the tool. A fluid actuated holding mechanism is provided to secure the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including a holder pivotably mounted on the frame and a fluid actuator connected to the holder at one end and to the frame at an opposite end. The coupler device includes a locking pin mechanism for locking the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including at least one locking pin movably mounted in the frame for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position and, optionally, a linear fluid actuator mounted on the frame and having a hydraulic cylinder.
US08007194B2	Car washing appliance A car washing appliance has first and second cotton sheets which are joined together about their respective edges to cooperate to define a cavity therewithin. An opening in one of the sheets enables access to the cavity in which is deposited a quantity of detergent. Preferably, the detergent is a dishwashing detergent. The present invention further contemplates disposing a grid-like member or screen within the cavity onto which the detergent is deposited which, in turn, acts as a time release for the detergent. Preferably, the detergent is a dishwashing detergent or gel.
US08007192B2	Makeup applicator A makeup applicator is provided. The applicator includes a main body, a holding portion, a cushion sleeve, a shaft, a covering ring, an applying element and a rotating rod. The main body includes a vibration motor assembly and a case, the holding portion covers the vibration motor assembly, and the cushion sleeve is sandwiched between the main body and the holding portion. Therefore, the applying element can be driven to vibrate and rotate steadily by the vibration motor assembly no matter where the user holds the holding portion, which facilitates the users makeup.
US08007189B2	Rapid deployment surveillance system A portable surveillance system for rapid deployment, comprising a hardware case containing a battery, a processor, a hard disk drive, and a means for communications; at least one surveillance camera; and a tripod. The tripod is used to support both the camera and the hardware case. The hardware case is weatherproof, having intake and exhaust fans and optional electric heating and/or cooling units. The present invention is capable of being transported and positioned quickly by a single operator in a desired location.
US08007187B1	Single lens reflex camera with electro-optical reflex apparatus A lens-interchangeable single-lens reflex camera system according to the present invention employs a novel reflex apparatus comprising stationary “smart glass” elements. The “smart glass” elements switch between transparent and non-transparent states in response to applied electrical voltage, allowing for silent, solid-state control of the optical light path from an external scene image. The optical transmittances of the “smart glass” elements are electronically regulated to provide the operator with a representation of the scene image through the optical viewfinder during the inactive observation period, and to alternately allow the external light to reach the image-sensing device during a photographic exposure.
US08007186B2	Method of constructing a normal joint structure of a superconducting cable Provided is a method of constructing a normal joint structure for connecting superconducting cables having a cable core and an optical fiber arranged along the cable core. With the method, which includes the steps of: pulling out an optical fiber from the end of each of two superconducting cables to be connected together and splicing the optical fibers thus pulled out; returning the excess length of the pulled-out optical fiber to a superconducting cable side upon the completion of splicing; and connecting the cable cores, it is possible to reduce the quantity of optical fiber housed in a joint box, and accordingly to downsize the joint box.
US08007183B2	Double-row angular contact anti-friction bearing comprising a split outer bearing ring and a one-piece inner bearing ring The invention relates to a double-row angular contact anti-friction bearing having a split outer bearing ring, a one-piece inner bearing ring, and anti-friction bodies located in two rows between the two rings. The outer bearing ring is split axially into two individual rings. To permit simple, reliable and secure transport of the bearing, the individual outer bearing rings are interconnected by a connecting element in a positive fit that allows play and the outer surfaces of the individual rings have at least one recess, which is spanned by the connecting element. At least the recess of an individual ring has a groove, in which a hook element on the connecting element engages in a positive fit and the individual rings can be twisted in relation to one another.
US08007181B2	Rolling bearing A grease composition having an apparent viscosity at −30° C. of 5 to 200 Pa·s is sealed in a rolling bearing which retains a plurality of rolling elements between an inner ring and an outer ring in such a way that the rolling elements can freely roll. Thereby, there is provided a rolling bearing which has a satisfactory lubricating performance and generates less abnormal noise even under a low temperature of around −40° C.
US08007171B2	Method and support device for measuring jawbone mineral density There are provided a method and support device for measuring jawbone mineral density using a jawbone X-ray image. The method for measuring jawbone mineral density includes: obtaining a jawbone X-ray image using a support device for jawbone; defining a region of interest from the obtained jawbone X-ray image; and measuring jawbone mineral density from the defined region of interest. Therefore, the support device for measuring jawbone mineral density may be useful to measure jawbone mineral density with a jawbone X-ray imaging device, which has been widely used in dental clinics, by using the method.
US08007169B2	Sensor A sensor, in particular a thermal sensor and/or gas sensor, encompassing an electrical sensor component having an electrical property whose value changes in temperature-dependent fashion, wherein the temperature-dependent electrical property is a resistance or an impedance. Thermal and electrical decoupling of the active structure from the substrate is accomplished by way of porous silicon and/or a cavity manufactured by electropolishing.
US08007168B2	Method for standardizing the derivation of the temperature in the mesopause region from hydroxyl (OH) airglow In order to derive the temperature in the mesopause region from hydroxyl (OH) airglow, in which intensities of three lines of OH* emission and a basic position are measured during the night using ground-based IR spectrometers, a noisy OH* spectrum is smoothed by filtering out white noise superimposed on the measured OH* intensities, by means of a spectral analysis method in the form of a harmonic analysis and by means of adaptation using the Voigt function which is carried out in the form of a combination of a Lorentz distribution and a Doppler distribution. A decision is made on the quality of the adaptation of the smoothed spectrum obtained to the original spectrum using statistical characteristic variables and by selecting one of the two methods, harmonic analysis function or Voigt function, and the temperature is thus accurately determined.
US08007167B2	Integrated electronic sensor A single chip wireless sensor (1) comprises a microcontroller (2) connected to a transmit/receive interface (3), which is coupled to a wireless antenna (4) by an L-C matching circuit. The sensor (1) senses gas or humidity and temperature. The device (1) is an integrated chip manufactured in a single process in which both the electronics and sensor components are manufactured using standard CMOS processing techniques, applied to achieve both electronic and sensing components in an integrated process. A Low-K material (57) with an organic polymer component is spun onto the wafer to form a top layer incorporating also sensing electrodes (60). This material is cured at 300° C., which is much lower than CVD temperatures. The polyimide when cured becomes thermoset, and the lower mass-to-volume ratio resulting in K, its dielectric constant, reducing to 2.9. The thermoset dielectric, while not regarded as porous in the conventional sense, has sufficient free space volume to admit enough gas or humidity for sensing.
US08007165B1	Coupling assembly for a wristwatch A releasable coupling assembly for securing a wristband to a watchcase. A pair of lug members extending from a top and a bottom sidewall of the watchcase provides respective alignment slots. The respective ends of a flexible wristband include a rigid connector member and guide pins registrable with the alignment slots. The sidewall has a notched surface adapted for engaging a complementary raised surface of the connector member to securely position the wristband with respect to the watchcase. A locking pin is selectively insertable through an aperture in one of said lug members and threadably connected to the other of said lug members to form an integral connection with the watchcase.
US08007164B2	Mixing tip For easier and surer fixing to a syringe holder, a mixing tip fixed at two portions of a top end of a syringe holder (X) containing two parallel syringes (Y, Y) comprising: a housing (2) including a mixing element (1); a paste guiding member (3) including paste inlets (3a) attached to nozzles of two syringes (Y, Y), and flow paths (3b) to introduce pastes extruded from the syringes into the housing (2) through the paste inlets (3a); and two locking members fixed at or integrally formed with the paste guiding member (3) or the housing (2) to be locked to the syringe holder (X), wherein the two locking members are a pawl part (4) locked with a locking hole (Xa) formed at the syringe holder (X) and a projection part (5) inserted into a hole part (Xb) provided at the syringe holder (X), or two pawl parts (4, 4).
US08007162B2	Digital positioning slurry system A system to provide an efficient, faster, and consistent slurry material application through utilizing a digital positioning receiver and micro controller as means for adjusting output flow rates and percentages of the individual materials within the slurry recipe.This slurry control system consists of a digital positioning receiver for means of sensing vehicle speed, a hydraulically motor controlling the aggregate and emulsion, an electronic liquid additive flow meter, an electronically controlled water flow meter, a dry additive hydraulic motor, an adjustable display, a dedicated prime mover and pump, and a programmed micro controller to proportionally control each material of the slurry recipe to accomplish each of their target output flow rates and percentages.
US08007161B2	Backlight module A backlight module is provided. The backlight module includes a backplate, at least one supporter, and a plurality of light emitting devices. The supporter is disposed on the backplate, and includes a supporting portion and a buffering portion. The supporting portion is disposed between the buffering portion and the backplate. The elastic coefficient of the buffering portion is smaller than the elastic coefficient of the supporting portion. The light emitting devices are also disposed on the backplate. The supporter is disposed between the light emitting devices. The buffering portion of the supporter of the backlight module is adapted for buffering an external force applied upon the supporting porter or the element disposed thereupon.
US08007157B2	Light pipe and light guiding device with same An exemplary light pipe includes a main pipe and branch pipes. The main pipe includes a light inputting segment, an end portion, and a light outputting segment between the light inputting segment and the end portion. The light inputting segment includes connecting openings defined therein. A distance between each connecting opening and the end portion of the main pipe is different from a distance between each other connecting opening and the end portion of the main pipe. The branch pipes connect with the light inputting segment at the respective connecting openings.
US08007153B2	Projector type vehicle light and method for manufacturing the same A projector type vehicle light can have a decreased total weight and prevent the insufficiency in strength of a rotational shaft of a base member. The projector type vehicle light can include a light source, a reflector, a shade, and a projection lens. The vehicle light can further include a shade rotational shaft extending in the left-to-right direction, a base member configured so that the shade can rotate around the shade rotational shaft, a solenoid for making the shade rotate between a low-beam position and a high-beam position, and a crank shaft configured to connect the solenoid with the shade for driving the shade. The solenoid can be supported by the base member so that the plunger of the solenoid can move in the left-to-right direction. The lens holder can be made of a first material, such as a resin material, and the base member can be made from a second material, such as metal material.
US08007152B2	Lighting device for vehicle A lighting device for a vehicle is provided. The lighting device includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis and having a focal line, a first light emitting device disposed on a rear side of the focal line, a reflector which reflects light toward the focal line; a shade which shields a part of the light; a second light emitting device disposed on a rear side of the first light emitting device; and a light guide. The light guide includes an incident portion into which light emitted from the second light emitting device is introduced, a light guiding portion which guides the light, a shielding portion which forms a part of the shade, and an emitting portion coupled to the shielding portion and disposed on the focal line or in a vicinity of the focal line. The emitting portion emits the light guided by the light guiding portion.
US08007145B2	Worklight with a hands-free mounting system A worklight with head mounted on a stand that uses a hands-free mounting system that enables the lamp head to be tilted in different fixed angles without manually loosening and tightening knobs and nuts. The mounting system includes at least one nut body mounted or attached on the surface of the lamp head. The nut body includes a central post with a threaded bore surrounded by a plurality of radially aligned beveled ribs. The ribs are aligned parallel to the nut's longitudinally axis and are equally spaced apart thereby forming a plurality of slots surrounding the post. The post is slightly shorter than the surrounding ribs. The slots on one side of the nut body are aligned with slots located on the opposite side of the nut body. The stand includes at least one support arm with a straight portion. The outside surface of the straight portion has a diameter sufficient so that the inside surface of the straight portion rests in the two slots located on opposite sides of the nut body. The outer edges of the support arm are pressed inside by springs against the outer surfaces of the ribs.
US08007143B2	LED illuminating device and light engine thereof An LED illuminating device includes an optical section, an electrical section, and a heat dissipation section. The heat dissipation section is provided with a loop heat exchange device. The loop heat exchange device includes a hollow metal base and a plurality of metal fins extending outwardly from the metal base. A hermetical chamber is defined in the metal base. The chamber is cylindrical and has a U-shaped cross section along an axial direction of the metal base. A wick structure is attached to an inner surface of the chamber. A working fluid is saturated in the wick structure. A light source is thermally attached to the metal base.
US08007141B2	Diffraction optical element, lighting device, and projector A diffraction optical element includes: a first diffraction pattern which diffracts entering light to produce illumination light for illuminating a first area; and a second diffraction pattern which is disposed adjacent to the first diffraction pattern and diffracts entering light to produce illumination light for illuminating a second area other than the first area by using at least a part of the diffracted light.
US08007140B2	LED module An LED module comprises an LED having an optical axis and a lens for refracting light from the LED. The lens is symmetric relative to a first plane at which the optical axis is located. The peak light intensity in the first plane occurs within 0-5 degrees off the optical axis. The light intensity in the first plane decreases from the peak light intensity with the increase of the angle off the optical axis. In a second plane perpendicularly intersected with the first plane at the optical axis, the peak light intensity occurs within 33-41 degrees off the optical axis, and the light intensity at the optical axis is larger than a half-peak light intensity. Within 0-33 degrees off the optical axis, the light intensity in the second plane increases with the increase of the angle off the optical axis.
US08007139B2	Optical illumination module The present invention relates to an optical illumination module that includes a fixed light source and a plano-convex lens. The fixed light source is a light emitting diode. The plano-convex lens is an aspheric lens with rotational symmetry, and disposed to a specific distance of an optical axis of the fixed light source. The specific distance is greater than or equal to 13.5 millimeter, and is smaller than or equal to 17.5 millimeter. The plane of the plano-convex lens is a light-beam incident plane, and a convex end is a light-beam exit plane. When the fixed light source is disposed at a coordinate origin, the convex curve of the plano-convex lens is composed of a series of points having specific coordinates. When the plano-convex lens shifts within the specific distance, a parallel light beam form the fixed light source can be refracted to achieve an effect of enhancing the uniformity of luminous brightness.
US08007128B2	Lighting device having LED light bars A lighting device has a light-bar mount and multiple light bars. The light-bar mount is integrally formed from a board. The light bars are mounted on the light-bar mount and each light bar has a heat sink, a circuit board and multiple high-power LED modules. The heat sink is detachably mounted in the light-bar mount. The circuit board is mounted in the heat sink. The high-power LED modules are mounted on the heat sink and electrically connected to the circuit board for providing outward illumination.
US08007126B2	Light housing including camera A housing including a plurality of light emitting elements respectively positioned within plurality of discrete housing modules, each housing module forming an inside chamber and being disposed on a perimeter of the housing along a horizontal plane directed outwardly. The light emitting elements directing the generated light outwardly and generally downwardly. The chambers include a lens for directing the generated light. The light emitting apparatus may be attached to a structure such as a light pole, a wall, or a ceiling. The light emitting apparatus may have a hollow center to enclose the surveillance camera, and may also have an opening at the bottom, covered by a transparent cover, through which the camera may capture images of the outside of the apparatus.
US08007122B2	Lighting device for display device and display device using the same A backlight device includes a light guide plate opposed to fluorescent tubes, a diffusion sheet stacked on the light guide plate, and lens sheets further stacked on the diffusion sheet. A tip end of a corner portion of the diffusion sheet has a shape defined by removing a portion of the sheet along a straight line spanning between two sides constituting the corner portion. In first of the lens sheets, a tip end portion of a corner portion formed by two sides has a shape defined by removing a portion of the sheet in a larger amount than in the diffusion sheet by a circular arc which projects outward. In a second of the lens sheets, a tip end of a corner portion formed by two sides has a shape defined by removing a larger amount than in the first of the lens sheets along a straight line.
