最新美国发明专利第2011-11-29期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08067269B2	Method for fabricating at least one transistor A method for fabricating transistors such as high electron mobility transistors, each transistor comprising a plurality of epitaxial layers on a common substrate, method comprising: (a) forming a plurality of source contacts on a first surface of the plurality of epitaxial layers; (b) forming at least one drain contact on the first surface; (c) forming at least one gate contact on the first surface; (d) forming at least one insulating layer over and between the gate contacts, source contacts and the drain contacts; (e) forming a conductive layer over at least a part of the at least one insulating layer for connecting the source contacts; and (f) forming at least one heat sink layer over the conductive layer.
US08067261B2	Solid-state imaging device and manufacturing method thereof A solid-state imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a transistor, and an element separation region separating the photoelectric conversion unit and the transistor. The photoelectric conversion unit and the transistor constitute a pixel. The element separation region is formed of a semiconductor region of a conductivity type opposite to that of a source region and a drain region of the transistor. A part of a gate electrode of the transistor protrudes toward the element separation region side beyond an active region of the transistor. An insulating film having a thickness substantially the same as that of a gate insulating film of the gate electrode of the transistor is formed on the element separation region continuing from a part thereof under the gate electrode of the transistor to a part thereof continuing from the part under the gate electrode of the transistor.
US08067259B2	Method of producing high performance photovoltaic and thermoelectric nanostructured bulk and thin films Embodiments of the invention provide methods of forming photovoltaic or thermoelectric materials, including photovoltaic or thermoelectric films. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of forming a photovoltaic material, the method comprising: depositing an inorganic capped nanoparticle solution onto a substrate; and heating the substrate.
US08067258B2	Protective thin films for use during fabrication of semiconductors, MEMS, and microstructures A method of protecting a substrate during fabrication of semiconductor, MEMS, or biotechnology devices. The method includes application of a protective thin film which typically has a thickness ranging from about 3 Å to about 1,000 Å, wherein precursor materials used to deposit the protective thin film are organic-based precursors which include at least one fluorine-comprising functional group at one end of a carbon back bone and at least one functional bonding group at the opposite end of a carbon backbone, and wherein the carbon backbone ranges in length from 4 carbons through about 12 carbons. In many applications at least a portion of the protective thin film is removed during fabrication of the devices.
US08067251B2	Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same A method including forming an intermediate product, the intermediate product being configured to include a wiring substrate including a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of test electrodes, a first semiconductor chip mounted over the wiring substrate and including a plurality of first pads electrically connected respectively to the first electrodes, and a second semiconductor chip stacked over the first semiconductor chip and including a plurality of second pads electrically connected respectively to the second electrodes; encapsulating the first and second semiconductor chips; and performing electrical tests on the first and second semiconductor chips by use of the test electrodes, after the encapsulating of the first and second semiconductor chips.
US08067250B2	Ferroelectric memory device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a ferroelectric memory device includes: forming a hydrogen barrier film which covers a ferroelectric capacitor including a lower electrode, a ferroelectric film, and an upper electrode, wherein a thickness of an area of the hydrogen barrier film provided on the upper electrode is made greater than a thickness of an area of the hydrogen barrier film provided on a sidewall of the ferroelectric capacitor by forming the area of the hydrogen barrier film provided on the upper electrode in a plurality of layers.
US08067249B2	Method for functionalizing biosensor chips A method is disclosed for functionalizing biosensors. The biosensors are based on semiconductor chips mounted on a finished processed wafer. They are provided with sensor fields placed thereupon, which are arranged in any array, and, to be precise, for carrying out a functionalization, for example, with organic molecules such as nucleic acids like DNA, RNA and PNA or with their derivatives, proteins, sugar molecules, or antibodies.
US08067246B2	Diagnostic testing process A method and apparatus for use in a flow through assay process is disclosed. The method is characterised by a “pre-incubation step” in which the sample which is to be analyzed (typically for the presence of a particular protein), and a detection analyte (typically one or more antibodies bound to colloidal gold or a fluorescent tag) which is known to bind to the particular protein may bind together for a desired period of time. This pre-incubation step occurs before the mixture of sample and detection analyte come into contact with a capture analyte bound to a membrane. The provision of the pre-incubation step has the effect of both improving the sensitivity of the assay and reducing the volume of sample required for an assay. An apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed defining a pre-incubation chamber for receiving the sample and detection analyte having a base defined by a membrane and a second membrane to which a capture analyte is bound. In one version the pre-incubation chamber is supported above the second membrane in one position but can be pushed into contact with the membrane carrying the capture analyte thus o permitting fluid transfer from the incubation chamber through the capture membrane. In another version the membrane at the base of the incubation chamber is hydrophobic and its underside contacts the capture membrane and when a wetting agent is applied to the contents of the pre-incubation chamber fluid transfer occurs.
US08067242B2	Method for methylmalonic acid detemination based on alkylative extraction associated to liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry The present invention relates to the determination of the presence of methylmalonic acid in biologic samples including the steps of methylmalonic extraction from the sample; derivatization of methylmalonic acid and use of mass spectrometry with negative mode atmospheric pressure chemical ionization to determine the presence of methymalonic acid throughthe formation of an ion of mass to charge ratio (m/z) 477. An additional objective of the present invention concerns diagnosis kits for determination of presence and quantification of methylmalonic acid based on the method mentioned before.
US08067241B2	Method and apparatus for antigen retrieval process The invention provides a method for antigen retrieval of a formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample comprising incubating a formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample in a first antigen retrieval solution at a temperature of greater than 90° C., transferring the tissue sample to a second antigen retrieval solution, and incubating the tissue sample in the second antigen retrieval solution at a temperature of greater than 90° C. The invention also provides a kit and sample delivery device for carrying out the method.
US08067239B2	Reagents for recombinogenic engineering and use thereof The present invention features homologous recombination methods and systems. The methods and systems promote highly efficient homologous recombination in cells (e.g., in prokaryotic cells). The methods and systems are useful, for example, in pharmaceutical drug development, vaccine development and cloning.
US08067238B2	Use of acid stable protease in animal feed The present invention relates to acid-stable proteases homologous to those derived from strains of the genus Nocardiopsis, their use in animal feed, feed-additives and feed compositions containing such proteases, and methods for the treatment of vegetable proteins using such proteases.
US08067235B2	Optimized human T1R2 nucleic acid molecule The present invention relates to a screening system for modulators of GPCRs. Further it relates to recombinant vector systems for the heterologous expression of heterodimeric g-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in eukaryotic host cells. Preferably the functional expression of engineered GPCRs for the perception of sweet and L-amino acid taste or more preferably the use of these receptors for the identification of functional ligands is also encompassed.
US08067233B2	Pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells derived from corneal limbus, methods of isolation and uses thereof The present disclosure describes mammalian pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells (ELSCs) isolated from corneal limbal tissue, a non-embryonic tissue. The ELSCs of the present disclosure are capable of proliferating in an in vitro culture, maintain the potential to differentiate into cells of endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineage in culture, and are capable of forming embryoid-like bodies when placed in suspension culture. Thus, these cells possess multi-lineage differentiation potential and self-renewing capability. ELSCs may be a promising therapeutic tool, and may provide new therapeutic alternatives for various diseases, conditions, and injuries.
US08067232B2	Antibody composition-producing cell with inactivated A-1,6-fusocyltransferase The present invention relates to a cell for the production of an antibody molecule such as an antibody useful for various diseases having high antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activity, a fragment of the antibody and a fusion protein having the Fc region of the antibody or the like, a method for producing an antibody composition using the cell, the antibody composition and use thereof.
US08067229B2	UCP4 The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having homology to certain human uncoupling proteins (“UCPs”) and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention, and methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.
US08067228B2	Nucleic acid compositions and their use against the hepatitic C virus Peptide compositions are described. In particular, peptide compositions are described which include at least two peptides which are selected from among the following peptides: a peptide A having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 1, a peptide B having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 45, a peptide C having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 127, and a peptide D having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 174. The compositions can be used, in particular, in the preparation of active pharmaceutical compositions against the hepatitis C virus.
US08067227B2	Viral vectors and the use of the same for gene therapy The invention relates to viral vectors comprising nucleic acid sequences coding for single chain interleukin-12 (single chain IL-12 or scIL12) and a costimulator protein, and to the use of vectors for gene therapy, especially for the treatment of tumors. The invention further relates to adenoviral vectors containing nucleic acid sequences having a sequence homology of at least 90% in relation to the sequence displayed in FIGS. 19 and 20 (IL-12), in FIG. 21 (4-1BB ligand) and in FIG. 22 (IL-2) and optionally also one of the sequences displayed in FIG. 23A (B7-1) or 23B (B7-2).
US08067226B2	Device and method for multiple analyte detection The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.
US08067225B2	Microalga species and its application for animal, human consumption and in obtaining carotenoids The invention relates to a novel microalga species and to the use thereof for animal and/or human consumption and in the production of carotenoids. A novel strain of Scenedesmus has been isolated at the Las Palmerillas experimental station, Cajamar, identified as microorganisms that had not been previously registered by the University of Gottinghem and deposited within the Culture Collection of Alagae and Protozoa (CCAP) as Scenedesmus almeriensis. The novel strain, which can be used for animal and/or human consumption, produces large quantities of carotenoids, particularly lutein and beta-carotene. Scenedesmus almeriensis grows adequately in a wide range of temperatures from 10° C. to 40° C. at a pH of between 7 and 9.5 and can tolerate high concentrations of copper, up to 1 mg/L. The microalgal strain is grown in a 4000 L photobioreactor, into which the culture is inserted mechanically, and produces less than 4 mg of lutein per gram of dry material. Said strain is suitable for the production of carotenoids that can be used in the treatment of ocular macular disorders.
US08067223B2	Thermacetogenium phaeum consortium for the production of materials with enhanced hydrogen content An isolated microbial consortium is described that includes a first microbial consortium having Thermacetogenium phaeum to metabolize a complex hydrocarbon substrate into metabolic products comprising an acetate compound. The consortium also includes a second microbial consortium having a methanogen to convert the acetate compound into a final product that includes methane. Also, a method of increasing production of materials with enhanced hydrogen content. The method includes isolating Thermacetogenium phaeum from geologic formation water, culturing the isolated Thermacetogenium phaeum to increase the Thermacetogenium phaeum population, and introducing a consortium of the cultured Thermacetogenium phaeum, which may include spores of Thermacetogenium phaeum, into a hydrocarbon formation containing a complex hydrocarbon substrate.
US08067222B2	Pectate lyases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them The invention is directed to polypeptides having pectate lyase (pectinase) activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as pectate lyases to catalyze the beta-elimination or hydrolysis of pectin and/or polygalacturonic acid, such as 1,4-linked alpha-D-galacturonic acid. The invention provides methods of treating fibers, fabrics or any pectate- or polygalacturonic acid-comprising material using one or more pectate lyases of the invention.
US08067219B2	Polynucleotide encoding an ATP binding cassette transporter 1 (ABC1) polypeptide The invention features ABC1 nucleic acids and polypeptides for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal cholesterol regulation. The invention also features methods for identifying compounds for modulating cholesterol levels in an animal (e.g., a human).
US08067218B2	Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08067214B2	Compositions and methods for the biosynthesis of 1,4-butanediol and its precursors The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) biosynthetic pathways. The pathways include exogenous nucleic acids encoding a) an α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase; b) a 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase; c) a 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA:acetyl-CoA transferase or a butyrate kinase and a phosphotransbutyrylase; d) an aldehyde dehydrogenase, and e) an alcohol dehydrogenase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acids are expressed in sufficient amounts to produce 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO). Also provide is a method for the production of 1,4-BDO. The method includes culturing the non-naturally occurring microbial organism having 4-HB and 1,4-BDO biosynthetic pathways substantially anaerobic conditions for a sufficient period of time to produce 1,4-BDO.
US08067213B2	Production of thebaine and oripavine There is disclosed an improved poppy straw of a stably reproducing Papaver somniferum for the extraction of thebaine and/or oripavine, the threshed straw having thebaine and oripavine constituting about 50% by weight or greater of the alkaloid combination consisting of morphine, codeine, thebaine and oripavine.
US08067205B2	Method of synthesizing cDNA A method for synthesizing cDNA possessing a consecutive sequence starting with a nucleotide adjacent to a cap structure of mRNA, which comprises (i) a process for annealing a double-stranded DNA primer and an RNA mixture containing mRNA possessing a cap structure, (ii) a process for preparing a conjugate of an mRNA/cDNA heteroduplex and a double-stranded DNA primer by synthesizing the first-strand cDNA primed with the double-stranded DNA primer using reverse transcriptase, and (iii) a process for circularizing the conjugate of the mRNA/cDNA heteroduplex and the double-stranded DNA primer by joining the 3′ and 5′ ends of the DNA strand containing cDNA using ligase. This method enables us to efficiently synthesize a full-length cDNA possessing a consecutive sequence starting with a transcription-start-site nucleotide from a small amount of RNA by small processes.
US08067199B2	Anti-IL13 antibodies and uses thereof The present invention relates to anti-IL13 antibodies that bind specifically and with high affinity to both glycosylated and non-glycosylated human IL13, does not bind mouse IL13, and neutralize human IL13 activity at an approximate molar ratio of 1:2 (MAb:IL13). The invention also relates to the use of these antibodies in the treatment of IL13-mediated diseases, such as allergic disease, including asthma, allergic asthma, non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, urticaria, food allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ulcerative colitis, RSV infection, uveitis, scleroderma, and osteoporosis.
US08067198B2	Protein expression system The present invention relates to a method of producing a target protein, which method comprises expressing said protein in a host cell which contains a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a chimeric protein, said chimeric protein comprising a signal peptide from a non-mammalian bulk-secreted protein and said target protein; nucleic acids, vectors, host cells and kits for carrying out the method are also described.
US08067195B2	Process for producing 7-methoxy-3-desacetylcefalotin The invention relates to a method for preparing 7-methoxy-3-desacetylcefalotin by a hydrolysis process which takes place in water and is catalyzed by an enzyme obtained from Bacillus pumulis possessing acetyl hydrolasic activity.
US08067191B2	Method for detecting IL-16 activity and modulation of IL-16 activity based on rantes proxy protein levels Methods for detecting IL-16 biological activity, detecting modulation of IL-16 biological activity, and diagnosing the presence of or susceptibility of a subject to an IL-16-related disorder involve measuring and comparing the levels of RANTES proxy produced by eukaryotic cells, such as CD4+ and CD9+ cell lines, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, HuT-78 cells, and/or THP-1 cells.
US08067190B2	Use of protein SATB2 as a marker for colorectal cancer The invention provides new methods, means and uses in connection with detection, characterization and prognosis of colo-rectal cancer, via the identification of the SATB2 protein as a marker for this cancer type.
US08067187B2	Cross-β structure binding compounds The invention relates to the field of biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and medicine. More in particular, the invention relates to cross-β structure conformation. Even more particular, the invention relates to compounds capable of binding to a compound with cross-β structure conformation, i.e., cross-β structure binding compounds and uses thereof.
US08067183B2	Methods and compositions for development of drug screening procedures and diagnostic tools This invention defines novel research methodology for use in (a) monitoring the ongoing status of the physiological expression of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and (b) screening candidate therapeutic drug agents for possible effectiveness. The presence of this neurodegenerative disease can be characterized in part by the expression in cultured fibroblasts obtained from the patient of one or more proteins which are not the product of a defective disease-inducing gene, but which are stress proteins, one or more other proteins modified by conditions of oxidative stress or other disease-related proteins. This candidate drug screening technology offers advantages in terms of (a) providing new research opportunities, (b) cost effectiveness, (c) ability to be used readily on a large scale, (d) ability to generate meaningful data in a comparatively short period of time, and (e) providing an opportunity to obtain information based on direct interaction of a candidate drug and a living tissue disease model.
US08067178B2	Gene expression markers for prediction of patient response to chemotherapy The present invention relates to gene sets useful in assessing prognosis and/or predicting the response of cancer, e.g. colorectal cancer to chemotherapy. In addition, the invention relates to a clinically validated cancer test, e.g. colorectal test, for assessment of prognosis and/or prediction of patient response to chemotherapy, using expression analysis. The present invention accommodates the use of archived paraffin embedded biopsy material for assay of all markers in the relevant gene sets and therefore is compatible with the most widely available type of biopsy material.
US08067173B2	Method of profiling gene expression in a healthy subject The present invention is directed to detection and measurement of gene transcripts in blood. Specifically provided is a RT-PCR analysis performed on a drop of blood for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases using tissue-specific primers. The present invention also describes methods by which delineation of the sequence and/or quantitation of the expression levels of disease-associated genes allows for an immediate and accurate diagnostic/prognostic test for disease or to assess the effect of a particular treatment regimen.
US08067172B2	Device, kit and method for pulsing biological samples with an agent and stabilising the sample so pulsed The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.
US08067169B2	Detection of macromolecular complexes on ultraflat surfaces with harmonic cantilevers Method and apparatus which uses harmonic cantilevers, such as used in atomic force microscopy, to detect variations in the attractive and repulsive forces on a solid surface as a result of macromolecular binding, for example, hybridization of a single stranded DNA molecule attached to the surface with another DNA molecule. The complexed macromolecule is less flexible than an uncomplexed molecule. It will typically have more negative charge due to amino acids or DNA monomers. Both stiffness of the surface and the attractive capillary forces will change after binding and may be detected. The present methods and materials enable ultraflat surfaces for the macromolecule deposition, and may include the use of a gold-coated mica substrate and a self-assembling monolayer.
US08067167B2	Hybrid antibodies Hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments and methods of making them are provided. In one embodiment the hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments contain heavy and/or light variable regions that contain two or more framework regions derived from at least two antibodies. In another embodiment, at least two of the framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family. In one embodiment, at least two framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family member. The hybrid antibodies or hybrid antibody fragments may contain human framework regions and nonhuman CDRs.
US08067165B2	Binary probe and clamp composition and methods for target hybridization detection Binary probe and clamp compositions conduct methods for target hybridization detection. Where the probe is a substrate for exonuclease cleavage, the composition provides quantitation and detection of PCR products, by real-time and end-point measurements. Where the probe is an amplification primer, the composition provides an improved method for labelling and detection of PCR products. Probes and clamps may be labelled with fluorescent dyes, quenchers, hybridization-stabilizing moieties, chemiluminescent dyes, and affinity ligands. Clamps may be nucleic acid analogs, such as 2-aminoethylglycine PNA.
US08067164B2	Microarray system with improved sequence specificity The invention provides a novel array method for nucleic acid sequence detection with improved specificity which allows for detection of genetic variation, from simple SNPs (where the variation occurs at a fixed position and is of limited allelic number) to more complex sequence variation patterns (such as with multigene families or multiple genetic strains of an organism where the sequence variation between the individual members is neither fixed nor consistent). The array is comprised of short, synthetic oligonucleotide probes attached to a solid surface which are hybridized to single-stranded targets. Single stranded targets can be produced using a method that employs primers modified on the 5′ end to prohibit degradation by a 5′-exonuclease that is introduced to degrade the unprotected strand. The invention further provides for printing buffers/solutions for the immobilization of oligonucleotide probes to an array surface. The invention also provides hybridization and wash buffers and conditions to maximize hybridization specificity and signal intensity, and reduce hybridization times.
US08067161B2	Dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell marker Nato3 The present invention is a probe, a primer, and an antibody, for detecting a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell. According to the present invention, there is provided a polynucleotide probe and a polynucleotide primer for use in the detection or selection of a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell, which can hybridize with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence of a Nato3 gene, or a complementary sequence thereto, and an antibody against a Nato3 protein, or a part thereof for use in the detection or selection of a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell.
US08067158B2	Methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia Compositions and methods relating to the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and bipolar disorders are disclosed. Also provided are methods for screening therapeutic agents having efficacy for the treatment of such disorders.
US08067157B2	Expression cloning in filamentous fungi Methods are provided for isolation of DNA sequences encoding proteins with properties of interest by means of expression cloning in filamentous fungal host cells. The isolated DNA sequences are useful in processes for producing the proteins of interest.
US08067156B2	Method for generating replication defective viral vectors that are helper free Sequences are provided that are capable of directing circular adeno-associated virus replication, useful in vectors for providing therapeutic agents to a subject in need thereof. The vectors of the invention are particularly useful in the treatment of acute medical conditions requiring rapid gene expression. Further provided are methods for producing packaged defective viral vectors.
US08067155B2	Receptor tyrosine kinase assays Methods for detecting phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinases (“RTKs”) upon activation are provided. The method employs cells comprising two fusion products: (1) an RTK fused to a small fragment of β-galactosidase and (2) a phosphotyrosine binding peptide fused to the large fragment of β-galactosidase, where the 2 fragments weakly complex to form an active enzyme, and optionally a construct for a cytosolic RTK phosphorylating kinase, when the RTK does not autophosphoryate. To detect phosphorylation a β-galactosidase substrate is added to the cells, whereby product formation indicates the occurrence of phosphorylation.
US08067154B2	Method and device for rapid detection of microorganisms by changing the shape of micro-colonies in micro-channels This invention describes a method of rapid detection of micro-colonies of microorganisms by changing their shape from a regular semi-sphere to a long and thin cylinder. Cells are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides, and attached to a filter from one side. A micro-channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro-channels (diameter of each channel=1-20 μm, and length 100-1000 μm). The micro-channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to a nutrient media agar block. Cells produce micro-colonies of a long and thin shape according the shape of the micro-channel. The growth of microorganisms in the micro-channels permits a change in the number of cells to accomplish light absorbance. Fewer cells need a shorter time to reproduce. Thus detection and counting of cells can be accomplished in a rapid fashion.
US08067152B2	Liver cancer biomarkers A method of detecting whether a subject is afflicted with or at increased risk of developing liver cancer is carried out by detecting cleavage of a marker in a sample such as a blood sample from the subject. Suitable markers include but are not limited to, calreticulin, calreticulin precursor, protein disulfide isomerase family A member 3 (PDIA3), and cleavage products thereof. The cleavage, or extent of cleavage, can be as compared to that found in a control sample.
US08067150B2	In-situ preservation (ISP) bridge method and solution for non-heart beating donors A method for rapid, in-situ flushing of organs of a non-heart beating donor, and solutions for carrying out the flushing, are provided. The method initiates organ preservation, and the solutions are formulated to counteract basic mechanisms of ischemic cell injury, and to activate known biochemical survival pathways in the cell. Viability of the organ for transplant is thus maintained.
US08067149B2	Acellular dermal matrix and method of use thereof for grafting A method for processing and preserving an acellular collagen-based tissue matrix for transplantation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of processing biological tissues with a stabilizing solution to reduce procurement damage, treatment with a processing solution to remove cells, treatment with a cryoprotectant solution followed by freezing, drying, storage and rehydration under conditions that preclude functionally significant damage and reconstitution with viable cells.
US08067147B2	Removable pellicle for immersion lithography A method of irradiating to pattern a photosensitive layer such as a resist (L2) immersed in a fluid (L3), involves applying a removable transparent layer (L4, L5), projecting the radiation onto the resist through the immersion fluid and through the transparent layer, such that imperfections in the fluid are out of focus as projected on the surface, and subsequently removing the transparent layer. The transparent layer can help distance such imperfections from the focus of the radiation on the surface and so can reduce or eliminate shadowing. Hence the irradiation can be more complete, and defects reduced. It can be particularly effective for imperfections in the form of small bubbles or particles in the immersion fluid especially at the fluid/surface interface for example. The radiation can be for any purpose including inspection, processing, patterning and so on. The removal of the transparent layer can be combined with a step of developing the resist layer.
US08067145B2	Developing solution and method for producing lithography printing plate A developing solution includes at least one of a compound represented by formula (I) and a compound represented by formula (II) and being at pH 2 to 10: wherein, in the formula (I) and (II), R1 to R10 each independently represent one of a hydrogen atom an alkyl group; “l” represents an integer of 1 to 3; and X1 and X2 each independently represent one of a sulfonate salt, a sulfate monoester salt, a carboxylate salt and a phosphate salt, provided that the total sum of the carbon atoms in R1 to R5 and the total sum of the carbon atoms in R6 to R10, respectively is 3 or more.
US08067140B2	Toner for developing electrostatic image and method of producing the same A toner for developing electrostatic image which has a reduced residual amount of a decomposed product of a polymerization initiator remaining in the toner upon production (mainly an ether component) and an unreacted polymerizable monomer (mainly styrene), less odor produced upon fixing so as to avoid deteriorating surrounding environment, an excellent shelf stability at high temperature upon storing or anti-blocking property, and an excellent printing durability under both N/N environment and H/H environment upon printing is provided. A toner for developing electrostatic image comprising a colored resin particle which is obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable monomer composition containing a polymerizable monomer, a colorant and a charge control resin in an aqueous dispersion medium in the presence of a polymerization initiator, wherein the charge control resin is a quaternary ammonium base containing copolymer having a glass transition temperature “Tg” in the range from 70 to 100° C.; the polymerization initiator is an organic peroxide; and each residual amount of an ether component and styrene remaining in the toner for developing electrostatic image is respectively less than 500 ppm and less than 50 ppm.
US08067136B2	Charge control agent, toner, image forming method, and image forming apparatus To provide: a charge control agent having negative chargeability, which contributes to environmental conservation and the like to an increased degree, has high performance (high charge amount, quick rise-up of charge, excellent stability with time, and high environmental stability), and has improved dispersibility; a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image containing the charge control agent; and an image forming method and an image forming apparatus each using the toner for developing an electrostatic charge image. A charge control agent for controlling a charged state of powder, characterized by including one or more units each represented by the following chemical formula (1) in a molecule.
US08067135B2	Metrology systems and methods for lithography processes Metrology systems and methods for lithography processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a mask having a plurality of corner rounding test patterns formed thereon. A first semiconductor device is provided, and a layer of photosensitive material of the first semiconductor device is patterned with a plurality of corner rounding test features using the mask and a lithography process. An amount of corner rounding of the lithography process is measured by analyzing the plurality of corner rounding test features relative to other of the plurality of corner rounding test features formed on the layer of photosensitive material of the semiconductor device. The lithography process or the mask is altered in response to the amount of corner rounding measured, and a second semiconductor device is provided. The second semiconductor device is affected using the altered lithography process or the altered mask.
US08067133B2	Phase shift mask with two-phase clear feature Systems and methods are provided for use in photolithography. In one embodiment, a reticle is provided that comprises a phase shift and transmission control layer, wherein a gap in the phase shift and transmission control layer defines a line. Adjacent to the phase shift and transmission control layer is an optically transparent material, comprising a groove located within the line, wherein the groove comprises a region of reduced thickness in the optically transparent material. The region of reduced thickness serves to shift the phase of light passing through the groove, as compared to light passing through other regions of the optically transparent material. Thus, the reticle has a clear feature comprising light of two different phases.
US08067131B2	Contact device and fuel cell stack or fuel cell block comprising one such contact device The invention relates to a contact device which is arranged in a terminal compartment of a fuel cell stack and is used to electrically contact the fuel cell stack. According to the invention, the surface of said contact device is at least partially provided with a hydrophobic surface layer, facilitating the removal of water, e.g., condensation water, from the terminal compartment and thus from the fuel cell stack.
US08067125B2	Fuel cell system and its operation stop method A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell which has a catalyst layer therein and which receives supply of a reactive gas to generate power, and a refrigerant system which supplies a refrigerant to the fuel cell to control its temperature. A method for stopping an operation of the system is also provided. When operated in a low-temperature environment, the system cannot be restarted due to freezing in the fuel cell. When the temperature of the fuel cell during the next system start is a predetermined temperature or less, the supply of the refrigerant is stopped during the system stop, and the supply of the refrigerant is resumed after elapse of a predetermined time.
US08067121B2	Fuel cell system which can be used in a mobile manner with an adsorption accumulator A fuel cell system which can be used in a mobile manner with a fuel cell unit (1) in order to produce electric energy, and an adsorption accumulator (3) which is associated with a fuel cell unit (1) are provided. The adsorption accumulator (3) is used to release heat and interacts in a thermal manner with a heat exchanger (2) which is arranged downstream from the fuel cell unit (1) in a cooling circuit (4, 5) associated with the fuel cell unit. A method for operating said type of fuel cell system, especially during a cold start is provided.
US08067120B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode containing a lithium-containing transition metal oxide as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The non-aqueous electrolyte includes a non-aqueous solvent and a solute dissolved therein, and the non-aqueous solvent includes a solvent having an electron-withdrawing substituent. The solvent having an electron-withdrawing substituent includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a sulfonic solvent, a nitrile solvent, a ketonic solvent, a fluorine-containing solvent, a chlorine-containing solvent and a carboxylic acid ester solvent. The separator includes a material containing an electron-withdrawing substituent or an atom having an unshared electron pair.
US08067118B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and method of manufacturing the same A mixed positive electrode active material is used. The mixed positive electrode active material is obtained by mixing a layered oxide whose initial charge-discharge efficiency when lithium metal is used for a counter electrode is less than 100% (hereinafter referred to as a first layered oxide) and a layered oxide whose initial charge-discharge efficiency is 100% or more (hereinafter referred to as a second layered oxide). Examples of the first layered oxide include Li1+aMnxCoyNizO2. A sodium oxide such as LiANaBMnXCoYNiZO2 other than a layered compound from which lithium is previously extracted by acid treatment or the like can be used as the second layered oxide whose initial charge-discharge efficiency is 100% or more. A layered oxide obtained by replacing (ion exchange) sodium in the foregoing LiANaBMnXCoYNiZO2 with lithium can be also used as the second layered oxide.
US08067116B2	Highly reversible lithium intercalating electrode active material, preparation method thereof, electrode and secondary battery comprising the same Disclosed are an electrode active material, having a composition of SnPx (0.9≦x≦0.98), an electrode comprising the same, and a lithium secondary battery comprising the electrode. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an electrode active material having a composition of SnPx (0.9≦x≦0.98), the method comprising the steps of: preparing a mixed solution of a Sn precursor, trioctyl phosphine (TOP) and trioctyl phosphine oxide (TOPO); and heating the solution. The application of the teardrop-shaped single-crystal SnP0-94 particles as an anode active material for lithium secondary batteries can provide an anode having very excellent cycling properties because the active material has a reversible capacity, which is about two times as large as that of a carbon anode, along with a very low irreversible capacity, and it is structurally very stable against Li ion intercalation/deintercalation in a charge/discharge process, indicating little or no change in the volume thereof.
US08067115B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising at least a negative electrode having a current collector provided thereon with convex portions and columnar bodies formed on the convex portions, each of the columnar bodies comprising n stages (where n≧2) of overlaid columnar body portions alternately tilted to different orientations along a longitudinal direction of the current collector, a positive electrode having a positive electrode current collector provided on both surfaces thereof with a positive electrode mixture layer containing a positive electrode active material capable of inserting and extracting lithium ions reversibly, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode in a confronting manner, wherein tip portions of the columnar body portions at the uppermost stage of the columnar bodies on the negative electrode are tilted toward a trailing end of winding direction.
US08067112B2	Stacked lithium secondary battery and its fabrication utilizing a folded configuration There is provided a stacked lithium secondary battery in which a plurality of cathode plates and a plurality of anode plates are alternatively facing each other, and its fabrication method. The method comprises adhering a plurality of anode plates to a portion of one surface of a separator onto which the anode plates are neighboring one another, adhering a plurality of cathode plates to a portion of the other surface of the separator onto which the cathode plates are neighboring one another, covering either the cathode or anode plates with the separator by folding the portion to which no electrode plate is adhered, successively folding the separator in a fixed one-direction along folding lines formed between the electrode plates to obtain a stacked body, and housing the obtained stacked body within a pouch, followed by injection of an electrolyte solution and packaging. The method simplifies the folding process by a fixed one-directional folding rather than a zig-zag folding, and reduces the scale of a facility required for the adhesion process by minimizing the length occupied by the electrode plates. Further, the separator can be tightly fastened such that the charge/discharge characteristics and cycle life of the battery can be enhanced, compared to a zig-zag folding.
