Document	Document Title
US07678721B2	Low dielectric glass fiber A glass fiber having a low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss tangent consists essentially of by weight, as a glass composition, 52 to 60% of SiO2, 11 to 16% of Al2O3, 20 to 30% of B2O3, and 4 to 8% of CaO, and substantially no MgO, substantially no Li2O, substantially no Na2O, substantially no K2O, and substantially no Ti2O. The glass fiber also may contain up to 2% F2 by weight. The glass fiber is ideal for use as reinforcement for printed wiring boards, and has excellent dielectric properties at frequencies of about 18 GHz or higher.
US07678716B2	Hydrogel-web composites for thermal energy transfer applications and methods of making the same The present disclosure is generally directed to hydrogel-fibrous web composites that can be used various heat transfer applications. For instance, the thermally conductive hydrogel-fibrous web composite can be used as a skin-contacting layer in a thermal energy transfer pad used to control patient body temperature. The hydrogel polymer is integral to the fibers of the web. Thus, the hydrogel-fibrous web composite provides good thermal conductivity and skin adhesion properties. The present disclosure is also generally directed to methods of preparing the hydrogel-fibrous web composites.
US07678704B2	Method of making a contact in a semiconductor device To form a semiconductor device, an insulating layer is formed over a conductive region and a pattern transfer layer is formed over the insulating layer. The pattern transfer layer is patterned in the reverse tone of a layout of recesses to be formed in the insulating layer such that the pattern transfer layer remains over regions where the recesses are to be formed. A mask material is formed over the insulating layer and is aligned with the pattern transfer layer. Remaining portions of the pattern transfer layer are removed and recesses are etched in the insulating layer using the mask material as a mask.
US07678702B2	CMP composition of boron surface-modified abrasive and nitro-substituted sulfonic acid and method of use A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization (or other polishing) are described. The composition contains a boron surface-modified abrasive, a nitro-substituted sulfonic acid compound, a per-compound oxidizing agent, and water. The composition affords high removal rates for barrier layer materials in metal CMP processes. The composition is particularly useful in conjunction with the associated method for metal CMP applications (e.g., step 2 copper CMP processes).
US07678689B2	Method of fabricating memory device Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a memory device. The method includes forming an etch stop layer, bit lines, and a first hard mask pattern over a semiconductor substrate. A first SNC plug is formed between the bit lines, and an etch process is performed to reduce the height of the first hard mask pattern and the first SNC plug, to increase a top width of the first hard mask pattern, and to reduce a top width of the first SNC plug. The method also includes forming a second hard mask pattern on the first hard mask pattern, and forming a second SNC plug between the second hard mask patterns.
US07678681B2	Electronic component built-in substrate and method of manufacturing the same In an electronic component built-in substrate of the present invention, an electronic component is mounted on a mounted body having a first wiring layer, the electronic component is embedded in an insulating layer, a conductive ball is arranged to pass through the insulating layer and connected electrically to the first wiring layer, a second wiring layer connected electrically to the conductive ball is formed on the insulating layer, and the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer are interlayer-connected via the conductive ball.
US07678677B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a device isolation layer in a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate insulating layer and a gate electrode on the semiconductor substrate; depositing a triple layer over the resulting structure, the triple layer including a bottom oxide layer, a nitride oxide layer and a top oxide layer; and etching the triple layer to form spacers.
US07678676B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device with recess gate A method for fabricating a semiconductor device with a recess gate includes providing a substrate, forming an isolation layer over the substrate to define an active region, forming mask patterns with a first width opening exposing a region where recess patterns are to be formed, and a second width opening smaller than the first width and exposing the isolation layer, forming a passivation layer along a height difference of the mask patterns, etching the substrate using the passivation layer and the mask patterns as an etch barrier to form recess patterns, removing the passivation layer and the mask patterns, and forming gate patterns protruding from the substrate to fill the recess patterns.
US07678673B2	Strengthening of a structure by infiltration The present invention provides a method of strengthening a structure, to heal the imperfection of the structure, to reinforce the structure, and thus strengthening the dielectric without compromising the desirable low dielectric constant of the structure. The inventive method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor structure having at least one interconnect structure; dicing the interconnect structure; applying at least one infiltrant into the interconnect structure; and infiltrating the infiltrant to infiltrate into the interconnect structure.
US07678660B2	Capacitor device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a capacitor device of the present invention, includes the steps of, forming an insulating layer on a substrate, forming a recess portion in the insulating layer by an imprinting process, forming a lower electrode by filling a metal layer in the recess portion in the insulating layer, forming a photosensitive dielectric layer on the lower electrode, forming an upper electrode on the dielectric layer, and forming a dielectric layer pattern under the upper electrode by exposing/developing the dielectric layer while using the upper electrode as a mask.