US08007119B2	Lamp system and lamp deflection control method A lamp system and method are provided. The system includes a swivel control section which is configured to control an irradiating direction of a lamp so as to follow a steering angle of a steering wheel of a vehicle, a filter section which is configured to change a following response of a change of the irradiating direction with respect to a change of the steering angle, and a filter control section which is configured to control the filter section to decrease the following response when an angular acceleration of the steering angle is greater than or equal to a reference value.
US08007116B2	Video projection device having a converter lens attachably and detachably provided A video projection device has one of a plurality of types of projection lenses replaceably loaded and projects a video on a screen at a fixed position. The video projection device includes: a converter lens which is composed of a plurality of lenses, which is afocal as a whole, and which is detachably provided in front of the projection lens to convert projection magnification; and a gap adjustment mechanism changing a predetermined gap in the converter lens to a setting in accordance with at least one of a projection distance to the screen and the type of the projection lens loaded.
US08007113B2	Projector A projector includes: an optical component disposed inside a closed structure having air flow path through which air flows; and a circulating fan which circulates air. The closed structure includes: an optical component housing which accommodates the optical component; a duct which introduces air into the optical component housing, and introduces the air having flowed to the outside from the inside of the optical component housing again toward the inside of the optical component housing; and a plurality of heat exchangers each of which has a heat receiving side heat transfer member which faces the inside of the closed structure, and a heat releasing side heat transfer member which faces the outside of the closed structure. The plural heat exchangers are disposed in the air flow direction along the air flow path through which air flows to the outside from the inside of the optical component housing.
US08007110B2	Projector system employing depth perception to detect speaker position and gestures A projection system that prevents projection light on a presenter and provides a gesture based interface for visual enhancements is disclosed. The system may include a projector camera system comprising a computer communicating an image to a projector, the projector projecting the image on a screen, a stereo camera unit mounted approximately in the plane of the screen or at the projector and directed toward the presenter and communicating with the computer, and software that interprets the stereo camera data to distinguish and manipulate foreground and background features. The foreground feature may be the presenter relative to the screen or to the audience and room, or the presenter's hand relative to the presenter. The invention employs imaging stereo camera algorithms and techniques developed for foreground/background segmentation, image manipulation, and gesture recognition.
US08007108B2	Image processing apparatus and method of controlling image processing apparatus An image processing apparatus includes an operation device and a color vision type detector. The operation device receives a user instruction input by a user, which indicates the selection of at least one of a plurality of processing functions to be applied onto image data by the image processing apparatus. The color vision type detector determines a color vision type of the user who inputs the user instruction based on the selection of at least one of the plurality of processing functions obtainable from the user instruction.
US08007104B2	Fundus camera A fundus camera includes an observation photographing unit having a focusing lens to perform focusing of an imaging unit on a fundus of a subject's eye, a lens driving unit configured to drive the focusing lens in an optical axis direction, and a focusing control unit configured to calculate a focusing evaluation value based on image information of a predetermined area of a fundus image captured by the observation photographing unit, and drive the focusing lens based on the focusing evaluation value, thereby performing focusing, wherein the focusing control unit moves the focusing lens from a previous photographing position of the focusing lens by a predetermined moving amount, and then performs the focusing.
US08007102B2	Method for determining an ophthalmic lens A method for determining an ophthalmic lens includes choosing an initial lens with a first face and a second face and defining an initial surface for the second face of the lens with a central zone of diameter Dini and a peripheral zone of inner diameter Drac greater than the diameter Dini of the central zone, each point of the central zone and the peripheral zone having an altitude defined with respect to an axis (Z) normal to the second face of the lens and having the centre of the central zone as its origin, the altitude of the peripheral zone being defined as the minimum of the points situated on the diameter Drac; the peripheral zone having a maximum radius of curvature comprised between the maximum radius of curvature of the first face and the maximum radius of curvature of the central zone.
US08007100B2	Recording apparatus There is provided a recording apparatus in which a pressure contact position of a pinch roller to a conveying roller and a distance between the pressure contact position of the pinch roller and a platen can be properly set corresponding to different recording conditions so that a high quality image can be recorded even under the different recording conditions. A movement of the pressure contact position in which the pressure contact position of the pinch roller 37 to the conveying roller is moved by moving a pinch roller holder and a movement of the platen in which a position of the platen which faces a recording head 7 is moved for the pressure contact position of the pinch roller are executed in an interlocking relational manner.
US08007099B2	Printer with release agent metering on drum A method and apparatus for metering release agent on an imaging member includes applying a release agent to a rotating imaging member at an application location and then controlling a thickness of the release agent on the imaging member with a rotating metering roll. In at least one embodiment, the method for metering a release agent includes rotating the metering roll as a counter-roll to an imaging drum such that the metering roll moves in an opposite direction from the imaging drum at a nip between the metering roll and the imaging drum. The metering roll may include an elastomer provided over the substantial portion of its outer surface which contacts the imaging drum. The metering roll may also be forcibly biased against the imaging drum. At least one wiper blade may be provided in contact with the metering roll to wipe excess release agent from the metering roll.
US08007092B2	Air tight ink cartridge with unobstructed ink outlet An ink cartridge that has a rigid housing. The housing has a docking face for abutting a printer such that, when installed, the docking face faces downwards. The cartridge also has an ink storage volume and an ink outlet valve for fluid communication with the printhead. The ink outlet valve and an air inlet are both being positioned in the docking face. A variable volume structure within the ink storage volume inflates with air as ink is drawn from the outlet. The variable volume structure has a section that displaces upwardly within the ink storage volume as it inflates with air. An air inlet spaced from the outlet valve is in fluid communication with the variable volume structure to lets air into the ink storage volume as ink is drawn out through the outlet valve. A conduit in the ink storage volume is connected to the ink outlet valve at one end, with the other end being open to ink within the ink storage volume. The other end is positioned remote from the docking face such that it does not get obstructed by the variable volume structure as the variable volume structure inflates.
US08007089B2	Printer with printhead cartridge and printer body that simultaneously engage an ink cartridge An inkjet printer that has a printer body, a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body, and an ink cartridge for supplying the printhead cartridge with ink. The ink cartridge has external formations for engaging a first complementary formation on the printhead cartridge and a second complementary formation on the printer body.
US08007086B2	Liquid container A liquid container includes: a container body which has a liquid containing portion for containing liquid therein and which is detachably mounted in a container mounting portion of a liquid consuming apparatus; a remaining liquid amount detecting unit in which a sensor member for detecting a state of a remaining liquid amount is provided in a unit case and which is detachably attached to the container body; a circuit board which has a memory device and a contact point for connecting the memory device to a connection terminal of the container mounting portion and which is attached to the container body; and a relay terminal which is attached to the unit case so as to electrically connect the sensor member to the circuit board. The remaining liquid amount detecting unit is attached to an attachment portion, which is provided at a position spaced apart from the circuit board on the container body, by a predetermined operation. The relay terminal is fixed to the unit case in a state where one end thereof comes in contact with and is electrically connected to a terminal of the sensor member, and the other end of the relay terminal is movably held on the unit case. A position regulating member for causing a position of the other end of the relay terminal to match a position of the contact point on the circuit board is provided near an attachment position of the circuit board so as to protrude from the attachment position.
US08007085B2	Inkjet printer having funnelled distribution to nozzle ICS An inkjet printer is provided having a plurality of nozzle integrated circuits, a support member having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels for carrying ink, and a plurality of ink distribution members via which ink is distributed from the channels of the support member to the nozzles of the nozzle integrated circuits. Each ink distribution member incorporates a laminated stack of layers, each layer having apertures for distributing ink from the channels to the nozzles of a respective one of the printhead integrated circuits. The apertures of each layer from the support member to the respective printhead integrated circuit are of successively smaller diameter.
US08007084B2	Attachment, liquid container, and liquid supply apparatus An attachment is mounted on a cartridge holder of a printer as a replacement of an ink cartridge. An ink outlet member having a link passage is separably secured to an attachment body. Ink is supplied from the exterior to the ink outlet member through an ink supply tube. When the attachment is mounted on the cartridge holder, a downstream end of the ink outlet member is positioned with respect to and connected to an ink supply needle of the printer. Accordingly, the attachment is easily and quickly installed in a liquid ejection apparatus. This reduces costs and makes it easy to use the attachment.
US08007083B2	Refill unit for incrementally filling fluid container A refill unit for a fluid container is provided. The unit has a housing defining a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet and configured to be operatively engaged with the fluid container, a fluid reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly having a piston and cylinder reservoir, said piston having a thread which engages a screw thread in an internal wall of the cylinder, the piston rotationally biased by a wound spring and the ejector assembly having a pawl-and-ratchet detent preventing the biased piston threading into the reservoir until the pawl is actuated by operative engagement of the fluid container with the housing to incrementally eject fluid from the reservoir.
US08007081B2	Device and method for delivering a fluid in form of a high-speed micro-jet A device and method for delivering a fluid in the form of a high-speed micro-jet includes a container for accommodating a fluid which is to be delivered through an orifice of the container, and an actuator cooperating with the container. The actuator includes a thin-film transducer membrane, where the transducer membrane is divided into at least two transducer elements. The transducer elements form a transducer array in which each transducer element corresponds to a certain portion of the transducer membrane.
US08007080B2	Actuator device, method of manufacturing the same and liquid-jet head Provided is an actuator device including a piezoelectric element formed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode, and displaceably provided on a substrate with a zirconium oxide layer interposed therebetween, the substrate having a silicon oxide layer formed by thermal oxidation on at least a surface, and an intermediate layer made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, and rare earth oxide, and provided between the silicon oxide layer and the zirconium oxide layer.
US08007079B2	Liquid droplet jetting head and method of manufacturing liquid droplet jetting head A piezoelectric actuator, a cavity plate, a base plate, and a supply plate are common in normal specifications, black high-speed focused specifications, and color-image focused specifications, but other plates such as a manifold plate, a damper plate, a spacer plate, and a nozzle plate are produced according to these specifications. A center of a communicating hole which connects a pressure chamber and a nozzle is gradually shifted in a paper feeding direction, and a position at which the nozzle is formed is also shifted in the paper feeding direction. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease the number of manufacturing lines and to reduce the manufacturing cost as compared to those in a conventional method of manufacturing a liquid droplet jetting head.
US08007077B2	Inkjet head An inkjet head includes a recording element substrate, on which sets of energy generating elements generating energy to discharge ink and a supply port supplying ink to discharge ports are arranged, and an orifice plate including the discharge ports. The sets include a set having a first supply port disposed at a first edge of the substrate and a set having a second supply port disposed at a second edge of the substrate opposite the first edge. The distance between the second edge and the second supply port is shorter than the distance between the first edge and the first supply port. A contact area between the substrate and second channel walls that form second ink channels communicating with the second supply port is larger than the contact area between the substrate and first channel walls that form first ink channels communicating with the first supply port.
US08007072B2	Cleaning blade, method of fabricating cleaning blade, and cleaning apparatus for liquid discharge head A cleaning blade which wipes a liquid discharge area by being moved relatively with respect to the liquid discharge area of a liquid discharge head having the liquid discharge area in which liquid discharge nozzles are arranged to discharge a liquid is disclosed. The cleaning blade includes: a supporting plate which has an adhesive agent layer on its front surface; and a wipe part which is slid and contacted with the liquid discharge area, the wipe part formed in which an elastic part formed of a synthetic resin is formed in one piece on the adhesive agent layer, and a tip end thereof is cut in a predetermined shape.
US08007071B2	Image forming apparatus and information recording medium An image forming apparatus includes: a liquid tank which retains a liquid; a liquid jetting head connected to the liquid tank and having a nozzle for jetting the liquid; a carriage on which the liquid tank and the liquid jetting head are provided; a recovery mechanism which recovers the liquid jetting head; a memory which retains predetermined history information; and a controller which controls the recovery mechanism based on the history information. The recovery mechanism selectively executes a first recovery operation for discharging air from the liquid tank and a second recovery operation for discharging air from the liquid tank and for discharging the liquid from the nozzle, and the controller controls the recovery mechanism to perform the first recovery operation if the history information in the memory includes an abnormality when a power of the image forming apparatus is switched ON.
US08007068B2	Printer having recycling ink and pressure-equalized upstream and downstream ink lines A printer comprising a printhead and a pressure-regulating chamber containing ink at a predetermined first level relative to the printhead. The chamber comprises an outlet port, a return port positioned in a base of the chamber, a snorkel extending from the return port and terminating at a snorkel outlet positioned above the first level of ink, and an air vent open to atmosphere. An upstream ink line interconnects the outlet port and an ink inlet of the printhead. A downstream ink line interconnects the return port and an ink outlet of the printhead. The downstream ink line has a section looping below the first level of ink. In a printing configuration, a second level of ink in the snorkel is equal to the first level of ink in the chamber.
US08007067B2	Ink jet print head, ink jet printing apparatus, and method for manufacturing ink jet print head The present invention is able to print high-grade images by reducing the adverse effect of misdirection of ink in the joining portion between adjacent nozzle lines. To achieve this, an ink jet print head includes a plurality of chips in each of which adjacent nozzle lines are formed. The relative positions of the chips are set depending on the amounts of misdirection of ink ejected from overlapping nozzles in the joining portion.
US08007065B2	Printer control circuitry for reading ink information from a refill unit A refill unit for refilling an ink cartridge that forms part of an inkjet printer. The printer also having a printhead, control circuitry and an interface for releasably engaging the refill unit. The refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, an ink outlet, and a memory circuit for storing information relating to at least one characteristic of the ink. During use the memory circuit allows to the control circuit to interrogate it to verify that the ink in the refill unit is suitable for the printer.
US08007062B2	System and method for applying a reflectance modifying agent to improve the visual attractiveness of human skin A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, an area of human skin, and applies a modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level, typically to make the skin appear more youthful and so more attractive. The system scans the frexel, identifies unattractive attributes, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer. The identified attributes relate to reflectance and may refer to features such as irregular-looking light and dark spots, age-spots, scars, and bruises. Identified attributes may also relate to the surface topology of the skin, for more precisely enhancing surface irregularities such as bumps and wrinkles. Feature mapping may be used, for example to make cheeks appear pinker and cheekbones more prominent. The RMA can be applied in agreement with identified patterns, such as adding red to a red frexel, or in opposition, such as adding green or blue to a red frexel, according to idealized models of attractiveness.
US08007059B2	Intensive use furniture A contraband barrier on a mounting surface for use on an intensive use furniture component providing a sealing connection between the mounting surface and a floor or wall to prevent liquid from seeping under or behind the furniture component and discourage hiding contraband between the floor or wall and the mounting surface. The furniture component is formed by an outer shell having a side wall extending generally perpendicular to the mounting surface. A mounting flange is disposed adjacent the sidewall. A bolt hole is formed in the mounting flange. The sealing connection comprises a caulk channel formed as a channel in the mounting surface for receiving a bead of caulk to fill the seam between the mounting surface and the wall or floor to prevent fluid from seeping past the caulk channel to a space adjacent the interior mounting surface.