US08067107B2	System and method for processing an end-of-life or reduced performance energy storage and/or conversion device using a supercritical fluid A method of refurbishing a lithium-containing energy storage and/or conversion device is disclosed, wherein the energy storage and/or conversion device includes electrodes and an electrolyte, and wherein the method includes substantially removing the electrolyte from the energy storage and/or conversion device, substantially removing waste products from surfaces of the electrodes, and adding a new quantity of electrolyte to the energy storage and/or conversion device.
US08067106B2	Fuel cell Disclosed is a fuel cell including a fuel cell stack; a stack case which contains the fuel cell stack; and a blocking device including connecting portions which electrically connect, to output terminal portions of the fuel cell stack, output cables to transmit the output of the fuel cell stack to a device provided outside the stack case, the blocking device being capable of blocking the mutual connection performed by the mechanical operation of the connecting portions from the outside of the stack case. Moreover, at least a portion of the blocking device in which the output cables are electrically connected to the connecting portions is arranged outside the stack case.
US08067105B2	Biaxially oriented film A thin biaxially oriented film excellent in dimensional stability against humidity change, as well as a magnetic recording medium and a film capacitor using the same. The present invention provides a laminated biaxially oriented film comprising: at least one layer comprising an aromatic polyester (a); and at least one layer of a polyolefin (b) having a melting point of from 230 to 280° C.; wherein the ratio of the polyolefin (b) is from 2 to 60% based on the entire weight of the film, and the film thickness is from 1 to 10 μm.
US08067104B2	Manufacturing method of magnetic recording medium, the magnetic recording medium, and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus A magnetic recording medium includes a substrate; and a recording film formed on the substrate and including a main magnetic film, the main magnetic film where a recording area and a guard area are formed by local ion doping, the guard area having saturation magnetization smaller than saturation magnetization of the recording area. A primary layer is provided at a substrate side of the main magnetic film. A main ingredient of the primary layer is at least one kind of atom selected from a group consisting of Cr, B, Mo, Al, Si, and C.
US08067100B2	Complexes with tridentate ligands The present invention relates to organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), and more specifically to phosphorescent organic materials used in such devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to emissive phosphorescent material which comprise at least one tridentate ligand bound to a metal center, wherein at least one of the bonds to the tridentate ligand is a carbon-metal bond.
US08067095B1	Award or trophy apparatus, method of making, and method of offering an award or trophy for sale wherein dynamic movement of a game piece and or body part is indicated A trophy or award which includes a statue or figurine shown in a position playing a sporting event with a game piece, and includes a member indicating dynamic movement of the game piece and/or a body part of the statue or figurine.
US08067093B2	Curing agents for epoxy-functional compounds The present invention relates to compounds suitable to use as curing agents for epoxy systems which can be obtained by reacting an amine-functional compound with an α-β unsaturated acid and/or ester and a mono-functional epoxy compound. The invention further relates to coating compositions comprising these curing agents.
US08067090B2	Color effect pigment with a layer made of discrete metal particles, method for the production thereof and its use The invention relates to a platelike color effect pigment having the following structure: a) a metallic reflective core; b) a spacer layer made of a dielectric material, and; c) an, all in all, semitransparent absorber layer comprising, in essence, discrete metal particles that have an average diameter of 1 to 100 nm and optionally at least one other protective layer.
US08067085B2	Gas barrier film, and display device comprising the same Disclosed is a gas barrier film having, on one surface of a substrate film, a gas-barrier layer comprising at least one organic region and at least one inorganic region, and having, as a barrier property-having layer, only a layer comprising a barrier property-having resin as the main ingredient of the layer on the other surface of the substrate film. The gas barrier film has can effectively prevent moisture penetration through the other surface thereof not having the gas-barrier layer.
US08067071B2	Composite self-cohered web materials The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.
US08067070B2	PICVD coating for plastic containers The invention relates to a composite material (1), to containers made therefrom and to a method for producing the composite material (1), which comprises a substrate (2) and a coating (3) on the substrate (2), wherein the coating (3) provides at least a first region (31) facing the substrate (2) and at least a second region (32) facing away the substrate (2), and wherein the first region (31) comprises a barrier layer (4) and the second region (32) a passivation layer (5).
US08067057B2	Dispenser for liquid crystal display panel and method for controlling gap between substrate and nozzle using the same A dispenser for a liquid crystal display panel includes a syringe having a nozzle provided at an end thereof, a body in which the syringe is mounted, a vertical driving stepping motor for moving the body in a vertical direction, a first sensor for detecting whether the nozzle of the syringe is in contact with a substrate, a second sensor for detecting a gap distance between the nozzle and the substrate, and a main unit for controlling the vertical driving stepping motor in response to an output from the second sensor to obtain a desired gap distance between the nozzle and the substrate.
US08067052B2	Nutritional composition and a container for the convenient transport and storage of the nutritional composition The present invention relates to a combination of a hermetically sealed, substantially air-tight container and a nutritional composition. The container of the present invention is adapted for the convenient transport, and storage of a single daily oral dose of a nutritional composition containing a fatty acid, for example, diacyl glycerol, an octadecatrienoic acid, an octadecadienoic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the c9, t11 and t10, c12 isomers of CLA in a nutritional composition. The wide range of health benefits associated with consumption of these CLA fatty acids is well known. Furthermore, the invention relates to a container that substantially prevents CLA lipid oxidation caused by exposure to air.
US08067050B2	Process for the production of aromatic vinegar An aromatic vinegar is produced from wine or fruit vinegar and cooked or concentrated musts, by freeze concentrating the vinegar in a freeze concentration system (1) and mixing it together with concentrated must to obtain an aromatic vinegar with an acidity of at least 6 g/100 ml and high sugar content without the addition of additives.
US08067049B2	Method of storing roasted coffee beans Roasted coffee beans are cooled and stored to a temperature of 0° C. or below before elapse of forty eight hours of holding time at room temperature or below after roasting.
US08067044B2	Cosmetic compositions containing an extract of leaves of the Castanea sativa plant and cosmetic treatments The present invention is concerned with a composition comprising an extract of the leaves of the Castanea sativa plant. It is furthermore directed to the use of the extract for the manufacture of a cosmetic composition and with the use of this extract for the cosmetic treatment of the human body.
US08067041B2	Method for treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome The present invention provides methods for treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, a polymeric proanthocyanidin composition from a Croton species or Calophyllum species in an amount sufficient to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (c-IBS). Treatment of c-IBS includes the treatment of the constipation component of c-IBS as well as the pain and abdominal discomfort associated with c-IBS. In one embodiment, the polymeric proanthocyanidin compound is crofelemer. The present invention in an alternative embodiment also provides methods for treating alternating constipation-predominant/diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
US08067039B2	Extract of plant Dendrobii caulis and preparing process thereof An extract of plant Dendrobii Caulis and preparing process thereof are provided. A physiologically active extract of a plant Dendrobii Caulis and the method thereof are provided in the present invention. The extract is obtained by an extraction of the plant or parts thereof with a water miscible organic solvent or a mixture thereof with water.
US08067035B2	Chlorite formulations, and methods of preparation and use thereof Described herein are chlorite formulations having a pH between about 7 and about 8.5, wherein the chlorite formulations are substantially free of deleterious non-chlorite components. Described herein are chlorite formulations, including pharmaceutical formulations, which are formulated for systemic, parenteral, or intravenous administration. Described herein are methods of preparing and methods of using the chlorite formulations described herein.
US08067028B2	Drug delivery device Drug delivery devices are provided herein including crosslinked polymeric compositions. The devices may, in embodiments, possess at least two drug release profiles, in embodiments at least three drug release profiles.
US08067024B2	Medical devices to prevent or inhibit restenosis Implantable medical devices having anti-restenotic coatings are disclosed. Specifically, implantable medical devices having coatings of certain anti-inflammatory agents, are disclosed. The anti-inflammatory agents are selected from the group consisting of Sanglifehrin A, Sanglifehrin B, Sanglifehrin C, Sanglifehrin D, and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof. The anti-restenotic medical devices include stents, catheters, micro-particles, probes and vascular grafts. Intravascular stents are preferred medical devices. The medical devices can be coated using any method known in the art including compounding the anti-inflammatory agent with a biocompatible polymer prior to applying the coating. Moreover, medical devices composed entirely of biocompatible polymer-anti-inflammatory agent blends are disclosed. Additionally, medical devices having a coating comprising at least one anti-inflammatory agent in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent are also disclosed. Furthermore, related methods of using and making the anti-restenotic implantable devices are also disclosed.
US08067019B2	Wax treated burnable dispensing substrates Disclosed herein are burnable air treatment chemical dispensing substrates, such as mosquito coils, in which wax is incorporated. In one form the wax portion is a separate coating layer in which the air treatment chemical is also placed. This permits the underlying base to be dried without loss of air treatment chemical. Methods for forming such coils are also disclosed.
US08067018B2	Microencapsulated pyrethrin A microcapsule comprising a core material containing pyrethrin and a capsule shell wall which surrounds said core material, said shell wall material comprises gelatin and at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of gum arabic and pectin is effective for controlling insects.
US08067017B2	Preservation of bioactive materials by freeze dried foam This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.
US08067004B2	Surface antigen The invention provides a novel surface polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis as well as nucleic acid and nucleic acid sequence homologues encoding this protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptide and nucleic acids of the invention are also disclosed as well as methods useful in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of N. meningitidis infection.
US08066995B2	Anti-myostatin antibodies Anti-myostatin antibodies are identified that are characterized as having high affinity and may be chimeric, humanized or fully human antibodies, immunoconjugates of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The antibodies of the invention are useful for increasing muscle mass, increasing bond density, or for the treatment of various disorders in mammalian and avian species, X17251.
US08066991B2	Enzyme inhibitors of PAI-1 The invention provides a method for the treatment of a subject suffering from a cardiovascular disease using a therapeutically effective amount of at least one enzyme that is capable of inhibiting PAI-1 activity. The invention also provides a method of decreasing the risk of the occurrence of a cardiovascular disease in a subject who presents at least one risk factor that is associated with a cardiovascular disease, by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one enzyme that is capable of inhibiting PAI-1 activity. Additionally, the invention provides a method of inhibiting PAI-1 activity in a subject in need thereof, where the subject is administered an enzyme selected from a protease or peptidase.
US08066990B2	Lysin protein having broad antibacterial activity specific to bacteria The present invention relates to a lysin protein originated from bacteriophage, more precisely a lysin protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 2 which has no harm to human and animals comprising eukaryotic cells owing to its specificity to bacteria and has broad antibacterial activity, and a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease caused by bacteria comprising the said lysin protein as an active ingredient.
US08066988B1	In-hive trap and lure for control of the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida A Small Hive Beetle trap, which replaces the bottom board of beehives, includes a frame having three walls and a top surface, a trap plate, an entry means, and a trapping means. The trapping means provides a dark environment attractive to small hive beetles and contains a small hive beetle attractant made from pollen dough and inoculated with yeast that produces small hive beetle attracting volatiles. The yeast is a biologically pure strain of yeast producing hive beetle attracting volatiles designated yeast spp. NRRL Y-30722.
US08066987B2	Bacterial delivery of biologically active polypeptides The present invention relates to methods for the delivery of biologically active polypeptides to a subject by colonizing non-pathogenic Gram negative bacteria. Also provided by this invention are methods of treating or preventing diseases by administering colonizing Gram negative bacteria that express one or more biologically active polypeptides. The colonizing non-pathogenic Gram negative bacteria may be administered in pharmaceutical formulations.
US08066983B2	Attenuated poliovirus A novel and stable attenuated poliovirus, which replicates in neuroblastoma cells, is produced by engineering an indigenous replication element (cre), into the 5′ non-translated genomic region and inactivating the native cre element located in the coding region of 2C (mono-crePV). The stably attenuated poliovirus replicates in a neuroblastoma model (Neuro-2aCD155 tumors) expressing CD155, the poliovirus receptor, and is effective for oncolytic treatment and cure of solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma.
US08066982B2	Irreversibly-inactivated pepsinogen fragment and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same for detecting, preventing and treating HIV An isolated antiviral peptide is characterized by the amino acid sequence GDEPLENYLDTEYF and a significant in vitro binding affinity for HIV-1 gp 120 and gp 41 and human CD4 cells. The peptide exhibits anti-retroviral activity in vivo, particularly anti-HIV-1 activity.
US08066981B2	Compositions and methods related to toll-like receptor-3 The invention relates to compositions and methods related to Toll-like receptor (TLR) polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention relates to managing TLR3 related diseases. In further embodiments, the invention relates to methods of preventing and treating inflammation. In some embodiments, the invention relates to antagonists of TLR3, to amino acid sequences that act as dominant negative molecules, and to nucleic acid sequences that encode said amino acid sequences. In additional embodiments, the invention relates to the manipulation of biological materials to evaluate TLR3 activity.
US08066979B1	Attractants and repellents for the tropical root weevil Diaprepes Abbreviatus A composition for attracting female tropical root weevils (and/or repelling male tropical root weevils), containing (±)-linalool, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, and carvacrol, and optionally a carrier or carrier material known in the art. A method for attracting female tropical root weevils to an object or area, involving treating the object or area with a composition containing a female tropical root weevil attracting effective amount of (±)-linalool, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, and carvacrol, and optionally a carrier or carrier material. A method for repelling male tropical root weevils from an object or area, involving treating the object or area with a composition containing a male tropical root weevil repelling effective amount of (±)-linalool, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, and carvacrol, and optionally a carrier or carrier material.
US08066976B2	Foaming compositions for hair care The invention concerns a foaming composition for washing and treating hair and/or scalp essentially characterised in that it contains in an aqueous medium: at least an active principle selected among corticoids and retinoids; at least an anionic surfactant; at least an amphoteric surfactant; and a pro-penetrating agent.
US08066973B2	Nanoparticulate probe for in vivo monitoring of tissue oxygenation A new class of micro- and nano- particulate paramagnetic spin probes useful for magnetic resonance imaging techniques, including electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The probes are lithium phthalocyanine derivative compounds. Also provided are suspensions and emulsions comprising lithium phthalocyanine derivative probes. Also provided are noninvasive methods for measuring noninvasive methods of measuring oxygen concentration, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen metabolism, and nitric oxide concentration in a specific tissue, organ, or cell in vivo or in vitro.
US08066965B2	Process for recycling carbon dioxide emissions from power plants into carbonated species A process is disclosed for recycling carbon dioxide emissions from a fossil-fuel power plant into useful carbonated species The process primarily comprises the steps of: a) burning the fossil fuel, thereby generating heat and a hot exhaust gas containing CO2; and b) converting the heat into energy. The process is characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: c) cooling the exhaust gas; and d) biologically transforming the CO2 contained in the cooled exhaust gas into carbonated species, thereby obtaining a low CO2 exhaust gas and producing useful carbonated species. The low CO2 exhaust gas obtained in step d) can be released in the atmosphere without increasing the problem of greenhouse effect.
US08066958B2	Device and kit for calibrating bodily fluid sampling devices A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.
US08066955B2	Processing apparatus fabrication A processing apparatus that is formed from a plurality of metal layers that are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form one or more portions of the processing apparatus.
US08066953B2	Apparatus and method for hydrolyzing biological material Apparatus and method for hydrolyzing biological material for safe disposal thereof without the necessity of incineration or use of disinfectants are described. An alkaline solution having a concentration and an amount effective for hydrolyzing the biological material is brought into contact therewith by means of rotating paddles which both pound the biological material into small pieces and thoroughly mix the alkaline solution with the material under pressure and at elevated temperature. Following the hydrolysis of the biological material, a chosen portion of the water is removed from the alkaline solution and from the liquefied biological material, such that the resulting product solidifies when cooled. The present safe disposal of the biological material does not require incineration thereof, the addition of disinfectants thereto, or the discharge of liquid effluent containing processed biological material into the sewage system.
US08066946B2	Hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery system Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are taught. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as taught herein.
US08066944B2	Chemical sensing device This invention relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte. The device comprises a light source; at least one luminescent reagent which is capable of luminescing when irradiated by the light source wherein the luminescence of the luminescent reagent is modifiable by the analyte thereby changing the generation of heat, which change in heat generation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing the change in heat to an electrical signal, and a detector which is capable of converting the electrical signal into an indication of the concentration of the analyte. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte.
US08066943B2	Clinical analyzer having a variable cycle time and throughput A clinical analyzer having the capability to operate at both a higher and lower throughput, depending upon the assay load demand experienced by the hospital or laboratory, so that analyzer throughput most closely matches assay demand.
US08066939B2	Descenting methods The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses systems and methods for treating a human being and/or items with descenting material, the systems, in certain aspects, including a generator for producing descenting material, and, in certain aspects at least one direction apparatus in communication with the generator for receiving produced descenting material from the generator and for directing said descenting material in a desired direction.
US08066938B2	Ni-Cr-Co alloy for advanced gas turbine engines A wrought age-hardenable nickel-chromium-cobalt based alloy suitable for use in high temperature gas turbine transition ducts possessing a combination of three specific key properties, namely resistance to strain age cracking, good thermal stability, and good creep-rupture strength contains in weight percent 17 to 22 chromium, 8 to 15 cobalt, 4.0 to 9.1 molybdenum, up to 7 tungsten, 1.39 to 1.65 aluminum, 1.50 to 2.30 titanium, up to 0.80 niobium, 0.01 to 0.2 carbon, up to 0.01 boron, up to 3 iron, up to 1.5 tantalum and less than 0.02 zirconium, with a balance of nickel and impurities. Certain alloying elements must be present in amounts according to two equations here disclosed.
US08066937B2	Method for making high thermal conductivity metal matrix composite Discontinuous diamond particulate containing metal matrix composites of high thermal conductivity and methods for producing these composites are provided. The manufacturing method includes producing a thin reaction formed and diffusion bonded functionally graded interactive SiC surface layer on diamond particles. The interactive surface converted SiC coated diamond particles are then disposed into a mold and between the particles and permitted to rapidly solidify under pressure. The surface conversion interactive SiC coating on the diamond particles achieves minimal interface thermal resistance with the metal matrix which translates into good mechanical strength and stiffness of the composites and facilitates near theoretical thermal conductivity levels to be attained in the composite. Secondary working of the diamond metal composite can be performed for producing thin sheet product.
US08066929B2	Method and device for placing thin material layers onto a relief mould The present invention relates to a method and a device for placing at least one material layer onto a relief mold for producing a composite material. Thereby, an elastically-reversibly deformable body with a surface relief that is designed to correspond to the relief mold is pressed against the material layer, as a result of which the surface of said body is deformed, and the material layer can be picked up. As a result of its elastically-reversible characteristics the body subsequently deforms back to its initial state so that the material layer can easily be placed onto the relief mold.
US08066927B2	Method for making a thermoplastic composite part by molding The invention relates to a method for making a thermoplastic composite part by molding. The method includes making several portions of the part according to a molding method, the molding method including placing, in a mold, a composite material containing fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, while arranging the material so that the fibers contained therein are oriented along one or more preferred directions; submitting the mold to particular pressure and temperature conditions, knowing that for each of the different portions the fibers may be of different natures and dimensions, and may be oriented in different directions, while the thermoplastic matrix and that of the material used for making the first portion are identical or compatible; and assembling the different portions obtained, placing them in a mold, and submitting the latter to particular pressure and temperature conditions.
US08066924B2	Method of manufacturing an alloyed film and apparatus for the method A method and apparatus for carrying out the method are for forming a sheet or film of thermoplastic polymer alloy by extruding an intimate blend of incompatible polymer materials, such as polypropylene dispersed in LLDPF, through an extruding die and stretching after extrusion. In the die upstream from the exit is a grid chamber comprising one or more grids, the grid or grids having at least 4 (in the longitudinal sections perpendicular to the main surfaces of the flow) closely spaced lamellae (303) having walls extending several millimeters in the direction of the flow which are interconnected (306) at intervals such that viewed in sections perpendicular to the direction of flow they form a network, the intervals being essentially longer than the distance between each pair of lamellae and between the lamellae apertures of a size selected to reduce the average size of the dispersed phase of P1 or P2 in the blend, the grid or grids being located at a position in the chamber where the gap is wider than the said exit gap, the grip chamber further comprising a gap reduction portion between the screen and the die exit wherein the gap through which the blend flows is reduced at least part way to the gap of the die exit. There may be two grids with parallel lamellae arranged so that the lamellae of the downstream grid are located mid-way between the lamellae of the upstream grid.
US08066922B2	Method and device for the production of a plastic profile In the production of elongate plastic profiles (10), which usually takes place by the pultrusion process, the cured plastic profile (10) emerging from a die (14) is pulled through the stationary die (14) by a take-off device. This process only makes it possible to produce straight plastic profiles (10). The invention envisages producing curved plastic profiles (10) by using a die (14) corresponding to the curvature of the plastic profile (10). For moving the cured part of the plastic profile (10) out of the die (14), it is provided that the die (14) is moved back step by step in relation to the stationary plastic profile (10) counter to the direction of production (19). In order that the plastic profile (10) remains stationary in relation to the die (14) as this takes place, it is securely held outside the die (14) by a holding means (20) during the moving back of the die (14).
US08066919B2	Spherical rubber chemicals and the method for preparing the same The present invention provides spherical rubber chemicals and the method for preparing the same. The spherical rubber chemicals of the present invention include spherical antioxidants, spherical vulcanization agents, spherical processing aids, spherical reinforcing agents, or spherical adhesive agents. With the spherical rubber chemicals of the present invention, the shortcomings of powdery or semi-spherical rubber chemicals are overcome, including eliminating the dust pollution during granulation procedure and avoiding the raw material loss and the environmental pollution, while solving the quality problem of lower melting point of product caused by the presence of fine powder crystal. Furthermore, the resultant rubber chemicals has an improved smoothness of surface, which is helpful to improve the flowing and mixing behaviors of the rubber chemicals in mixing or open milling process with rubbers.
US08066914B2	7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane and related methods 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane and related methods are presented. Manufacturing 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane includes the steps of: (1) reducing alkyl 2,4,9-trithiaadamantane-7-carboxylate to produce 7-hydroxymethyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane; (2) oxidizing 7-hydroxymethyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane to produces 7-carbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane; and (3) reacting 7-carbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane with Ohira-Bestmann reagent to produces 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane. Molecular wires having 2,4,9-trithiaadamantane surface anchors are also disclosed.
US08066909B2	Light emitting device A light emitting device is disclosed. The light emitting device may include a light emitting diode (LED) for emitting light and a phosphor adjacent to the LED. The phosphor may be excitable by light emitted by the LED and may include a first compound having a host lattice comprising first ions and oxygen. In one embodiment, the host lattice may include silicon, the copper ions may be divalent copper ions and the first compound may have an Olivin crystal structure, a β-K2SO4 crystal structure, a trigonal Glaserite (K3Na(SO4)2) or monoclinic Merwinite crystal structure, a tetragonal Ackermanite crystal structure, a tetragonal crystal structure or an orthorhombic crystal structure. In another embodiment, the copper ions do not act as luminescent ions upon excitation with the light emitted by the LED.
US08066908B2	Production of light from sol-gel derived thin films made with lanthanide doped nanoparticles, and preparation thereof A method of preparing a lanthanide-doped nanoparticle sol-gel matrix film having a high signal to noise ratio is provided. The sol-gels are also provided. A method of preparing light emitting sol-gel films made with lanthanide doped nanoparticles, for the production of white light is also provided. The method comprises selecting lanthanides for the production of at least one of green, red and blue light when excited with near infrared light, preparing nanoparticles comprising the selected lanthanides, stabilizing the nanoparticles with ligands operative to stabilize the nanoparticles in an aqueous solution and selected to be substantially removed from the sol-gel matrix film during synthesis, incorporating the stabilized nanoparticles into a sol-gel matrix and heating to increase the signal to noise ratio of the luminescence by substantially removing the low molecular weight organic molecules. Additionally, light emitting sol-gel films made with lanthanide doped nanoparticles are provided.
US08066906B2	Polymerizable compound and polymerizable composition A polymerizable compound represented by general formula (1): wherein A represents a ring assembly composed of at least two 6-membered rings each optionally having a substituent; X1 and X2 each represent a (meth)acryloyloxy group; and Y1 and Y2 each independently represent a single bond, an optionally branched alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an ether linkage, —COO—, —OCO—, a 6-membered ring optionally having a substituent, a naphthalene ring optionally having a substituent, or a combination thereof; the substituent being a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitrile group, an optionally branched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an optionally branched alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an optionally branched alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl, alkoxy, or alkenyl group may have its —CH2— moiety replaced with a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom and may have its hydrogen atom replaced with a halogen atom or a nitrite group.
US08066902B2	Methods for inhibiting corrosion in brazed metal surfaces and coolants and additives for use therein Disclosed are coolants comprising brazed metal corrosion inhibitors. In one embodiment, the disclosed brazed metal corrosion inhibitor will comprise a polycarboxylic acid functional compound having the structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, COOH, C1-C10alkyl groups, glycol esters, anhydride groups, —COOM, and combinations thereof, wherein M is at least one of H, alkali metal ions, alkali earth metal ions, NH4+, amines, imidazoline, polyalcohol esters, C1 to C12 alkyl groups, and combinations thereof; wherein (1) at least three of R1, R2, R3, and R4 contain the group —COOM, wherein M is defined above; or (2) at least two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 contain an anhydride group, and at least one of R1, R2, R3, and R4 contain the group —COOM, wherein M is defined above.
US08066900B2	Azeotropic-like compositions with 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxy-propane and 1-bromopropane Azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1-bromopropane and 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxy-propane, and uses thereof, are described.
US08066897B2	Dynamic hard magnet thickness adjustment for reduced variation in free layer stabilization field in a magnetoresistive sensor A method for manufacturing a current perpendicular to plane magnetoresistive sensor that allows for dynamic adjustment of free layer biasing to compensate for variations in thickness of an electrically insulating layer that separates the hard bias layers from the free layer. During fabrication of the sensor, the actual thickness of the insulation layers is measured. Then, to maintain a desired magnetic stabilization of the free layer one of three options can be utilized. Option one; adjust the stripe height target to maintain the desired magnetic stabilization. Option two; adjust the hard magnet thickness to maintain the desired magnetic stabilization. Option three; use a combination of option one and option two, adjusting both the stripe height target and the hard magnet thickness to maintain the desired magnetic stabilization.
US08066894B2	Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus A substrate can be appropriately oxidized, while oxidation of the substrate can be suppressed.The present invention includes a step of generating mixed plasma by causing a mixed gas of hydrogen (H2) gas and oxygen (O2) or oxygen-containing gas supplied to a processing chamber to form a plasma discharge, and processing the starting substrate by the mixed plasma; and a step of generating hydrogen plasma by causing hydrogen (H2) gas supplied to the processing chamber to form a plasma discharge, and processing the substrate by the hydrogen plasma.
US08066893B2	Method for creating a magnetic write pole having a stepped perpendicular pole via CMP-assisted liftoff A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a stepped, recessed, high magnetic moment pole connected with a write pole. The stepped pole structure helps to channel magnetic flux to the write pole without leaking write field to the magnetic medium. This allows the write head to maintain a high write field strength at very small bit sizes. The method includes depositing a dielectric layer and a first CMP layer over substrate that can include a magnetic shaping layer. A mask is formed over the dielectric layer, the mask having an opening to define the stepped pole structure. The image of the mask is transferred into the dielectric layer. A high magnetic moment material is deposited and a chemical mechanical polishing is performed to planarize the magnetic material and dielectric layer.
US08066890B2	Spatial light modulator with multi-layer landing structures A method of fabricating a spatial light modulator. The method includes providing a first substrate including a first bonding surface, forming a first layer coupled to the bonding surface, wherein the first layer is characterized by a first set of material parameters, and forming a second layer coupled to the first layer, wherein the second layer is characterized by a second set of material parameters. The method also includes patterning the first layer and the second layer to form a plurality of landing structures extending to a first distance from the bonding surface of the first substrate. The method further includes providing a second substrate including a second bonding surface, joining the first bonding surface of the first substrate to the second bonding surface of the second substrate, and forming a plurality of moveable mirrors from the second substrate. During operation, the moveable mirrors make contact with the second layer.
US08066888B2	Blood processing apparatus with controlled cell capture chamber trigger A blood cell collection system having means for detecting when a cell separation chamber has filled with white blood cells, and flushing the cells out of the cell separation chamber into a collect bag. A red-green sensor senses the optical characteristics of fluid leaving the cell separation chamber. A baseline value is calculated. The device calculates a ratio of the intensities of red light and green light and a peak-to-peak ratio of intensities. If either ratio exceeds thresholds computed from the baseline, the device flushes the cells into the collect bag. A camera detects white cells passing into the cell separation chamber and the device calculates the number of cells being collected. If the calculated number of collected cells exceeds a certain limit, the cell separation chamber is flushed. If the device is unable to establish a baseline, the donation can proceed, relying solely on the calculated number of collected cells.
US08066887B1	Wastewater concentrator Disclosed is a system for reducing the demand of wastewater volume flowing through a wastewater collection piping system and thereby increasing the effective capacity of the system. A portion of the wastewater is diverted from a sewer main. The solids are separated from the liquid, for example, by a vortex separator. The recovered liquid can be treated and made available for local reuse. The concentrated solids are reintroduced into the main sewage line in a portion that adjusts the wastewater loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range. Also disclosed is a system capable of reintroducing the concentrated solids into the sewer main in a portion that adjusts the solids loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range.
US08066886B2	Method and apparatus for preventing scale deposits and removing contaminants from fluid columns A method and apparatus provide pulsed fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing pulsed magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
US08066884B2	Process for the purification of water The present invention relates to a process for the purification of water by adding surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate or an aqueous suspension comprising surface-reacted calcium carbonate and having a pH greater than 6.0 measured at 20° C., to the medium, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of natural calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more acids and the use of the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate for this process.
US08066873B2	Floating bioreactor system An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decontaminating water including a housing adapted to float within the medium such that a top portion thereof remains adjacent a top surface of the contaminated water while the bioreactor containing inoculated carrier media is attached below. Beneficial microbial populations thrive and spread throughout the liquid medium, and consume or fix the contaminant such that the contaminant is removed from the water.
US08066872B1	Dual weir vortex skimmer A skimmer system for removing a substantially liquid substance such as oil floating on the surface of a body of water has a reservoir body defining an collected fluid reservoir and having a primary weir edge. A weir tube extends upwardly within the reservoir and provides a secondary weir edge being of less height than the primary weir edge and defines a vortex chamber. A plurality of buoyancy members support the reservoir body in relation to the surface of the body of water and are adjustable relative to the reservoir body by power operated or mechanical devices for selective positioning of said primary weir edge relative to the water surface. A pump having a suction inlet is in communication with the vortex chamber and has a discharge outlet conducting recovered oil to a collection barge. A power source such as a hydraulic fluid supply is connected in driving relation with the pump.
US08066868B1	Fluid catalytic cracking to produce and recover light olefins Processing schemes and arrangements are provided for the processing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock via fluidized catalytic cracking with selected hydrocarbon fractions including light olefins being obtained via absorption and separation product recovery.
US08066867B2	Combination of mild hydrotreating and hydrocracking for making low sulfur diesel and high octane naphtha Methods are disclosed for the hydrotreating and hydrocracking of highly aromatic distillate feeds such as light cycle oil (LCO) to produce ultra low sulfur gasoline and diesel fuel. Optimization of hydrotreater severity improves the octane quality of the gasoline or naphtha fraction. In particular, the operation of the hydrotreater at reduced severity to allow at least about 20 ppm by weight of organic nitrogen into the hydrocracker feed is shown to lead to these important benefits. Post-treating of the hydrocracker effluent over an additional hydrotreating catalyst bed may be desired to meet specifications for ultra low sulfur fuel components.