US08007057B2	Method and system for controlling the creep behavior of a vehicle equipped with an automated clutch A method and system for controlling the creeping behavior of a vehicle equipped with an automated clutch (4). According to the method for controlling the creeping behavior of a vehicle equipped with an automated clutch (4), the actuation of a brake actuation element (34) is detected. In addition, a creep parameter, which influences creeping and whose magnitude influences the actuation position of the clutch (4), is modified with an increasing actuation of the brake actuation element (34) to reduce the creeping behavior.
US08007055B2	Electronic system for operating an electromechanical parking brake An electronic system to operate an electromechanical parking brake for a land vehicle comprises at least one input unit to detect a driver request for parking brake and at least two control units in connection with the input unit to evaluate the driver request for parking brake transmitted thereto. The control units are in connection with at least one actuator for activating the parking brake, in order to control said actuator. In addition, the system comprises an energy supply to feed the input unit, and the control units of the at least one actuator. On occurrence of a single fault from a set of possible fault states in the system, at least one control unit and at least one actuator are supplied with energy and/or control signals, the at least one control unit supplied controls the at least one actuator supplied so that the land vehicle is fixed in a parked position when a corresponding driver request for parking brake is present.
US08007051B2	Shank assembly In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a carbide bolster disposed intermediate an impact tip and a shank assembly. The impact tip comprises a superhard material bonded to a carbide substrate, and the tip is bonded to the bolster opposing a base of the bolster. The shank assembly comprises a central axis, a first end that protrudes into a cavity formed in the base of the bolster, and also an inducible attachment mechanism disposed proximate the first end. The inducible attachment mechanism is adapted to attach the shank assembly to the carbide bolster and restrict movement of the shank assembly with respect to the carbide bolster. The attachment mechanism may restrict movement of the shank assembly in a direction parallel to the central axis.
US08007045B2	Headrest for a vehicle seat The invention relates to a headrest (10) for a vehicle seat, comprising a central part (11) containing a cushion support and a cushion that is held on top of a seat back by means of at least one support rod, the front region of said headrest having a head support region (17). The cushion support is optionally pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivoting axis (x). A respective lateral part (12) is pivotally mounted on each side of the head support region (17), about a displacement axis (y), which extends respectively in a lateral direction in relation to the central part (11) and which is located in the upper region of the central part (11). The displacement axis (y) extends obliquely at a first angle (a) to the pivoting axis (x) and to a horizontal projection plane that is common to the pivoting axis (x) and backwards (h) in relation to the head support region (17), the displacement axis (y) being situated on a horizontal plane that runs parallel to the pivoting axis (x).
US08007040B2	Furniture piece with a support member and recessed fastener A furniture piece that may include a support member with opposing first and second surfaces. A recess may extend into the first surface. The support member may also include a first aperture within the recess that extends through to the second surface. A brace may be positioned to support the support member. The brace may include a second aperture that aligns with the first aperture. A fastener that includes a head and an outwardly-extending neck may attach the support member and brace together. The head may seat within the recess and the neck may extend through the first and second apertures. One or more spacers may be positioned along the neck to position the head relative to the support member. A thickness of the head may be less than a depth of the recess such that a surface of the head is flush with the first surface of the support member or positioned within the recess below the first surface of the support member.
US08007038B2	Vehicle body of a motor vehicle with a side sill According to the invention, a side sill of a vehicle body of a motor vehicle comprises an outer shell and an inner shell connected to each other via flanges. A reinforcement is removably attached to the outside of the outer shell, which reinforcement extends essentially over the entire length of the side sill in the vehicle longitudinal direction. By means of this reinforcement, a load introduced onto a point of the side sill is absorbed and distributed. This is especially relevant to achieving better crash characteristics in a side pole crash.
US08007036B2	Inner panel for vehicle According to an inner panel for vehicles of the present invention, a bead forming surface is so provided as to extend continuously with an upper edge part of a wall rising from a bottom surface of the inner panel. Upper beads and lower beads are formed on the bead forming surface. The upper and lower beads extend in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and are arranged alternately in a width direction of the vehicle. The bead forming surface is positioned above a middle position between an upper surface of the upper bead and a lower surface of the lower bead. Further, the bead forming surface is positioned lower than the upper surface of the upper bead by 3 mm or more. With this structure, a sufficient first acceleration wave can be secured by expanding a stress propagation range in a direction perpendicular to the length of the beads with respect to the first acceleration wave and, also, by reducing a local deformation to be caused by a deformation load from the above of the vehicle during a head impact. Further, with respect to a load from below of the vehicle when contacting built-in components, the inner panel is easily crushed, which can lower a second acceleration wave.
US08007035B2	Front structure of a vehicle body A structure of a vehicle body is provided with an upper radiator support disposed in an upper front area of an engine compartment and an upper member supported by the upper radiator support. The upper member is disposed between the upper radiator support and a front portion of a hood covering the upper portion of the engine compartment. The upper member is provided with a main body portion extending along a lateral direction of a vehicle at an upper portion of the upper radiator support, a leg portion extending downwardly from each lateral end of the main body portion, and a hood lock disposed between the leg portions. Lower ends of the leg portions are coupled to the upper radiator support.
US08007034B2	Vehicle body structure including a canister When a luggage floor moves forward of the vehicle by an external force from the rear of the vehicle, a front surface portion of the luggage floor strikes left and right rear side leg portions of a rear suspension member to avoid applying an input load to the canister. The canister is disposed at nearly the same position as the left and right rear side leg portions of the rear suspension member or at a position more forward than that position.
US08007032B1	Energy distributing side structure for vehicle side impact occupant protection An energy distributing side structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The side structure includes a B-pillar having a wide base and an internal reinforcing tube, a rocker having an internal bulkhead, a rear rocker, and at least one cross-member extending vehicle-inward from the rocker. The cross-member may extend to the vehicle tunnel and may be attached to a tunnel brace. One or more additional cross-members may be provided which also extend vehicle-inward from the rocker and define secondary load paths. By this arrangement loading is transferred to the floor and cross-members of the vehicle during a lateral impact event.
US08007022B2	Front window shield for vehicle There is provided a vehicle having a simple and inexpensive structure that assists the driving sense. A front window shield 1 of a vehicle 100 is provided with a pair of marks 2 and 3 substantially horizontally aligned. The marks 2 and 3 are formed at the same height at the left and right sides of the front window shield 1. A driver perceives a virtual line L by the marks 2 and 3 on the front window shield 1, and trackings the line of sight W1 are induced to move such as to gather between the bottom end line (herein, a line of an instrument panel 6) and a virtual line L.
US08007020B2	Flexible interior component There is disclosed a vehicle console trim component. The trim component can include an articulated door with a plurality of slats, a substrate, and a flexible layer including a pattern for decoration disposed on and supported by the substrate. The flexible layer will maintain the pattern for decoration as the articulated door is cycled. The pattern for the vehicle trim component may be a photographic image. An overcoat also can be disposed on the flexible layer.
US08007018B2	One-finger gripper device The invention concerns a one-finger gripper device that comprises a pneumatic actuator (10) with a control piston (16) that is connected to a gripper jaw (19) for the movement of the latter between an active and idle position, and where the gripper jaw (19) is set up and susceptible to linear movements on a (Y) axis at right angles to the (X) axis of the control piston, the piston and the gripper jaw being connected to each other by a transmission at 90°.
US08007017B2	Striker plate, a door jamb assembly and a method of securing a striker plate to a door surround structure A striker plate having projections such that when the striker plate is inserted into a door surround structure the projections provide sufficient biasing to retain the striker plate in a desired lateral and vertical location whilst it is secured to the door surround structure. The projections are preferably integrally formed resilient elements adapted to engage with grooves in walls of a door surround structure. An adjustment mechanism may also be provided to adjust the spacing of the striker plate from a door surround structure.
US08007014B2	Axially-tensioned pipe joint An axially tensioned pipe joint for joining two pipes is disclosed. The pipe joint comprises a first PVC pipe having an outer surface. The pipe joint also comprises a second PVC pipe having a bell end which fits onto the spigot end. The bell end has a plurality of angularly-spaced-apart holes extending radially through the bell end. A set of radial fasteners can be inserted into the holes so as to engage the outer surface of the spigot end to prevent relative axial movement of the first pipe with respect to the second pipe. The radial fasteners have a surface containing a hard material which is harder than the material of the second pipe and roughen the holes during insertion thereby creating a friction fit resisting removal of the radial fasteners. The pipe joint can be used for horizontal direction drilling.
US08007010B2	Hydraulic line attachment device and method A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly. A method for using a hydraulic line attachment device is provided.
US08007009B2	Male coupling for connecting to female threaded coupling In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move between locking and releasing positions. The locking member includes a retaining formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when the locking member is in its locking position. The male coupling further includes a locking sleeve disposed about and axially movable with respect to the body between first and second positions. After insertion of the male coupling into the female coupling and upon movement of the locking sleeve to its first position, the locking sleeve forces the locking member to move to its locking position causing the retaining formation of the locking member to engage the internal threads of the female coupling, thereby locking the male coupling and the female coupling together.
US08007007B1	Multileaf back loading and back unloading binder for menus, photos, cards and the like A multileaf back loading and back unloading binder for menus, photos, cards and the like which includes front and back covers and a series of transparent interconnected pockets between the front and back covers and a removable and replaceable binder backing for providing ready access from the rear to the pockets.
US08007006B2	Anti-corrosion skate guard The present invention provides a skate guard for receiving a blade of an ice skate, the skate guard comprising a pouch and a corrosion inhibitor.
US08006994B2	Auxiliary wheel structure for kid bicycle An auxiliary wheel structure for kid bicycle includes a mounting bracket fixedly mounted to an end of a rear wheel hub of the bicycle, a lifting arm pivotally connected at an end to an upper through hole on the mounting bracket, and an auxiliary wheel axle pivotally connected at an inner end to a lower through hole on the mounting bracket and fixedly connected at an outer end to an auxiliary wheel. One of the lifting arm and the auxiliary wheel axle is provided with a small hole while the other one of them is provided with a plurality of adjusting holes. A control assembly can be extended through the small hole and one of the adjusting holes to change a pivotal interval between the lifting arm and the auxiliary wheel axle, and thereby adjust an inclination angle of the auxiliary wheel at each lateral side of the rear wheel.
US08006991B2	Construction machine In a hydraulic excavator, in a rear part of an upper rotating body mounted on a lower traveling body is disposed an engine room, and in a front surface of a partition wall for partitioning the front surface side of the engine room from the exterior is provided a step serving as a foothold for opening and closing a bonnet and performing maintenance work. On the lower side of the step, a duct for exhausting the air within the engine room to the exterior is formed in a state that the step serves as an upper surface wall of the duct.
US08006989B2	Wheel suspension for a motor vehicle A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis, and a body spring configured as a torsion bar spring for absorbing rotational movements of the transverse control arm about the longitudinal axis. The body spring is disposed on the transverse control arm so as to rotate with it, with a first end. An electromechanical actuator for changing the angle of rotation of the body spring is disposed at a second end of the body spring. The wheel suspension has a damping element. The second end of the body spring is connected with a stress relief spring that is configured as a torsion bar spring, disposed coaxially with the body spring, and can be attached to the vehicle body.
US08006987B2	Cast trailing arm assembly for trailer suspension A trailing arm assembly for a suspension includes at least first and second cast components. The first and second cast components are welded to each other to substantially surround an outer perimeter of an axle member. The first cast component is then welded to one side of the axle member at a first weld and the second cast component is welded to an opposite side of the axle member at a second weld. One of the first and second cast components includes an integrally formed air spring seat and the other of the first and second cast components includes an integrally formed bushing housing for connection to a frame.
US08006986B1	Multi-station voting booth with storage/utility cart A portable voting booth having multiple voting stations combined with a single utility/storage cart. The cart includes portable voting booth stations that can be deployed from the cart with privacy shields that are formed integral and can be erected instantly for privacy. Privacy booths are placed at various levels to accommodate individuals of various heights, including wheelchair bound individuals. Beneath the retractable voting stations is an area for storage of voting materials, allowing the materials to be assembled in a remote location and sealed within the utility cart for storage. The cart then can be moved to the particular locations for the voting procedure. At the voting location, the seal can be broken and the ballots accessed. Upon completion of the voting process the cart can be resealed with the cast ballots.
US08006985B2	Transporting loads A load-carrying dolly having four wheels (6, 7) adjacent the corners of its platform (1) is rendered immobile by conversion to a pallet-like condition by lowering bearers (9, 10, 11) into contact with the floor or ground (24) and then raising the platform (1) slightly to raise the wheels (6, 7) clear of the floor or ground by means of either of two pedals (25, 32), one below each end of the platform (1), with linkage (of either of two forms, not shown) to bars (23) connecting in “slave” pairs of toggle links (20, 21) by means of which the bearers are suspended through beams (33) connecting upward extensions (12, 13, 14) at the ends of the bearers (9, 10, 11), the toggle links in each pair becoming locked by mating abutments (28) coming together when the links have passed slightly beyond in-line position, the mechanical advantage of the depressed pedal (25 or 32) being amplified by that of the pairs of toggle links when passing through in-line positions.
US08006980B1	Beer pong table with cooling system A beer pong table is provided herein which, includes an elongated, planar member having a top surface. A hole extends through the top surface and at least partially through the planar member so as to define a first recess in the planar member, with a cooling arrangement being disposed in the first recess. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a beer pong table may be provided with a recessed cooling arrangement. The recessed arrangement provides flexibility in cup arrangement during play and facilitates cleaning.
US08006978B2	Gaming system, device and method involving a plurality of rotors interchangeably operable in a decoupled mode and a coupled mode A gaming table, method and device including a plurality of rotors interchangeably operable in a decoupled mode and a coupled mode. The system includes a rotor coupler and a coupler actuator. The system provides an award associated with an indication of a combination of symbols of the rotors.
US08006970B2	Processing of stacks of sheets of securities into bundles and packs of bundles There is described a method for processing stacks (1) of sheets of securities, especially banknotes, into bundles (3) and bundle packs (4), said sheets each having an array of security prints printed thereon which array comprises M columns and N rows. According to this method, each stack (1) of sheets is processed into M successive bundle groups (3) of N individual bundles (3) each and these M successive bundle groups (3) are stored in M separate storage areas (11), which storage areas (11) are vertically superposed, whereby each one of the M successive bundle groups (3) is stored in a predetermined one of the M separate storage areas (11). Subsequent stacks (1) of sheets are processed, whereby each one of the M successive bundle groups (3) processed from said subsequent stacks (1) of sheets is piled in the same predetermined one of said M separate storage areas (11) as the first stack (1) of sheets. When K stacks (1) of sheets have been processed, each storage area (11) contains a complete set (4*) of N bundle packs (4) of K bundles (3) each. There is also described a bundle collating system (10) for collecting the bundles (3) processed according to the above collating method.
US08006957B2	Spool shaft support structure for dual-bearing reel The spool shaft comprises a shaft portion, two annular first annular portions arranged on opposite ends of the shaft portion, and an annular second larger diameter portion arranged on the end of the shaft portion positioned remote from a center of the spool. Each of the first annular portions and the second larger diameter portion have an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion. The second larger diameter portion is arranged on an outward side of the first annular portion in the axial direction so as to create a space therein between the first annular portion and second larger diameter portion.
US08006953B2	Luer hub connector A luer hub connector comprises a hub having a cylindrical bore extending there through. The hub is adapted to have a luer device connected at one end. A cap having a hollow nozzle extending therefrom is formed at the other end of the hub. A cylindrical spring-like member is positioned within the bore in the hub, and a septum membrane closes the end of the spring-like member. A sliding, hollow sleeve member is received in the bore of the hub member, with a hollow nozzle extending from the sleeve member into the bore of the spring-like member. When a luer device is threaded onto the end of the hub, it contacts and drives the sleeve member towards the septum. The end of the hollow nozzle is pushed through the septum, and the spring-like member is also compressed. When the luer device is removed, the spring-like member pushes the sleeve member back, and the hollow nozzle withdraws out of contact with the septum. The septum then closes and seals.
US08006951B2	Solenoid valve for hydraulic brake systems with pressure-assisted closing of the valve Disclosed is a solenoid valve having a magnet unit and a valve cartridge having a capsule, an armature guided longitudinally in the capsule and connected to a sealing pin guided longitudinally inside a valve insert, and a valve body with a sealing seat; a magnetic force generated by the magnet unit moves the armature together with the sealing pin from an initial position toward the valve body counter to the force of a return spring, causing the sealing pin to move into and close the sealing seat in an end position, where the initial position represents a maximum volumetric flow between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. A spring support is embodied and situated so that the return spring is supported outside the volumetric flow and presses the armature into the initial position against the capsule, and the inlet and outlet are embodied and situated so that the direction of the volumetric flow assists the closing motion of the armature with the sealing pin.
US08006948B2	Corner accesory for ducts A corner accessory for placing at the junction between at least two ducts that extend in different directions, includes two distinct flaps, one of which has a projecting element and the other of which includes an elongate opening, the projecting element being engaged in the elongate opening so as to move along a longitudinal direction of the opening to allow the flaps to move relative to each other. According to the invention, the elongate opening has a longitudinal edge parallel to the longitudinal direction and opening out locally to a slot that opens out into a free edge of the flap.
US08006946B2	Bird feeder A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.
US08006942B2	Hot rail wheel bearing detection A system for detecting a moving hot bearing or wheel of a rail car is provided. The system includes a first comparator to receive input signals representative of radiation emitted by the moving hot rail car bearing or wheel, and to compare the input signals to a threshold value. The system further includes a counter for counting incidents of the input signals exceeding the threshold value and a second comparator to compare a number of incidents of the input signals exceeding the threshold value to a count threshold as an indication of detection of a hot rail car bearing or wheel.
US08006941B2	System for reducing aerodynamic noise at a supplementary wing of an aircraft A system for reducing aerodynamic noise of a supplementary wing of an aircraft is provided. The supplementary wing is hinged to a main wing and is extendable when a gap region between the main wing and the supplementary wing is opened. The system includes a separating surface which can be moved into the gap region when the supplementary wing is extended and which extends at least partially along a separation flow line between a vortex flow region and a gap flow for the air flowing in the gap region. The separating surface is an n-stable surface which through an actuator device can be moved between at least one of the stable states and at least one additional state.
US08006940B2	Method and apparatus for deploying an auxiliary lift foil Apparatus connecting an auxiliary lift foil, such as a flap or slat, to a main lift element. The apparatus comprises: a drop link pivotally coupled to the main lift element by a first hinge and to the auxiliary lift foil by a second hinge, wherein the drop link is substantially rigid between the first and second hinges; and a linkage mechanism pivotally coupled to the auxiliary lift foil by a third hinge which is spaced from the second hinge, and to the main lift element by as fourth hinge.The linkage mechanism comprises: a second link pivotally coupled to the airfoil by the third hinge; a third link pivotally coupled to the drop link and/or the auxiliary lift foil by a fifth hinge; and a lever pivotally coupled to the main lift element by a fourth hinge, to the second link by a sixth hinge, and to the third link by a seventh hinge.The drop link is rotated clockwise about the first hinge. In a first phase the auxiliary lift foil is rotated anticlockwise about the second hinge relative to the drop link, and in a second phase it is rotated clockwise about the second hinge relative to the drop link.
US08006939B2	Over-wing traveling-wave axial flow plasma accelerator A method to manipulate a fluid flow over a surface is provided. This method may be used to reduce drag, improve the lift to drag (L/D) ratio, attach fluid flow, or reduce flow noise at the surface. This involves flowing a fluid over the surface wherein the fluid contains positively charged ions and electrons. An electric field accelerates ions and electrons in directions parallel to the electric field. A magnetic field at the surface redirects ions and electrons based on their velocity and charge. The magnetic field imparts little force on the relatively heavy and slow moving positive ions but has a significant impact on the relatively fast moving, light weight electrons. This results in a non-zero net change in the total momentum of the positive ions and electrons allowing thrust to be realized. This thrust may be sufficient for vehicle propulsion or manipulation of the fluid flow around the vehicle. Pulsed and traveling wave implementations of this body force enable exploitation of frequencies to which the flow is sensitive, improving effectiveness of this method.
US08006934B2	Heating architecture for a composite fairing A composite fairing with embedded heating architecture for ice protection includes heating elements arranged on various fairing plies for heating substantially all of the composite fairing. The heating elements are positioned to provide ice protection to substantial portions of the external surface of the composite fairing. Junctions, busbars, and plated through holes are used for delivering electric current to the heating elements on the various fairing plies.
US08006933B2	Airborne power station Disclosed is a system for generating power from sunlight collected substantially above the earth's surface, comprised of an airborne platform which supports an apparatus to collect sunlight, an apparatus to convert sunlight to electricity, and an apparatus to transmit the electricity to a selected location on the earth's surface. The invention collects solar energy above the clouds and transmits the energy to a receiving station on the ground via a cable, thereby avoiding the attenuating effects of clouds and pollution, resulting in an improved solar power generation system.
US08006930B2	Reel A reel is provided that may raise the rigidity of the hub, and suppress flange deformation that is caused by winding tension of recording tape. The reel is provided with: a cylindrical hub on which recording tape may be wound; a top flange extending integrally to the hub from a peripheral edge at one end portion of the hub; a bottom flange, including a bottom wall that has had a reel plate fixed thereto, the bottom flange being welded to a portion of the hub at the opposite end of the hub to the end of the top flange, the welding site being within the region where the reel plate is fixed.
US08006923B2	Smooth bore nozzle with adjustable bore A firefighting nozzle of the present invention includes a nozzle body with an inlet and an outlet, a passageway having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet of the nozzle body, and a compressible member defining at least a portion of the passageway. The compressible member has an inner dimension transverse to the longitudinal central axis. The nozzle also includes an adjuster mounted about the compressible member for selectively compressing the compressible member, wherein the pressure of the fluid flowing into the nozzle applies an outwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby increase the inner dimension of the compressible member, and with at least a portion of the pressure being diverted from the passageway for applying an inwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby at least reduce the force needed to be applied by the adjuster to counter-act the outwardly directed pressure when adjusting the flow rate of the nozzle.
US08006922B2	Aerator of a plumbing fixture An aerator for a plumbing fixture is provided, especially for a washstand, water basin or tub. The plumbing fixture includes a water outlet that leads to a forward outlet end in which an aerator that is penetrated by the water is pivotally mounted via a swiveling mechanism, particularly a joint, which is removably fixed. The pivotable aerator is mounted within an outer ring that is screwed into the outlet end.
US08006918B2	Alternating current powered delivery system An air treatment device having a piezoelectric actuator powered by a transformer. The transformer has dual inputs comprising oppositely wound coils and input power signals 180 degrees out of phase. This arrangement provides a stronger drive signal to the actuator.
US08006914B2	Method of identifying object using portion of random pattern identified via fiducial A method of identifying an object having coded data identifying a plurality of fiducials on a surface of the object and a random pattern superimposed with the coded data. The random pattern defines a fingerprint for the object. The method includes the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, fingerprint data from a data reader interacting with the surface, the fingerprint data identifying some of the random pattern and a fiducial; using the fiducial to identify a portion of the random pattern; and identifying, using the identified portion of the random pattern, an object identity.
US08006912B2	Coding pattern with flags for determining tag data or block data A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of contiguous tags. Each tag comprises: a plurality of data symbols, including a plurality of first data symbols; a plurality of data elements; and one or more flags. The flags indicated either that: the first data symbols define first data contained in the tag; or the first data symbols define a fragment of second data. The second data is embedded in a block of said tags and is typically a public-key digital signature. The first data is typically a secret-key digital signature.
US08006907B2	Card reader with locking device In accordance with the invention, in a card reader comprising a pivot arm that engages behind an inserted card, a locking element that can be displaced in the insertion direction of the card and, in a locking position, blocks a pivoting motion of the pivot arm out of the engaging pivot position, a toothed wheel which is driven by a pinion and on which the locking element eccentrically engages, and at least one stop face that cooperates with the card reader for limiting the rotation of the toothed wheel, the at least one stop face is provided on the pinion.
US08006901B2	Mobile terminal, register device, and commodity sale processing system A mobile terminal is provided. A scanner unit reads code information attached to a commodity. A RAM stores the code information read by the scanner unit as commodity-for-purchase information. The scanner unit, to confirm whether the commodity-for-purchase information stored in the RAM is correct, the scanner unit reads the code information of one part of the commodity-for-purchase. A CPU switches from reading for storage to reading for confirmation. It is determined whether information contained in the code information read by the scanner unit is stored in the RAM. A display displays a result of the determination.
US08006896B2	Banknote handling apparatus To improve the work efficiency of an operator, a banknote handling apparatus includes a first operating part that receives an instruction, a banknote handling section that handles banknotes on the basis of the instruction received by the first operating part, a first displaying part that is provided on the same surface as the first operating part, a second displaying part that is provided on a surface different from the surface of the first displaying part, and a controller that displays information on handling of the banknote handling section in the first and second displaying parts.
US08006892B2	Method for forming a tight-fitting silver surface on an aluminium piece The invention relates to a method for forming a highly electroconductive surface on an aluminum piece. A highly conductive layer of silver is formed on the piece by means of a eutectic join. The temperature of the aluminum piece is raised gradually and the oxide layer formed on the surface of the piece is removed. After the first heating stage, the silver piece that is to be attached is transferred to the cleaned surface. The contact point is heated to a temperature where a eutectic bond is generated between the aluminum and silver. During the second heating stage a slight momentary loading is applied to the contact point.
US08006891B2	Robot cell A robotic welding cell includes a frame, a robot arm connected to the frame, a welding gun affixed to the robot arm, a welding table connected to the welding frame, and means to move the welding table in or about at least two mutually perpendicular axes. A welding table assembly for use in a robot welding cell is also disclosed.
US08006890B2	Friction stir processing apparatus with a vibrator An apparatus for a friction stir and a friction stir processing of the present invention suppress an occurrence of a surface defect in an area processed by the friction stir. The apparatus for the friction stir includes a tool having a columnar tip-side part, a rotating unit for rotating the tool on a central axis, a first pressing unit for pressing a tip of the tool rotated by the rotating unit against a work, a jig having a tool insertion hole into which the tip-side part of the tool is inserted so that the tip-side part of the tool is encircled around the jig, a second pressing unit for slidably pressing the jig against the work, and a press control unit for controlling the first pressing unit so that the tip-side part of the tool is gradually pulled out of the work by the first pressing unit while moving the tool and the jig relative to the work, in a state that the tool is rotated by the rotating unit and the tip of the tool has been sunk into the work to a predetermined depth by the first pressing unit.
US08006888B2	Multiple coil staple and staple applier A multiple coil staple is provided which includes a backspan and a pair of spaced legs. The backspan includes one or more pockets configured to induce coiling of the legs of the staple. A multiple coil staple applier is also provided which includes a pusher having a distal face defining a staple engagement surface and one or more staple deforming pockets. Each staple deforming pocket is configured to induce coiling of the legs of a staple. The multiple coil staple and staple applier facilitate joining of tissues having wider ranges of thicknesses using a single size staple.
US08006887B2	Surgical stapling apparatus with powered articulation The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus.
US08006886B2	Stapler for endoscopes A stapling device for a surgical endoscopic device provided with at least one flexible portion, comprising a staple-firing portion and an anvil portion, wherein one of the staple firing portions and one of the anvil portions are located longitudinally displaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic device, with at least a part of said flexible portion between them. The parts of the stapling device are in correct working relationship when one or more alignment and/or locking pins or screws that are stored in one of the staple firing portions or one of the anvil portions are extended and engage and lock or screw into receptacles that have been provided on the other of the staple firing portion or of the anvil portion.
US08006879B2	Gas combustion type driving tool A driving piston 4 is provided slidably up and down in a driving cylinder 3 arranged in a tool body 1. By moving a movable sleeve 10 provided at the upper portion of the driving cylinder 3 up and down, the movable sleeve 10 is brought into contact with and separated from the driving cylinder 3 and a cylinder head 8 provided above the driving cylinder 3, whereby a combustion chamber can be opened and closed. Mixture gas obtained by stirring and mixing combustible gas and air together in the combustion chamber by a fan 16 is ignited by an ignition plug 15 disposed at the cylinder head 8 and explosively combusted. By this high-pressure combustion gas, the driving piston 4 is impulsively driven, and a driver 5 coupled to the lower surface side of the driving piston drives nails. Between an exposed base portion of a center electrode of the ignition plug 15 which is exposed to the outside facedown and a leading end of the center electrode, there is provided a stagnation part 25 which stagnates temporarily a residue remaining after the combustion of the mixture gas.
US08006875B2	Transportable support system for dive equipment A transportable support system for underwater dive equipment that is durable, lightweight, adjustable, and compact, allowing the diver to effectively and rapidly secure his fins, regulator assembly, mask, and various other items for storage and/or transport. The support system can be employed with a “hands free” design via the use of a shoulder strap, or secured in a dive bag or suitcase for airline travel.
US08006873B2	Pressure package system A pressure package system for providing a working pressure on a fluid included in a pressure package, the system being provided with a pressure package in which a product chamber is included for holding the fluid and in which a working pressure chamber is included for keeping a propellant at the working pressure, the system being further provided with a pressure controller and a high-pressure chamber connected with the pressure controller for keeping the propellant in supply at a relatively high pressure, the pressure package system being further provided with a wall which is of elastic and/or flexible design, a first side of the wall bounding the working pressure chamber at least partly and a second side of the wall, facing away from the working pressure chamber, bounding the product chamber at least partly.
US08006871B2	Liquid-dispensing device A liquid-dispensing device includes a liquid-containing unit, a flexible tube, a nozzle, and a cam mechanism. The flexible tube is connected to the liquid-containing unit. The nozzle is connected to the flexible tube. The cam mechanism includes first and second cams, and first and second cam followers. The first and second cams are co-rotatable. Each of the first and second cam followers is driven by a respective one of the first and second cams to move to a squeezing position, where each of the first and second cam followers exerts a squeezing force on the flexible tube.
US08006869B2	Foam dispensing device A foam dispensing device is provided which can prevent water from entering without disturbing an introduction of outer air. The foam dispensing device includes a base cap with a hollow neck portion mounted on a mouth portion of a container; a pump suspended from a lower face of the base cap having two discharge channels for suctioning, pressurizing and discharging a content in the container and the outer air individually; and a pressing head with a nozzle for actuating the pump. The pressing head includes a cover that surrounds the hollow neck portion and that is opened at its lower side. A seal member for closing a gap the cover and the hollow neck portion in the initial position of the pressing head is provided on at least one of a lowermost end of the cover and an uppermost end of the hollow neck portion.