US08066865B2	Electroplating methods and chemistries for deposition of group IIIA-group via thin films An electrochemical co-deposition method and solution to plate uniform, defect free and smooth (In,Ga)—Se films with repeatability and controllable molar ratios of (In,Ga) to Se are provided. Such layers are used in fabrication of semiconductor and electronic devices such as thin film solar cells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an alkaline electrodeposition solution that includes an In salt, a Se acid or oxide, a tartrate salt as complexing agent for the In species, and a solvent to electrodeposit an In—Se film possessing sub-micron thickness on a conductive surface.
US08066861B1	Method for preparing metal powder, device for preparing metal powder, method for processing spent nuclear fuel A method for producing metal powder is provided the comprising supplying a molten bath containing a reducing agent, contacting a metal oxide with the molten bath for a time and at a temperature sufficient to reduce the metal in the metal oxide to elemental metal and produce free oxygen; and isolating the elemental metal from the molten bath.
US08066854B2	Antimicrobial coating methods The invention is directed to efficient methods for depositing highly adherent anti-microbial materials onto a wide range of surfaces. A controlled cathodic arc process is described, which results in enhanced adhesion of silver oxide to polymers and other surfaces, such as surfaces of medical devices. Deposition of anti-microbial materials directly onto the substrates is possible in a cost-effective manner that maintains high anti-microbial activity over several weeks when the coated devices are employed in vivo.
US08066852B2	Enrichment of light hydrocarbon mixture Light hydrocarbon enrichment is accomplished using a vertically oriented distillation column having a plurality of vertically oriented, nonselective micro/mesoporous hollow fibers. Vapor having, for example, both propylene and propane is sent upward through the distillation column in between the hollow fibers. Vapor exits neat the top of the column and is condensed to form a liquid phase that is directed back downward through the lumen of the hollow fibers. As vapor continues to ascend and liquid continues to countercurrently descend, the liquid at the bottom of the column becomes enriched in a higher boiling point, light hydrocarbon (propane, for example) and the vapor at the top becomes enriched in a lower boiling point light hydrocarbon (propylene, for example). The hollow fiber becomes wetted with liquid during the process.
US08066848B2	Absorbent paper product having printed indicia with a wide color palette An absorbent paper product comprising indicia wherein the indicia comprise Lab* color wherein the Lab* values are outside of the boundary described by the following system of equations: {a=−29.0 to −5.2; b=14.0 to 49.5}→b=1.4916 a+57.2563 {a=−5.2 to 35.3; b=49.5 to 38.9}→b=−0.261728 a+48.139 {a=35.3 to 38.3; b=5.3 to 38.9}→b=−11.2 a+434.26 {a=38.3 to 36.3; b=5.3 to −0.70}→b=3 a−109.6 {a=36.3 to 11.3; b=−0.70 to −26.0}→b* =1.012 a−37.4356 {a=11.3 to −20.0; b=−26.0 to −29.3}→b=0.105431 a−27.1914 {a=−20.0 to −29.0; b=−29.3 to 14.0}→b=−4.81111 a−125.522 wherein L is from 0 to 100.
US08066846B2	Composition and process for the treatment of fibre material The invention relates to a stabilizing composition comprising following components (A) a polymer having the following formula: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol, (B) a chelating agent, (C) a poly-alpha-hydroxyacrylic acid or an alkaline salt thereof or the corresponding polylactone thereof, and (D) optionally a polycarboxylic acid polymer or an alkaline salt thereof. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of a fiber material.
US08066843B2	Seamless corrugated insert gasket and method of forming the same The invention relates to a seamless hybrid gasket and the method of making the same. The gasket includes a unitary polymer construction and an insert for enhanced pressure resistance, reduced stress to seal, improved thermal cycling performance and structural support.
US08066837B2	Processes and apparatus for producing photopolymerizable, cylindrical, continuous, seamless flexographic printing elements Processes comprising providing a layer composite comprising a layer of photopolymerizable material and a removable substrate film disposed on one side of the layer of photopolymerizable material, wherein the photopolymerizable material comprises an elastomeric binder, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a photoinitiator; and (a) miter-cutting two edges of the layer composite to be joined, to form two miter-cut ends; (b) providing a hollow cylinder on a rotatably mounted support cylinder, wherein the hollow cylinder has an outer surface and is in a temporarily locked position relative to the support cylinder; (c) applying an adhesion-promoting layer to the outer surface of the hollow cylinder; (d) applying the layer composite to the hollow cylinder bearing the adhesive-promoting layer, wherein the layer composite is disposed on the hollow cylinder such that the removable substrate film faces away from the hollow cylinder and the two miter-cut ends lie substantially one on top of the other, but not overlapping; (e) removing the substrate film from the layer of photopolymerizable material to provide an exposed surface of the layer of photopolymerizable material; (f) contacting the exposed surface of the layer of photopolymerizable material with a rotating calender roll with heating to join the two miter-cut edges and form a processed hollow cylinder, wherein heating comprises a locally-acting heat source moved in an axial direction relative to the hollow cylinder along the entire width of the layer of photopolymerizable material such that the exposed surface is heated; and (g) removing the processed hollow cylinder from the support cylinder.
US08066833B2	Non-toxic boron-containing IR tracer compositions and IR tracer projectiles containing the same for generating a dim visibility IR trace A novel non-toxic IR tracer composition is provided herein which, when incorporated into an IR tracer projectile which is then fired, generates a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer composition is a non-toxic, boron-containing, IR tracer composition comprising: from about 20 to about 30% by weight, or from about 45 to about 60% by weight, of potassium perchlorate; from about 5 to about 16% by weight of a metallic fuel which consists of boron; from about 20 to about 25% by weight, or from about 40 to about 50% by weight, of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; from about 5 to about 10% by weight of a retardant which consists either of iron carbonate or magnesium carbonate; and an effective amount of binder, wherein the total percentage of such ingredients add up to 100%. A novel IR tracer projectile containing such IR tracer composition for generating a dim visibility IR trace is also provided.
US08066831B2	Shock wave and power generation using on-chip nanoenergetic material A method of generating power uses a nanoenergetic material. The nanoenergetic material comprising thermite is obtained and deposited on a substrate. An igniter is placed on the nanoenergetic material. When power is desired, the nanoenergetic material is ignited. A transducer receives thermal, sonic, magnetic, optic and/or mechanical energy from combustion of the nanoenergetic material and converts it into electrical energy. Preferably, the transducer is a thermoelectric, piezoelectric or magneto device. Preferably, multiple transducers are integrated in one power generators to maximize the power from nanoenergetic thermites.
US08066827B2	Ni and Cu free Pd-based metallic glasses The invention is directed to Pd-based metallic glass alloys useful in biomedical applications having no Ni or Cu. Exemplary metallic glass alloys are represented by AaBb{(Si)100-c(D)c}d, where A may be selected from Pd, and combinations of Pd and Pt, B may be selected from Ag, Au, Co, Fe, and combinations thereof, and D may be selected from P, Ge, B, S. Also, a, b, c and d are atomic percentages, and a ranges from about 60 to about 90, b ranges from about 2 to about 18, d ranges from about 5 to about 25, and c is greater than 0 and less than 100.
US08066824B2	Covalent modification of metal surfaces The present invention provides modified metal surfaces, methods of preparing the same, and intermediates thereto. These materials are useful in a variety of applications including biomaterials.
US08066823B2	Device for cleaning of enclosed spaces Devices for cleaning of enclosed spaces by means of liquid sprayed out. The device comprises a housing with a stationary part to which the liquid is supplied and on which a rotatable part bearing a hub is mounted. The hub has at least one spray nozzle. An element suspends the hub in a bearing in the rotatable part. The rotatable part comprises a turbine driven by the liquid and having a planetary gear for turning the rotatable part and at least one nozzle so that the liquid sprayed out by at least one of the nozzles during rotation sweeps across the inside of the enclosed spaces. The stationary part comprises an upper ring gear in engagement with a lower ring gear on the hub, which two ring gears are surrounded by the housing. The turbine and the planetary gear are fitted in the rotatable part to achieve a compact device.
US08066820B2	Process for cleaning articles A method of cleaning at least one article having a surface to be cleaned, the method comprising the steps of inserting the article into a cleaning chamber (3), subjecting the surface of the article to treatment with water vapor under conditions such that at least a portion of the water vapor condenses on said surface of the article as condensed water, and introducing an organic solvent into the cleaning chamber (3) and thereby removing the condensed water from the surface of the article, wherein no immersion of the article in water or aqueous solution takes place in the cleaning chamber.
US08066816B2	Probe cleaning method and apparatus A cleaning apparatus for cleaning measuring probes (18) of a gas turbine engine (1). The invention further relates to a method for cleaning measuring probes (18) of an gas turbine engine (1). The apparatus comprises distribution means (30) comprising a plurality of supply means (31, 32, 33), each comprising connection means (33) arranged for connection to a probe (18), and each supply means (31, 32, 33) being arranged to, when connected to a probe (18), distribute pressurized cleaning liquid to said measuring probe (18), wherein a substantially simultaneous cleaning of probes connected to said distribution means (30) via said supply means (31, 32, 33) can be obtained.
US08066815B2	Multi-workpiece processing chamber A multi-workpiece chamber includes at least two processing stations, for exposing workpieces to a treatment process. A partition cooperates with the chamber such that the partition is disengagably removable from the chamber and re-engagable with the chamber for selectively dividing the processing stations. The partition is configured to provide for non-line-of-sight travel of certain ones of the process related products between the processing stations. An exhaust arrangement divides exhaust flow into at least two approximately equal exhaust flow portions that leave the multi-workpiece chamber in a way which enhances uniformity of the treatment process for the stations. A partition configuration is described including a partition portion between the stations and a baffle portion extending into an exhaust arrangement. A modified partition arrangement is provided for use in establishing a modified exchange characteristic of the process related products.
US08066813B2	Cementitious compositions containing feldspar and pozzolanic particulate material, and method of making said composition A method of making a cementitious composition comprises (a) selecting at least one pozzolanic particulate material; (b) selecting and grinding at least one feldspar material to a fineness of at least 3000 Blaine; (c) mixing calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide with gypsum; (d) mixing the ground feldspar with the lime-gypsum mixture to produce an activator; (e) conditioning the pozzolanic particulate material with an aqueous solution; (f) adding the activator to the conditioned material to produce a slurry; and (g) curing the slurry in a sealed container. The pozzolanic particulate material can be slag, fly ash, or siliceous rock. A cementitious composition of the invention comprises a pozzolanic particulate material, a ground feldspar material, a lime compound and gypsum, and uses readily available materials, as an economic replacement for Portland cement, fly ash or other materials in filling, backfilling and paving, particularly for backfilling or stabilizing mine sites.
US08066811B2	Pigment having angle dependence of the interference colors and its production process The invention disclosed a pigment having angle dependence of the interference colors and its production process, in which mica is used as the substrate and the first metal oxide coating with high refractive index has the optical thickness of silver to golden interference color. And the second metal oxide coating with low refractive index has the optical thickness of the second circle green to the fourth circle interference color. The third coating is a highly refractive metal oxide. The lowly refractive metal oxide is SiO2 and the highly refractive metal oxide is TiO2, SnO2, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, CoO, Co2O3, ZrO2, Cr2O3 or their mixtures as well as complexes. The mica substrate is wet-milled mica powders with a thickness of 0.1-0.9 micrometers and a diameter of 5-250 micrometers. The process involves wet chemical hydrolysis steps to alternately deposit the coatings and modulating the optical thickness of each coatings, to produce the pigment having angle dependence of the interference colors, which has various hues and ranges of angle dependence of the interference colors as well as higher brightness and vivid colors.
US08066806B2	Sintered silicon oxide for film vapor deposition, its production method, and method for producing silicon oxide vapor deposition film A sintered silicon oxide for film vapor deposition having a density of 1.0 to 2.0 g/cm3, three-point flexural strength of at least 50 g/mm2, and a BET specific surface area of 0.1 to 20 m2/g is provided. When this sintered silicon oxide is used for evaporation source of a film, pin holes and other defects of the film caused by the problematic splash phenomenon can be reliably prevented and stable production of a reliable package material having excellent gas barrier property is been enabled. This invention also provides a method for producing such sintered silicon oxide, and this method can be used in a large scale production without requiring any special technology, and therefore, this method is capable of supplying the market with the sintered silicon oxide at reduced cost.
US08066802B2	Method and device for providing a zone of clean air at an operation area and use of said device The present invention relates to a method and a device for providing a zone (2) of clean air at an operation area (3) wherein an air treatment device (1) having a lighting device (25) is brought to a functional position such that the air treatment device (1) and the lighting device (25) are located above an operation area (3) and between the operation area (3) and a ceiling (32) in the operation premises (4). Air is taken into the air treatment device (1) from upper portions of the operation premises (4) and subsequently filtered in the air treatment device (1). The air is cooled in the air treatment device (1) to achieve a lower temperature than impure air (8) surrounding the zone (2) of clean air and subsequently discharged from the air treatment device (1) as a laminar air flow descending slowly downwards towards the operation area (3).
US08066800B2	Film-based system and method for carbon dioxide separation A method for separating CO2 from a processed fluid includes exposing a film to the processed fluid and reacting the CO2 with tetrahedrally coordinated zinc hydroxide moieties contained within the film to facilitate the transport of the CO2 through the film.
US08066797B2	Method of treating metallic and non-metallic by-products The method of the present invention involves recycling or reprocessing small-sized metallic or non-metallic by-products by enclosing them in a binder prior to melting. The binder can be a steel drum or other suitable steel enclosure. Melting is then accomplished by a cupola.
US08066796B1	Process to create simulated lunar agglutinate particles A method of creating simulated agglutinate particles by applying a heat source sufficient to partially melt a raw material is provided. The raw material is preferably any lunar soil simulant, crushed mineral, mixture of crushed minerals, or similar material, and the heat source creates localized heating of the raw material.
US08066795B2	Thermal spray powder and thermal spray coating A thermal spray powder including cermet particles, each of which contains metal containing at least one selected from the group consisting of cobalt, chrome, and nickel, and tungsten carbide. The ratio of the summed weight of cermet particles having a particle size of 25 μm or more in the thermal spray powder with respect to the summed weight of the entire cermet particles in the thermal spray powder is 0.5 to 15%. A thermal spray coating formed from the thermal spray powder is suitable for the formation of a tungsten carbide-based cermet thermal spray coating for use in rolls such as corrugated rolls.
US08066794B2	System and method for recovering minerals One aspect is a method of recovering minerals. The method includes heating aggregated minerals with microwave energy. The aggregated minerals consists of at least a first and a second mineral bound together, the first and second minerals each having different differential thermal expansion rates such that fractures occur between the minerals of the aggregated minerals. The fractured minerals are subjected to microwave heating to induce fractures between and separation of the at least first and second minerals, and also to ultrasound energy causing further size reduction. The fractured and size-reduced minerals are heated with microwave energy. The fractured and size-reduced minerals consist of metal-containing materials, such that metal-containing materials are heated to at least the melting temperature of one of the metals in the metal-containing materials.
US08066791B2	Air cleaner arrangements with internal and external support for cartridge; components; and, methods An air cleaner assembly and components therefor are provided. Features are described providing for a cantilevered support of a filter cartridge contained therein, and also, in some examples anti-rotational support. Also, a supported housing seal is shown. A filter cartridge arrangement is described and shown. Methods of assembly and use are also described.
US08066787B2	Bypass flow filter with improved filter efficiency and exhaust system and vehicle having the filter A bypass flow filter includes a plurality of channels which are formed of at least one structured wall layer and a filter layer. Projecting guide vanes and passages, which are formed by the wall layer and lead to a different channel, are provided in at least a majority of the channels. The passages have a narrowing cross section and a narrowing part of the cross section is directed towards an adjacent guide vane. An exhaust system and a vehicle having a bypass flow filter, are also provided.
US08066778B2	Porous metal cup with cobalt bearing surface An acetabular cup assembly can include a cup portion and a bearing. The cup portion can include a porous metal outer layer having a first thickness and a solid titanium inner layer having a second thickness. A mating feature can be formed between the cup portion and the bearing. The bearing can be adapted to be selectively secured to the titanium inner layer. In one example, the bearing is formed of cobalt.
US08066764B2	Stent coating for eluting medication A vascular stent comprising a drug-eluting outer layer of a porous sputtered columnar metal having each column capped with a biocompatible carbon-containing material is described. This is done by placing the stent over a close-fitting mandrel and rotating the assembly in a sputter flux. The result is a coating that is evenly distributed over the outward-facing side of the stent's wire mesh while preventing the sputtered columnar coating from reaching the inward facing side where a smooth hemocompatible surface is required. The stent is then removed from the mandrel, exposing all surfaces, and finally coated with a layer of carbon such as amorphous carbon or diamond-like carbon. The carbonaceous coating enhances biocompatibility without preventing elutriation of a therapeutic drug provided in the porosity formed between the columnar structures. The result is a stent that is adapted to both the hemodynamic and the immune response requirements of its vascular environment.
US08066763B2	Drug-releasing stent with ceramic-containing layer A vascular or endoluminal stent is adapted to be implanted in a vessel, duct or tract of a human body to maintain an open lumen. The stent includes a base layer of a biologically compatible metal. An intermediate metal particle layer of substantial greater radiopacity overlies the base layer, with particles bonded to the base layer and to each other to leave interstices therebetween as a repository for retaining and dispensing drugs or other agents for time release therefrom. The particles are composed primarily of a noble metal. Exposed surfaces of the particle layer are coated with ceramic-like iridium oxide or titanium nitrate, as a biocompatible material to inhibit irritation of tissue at the inner lining of the vessel when the stent is implanted.
US08066760B2	Stent with movable crown A system for treating abnormalities of the cardiovascular system includes a stent having a plurality of movable crown portions. When the stent is expanded, the crown portions move to a diameter recoil prevention position. One embodiment of the invention includes crown portions that translate from a concave to a convex configuration with respect to the strut portions of the stent during expansion of the stent. Another embodiment of the invention includes a method reducing diameter recoil of stent upon expansion of the stent.
US08066751B2	Implantable orthopaedic device, in particular for the cervical spine The invention relates to an implantable orthopaedic device, in particular for the cervical spine, of the type formed by a support plate (2) provided with at least one orifice (3) for passage of a fixing screw (4), which orifice (3) is provided with locking means comprising a slotted metal ring (8) accommodated in a receiving groove (5) on the circumference of said orifice (3) of the plate and intended to cooperate with an annular channel (10) formed in the screw head (4a). According to the invention, the annular chamber (10) of the screw head (4a) is framed by an end of male spherical contour (11′) and by a truncated annular protuberance (12). This end of male spherical contour (11′) is designed to cooperate with the complementary female spherical contour (7a′) formed on the upper flange (7a) of the plate groove (5). Moreover, the locking ring (8) is mounted “floating” in its receiving groove (5), and the channel (10) of the screw head (4a) is connected to said annular protuberance (12) via a truncated part (10c) allowing the screw to be undone.
US08066750B2	Port structures for non-rigid bone plates There is provided an orthopedic plate and port structures for the plate. The plate can be non-rigid and includes at least one hole for receiving an anchor or an anchor retaining device. The at least one hole can include a rigid port structure that prevents or resists deformation of the plate when the anchor or anchor retaining device is engaged thereto.
US08066749B2	Implant for stabilizing a bone graft during spinal fusion Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning at a vertebra for resisting the expulsion of a bone graft from within an intervertebral space. The implant includes a buttress plate having an intervertebral plate and an anchoring plate connected such that the intervertebral plate can move relative to the anchoring plate.
US08066744B2	Keyed crown orientation for multi-axial screws A coupling assembly may include an anchor member, a receiver member, and a seat member. The receiver member may have an anchor member end that cooperates with the anchor member and may have an implant receiving aperture for receiving an implant. The seat member may be disposable within the receiver member between the anchor member and the implant receiving aperture. First and second rotation-limiting features may be engageable to limit rotation of the seat member relative to the receiver member.
US08066743B2	Multi-axial, cross-link connector system for spinal implants This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.
US08066740B2	Facet joint prostheses Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses. Artificial facet joints can be used in combination with artificial intervertebral discs to treat a spinal pathology.
US08066737B2	Needle for suturing instrument An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing including a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end, a blunt end and notches, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue including placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.
US08066731B2	Treatment device A treatment device is provided including a catheter having a lumen that is opened to a distal end of the catheter; a wire passing through the lumen so that the wire is inserted into or retracted from the lumen; and a piece disposed at a distal end of the wire and having the maximum width when the piece is protruded from the distal end of the catheter is set larger than the diameter of the lumen, wherein the piece body is formed of a deformable material having a broad curved surface shape that distributes concentration of pressure acting on tissues, and when the wire is pulled in toward the catheter, the piece being extended in the axial direction by the lumen and reduced in its outer diameter so as to be pulled into the lumen.
US08066727B2	Methods and devices for cutting and collecting soft tissue A method of cutting breast tissue for removal may include a step of providing a tissue cutting device having an elongate cutting element, the cutting element being movable between a bowed position and a retracted position, the cutting element having a radially outer side and a radially inner side. The tissue cutting device may be introduced into a breast and the elongate cutting element may be moved to the bowed position. A power source may be coupled to the elongate cutting element; and the cutting element may be rotated after the moving step so that the cutting element cuts the breast tissue. The radially outer side of the cutting element may have a larger surface area for transmitting energy to cut the tissue than the radially inner side.
US08066725B2	Anastomosis device having improved safety features An anastomosis device providing increased functionality, reliability and safety through the use of designs addressing potential puncture of an inflation balloon being used to hold and approximate tissue. The anastomosis device can include bladder retention structures configured to engage and retain tissue without pointed or sharpened surfaces that can rupture the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a reinforced or otherwise protected inflation balloon to resist puncturing by a bladder retention structure. The anastomosis device can include a catheter wall profile selected to physically prevent bladder retention structures from being forcibly bent back so as to avoid potential contact with and puncture of the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a catheter funnel with an internal spring for preventing kinking of the catheter lumen while providing for flexibility and stretch of the funnel to absorb pulling or shock force which can rupture the inflation balloon.
US08066724B2	Anastomosis apparatus and methods A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween. The support device is adapted to support the first tubular structure within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures.
US08066721B2	Surgical clip application assembly An apparatus for the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus includes a clip applier having sharp toothed jaws for grasping and damaging the fundus prior to applying the clip. The clip applier has an overall diameter of less than 7 mm. The clip applier jaws are coupled to a pull wire via a linkage which increases the mechanical advantage and thus permits greater grasping force. A plurality of clip designs are also provided.
US08066720B2	Surgical method for stapling tissue An exemplary method for surgically stapling tissue may include providing a surgical stapler that includes at least one staple, a pusher configured to hold at least one staple, a splay arm movable relative to the pusher, where that splay arm includes two spaced-apart splay tips, and a driver movable relative to the pusher; splaying at least one staple by plastically deforming the distalmost staple against the splay tips; and after splaying, closing at least one staple by plastically deforming the distalmost staple against the splay tips. Another exemplary method for surgically stapling tissue may include providing a surgical stapler comprising a plurality of staples, a pusher configured to hold the staples, a splay arm movable relative to the pusher, a driver movable relative to the pusher, wherein the pusher, splay arm and driver are initially in a first configuration relative to one another; splaying at least one staple to a splayed state; after splaying, closing at least one splayed staple, after which the pusher, splay arm and driver are in a second configuration relative to one another; and resetting the stapler to the first configuration of the pusher, splay arm and driver; where the splaying and closing each plastically deform at least one staple.
US08066718B2	Expandable needle suture apparatus and associated handle assembly A surgical suturing device having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end is operable to move a suture through body tissue. A handle assembly is coupled to an elongated shaft having a hollow configuration. An actuating rod is disposed to extend between the handle assembly and the shaft. A needle assembly at the distal end of the actuating rod is movable with the actuating rod between an extended state and a retracted state. Bifurcated portions of the needle assembly define a suture slot, the bifurcated portions have a proximate relationship when the needle assembly is in the retracted state and having a separated relationship when the needle assembly is in the extended state. The needle assembly is biased to the retracted state and the bifurcated portions are biased to the separated relationship.
US08066714B2	Instrumentation for distraction and insertion of implants in a spinal disc space Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include upper and lower guide members and a drive assembly between the spreaders with an implant positioned forwardly of the drive assembly. The drive assembly is coupled to a handle assembly, and the handle assembly is operable to move the implant forwardly between the guide members to position the implant in a space between the bony portions. The handle assembly includes a mounting portion to which the drive assembly is mounted and an actuating portion operable to effect linear movement of the drive assembly.
US08066713B2	Remotely-activated vertebroplasty injection device A remotely-activated injection device for use in vertebroplasty is provided to inject a flourescent probe material into a patient. The injection device includes a pump defining an injection chamber having an exit opening; an actuator; and a cable having a first end coupled to the actuator, and a second end remotely engaging the pump. The actuator remotely controls the pump by responsive movement of the cable to thereby cause injection of a flourescent probe material from the injection chamber of the pump through the exit opening to the patient.
US08066708B2	Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08066706B2	Surgical nail A surgical nail (1), in particular, an intramedullary nail, has a central axis (2) and is formed of a material (M) having a modulus of elasticity (E). A plurality of transversal openings (5) run transversally to the central axis (2) and have a cross-sectional profile (F) and a transversal axis (6), the cross-sectional profile (F) having a maximum length (a) that runs in the direction of the central axis and a maximum width (b) that runs perpendicular to the length. A longitudinal bore (3) runs coaxially with the central axis (2) and defines a wall (4). A longitudinal insert (7) can be introduced into the region of the transversal opening (5) via the longitudinal bore (3). Said insert has a longitudinal axis (13) and consists of a material (m). The insert (7) comprises at least one longitudinal slot (25) so that said insert can be elastically compressed in a radial manner and includes a plurality of radial elevations (14) fitting inside the transversal openings (5).
US08066705B2	Instrumentation for the endoscopic correction of spinal disease An improved method and instrumentation for performing spinal surgery, including discectomy, interbody fusion and rigid internal fixation of the spine, from the lateral aspect of the spine is disclosed. The surgical procedure can be performed through a very small incision. The instrumentation of the present invention, all of which is inserted from a lateral position into the spine in the preferred embodiment, comprises a guide pin, a distractor, an extended outer sleeve, an inner sleeve an adjustable drill and an implant driver. The distractor of the present invention is driven into the disc for spacing apart and realigning the adjacent vertebrae. It further functions as an alignment rod for inserting the extended outer sleeve which is a hollow tubular member capable of maintaining said spacing and alignment of two adjacent vertebrae and defines a protected space through which subsequent instruments which may include, but are not limited to a drill and a diameter reducing inner sleeve may be passed, as well as a spinal implant. The remainder of the surgical procedure consisting of the removal of spinal material across the disc, fusion, and rigid internal stabilization via the implant may all be performed via the closed space within the extended outer sleeve.
US08066703B2	Sphincterotome with improved orientation A sphincterotome including a cutting wire may be configured such that, when activated, the cutting wire assumes a desired cutting position at or near the “12 o'clock” position or any other desired angular configuration. A sphincterotome may have controlled bending characteristics. A distally located micromachined hypotube may, in some instances, provide desired bending characteristics to a sphincterotome.
US08066702B2	Combination electrical stimulating and infusion medical device and method A combined electrical and chemical stimulation lead is especially adapted for providing treatment to the spine and nervous system. The stimulation lead includes electrodes that may be selectively positioned along various portions of the stimulation lead in order to precisely direct electrical energy to ablate or electrically stimulate the target tissue. The invention also includes a method of activating electrodes in the electrical stimulation lead whereby an ablative lesion can be formed in a desired shape and size. The invention further includes a method of managing pain in a sacrum of a patient, and a method of assembling an electrical stimulation device.
US08066697B2	Multiple cryoprobe delivery apparatus A cryosurgery apparatus is disclosed. The cryosurgery apparatus an introducer having a hollow and a distal portion, the distal portion being sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate into a body, the hollow of the introducer being designed and constructed for containing a plurality of cryoprobes each of the cryoprobes being for effecting cryoablation, such that each of the plurality of cryoprobes is deployable through the distal portion of the introducer when the distal portion is positioned with respect to a tissue to be cryoablated.
US08066696B2	Ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, which allows SLT to be performed by a laser source not having a Q-switch which emits a continuous wave laser beam, has a laser source capable of emitting a continuous wave visible laser beam to be absorbed into pigment cells of trabecular meshwork, an irradiation optical system for directing the laser beam to a patient's eye so as to irradiate the eye with the laser beam, a device for pulsing the laser beam by controlling a driving duration of the laser source or opening and closing durations of a shutter in the irradiation optical system, a device capable of setting an irradiation duration of the laser beam within a range of 0.1 msec to 5 msec in order to perform Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, and a device capable of setting irradiation energy density of the laser beam within a range of 1 J/cm2 to 8.5 J/cm2.
US08066695B2	Implantable apparatus for administering a therapeutic agent into tissue An apparatus for administering a therapeutic agent is provided. The apparatus, in an embodiment, includes an ozone generator connected to a scavenger and an ozone administrator via network of tubing and valves. When activated and the valves placed in the proper position, the ozone generator will fill the ozone administrator with ozone. The ozone generator can then be turned off and the valves moved so that the administrator can be disconnected from the remainder of the apparatus. The administrator is typically in the form of a syringe and needle. Once the syringe and needle is filled with ozone, the needle can be inserted into a tissue and the ozone expressed therefrom into the tissue. Various other apparatuses and methods are also contemplated.
US08066694B2	Homeostatic insulin pump A permanently implanted insulin pump or combined insulin and glucagon pumps, controlled by a valve that expands and contracts due to osmosis as a result of changes in the blood sugar level. The valve is constructed from tissues harvested or grown from the patient's body tissues to prevent rejection, infection or thrombosis. It operates the pump(s) though a blood vessel via a magnetic strip within the valve tissue and a reed switch located outside the blood vessel. The pump battery is recharged by electromagnetic induction in response to low battery warnings. Glucagon and/or insulin are refilled in response to low-level warning indicators, using self-sealing septa located near to the surface of the skin.
US08066693B2	Catheter device The present invention is a kit for preparing a medical catheter from catheter sections which are short relative to the length of the catheter. The catheter is divided into two or more sections configurable into two configurations. In one configuration, the sections are joined to form a catheter of a greater length than the length of each individual section. In the other configuration, the length of the catheter is reduced. The invention also relates to a method of producing a catheter section by injection molding.
US08066692B2	Medical male luer connector with increased closing volume Disclosed herein is a valve assembly comprising a male luer end portion and a female luer end portion and a passage for the transfer of fluids extending between the male and female luer end portions, valve means movable between a first position, in which the passage is closed, and a second position, in which the passage is open, biasing means for biasing the valve means toward the first position, and actuating means extending into the male luer end portion and coupled to the valve means to actuate the valve means when a female luer end portion of a medical accessory is engaged with the male luer end portion.
US08066691B2	Method and system for preparing soft tissue for grafting, enhancing grafting results, and grafting autologous fat to soft tissue such as the breast A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s) of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with sealing rims for surrounding each of the breasts and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site for several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's breast(s), and then reapplication of the distractive force to the breast(s) that received the autologous fat graft. Alternatively, fat from genetically related sources may be used, and the fat may be further processed prior to injection. Substantial breast augmentation, high rates of graft survival and negligible graft necrosis (data demonstrating 80% survival and only 20% necrosis is presented) or calcification result from the practice of these methods.
US08066689B2	Methods and systems for submucosal implantation of a device for diagnosis and treatment with a therapeutic agent Instruments, systems, implants, and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, and a mucosal resection device. A submucosal implant device for diagnosing and treating disorders of the body may be implanted. A passive submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery depot in which a therapeutic agent within the depot elutes from the depot according to a predetermined elution profile. An active submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery device that incorporates a self-contained diagnostic system to determine the appropriate delivery time and dosage of a therapeutic agent to be administered.