US08006866B2	Ratio control in postmix dispenser A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system (82), diluent delivery system (78), concentrate delivery system (74), mixing and dispensing system (76), and control system. The refrigeration system (82) employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle (80) that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.
US08006863B2	Container The present invention is a square-shaped product container having a bail pivotally attached to an upper portion of opposite corners of the container. A mating lid for the container is formed which mates with a top portion of the container and has a tab which extends outward and downward from a sealing lip on the lid. The tab on the lid and the bail on the container work in conjunction when a user pulls downward on the bail and upward on the tab to easily pull the tab corner of the lid upward away from the container. Then, the remaining portion of the lid sealed to the container easily follows with forces upward on the lid and downward on the bail.
US08006860B2	Portable gum container There is disclosed a portable gum container, comprising a body. The body has a chewing gum holder, a sheet material dispenser, and a waste receptacle. The chewing gum holder is for holding chewing gum. The sheet material dispenser is for dispensing sheet material sized and shaped for wrapping about a piece of spent chewing gum. The waste receptacle is sized and shaped to contain the wrapped spent piece of chewing gum. Also disclosed is a portable gum container, comprising a body having a chewing gum holder, a waste receptacle and at least one piece of sheet material associated with the body for wrapping about a piece of spent chewing gum.
US08006858B2	Method for making mesh containers with a rail and mesh container formed therefrom The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.
US08006857B2	Cover assembly for trash bin A cover assembly for a trash bin includes a cover, a support ring, a pivoting device coupling to the cover and the support ring and a buffer device connecting to the pivoting device. The pivoting device provides an upward force to the cover, and the buffer device cushions the upward force from the pivoting device. The buffer device and the pivoting device allow the cover assembly to be lifted slowly and prevent a loud noise while lifting the cover quickly and while the cover bumps the trash bin.
US08006855B2	Internal truss system for semi-rigid containers A collapsible container defined by a continuous rigid structure and an integrated internal truss system. The continuous rigid structure is preferably four-sided such that it defines four continuous surfaces of a cube. The continuous rigid structure is collapsible due to at least one scoring line defined on at least one surface thereof. The internal truss system includes at least one inelastic member that is threaded through the surfaces of the continuous rigid structure to form a symmetrical and unitary support. A liner may be integrally affixed to each of the four sides and additionally provides a fifth side that forms the bottom of the container. A protective cover may be secured to the exterior of the continuous rigid structure for protecting the contained materials against the elements. The cover can be selectively sealed for rendering the container of the present invention substantially impervious to the elements.
US08006852B1	One piece convertible closure and a one piece convertible closure and container system A pharmaceutical storing and dispensing device having a closure and container. The container includes a container axis and a neck having a container stop device, a container opening edge defining a container opening, and a container engaging device positioned to engage the closure. The closure is a one piece convertible child resistant closure comprising an outer section, an inner section, and at least one armature integrally formed between the inner section and the outer section and attaching the inner section to the outer section. The inner section is axially moveable relative to the outer section between a child resistant position and a non child resistant position to convert the closure from a child resistant mode to a non child resistant mode.
US08006851B2	Child-proof capsule with a syringe doser The capsule comprises: an internal capsule (4), which inserts removably in a mouth (2) of a container (1) to be closed, having an external cover (5), creating a security opening of the container (1); a reducer (7) which is applied on the mouth (2) of the container (1) and which is provided with an upper wall (70), in which a hole (71) is afforded, in which a syringe doser (8) can be introduced. The reducer (7) comprises: at least a radial projection (72) in the upper wall (70) thereof, which inserts in an annular recess (40) internally afforded in the upper part of the internal capsule (4); a first annular cavity (73), delimited by an external wall (74) and an internal wall (75) which develop axially below the upper wall (70) of the reducer (7), in which upper wall (70) an overhang (20) developing axially from the upper end of the mouth (2) of the container (1) is anchored.
US08006847B2	Chip sorting device A casino chip sorting device may comprise a transport disc, a drive, an ejector, a cam, and a blade. The drive may be operably coupled to the transport disc, for rotating the transport disc, and the transport disc may have multiple recesses for collecting individual chips. The ejector may be extendable into a recess from beneath the transport disc to move a disc that is in the recess and the cam may be selectively rotatable by the drive to push the ejector into the recess. The blade may have an upper surface positioned to receive a casino chip moved by the ejector. Additionally, a processor associated with the casino chip sorting device may be programmed to recognize a jam.
US08006842B1	Packaging for authentication tokens Packaging for authentication tokens is disclosed that supports individual card-shaped tokens. The packaging supports multiple cards in a single tray that separates the cards from each other, protects the buttons of the cards from inadvertent activation, and protects the display window from damage. The packaging includes a tray having a base, walls extending from the base, a plurality of engagement members for holding each card, and a cover. The walls include a pair of sidewalls and at least one interior wall, each sidewall having an inner surface with a plurality of slots and the interior wall having an outer surface with a plurality of slots. The slots in the sidewalls correspond in number and location to the slots in the interior wall, the paired slots together forming a card engagement member.
US08006839B2	Method and apparatus for packaging medical devices In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a container system having an outer shell defining a cavity that is configured to receive a first medical device component therein. A support tray is sized for receipt within the outer shell of the container system and is supported above the first medical device component. In one exemplary embodiment, the support tray defines a second cavity that may receive a second medical device component. In addition, a retention tray may be positioned within the cavity of the support tray and supported above the second medical device component. The retention tray facilitates the retention of the support tray within the outer shell and also facilitates the retention of the first and second medical device components in their desired positions within the container system. Additionally, positioned to extend across an opening in the outer shell is a cover.
US08006838B2	Method for wrapping a long or round part, for example a steel part The invention relates to a method for wrapping a long or round part, for example a steel part, for instance in the form of a steel strip coil, a steel wire roll or a round steel part such as a roller bearing ring, the steel part being wrapped in a stretch film, in particular a plastic stretch film, in a helical and covering manner. In order to realize a short term wrapping of a long or round part, irrespective of its material properties, and as a reliable transport protection the invention proposes that a strip material which is significantly more resistant than the stretch film and has an adhesive coating on the side facing the stretch film is wound over the stretch film likewise in a covering manner.
US08006832B2	Keypsafe A key cover for preventing intoxicated persons from driving a vehicle, such key cover comprises a generally U-shaped member formed of a first predetermined material and having a first elongated leg member having a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined length and a second elongated leg member formed of a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined length. Such second predetermined length being shorter than the first predetermined length. Such second elongated leg member is substantially parallel to the first elongated leg member thereby forming a space therebetween for receiving a key portion of a car key. A means is disposed in such generally U-shaped member for preventing lateral movement of such key disposed between the first elongated leg member and the second elongated leg member. There is an aperture disposed on an outer portion of the second end of the first elongated leg member for receiving a key ring.
US08006830B2	Exteriorly mounted wear liner for bulk material conveyor belt systems A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a skirt, and a wear liner. The belt forms a continuous loop having an upper transfer run and a lower return run. The belt defines a theoretical, vertically oriented, center plane about which the belt is generally symmetric. The skirt has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run. The wear liner is removably attached to the skirt in a manner such that the skirt lies between the wear liner and the center plane. The wear liner has a lower edge that that extends above the transfer run and beneath the lower edge of the skirt.
US08006829B2	Motorized roller and motor unit for motorized roller A motorized roller includes a roller body of a cylindrical shape, in which a motor and a reducer are housed. The motorized roller has fixed shafts protruding out of both ends of the roller body. A first fixed shaft has a cavity, in which a first connector is housed. A second connector is connected to the first connector. The first fixed shaft has a first engaging part (inside screw) for preventing disengagement of the second connector, so that a part (screw forming part) of the second connector is engaged with the first engaging part.
US08006823B2	Handrail The invention encompasses a handrail for escalators or moving walkways that includes a grip piece of a thermoplastic elastomer including soft segments and hard segments and optionally a sliding layer arranged on the underside of the grip piece relative to the mounting orientation of the handrail. A ratio of the proportions of the soft segments to the hard segments is selected from a range with a lower limit of 1:1 and an upper limit of 9:1, or, in a variation, from a range with a lower limit of 1.5:1 and an upper limit of 6:1, or, in another variation, from a range with a lower limit of 2.5:1 and an upper limit of 4:1.
US08006821B2	Rotary anti-pullback unit of fletched fins A rotary anti-pullback unit is provided which comprises a rotor 22 and a frame 43 for rotatably supporting the rotor 22. Rotor 22 comprises a plurality of disks 25 arranged coaxially in a line and in axially spaced relation to each other, and a plurality of fletched fins 26 axially protruding from at least one radial surface 25a of disks 25 toward an opposite radial surface 25a of the other adjoining spaced disk 25. Rotor 22 is rotated concurrently with a bill 70 transported along each outer periphery of disks 25 in contact to transported bill 70 to radially inwardly move a flexible extracting tool 71 connected to bill 70, and bring tool 71 into tangled engagement with fin or fins 26 in order to prevent unduly extraction of bill 70.
US08006820B2	Clutch damper spring pocket improvement A torsional damper with a hub assembly and a disc assembly has coil springs disposed therebetween. The coil springs are disposed in pockets defined in part by apertures in opposed cover plates. The apertures have sharply angled end portions providing deflection relief near the ends of the coil springs.
US08006818B2	Transmission arrangement A transmission arrangement has a transmission housing, an output shaft for driving an implement, a drive component for driving the output shaft, a clutch arranged between the output shaft and the drive component for transmitting a torque, a brake device for braking or locking the output shaft in relation to the transmission housing, an annular piston which is supported so that it is axially displaceable on the output shaft and which in a first position serves to actuate the clutch and in a second position actuates the brake device, and a freewheel device, which allows the output shaft to be rotated over a limited part of its circumference whilst in a locked state.
US08006816B2	Combination cylinder with pawl-actuated emergency release device for the parking brake The invention relates to a combination cylinder including a service brake cylinder as an active service brake with at least one pressure-medium-actuated service brake piston which actuates a brake mechanism via a service brake piston rod, and a spring store brake cylinder as a passive parking brake with a spring store brake piston which is actuated by pressure medium counter to the action of at least one store spring, with the spring store brake piston transmitting the force of the at least one store spring to the service brake piston rod by a force-transmitting gearing in the parking braking situation. The invention provides for the gearing to be designed such that the movements of the spring store brake piston and of the service brake piston rod are coaxial and the force transmission ratio becomes greater with progressive stroke of the spring store brake piston.
US08006815B2	Parking brake assembly for railway vehicle brake system A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system.
US08006813B2	Method and arrangement for machine cooling A method of controlling the temperature of a brake arrangement for a machine is disclosed. The method includes providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the brake arrangement and sensing a first temperature of the fluid downstream of the brake arrangement. The method also includes determining a first temperature range for the brake arrangement and determining if the first sensed temperature falls in the first temperature range. The method also includes requesting an adjustment of at least one fluid parameter of the flow of pressurized fluid in response to determining that the first sensed temperature does not fall within the first temperature range such that the sensed temperature moves to the first temperature range.
US08006811B2	Loading dock wheel restraint comprising a flexible elongate member A wheel restraint for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock includes a flexible elongate member with one end that can be manually wrapped at least partially around at least one of the vehicle's wheels. The other end of the elongate member is connected to an anchor that is generally fixed relative to the dock. The anchor preferably includes a reel for taking up slack in the elongate member. When the restraint is not in use, the reel can take up and store the elongate member. The restraint preferably provides a signal that indicates whether the wheel is actually restrained. The restraint might also include a wheel chock coupled to the elongate member. A floor-mounted guide can help prevent interference between the elongate member and certain parts of the vehicle.
US08006807B2	Elevator group control apparatus An elevator group control apparatus includes a parameter calculating unit for determining a weighting factor for an item to be evaluated, which is calculated from a running distance estimated by an estimation arithmetic operation unit by taking into consideration a relation between a running distance of an elevator and a passenger average waiting time, and an evaluation arithmetic operation unit for calculating a total evaluated value from an item to be evaluated of a passenger waiting time, an item to be evaluated of the running distance, and the weighting factor determined by the parameter calculating unit. The elevator group control apparatus selects an elevator whose total evaluated value is the best from among the plurality of elevators, and assigns a hall call to the selected elevator.
US08006801B2	Noise damper for a compressed air device A noise damper for a compressed air device includes a tubular housing part provided with an air inlet and an inserted insulating material, in particular, an inserted knitted fabric roll. The air inlet is embodied in the envelope of the tubular housing part such that the supplied air tangentially flows through the insulating material or the knitted fabric roll, is radially deviated inside the tubular housing part, and axially flows out from at least one end of the tubular housing part.
US08006790B2	Vehicle and control method thereof, power output apparatus and control method thereof, and driving system and control method thereof In response to a driver's braking request operation, for example, the driver's depression of a brake pedal 85, a hybrid vehicle 20 sets a fraction of a regenerative braking torque by a motor MG2 and a fraction of a braking torque by a brake unit 90 relative to a preset braking torque demand Tr* according to the setting of a speed change ratio in a transmission 60 (steps S280, S290, S310, S320, S390, and S400). The hybrid vehicle 20 controls the motor MG2 to output the regenerative braking torque based on the preset braking torque demand Tr* and the set fraction of the regenerative braking torque, while controlling the brake unit 90 to enable the braking torque based on the preset braking force demand Tr* and the regenerative braking torque by the motor MG2 to be applied in a distributive manner at a preset front-rear braking torque distribution ratio ‘d’ to front wheels 39a and 39b and to rear wheels 39c and 39d.
US08006788B2	Maximum output setting device, driving device including the maximum output setting device, power output apparatus including the driving device, motor vehicle mounted with the power output apparatus, and maximum output setting method A maximum current Imax is calculated on the basis of an open-circuit voltage Voc, a lower limit voltage Vcapmin, and an internal resistance Rcap of a capacitor and a first maximum output Wcouttmp1 is calculated on the basis of the maximum current Imax and the lower limit voltage Vcapmin. A second maximum output Wcouttmp2 is calculated on the basis of the open-circuit voltage Voc and an open-circuit lower limit voltage Vocmin. A third maximum output Wcouttmp3 is calculated on the basis of a capacitor voltage Vcap and the lower limit voltage Vcapmin. A smallest value among the calculated three maximum outputs is set as an execution maximum output Wcout of the capacitor. A motor is controlled to be driven in a range of this execution maximum output Wcout.
US08006787B2	Hybrid vehicle In a hybrid vehicle having at least one electric motor which is usable as a generator and charges a vehicle battery during a recuperation phase, there is provided an additional actuating element independent of a brake system which is used to transfer the electric motor into its recuperation state without activating the brake system. Alternatively, the additional actuating element may operate in conjunction with the brake system, such that the brake pedal may also be used to transfer the electric motor into its recuperation state.
US08006785B2	Casing and liner drilling bits and reamers A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
US08006781B2	Method of monitoring wear of rock bit cutters A method of monitoring the wear of drill bits for drilling wells in earth formations, several embodiments of an improved drill bit for drilling a well in an earth formation, and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, the bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; introducing a wear detector into the bit; and providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear. The wear detector may be a witness material that may change a characteristic of at least a portion of the bit. The module may detect when the witness material is separated from the bit. The wear detector may be introduced during or after formation of the bit. The bit wear may be displayed for an operator.
US08006774B2	Device for cutting slits in a surface The invention relates to a device for cutting slits in a surface, for instance a turf cover, comprising a frame displaceable over the surface, a movable cutter on the frame and oriented during use toward the surface for the purpose of cutting slits in the surface. The invention is distinguished in that the device comprises collecting means for collecting the material cut from the surface by means of the cutter.The invention also relates to a dispensing device, comprising a filler material container, a channel to an outflow opening oriented toward a slit, which channel is connected to the filler material container, and a dispensing mechanism in at least one of the channel and the filler material container.
US08006772B2	Multi-cycle isolation valve and mechanical barrier A method for performing a wellbore-related activity may include positioning a sealing device along the wellbore; conveying a work string into the wellbore; using the work string to perform the activity; extracting the work string out of the wellbore; and shifting the sealing device to a closed position to seal a bore of the wellbore using a portion of the work string. A device that selectively seals or occludes a wellbore tubular may include a sealing device having a first and a second sealing element that seal a bore of the wellbore tubular. The first and second sealing elements may support a pressure applied in different directions. Pulling an engagement sleeve with the work string in an uphole direction may fold the first and second sealing elements into the closed position. The bore may be unsealed by applying a pressure cycle to shift the sealing device.
US08006768B2	System and method for controlling a downhole actuator A technique is provided for utilizing a hydraulic fluid metering control module in cooperation with a downhole component. The downhole component is shifted via hydraulic fluid delivered through first and/or second control lines to an actuator of the downhole component. The hydraulic fluid metering control module works in cooperation with the actuator and the control lines to enable shifting of the actuator according to a controlled, incremental process.
US08006765B2	Well servicing tool storage system for subsea well intervention A well servicing tool storage system for subsea well intervention is disclosed which provides a tool storage means as part of the intervention system and which has a plurality of tool storage arms deployed around the tool storage means. Each arm has a clamp capable of clamping a tool, and moving the clamped tool between a stored position near the perimeter of the tool storage means, and a deployed position in the centre of the tool storage means where the tool can be made up into a wireline connection.
US08006763B2	Method and system for installing subsea insulation Provided herein is a system and method for installing subsea insulation on flowlines, connectors and other subsea equipment by a remotely operated vehicle. This system provides a mold designed and built to suit the parameters of the subsea item to be insulated. The mold is installed around the subsea item to be insulated and then injected with a liquid solution of insulation material. The liquid solution is then allowed to solidify, forming a gel molded insulation.
US08006760B2	Clean fluid systems for partial monolayer fracturing Provided are methods that include a method comprising: placing a clean fluid comprising proppant particulates into a portion of a fracture in a subterranean formation, and depositing one or more of the proppant particulates into the fracture to form a partial monolayer. In another aspect, the invention provides methods that include placing a degradable fluid loss additive comprising collagen into a subterranean formation.
US08006757B2	Flow control system and method for downhole oil-water processing A technique is provided for processing well fluid downhole. The technique utilizes equipment for separating a well fluid downhole into a water component and an oil component. The separation of water and oil can be controlled by selecting an appropriately sized flow restrictor for use in limiting the flow of one or both of the water and the oil. Additionally, a sensor system is used to monitor a well characteristic that enables adjustment of the downhole fluid processing based on well characteristic data from the sensor system.
US08006755B2	Proppants coated by piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials, or by mixtures or combinations thereof, to enable their tracking in a downhole environment A method for “tagging” proppants so that they can be tracked and monitored in a downhole environment, based on the use of composite proppant compositions comprising a particulate substrate coated by a material whose electromagnetic properties change at a detectable level under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. In another aspect, the invention relates to composite proppant compositions comprising coatings whose electromagnetic properties change under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. The substantially spherical composite proppants may comprise a thermoset nanocomposite particulate substrate where the matrix material comprises a terpolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, and carbon black particles possessing a length that is less than 0.5 microns in at least one principal axis direction incorporated as a nanofiller; upon which particulate substrate is placed a coating comprising a PZT alloy manifesting a strong piezoelectric effect or Terfenol-D manifesting giant magnetostrictive behavior to provide the ability to track in a downhole environment.
US08006749B2	Seal for tubular heat exchanger Seal for tubular heat exchanger comprising groove with an inner edge; tongue of the diaphragm having front face extending in the radial direction and inner edge parallel to the axis of the channel; the face extending beyond the radial width of the groove in inward direction and overlapping the face of the shoulder of the channel in which the groove being provided. The tongue of the diaphragm being thus kept away from entering the groove; the diaphragm having flexibility to permit deflection of the tongue, the tongue of the diaphragm being loaded from outer side by the internal compression ring, the said internal compression ring being loaded in turn by the threaded push bolts/rods being fitted in the threaded holes on periphery of the threaded lock ring. This load is ultimately transferred to the joint between the gasket and face to achieve leak-proof joint.
US08006748B2	Sealing arrangement for internal tubesheet for tubular heat exchangers Sealing arrangement for an internal tubesheet for tubular heat exchangers comprising, a gasket fitted between a shoulder and a tubesheet, the gasket being made of spiral wound construction but without any metallic rings and without any locating groove in the adjoining components. On the outer side of the tubesheet, a channel box is provided with its inner face resting on a shoulder provided on an outer diameter of the tubesheet while the outer face of the channel box is reduced in diameter and arranged to align with the centerline of the push bolts, the outer face of the channel box resting against and attached to an annular ring and the push bolts being provided in threaded holes that reach up to the outer face of an internal flange. The push bolts, when tightened, load the annular ring, which in turn loads the gasketed joint through the channel box and the tubesheet.
US08006745B2	Molding material mixture, molded part for foundry purposes and process of producing a molded part A molding material mixture for foundry purposes, comprising a mold sand, a sodium hydroxide solution, an alkali-silicate binding agent, and an additive suspension. The molding material mixture contains 0.1 to 10% by weight of sodium hydroxide solution with reference to the weight of the sand, 0.1 to 5% of binding agent with a solid matter percentage of 20 to 70%, and 0.1 to 3% by weight of the additive suspension. The additive suspension comprises 30 to 70% by volume of an amorphous, spherical SiO2 particles, which have a first grain size in the range of 1 to 5 micrometers, and a second grain size in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 micrometers.
US08006743B2	Method and device for determining the position of the solidification point A method of and a device for determining the position of the solidification point (1a) in a strand (1) during continuous casting of liquid metals, in particular of steel, lead to precise results, while an indirect measurement of a movable amount of a core liquid volume per unit of length is carried out by direct measurement of generated process parameters by force and/or path signals on fixed or adjustable individual support rollers or groups of fixed or adjustable support roller pairs, and based on the measurement values, a calculation model for a momentary position of the solidification point (1a) is produced, based on which, changeable casting parameters are continuously adjusted.
US08006741B2	Process for producing thermoelectric semiconductor alloy, thermoelectric conversion module, thermoelectric power generating device, rare earth alloy, producing process thereof, thermoelectric conversion material, and thermoelectric conversion system using filled skutterudite based alloy A process for producing a rare earth alloy comprising: heating a raw material alloy in an inert atmosphere to be a molten alloy, and then quench-solidifying the molten alloy, wherein the raw material alloy is compounded so as to have a composition represented by the formula: REx(Fe1-yMy)4Sb12 (wherein RE is at least either one member of La and Ce, M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Sn and Pb, 0
US08006738B2	Window up-and-down-winding-type shielding apparatus for conveyance A window up-and-down-winding-type shielding apparatus for a conveyance includes: a pair of guide rails that are parallel to each other and that extend in an up-and-down direction; a moving member that is connected to a lower end of a shielding member and that can be moved in the up-and-down direction along the guide rails; a winding mechanism that has a rotation section for retractably winding the shielding member; a biasing force application device that applies a biasing force to the rotation section of the winding mechanism in a direction along which the shielding member is wound; a motion conversion mechanism that converts the movement of the moving member in up-and-down direction along the guide rails to a rotational motion; and an axis member that is coordinated with the motion conversion mechanism to have a rotational motion in accordance with the up-and-down movement of the moving member. The axis member is connected to a mechanism for switching a direction along which the rotative force is transmitted.
US08006726B2	Tree stump coring apparatus and method A tree stump coring apparatus and method of coring a tree stump using the same is provided. The tree stump coring apparatus includes an elongated cylindrical cutting blade of a hollow tubular body rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on an open lower end of the cutting blade for mounting on a vehicle such as a skid steer loader which provides a means to rotate the cutting blade and a means to move the cutting blade in a generally vertical direction downwardly to core a tree stump and upwardly to remove the tree stump core from the ground.
US08006724B2	Apparatus for transferring a cryogenic fluid An apparatus for transferring a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, a source of cryogenic fluid connected to the inlet for providing cryogenic fluid to the conduit and a cool down line connected to the conduit at an intermediate port between the inlet and the outlet, the cool down line in fluid communication with the source of cryogenic fluid for providing cryogenic fluid to the conduit through the intermediate port. The cool down line can be external and intersect with the conduit at the intermediate port, or may be disposed within the conduit. The conduit may have more than one intermediate port for providing cryogenic fluid to the conduit downstream from the inlet. Such an apparatus enables a conduit for transferring a cryogenic fluid to be pre-cooled to a cryogenic temperature more quickly so that transfer operations can begin.
US08006722B2	Pipeline for conducting air for air conditioning in aircrafts A pipeline for conducting air for air conditioning in aircrafts includes a body portion formed with foamed plastics material or with a dense plastics material. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis and includes an outer surface carrying a wrapping for reinforcing the pipeline. The wrapping includes a plurality of adjacent contacting layers formed by at least one linear reinforcing element wound into a plurality of windings, with adjacent layers having windings angled in opposite directions to form a net-like structure of the wrapping. At least one of the spacing between the windings along the longitudinal axis or the angle of slope between the windings and the longitudinal axis varies in certain sections to change the winding density as a function of local mechanical load requirements on the pipeline.
US08006718B2	Electric spool valve A sleeve has an input port, an output port, an insertion hole, and only one discharge port. A spool is axially slidable through the insertion hole to communicate among the input port, the output port, and the discharge port. An electric actuator is provided to one end of the sleeve and has a variable volume chamber, which communicates with the discharge port through an axial through hole and a spool breathing hole in the spool. The spool has a communication through hole to lead fluid from the output port to the discharge port through the axial through hole. A passage partition member is in the axial through hole to define an in-spool breathing passage communicating with the spool breathing hole.
US08006714B1	Automatic flow shut-off system An automatic flow shut-off unit for shutting off water to an appliance (e.g. commode) when a leak or overflow occurs. The unit includes an outer housing having a ball valve mounted thereon wherein the valve is connected between the water supply and the appliance. A tripper unit is mounted in the outer housing and has a plunger therein. The valve is connected to the plunger by a length of actuation material (e.g. flexible cable). A compression spring is positioned in the tripper unit to normally bias the plunger downwards. A cartridge having a water reactive material (e.g. commercially-available toilet paper) thereon is removably mounted in the outer housing wherein the water reactive material when dry supports the plunger in a cocked position but which will quickly weaken and disintegrate upon contact with water.
US08006713B2	Aviation fueling hydrant coupler with internal actuating collar lock A hydrant coupling assembly includes a hydrant valve and a hydrant coupler, including a coupler body and a coupler actuating collar assembly having an actuating collar movable axially relative to the coupler body. The actuating collar includes at least one movable latching lug that is selectively moved into place around a mating feature on the hydrant valve adapter by lifting or lowering the actuating collar. A locking mechanism is installed within the coupler actuating collar and includes a coupler plunger, a collar plunger, a coupler plunger check ball, and a collar plunger cheek ball. The coupler plunger and the coupler plunger check ball are adapted to lock the actuating collar in a disconnected state and the collar plunger and the collar plunger check ball are adapted to lock the actuating collar in a connected state. A hydrant coupler for use in a hydrant coupling assembly is also disclosed.
US08006706B2	Vanity case A vanity case is provided in which a first hinge piece and a second hinge piece are formed in one of the case body and the lid, and a hinge block is formed in the other one of the case body and the lid and arranged between the first and the second hinge pieces. A friction member is provided to brake the rotational speed of the lid caused by a torsion spring. A protrusion is provided for braking the rotational speed of the lid by sliding contact. A recessed circumferential portion is formed in the vanity case so as to release the sliding contact of the braking protrusion at least at the closed position of the lid.
US08006703B2	In situ synthesis of composite nanoscale particles A method of making composite nanoscale particles comprising subjecting a starting material to laser energy so as to form a vapor and condensing the vapor so as to form the composite nanoscale particles, wherein said composite nanoscale particles comprise a first metal and/or a first metal oxide incorporated in nanoscale particles of an oxide of a second metal, the first metal being different than the second metal. The starting material can comprise first and second metals or compounds of the first and second metals. The composite nanoscale particles can be formed in a reaction chamber wherein a temperature gradient is provided. The atmosphere in the chamber can be an inert atmosphere comprising argon or a reactive atmosphere comprising oxygen. The composite nanoscale particles are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis. The composite nanoscale particles can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material of a cigarette to catalyze the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.
US08006700B2	Soft tissue repair system A medical fastener (18), preferably bioabsorbable, is used for repairing torn soft tissue, particularly meniscal tissue (16). The fastener (18) can have an enlarged head (22) at the proximate end to engage meniscal tissue (16) adjacent to a tear (14), and a pointed distal tip (21) at the other end to ease insertion of the fastener (18) into the meniscus (16). The shank (20) of the fastener (18) bridges across the tear (14). Opposite ends of the shank (20) are secured in the meniscal tissue (16) by a medical adhesive, preferably bioabsorbable, and preferably at locations remote from the tear (14) so as not to interfere with healing of the tear (14). The fastener (18) can have a blind bore (24) opening through the head (22) of the fastener (18) and extending through the shank (20) to a location close to the tip (21) and generally radial holes (26) communicating between the bore (24) and the exterior of the shank (20). The medical adhesive can be injected through the bore (24) for passage outward through the holes (26).
US08006697B2	Respiratory probe The invention concerns a respiratory tube (2) enclosed, at least over the major part of its length, in an inflatable flexible protective sheath (6) for isolating, from said flexible tube, the mucous membranes of the patient's airways. Further, the protective sheath (6) enables a patient to be ventilated with a breathing mixture.
US08006696B2	Monitor for measuring improvement in involuntary breathing The present invention is a breathing improvement monitor that continuously measures involuntary breathing. The monitor is a sensor apparatus that is attached to a patient's mask which is connected to the monitoring apparatus. The sensor may be reusable and attachable and detachable to a mask or it may be an integral part of a breathing mask. The sensor technology may be any type sufficient in the art, including but not limited to solid state sensors, transducers, electromagnetic microturbines and the like. Since the mask does not have to be removed and the sensor provides constant signal to the monitoring apparatus, a real time status of a patient's involuntary breathing capability may be determined for a doctor's consideration.