US08066686B2	Diaper fastener A fastener (10) comprising an attachment section (30) for permanent attachment to an anchoring area, a target section (60) for permanent attachment to a landing area, and a fastening section (40) for selective attachment and detachment from the target section (60). A breakable connection (70) initially connects the fastening section (40) and the target section (60), and this connection (70) is broken to disconnect the fastening section (40) from the target section (60) when fastener (10) is converted from a closed condition to an opened condition. A single fingerlift (80) can be gripped both when converting the fastener (10) from an installed condition to the closed condition, and when converting the fastener (10) from the closed condition to the opened condition.
US08066680B2	Prefillable intradermal delivery device An intradermal delivery method for use in intradermally injecting substances into the skin of an animal includes a needle cannula supported by a hub portion that is attachable to a prefillable container. A limiter portion surrounds the needle cannula and extends away from the hub portion toward a forward tip of the needle cannula. The limiter portion includes a skin engaging surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to an axis of the needle cannula. The skin engaging surface is received against skin of an animal to administer an intradermal injection. The forward tip extends beyond the skin engaging surface a distance that enables penetration of the needle cannula into the dermis layer of the skin of the animal enabling injection of the substance into the dermis layer of the animal. The device includes enclosure means that is moveable for concealing the needle cannula after the injection has been administered.
US08066679B2	Single-handedly actuatable shield A needle shield is provided for a medical device having a needle cannula. The needle shield includes a guard that is slidably movable along the needle cannula from a proximal position where the tip of the needle cannula is exposed to a distal position where the tip of the needle cannula is shielded. A hinged arm connects the guard to the proximal end of the needle cannula. The hinged arm can be collapsed upon itself, such that the guard is adjacent to the proximal end of the needle cannula. The hinged arm can be extended to cause the guard to move distally along the needle cannula and into a position for shielding the tip of the needle cannula. Structure is provided to prevent excessive additional rotation of the hinged elements of the hinged guard after the tip of the needle cannula is shielded.
US08066672B2	Infusion pump assembly with a backup power supply An infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir assembly configured to contain an infusible fluid. A motor assembly is configured to act upon the reservoir assembly and dispense at least a portion of the infusible fluid contained within the reservoir assembly. Processing logic is configured to control the motor assembly. A primary power supply is configured to provide primary electrical energy to at least a portion of the processing logic. A backup power supply is configured to provide backup electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic in the event that the primary power supply fails to provide the primary electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic.
US08066670B2	Vascular access device septum venting A vascular access device may include a septum and a gas permeable vent in communication with at least a portion of the septum. The vent may be capable of venting gas from an extravascular system to which the vascular access device is capable of attaching. A method of venting a medical device may include providing a vascular access device having a septum and forming part of an extravascular system, providing a gas permeable vent in communication with at least a portion of the septum, and venting gas from the extravascular system through the gas permeable vent of the device.
US08066667B2	Occlusion catheter having compliant balloon for use with complex vasculature A catheter used for treatment of complex vasculature, such as a bifurcated aneurysm, is provided with an inflatable balloon at a distal portion thereof. The shape, location and material of the inflatable balloon are selected such that when inflated, the balloon conforms to the shape of the complex vasculature, or at least a portion thereof, without appreciably deforming the vessel walls. In this manner, the balloon can be used to control flow in the vasculature, for example occluding a selected branch of the vasculature during introduction of material in order concentrate the material and minimize its disbursement by blood flow.
US08066666B2	Multilayer interventional catheter The catheter comprises a catheter tube formed of two superposed tubular layers of materials which differ from one another. A tubular mediator layer is arranged between the layers to provide an adhesive anchorage for the layers.
US08066662B2	Intradermal needle-less injection device A programmable injection device, comprising: a nozzle comprising a nozzle head with a fluid input hole and a distinct injection hole, the nozzle head accepts a dose of fluid from the fluid input hole to be injected into the skin of a patient through the injection hole, without use of a needle, a fluid capsule that is connected to said nozzle head and is adapted to provide the nozzle head with multiple doses of fluid for successive injections, without replacing the fluid capsule, an injection head that is adapted to have said fluid capsule and said nozzle head mounted onto it, comprising a first mechanism adapted to forcefully push a dose of a programmable amount of fluid from said fluid capsule to said nozzle head and a second mechanism for injecting by an programmable pressure said dose of fluid from said nozzle head into the skin of a patient in at least one of a programmable velocity or a programmable pressure applied to the skin surface.
US08066660B2	Split-tip catheter including lateral distal openings A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment that defines a distal portion of the first lumen and an arterial segment that defines a distal portion of the second lumen. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment is separate from the venous segment and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment such that it “nests” therein. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening in fluid communication with the second lumen.
US08066656B2	Range of motion device The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.
US08066651B2	Examination chair A medical examination chair is used to seat a patient and move the patient along three essentially-perpendicular planes over a wide range. The chair includes a primary arc which is connected to a stationary column by a horizontal shaft, forming a first axis of rotation. A second axis of rotation, which is essentially perpendicular to the first, passes through first and second ends of the primary arc. The chair also includes a secondary arc which is equipped with a seat and which is disposed inside the primary arc. Third and fourth ends of the secondary arc are connected to the first and second ends of the primary arc by an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The primary and secondary arcs can rotate around the first and second axes of rotation respectively. The medical examination chair further includes braking elements for suddenly stopping the rotational movement.
US08066643B2	Ultrasonic endoscope The present invention provides an ultrasonic endoscope, comprising: an ultrasonic transducer in a cylindrical shape including a plurality of piezoelectric devices, an acoustic matching layer stacked on a principal plane on a sound emitting plane side, an acoustic lens on a plane of the acoustic matching layer opposite to a plane facing the piezoelectric devices, and a backing material stacked on another principal planes of the piezoelectric devices; an endoscopic observation and endo-therapy unit provided, for performing endoscopic image observation, at a proximal end side of the ultrasonic transducer; a cable assembly including a plurality of cables for transmitting signals to and from the ultrasonic transducer. In the above configuration, the cable assembly is arranged in such a manner that the cable assembly passes through an inside portion of the ultrasonic transducer, and is connected to the ultrasonic transducer at a distal end side of the ultrasonic transducer. Thereby, an ultrasonic endoscope is provided that has an ultrasonic transducer in which the ultrasonic transducer and coaxial cables will not be disconnected even under thermal or mechanical loads.
US08066640B2	Cellular GPRS-communication linked glucometer—pedometer The Cellular GPRS system includes a cellular-based Glucometer (CBG) for blood glucose monitoring, a pedometer for exertion measurement, combined with user-entered dietary or other diabetes-relevant information. Data from all inputs is transmitted over a cellular network, using a GPRS or other wireless link. The data is preferably stored in the device prior to being transmitted wirelessly over the cellular airway to a central computer server. The remote computer server will evaluate the data received and respond with a data packet (making recommendations on further glucose measurement, exercise, diet, insulin requirements or other).
US08066638B2	Diagnostic and intervention tools for emergency medical dispatch A system and method assists an emergency medical dispatcher in responding to emergency calls. A computer implemented emergency medical dispatch protocol includes interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate an appropriate response. A diagnostic tool is provided to determine a vital sign of a patient based on a timer and caller relayed information about the patient. An intervention tool is provided to administer assistance and determine a compression rate based on a timer and caller relayed information.
US08066636B2	Disease management system and method including pain code A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.
US08066633B2	Electric bending endoscope device An electric bending endoscope device includes an endoscope with a driving unit, a control unit and an operation portion with a bending instruction portion. The operation portion includes a correction algorithm calculating portion in which the output range of instruction signal of the joystick is converted to coincide with the predetermined output range of the bending instruction portion instruction-signal being the operation signal outputted by the operation portion according to the joystick being the bending instruction portion to be fitted to the operation portion, to generate the bending instruction portion operation-signal.
US08066623B2	In-water training and rehabilitation device An in-water training and rehabilitation device capable of individually training and rehabilitating an objective muscle of forearms at home with ease is provided. The in-water training and rehabilitation device according to the present invention is an in-water training device 10 that is held with a hand and moved in water for the purpose of strengthening a desired muscle of, mainly, forearms, and includes a substantially planar resistance part 14 whose area is variable and a plurality of handles 13 of different kinds. In the present invention, the plurality of handles 13 of different kinds may be constantly fixed to the resistance part 14 as in (d) or may be adapted to be replaceable as appropriate through an attaching and removing mechanism.
US08066621B2	Exercise apparatus having a user interface which can move arcuately in three dimensions A method and system for exercising areas of the body such as the neck, the wrist, the ankle, and the torso which require a wide range of motion and effective resistance over this range. A first member can rotate in relation to a frame and a user interface (second member) is moveable in relation to the first member. As a user pushes on the user interface in any of an X-Y direction the user interface travels in a controlled arcuate three-dimensional motion. The user interface is attached to a lead (rope or cable) which holds the user interface at a rest position and also provides a force on the user interface in the opposite direction of the users force. The lead is attached to an adjustable resistive system and/or a damping system that resists the movement of the sliding assembly. The lead spools in and out of from a central location through a fairlead. Many mechanical configurations can be utilized to allow the user interface to travel in an arcuate path in the direction which it is pushed.
US08066618B2	Hydraulic control device for starting device A hydraulic control device includes a first oil path; a second oil path; a third oil path; an engagement pressure generation unit; a signal pressure generation unit; and an internal pressure switching unit that switches between a non-reduced pressure state where locking occurs due to the signal pressure inputted and a source pressure is outputted unchanged as internal pressure to the first oil path, and a reduced pressure state where the signal pressure is not inputted and a hydraulic pressure is regulated to a constant pressure from the source pressure, based on a feedback pressure of the internal pressure and an urging force of a first urging unit, and outputted as the internal pressure to the first oil path.
US08066613B2	Continuously variable transmission A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
US08066612B2	Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US08066606B2	Multi-group transmission of a motor vehicle A multi-group transmission of a vehicle is arranged in a drivetrain and includes traction force support during gearshift operations. A clutch mechanism, including a frictional clutch and two shifting clutches is arranged between a drive motor with a driveshaft and a transmission input shaft, such that the driveshaft can be connected to the transmission input shaft by one shifting clutch in a first shift position in combination with the frictional clutch or in a second shift position with bridging of the frictional clutch, such that the driveshaft can be directly connected to a main transmission shaft by the other shifting clutch in a shift position in active combination with the frictional clutch. In a method for operating the transmission, the frictional clutch is controlled and operated in combination with the first shifting clutch as a starting clutch and with the second shifting clutch as an intermediate-gear clutch.
US08066605B2	Planet transmission, drive device comprising the planet transmission and vehicle comprising the drive device A planetary transmission includes a sun gear, which constitutes an input drive to the planetary transmission, a ring gear arranged around the sun gear, and a planet carrier which is designed to rotate and which carries at least one planet wheel, which planet wheel meshes with the sun gear and the ring gear. The planet carrier constitutes an output drive from the planetary transmission. The planetary transmission further includes a wet disk brake, a first set of brake disks in the brake being rotationally locked to the planet carrier and thereby in operation rotating at the rotational speed of the planet carrier. The planetary transmission further comprises an arrangement for circulation of a cooling fluid through the brake which is rotationally locked to the sun gear and thereby in operation rotates at the rotational speed of the sun gear.
US08066603B2	Multi-speed sprocket assembly A multi-speed sprocket assembly is provided for engaging a bicycle chain displaceable by a derailleur. The multi-speed sprocket assembly generally includes at least one smaller sprocket and at least one larger sprocket. The larger sprocket includes first and second transitional segments for alternatively receiving a shifting chain segment of the bicycle chain shifting from the smaller sprocket to the larger sprocket. The first transitional segment includes a first run-on ramp configured to receive an outer link plate of the shifting chain segment. The first run-on ramp has a first support point configured to bend the transferring bicycle chain at a first angle to position a first chain roller against a no-load tooth flank of the larger sprocket while a second chain roller rests against a load tooth flank of the smaller sprocket. The second transitional segment includes a second run-on ramp configured to receive the outer link plate of the shifting chain segment. The second run-on ramp has a second support point configured to bend the shifting chain segment at a second angle to position the first chain roller against the no-load tooth flank of the larger sprocket while the second chain roller rests against the load tooth flank of the smaller sprocket.
US08066601B2	Timing chain drive system In a timing chain driving system in which the speed of a driving sprocket fluctuates cyclically, the tooth pitch of a driven sprocket from which a tension span of the chain travels toward the driving sprocket varies cyclically around the circumference of the driven sprocket so that the tooth pitch at the point at which the timing chain disengages from the driven sprocket is at a minimum when the rotational speed of the driving sprocket is maximum, moderating fluctuations in chain tension. A similar effect can be achieved in the case of a driving sprocket having a cyclically varying tooth pitch by arranging the driving sprocket so that its tooth pitch is maximum at the point at which it is engaged by the chain when its rotational speed is maximum.
US08066600B2	Ratchet mechanism for a chain drive A ratcheting tensioning device for a closed loop chain driven power transmission system of an internal combustion engine consisting of a base tensioner arm (12) and an adjusting tensioner arm (14) which each contact different strands or chain. Optionally, each arm may have a chain guide element for contacting the chain. The two tensioner arms (12, 14) are connected by a link plate (16) that is pivotally mounted to the base tensioner arm (12) in proximity to a first edge (24) of the link plate (16). A channel (52) located in proximity to a second edge (25) of the link plate (16) which allows a pin or sleeved bolt, to be securely attached to the adjusting tensioner arm (14), to traverse along the length of the channel (52) to urge the two tensioner arms (12, 14) toward each other in response to progressively increasing slack in the chain caused by the wearing over time of the components of the power transmission system.
US08066598B2	Chain tensioning apparatus with temperature-based leakdown An apparatus for tensioning a chain is provided that compensates for the affect of temperature on oil viscosity by providing, in addition to a continuously open oil leakage path, an additional leakage path open only at lower temperatures when oil is more viscous and leaks at a slower rate. Thus, overall oil leakage at lower temperatures is similar to that at higher temperatures, when the additional leakage path is closed, and the less viscous higher temperature oil leaks at a faster rate from the continuously open oil leakage path. Accordingly, the affect of temperature on hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner assembly is minimized.
US08066596B1	Bicycle gear mechanism A bicycle gear assembly comprises first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and vice versa, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels and from the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the third pair of substantially aligned cogwheels.
US08066593B2	Customized racquet stringing system and method A customized racquet stringing system for a racquet having a plurality of main and cross string segments. The stringing system includes a stringing machine having a base and a stringing platform, and a control unit. The stringing platform is coupled to the base. The stringing platform includes a turntable and a string tensioning assembly. The string tensioning assembly is configured to receive one or more string tension control signals. The control unit is operably coupled to the string tensioning assembly and is configured to execute a string tensioning program and to provide a plurality of the string tension control signals based off of the string tensioning program to the tensioning assembly. The control unit includes a processor and a memory. The tension control signals correspond to at least three separate string tension values applied to the plurality of main string segments and/or the plurality of cross string segments.
US08066592B2	Dampening system for stringed-racquet A system for storing one or more stringed-racquet vibration dampeners on an article of apparel so that they are easily accessible during game play is disclosed. In disclosed embodiments, the vibration dampener is detachably secured to an article of footwear by way of an opening in the upper of the shoe, such as at the tongue or the like. The dampening device may provide surface ornamentation thereon, such as a logo, other indicia, or a color scheme selectable by the wearer.
US08066590B2	Bunt training aid A bunt training aid is described. The bunt training aid is used by baseball, softball and other game players to improve their bunting ability. The bunt training aid teaches the player how to catch a ball with a bat.The bunt training aid includes a handle portion, a barrel portion, and a receiving member. The receiving member defines an opening sized to permit a ball to pass through the opening. The receiving member includes a first attachment member to attach the receiving member to the handle portion. The receiving member includes a second attachment member to attach the receiving member to the barrel portion. The receiving member is positioned between the handle portion and the barrel portion. A net is attached to the receiving member in order to hold the ball that has passed through the opening.
US08066580B2	Putt and swing training plate A golf training plate including a body rectangular in shape comprising a top surface, a left side, a right side, a forward side and a rear side having two foot placement cutouts extending from the rear side towards the forward side and an alignment arm in the shape of an “L” comprising a short portion adjacent the right side of the body and a long portion, substantially parallel to the forward side of the body defining a training space for placement of a ball. The body and the alignment arm each have a series of ball alignment lines to aid in placement of the ball relative to the foot placement cutouts.
US08066578B2	Challenge course A challenge course (10) comprising a frame (20) having a substantially horizontally oriented track (120), a vertically oriented column (60) fixed to and extending downwardly from said substantially horizontally oriented track beam (30), said vertically oriented column (60) terminating in a bottom portion that is fixed to a substantially oriented foundation (40). The track (120) has a channel (150) therein in which a moveable member (360) slides. The track (120) has interchanges whereby the moveable member (360) can be moved in one of different directions. Descending downwardly from said moveable member (360) is a safety cable (350). The safety cable (350) extending downwardly to a safety harness (600). A further embodiment includes the challenge course (10) that can be deployed and re-deployed by hauling with a motor-vehicle. Further, a participant can be secured to the track (120) while still on the ground before ascending to the activity height.
US08066577B2	Infant swing Infant swing has a front leg frame and a rear leg frame pivoting to each other and connecting to a seat assembly via a driving module at the pivot between the front leg frame and the rear leg frame for swinging the seat back and forth. Two protection guards are mounted and connected between the front leg frame and the rear leg frame for preventing the toddler from being harmed when reaching his/her hands out between the frame and the seat as the toddler sits in the seat and swings relative to the frame. A battery assembly that provides power for the driving module is configured at the bottom of the frame for effectively lowering the center of gravity of the infant swing and providing higher stability. Skidproof foot assemblies mounting at the elbows of the front leg frame and the rear leg frame can further provide stability and integrity.
US08066576B2	Amusement ride An amusement ride, such as a roller coaster or vertical tower track ride, includes an attachment assembly movably connected to a track system. A vehicle assembly is connected to the attachment assembly and includes a seat assembly having at least one rider seat. The vehicle assembly is coupled to the attachment assembly and configured such that the seat assembly is capable of fully rotating about first and second, and preferably even third axes independent of the track system.
US08066570B2	Network game system, game machine, game machine control method, and information storage medium A network game system is provided in which unfairness between players playing on first and second game machines can be corrected in a network game system in which the first game machine displays a game screen of a content corresponding to an operation executed in the first game machine and makes the second game machine display a game screen of a content corresponding to an operation executed in the second game machine by exchanging data with the second game machine through a communication network. A controlling unit (an operation information acquiring unit (34) and a display controller (36)) controls a length of a time period from a time when an operation is executed in the first game machine (game machine (12a)) to a time when a game screen of a content corresponding to the operation is displayed in the first game machine, based on data exchange time information related to a time period required for exchange of data between the first game machine and the second game machine (game machine (12b)).
US08066562B1	Method of simulating a traditional roulette game experience A method of simulating a traditional casino roulette game experience using a specially designed deck of thirty eight (38) playing cards to determine a winning number rather than via a spin of the roulette wheel. The deck includes one card for each single unique number from the roulette wheel, i.e. 00, 0, and numbers 1-36. The deck is shuffled so that the cards are drawn at random to simulate a spin of the roulette wheel. The dealer activates the shuffler to draw a card from the shuffled deck. A bar code on the drawn card is read into a computer via a scanner. Scanning the card activates the computer to provide a visual representation of a spin of the roulette wheel on a monitor located near the roulette table. The visualization shows the ball landing on the unique number of the roulette wheel dictated by the drawn card.
US08066560B2	System and method for information handling system floor tile cooling airflow measurement External airflow rates from floor vents that provide chilled air to information handling systems are measured with a disposable tool to ensure compatibility of the information handling systems' external air cooling constraints with the cooling capacity of the floor vents. For instance, an information handling system manufacturer sends a disposable tool formed from a cardboard box to a user location. The tool has an open bottom to fit over a floor vent and a slat cut in a side surface to move in response to airflow that enters at the bottom. Pre-calibrated markings associated with expected airflow rates for information handling system cooling floor vents measure airflow rates by the degree of slat movement so that the user location and manufacturer may confer to confirm the compatibility of the user location cooling capacity with selected information handling systems.
US08066559B2	In-plane airflow circulation contingency and control system The invention eliminates recirculation or back draft associated cooling air flows in systems that use two or more cooling fans/blowers (or other possible cooling devices). The inventive device with accomplish this by mean of an “Iris-like” in-plane device. The solution described herein is to be passive in nature (although it could be made to respond to electronic or other signals/commands/control mechanisms) and will be capable of responding to a filed fan/blower and engage at the time of fan/blower failure simply by detecting the change of pressure associated with the failed cooling device. The inventive device will reduce the space required and the cost associated with back draft damping or recirculation. In addition, the device can be retrofitted to existing systems and can be designed to be an integral part of a finger guard (a safety feature) of a cooling fan. The device will also provide acoustic advantages of more traditional back draft or recirculation as the Iris will retract completely out of the airflow during normal operation and therefore not result in the acoustic vibrations associated with many of the existing solutions.
US08066555B2	Polishing pad A polishing pad includes polishing elements interdigitated with one another over a surface of the polishing pad. Each of the polishing elements is secured so as to restrict lateral movement thereof with respect to others of the polishing elements, but remains moveable in an axis normal to a polishing surface of the polishing elements. Different densities of the polishing elements may be positioned within different areas of the surface of the polishing pad.
US08066551B2	Retaining ring with shaped surface A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.
US08066543B2	Toy top playing apparatus A toy top playing apparatus for one person to play a toy top spinning game. A main body of the apparatus is provided with a display portion for displaying a game point, a play stage for spinning a toy top thereon, a dummy toy top simulating a toy top and arranged on the play stage, a sensor for detecting contact between the toy top and the dummy toy top, and a control section for processing the game point displayed on the display portion when the sensor detects the contact. The dummy toy top rotates on its axis, and a rotational direction thereof is controlled.
US08066542B2	Transformable toy A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite the fact that members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. The transformable toy, which is transformed from a box-like configuration to a robot configuration, is vertically and longitudinally divided into two parts, when in the box-like configuration, includes an upper front member, an upper rear member, a lower front member, and a lower rear member, and has a frame disposed therein for supporting the above members. The upper front member and the upper rear member are each pivotably connected to the frame directly, or through a link, and are foldably connected with each other. The connecting portion between the frame and the upper rear member has an elastic member for urging the upper front member and the upper rear member in a direction to be folded.
US08066541B2	Method for producing a contact pin for a fluorescent tube and contact pin for a fluorescent tube The present invention relates to a method for producing a contact pin (01) for use as an electric contact element of a fluorescent tube, wherein the contact pin has a recess (06) extending along the longitudinal axis (05) thereof, wherein a connection wire of the fluorescent tube can be inserted into said recess and can be electrically connected to the contact pin (01), wherein the outer wall of the contact pin (01) has a cylindrical contact region (17) which can be engaged in a base bracket of the fluorescent tube in order to establish an electrical contact between the base bracket and the fluorescent tube, and wherein the outer wall of the contact pin (01) has an annular collar (08) with which the contact pin rests against the wall (04) of an end cap (02) when inserted into a recess of the end cap (02) which is provided on the axial end of the fluorescent tube.
US08066538B1	Jet boat with engine-balance system A jet boat comprising an engine-balance system, the engine-balance system comprising a first impeller and a second impeller, wherein water can be driven out of the first impeller for forward motion and water can be selectively driven out of the second impeller, regulated by a balance detecting device, wherein water from the second impeller can provide balance to the jet boat.
US08066537B1	Probe connector A probe connector adapted for fastening a cable thereto includes a shell, a plunger and an elastic element. The shell has a barrel and a base shell with an accommodating chamber therein. The base shell is connected with the barrel. A bottom of the base shell extends downward to form a connecting piece of which two opposite side edges oppositely extend outward to form two clipping pieces. The clipping pieces are bent towards each other to clip a core wire of the cable therebetween. The plunger is movably inserted in the barrel and further projects out of the barrel. The elastic element is telescopically assembled in the barrel and the accommodating chamber along the movement direction of the plunger, with one end thereof resisting against a bottom of the plunger and the other end thereof abutting against an inner side of a bottom plate of the base shell.
US08066535B2	Mounting apparatus for electronic device A mounting apparatus includes a mounting rack and an electronic device. The mounting rack includes a frame. An interface is defined in the frame. The frame includes a securing member. An electronic device is inserted in the mounting rack from front to back. The electronic device includes a back wall. The back wall is adjacent to the frame and defines a port for receiving a cable. The cable is secured to the securing member and inserted into the interface of the frame.
US08066534B1	Probe connector A probe connector includes a pedestal shell having a pedestal platform and a barrel extending upward from the pedestal platform with a fastening body protruded outward at a top of the barrel, a positioning shell removably coupled to the fastening body and having a blocking plate covered on the top of the barrel and side plates abutting against outsides of the fastening body, a probe pin movably restrained in the barrel by the blocking plate and further projecting upward out of the blocking plate, and an elastic element assembled between the probe pin and the pedestal platform. Two windows are opened at two opposite parts of the fastening body. Two opposite side plates are provided with two contact arms extending downward and inclined towards each other to pass through the windows and always resist against the probe pin to clip the probe pin therebetween.
US08066533B2	Electric devices An electric device according to the present invention includes a main body portion of the electric device that is designed to be connected to a battery park. A connecting portion for connecting the battery pack is formed to the main body portion of the electric device. A terminal supporting plate having at least a pair of terminals and for connecting terminals of the battery pack is fixed to the connecting portion. The terminals and are arranged on a front surface side of the terminal supporting plate that is exposed from the connecting portion. An electric material component is arranged on a rear surface side of the terminal supporting plate.
US08066532B2	Electrical connector assembly with improved contact arrangement and metallic shell An electrical connector assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (1) with a plurality of terminal passages (12), a plurality of contacts (2) received in the corresponding terminal passages and a PCB (3) electrically connected with the contacts. The PCB has a terminal soldering area (31) and a wire soldering area (32), the terminal soldering area defines a plurality of first conductive pads (311) on a top surface and a bottom surface of the PCB, the first conductive pads are electrically connected with corresponding contacts. The wire soldering area defines a plurality of second conductive pads (321) on the top surface and the bottom surface of the PCB, the second conductive pads are electrically connected with corresponding wires, and the first conductive pads are electrically connected with the second conductive pads, the number of the first conductive pads located on the top surface is different from the second conductive pads on the top surface.
US08066531B2	Microphone output connector A microphone output connector is of a three-pin type. A cylindrical connector housing and a first pin are installed at an end of a conductive microphone case of a microphone to be electrically connected to the microphone case. The microphone output connector includes a shield cover penetrated by three pins and covering a surface of the connector base. The shield cover partly extends to cover a portion of the connector base at which a thread is screwed in so that the shield cover is pressed against an inner surface of the cylindrical connector housing by the thread. The shield cover is pressed against the inner surface of the cylindrical connector housing by the connector base at a side of the connector base opposite to the position at which the thread is screwed in.
US08066527B2	Surge snap-on module assembly A surge snap-on module assembly includes a plug connector adapted to be received by an electrical device. A second housing is connected to a first housing. A surge protection device is disposed between the first and second housings. At least one first opening is formed in the second housing. A plurality of wires pass through the at least one first opening and are connected to the surge protection device. Accordingly, the surge protection device protects electrical apparatus connected to the electrical device from electrical surges.
US08066525B2	Electrical connectors and methods of manufacturing and using same An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing or otherwise retainer from movement in the housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector. Various styles of connectors are made possibly, including modular connectors that may be assembled in multiple combinations.
US08066524B2	Surgical system with electro-mechanical interfaces to mount robotic surgical arms In one embodiment of the invention, a method of mounting a surgical robotic arm to a set-up arm of a robotic surgical system is provided that includes sliding a pair of guide slots of the surgical robotic arm over a pair of guide tabs in the set-up arm; aligning electrical connectors in the set-up arm to electrical connectors of the surgical robotic arm; and coincidentally mating male electrical connectors to female electrical connectors while finally mating the guide tabs in the set-up arm to flanges of a housing of the surgical robotic arm.
US08066523B1	Power socket device having switches A power socket device having switches is disclosed and has a housing, socket units, positioning members and conductive frames. The housing is formed with recesses communicated with an inner space thereof. The socket unit is installed in the recess, and can be slid forward and backward therein. The socket unit has a socket body and conductive terminals, each of which has a conductive block. The positioning member can be elastically received in the recess and stand upward. The conductive frames are engaged in the housing, and the conductive block can be in contact with or disconnected from the conductive frames. Thus, when the socket unit is slid forward or backward, a close circuit or an open circuit will be formed between the conductive block and the conductive frames, so that it is convenient to switch off the power without additionally adding redundant switches.
US08066521B2	Electronic device with multiple USB ports An electronic device includes a main body, a circuit board, a receiving space defined in one side of the main body, a plurality of USB ports and a driving module. The receiving space includes a plurality of sets of fixed contacts on a bottom thereof, and the fixed contacts are electrically connected to the circuit board in the main body. The plurality of USB ports are slidably received in the receiving space, and each USB port comprises a set of external contacts. The driving module is configured to push one of the USB ports to a first position, wherein the USB port is able to slide from the first position to a second position where the set of external contacts of the USB port engages one of the plurality of sets of fixed contacts, which electrically connects the one of the USB ports with the circuit board.
US08066519B1	USB connector A USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector includes an insulating housing having a base portion. The base portion extends rearward to form an extending portion. Two sides of a rear surface of the extending portion define two receiving cavities, respectively. A separating wall is formed between two receiving cavities. Two side walls are formed outside the respective receiving cavities. A plurality of signal terminals fixed in the insulating housing respectively have a soldering foot received in the receiving cavity, with a distal end of the soldering foot extending beyond a bottom of the extending portion. A fixing board is inserted in bottoms of the receiving cavities. The fixing board has a base board which defines a clipping slot penetrating a front edge thereof and clipping on the separating wall and two restraining slots at two sides of the clipping slot for constraining the soldering feet of the corresponding signal terminals therein.
US08066518B2	Waterproof connector, mounting structure of waterproof connector and mounting method of waterproof connector A waterproof connector is mounted on a circuit board fixed within an enclosure. The waterproof connector is connectable with a mating connector through a connector passageway formed in the enclosure. The waterproof connector includes a contact electrically connectable with the mating connector, an insulating housing holding the contact, a first seal disposed on a circumference of the housing, and a faceplate into which the insulating housing is inserted. The having a cylindrical section and a brim section. The cylindrical section includes a first and second open end with the brim section formed at the first open end and spreading outwards. A second seal is interposed between the first open end and the insulating housing.
US08066517B2	Separable electrical connectors using isotropic conductive elastomer interconnect medium An electrical connector using an isotropic conductive elastomer as the interconnect medium.
US08066515B2	Multiple graphics adapter connection systems A system provides a digital multi-bit connection between two or more graphics adapters. Each graphics adapter is manufactured as a printed circuit board including a finger-type edge connector. When two or more graphics adapters are installed in a system the edge connectors of each graphics adapter may be coupled to each other via a connection device that provides a portion of the digital multi-bit connection. The remainder of the digital multi-bit connection is provided by conductive traces coupling each finger of the edge connector to a graphics processing unit that is affixed to the graphics adapter. The connection device may be installed by an end-user as each additional graphics adapter is installed in the system.
US08066513B2	System for correlating psychological profile to customized environment A method of producing a customized environment for a client includes the steps of identifying the psychological profile of the human client as at least one of a plurality of predetermined psychological profile types. A plurality of selectable personal environment types are determined, and a psychological profile type of the human client is correlated to one of the selectable plurality of personal environment types. An arrangement for selecting the customized environment for the human client includes an input arrangement for inputting client information into a computer, a client information memory areas for storing the client information, an environment memory area for storing information relating to a plurality of environment types, each environment type having a respectively associated memory address, and a processor coupled to the client information memory area and the environment memory area, the processor converting the client information into a memory address, such as a database address.