US08006695B2	Inhaler An inhaler device for inhalation of a medicament from a pierceable capsule comprises a housing for receiving a medicament capsule; closure means for closing the housing, said closure means being moveable relative to the housing; piercing means suitable for piercing a medicament capsule; wherein movement of the closure means relative to the housing causes movement of the piercing means. The invention also provides a holder for a medicament capsule which holder comprises a chamber suitable for receiving a medicament capsule; and means for generating turbulence in a fluid flow through the chamber such that, in use, the turbulent fluid flow causes vibration of a capsule received by the chamber so as to assist in releasing medicament contained within the capsule.
US08006694B2	Pop-open respiratory etiquette device A respiratory etiquette device in the form of a mask that can be held in a compacted configuration within the pocket or purse of a user. When released, the mask springs open to its erected configuration and can be quickly placed over the mouth and nose of a wearer to contain a cough or sneeze. Rapid springing open of the mask is achieved by using a plastic core having an array of external bubbles that rapidly regain their shape when the mask is released, thereby forcing the entire mask into its fully erected configuration.
US08006692B2	Gas blender with auxiliary mixed gas outlet A gas blender with auxiliary mixed gas outlet for mixing a primary gas, generally air, and a secondary gas, generally oxygen, to obtain a mixed gas having several controlled characteristics. The gas blender may be incorporated into a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. The gas blender controls the mixing to produce the mixed gas having a predetermined mixture setpoint, generally an oxygen percentage, and a predetermined control setpoint, generally a pressure setpoint or flow rate setpoint. The gas blender provides an auxiliary mixed gas source for use by an auxiliary piece of equipment such as a nebulizer or resuscitation bag. The gas blender includes a primary gas inlet passageway, a secondary gas inlet passageway, a gas mixing apparatus, a mixed gas distribution passageway with an auxiliary mixed gas outlet, a gas sensor, a delivery sensor, a mixed gas delivery control valve, a mixed gas controlled passageway, and a controller.
US08006691B2	Humidifier with removable water tank A flow generator and humidifier construction is described, including a flow generator construction adapted to reduce noise output compared to known flow generators of comparable size. The flow generator includes a chassis forming first and second muffler volumes and a venturi-shaped connection portion, and a metal/polymer composite material blower enclosure which suppresses noise from the blower. The flow generator may be programmed to include a reminder system including a menu from which the user may request a reminder to take specific action, e.g., replace a component, call a physician, and/or enter patient data card, etc.
US08006685B2	Re-circulating oven with gas clean-up A bleed gas clean-up system for a re-circulating oven.
US08006676B2	Control device for engine An engine comprises an intake control valve disposed in an intake passage at an upstream side of an intake valve in each cylinder for individually opening/closing the intake passage, an actuator for opening/closing the intake control valve, and a control device for controlling an operation of the actuator, wherein the control device controls the actuator to delay opening of the intake control valve in relation to opening of the intake valve, thus performing the supercharge. Supercharge correction is further performed for correcting operating timing of the actuator so that unbalance in a supercharge air quantity between the cylinders in the engine is suppressed.
US08006675B2	Diesel fuel cooling system and control strategy A method is described for cooling fuel for a diesel engine system with a common rail fuel injection system having a coolant pump and a fan. The method comprises passing a returning fuel from the engine through a fuel to coolant heat exchange system to cool the fuel, and adjusting the cooling of the fuel by controlling the coolant pump and/or the engine cooling fan.
US08006672B2	Method for cold starting of ethanol-fueled engines A method for starting an internal combustion engine under cold conditions. The intake manifold throttle valve is held closed and spark ignition is suspended. Fuel and air are admitted into the cylinders and the pistons are cranked for a plurality of revolutions. During each engine revolution cycle, the fuel/air mixture is compressed and heated adiabatically by the energy of the engine starter motor, and the mixture is exhausted into the exhaust manifold. During valve overlap a portion of the mixture is withdrawn into the cylinder and recompressed in the next cycle. Additional fuel may be injected to replace lost fuel. After several engine cycles, the fuel/air mixture becomes heated to a temperature above the flashpoint of the mixture. Sparking is re-established to fire the warmed mixture, and the intake throttle valve is re-enabled. The first firing can provide sufficient heat to continue spark-firing of newly-introduced mixture thereafter.
US08006670B2	Engine control with valve deactivation monitoring using exhaust pressure A system or method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine operable in a reduced displacement mode with at least one valve or cylinder selectively deactivated include controlling the engine in response to detecting opening of an exhaust valve after deactivation based measured or inferred exhaust pressure changes after deactivation. In one embodiment, controlling the engine includes reactivating one or more deactivated cylinders/valves, inhibiting subsequent deactivation, and/or storing a diagnostic code in a computer readable storage medium in response to detecting valve opening after deactivation.
US08006666B2	Auxiliary combustion chamber type internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine includes a main combustion chamber, an auxiliary combustion chamber, a partition wall that separates the main and auxiliary combustion chambers, a first igniter disposed in the auxiliary combustion chamber, a second igniter disposed in the main combustion chamber, and a controller electrically coupled to the first and second igniters. The auxiliary combustion chamber has a capacity smaller than that of the main combustion chamber. The partition wall includes a communication passage. The controller is adapted to send an auxiliary combustion chamber ignition timing signal to the first igniter and is adapted to send a main combustion chamber ignition timing signal to the second igniter. Further, the controller is adapted to send the auxiliary and main combustion chamber ignition timing signals such that, in response to at least one engine operating condition, ignition in the auxiliary combustion chamber occurs after ignition in the main combustion chamber.
US08006662B2	Inner lever for a switchable finger lever of a valve train of an internal combustion engine An inner lever (1) for a switchable finger lever (2) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided, having a box-like main part (5) with two lateral walls (6), which are connected at a first end (7) by a transverse bar (8), which intrinsically includes a driver surface (9) for a coupling slide that can be guided longitudinally by the outer lever (3), and opposite from the first end (7), the lateral walls (6) have two strongly crimped together, thin-walled arms (10), which each extend in the direction toward the second end (11) of the inner lever (1) to form a longitudinal bar (12). The arms contact each other with their inner sides (15), and between the lateral walls (6), a cam contact surface (16) can be provided. The inner lever (1) made from thin-walled steel sheet metal at least to a large extent using punch-bending techniques.
US08006661B2	Bridge and pivot foot arrangement for operating engine cylinder valves An internal combustion engine has one or more engine cylinders (12) within which fuel is combusted and a pair of cylinder valves (14, 16) spring-biased (22, 24) closed but open in unison to place the respective cylinder in flow communication with one of an intake and an exhaust. A bridge (34) bridges ends of the pair external to the cylinder and has a spherically concave depression (42) in a face that is opposite a face that bears against the ends of the pair. The depression is located intermediate locations at which the ends of the pair bear against the bridge. A pivot foot (44) has a spherically convex surface (46) seated with substantial conformity in the depression and a flat surface (48) opposite the spherically convex surface. The flat surface of the pivot foot abuts a flat surface (50) of a rocker (30) that when rocked acts through the pivot foot and bridge to open the respective pair of valves.
US08006659B2	Internal combustion engine with variable valve mechanism An internal combustion engine including a variable valve mechanism that can avoid an unnecessary friction increase while preventing a hydraulic lash adjuster from pumping up. When a first engine speed is a critical rotation speed at which the inertia force of the variable valve mechanism exceeds the maximum load on a lost motion spring and a second engine speed is a critical rotation speed at which the inertia force of a valve and rocker arm exceeds the maximum load on a valve spring, the maximum loads are set such that the first engine speed is lower than the second engine speed.
US08006654B1	High efficiency eight stroke internal combustion engine A method and a system for operating an eight-stroke internal combustion engine having higher thermal efficiency than a four-stroke engine is disclosed. The strokes comprise intake (FIG. 1), compression (FIG. 2), combustion for a first power stroke (FIG. 3), exhaust (FIG. 4), vapor or water injection for a second power stroke (FIG. 5), exhaust (FIG. 6), vapor injection for a third power stroke (FIG. 7), and exhaust (FIG. 8). Heat from each exhaust is recovered and recycled to a subsequent stroke. Consequently, an engine with much higher thermal efficiency and thus lower fuel consumption is achieved.
US08006643B2	Robotic pet-sitter system A robotic pet-sitter system comprises a control system and a robotic body, the control system used to wireless launch control instruction signals; a wireless receiver module is defined in the robotic body, used to receive control instruction signals and to process the control instruction signals into control signals, the robotic body further comprises a driving system and a feeding module, the driving system used to drive the robotic body moving according to the control signals, the feeding module used to open the feeding box placed with pet food according to the control signals. The local PC communicates with a remote PC through Internet, and the remote PC long-distance controls the robotic body and monitors pet through Internet. The robotic pet-sitter system of the present invention can care for and monitor the pet when the owner is not at home.
US08006641B2	Installation for depositing, by means of a microwave plasma, an internal barrier coating in thermoplastic containers Installation for depositing, by means of a microwave plasma, a barrier coating on thermoplastic containers (5), this installation comprising treatment stations (1) each comprising a treatment enclosure (2) and a cover (3) and including a vacuum pumping chamber in which connection means (4) for sealed connection to the container comprise a sleeve (6) co-axial with the neck (7) of the container, each cover (3) also supporting an injector (8) co-axial with the sleeve (6) for injecting a reactive fluid into the container; the sleeves (6) and/or the injectors (8), of several adjacent stations are fastened to a single support plate (15, 20) that extends in the form of a bridge over the covers (3) of these stations (1), whereby the plate (15, 20) and the sleeves and/or injectors of the stations (1) constitute a unitary assembly (16, 21) that can be maneuvered as one piece.
US08006640B2	Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method A plasma processing apparatus includes: a process container configured to accommodate a target object and hold a vacuum therein for performing a plasma process; a worktable configured to place the target object thereon inside the process container; a planar antenna including a plurality of slots and configured to supply microwaves into the process container; a gas feed mechanism configured to supply a process gas into the process container; and a top plate disposed opposite the worktable, the top plate being set at a position separated from the target object placed on the worktable by a distance of 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
US08006638B2	Analytic substrate coating apparatus and method An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.
US08006637B2	Method and apparatus for membrane deposition A method and apparatus for applying a uniform membrane coating to a substrate, such as a honeycomb structure, having a plurality of through-channels, wherein the through-channels have an average diameter of less than or equal to 3 mm. The method includes providing a liquid precursor comprising membrane-forming materials to the substrate and applying a pressure differential across the substrate. The pressure differential causes the liquid precursor to travel uniformly through the through-channels, depositing the membrane-forming materials on the walls of the through-channels and forming the membrane on the walls of the through-channels. The apparatus includes a chamber capable of holding the substrate and of maintaining a pressure differential across the plurality of through-channels.
US08006636B2	Substrate treatment apparatus A substrate treatment apparatus of the present invention includes: a holding means for rotatably holding a substrate to be treated; a coating solution supply nozzle for supplying a coating solution onto the front surface of the substrate to be treated held on the holding means; a treatment container with an upper surface open for housing them; an exhaust means for exhausting an atmosphere in the treatment container from the bottom; a multiblade centrifugal fan provided on the inner periphery of the treatment container for flowing airflow on a front surface side of the substrate to the exhaust means; and a controller for controlling the number of rotations of the multiblade centrifugal fan corresponding to the number of rotations of the substrate, wherein the number of rotations of the multiblade centrifugal fan is controlled so that turbulent airflow flowing in a circumferential direction on the front surface of the substrate generated due to the rotation of the substrate is corrected to laminar airflow flowing in a radial direction.
US08006635B2	Adjustable water feed device for feeding water to a moistener in a mail handling machine A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps that is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device comprising a reserve stock of water from which a quantity of water flows to a reservoir of water with which the reserve stock of water is in communication, said quantity of water being suitable for imbibing a piece of foam soaking in said reservoir of water, said reserve stock of water being disposed in a receptacle that is mounted to move vertically between a low position and a high position, which positions correspond respectively to a low water level and to a high water level in said reservoir, it being possible for the receptacle to take up a plurality of other positions between said low and high positions.
US08006632B2	Temporary pants hemming/cuffing devices A device for temporary hemming/cuffing children's pants legs is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention is a device having an outer body portion and an inner tongue portion connected by a hinge. The hinge creates an offset distance between the outer body and the inner tongue, and is biased to angle the inner tongue through the outer body. The inner tongue may be deflected from its neutral position to form a recess to accommodate material, such as a cuff made by turning the bottom edge of a pants leg over the pants leg. Another embodiment of the present invention is a clip having a pair of arms extending from a tongue portion. The arms are adapted to engage the bottom of a turned up edge of the pants leg thereby preventing the clip from sliding down the cuff.
US08006629B2	Plastic pallet with snap-pins and associated method for making the same A pallet includes an upper and lower deck. The upper deck includes snap-pin openings. First joining members project downwardly from the upper deck, with each first joining member including an outer sleeve surrounding a respective snap-pin opening. Second joining members project upwardly from the lower deck, with each second joining member including an inner sleeve and a snap-pin receiving cavity positioned therein. The inner sleeves receive the outer sleeves to define support blocks joining the upper and lower decks. Snap-pins are inserted into the snap-in openings in the upper deck. Each snap-pin includes a head for engaging a snap-pin opening, and spaced apart tips that extend through the snap-pin receiving cavity for engaging a backside of the inner sleeve associated therewith.
US08006628B2	Vehicle lifting apparatus An emergency staircase includes a plurality of step forming members that are housed in a casing. A podium and a railing are fitted to the casing so that the podium and the railing can be unfolded against the casing. Each of the step forming members includes a pair of guiding parts which are arranged in parallel, and a step plate that is sandwiched between the guiding parts of each pair and fastened to each of the guiding parts, so that left and right pairs of resulting squarish U-shapes face each other. Inner guiding parts and outer guiding parts are mutually of a similar configuration, so that each inner one is relatively smaller than each outer one by the thickness of the part. The protrusions act as sliding contacts between adjacent guiding parts.
US08006627B1	Cooling systems for hydrogen hybrid locomotives and hydrogen hybrid locomotives using the same A cooling system for a hydrogen hybrid locomotive having a set of electric traction motors and a hydrogen fuel cell system for providing electric power for driving the traction motors includes a radiator for extracting heat from cooling fluid circulated through the hydrogen fuel cell system by a circulation system. The circulation system includes a bypass valve for bypassing a selected amount of the cooling fluid around the radiator and a radiator output valve for controlling an amount of the cooling fluid passed to the hydrogen fuel cell system from the radiator. A fan system provides air flow across the radiator. A control system selectively sets a position of the radiator output valve and a position of the bypass valve and selectively controls a speed of the fan, as required to control cooling of the hydrogen fuel cell system.
US08006624B2	Machine for unloading and positioning rails on crossties in railway tracks A machine for uploading and positioning rails on crossties in railway tracks includes an inverted U-shaped gantry (1-2), with side branches finished at the lower part in respective caterpillar tracks (4) of movement on the ballast of the beam on both sides of the platform of crossties. The gantry (1) supports a pair of clamps (8) with jaws (16), for fixing the rails by the core thereof, and preventing pitching, which clamps (8) close by means of respective hydraulic cylinders (10) movable in height actuated by another hydraulic cylinder (15) through a deformable parallelogram (12), while at the same time they are longitudinally movable by the actual movement of the machine. The machine thus moves forward towards the rail carrier train located at the end of the track under construction, grasps a pair of rails with its clamps, and pulls them without contact with the ground until they are arranged on their assembly position, the rails serving for the forward movement of the rail carrier train.