US08066506B2	Melt balancing element in a manifold melt channel A manifold of an injection molding apparatus includes a primary melt channel and secondary melt channels extending from the primary melt channel. A shear rod is disposed at the junction between the primary and secondary melt channels. The shear rod extends from the junction into the primary melt channel and is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the primary melt channel.
US08066504B2	Helicopter blade mandrel with roller assembly Methods and apparatus are provided for making a rotor blade spar from composite material wherein a multi-component mandrel is used to form the composite spar. The mandrel is made using a number of components that are assembled and held in place using a roller assembly. The roller assembly is removed after pre-cure lay up and compaction of the composite material. Once the roller assembly is removed, the remaining mandrel components can be separated from each other and easily removed from the spar. The mandrel components, including the roller assembly, can then be re-assembled and re-used to form additional composite spars.
US08066501B2	Apparatus and method for molding onto a stretched blank An apparatus and method for molding a component onto a stretched blank. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly mounted adjacent to a first mold part. The stretching assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that grasp the peripheral edge of the blank and a plurality of slide assemblies that move the clamp assemblies away from one another to apply a stretch to the fabric. The apparatus further includes a press for closing a second mold part onto the first mold part while the fabric is held in a stretched condition by the stretching assembly. In one embodiment, the stretching assembly may include a float plate that is movable with respect to the first mold part between a stretch position and a mold position. The apparatus may include a robot with tooling for moving the fabric onto the stretching assembly. The tooling may include a plurality of shot pins that push the fabric off of the tooling onto corresponding fabric pins in the stretching machine.
US08066499B2	Dual gland air inversion and steam cure of cured in place liners Installation of a flexible cured in place liner by inverting the liner with air and curing the liner with steam introduced through a perforated lay flat hose without deflating the liner between the inversion and cure. The installation is performed with an apparatus having two independently operable glands with at least one fluid inlet port installed on the line downstream of the second gland liner. As the liner reaches the distal end of the conduit to be lined, it enters a sample and porting pipe with an exhaust pipe gland and exhaust pipe and it is pierced by a rigid porting tool. Steam is then introduced into the lay flat hose to cure the resin and is exhausted through an exhaust hose connected to a controllable exhaust pipe. After curing steam is replaced with air to cool the liner, the ends are cut to restore service through the host pipe.
US08066498B2	Magnetic field molding device, method for producing ferrite magnet, and die The objects of the present invention are to provide a magnetic field molding device capable of improving yield in a production and stabilizing product quality, and a method for producing a ferrite magnet. In molding in a magnetic field, the mortar-shaped die 19 provided with a plurality of the cavities 13 is heated by the heater member 20, provided in the heater block located under the mortar-shape die 19, under control of a controller at varying temperature depending on the position of the mortar-shape die 19, to keep uniform temperature of the slurry in the cavities 13. This assures good and stable slurry dehydration properties and improves product yield.
US08066497B2	Pump with side surface coating In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a positive-displacement pump, in particular a vane cell pump, having a pump element, in particular a rotor, which is situated within a contour ring and rotatable between two side surfaces where a limited coating is located on at least one of the side surfaces.
US08066494B2	Micropump A micropump having a diaphragm portion, a valve portion of an intake-side check valve, and a valve portion of a discharge-side check valve formed in a single elastic-member sheet. A piezoelectric actuator is attached onto a back surface of the diaphragm portion. The elastic-member sheet is sandwiched between a first case member and a second case member, the elastic-member sheet providing sealing between both case members. A vibration chamber is defined between the elastic-member sheet and the first case member, the vibration chamber housing the piezoelectric actuator. A pump chamber is defined between the elastic-member sheet and the second case member.
US08066489B2	Aerofoil assembly An aerofoil assembly includes a plurality of rotatable blades. A damping member is disposed between at least two of the blades, each of the at least two blades having an aerofoil portion, a stem portion and a root portion. A recess is provided on two cooperating stem portions with a first shelf extending from a first end of each recess, and a second shelf extending from a second end of each recess to define a compartment. When the blades are aligned the damping member is held on one side of the shelves within the compartment. The damping member is provided with a projection at one corner and a projection on a diagonally opposite corner, the longitudinal distance between ends of the projections being greater than the distance between edges of the first and second shelf.
US08066480B2	High volume low speed fan A high volume low speed (HVLS) fan provides improved air circulation and thermal control in a building by incorporating composite fan blades pivotable to both positive and negative pitch angles. The blades are molded of polymer material over a metal tube core for strength and ease of attachment to the fan hub, and have a symmetrical airfoil shape to produce an efficient bi-directional conical airflow. The fan includes a control unit providing manual and automated intelligent control over blade angle and rotational speed, as well as startup with approximately zero blade angle for more economical power consumption and less motor wear. The fan structure and mounting system allows the fan to be installed at an optimal height inside a variety of buildings to provide increased efficiency of air destratification and air mixing. An array of multiple HVLS fans with alternating directions of airflow can further increase efficiency of air movement.
US08066479B2	Non-integral platform and damper for an airfoil A section of a gas turbine engine includes a damper which extends from a disk between a first blade and a second blade to provide a dissipating vibratory motion energy in the form of friction heating.
US08066476B2	Electrical submersible pump stage construction A pump stage is disclosed for use with an electrical submersible pump. The stage includes an impeller and diffuser, each having a hub, blades and an outside ring. In such pump stage, the stage flow area is constructed from separate segments manufactured from wear resistant material. Furthermore, each separate segment is retained by the hub using an external compression fit ring.
US08066473B1	Floating air seal for a turbine A gas turbine engine with a floating air seal to form a seal between a rotor disk and an adjacent stator vane segment shroud and allow for both axial and radial shifting of the rotor disk with respect to the stator while maintaining the sealing capability. The floating air seal includes an annular piston that slides within an annular groove formed within the stator in an axial direction. The annular piston includes an annular groove on the rotor disk side to form an air cushion against the rotor disk, a pressure buffer surface on the opposite end, and a central passage to supply the air cushion chamber with pressurized fluid from the buffer pressure chamber. A balancing force on the annular piston is formed between the air cushion formed and the pressure force acting to push the annular piston toward the rotor surface. The pressurized air used to form the floating air seal is also supplied to internal cooling air passages of the turbine blades through passages formed within the rotor disk or by a cover plate attached on the rotor disk side.
US08066472B2	Method and apparatus for fan shaft bearing lubrication A lubrication system for a bearing assembly includes a fan shaft with a plurality of conduits, a first bearing rotatably supporting the fan shaft, and a second bearing rotatably supporting the fan shaft where the second bearing is axially spaced from the first bearing. The plurality of conduits includes at least a first conduit aligned with the first bearing and a second conduit aligned with the second bearing. A spray bar includes a plurality of supply orifices that direct lubricating fluid to the first and second bearings via at least the first and second conduits.
US08066469B2	Tray stacking apparatus System and apparatus for automatically stacking trays involve receiving trays on a receiving platform, detecting the arrival of the tray on the platform, and synchronously displacing the tray to a moveable tray cart located in a tray stacking area of a stacking tower. An automated tray sliding mechanism displaces the tray to the stacking area upon detection of the tray at the receiving platform. Trays displaced in the stacking area of a lower section of a stacking tower form a tray stack. A stack elevator of the tower engages and elevates the tray stack providing a space beneath the stack allowing the next incoming tray to be displaced into the stacking area and assume the provided space beneath the tray stack, the incoming tray thereby assuming the lowermost position in the tray stack. Trays are added to the lowermost position in the stack until the stack height reaches a predetermined height and is removed from the stacking area.
US08066467B2	Omni-directional towbarless aircraft transporter for moving aircraft An apparatus for moving parked aircraft with an omni-directional tractor via an aircraft lift dolly that is revolvably coupled thereto. The aircraft lift dolly may be removably coupled to the omni-directional tractor or may be integral to it. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that moves longitudinally and laterally with respect to the forward chock. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.
US08066466B2	Substrate processing sequence in a Cartesian robot cluster tool A method and apparatus for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system, or cluster tool, is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, a robot assembly is provided. The robot assembly includes a first motion assembly movable in a first direction, and a second motion assembly, the second motion assembly being coupled to the first motion assembly and being movable relative to the first motion assembly in a second direction that is generally orthogonal to the first direction. The robot assembly further comprises an enclosure disposed in one of the first motion assembly or the second motion assembly, an actuator within the enclosure, and a fan assembly disposed in the enclosure that is adapted to generate a pressure within the enclosure that is less than a pressure outside of the enclosure.
US08066465B2	Fastening device with tolerance compensation A device for fastening components with automatic compensation of tolerances of the spacing therebetween, comprising a base unit including a blind rivet nut securable to one of the components, a threaded adjusting nut and a sleeve-shaped retainer adapted to receive, an adjusting unit including a threaded sleeve, a locating plate and a driving bush connecting the threaded sleeve and the locating plate, the threaded sleeve adapted to be being screwed into the adjusting nut via a first thread pairing of a first thread direction, and a fastening screw which may be screwed into the rivet nut secured to one of the components via a second thread pairing of an opposing second thread direction, forming with the driving bush a releasable connection so that the adjusting unit rotates during rotation of the fastening screw, moving the locating plate into contact with the second component.
US08066464B1	Deck fastener The present invention is a hidden fastener for securing deck boards to supporting joists. The fastener consists of a head shaft; one or more blades attached to the head shaft oppositely, if there are two blades, at the top outer surface of the head shaft and being formed to penetrate into deck boards, whether wood or composite, when rotated therein to; a driver attachment being located in the upper portion of the head shaft and shaped to fixedly hold a driver for turning the head shaft and one or more blades; and a fastening device in a lower portion of the head shaft. The fastening device may be an integral part of the head shaft or a screw mounted in lower port of the head shaft. After the location of the fastener is defined on the joist, the fastening device is driven into the joist to hold the head shaft thereto. One or more adjacent boards are butted against the head shaft. A driver is then inserted into or on to the driver attachment and the head shaft is rotated a sufficient amount to cause the one or more blades to be imbedded within the boards. The deck boards also may be removed as desired by reversing this procedure thus allowing for the replacement of damaged boards or for gaining access to the space under the deck without the tedious task of removing and replacing conventional deck screws, for example.
US08066462B2	Development in beam type fasteners The invention provides a fastener (10) which has an actuating means (12), a bias means (14) and a flexible core (16). The flexible core (16) has an means for engaging (18) which may be integral with but is preferable separate from the flexible core (16)The actuating means (12) includes a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy. Upon contraction of this material, the means for engaging (18) is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position. The bias means (14) biases the flexible core (16) to the engagement position.
US08066458B2	Air cargo centerline restraint system having restraints mounted over floor joists outside the wingbox area for lateral support A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof. Lastly, the plurality of mechanical restraints are mounted with a portion of each mechanical restraint overlying a laterally extending floor joist in the cargo hold, such that a lateral load applied to a given mechanical restraint is transferred to at least one laterally extending floor joist.
US08066454B2	Milling tool with cooperating projections and recesses between the cutting insert and the holder The present invention relates to an indexable cutting insert for an end mill for machining of contours in a workpiece and to a milling tool. The cutting insert is asymmetrical in respect of a line through a hole in the cutting insert. The cutting insert includes two cutting edge portions. Each cutting edge portion comprises of a substantially straight cutting edge and a curved cutting edge along respective intersecting lines between a clearance surface and a chip surface. The curved cutting edges have different lengths. The cutting insert includes recesses in a bottom side of the cutting insert. The recesses are arranged on both sides of and at different distances from the hole of the cutting insert.
US08066453B2	Connection element and a sheet pile wall with connection element therefor A connection element (10), having a constant cross-section for sheet pile wall components such as sheet piles, features a claw profile (12) for engaging a head strip (44) of a sheet pile wall component (42). The claw profile (12) exhibits a claw-shaped lock (22) formed by two hook strips (18, 20) as well as an attachment profile (14) for engaging in a claw-shaped lock (46) of a sheet pile wall component (42). The attachment profile (14) exhibits a straight neck strip (32) and a head strip (34) of a greater cross-section at its free end. An additional head strip (38) for securing a claw-shaped lock (46) of a sheet pile wall component (42) is formed at the free end section (28) of at least one of the hook strips (20) of the claw profile (12).
US08066452B2	Equipment and method for constructing micropiles in soil, in particular for the anchorage of active anchors An equipment for constructing micropiles in soil, includes a drilling rod with a bit with at least one nozzle jetting fluid forward, and at least one nozzle jetting fluid substantially orthogonal; an element pulling a protective tube, not adhering to the rod. A corresponding method includes drilling with a drilling rod jetting liquid in front of the bit until reaching stable soil strata; drilling and injecting high-pressure grout with one or more lateral nozzles, while the drilling rod rotates; pulling the protective tube, the tube being inserted to the area of grout injection; when the required depth is reached, the proximal end of the drilling rod is anchored to a plate; when the grout is consolidated, traction is applied to the drilling rod if necessary. Grout is injected into the protective tube.
US08066451B2	Flood/wind resistant building The proposed invention is a flood and wind resistant building foundation. The building construction consists of an attached superstructure to a buoyant raft foundation with steel pipe anchor and bent steel plate guide assemblies attached at the foundation corners. The raft foundation is uniformly supported on grade during dry conditions, and on water during flood conditions. The corner anchor/guide assemblies resist wind forces during dry conditions, and provide lateral stability during flood conditions. The raft foundation has plumbing trenches and access space that permit continued use of the building utilities during a flood. This building is made with standard, light weight, low technology construction materials and products with a cost comparable to traditional construction.
US08066446B2	Apparatus and method for disabling a ground engaging traction device of a land vehicle An apparatus and a method for disabling a ground engaging traction device of a land vehicle includes at least one penetrator configured to breach the traction device, an articulated strap configured to move a plurality of times between a retracted arrangement and an extended arrangement, an inflatable bladder configured to deploy the articulated strip to the extended arrangement, and a retractor configured to retract the articulated strip to the retracted arrangement. The articulated strip includes a plurality of plates coupled to the penetrators and a plurality of joints, wherein individual joint couples individual adjacent plates.
US08066442B2	Label supply, label handling method and label printing apparatus A supply of labels may be configured to facilitate folding. A label handling method involves initiating a label fold prior to a label completely exiting a label exit opening. A label apparatus includes a label obstructing member to promote label folding.
US08066438B2	Camera apparatus A camera apparatus includes an adjusting member configured to adjust a pan of an optical member included therein; a cover member configured to cover the optical member; and a fixing member fixed to an installation surface and configured to include a first engaging mechanism and a second engaging mechanism for respectively engaging the adjusting member and the cover member thereto. The pan of the optical member is adjusted by respectively engaging a groove or a protrusion of the first engaging mechanism and protrusion or a groove of the adjusting member, and rotating the adjusting member along the groove. The cover member is locked to the fixing member by respectively engaging a groove or a protrusion of the second engaging mechanism and a protrusion or groove of the cover member, and rotating the cover member a given angle along the groove.
US08066435B2	Strut sliding bearing A thrust sliding bearing (1) includes an upper casing (3) which is made of polyacetal resin and has an annular lower surface (2); a lower casing (5) which is made of a reinforced synthetic resin including, in addition to polyacetal resin, reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers contained in this polyacetal resin, is superposed on the upper casing (3) so as to be rotatable about an axis O of the upper casing (3) in an R direction, and has an annular upper surface (4) opposed to the annular lower surface (2) of the upper casing (3); an annular thrust sliding bearing piece (6) which is made of polyacetal resin and is interposed between the annular lower surface (2) and the annular upper surface (4); and a tubular radial sliding bearing piece (7) made of polyacetal resin.
US08066434B2	Chuck tape with cut tape, its manufacturing method, and packaging bag with chuck tape A belt-shaped base of a female member of a zipper tape attached to an inner surface of a bag body has a wide portion that extends wider toward an opening of the bag body than a belt-shaped base of the male member. An open tape is disposed on the wide portion and a seal layer is laminated on a surface of the open tape. A first projecting portion is also provided on the wide portion. A second projecting portion is provided on an opening-side end of the belt-shaped base. The projecting portions have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. When the zipper tape is bonded to the bag body and is sealed by the seal layer, a gap is provided between the open tape and the first and the second projecting portions.
US08066432B2	Temperature sensitive films Temperature-sensitive films that undergo an irreversible change in appearance when the films are heated to a threshold temperature are provided. Also provided are methods for indicating that an object in thermal contact with a temperature-sensitive film has reached a threshold temperature.
US08066428B2	Stop watch including a time indicator A stop watch (1) includes a time indicator comprising a hand (2), a first scale (31) and a second scale (41). A first part of a time indication is shown by the hand (2) on the first scale (31) and a second part of said time indication is shown by said second scale (41) in combination with said first scale (31). The first scale (31) is fixed and said second scale (41) is movably mounted around said first scale (31). The first part of said time indication corresponds to seconds of a duration counted by said stop watch (1), and the second part of said time indication corresponds to tenths of seconds of said duration.
US08066420B2	Aroma diffusing night lamp system having an angle-adjustable electric plug An aroma diffusing night lamp system having the characteristics of high level of safety and installation angle adjustability is disclosed to include a lamp socket, a light emitting device mounted in the top side of the lamp socket, an electric plug rotatably coupled to the lamp socket and a lampshade surrounding the light emitting device and having a top trough that holds an aromatic substance that gives off a pleasant smell when heated by heat energy from the light emitting device during its operation.
US08066417B2	Light emitting diode-light guide coupling apparatus Different arrangements for improving the coupling-in efficiency between an LED assembly and a light guide are disclosed. In a first arrangement, a substantially planar end of a light guide is seated on a perimeter wall of a support that encloses a LED assembly, and a reflecting surface enhances coupling efficiency of a light guide. Alternative arrangements use a separate coupler disposed between the LED assembly and the light guide, which coupler has a paraboloid or aspheroid conformation to develop substantially collimated light that is directed into the light guide. The cavity around the LED assembly and within the coupler, may be air or a material having an index of refraction that closely matches the index of refraction of the light guide material.
US08066416B2	Head lamp assembly and accent lighting therefor A head lamp assembly having a main functional head lamp and a UV LED light source configured to direct UV light through a decorative accent light pipe is provided. The light pipe extends at least partially about the functional head lamp, wherein the light pipe has a phosphor coated surface to convert the UV light traveling through the light pipe into visible, luminous light. The visible light is emitted from the light pipe to provide the desired decorative appearance about the functional head lamp.
US08066414B2	LED lamp An LED lamp has a lamp base and a support connected to the lamp base, on which at least one LED is mounted, the support including at least one hollow element, each with at least two air passage openings to permit an air flow through a cavity of at least one hollow element.
US08066403B2	Modular lighting arrays Apparatus, systems, architectures, and methods provide interlocked modular lighting array units to operate as a single large light source. The modular lighting array units may be connected by a network, and the modular lighting array units may communicate and send and receive control or status signals. In some embodiments, the signals may correspond to status of light sources or LEDs, lighting functions, effects routines, and various other signals of communication.
US08066397B2	Light pen First and second magnets of a light pen according to the present invention are used for replacing a conventional spring to be a switch structure of the light pen. Whereby, the elastic fatigue problem is not yielded, the switch structure is enabled to be more durable and dependable and can be used as a switch structure for a light pen whose stroke between two electric contact points from a separation state to a contact state is shorter.
US08066396B2	Headlamp lighting device Various lighting devices are provided which may be used to advantageously illuminate areas of interest in a secure, convenient manner. In one example, a lighting device includes a headlamp. The headlamp includes a base, a body, and a light source. The base includes two support members and an aperture in each of the support members. The body is secured to the base through the apertures and is adapted to rotate relative to the base. The light source is in the body and positioned substantially between the two support members. The light source is adapted to rotate with the body relative to the base to adjust an angle of light emitted by the light source. As another example, related methods are also provided.
US08066395B2	Lighting device for display devices, liquid crystal display device, and light source lamp A display device comprising: a display panel including a display region; a plurality of light source lamps arranged to emit light toward the display region, each of the plurality of the light source lamps including a folded portion or a curved portion located at least partially outside of the display region and arranged along to an edge of the display panel; and a reflective surface underlying the light source lamps, the reflective surface including a first region with a first reflectance located in an area extending along said edge of the display panel and outside of the display region, and a second region with a second reflectance higher than the first reflectance.
US08066390B2	Antiglare film, antireflection film, polarizing plate and image display device An antiglare film includes: a transparent support; and an antiglare layer containing a light-transmitting particle and a light-transmitting resin, wherein the light-transmitting particle has a structure including a core particle and a shell layer, each of the core particle and the shell layer contains an organic polymer, the shell layer has a thickness of from 10 to 2,000 nm, the core particle has a refractive index of from 1.54 to 1.65, and the shell layer has a refractive index of from 1.46 to 1.53.
US08066388B2	Light source device and projector having same A light source device includes a first light source, a second light source, a reflective assembly, and a condensing lens defining an optical axis. The first light source includes a first lamp and a first reflector reflecting light beams generated by the first lamp as first parallel light beams. The second light source includes a second lamp and a second reflector reflecting light beams generated by the second lamp. The first light source, the reflective assembly and the condensing lens are arranged in order along the optical axis. The second light source corresponds to the reflective assembly deviated from the optical axis. The reflective assembly reflects light beams reflected by the first reflector back to the first reflector, and reflects light beams from the second reflector to the condensing lens. The condensing lens condenses the first parallel light beams and the light beams reflected by the reflective assembly.
US08066384B2	Image projection kit and method and system of distributing image content for use with the same An image projection kit and a imagery content distribution system and method. In one aspect, the invention is a kit for projecting imagery content onto architecture comprising: a projector apparatus comprising a housing containing an image sensor sub-system and an image projector subsystem, a single-reflex lens assembly in operable cooperation with the image sensor sub-system and the image projector sub-system, at least one port for receiving and/or sending data signals, and a processor operably connected to the image sensor sub-system, the image projector sub-system and the at least one port of the projector apparatus; a mechanism for mounting the projector apparatus in a fixed orientation having a line a sight to the architecture; a control unit comprising a housing, at least one port for receiving and/or sending data signals and a processor operably connected to the at least one port of the control unit; and a software package for installation on a computer, the software package containing computer code for rendering a composition window on the computer wherein a map corresponding to the architecture can be created, the map comprising at least one matte whose image is projected onto a surface of the architecture, and wherein the size, shape, position, orientation, or any combination thereof of the at least one matte can be adjusted within the composition window so that the projected image of the matte corresponds with the surface of the architecture.
US08066382B2	Stereoscopic projector with rotating segmented disk A stereoscopic digital image projecting system has a light source system providing polarized illumination having a first polarization state and a beam splitting system with a rotating segmented disk in the illumination, alternately generating first and second light beams, the rotating segmented disk having outer segments alternately transmissive and non-transmissive and inner segments radially aligned with the outer segments and alternately reflective and transmissive. A polarization rotator in a path of either the first or second light beam rotates the first polarization state to a second state orthogonal to the first. A combining system combines the first and second light beams into a combined light beam. A spatial light modulator modulates the combined light beam in a manner consistent with stereoscopic image data to form first and second modulated images having substantially orthogonal polarization states. Projection optics project the modulated images onto a display surface.
US08066381B2	Polarizing beam splitter, projection optical system, projection display A polarizing beam splitter includes: first and second prisms each having first and second end surfaces serving as an input surface or an output surface of light and an opposed surface as side surfaces of a pillar-like member; and at least two parallel flat layers disposed in parallel between the opposed surfaces of the first and second prisms. Here, one of the least two parallel flat layers is a first parallel flat layer polarization-separating the input beam. When it is assumed that the refractive index of a base material of the first and second prisms is Np, the resultant refractive index of the parallel flat layers other than the other parallel flat layer of the at least two parallel flat layers is Na, and the refractive index of the other parallel flat layer of the at least two parallel flat layers is Nb, (Na−Np)×(Nb−Np)<0 is satisfied.
US08066377B1	System and method for synchronizing a 3D video projector A system and method for improving stereoscopic images produced by a projecting device containing a single chip DMD, seen through an eye-switching device, such as a pair of liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses. The system and method are used with a video projector designed to be used with a multiple-color, color switching device, such as a color wheel. The color wheel includes at least three critical color segments. The color wheel may also physically include or be electronically re-defined to include at least one non-critical segment. A color sequencing firmware resident in the video projector is used to align a non-critical segment in front of the projector's main light source during the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase. If the non-critical segment is transmissive, the firmware controls the DMD so that light is discontinued. If the non-critical segment is non-transmissive, the light is physically blocked. If the non-critical segment is electronically defined, the firmware directly controls the DMD to discontinue the transmission of light for at least the duration of the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase.
US08066375B2	Eye tracker having an extended span of operating distances The present invention relates to automatic registration and tracking of the eyes of at least one subject. An optical system, including a lens structure, a mask and an image sensor, receives incoming light from a scene containing the subject and directs at least a portion of this light towards the image sensor, which registers spatially distributed light and thus produces primary data. The mask is to alter a basic optical transfer function of the lens structure and the image sensor into an enhanced optical transfer function, which is substantially less sensitive to variations of an unknown distance between the optical system and the subject than the basic optical transfer function. The processing unit is to receive the primary data and process this data to produce resulting eye-tracking data representing a position estimate of the at least one eye and/or a gaze direction for the at least one eye.
US08066372B2	Binocular vision assessment and/or therapy This invention is a game platform for the assessment and/or treatment of disorders of binocular vision, such as amblyopia. The game content is devised to maximize the possible therapeutic effects by leveraging advanced research in ophthalmology, as well as advanced display technology to render images independently to each eye. In particular, the game content engages both eyes at different levels of difficulty, forcing an amblyopic eye to work harder to regain its performance in the visual system. The invention herein described provides a mobile device, capable of interaction with an eye care specialist, for the assessment/treatment of binocular vision using innovative mechanisms for ensuring proper use thereof.
US08066370B2	Tinted contact lenses with crescent patterns The invention provides tinted contact lenses that use a crescent-shaped pattern or pattern element to enhance the lens wearer's iris.
US08066363B2	Printhead filter systems and methods for manufacturing the same Ink delivery systems for an ink jet printer and methods for manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the system comprises a separable ink tank, a printhead body having an opening, ink ejectors associated with the printhead body, and a retainer engaged with the tower portion of the printhead body and with an exit port of the ink tank. A filter is attached to least one of the printhead opening and the retainer, such as by insert molding or heat staking for example. A filter cover member, such as a wick or a septum for instance, is disposed adjacent the filter.
US08066358B2	Over-molded fluid interconnect A fluid interconnect for a fluid enclosure includes an overmolded sealing surface of a thermoplastic elastomeric material, the sealing surface having an opening, the sealing surface overmolded upon a thermoplastic surface of a fluid enclosure; and a wall of the thermoplastic elastomeric material connected to the sealing surface, the wall enclosing a pathway, the pathway communicating with the opening at a first end; and a layer connected to the wall, the layer closing the pathway at a second end.
US08066357B2	Ink-jet printer An object of the present invention is to reduce force acting, when an ink-jet head moves, on a distal end portion of an ink supply pipe connected to a brancher, to thereby prevent damage to the ink supply pipe as much as possible. An ink supplier, which supplies ink to respective ink introduction ports of at least one ink-jet head, has an ink supply pipe connected to an ink cartridge, a brancher to which a distal end portion of the ink supply pipe connected, and branch pipes extending from the brancher to the respective ink introduction ports. The brancher and the branch pipes are adapted to move integrally with the at least on ink-jet head, and in addition the distal end portion of the ink supply pipe and the brancher are connected to each other in a relatively rotatable manner.
US08066346B2	Printer controller for modulating printhead peak power requirement using out-of phase firing A printer controller for supplying dot data to an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of transversely aligned color channels. Each color channel comprises at least one nozzle row extending longitudinally along the printhead with each nozzle in a color channel ejecting the same colored ink. The printhead is comprised of a plurality of printhead modules with each printhead module comprising a respective segment of each nozzle row. The printer controller is programmed to supply dot data such that each of the printhead modules fires a respective segment within a predetermined segment-time, wherein at least one of the fired segments is contained in a different color channel from at least one other of the fired segments.
US08066345B2	Method for setting up drive signal A method for setting up a condition for a drive signal in a liquid ejection head that includes a plurality of linearly-arranged nozzles and driving elements provided for each of the nozzles, includes: calculating an average value or a median value of ejection rates for each nozzle relating to a supply of the drive signal under a plurality of conditions; classifying the plurality of nozzles into a plurality of groups based on the average value or the median value of the ejection rates; calculating a proper condition for the drive signal corresponding to each group based on a statistical value of the ejection rate relating to the group; and selecting one proper condition among proper conditions corresponding to the groups so as to set the selected proper condition for each nozzle.
US08066343B2	Liquid detecting apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus The invention relates to a liquid detecting apparatus that drives a liquid detecting unit that outputs two detection signals having phases opposite to each other in accordance with the amount of liquid. The liquid detecting apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: a driving unit that outputs a driving signal to the liquid detecting unit; a differential amplifying unit that performs differential amplification on said two detection signals that are output from the liquid detecting unit on the basis of the driving signal so as to output a differential amplification detection signal; and a signal detecting unit that makes a judgment as to whether the amount of liquid is not less than a predetermined amount or not by means of the differential amplification detection signal input from the differential amplifying unit.
US08066342B2	Refrigerator with home bar A refrigerator with a home bar includes a main body of the refrigerator having a cooling chamber, a refrigerator door configured to open or close the cooling chamber and having an opening, and a home bar. The home bar includes a housing coupled to the opening and having a storage space therein, a home bar door for opening or closing the opening, and a home bar door driving unit for driving the home bar door to open or close the opening. Consequently, a gap increasing between the home bar door and the opening can be avoided so as to prevent leakage of cold air.
US08066338B2	Vehicle brake controller and vehicle brake control method Each time a prescribed cycle comes to an end, an ECU estimates an average retaining amount of brake fluid in a reservoir of the current prescribed cycle on the assumption that a pump has sucked a constant amount of brake fluid in the current prescribed cycle. The ECU calculates deviation between the average retaining amount at the end of the previous prescribed cycle and the average retaining amount at the end of the current prescribed cycle. The greater the deviation is, the greater a deviation correction amount the ECU sets. The ECU performs deviation pump control in which the target suction amount of the pump is set based on the reference suction amount and the deviation correction amount.
US08066336B2	Lightened rim for a bicycle wheel and method for manufacturing such a rim A rim for a bicycle has a lower bridge with infra-spoke zones of lower thickness than the thickness of the spoke attachment zones. The increase in thickness from the infra-spoke zones to the spoke attachment zones and the reduction in thickness between the spoke attachment zones and the infra-spoke zones have a sharp corner.
US08066332B2	Wheelchair armrest adjusting mechanism The present invention provides a wheelchair armrest adjusting mechanism comprising a support unit having a horizontal support connected to a top of an upright support, and a plurality of locking units located one side of the horizontal support; wherein an armrest has a slide channel for engaging with the horizontal support, a stop hole for creating a passage to the slide channel in order to fit one of the locking units when the stop hole is aligned with the locking unit, and a control unit fitted in the stop hole for pushing against the locking unit. When the control unit is pushed and held, the armrest can be slid along the horizontal support to align with one of locking units; and when the control unit is released, the locking unit is pushed into the stop hole and thereby locks the armrest in place.
US08066328B2	Vehicle seat latch striker and assist handle A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a vehicle seat supported by the vehicle frame, and a striker connected to the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame defines a passenger ingress/egress opening. The vehicle seat includes a pivotal seat back movable between an upright and a collapsed position. The striker includes a handle grip positioned on the vehicle frame for gripping by an associated passenger entering or exiting the vehicle through the passenger ingress/egress opening. The striker is positioned on the vehicle frame to cooperate with the seat back to retain the seat back in the upright position. A vehicle seat is also disclosed.