US08006623B2	Dual-mass forward and side firing fragmentation warhead A high-lethality fragmentation warhead with reduced risk of collateral damage to the warhead launch platform. High lethality is achieved with a forward-firing fragmentation assembly placed in front of the explosive and a side-firing fragmentation assembly placed in a void space in the aft section of the explosive. The risk of collateral damage to the launch platform is reduced by forming the case and explosive containment structures of materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. This substantially eliminates radial fragments and in particular fragments thrown back towards the platform. Performance may be enhanced by tapering the aft section of the containment structure and explosive to eliminate explosive that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the forward-firing fragmentation assembly by the pressure wave to create the void space for the side-firing fragmentation assembly. Performance may be further enhanced by forming the end of the explosive and forward-firing fragmentation assembly with largely conformal dome shapes that approximately match the shape of the front of the pressure wave. This both increases the amount of explosive energy delivered to those fragments and serves to expel them in a desirable pattern.
US08006622B2	Protector for detonator, and method of use Detonators comprising a base charge of explosive material present a safety hazard for transportation and storage, especially when a plurality of detonators are packaged together. Disclosed herein are detonator protectors for the explosive ends of detonators that, at least in preferred forms, prevent ejection of shrapnel and/or explosive energy upon detonator actuation. Also disclosed are corresponding detonator assemblies, packages comprising protected detonators or detonator assemblies, and corresponding packaging methods.
US08006619B1	Underwater acoustic tracer system An underwater supercavitating projectile includes means to form ripples on its surrounding cavity so as to provide well-defined disturbances of the cavity boundary. As the ripples move aft of the supercavitating projectile and into the wake behind the advancing projectile, the ripples detach to form a pattern of vapor bubbles in the wake that are distinct in both size and regularity from the typical vapor bubbles formed as the cavity collapses behind the advecting projectile. Sensors record the track of the projectile along its path based on the distinct acoustic signature of the vapor bubbles. Combined with the acoustic echo from a target, the relative distance of the projectile to the target can be determined using methods known in the art. Multiple projectile trajectories are used to increase the ability to resolve the target by adjusting the aiming of the projectiles to reduce the relative distance.
US08006618B2	Device and method for performing a printing plate change on a plate cylinder of a printing press A device and method for performing a printing plate change on a plate cylinder of a printing press is disclosed. The device includes a rolling element featuring several rollers for pressing at least one printing plate on the plate cylinder during a printing plate change. A strip bearing several alignment elements extends parallel to the rolling element, where a printing plate can be aligned true-to-register between every two adjacent alignment elements before the printing plate is clamped in a lockup slot of the plate cylinder.
US08006613B2	Transfer mechanism for use with a food processing system A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.
US08006612B2	Hot drink maker A hot drink maker is provided. The hot drink maker includes a heating device for making various hot drinks. The heating device can be set in advance with a desired temperature and time for making a hot drink so that the heating device heats water to the desired temperature and pumps the heated water into a steeping space in which a bag containing a raw material of the hot drink is placed. When the set time is up, a cam is driven to rotate, thereby pushing a pushing rod upward. Consequently, a seesaw element resiliently engaged with a plug rod at an end of an outlet of a steeping chamber is tilted so as to discharge a finished hot drink prepared by steeping into an adjacent pitcher along the lowered plug rod, and thus the hot drink is made conveniently.
US08006611B2	Water feeding device of hot drink maker A water feeding device of a hot drink maker, particularly of a coffeemaker, is provided wherein a water feeding operation and a water heating time are controlled by a water temperature sensor, a computer circuit board, and a motor, all of which are installed in the hot drink maker. The motor is driven according to a sensing result obtained by sensing water temperature at a predetermined position, so as to push heated water smoothly and completely into an inlet of a brewing chamber. Thus, ground coffee in the brewing chamber is infused by the liquid-state heated water of a predetermined temperature to make a hot drink with a desirable taste.
US08006609B2	Slide catch-ejector assembly for firearm A slide catch-ejector assembly for an autoloading firearm. An embodiment of a firearm having a slide catch-ejector assembly includes a housing, a slide slidably mounted on the housing for rearward and forward axial movement, and an assembly having a slide catch portion configured for engaging the slide and an ejector portion configured for ejecting cartridge casings from the firearm. In one embodiment, the assembly is selectively movable in the housing between a deactivated position in which the slide catch portion is not engageable with the slide and an activated position in which the slide catch portion is engageable with the slide. The ejector portion is selectively movable into and out of axial alignment with a chamber that receives a cartridge via moving the assembly between the deactivated and activated positions.
US08006606B1	Folding protective shields A protective folding shield for mounting to a rail of a vehicle may include a generally rectangular shield; a base stand fixed to a first side of the shield; a shim fixed to the first side of the shield and spaced apart from the base stand; a hinge fixed to the base stand and the shim; a base fixed to the base stand; a pair of latch bases fixed to the base adjacent a second side of the shield; a pair of latch uprights fixed to the second side of the shield wherein, in a substantially vertical position of the generally rectangular shield, the pair of latch uprights are removably fixed to respective ones of the latch bases; and a plurality of clamps fixed to the base wherein the rail is disposed between the clamps and the base.
US08006601B2	Fiber reinforced resin member and method of manufacturing the same, and apparatus manufacturing fiber fabric An object of the present invention is to provide a high-quality fiber reinforced resin member that enables a longitudinal yarn to be laid out, without slipping, around an outer periphery of a mandrel having at least a bent portion, thus allowing both the longitudinal yarn and a diagonal yarn to be evenly laid out, and a method of manufacturing the fiber reinforced resin member, as well as an apparatus manufacturing a fiber fabric for the fiber reinforced resin member. A fiber reinforced resin member 1 includes an elongate fiber fabric formed by braiding a plurality of longitudinal yarns Q, . . . extending in a longitudinal direction of the fiber fabric and a plurality of diagonal yarns P, . . . inclined at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal direction, the fiber fabric being impregnated with resin that is then hardened. The fiber reinforced resin member 1 has at least a bent portion 1″. The longitudinal yarns Q, . . . are spirally wound at the bent portion 1″, in a posture in which the longitudinal yarns are inclined at an angle of, for example, 10 to 15 degrees to the longitudinal direction.
US08006599B2	Scribe line forming mechanism, scribe head, and scribe device A scribing line forming mechanism according to the present invention includes: a scribing line forming means (207) being structured so as to form a scribing line on a substrate by contacting the substrate; and a supporting means for supporting the scribing line forming means such that the scribing line forming means is turnable about a first turning axis (204), the supporting means being structured so as to be turnable about a second turning axis (202), the second turning axis being different from the first turning axis, wherein the axial center of the first turning axis and the axial center of the second turning axis are approximately in parallel, and the axial center of the second turning axis is distant by a predetermined interval from a portion where the substrate and the scribing line forming means contact each other.
US08006591B2	Adjustable wrench A adjustable wrench comprises a body used to operate the adjustable wrench including a fixed jaw extending outward therefrom and having a holder mounted on a top end thereof, including an arcuate recess fixed on a middle portion of a front side thereof; a movable jaw pivoted in the holder, serving as engaging a workpiece, and including a guiding rib relative to the arcuate recess extending from a bottom end thereof to be adjusted and moved along the arcuate recess; a locking mechanism axially displacing in the cavity of the body and including a control unit to operate the locking mechanism and to drive a pushing member, the control unit including locking and unlocking positions so as to move the pushing member across the notch of the arcuate recess and then to bias against the guiding rib, thereafter, the pushing member is driven to move downward, thus disengaging the guiding rib to slide freely.
US08006586B2	Articulated robot wrist An articulated robot includes a wrist carrying a flange for attachment of an apparatus to be carried by the robot. The wrist comprises a first support mounted on a robot component that is rotatable about a first axis, a second support rotatably mounted on the first support about a second axis inclined with respect to the first axis, and a third support rotatably mounted on the second support about a third axis, inclined with respect to the second axis. A first motor carried by the first support drives the rotation of the second support, and a second motor carried by the second support drives the rotation of the third support, which ends with the flange for attachment of the apparatus to be carried by the robot.
US08006579B2	Electric linear actuator Provided is an electric linear actuator advantageous in downsizing and weight reduction. The electric linear actuator includes: a housing; a motor held by the housing; a nut member rotatably held with respect to the housing; a screw shaft threadedly engaged with the nut member; a drive shaft directly coupled with the motor; a rotation transmitting member rotatably supported about the drive shaft; a rotary driven member fixed to the nut member and rotated in accordance with the rotation transmitting member; a clutch member to which rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted, and which is provided so as to freely advance and retract in an axial direction of the drive shaft, and in which meshing with the rotation transmitting member is effected at an engagement position, and meshing with the rotation transmitting member is cancelled at a retraction position; and a setting lever capable of setting the clutch member to one of the advance position and the retraction position.
US08006577B2	Method and apparatus for testing for the presence of excess drivers in a surgical cartridge A testing method and apparatus for determining whether surgical cartridges have excess drivers. A blade is disposed in the slots of the cartridge and displaced while it contacts the floor of the slot. If an excess driver is encountered, the blade is displaced away from the floor and this movement is detected, preferably by an electronic sensor. The apparatus includes a base plate to which a carriage is mounted, either directly or through other structural members. The carriage is configured to slide along a pair of parallel shafts, and is driven by a pneumatic ram or other linear prime mover. A tooling plate is moveably mounted to the carriage, and the blade is mounted to the tooling plate. Movement by the blade due to excess drivers results in movement by the tooling plate relative to the carriage, which is detected and recorded, such as by a computer.
US08006576B2	Condensation collection device and methods of use In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides a monitoring device that includes a condensation unit and a detector, such as a proportional detector. The condensation unit includes a condensation surface, a cooler abutting the condensation surface, and a collection vessel in fluid communication with the condensation surface. The monitoring device may include a decomposition reactor, such as an electrolytic reactor or a reactor that includes an active metal, such as an alloy of sodium and potassium. Particular implementations include a housing that at least partially encloses the condensation unit. The housing may include an aperture, which may be covered by a screen, mesh, or filter. The housing may also include a fan. The fan is used, in some examples, to draw air through the aperture. The monitoring device is, in some implementations, configured for remote operation, such as including a power supply or transmitter.
US08006574B2	Crankset based bicycle power measurement The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The chain ring is attached to the spider by a fastener extending through a bushing within an opening of the spider. Sensors may be attached to the spider or the crank arms and may be directly connected to a flexible circuit board. The sensors, the flexible circuit boards and other components of the input torque measuring device may be encapsulated in a protective material.
US08006572B2	Differential-pressure flow meter and flow-rate controller A differential-pressure flow meter is capable of easily eliminating adhesion to an orifice of an extraneous material. The differential-pressure flow meter includes: a pair of pressure sensors provided on a straight pipe part of a main fluid channel; an orifice unit interposed between the pair of pressure sensors; a columnar orifice body provided on the main fluid channel to be detachable in a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of a fluid in the main fluid channel; and an orifice hole penetrating the orifice body in the flow direction of the fluid, wherein the orifice body is rotatable at a prescribed installation position to reverse an upstream side and a downstream side with respect to the orifice hole, and flow rate measurement is performed by converting into a flow rate a difference in pressure that is obtained from two pressure values sensed respectively by the pair of pressure sensors.
US08006570B2	Non-invasive flow measurement An elastomeric acoustic coupler formed by molding a thermoplastic or silicone rubber into a recess of a surgical cassette housing. The coupling has a raised pad to aid in the removal of all air between the transducer and the fluid conduit, and to provide an efficient transmission of an ultrasound signal into the fluid conduit.
US08006567B2	Stress history recording system A stress history recording system for recording a stress history, which includes a light emitting section including a stress-stimulated luminescent material that emits light in response to a mechanical external force, and a recording section for recording a history of a photoreaction generated due to light emission from the light emitting section. This achieves a technology for recording a stress history by using the stress-stimulated luminescent material.
US08006563B2	Surface acoustic wave pressure sensor A sensor chip has a substrate and a comb-teeth electrode arranged on the substrate. The sensor chip is fixed to a diaphragm structure to be distorted by receiving pressure, and is fixed to the diaphragm structure only through a predetermined fix area so as to detect the pressure. The fix area is defined on only a part of the sensor chip opposing to the diaphragm structure. The sensor chip is restrained by the diaphragm structure in a direction of transmitting surface acoustic wave. Flexibility of the sensor chip in a perpendicular direction approximately perpendicular to the wave transmitting direction is larger than that in the transmitting direction.
US08006560B2	Laser ultrasonic property measurement apparatus A mode of the present invention includes a transmitter (12) for shooting exciting laser light to an object of measurement (M) to excite ultrasonic waves in the object of measurement (M), a receiver (14) for shooting probing laser light to the object of measurement (M) to receive reflected light of probing laser light from the object of measurement (M) for detection of ultrasonic waves, a light blocking structure (16) having a first opening (16a) allowing the object of measurement (M) to pass therethrough and operable to accommodate the object of measurement (M), and a cover (18) operable to cover and open the first opening (16a).
US08006557B2	Multi-axis sensor A method and apparatus for sensing accelerations directed along multiple directions are provided. An embodiment comprises a sensor array comprising two sensor pairs, each of which provides an output signal based on acceleration along two orthogonal directions. The sensor pairs are so that they collectively provide an output signal for each of three mutually orthogonal directions. In some embodiments, the sensor array is augmented to provide three additional signals, each of which is based on rotation about an axis aligned with one of the three orthogonal directions.
US08006543B2	Device for measuring the permeation of a hollow body such as a container Device for measuring the permeation of a hollow body provided with an opening such as a neck in particular, this device comprising a chamber in which the follow body is placed, on a support; this hollow body, when placed on its support, together with the chamber defining an internal space and an external space, the device being provided with means for providing sealing between the internal space and the external space, the sealing means comprising three seals, namely a first seal, a second seal termed the intermediate seal, and a third seal, these three seals being housed in grooves belonging to the body of the support, these seals projecting from the side edge of the support and being able and configured to bear against the internal face of the opening of the hollow body; the body of the support, the opening of the object and the seals thus define two spaces positioned between the internal space and the external space, a first space being bordered by a first seal and an intermediate seal, the second space being defined by the intermediate seal and a third seal.
US08006542B2	Method for contaminant detection using an odor marker The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection of body parts, such as hands, and or their coverings, such as clean room suits or gloves, and small objects. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from the objects and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.
US08006541B2	Device for detecting micro particles in gas and a method for fabricating the device A device for detecting micro particles in gas, which comprises: an inlet through which a gaseous sample including micro particles flows in; an outlet through which the sample flows out; a channel through which the sample flows from the inlet toward the outlet; a cooling layer which cools and condenses the sample flowing in the channel; a reservoir which is positioned on the cooling layer and collects the condensed sample; a detector which is positioned in the reservoir on the cooling layer and detects the micro particles included in the collected sample; and a heater which heats the outlet portion to produce a pressure difference between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, so that the sample flows through the channel from the inlet toward the outlet. The device for detecting micro particles in gas provides the advantage that micro particles included in gaseous sample can be detected without having to use additional pump or collector, detection time can be reduced, and detection accuracy can be improved.

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