US08066326B2	Fold flat seat assembly with rearward folding motion A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downward and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position.
US08066325B2	Deployable bolster for a vehicle seat A seat assembly includes a seat back frame pivotally coupled to a seat cushion for movement between a plurality of reclined seating positions and a fold flat position. A linkage includes first and second links having proximal ends pivotally coupled by a link pin. The first link includes a distal end pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. A control link is coupled at a first end to the link pin and at a second end to the seat cushion. A side bolster is pivotally coupled at an upper end to the seat back frame and at a lower end to a distal end of the second link. Pivoting of the seat back frame between the seating and fold flat positions urges the side bolster between a deployed position extending away from the seat back frame and a retracted position adjacent the seat back frame.
US08066320B1	Door hinge A hinge assembly includes a hinge member joined to a vehicle door. A cam member is disposed about a portion of the hinge member, and the cam member has a protrusion. A casing is joined to a body portion of the vehicle, and the casing has an aperture along an axis. The aperture is configured to receive a portion of the cam member therein, and the casing has a slot including a first detent configured so the protrusion of the cam member moves along the slot. A biasing member urges the cam member in a direction to move the door to a closed position. When the door is rotated to an open position, the protrusion moves along the slot to an engaged position with the first detent such that the door is maintained in the open position until the door is moved to disengage the protrusion from the first detent.
US08066317B2	Cabriolet top A cabriolet top for a cabriolet vehicle for displacement between a closed position covering a vehicle interior and a storage position opening up the vehicle interior is proposed, comprising a pivotably mounted cabriolet-top linkage on which a rigid cabriolet-top element is arranged, the cabriolet-top element extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, being adjacent, in the closed position of the cabriolet top, to a transverse post bounding a windscreen at the top, and, together with the cabriolet-top linkage, stretches open a foldable cabriolet-top cloth and, in the storage position of the cabriolet top, is arranged on the upper side in a cabriolet-top storage compartment such that the cabriolet-top cloth runs downwardly over a rear border of the cabriolet-top element. A rod is arranged on the cabriolet-top cloth on the rear side of the rigid cabriolet-top element, the rod extending between the border regions on both sides of the cabriolet top and, in the storage position of the cabriolet top, pre-stressing the cabriolet-top cloth downwardly in such a manner that, in a region visible from the outside of the vehicle, the cabriolet-top cloth runs at least substantially crease-free downwardly over the rear border of the cabriolet-top element into the cabriolet-top storage compartment.
US08066316B2	Adjustable mounting system for vehicular body components An adjustable mounting system for a vehicular body component includes a base having a number of slide rails, with retainers slidingly engaged with the slide rails. Each retainer has a retention section for mounting the base to a surface within the vehicular body, which is attached to a slidably mounted pediment. Fastener retainers located within the pediments allow devices such as interior trim pieces to be attached to the adjustable mounting system.
US08066314B2	Slide deck device for vehicle A slide deck device for a vehicle is provided wherein a luggage placement plate can be operated to slide smoothly even if heavy luggage is placed on the front or rear end of the luggage placement plate and also wherein no adverse effect occurs in subsequent sliding operations. The slide deck device includes upper rollers 69 which are mounted to the upper rails 52, 53, 70, 71 and 87 to be positioned in front of rearmost lower rollers of the lower rollers 64, are positioned in the lower rails 25, are spaced away from ceiling surfaces 31 of the lower rails and the bottom surfaces 30 of the lower rails when in contact with the bottom surfaces, and come in contact with the ceiling surfaces to be rotatable thereon when some of the lower rollers move away from the bottom surfaces and the ceiling surfaces.
US08066312B2	Hose handling apparatus A hose handling apparatus for gripping, advancing, and maneuvering a high pressure hose is provided. The hose handling apparatus comprises a support member comprising a first end, a middle section, and a second end, a generally cylindrical handle detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the first end of the support member forming a rigid connection with the support member to provide grip to a user's hand, a first generally cylindrical curvilinear gripping element detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the middle section of the support member, and a second generally cylindrical curvilinear gripping element detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the second end of the support member. The support member is angled at the middle section. The handle and the gripping elements form a parallel configuration which is perpendicular to a planar surface of the support member. The gripping elements grip the hose positioned between them firmly.
US08066308B2	Latch mechanism assembly A chassis includes a cover unit, a base unit which includes a bottom panel and a cover panel fixed to the bottom panel, a through hole defined in the cover panel, and a latch mechanism assembly. The latch mechanism assembly includes a hook protruding from the cover unit, an operating apparatus mounted to the bottom panel, a supporting member mounted to the bottom panel, a latch member resiliently mounted to the supporting member, and a connecting pole connecting the latch member to the operating apparatus. The hook is capable of extending through the through hole of the cover panel. The latch member includes a latch portion capable of securing the hook. The latch member is capable of engaging the hook when the hook is located within the through hole, and the operating apparatus is capable of retracting the connecting pole and thus causing the latch member to disengage the hook.
US08066307B2	Thread joint for a drill string for percussive rock-drilling In percussion rock drilling a screw joint for a drill run or drill string including male and female screw threads (5, 9) on the elements (1, 2) are joined together to form a drill string. Within the screw joint the male thread (5) and the female thread (9) have a trapezoidal shape and a slight conical inclination.
US08066302B2	Center frame in crawler travel device and method for manufacturing center frame The present invention provides a center frame designed so that a center member, legs, and a lower plate can be formed by bending metal sheets, and to provide a manufacturing method for the center frame.A pair of front legs 13 and a pair of rear legs 14 are formed by bending metal sheets so as to have substantially reverse U-shaped cross-sections. The center member 10 is formed by bending a metal sheet so as to have a substantially square U-shaped cross-section. The front legs 13, the rear legs 14, the center member 10, a center front plate 22, and a center rear plate 23 are placed on and securely weld to the lower plate 18, which has an approximate X shape, in a plan view, and an isosceles trapezoidal shape in a lateral cross-section. This eliminates the need for expensive molds and makes it possible to easily manufacture the center frame from the center member, legs, and lower plate formed by bending metal sheets.
US08066298B2	Coupling system for connecting supply lines A coupling system for connecting supply lines between a trailer and a tractor vehicle, with a socket which is arranged on the tractor vehicle and a support element, having a plug, which is arranged on the trailer. The invention is based on the problem of providing a robustly operating coupling system in which an automatic connection of all of the provided supply lines is possible. The problem is solved by a coupling system in which the socket is arranged in a positionally fixed manner on the tractor vehicle, the plug is guided in a laterally moveable manner in the support element, and the plug can be placed into a connecting position with the socket by an actuator which is arranged on the tractor vehicle.
US08066296B2	Aerodynamic storage element and frame A storage element and bicycle frame that work in conjunction with each other to make both the frame and storage element as aerodynamic as possible when the storage element is attached to the frame. The storage element is designed to function as an integral aerodynamic element of the frame.
US08066289B2	Rapid clamping system The invention relates to a rapid clamping system (50), comprising a clamping housing (12), with a piston (18) acted on from one side by springs (15) and which may be pressurised from the other side, with an actuator (60) arranged on the piston (18) to follow the piston movement, with at least one clamping bolt (32) arranged to be displaced perpendicular to the piston axis (28), in a working coupling acting in both directions of displacement with the actuator (60) by means of an inclined guide (52), whereby, with the springs (16) extended, the clamping bolt (32) takes up a locking position for locking a clamping pin (14) which may be introduced in the clamping housing (12) and which adopts an unlocking position for removal of the clamping pin (14) on corresponding pressurization of the piston (18). The invention is characterized in that the inclined guide (52) has an irregular guide contour (54) with varying angles of inclination (α, β, γ, δ) relative to the piston axis (28) to achieve varying translation ratios.
US08066288B2	Components comprising polyisobutylene compositions This document provides components comprising a predetermined sealing surface and a curable composition thereon. The cured reaction product of the curable composition forms a seal having improved resistance to vapor permeation when exposed to hydrocarbon fluids and especially to hydrocarbon fluids comprising low molecular weight components, oxygenated compounds, polar compounds or blends containing polar and non-polar compounds such as alcohol and alcohol containing fuels.
US08066283B2	Recording device A recording device includes a plurality of holes formed in the medium support part, a suction unit configured to suck out air via the holes, closing members configured and arranged to move in a direction away from the holes, an urging unit configured to urge the closing members toward the holes, and a sliding member configured and arranged to slide in a direction intersecting a moving direction in which the closing members move. The sliding member is configured and arranged to contact the closing members, and by sliding the sliding member, at least one hole is switched between a state in which the hole is closed by the closing member and a state in which the hole is left open by the closing member.
US08066282B2	Apparatus for feeding and aligning sheets fed to a processing machine, in particular a printing machine An apparatus for feeding and aligning sheets which are fed to a processing machine, e.g. a printing machine, includes at least two parallel transporting belts which, on a side directed toward the sheet, subject the sheet to different retaining forces, in such a way that the retaining force in outer peripheral regions is greater than in an inner region located therebetween. The transporting belts can be activated individually in dependence on the position of the sheet, and they can therefore align the sheet in its transporting direction and obliquely thereto.
US08066281B2	Sheet tip contacting belt conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeding device that feeds a sheet, and a conveyance belt that conveys the sheet toward a printing region while attracting the sheet with electrostatic force. The printing region is disposed in a vicinity of the conveyance belt. A printing device is provided in the printing region to form an image on the sheet. A controller is provided to control the conveyance belt to stop conveying the sheet toward the printing region for a prescribed period after the tip of the sheet arrives at the conveyance belt and raised from the conveyance belt unit the tip of the sheet settles to the surface of the conveyance belt.
US08066276B2	Device for separating individual flat, bendable objects from the underside of a stack of such objects and for transporting the separated objects away A device for separating of individual, flat objects from the underside of a stack of this kind of objects (2) includes a roll bed conveyor consisting of a plurality of circulating rollers (9) and supporting the stack from beneath, wherein the rollers (9) are respectively rotatable around their longitudinal axis (10) and are moved along an orbit (11). Hereby the rollers (9) are coupled by a coupling (8) to at least one roller wheel (7) and, by means of this coupling, the longitudinal axes (10) of the rollers (9) are respectively pivotable in relation to the roller wheel (7). The rollers (9) are pivoted in a releasing region (13) of the orbit (11), through which an opening of the roll bed conveyor is created. Thus, the flat objects (2) can individually be conveyed from beneath the stack and transported away through the opening.
US08066273B2	Dual-stack document storage bin for use in a self-service bunch document depositing terminal A dual-stack document storage bin comprises a substantially U-shaped container including a first bottom wall which interconnects first and second sidewalls to provide (i) the substantially U-shape, and (ii) a first document storage chamber which is defined between the first and second sidewalls and into which documents can be stacked to form a first stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a first position. The dual-stack document storage bin further comprises a substantially L-shaped housing including a second bottom wall and a third sidewall which is disposed relative to the second bottom wall to provide (i) the substantially L-shape, and (ii) a second document storage chamber which is defined between the third side wall and the second sidewall and into which documents can be stacked to form a second stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a second position which is different from the first position. The dual-stack document storage bin also comprises a mechanism operatively coupled between the first and second bottom walls to support substantially horizontal sliding movement of the U-shaped container between the first position in which documents can be stacked onto the first stack of documents in the first document storage chamber and the second position in which documents can be stacked onto the second stack of documents in the second document storage chamber.
US08066271B2	Form having abutting tape-interconnected substrates and method of making same A business form product (10) broadly including a printable sheet (12), a magnetic sheet (14) aligned edge-to-edge with the printable sheet (12) to define a seam (16), and a heat-resistant tape (18) applied over the seam (16) to retain the sheets (12,14) in the edge-to-edge relationship is disclosed. The inventive business form product (10, 106) is formed by joining multiple continuous webs (38, 58) edge-to-edge and marrying the webs (38,58) with a continuous streamer of tape (86) in a press (36). A preferred embodiment of the inventive method of forming the continuous sheet (106) is disclosed wherein at least one rotatable mechanical web guide (72) is used to align the webs (38,58) in the edge-to-edge relationship, thereby enabling precise alignment not available with existing optic-type web guides. A preferred embodiment of the printable business form product (10) is disclosed wherein heat-resistant tape (18) enables the business form product (10) to be printed in high-heat printing applications (e.g., printed in an offline laser printer) without fracturing the taped seam (16).
US08066264B2	Contact tray for a mass transfer column The valve cover has a pair of tabs at the ends that are inserted into end sections of an orifice in the tray deck. The tabs of the valve cover abut against the underside of the tray deck while a pair of sloped portions of the valve cover rest on the top side of the tray deck in order to hold the valve cover in place.
US08066261B2	Mechanism for alternative power or manual operation of a yacht winch A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. The new winch, while intended to be driven by on-board electric or hydraulic power, includes a novel mechanism, actuated by a conventional winch handle, for converting the winch to a multi-speed manual operating mode in the event of failure of the on-board power system. A clutch mechanism enables controlled release of line from the winding drum during manual operation, and enables adjustments and emergency release operation when operating in a power mode. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, and positively drawn from the drum when the line is not under load. Significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew is enabled.
US08066259B2	Hydraulic jack with lowering control means A hydraulic jack comprising a hydraulically actuated saddle movable from a first lowered position to a second raised position, the jack having a handle which, when pumped up and down, hydraulically raises the saddle, lowering control means associated with the jack for preventing premature lowering of the saddle upon malfunction of the hydraulic actuation during raising of the saddle and a release lever engaging the lowering control means adapted to release the same and permit lowering of the saddle when the handle is pumped up and down.
US08066251B2	Equipoising support apparatus A force exerting device having a force exerting structure including a load arm as a first side, pivotable about a load pivot, a resilient member attached to the load arm and to a termination point and forming a second side of the force exerting structure. The third side of the structure is formed by a line from the termination point to the load pivot. A first adjustment mechanism moves the termination point to change the length of the third side of the structure. A second adjustment mechanism moves the termination point in a direction different than the first adjustment direction so the termination point location can cross a substantially plumb line passing through the load pivot. A force modification device may be included to dynamically adjust the resilient member termination point position in response to motion of the load arm.
US08066246B2	Telescopic support with internal brake The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and at least one resilient element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end thereof being secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism linearly translates the upper end of the at least one cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.
US08066242B2	Separator with integrated storage for securing an electrical charging device and providing wire management A separating device with integrated storage securing an electrical charging device and providing wire management for portable computers, such as notebook computers or laptop computers, in a cart, pedestal, desk-mounted depot, or similar devices is shown herein. Briefly stated, in its preferred embodiment, the separating device comprises a sheet of rigid material with a thin thickness cut in a roughly trapezoidal profile, a plurality of holes, a plurality of tabs, and a plurality of slots. The separating device is designed to accept a portable computing device and its charging device. Wires running from the charging device to the portable computing device are fed through the separating device for wire management. Wires running from the charging device to a power plug are wrapped around the separating device for further wire management. Also, the separating device may be attached to a device capable of accepting the separating device.
US08066241B2	Supporting structure and flat panel display assembly using same A supporting structure is provided for supporting a flat panel display. The supporting structure includes a brace and a base. The brace includes a chassis and a number of arms movably connected to the chassis. The chassis includes a supporting portion surface, an opposite grasp portion surface, and a side surface connecting the supporting portion surface and the grasp portion surface. The supporting portion surface is positioned against the back surface of the flat panel display. The chassis defines a number of side openings on the side surface from the grasp portion surface and along a direction parallel to the axis of the chassis. The base includes a casing sleeved on the chassis therein. The casing defines a number of cutouts corresponding to the side openings and cooperates with the side openings to define a number of sliding grooves for the arms sliding therein respectively.
US08066239B2	Integrated DIN rail attachment feature for superior attachment An electronics module includes a base and a cover connected to the base. The base includes a recess adapted to receive an associated mounting rail. At least one fixed rail constraining tab is located adjacent a first edge of the recess and is adapted to engage a first flange of the associated mounting rail. First and/or second latch arms are located adjacent a second edge of the recess that is opposite the first edge of the recess. The first and second latch arms are connected to a fixed portion of the second edge and project outwardly relative to opposite lateral sides of the fixed portion. Each of the first and second latch arms includes a rail capture tab. The first and second latch arms are selectively movable resiliently to and from latched and unlatched positions, wherein the rail capture tabs of the first and second latch arms project beyond the fixed portion of the second edge and into the recess when the first and second latch arms are located in their respective latched positions, and wherein the rail capture tabs of the first and second latch arms are withdrawn relative to the fixed portion of the second edge when the first and second latch arms are located in their respective unlatched positions. The cover or other portion of the module defines first and second receiving locations that receive and retain portions of the first and second latch arms when the first and second latch arms are located in their respective latched positions.
US08066237B2	Device for holding packages A device for holding a plurality of dispensing packages enables the packages to be independently removed and replaced. In one embodiment, the holding device includes a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls extending at an angle from said rear wall. The sidewalls each include a plurality of retaining elements, with each retaining element on one of said sidewalls being uniquely associated with a retaining element on the other sidewall. The rear wall of the holder may be selectively adjusted to vary the distance between opposing retaining elements. Each retaining element may separated from adjacent retaining elements so that each retaining element is independently flexible. Each retaining element may also include a retention hook that angles from the retaining element to hold a box behind the hook. The hook may additionally include a ramped surface that facilitates flexing of the retaining element as a box is inserted into the holder.
US08066236B2	Optical equipment mounting devices and systems Optical equipment mounting devices and systems are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention an optical mounting system can generally comprise a mounting assembly to carry an optical device and a support coupled to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly can include a generally horizontal platform and can define a vertical axis passing substantially orthogonal to said horizontal platform. The support can be adapted to hold an optical device below the generally horizontal platform of the mounting assembly and to one side of the vertical axis. An optical mounting system can also comprise an adjustment mechanism capable of precisely adjusting the position of the optical device in small increments. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
US08066235B1	Adjustable work stand for motorcycles An adjustable work stand for motorcycles includes a platform and platform support means. The platform support means includes left and right vertical support members adapted to be adjustable upwardly and downwardly. Upper and lower horizontal support members extend between the vertical support members. The platform is pivotally attached to the upper horizontal support member. A vertically adjustable platform support arm extends between the lower horizontal support member and the underside of the front of the platform. A stand support arm extends rearwardly from one of the left and right vertical support members, the forward end of the stand support arm being pivotally connected to the vertical support member, the rearward end of the stand support arm adapted to contact the same surface upon which the vertical support members rest.
US08066233B2	Swivel, display device and electronic apparatus A swivel includes: a circular fixed base; and a movable stage capable of rotating relative to the fixed base.
US08066228B2	Single slotted flap with sliding deflector flap and lowerable spoiler A device for adjusting the lift characteristics of an aircraft with a high lift device that is movably attachable to a wing element and that includes at least one slot covering device, where the at least one slot covering device, is movably attachable to the wing element. The slot covering device is designed to regulate the size of a slot between the wing element and the high lift device.
US08066225B1	Multi-tether cross-wind kite power A multiple-tethered kite extracts power from wind. Systems having three or more tethers coupled to a single kite are contemplated, as are systems having multiple kites coupled to a given pair of tethers. Commercially useful tethers would most likely have a length of at least 1000 meters, and would be fixed at least 100 meters apart. During a given cycle the distance between each of the bases and the kite would likely vary by at least 50 meters. Motion of the tethers can be converted to useful energy in any commercially viable manner, for example by driving an electric generator or a water pump.
US08066223B2	Enhanced aerial delivery system An enhanced aerial delivery system addresses issues raised when large quantities of fluids, powders, and other agent materials are to be transported in and aerially dispersed by aircraft. Some aspects include positioning and securing of tanks aboard the aircraft to facilitate management and safety of the tanks and aircraft. Other aspects address coupling of the tanks and associated piping to lessen structural effects upon the aircraft. Further aspects deal with channeling, containing, and dumping stray agent materials that have escaped from the agent tanks on board the aircraft.
US08066221B2	Aircraft ventral fairing partition wall and aircraft equipped with a ventral fairing The invention concerns a wall (10) of vertical partitioning for a ventral cowling of an aircraft including a plurality of vertical panels (11, 12, 12′, 13, 13′), each panel being linked to an adjacent panel by a vertical post (14, 15, 16). At least one exterior panel (13, 13′) is mounted in a fixed manner on at least one associated vertical post (14, 16). The upper end of said vertical post is fitted with a means of fastening in transverse rotation intended to be fixed to the structure (8) of an aircraft, the means of fastening in transverse rotation being capable of allowing the displacement (Dy) of the structure of the aircraft with respect to the fixed partitioning wall. It is also possible for at least one intermediary panel (12, 12′) to be mounted floating on at least one associated vertical post (15, 16), in such a way as to have a deflection parallel and perpendicular to the adjacent panels.
US08066217B2	Dispenser and dispensing method having communication abilities Dispensers and dispensing systems and methods having communication abilities are provided. Various embodiments include the ability to communicate reminders and other messages to users and maintenance personnel. An embodiment of the present invention has two sensors, one for detecting when to dispense a product and the other for detecting when to communicate pre-recorded messages. Another embodiment also includes the ability to record multiple messages into the dispenser for later playback upon triggering events. Still yet other embodiments provide messages upon dispensing of product.
US08066212B2	Rotor and device for the comminution of input material A rotor and device for the comminution of input material is provided. The rotor includes a drive shaft on which a predetermined number of rotor discs are provided and over the circumference of which grinding tools are arranged. In accordance with an embodiment, it is provided that frictional connection elements are arranged between the rotor discs forming axial ends of the rotor and the shaft for transferring a torque, and that power transmission elements are arranged in a contact surface of two adjacent rotor discs and that the rotor discs can be clamped together with axially acting clamping elements.
US08066210B2	Central shaft for a gyratory crusher A central shaft for a gyratory crusher, which includes a crushing head on which a first crushing shell is mounted; a frame on which a second crushing shell is mounted, which second crushing shell defines, together with the first crushing shell, a crushing gap; and a driving device, which is arranged to rotate an eccentric about said central shaft and thereby to cause the crushing head to execute a gyratory movement for crushing of material that is introduced in the crushing gap. The central shaft has a cavity in which are accommodated an anti-reverse and a torque limiter, the anti-reverse and the torque limiter being adapted for connection to said crushing head for restricting spinning.
US08066208B2	Convertible discharge system for bale shredder A bale shredder is mounted on a frame and has a flail that will shred material, such as hay, straw and silage, and an auger receives the shredded material and moves it toward a first end of the auger. The first end of the auger is surrounded by a chamber that has a first opening in an axial direction of the auger that opens into a fan or blower so that material going through the first opening is blown out of a discharge chute. An endless conveyor is mounted adjacent a second opening of the chamber, laterally of the auger, and is positioned to receive material from the second opening. Panels are provided for selectively blocking the first opening when the endless conveyor is to be moving material from the chamber, and for blocking the second opening when the fan is to be used for discharging material. The two different conveyors are selectively used for delivery of shredded material from the bale shredder.
US08066204B2	Shower head with integral diverter valve A shower assembly is provided that includes a shower head having an integrated diverter valve. The shower head receives a detachable hand-held shower wand. The diverter valve is arranged upstream of an adjustable connector so that length is not added to the shower assembly that would interfere with headroom. A cam shaft of the diverter valve is rotated to selectively control fluid flow between the shower head and the hand-held shower wand. Cam followers are moved linearly in response to rotation of the cam shaft to selectively block first and second outlet ports.
US08066201B2	Method and apparatus for supplying a fluid Apparatus for supplying a fluid comprising a pipe having at least one aperture through a wall of the pipe, each of the at least one apertures comprising a first portion in an inner surface of the wall, a second portion in an outer surface of the wall, the first portion intersecting the second portion to form an opening, the first portion having a first cross-sectional area at the inner surface that is greater than a second cross-sectional area of the opening; wherein the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area have a first ratio within a first predetermined range so as to enable fluid flowing through the pipe at a predetermined flow rate to exert a predetermined pressure to spray fluid from the at least one aperture to atmosphere and also to flush the first portion.
US08066199B2	Showerhead having a temperature sensitive valve having shape memory actuator A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.
US08066197B2	Failsafe thermal bypass valve for cooling system A thermal bypass valve for a heat exchanger circuit includes a valve housing forming a valve chamber including a bypass passage and ports for the flow of heat exchange fluid into and out of the valve chamber as well as a bypass port defined by a valve seat. Two axially aligned thermally sensitive actuators are mounted in the chamber, each with an actuator body and its own movable piston extendible from one end of the body. One of these pistons operably engages the actuatory body associated with the other piston. Each actuator body is normally movable in the chamber in response to extension of its piston. One of the actuators extends its piston at a higher temperature than the temperature required for the other actuator to extend its piston. A bypass valve member is mounted on one of the actuators and can be moved by either actuator from an open position to a closed position.
US08066196B2	Water saver system A water saver system that includes a temperature-sensitive valve, connected between the shower water control valves and the shower head, diverts water to a bladder pressure tank until the water warms up. The temperature sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the pressure tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water over the course of the shower so little water is wasted. The pressure tank could be placed on the floor of the shower or outside the tub (under sink) in a retrofit or built into the wall stud cavity in new construction.
US08066195B2	Object, image data, image data transmission method, card, game mat, card game system, image analysis apparatus, and image analysis method There is provided a two-dimensional code capable of performing accurate recognition. The two-dimensional code includes: a code data portion (102) where a plurality of square cells (106) are two-dimensionally arranged to constitute code data; and a plurality of corner cells (104) arranged so as to surround the code data portion (102). The corner cells (104) are configured with a greater area than the square cells (106). When the two-dimensional code is imaged by an imaging device, the corner cells (104) can be recognized in a large scale, thereby improving the two-dimensional code read accuracy.
US08066193B2	Smartcard, telephone comprising such a card and method for executing a command in such a card A smartcard (1) includes: first and second microcircuits (100, 200) respectively storing first and second applications (120, 220), elements for communicating (14) with the outside of the card (1), connected to the first microcircuit (100), the first application (120) being capable of transmitting (708) a command received by the communication elements (14) to the second application (220) the first application (120) being capable of receiving a response to the command transmitted to the second application (220) and of aggregating (718) the response with at least one data value stored in a memory of the first microcircuit (200) in such a manner as to form an overall response to the command received from the outside.
US08066192B2	RFID reporting personal health card and related systems A personal health card that includes a smartcard with an RFID device that automatically reports certain RFID response information when illuminated by an interrogation signal from an RFID reader, such as an authorized first responder interrogation device issued to police, fire, lifeguard, or EMT personnel. The RFID response information may be as minimal as a visible or audible “ping” response displayed or played on the RFID interrogator indicating that a personal health card has been interrogated. If multiple cards respond to the interrogator, the RFID interrogator can be used to select among the responding cards so that the operator can investigate one card at a time. A characteristic of the response from a selected card may change in response to the strength of the signal received from the card to help the operator locate and recover a desired card. For example, the volume of an audible “ping” at the interrogator may become louder or more frequent as the interrogation response from the card becomes stronger to provide a “homing device” for physically locating a particular card. This feature is very helpful when emergency responses are attempting to locate personal health cards at the scene of an accident or other incident.
US08066190B2	Transaction card The present invention relates to a process for producing a transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features. An optically recognizable compound may be associated with a portion of the card for blocking infrared radiation and may comprise an infrared ink having nanocrystalline indium tin oxide particles. Moreover, a portion of the transaction card may include a second optically recognizable compound disposed thereon. The second optically recognizable compound may comprise an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink may be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.
US08066188B2	Point-of-transaction workstation for electro-optically reading one-dimensional and two-dimensional indicia by image capture A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.
US08066187B2	Methods and systems for network configuration Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network.
US08066184B2	Optically readable marking sheet and reading apparatus and method therefor A ballot or sheet having an anti-copying feature provides for detecting from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy. The anti-copying feature may lighten or darken, or both, when copied and may or may not be evident to the human eye. A reader comprising an imager and a processor is for reading the ballot or sheet and for determining whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon. A method for reading the ballot or sheet is for determining from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon.
US08066182B2	Intelligent credit card system A new credit card system which enables improved reading and other operations. Reading can be done in the short edge of the credit card thereby shortening the aspect ratio and size of the card reader. The reader can be electrical, reading information via contacts, or can be optical readers.
US08066181B2	RF transaction authentication using a random number A system and method for securing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transactions is provided. An exemplary method includes using a random number in an authentication tag and authorizing an RF transaction in response to verifying the authentication tag. The method may also involve variously validating an RFID device authentication tag and an RFID reader authentication tag. Additionally, a system and method is disclosed for verifying an RFID transaction device and RFID reader operable with an RF transaction system. The method involves presenting an RFID device to an RFID reader, receiving a random number, creating an RFID transaction device authentication tag using the random number and a counter value, providing the RFID transaction device authentication tag to an RFID reader, creating an RFID reader authentication tag using the counter, random number, and RFID authentication tag, and providing the RFID reader authentication tag and RFID transaction device authentication tag for authentication.
US08066180B2	Card processor From the detection result of a sensor for detecting a card, whether or not the card exists in the inside, and whether or not the card exists in a return area are determined, respectively, and in the state where it is determined that the card exists in the inside, if the time counted by a first timer has reached a time while a command from a host system is not received by a communication unit, then it carries out the communication error process of addressing that the command is not received. That is, the card in the inside is returned to the area, and subsequently, in the state that it is determined that the returned card exists in the area, if the time counted by a second timer reaches a second time while the card is not taken out from the area, the card is taken to the inside.
US08066178B2	Display carton for a plurality of products A carton for a plurality of products comprising a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel and the rear panel connected one to the other by a top panel and a bottom panel, each of the front panel, the top panel and the bottom panel having appended side flaps. Each of the appended side flaps of the top panel and the bottom panel having a recess, the recesses of the top panel flaps being in alignment with the recesses of the bottom panel flaps to form a combined recess. A product separator is located in the carton, the product separator having a separator panel with an appended first panel and a second panel, each of the first panel and the second panel being fitted into a combined recess to thereby secure the product separator in the carton. The front panel is at least partially transparent. Each of the front panel flaps having an appended glue flap, the appended glue flaps having a plurality of glue tabs. The top panel and the rear panel having an appended hanger panel with an aperture and a structure to reclose the carton.
US08066175B2	Container for food, especially tostadas A container for food, such as used for the storage or packaging of tostadas, manufactured as a carton, which is formed with eight sections or sides that are joined by adhesive at an edge to fold the container is disclosed. The container also has edges placed on the top and bottom ends that, when interwoven towards the center of the container, permit the formation of a kind of bow with which the container is kept closed. In order to open the container, it is only necessary to pull outwards on opening projections which are part of the bow. Likewise, and as a consequence of the interweaving of the edges, an internal pulling acts as a muffling, thereby helping the food, e.g., tostadas, to be maintained in a good state, without being broken.
US08066171B1	Conductive metal ball bonding with electrostatic discharge detection An apparatus for bonding a conductive lead to a conductive terminal of a device by the use of a conductive metal ball is disclosed. A ball-forming wire comprises a first conductive metal having a first melting temperature. A clamping surface has a closed position in contact with the ball-forming wire. A wire-clamping actuator is coupled to the clamping surface and is electrically connected to a clamping signal source. A sparking pin comprises a second conductive metal having a second melting temperature higher than the first melting temperature. The sparking pin is electrically connected to a power source. A current detection transformer includes a magnetic core at least partially encircling the ball-forming wire. An analyzing circuit is electrically connected to the current detection transformer.
US08066168B2	Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism.
US08066167B2	Circular surgical stapling instrument with anvil locking system Circular stapling instruments for cutting and applying one or more surgical staples to tissue are disclosed. The instruments include various forms of anvil locking systems designed to selectively prevent the anvil from moving axially relative to the stapling head of the stapling instrument. One embodiment employs an elongated gear rack that is selectively engagable with locking gears to prevent axial motion of the elongated gear rack and an adjustment shaft used to axially position the anvil. Other embodiments employ a gear assembly that cooperates with the elongated gear rack. A locking member is movably supported by a handle assembly that houses the gear assembly and elongated gear rack. The locking member is configured for selective meshing engagement with the gear assembly to ultimately prevent axial movement of the gear rack and adjustment shaft.
US08066163B2	Game mover A device for moving game after the game has been slain wherein the device acts as a sled or toboggan. A combination of the device is the device in a folded condition and inserted into a container for carrying the device. The container is a fabric bag with appropriate openings and straps for inserting the device and carrying the device, respectively.
US08066162B2	Modulator for supporting arm of rear bicycle carrier A modulator for supporting arms of a rear bicycle carrier comprises a support frame including a central post having two ends with which first and second supporting arms are connected; a ratchet holder integrally formed with or separately disposed on the connecting position of the central post, and including a plurality of inner teeth arranged around the internal periphery thereof; a connecting shaft inserted through the ratchet holder, on the two sides of an intermediate seat of the connecting shaft being mounted two ratchet members for engaging with the inner teeth of the ratchet holder; a control unit fixed on a predetermined position of the rear bicycle carrier for being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to disengage at least one ratchet member from the inner teeth of the ratchet holder such that the first and second supporting arms can be adjusted toward a suitable angle relative to the central post.
US08066155B2	Trigger type pump dispenser A trigger-type pump dispenser capable of preventing deformation of a channel of a coupling part when a piston is vertically pushed down by a trigger even in a structure in which the coupling part bends and a nozzle does not vertically move. The dispenser has a base main body 1 having the cylinder part 11 inside and attachable to an opening part of a container main body. A cover body 4 detachably latched with the base main body. A piston structure 2 composed of the nozzle part 21 engaged with the base main body, the piston part 23, and a bendable coupling part coupling the nozzle part and the piston part. Many fins 22A are formed on the periphery of the coupling part 22 so that an interior channel is not deformed.
US08066152B2	Liquid cooling and dispensing device A device that attaches to a bottle's neck has a base that secures to the bottle's neck and has two passages that traverse the base. The first passage leads to an enclosure located above the base that holds cooling material and optionally has a conduit that improves the heat exchange between a dispensing liquid and the cooling material retained in the enclosure. The exit passage of the enclosure has in at least one embodiment a valve. The second passage through the base forms a vent line that is located entirely below the enclosure and allows air to flow into the bottle as bottle's contents are dispensed through the first passage.
US08066149B2	Stackable container with support structure A container for holding goods comprises a basket having a base and a sidewall, a lid mateable with the basket, and a support structure. The support structure includes a pillar extending between the base and the lid and a tie connected between the pillar and the sidewall.
US08066147B2	Crate with collapsible wall A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior. A latch selectively prevents movement of the front wall to the retracted position.
US08066143B2	Storage container with hinged lid A storage container includes a base having side walls and end walls extending upwardly from the base. Lid halves are hingeably connected to upper edges of the side walls. A security recess is formed in the side walls adjacent to each hinge and corresponds with a security tab projecting from the lid halves preventing vertical movement of the outer edge of the lid half when the lid is in the closed position. The lid halves also include a lip adjacent to the hinge and upper and lower leaves that overlap with the opposing lid half to prevent moisture from seeping into the storage container.
US08066141B2	Sealed package for pourable food products A sealed package for pourable food products includes a removable portion and a closable opening device. The opening device has a frame defining a pour opening and fixed to the package about the removable portion, and a cap fitted to the frame to close the pour opening and movable to free the pour opening. A pull-off opening device is housed in the frame and has a rigid plane integral with the removable portion and extractable from the frame, by pulling action, together with part of the removable portion. A pull tab of sheet material is interposed between the removable portion and the plate and attached to both.
US08066138B2	Collapsible hard case for surfboards and other large objects A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large asymmetrically shaped objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining sections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position.
US08066137B2	Flexible, stackable container including a lid and package body folded from a single sheet of film A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base. The base may be sealed to one of the first surface of the first side, to the first corner seals surrounding the first side, or to both, such that a portion of the first surface is accessible from the exterior of the container when the lid is separated from the base of the lid fitment.
US08066135B2	Transport device and method for transporting fluid An embodiment of the present invention discloses a transport device for transporting loose cargo and fluid, including: an elongate loading floor on which loose cargo can be placed; a fluid tank to be fixed releasably to the loading floor and in which fluid can be stored, wherein the tank can be folded in longitudinal direction over the loading floor between a collapsed state in which the tank takes up a minimum loading floor area, to enable transport of a relatively large quantity of loose cargo, and an expanded state to enable transport of a relatively large amount of fluid.
US08066133B2	Synthetic resin cap, closing device, and container-packed beverage The present invention provides a synthetic resin cap comprising: a cap body (4) having a top plate portion (2) and a cylinder portion (3) hanging from a circumferential edge portion (2b) thereof; an annular inside seal projection (12) to be fitted to a container mouth portion (21); a connector portion (15) formed between the top plate portion (2) and the inside seal projection (12); and an outside thin wall portion (16) formed on the top plate portion (2), and provides a closing device using thereof, and a container-packed beverage.When the internal pressure of the container has risen, the top plate portion (2) is deformably swelled upward, and an inward tensile force is applied to the inside seal projection (12) by the connector portion (15). Since the outside thin wall portion (16) undergoes bending deformation, the portion positioned inside the outside thin wall portion (16) to undergo significant bulging deformation upward, and the slope of the top plate portion (2) at the portion where the inside seal projection (12) is formed is increased. Thus, the inside seal projection (12) is displaced inward, and gas in the container may be easily discharged to the outside.
US08066131B2	Modular overhead storage system An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. The overhead rack system includes a first and second adjustable mounting track and a support surface having a number of side rails connected together by a plurality of rail connectors. The first and second adjustable mounting tracks are adjustable relative to the ceiling mount such that the space between the ceiling and the support surface as well as the overall length of the side rails may be adjusted by the user according to the intended space.
US08066125B2	Compact injection molded battery package A package comprising a rear member pivotally connected to a front member at a pivot. The package has a closed position wherein the front member is engaged with the rear member to define an interior space therebetween and an open position allowing access to the interior space. At least one of the front member and the rear member includes support structure for supporting products in the interior space. A projection having an aperture for allowing the package to be hung on a rod extends from the front member and the rear member. The rear member includes a foot allowing the package to stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface. The front member and the rear member include a latch and a slot, with the latch being configured to be inserted into the slot for maintaining the package in the closed position.
US08066121B2	Child-resistant, senior-friendly package having a squeeze-release mechanism and method of assembly A package for containing tablets or like separate dispensable items is provided having so-called child-resistant and senior-friendly storage and dispensing properties. An elongate outer sleeve houses a separate blister card carrying tablets or like items. The card slides into the sleeve to a storage position in which the card is housed within the outer sleeve and slides in the reverse direction to a dispensing position in which the card at least partially extends from the open end of the sleeve. The sleeve includes an internal locking restriction secured to a wall thereof, and the card includes a tail end having an integral latch. The locking restriction and latch cooperate to form a locking engagement thereby locking the card within the sleeve when the card is in the storage position. The sleeve includes visually defined squeeze locations on opposite side edges thereof that correspond to a location of the internal locking restriction. The locking engagement of the latch to the internal locking mechanism is released when the outer sleeve is squeezed at the visually defined squeeze locations. The construction of the outer sleeve from a paperboard blank, the construction of a blister card having a latch, and a method of assembling the above referenced package are also disclosed.
US08066118B1	Device for using nonwoven towels in the dairy industry A method and apparatus for use in the dairy industry to affect the time in preparing a dairy cow for milking and the transference of mastitis in dairy cows with the method the present invention provides: retrieving a quantity of the disposable single fold towels/wipes of the present invention before teat cleaning; extracting a towel/wipe from the quantity and having the maximum surface area of the towel/wipe upon extraction available for use without further manipulation; wiping the udder teats until dry and disposing of the used disposable single fold towel of the present invention. The apparatus of the present invention is a Nonwoven Airlaid or Nonwoven DRC (Double Recreped Cellulose) or 2-6 ply Scrim single fold, interfold towel with a basis weight between 40 GSM (grams per square meter) and 80 GSM, consisting of both virgin pulp (longer fibers) and also recycled pulp (broken or shorter fibers), in the dairy industry.
US08066117B2	Preparation-at-use device comprising pre-formed hydrogel product Disclosed is a preparation-at-use device comprising: (1) a pre-formed hydrogel component packaged in a first compartment; the pre-formed hydrogel component comprising a gelling agent and a solvent; and (2) a benefit component packaged in a second compartment; the benefit component comprising at least one compound that is unstable when contacted with the pre-formed hydrogel component; wherein the first and second compartments are separately packaged prior to use, and wherein the device comprises means for contacting the pre-formed hydrogel component and benefit component upon use.
US08066116B2	Conveyor belt end connection A conveyor belt has a mono-ply construction comprising a central fabric ply, top and bottom cover layers and a connection interconnecting the opposite ends of the belt. The top and bottom cover layers are removed from the opposite ends of the belt to define exposed fabric ply regions which are arranged in a mutually overlapping relationship. Two connection plates extend generally over the entire width of the conveyor belt on opposite sides thereof, and fasteners extend through the connection plates and the opposite ends of the conveyor belt to form a secure, yet flexible, connection.
US08066114B2	Differential impulse conveyor with improved drive A differential impulse conveyor (10) includes a tray (12) laterally moveable in a forward direction at a first speed and in a backward direction at a second speed greater than the first speed, thereby moving goods along the tray. A plurality of legs (18, 20) support the tray during lateral movement, and a motor (30) powers a drive pulley (30). A driven pulley (36) is powered by the drive pulley, and a flexible member (34) interconnects the driven pulley and the drive pulley. At least the driven pulley has an eccentric pulley axis, thereby imparting lateral movement to the tray. A tension mechanism (38, 40) is provided to take up slack in the flexible member.
US08066113B2	Segregating apparatus An apparatus for segregating electronic components that engages and stops each of a plurality of electronic packages passing down a singulation tube is disclosed. In addition, the segregating apparatus is cable of segregating the electronic packages even though some of them had been linked together during the sealing process. The segregating apparatus includes a first swing arm to clip a electronic component, a second swing arm to clip another electronic component, and a third swing arm to depart the two electronic components, where all of components of the segregating apparatus are driven by a single driving force, reducing the size of the apparatus and the time needed for the segregating process.
US08066111B2	Gripper conveyor delivery A signature transport device is provided. The signature transport device includes a saddle conveyor for transporting signatures, an escalator tucker for lifting the signatures off the saddle conveyor and a linear gripper conveyor located adjacent to the escalator tucker and having a plurality of grippers for gripping the signatures. The linear gripper conveyor has a velocity component that is equal to or greater than a velocity component of the escalator tucker when the signatures are gripped from the escalator tucker. A method for transporting signatures is also provided.
US08066108B2	Vessel escape slides and associated equipment Systems for inhibiting installation of emergency escape slides behind bustles (or other covers) when removable safety pins (or similar objects) remain intact are addressed. Versions of the systems mechanically interfere with installation of the bustles as long as the safety pins remain in place. Only when all safety pins are removed can the mechanical impediment be detached (or moved sufficiently) to permit installation of the bustles.
US08066105B2	Hydraulic suspension damper The invention relates to a suspension hydraulic damper (1) comprising a tube (2) filled with working liquid, inside of which a slidable piston assembly (3), provided with compression (12) and rebound (11) valve assemblies and attached to a piston rod (4) led outside the damper (1), is placed, and at least one compression valve system (18, 19). To increase an amount of dissipated energy during extremely fast compression strokes the compression valve system (18, 19) comprises at least one substantially thin closing element (24, 34), preferably in a form of a flat floating disc, having an outside diameter less than the inner diameter of the tube (2) and being axially slidable with respect to the piston rod (4) axis, a spring (23, 33) surrounding the piston rod (4) axis and pressing the closing element against a retainer (26, 35) into an open position, an abutting surface (28, 38) for the closing element (24, 34) in a closed position, and at least one passage (25, 31) for the flow of damping medium in the closed position.
US08066104B2	Bicycle brake assembly Various bicycle brake assemblies are described. In some embodiments, a bicycle brake assembly comprises a multi-lever linkage assembly comprising an input link and an output link coupled with a brake pad, wherein the multi-lever linkage assembly is configured to provide a greater mechanical advantage when the brake assembly is in a second activated position in which the brake pad is contacting a wheel than when the brake assembly is in a first unactivated position.
US08066103B2	Bicycle brake pad shoe A brake shoe for holding a brake pad of a bicycle brake assembly has opposed first brake shoe undercuts at a first end portion of the brake shoe and opposed second brake shoe undercuts at a second end portion of the brake shoe. A slot is defined between the opposed first brake shoe undercuts and a slot is defined between the opposed second brake shoe undercuts. An edge wall is connected to all of the undercuts and a sidewall is connected to the edge wall. A brake pad receiving channel extends along the length of the brake shoe between the sidewall and all of the brake shoe undercuts. A brake pad insertion passage jointly intersecting the slot defined between the opposed first brake shoe undercuts and the slot defined between the opposed second brake shoe undercuts.
US08066101B2	Belt device for driving elevator A belt device for driving an elevator is provided, the rest retaining capability of which is improved in order to retain the stopped state of an elevator cage if oil or water adheres to between a belt and a pulley. In the belt device for driving an elevator in which a belt 4 is stretched over a plurality of pulleys 1, 2, and 3, and the belt 4 is rotated by the rotations of the pulleys 1, 2, and 3, wherein the coefficient of friction of a contact surface with at least a driving pulley in the belt 4 is set to 0.6 to 3.0, and the contact surface is constructed of a rubber having a hardness (IRHD) of 65 to 95, and a wear resistance of 5 to 300 mm3 in Taber wear (ISO547-1-1999, under conditions: a wear ring of H18; a load of 1 kg; and 1000 rpm).
US08066100B2	Oil pan and lubricating device An oil pan is provided with an oil pan separator that partitions a first chamber that communicates with a moving part inside a cylinder block and a second chamber outside the first chamber. A communicating hole is provided to a bottom panel of the oil pan separator. The communicating hole is shielded from a strainer.
US08066097B2	Acoustic enhancement device for underlayment of a covering An acoustic enhancement device adapted for being placed on a support and under a covering, and containing a first flexible layer adapted for being placed facing the support, a second rigid layer joined to the first flexible layer and adapted for being placed opposite the support, and a damping element, wherein the damping element is integrated in the second rigid layer or forms a third layer placed on the second rigid layer and opposite the first flexible layer.
US08066095B1	Transverse waveguide A compact bass speaker cabinet uses a long, narrow, tapered waveguide that acts as does a small radial portion of the air outside a large pulsating sphere, and has the same bass response as the large pulsating sphere. The smaller end is closed and the longer end is open. In one embodiment the inside of the waveguide is a rectangle about an inch thick and substantially as wide as the speaker or speakers that are mounted on the wider surface close to or slightly overlapping the closed end; and the inside surfaces are tapered so that they meet at a point which lies beyond the closed end by a distance equal to the radian wavelength of the longest sound wave that is to be produced.
US08066092B2	Electric power steering device An electric power steering device is configured to transmit an auxiliary torque to a steering unit of front wheels, and includes: an operator; an electric motor configured to generate the auxiliary torque in accordance with at least a steering torque generated by input from the operator; the steering unit of front wheels which includes a pinion shaft; and a rotation terminating mechanism which provides a motion terminating end of the operator, the rotation terminating mechanism being disposed between the operator and the pinion shaft.
US08066090B2	Hydraulic pressure control device of an automatic transmission and hybrid drive device having the hydraulic pressure control device A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a forward travel engaging element, a reverse travel engaging element, a first signal electromagnetic valve, a first switching valve, and a second switching valve. The hydraulic control apparatus is structured so as to change the output state of the signal pressure of the first signal electromagnetic valve when changing from the reverse travel shift position and/or shift range to the non-travel shift position and/or shift range and when changing from the forward travel shift position and/or shift range to the non-travel shift position and/or shift range, and to enable quick draining of hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic servo of the reverse travel engaging element and hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic servo of the forward travel engaging element.
US08066079B2	Drill string flow control valves and methods Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve. By allowing a differential pressure resulting from a fluid flow to act on the valve sleeve, u-tubing in a drill string can be prevented or substantially reduced. Methods of use are also provided.
US08066076B2	Connection system for subsea flow interface equipment A connection system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The connection system relates particularly to a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold in a first stage of the connection and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold in a second stage of the connection.
US08066075B2	Completion suspension valve system A completion suspension valve system is described which allows a well to be suspended and desuspended remotely without a dual bore riser to the surface. This is achieved by incorporating a remotely actuatable valve into the production bore of a tubing hanger. The valve is hydraulically operable and may be controlled via the tubing hanger running tool or via the xmas tree. The valve can be closed and tested after the tubing hanger has been installed, thereby isolating the well. The dual bore riser and running tool are retrievable and the MODU type vessel is then free to continue drilling and completion operations elsewhere. The xmas tree can therefore be deployed from a workclass supply boat instead of a MODU type vessel.
US08066072B2	Method of stimulating a well A tubular introduced into a wellbore is perforated at pre-selected locations after the tubular has been cemented into place. The locations of the perforations are determined by modeling inflow performance of a stimulation fluid within the formation. The inflow performance parameters include reservoir porosity, permeability, pressure, damage skin and intrusion depth, perforation diameter and penetration depth or perforation crushed zone damage and intrusion depth.
US08066071B2	Diverter valve Apparatus for multi-zone wellbores that can by-pass upper hydrocarbon bearing zones and deliver fluid to lower hydrocarbon bearing zones. The apparatus can include at least one housing, and at least one port can be formed through the housing. An inner sleeve can be positioned within the housing. At least one cavity can be radially disposed on an outer diameter of the inner sleeve, and each cavity can be located within an annulus formed between the inner sleeve and the housing. A ball can be disposed within each cavity, and the ball can be adapted to selectively engage the port.
US08066069B2	Method and apparatus for wellbore construction and completion The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
US08066068B2	Heterogeneous proppant placement in a fracture with removable channelant fill A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant (16) and proppant-spacing filler material called a channelant (18) through a wellbore (10) into the fracture (20), heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands (22) spaced apart by the channelant (24), and removing the channelant filler material (24) to form open channels (26) around the pillars (28) for fluid flow from the formation (14) through the fracture (20) toward the wellbore (10). The proppant and channelant can be segregated within the well treatment fluid, or segregated during placement in the fracture. The channelant can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a filler material during placement of the proppant in the fracture, and later dissolving to leave the flow channels between the proppant pillars. The well treatment fluid can include fibers to provide reinforcement and consolidation of the proppant and, additionally or alternatively, to inhibit settling of the proppant in the treatment fluid.
US08066065B2	Expansion device An expansion device for a wellbore servicing tool, comprising a wedge comprising a frusto-conical wall having a tip end, the wedge being configured coaxially along a central axis, a plurality of slip segments, each slip segment comprising an inner surface having an incline surface, and at least one bridge joining each of the incline surfaces to the frusto conical wall. A method of operating a wellbore servicing tool, comprising longitudinally compressing an expansion device along a central axis, upon sufficient compression, separating plural slip segments from a wedge, moving the wedge relative to the slip segments, upon sufficient movement of the wedge relative to the slip segments, separating at least two slip segments from each other.
US08066063B2	Capillary injector A mineral extraction system includes a branch having a branch passage, a diverter coupled to the branch passage, and a capillary injection conduit disposed inside to the branch passage. A method of injecting chemicals includes injecting a chemical into a capillary injection conduit disposed internal to a production passage, wherein the chemical injection capillary conduit comprises an inlet and an outlet configured to terminate proximate a well formation.
US08066061B2	Metal seal for wellheads A reusable metal seal for a wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal and includes upper and lower tapered sealing flanks which may be deflected by tapered wall surfaces on the wellhead engaging the taper sealing flanks, and the seal may have a plurality of annular relief grooves.
US08066059B2	Methods and devices for one trip plugging and perforating of oil and gas wells A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
US08066058B2	System, method, and apparatus for breaking fracturing fluids A method for breaking a fracturing fluid includes identifying application parameter(s) including a subterranean formation temperature, and determining an acid precursor concentration in response to the application parameter(s). The method further includes providing a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a metallic peroxide breaker, and an amount of an acid precursor according to the acid precursor concentration, and treating the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The application parameter(s) may further include a flowback wait time, a composition of the metallic peroxide breaker, a gel loading of the carrier fluid, and/or a permeability of the subterranean formation. The metallic peroxide breaker may include an alkaline peroxide and/or a zinc peroxide. The acid precursor may include polylactic acid and/or polyglycolic acid.
US08066057B2	Flow distributing unit and cooling unit A distributor (1) for distributing a flow of cooling fluid over one or more surface(s) (3) to be cooled has a housing (13) that may be manufactured in a single piece together with inlet (8) and outlet (9) manifolds and a plurality of flow cells (26, 27, 28, 29). The flow cells (26, 27, 28, 29) may be connected in parallel between the manifolds (8, 9), and may be adapted to cool multiple surfaces (3) simultaneously. The present invention is also directed to a fluid-coolable unit comprising a distributor (1) for removing heat from an electronic circuit, such as integrated circuit or CPU.
US08066052B2	Cooled wall thickness control A casting includes a wall thickness check feature for measuring thickness of a wall second aside an in-wall cooling passageway. The thickness is determined by observing the existence and/or size of an opening formed by the feature. The casting is cast from a pattern including portions forming the feature. To manufacture the pattern, a pattern-forming die is assembled with a ceramic feedcore and a refractory metal core (RMC). The assembling leaves an inlet portion of the RMC engaged to the ceramic feedcore and leaves an outlet portion of the RMC engaged to the die. A pattern-forming material is molded in the die at least partially over the ceramic feedcore and RMC. The die is disengaged from the pattern-forming material. The assembling engages a stepped projection of the RMC with a mating surface of the die.
US08066051B2	Partition mount with integrated plunger assembly A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly.
US08066050B2	Roman curtain A roman curtain includes a curtain unit and a winding unit. The curtain unit has a covering portion, a top edge portion of which is adapted to be mounted to or in the vicinity of an upper edge of the window and which extends downwardly, an upper tube that is disposed on a rear side of the covering portion, a lower tube that is disposed on the rear side of the covering portion below and spaced apart vertically from the upper tube, and two rods that extend into the upper and lower tubes respectively. The winding unit has a winding rod that is adapted to be mounted rotatably to or in the vicinity of the upper edge of the window, and a winding piece, a top end portion of which is connected to the winding rod.
US08066040B2	High accumulation tree felling head A feller buncher is provided including a felling head having a gathering arm and an accumulation arm.
US08066032B2	Apparatus for instantaneously terminating movement of flow material through a conduit An apparatus for rapidly terminating of the flow of any fluid or particulate material through a conduit responsive to predefined dangerous conditions. A particular application will terminate fuel flow through a large fuel supply conduit in a racing vehicle responsive to a fire or accident or other dangerous condition. The apparatus includes a gas supply source that is opened responsive to actuation of the apparatus such that gas passes into a cylinder which moves to force a liquid to hydraulically expand an inflatable member which is operative to expand within the flow conduit to instantaneously terminate material flow therethrough.
US08066024B2	Emergency shutoff valve for use in a fuel dispensing system An emergency shutoff valve includes a fluid conduit having a frangible area defined therein, a valve member operatively coupled to said conduit upstream of the frangible area, an expansible chamber having the frangible area defined therein, a movable member defining at least a portion of the expansible chamber, and a linkage operatively coupled to the movable member and the valve member for shutting the valve upon movement of the movable member in response to leakage of fluid through the frangible area. A method of shutting off fuel includes defining an expansible chamber about a frangible area in the conduit, moving a member defining a portion of the expansible chamber in response to leaking fuel, and shutting off a fuel valve in response to moving the movable member.
US08066023B2	System and method for collecting and increasing the pressure of seal leak gas A system and a method for recovering and increasing the pressure of seal leak gas for recycle or passage to further processing.
US08066018B2	Hair clip without coil spring A hair clip includes two jaws each having a hand grip extended from one end and a connector disposed on a middle portion, and a coupling device having a spring member engaged with the connectors of the jaws for coupling the jaws and the coupling device together and for applying a spring biasing force to bias and force the lugs and one ends of the jaws toward each other, and for allowing the jaws to be forced away from each other and to engage with a hair of a user when the hand grips are forced and depressed toward each other by the user. The jaws each include an opening for anchoring the spring member to the jaws. An elastic member may resiliently couple the lugs of the spring member together.
US08066016B2	Hair styling device A hair styling device with a handle part, at least one heater part and two metallic molded parts that are preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and serve, in particular, for straightening, curling or waving hair. Hairs can be inserted between facing contact surfaces of the molded parts and the molded parts can be changed from an open state into a closed state. In order to ensure particularly good sliding properties for the hair, the invention proposes that the contact surfaces are at least regionally provided with an enamel coating.
US08066006B2	Filtering face-piece respirator having nose clip molded into the mask body A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 includes (i) a filtering structure 18, (ii) a plastic support structure 16, and (iii) a nose clip 19 that is secured to the plastic support structure 18 by being molded therein. The inventive filtering face-piece respirator is beneficial in that it eliminates the need for an adhesive or welding step to secure the nose clip to the mask body.
US08065997B2	Heating cooking appliance A heating cooking appliance is provided. The heating cooking appliance includes a case, a plate, a burner system, and a warm zone guide. The plate covers the top of the case. The burner system is provided below the plate and defines a heating region on the plate. The heating region heats food. A warm zone guide defines a warm zone region on the plate through exposing at least a portion of an undersurface of the plate to combustion gas generated from the burner system during exhausting of the combustion gas.
US08065996B1	Tailgate grill system A leg is adapted to be inserted into a standard removable hitch receiver. The leg has spaced vertical plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced lower pivot apertures are provided. A plurality of positioning apertures are provided in an arcuate pattern. A pivoting grill platform has associated plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced upper pivot apertures are provided. A coupling assembly includes a pivoting support arm and a pivoting leveling arm. Each arm has an upper aperture and bolt coupling upper pivot apertures of the grill. Each arm has a lower aperture and bolt coupling the pivot apertures of the vertical plates of the leg. A removable self locking pin is positionable through the locking aperture and a preselected one of the plurality of positioning apertures.
US08065994B2	Adaptor for device mount An adaptor for a device mount that is used to mount a device such as a video camera, rangefinder or a game caller is provided. In one embodiment, the adapter includes a threaded attaching portion and an engaging cylinder. The threaded screw portion is adapted to engage internal threads in a bore of a structure. The engaging cylinder is coupled to the threaded attaching portion. The surface of the engaging cylinder is adapted to engage a scope mount ring.
US08065988B2	Four-cycle engine An average pressure P12 in an exhaust port at an overlap period T12 during which a period T1 during which an exhaust valve of a first cylinder unit is in an EGR opening state overlaps with a period T2 during which an intake valve of the first cylinder unit is in an opening state is set to be lower than an average pressure P12′ in the exhaust port within the EGR opening period T1 and after a lapse of the overlap period T12, or an overlapped opening time area S2 at the overlap period T12 is set to be not more than one-fourth of an opening time area S1 at the EGR opening period T1.
US08065987B2	Integrated engine brake with mechanical linkage Apparatus and method are disclosed for converting an internal combustion engine from a normal engine operation (20) to an engine braking operation (10). The engine includes exhaust valve train components comprising at least one exhaust valve (300) and at least one cam (230) for cyclically opening and closing the at least one exhaust valve (300). The apparatus comprises actuation means (100) having at least one component integrated into at least one of the exhaust valve train components, such as a rocker arm (210) or a valve bridge (400). The actuation means (100) has an inoperative position and an operative position. In the inoperative position, the actuation means (100) is retracted and the small braking cam lobes (232 & 233) are skipped to generate a main valve lift profile (220m) for the normal engine operation (20). In the operative position, the actuation means (100) is extended to form a mechanical linkage so that the motion from all the cam lobes (220, 232 & 233) is transmitted to the at least one exhaust valve (300) for the engine braking operation (10). The apparatus further comprises control means (50) for moving the actuation means (100) between the inoperative position and the operative position to achieve the conversion between the normal engine operation (20) and the engine braking operation (10). The apparatus also includes valve lash adjusting mechanism, oil retraining means (350), and engine brake reset means (150).
US08065984B2	Piston for internal combustion engine The invention relates to a piston (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a piston head (11) with at least one piston crown (12) which is exposed to at least one jet of combustion gases, and a piston shaft (17), the piston head (11) and the piston shaft (12) being configured as interconnected individual components including a peripheral outer cooling channel (27). The invention is characterized in that an annular partition wall (35, 135, 235, 335, 435) is provided in the cooling channel (27) in parallel to the piston crown (12) and has one or more nozzle-type openings (37, 45, 137, 237, 337, 437) that are arranged in such a manner that their respective outlet jet is directed against the underside (12a) of the piston crown (12).
US08065982B2	Variable intake apparatus for V-type internal combustion engine In a variable intake apparatus for a V-type internal combustion engine, each of plural intake pipes is separated from a surge tank by a partition wall, and communication ports, provided in the partition wall for the respective intake pipes, are opened and closed by respective variable intake valves to adjust length of intake passages. The variable intake valves in one of two parallel rows are offset from the variable intake valves in the other row. The variable intake valves are opened and closed by turning the turning shafts to which the variable intake valves are connected. Further, a synchronization mechanism synchronously turns the turning shafts (5a; 5b), and is connected between the paired turning shafts. The turning motion of one turning shaft is transmitted to the other turning shaft via the synchronization mechanism, and the variable intake valves are synchronously opened and closed.
US08065978B2	System and method for tracking, monitoring, and locating animals A light accessory is provided for a remotely controlled animal training system, allowing visual tracking of an animal in low ambient light conditions. The light accessory may be a stand-alone accessory or be in conjunction with a wireless receiver. The light accessory may be controlled by an accessory channel that exists in the remotely controlled animal training system, or may be controlled by the presence of a generic proximate radio frequency transmission.
US08065976B1	Cattle feeding system and shelter to create a controlled environment within the thermal neutral zone An improved cattle feeding system and shelter to maintain cattle in their thermo neutral zone. The shelter has a building foundation frame extending upwardly from the ground with an awning frame extending upwardly from the foundation frame and over it. This allows for an awning to be placed over the shelter frame to at least partially enclose it. The awning has a portion which is optionally opened to the south and optionally opened to the north to selectively allow air ventilation or catching the warmth of a southern sun exposure it also defines a chimney in the roof area and draft gap in the north wall. The awning also has a portion that can extend outwardly to the south, as well as retract. Vertically extendable and retractable awning closures are over the east and west ends of the frame to form selective entrances and exits. The entire system is built on a partial cement floor and a deep bedded area on a limestone pack and is of a configuration which enhances cleanliness inside of the shelter. The Drover's Alley allows cattle to be sorted and moved inside the shelter and to be restrained on the bedding pack while concrete alley is scraped.
US08065966B1	Odd link work surface lift An odd link work surface lift has a foundation with spaced front and back pivots, has a first link pivotally connected with the front pivot and extending to a first end, has a second link pivotally connected with the first end and extending to a second end, has a mounting bracket pivotally connected with the second end and extending to a terminal end, and a traveler link pivotally connected with the back pivot and extending to a cam follower. The mounting bracket has a curvilinear cam surface at the terminal end. The cam follower travels along the cam surface in abutting engagement. A length from the second end to the terminal end is materially greater than a length between the spaced front and back pivots.
US08065962B2	Projectile that marks the strike point A projectile, particularly a practice round, has a projectile body that includes a hollow ogive that bursts upon striking the target into which marking material is inserted. The marking material is released when the projectile strikes the target and the ogive bursts. The marking material is covered by a protective cap that breaks when the projectile bursts on the target.
US08065961B1	Less lethal ammunition In one embodiment, a less lethal munition including a ring airfoil projectile. The flight trajectory of the projectile has increased accuracy resulting from the aerodynamic stabilization of the projectile. In some embodiments, the projectile is both aerodynamically stabilized and spin stabilized.
US08065960B2	Hand grenade The invention relates to a hand grenade (1) with an active body (3) containing an active charge (2), and with an ignition device (4) that acts on a detonator (12) to ignite the active charge (2). In order to achieve this feature, after the hand grenade (1) has been thrown the ignition can be triggered without delay if the tactical situation requires it, and no danger arises for the shooter if the hand grenade (1) with the safety device released is dropped accidentally. The invention pertains to an electronic ignition system composed of an ignition trigger (6) and a fuze (8) used as the ignition device (4), whereby the ignition trigger (6) remains with the shooter when the hand grenade (1) is thrown and the hand grenade (1) can be ignited by wireless only when the shooter activates an ignition trigger element (11) of the ignition trigger (6).
US08065957B2	Inspection system for a sheet-fed recto-verso printing press There is described a sheet inspection system for a sheet-fed recto-verso printing press of the type comprising two printing cylinders (10, 20) for carrying out simultaneous recto-verso printing of the sheets, said sheet inspection system comprising at least one inspection device (200; 300; 400) for taking an image of one side of the printed sheets. The sheet inspection system comprises first and second transfer cylinders (60, 65) interposed between a first (10) of the two printing cylinders (10, 20) and a chain gripper system (5) of the printing press, printed sheets being transferred successively from the first printing cylinder (10) to the first transfer cylinder (60), to the second transfer cylinder (65), and to the chain gripper system (5). The inspection device (200; 300; 400) comprises a line image sensor (210; 310; 410) for performing line-scanning image acquisition of the one side of the printed sheets, this line image sensor (210; 310; 410) visually acquiring an image of a printed sheet while the printed sheet is being transported on the first or second transfer cylinder (60; 65).
US08065953B2	Preparing device with a suction duct for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid Preparing device for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid, the device comprising: at least one mixing chamber for mixing a quantity of the powdery substance and a quantity of the hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of powdery substance; an extractor hood placed on the mixing chamber; an extraction duct connected to the extractor hood and provided with a suction device, such as a ventilating fan, for extracting vapor and dust particles from the mixing chamber via the extraction duct and the extractor hood; a first housing accommodating further components of the preparing device, such as electrical components and pipework, in which the extraction duct extends entirely along the exterior of the first housing.
US08065947B2	Hard armor composite A hard armor composite includes a rigid facing and a ballistic fabric backing. The fabric backing is carried by the facing, and includes an array of bundled high-performance fibers. The fibers have a tensile strength greater than 7 grams per denier and a denier per filament ratio of less than 5.4.
US08065946B2	Composite armor element and effective body element A composite armor element for protection against projectiles. At least one layer of effective bodies is disposed in rows next to one another in the composite armor element, the effective bodies being embedded in a matrix material. The effective bodies of one row are fixedly interconnected at least partially by means of webs to form a chain which is a monolithic element. An effective body element for insertion in a composite armor element comprises at least two effective bodies fixedly interconnected by at least one web to form a chain. The effective body element is a monolithic element, and a plurality of effective body elements are embedded in a matrix material.
US08065944B1	Portable cutter with adjustable cutting blade tools for cutting different widths of thin sheet roll material A portable cutter used for cutting different widths of thin sheet material. The portable cutter includes a right angle measurement bar with scale adapted for receipt against a front side of an open top storage box. The storage box is used for holding a large roll of thin sheet material therein. At least one cutting blade tool is adjustably mounted along a length of the measurement bar. The cutting blade tool includes a cutting blade disposed between a horizontal upper blade guide arm and a horizontal lower blade guide arm. Attached to a portion of the lower blade guide arm is a magnet holder with magnet used for releasable attachment to the measurement bar.
US08065943B2	Translation stop for use in power equipment Woodworking machines are disclosed having a blade adapted to cut workpieces, and an actuating mechanism operable to move the blade toward the workpiece. The machines also include a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a user and the blade, and a reaction system configured to stop the movement of the blade toward the user upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.
US08065941B2	Tool compensating device for the computerized numerically controlled machine tool An apparatus for sensing a position of a cutting tool in a computer numerical controlled machine tool is provided including an arm supporting and moving a sensor that cooperates with the cutting tool. Also provided is a housing including a gear assembly and a driving motor for moving the arm, and a stopper for defining an operating position of the arm. The driving motor supplies rotation force to the gear assembly so as to pivot the arm against the stopper and then apply force to an elastic member. When the driving motor is stopped, the elastic member applies a force, through the gear assembly, urging the arm against the stopper in the operating position.
US08065939B2	Rescue tool A rescue tool includes a fully pivotally opened handle in an obtuse angle disposition with one handle separately gripped and then a force transmitted through force bearing surfaces to the oppositely disposed handle having an outwardly disposed sinusoidal surface and juxtaposed hook end which engage a seized fire hose coupling. A high torque force is readily exerted through the handles on the seized fire hose coupling. The elongate handles and pivotally disposed jaws having elongate arcuate cutting edges corporately provide rapid cutting of aluminum sheath hybrid car battery cables in a further rescue operation.
US08065937B2	Method and device for positioning a power tong at a pipe joint A method and device for positioning a power tong (2) at the pipe joint (14) of a pipe string (12), where, after the pipe joint (14) has been brought within the working area of the power tong (2), the power tong (2) must be displaced to a position that corresponds with that of the pipe joint (14), and where a camera (16) which may be displaced in parallel with the pipe (12), and which is linked to a display (18), is displaced until the image of the pipe joint (14) coincides with a marker (40) in the display, whereupon a signal is transmitted to a control (26), indicating that the power tong (2) is to be displaced to a position that corresponds with that of the camera (16) and thereby that of the pipe joint (14).
US08065934B2	Heat exchanger with integrated bypass valve A transmission (8) having a transmission housing (26) having a region in which gear wheels (66, 68) rotate and a heat exchanger (30) which absorbs the heat generated in the transmission (8). This heat is transferred to a transmission lubricant and released to a coolant to transport the heat away from the transmission (8). A recess (56) is provided, in the transmission housing (26) outside of the region in which the gearwheels (66, 68) rotate, through which transmission lubricant flows and in which the heat exchanger (30) is arranged. The heat exchanger (30) has a bypass valve (48) which enables the heat exchanger (30) to be bypassed starting at a predefined low or excess pressure.
US08065933B2	Ergonomic bicycle pedal with removable platform An ergonomic bicycle pedal with removable platform comprises a pedal axle configured to receive a pedal body A socket extends integrally from the underside of the removable platform. A front hook and a rear hook extend integrally from the underside of the platform with the front hook configured and sized to engage a front channel and a rear hook configured and sized to engage a rear channel. Both the front and the rear channels are configured to allow rotational movement along two axes by having the socket moving on top of the ball and having the front hook moving within the front channel and the rear hook moving within the rear channel.
US08065932B2	Bicycle component actuating device A bicycle component actuating device is provided with a base member, a first user operating member and a locking member. The base member includes a tube mounting structure having a tube receiving bore with a center mounting axis. The first user operating member is rotatably mounted relative to the base member for rotation between a first operating position and a second operating position about a rotational axis that is parallel to and offset from the center mounting axis of the tube mounting structure. The locking member is movably mounted relative to the base member for selective movement between a locking position to lock the first user operating member in the second operating position and a releasing position to release the first operating member from the second operating position.
US08065930B2	Hydraulic actuator for transmissions having reduced noise The present invention provides a three position hydraulic piston assembly for a gear ratio change mechanism for a transmission exhibiting reduced gear shift noise. The three position hydraulic piston assembly includes a master piston and motion retarding assemblies that act near both travel limits of the master piston. The master piston includes symmetrical passageways that provide hydraulic fluid flow to small chambers at each end of the piston that are closed off as the piston approaches its travel limits. Hydraulic fluid trapped in the chambers decelerates the piston and is bled off through an orifice allowing the piston to reach its travel limit and quickly and quietly engage a gear ratio.
US08065926B2	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 spider is configured to transmit force applied to the crank arms directly to the at least one chain ring. The spider may include a plurality of sensors configured to respond to the force applied by the spider to the at least one chain ring. The sensors produce an electronic signal relative to the force transmitted by the spider to the at least one chain ring and a processor configured to receive the electronic signals from each sensor of the spider.
US08065923B2	Method and apparatus for measuring the flow rates of the individual phases of a multiphase fluid mixture A flow rate measuring method for a multiphase fluid mixture flowing into a line is provided. The method comprises the steps of passing the fluid mixture through a Venturi tube having a pressure drop, measuring a differential pressure across the Venturi tube and a line pressure of the fluid mixture, measuring by a second measuring device, measured parameter(s) of the fluid mixture correlated to first and second phase relative quantities, determining estimated parameter(s) of the fluid mixture correlated to the first and second phase relative quantities based on the measured parameter and an extrapolating scheme, determining phase flow rate(s) based on the differential pressure, the line pressure and the measured parameter(s) of the fluid mixture, and determining flow rate(s) based on the differential pressure, the line pressure of the fluid mixture and the estimated parameter(s) of the fluid mixture.
US08065919B2	MEMS device and method for fabricating the same A MEMS device includes: a substrate having a through hole; a first film provided on a top surface of the substrate with a bottom surface of the first film exposed in the through hole; a second film provided over the first film with an air gap interposed therebetween, and having a hole grouping including holes each in communication with the air gap; and a supporting layer interposed between the first and second films and having the air gap formed therein. Outermost holes of the hole grouping are located at regular intervals along a shape of an opening of the through hole at an upper open end.
US08065916B2	Bearing state diagnostic apparatus Provided is a bearing state diagnostic apparatus in which a sound generated from a bearing is detected by a sound sensor, a detected value of the sound sensor is compared with data which was previously formed, thereby diagnosing a state of the bearing, wherein at least one sound sensor is disposed at a position separated away from an outer surface of a cylindrical support body in which at least one bearing is accommodated, the corresponding bearing and sound sensor are in communication with each other through a detection sound propagation path.
US08065914B2	Vibration gyro A vibration gyro made of a single crystal piezoelectric material includes: a base; a plurality of resonating arms extending from the base; an excitation electrode formed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of resonating arms so as to vibrate at least the one of the plurality of resonating arms; and a piezoelectric element detecting a vibration component due to a Coriolis force acting perpendicularly to a vibrating direction of the plurality of resonating arms being vibrated by the excitation electrode, the piezoelectric element being mounted on a surface of at least one of the plurality of resonating arms and the base.
US08065913B2	Ink level sensor A probe assembly for use with an ink reservoir level sensing apparatus comprises an insulating support frame formed of an electrically insulating material. The insulating support frame includes a lower portion to be positioned in a lower portion of an ink reservoir and an upper portion configured to be positioned in an upper portion of the ink reservoir. The insulating support frame has a lower probe and an upper probe each partially encapsulated by the electrically insulating material of the insulating support frame such that the lower and upper probes are physically and electrically isolated from each other, and positioned with respect to each other such that at least a portion of the lower probe is positioned in the lower portion of the frame, and the upper probe is positioned above the lower probe in the support frame extending to the upper portion of the frame. An outer probe is attached to the insulating support frame using attachment features that are formed integrally with the insulating support frame. The outer probe is positioned on the insulating support frame extending from the lower portion of the frame to the upper portion of the insulating support frame.
US08065911B2	Vehicle tyre checking system A method and apparatus for assessing the tread on a vehicle tyre, measuring tyre pressure and calculating other parameters such as vehicle weight. The vehicle is driven in a longitudinal direction so that the tyre passes over a first lateral sensor (6) that extends across the footprint of the tyre, the first sensor comprising an array of individual force sensing elements (11), which provide outputs indicative of tyre pressure at points across the footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are sampled at intervals as the tyre moves over them, so as to build up data relating to the entire footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are of relatively high resolution to detect areas within the tyre footprint where there is tread cut into the tyre, so that the extent of tread coverage can be assessed. Tyre pressure is also determined. The tyre then passes over a series of second lateral sensors (7) spaced at intervals to assess the tyre around its circumference. The second lateral sensors may be of low resolution, with outputs being compared with each other and with a low resolution sensor (T) adjacent the high resolution sensor to assess whether there is a difference in tyre tread quality at different positions around the tyre circumference. At least one lateral sensor may be provided with resilient portions that extend into tyre tread portions. These will engage the base of a tread portion that is below a predetermined minimum tread depth, so as to increase the area of contact and provide an indication of insufficient tread depth.
US08065910B2	Abnormality determination apparatus and method for oxygen sensor An abnormality determination apparatus for an oxygen sensor provided on the downstream side of a catalyst includes: a first determination portion that determines whether amount of decline in output value of the oxygen sensor during a period from when amount of intake air or exhaust gas declines before a fuel cut is started to when the fuel cut is started is smaller than a reference amount of decline; a second determination portion that determines whether degree of change in the output value when the output value changes from a first reference value to a second reference value that shows a leaner state than the first reference value is more gradual than a set degree of change after the fuel cut is started; and a third determination portion that determines whether the oxygen sensor is abnormal based on determinations by the first determination portion the second determination portion.
US08065909B2	Device for directly measuring on a piston the effective volumetric ratio of a variable compression ratio engine A device for measuring the effective volumetric ratio of at least one cylinder in a variable compression-ratio engine, includes at least one target passage sensor (91) attached on the cylinder casing (100) and detecting the passage of at least one target (92) connected to the piston (2) of the engine, the target passage sensor interacting with at least one angular position sensor of the crankshaft (93) of the engine, and one calculator (94).
US08065908B2	Scan type probe microscope Provided is an atomic force microscope capable of increasing the phase detection speed of a cantilever vibration. The cantilever (5) is excited and the cantilever (5) and a sample are relatively scanned. Displacement of the cantilever (5) is detected by a sensor. An oscillator (27) generates an excitation signal of the cantilever (5) and generates a reference wave signal having a frequency based on the excitation signal and a fixed phase. According to vibration of the cantilever (5), a trigger pulse generation circuit (41) generates a trigger pulse signal having a pulse position changing in accordance with the vibration of the cantilever (5). According to the reference wave signal and the trigger pulse signal, a phase signal generation circuit (43) generates a signal corresponding to the level of the reference wave signal at the pulse position as a phase signal of vibration of the cantilever (5). As the reference wave signal, a saw tooth wave is used. A phase signal generation circuit (43) is formed by a sample hold circuit.
US08065906B2	Detection of free chlorine in water The present invention describes methods and kits for determining the concentration of free chlorine in water. To avoid false readings from other species present in the water, the free chlorine is reacted with ammonia to form monochloramine, which is then reacted to form an indophenol or an indonaphthol. The concentration of the indophenol or indonaphthol is proportional to the total monochloramine present. Subtracting the concentration of residual monochloramine from the total monochloramine yields the concentration of monochloramine formed from the free chlorine and ammonia, and is proportional to the concentration of free chlorine. Embodiments of the present invention will simplify and accelerate accurate measurements of free chlorine in water, without interference from compounds impacting present measurements of free chlorine.
US08065902B2	Hemming apparatus A lower platen of the hemming apparatus is provided with a hem punch capable of being pressed against an inner periphery bent portion of a workpiece having a frame and a cam follower. The cam follower is disposed on the lower platen to come outside the frame of the workpiece. The cam follower and the hem punch are connected through a connecting member. An upper platen of the hemming apparatus is provided with a driver cam engageable against the cam follower. The driver cam moves the cam follower, whereby the hem punch is pressed against the inner periphery bent portion.
US08065901B2	Mandrel bar for high-alloy rolling, method for surface treating a mandrel bar, method for producing mandrel bar, and method for operating seamless pipe mill A method for surface treating a mandrel bar used for hot rolling of high-alloy seamless steel pipe is provided. The method includes heat treating the mandrel bar to develop a scale, and after heat treatment, rolling ordinary steel comprising 8% or less of chromium for at least 50 passes. This achieves a mandrel bar for rolling high-alloy steel possessing both durability and superior resistance to seizure.
US08065899B2	Advanced feed device for a superplastic press forming system A feed device for a superplastic press-forming press has a slide that moves vertically and a base between which is held a tool having a cover and a bottom die enclosing a forming tool, which includes at least one heating shuttle to transport the bottom die, equipped with the forming tool and a cover, with the heating shuttle adapted to complete the press and constitute the base of the press during a hot-press forming operation.
US08065898B2	Method and article for improved adhesion of fatigue-prone components A method of processing an article includes mechanically working an article having a metallic layer disposed on a titanium substrate and establishing a residual stress region that extends through the metallic layer and at least partially into the titanium substrate.
US08065893B2	Process, apparatus, and material for making silicon germanium core fiber A process and apparatus for making silicon or silicon/germanium core fiber is described, which uses a plasma process with reducing agent to make a preform. The process also makes the recommendations in selecting the adequate cladding tube for better fiber properties. An improved fiber drawing apparatus is also disclosed in order to draw this new type of preform.
US08065892B2	Device for manufacturing sheet glass and method for manufacturing sheet glass A supplying tube for a molten glass, which is placed in a downstream end portion of a supplying passage directing the molten glass flowing out of a melting furnace to a forming vessel in a forming furnace, has a small diameter tube portion which has a small flow passage area and is provided at an upstream side, and a large diameter tube portion which is provided at a downstream side of the small diameter tube portion and has a large flow passage area. An expanded diameter tube portion of which flow passage area gradually expands toward the downstream side is interposed between the small diameter tube portion and the large diameter tube portion. The small diameter tube portion, the expanded diameter tube portion, and the large diameter tube portion may be integrally and continuously connected to one another.
US08065891B2	Glass lampshade and method for producing the same A multiple-layered hot-melt glass lampshade having a crystal-interwoven structure with a first hot-melt glass layer, a second hot-melt glass layer, a third hot-melt glass layer, a first crystal glass layer, a second crystal glass layer, and a curing gel layer. The order of arrangement is, from outside to inside, the first hot-melt glass layer, the second hot-melt glass layer, the third hot-melt glass layer, the first crystal glass layer, the curing gel layer, and the second crystal glass layer. The first hot-melt glass layer, the second hot-melt glass layer, and the third hot-melt glass layer are partially attached to each other. The third hot-melt glass layer is partially attached to the first crystal glass layer.
US08065887B2	Display for public use In a basic embodiment of a display for public use including a stand, an internal computer and an internal air conditioning system, the computer (10) is arranged according to the invention inside a housing (7) of the display, an evaporator (1) of an air conditioning device acting as an air delivering member is connected from below to an opening (18) in the floor panel of the housing (7) of the display, with said device being arranged inside the hollow stand (8) of the display, while a compressor (2) of the air conditioning device acting as a member for drawing in air is arranged on the floor panel of the stand (8). Modifications of said solution refer to standless displays providing the equipment either entirely in the housing of the display or entirely outside the housing of the display or partly inside partly outside.
US08065885B2	Refrigeration and freezing device with fresh-keeping function by supplying nitrogen A refrigeration and freezing device with fresh-keeping function by supplying nitrogen comprises a box body, a refrigerating and freezing chamber disposed inside the box body, a door to the refrigerating and freezing chamber, a control device and a nitrogen generator; wherein said nitrogen generator is disposed either inside or outside the box body of the refrigeration and freezing device, said nitrogen generator comprises an air inlet, an oxygen outlet, a nitrogen outlet, an air filter connected with the air inlet, a compressor, a pipe device for transmitting gas, at least one carbon molecular sieve absorber, at least one control valve to control different absorbers to work alternately, a nitrogen storage container, a nitrogen purifier, a pressure reducing valve for adjusting the pressure of the produced nitrogen, a ventilating muffler disposed on a pipe to the oxygen outlet and a control circuit.
US08065883B2	Controlled storage of liquefied gases A method and apparatus for the controlled storage of liquefied gases such as liquefied natural gas in an enclosed insulated container, in which part of the liquid is withdrawn and fed to an external refrigeration unit for subcooling and the subcooled liquid is reintroduced into the container via one or more valve-controlled headers under the control of a control system operated in response to pressure and temperature signals from within the container, wherein the level of subcooling is matched to the heat inleak into the container and most or all of the subcooled liquid is reintroduced directly into the stored liquid so as to maintain stable conditions in the stored liquid and to minimise evaporation thereof.
US08065882B2	Compositions containing fluorine substituted olefins Disclosed are the use of fluorine substituted olefins, including tetra- and penta-fluoropropenes, in a variety of applications, including connection with blowing agents, foams, foamable compositions, foaming methods, heat transfer compositions and methods, propellants, and solvating methods.
US08065878B2	Two phase exhaust for internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine having a reciprocating multi cylinder internal combustion engine with multiple valves. At least a pair of exhaust valves are provided and each supply a separate power extraction device. The first exhaust valves connect to a power turbine used to provide additional power to the engine either mechanically or electrically. The flow path from these exhaust valves is smaller in area and volume than a second flow path which is used to deliver products of combustion to a turbocharger turbine. The timing of the exhaust valve events is controlled to produce a higher grade of energy to the power turbine and enhance the ability to extract power from the combustion process.
US08065877B2	Solar energy converting device and power supply system including the same A solar energy converting device includes a frame, a container, a thermal expansion member, a connecting rod, an inductor and magnetic members. The frame defines an opening. The container is positioned on an inner surface of the frame and positioned adjacent to the opening. The container defines a thermally sealed void space filled with an inert gas. The thermal expansion member is positioned on the container and partially surrounded by the container. The connecting rod has an end connected to the thermal expansion member. The magnetic members are positioned on the inner surface of the frame and configured for generating a magnetic field. The inductor coils around the connecting rod and is positioned among the magnetic members. The inductor is configured for being driven by the thermal expansion member to move back and forth in the magnetic field so as to generate a voltage.
US08065874B2	Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
US08065873B2	Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
US08065870B2	Device and method for reduction of a gas component in an exhaust gas flow of a combustion engine Method and device for reduction of a gas component in an exhaust gas flow of a combustion engine (1) that is adapted for operation by a lean air/fuel mixture. An exhaust pipe (21) is included for transport of the exhaust gas flow from the engine (1). A separation unit (22) is also included that is arranged along the exhaust pipe (21), which separation unit (22) has a wall structure (32) of a material which provides separation of the gas component from the exhaust gas flow by means of a selective passage of the gas component before other gas components in the exhaust gas flow. The method provides for a reduction and a separation unit that is intended to be utilized during such a reduction. An improved reduction of in particular NOx compounds from a so-called “lean-burn” engine is also provided.
US08065869B2	Method for determining the conversion performance of an oxygen storage-capable catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine In a method for determining the conversion performance of an oxygen storage-capable catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine, it is proposed that the catalytic converter be supplied with a stoichiometric exhaust gas composition, a known emission change is briefly undertaken and at the same time the signals of a lambda probe located downstream from the catalytic converter are detected so that based on the emission change and signals of the lambda probe a differentiated conclusion about the conversion performance of the catalytic converter for the pollutants hydrocarbon HC and nitrogen oxides NOx is delivered. According to the invention a simple and cost-effective method for differentiation of the pollutants hydrocarbon HC and nitrogen oxides NOx and thus for carrying out an improved diagnosis method is made available.
US08065866B2	Lawn mower pivotable mulching flap A lawn mower includes a base, a motor that drives a cutting assembly, and a catcher removably coupled to the base. Grass is cut by the blades of the cutting assembly, with the grass being propelled along a channel extending angularly beneath the base of the lawn mower. An exit channel portion delivers the cut grass to a rear opening that communicates with the catcher. A pivotally mounted flap opens and closes the exit channel portion to switch the lawn mower between a catching operational mode and a mulching operational mode.
US08065865B1	Spring assisted translating draper belt drive rollers for an agricultural harvesting machine An agricultural harvesting machine including a flexible cutterbar and associated draper belts for carrying cut agricultural material to a center location. The belts are guided by a drive rollers and idler rollers. The idler roller for each belt is pivotable about an axis generally at 90 degrees to the axis of the belt and the drive roller for each belt is translatable axially to minimize diagonal stresses caused by flexing of the elongated endless belt. A spring assembly is positioned on a frame for the machine and acts to yieldably urge the drive rollers in an aft condition to alleviate stresses for an extended period of operation.
US08065864B2	Independently biasing front wheels and mower deck suspension In some embodiments, a mower can be adapted to traverse a terrain. The mower can include a frame, which can include a front and at least one front beam located at the front of the frame, and first and second front wheels. In some embodiments, each of the first and second wheels can be coupled to the at least one front beam and at least one biasing member can be associated with each of the first and second front wheels. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing member can be positioned to bias the wheels in a downward direction and can include being constructed a of a non-metal material. In some embodiments, the wheels can independently move with respect to one another in response to changing elevation of the terrain. The mower also can include a cutter deck and at least one cutter.
US08065862B2	Method and device for packaging a product in a wrapper of sheet material A method and a device for packaging a confectionery product (P) in a shaped wrapper of sheet material (1, 2) having a cup-shaped portion (1c, 2c) (pleated cup) formed from the same sheet material as the product wrapper; the method and the device comprise the use or a mandrel with petals (14a, 14b) which cooperates with a forming cavity (11) and which may assume a retracted configuration so that it can penetrate into the forming cavity to shape the wrapper into a cup shape adhering to the product. The packaging is characterized in that the wrapper has a central region (2a) on which the product bears and from which the cup extends with a transverse dimension (or diameter) smaller than the maximum transverse dimension of the packaged product.
US08065861B2	Blind packaging The hardware for mounting the blinds is located in the head rail such that it does not interfere with the cutting operation but remains with the blind after the blind is cut-to-size. The hardware overlaps with a blind component and the hardware may include a mounting bracket that includes a notch for receiving the blind component. The ends of the blinds are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blinds are secured in the package such that the blind elements are properly aligned. The aligned blinds and the package are inserted into a cutting machine as a unit and the cutting machine cuts the blinds and the package simultaneously.
US08065850B1	Mortarless modular precast cladding system A modular architectural precast cladding system that is completely mortarless, and not subject to the inherent deficiencies of masonry materials and practice. Simple, rapid and uniform installation, with automatic alignment and self leveling features. A multi-purpose mechanical connector that is either cast-in-place at point of manufacture, or alternatively can be anchored later on the jobsite.
US08065849B2	Decking plank A decking plank (1) comprising a core (2) which acts as a support beam, one or more layers (3,4) bonded to said core without the use of releasable attachment means and one or the layer being an outer slip resistant covering layer with a relief; characterised in that at least one of said layers (3) is relatively soft compared to said core which is relatively hard; whereby the core acts as a support beam and said at least one layer has a cushioning effect.
US08065841B2	Roof panel systems for building construction Roof panels and roof panel assemblies, comprising roof panels and ridge beams, assemblies are disclosed for use in building construction. The roof panels and ridge beams comprise components formed of composite materials, and certain aspects of the invention include designs that provide for the absorption of solar heat and the promotion of hot air flow within the roof to heat the interior building or generate electricity, among other attributes.
US08065834B2	Two piece plant container with water reservoir A two part plant container includes an outer tub part having a series of step indentations around its perimeter forming horizontal rest surfaces within the outer part which are located above a lower region forming a water reservoir space. The inner part has a bottom wall areas resting on the surfaces with the inner part nested within an upper region of the outer part. A drain hole is formed through a depressed area in one of the rest surface to set the maximum water level in the reservoir which is just below lower areas of the inner part bottom wall set at the same level as the drain hole. This insures that the soil in the inner part is never wet by the water in the reservoir to prevent wicking and waterlogging of the soil while leaving only a very short gap for the roots of a plant to grow across to reach the water. Handhold features are formed into the perimeter wall of the inner part allowing easy lift out. Ribs are formed into the inner part bottom wall to stiffen the same.
US08065829B2	Sign assembly A sign assembly includes a base material, a filmic substrate imaged with a design, and a sign assembly frame that includes a sign framing member of fixed position in relation to the base material. The sign framing member includes a projecting portion terminating at an inside edge of the sign framing member. The display sign is adhered to the base material. The inside edge of the sign framing member is located within the projected area of the display sign and is spaced from the base material and the filmic substrate. The display sign is capable of being applied through an opening defined by the inside edge of the sign framing member. The space between the inside edge of the projecting portion and the display sign includes a void.
US08065827B2	Systems and methods for an informational attachment on a container Embodiments described herein include a single-use beverage container assembly having a beverage container which includes an inner surface defining a chamber capable of receiving a liquid, an opening configured to provide access to the chamber and an outer surface comprising a receiving cavity. In certain embodiments, the beverage container further includes an informational attachment including promotional information. The receiving cavity can be configured to receive the informational attachment such that the informational attachment can be stowed in the receiving cavity. The beverage container assembly can also be configured to permit the informational attachment to be at least partially removed from the receiving cavity such that the informational attachment can be separated from the beverage container.
US08065824B2	Snow removing machine Snow removing machine includes an auger for removing accumulated snow, an accumulated snow height detection section for detecting a height of accumulated snow in front of the auger, an auger lifting and lowering section for lifting and lowering the auger, and a control section for controlling the auger lifting and lowering section to lift the auger in response to detection, by the accumulated snow height detection section, of the accumulated snow. By the provision of the accumulated snow height detection section, the present invention can save a human operator a trouble of setting in advance a target height position of the auger and thereby alleviate a load on the human operator.
US08065818B2	Article of footwear having an upper with a matrix layer Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and/or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.
US08065814B2	Foot drying device A foot dryer designed to provide air flow between a patient's toes for drying the bottoms of a patient's feet and especially between their toes. Toe separators are provided on a pair of replaceable gel foot beds for improved sanitation and comfort for the patient. The footpads are replaceable in order to decrease cross contamination from one user to another. Air vents are provided to direct air flow to hard to dry areas such as between a user's toes.
US08065812B2	Detecting apparatus A detecting apparatus for detecting linearity of an object includes a platform, a slide rail vertically extending from the platform, two standard units slidably mounted to the slide rail, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a mounting block slidably mounted to the slide rail, a test dial indicator fixed to the mounting block and including an elastically extendable spindle, and a detecting bar slidably mounded to the mounting block via a resilient member. The standard units are used to abut against the object to cooperatively define a detection reference plane. A first end of the detecting bar abuts against by the spindle of the test dial indicator, and a second end of the detecting bar is used to contact the object.
US08065811B2	One man high wall penetration measurement transfer tool A device for locating vertical wall features and for translating those features onto drywall board or sheeting material to be placed onto the vertical wall. The device includes a main body having a top edge and a bottom edge, at least one channel, the at least one channel being substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge. A rail is provided having first and second terminal ends sized to be slidably and selectively retained within the at least one channel and a lock that selectively prevents sliding of the rail within the channel The rail is of a length such that as its first terminal end locates the features, the second terminal end translates the position of those features onto drywall board to be later placed upon the vertical wall proximate the features.
US08065810B2	Apparatus and systems for measuring elongation of objects, methods of measuring, and reactor Elongation measurement apparatuses and systems comprise at least two Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) with a push rod coupled to each of the at least two LVDTs at one longitudinal end thereof. At least one push rod extends to a base and is coupled thereto at an opposing longitudinal end, and at least one other push rod extends to a location spaced apart from the base and is configured to receive a sample between an opposing longitudinal end of the at least one other push rod and the base. Nuclear reactors comprising such apparatuses and systems and methods of measuring elongation of a material are also disclosed.
US08065809B1	Angle measurement device A device for measuring angles between surfaces of a physical object includes a linkage having two or more gauging arms and a metered arm. The metered arm is coupled to one arm of the linkage. The metered arm indicates an angle between two or more surfaces of the physical object. The angle measurement device may allow measurement of both interior and exterior angles, and acute, obtuse, and right angles.
US08065807B2	Electronic weapon site A weapon sight to facilitate alignment a weapon with a target comprises a housing further comprising a video camera for generating a first video signal corresponding to a first field of view, a processor for processing the first video signal into a second video signal corresponding to a second field of view and outputting the second video signal to a video display, and a reticle disposed on the video display, wherein one of the first or the second video signals is electronically positionable with respect to other of the second or first video signal.

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