US07678653B2	Method of fabricating a recess gate type transistor A semiconductor device having recess gates and a method for fabricating the same. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having inverse triangular recesses formed therein; a gate insulating film having a designated thickness formed on the semiconductor substrate; gate electrodes formed on the gate insulating film so that the gate electrodes fill the inverse triangular recesses and protrude from the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and first and second junction regions formed in the semiconductor substrate and opposed to each other so that the corresponding one of the gate electrodes is interposed therebetween.
US07678644B2	Method and resulting structure for DRAM cell and peripheral transistor A method for fabricating DRAM cells, e.g., dynamic random access memory cells. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, e.g., silicon wafer. The method includes forming a plurality of NMOS transistor gate structures. Each of the NMOS gate structures includes an NMOS source region and an NMOS drain region and a plurality of PMOS gate structures. Each of the PMOS gate structures includes a PMOS source region and a PMOS drain region. The NMOS gate structures are formed on P-type well regions and the PMOS gate structures are formed on N-type well regions. An interlayer dielectric layer is overlying each of the gate structures while filling a gap between two or more of the NMOS gate structures.
US07678643B2	Method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor Provided is a CMOS image sensor and method of manufacturing same. The CMOS image sensor includes a photodiode, a transfer transistor, a reset transistor, a drive transistor, and a select transistor. A device isolation layer is formed on a first conductive type substrate. Gate electrodes of the transfer transistor, the reset transistor, the drive transistor, and the select transistor are formed on an active region of the substrate with gate insulating layers interposed therebetween. A first diffusion region is formed of a second conductive type in a first region of the active region, where the first region does not include a floating diffusion region between the transfer transistor and the reset transistor and the photodiode region. A second diffusion region is formed of the second conductive type in the floating diffusion region at a concentration lower than that of the second conductive type first diffusion region.
US07678642B2	Method for manufacturing phase change memory device using a patterning process A phase change memory device is made by processes including forming a first interlayer dielectric on a semiconductor substrate that has junction regions. Then etching the first interlayer dielectric and thereby defining contact holes that expose the junction regions. A conductive layer is formed on the first interlayer dielectric to fill the contact holes. Forming a hard mask layer on the conductive layer and etching the hard mask layer and the conductive layer to form contact plugs in the contact holes. Finally, forming a conductive layer pattern that is located on the contact plug and portions of the first interlayer dielectric adjacent to the contact plug and having a hard mask thereon.
US07678640B1	Method of threshold voltage control in metal-oxide-semiconductor devices Methods are provided for manufacturing a semiconductor circuit on a substrate of a first conductivity type to control threshold voltages of devices in the circuit. One method involves: (i) forming a photoresist mask on a surface of the substrate defining a well boundary around an area in which a well is to be formed; (ii) implanting ions into the substrate to form a well of a second conductivity type, wherein a region proximal to the well boundary is effected by lateral scattering of the ions by the mask; and (iii) forming a channel of a device, at least a portion of the channel formed in the region proximal to the well boundary, wherein the ions are implanted at an acute angle to the surface substrate to shadow the portion of the channel from at least some of the ions implanted to form the channel. Other embodiments are also provided.
US07678636B2	Selective formation of stress memorization layer A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a first region and a second region, forming a first PMOS device in the first region wherein a first gate electrode of the first PMOS device has a first p-type impurity concentration, forming a stress memorization layer over the first PMOS device, reducing the stress memorization layer in the first region, performing an annealing after the step of reducing the stress memorization layer in the first region, and removing the stress memorization layer. The same stress memorization layer is not reduced in a region having an NMOS device. The same stress memorization layer may not be reduced in a region including a second PMOS device.
US07678634B2	Local stress engineering for CMOS devices A first dielectric layer is formed over a PFET gate and an NFET gate, and lithographically patterned to expose a PFET area, while covering an NFET area. Exposed PFET active area is etched and refilled with a SiGe alloy, which applies a uniaxial compressive stress to a PFET channel. A second dielectric layer is formed over the PFET gate and the NFET gate, and lithographically patterned to expose the NFET area, while covering the PFET area. Exposed NFET active area is etched and refilled with a silicon-carbon alloy, which applies a uniaxial tensile stress to an NFET channel. Dopants may be introduced into the SiGe and silicon-carbon regions by in-situ doping or by ion implantation.
US07678630B2	Strained semiconductor device and method of making same A method of making a semiconductor device is disclosed. An upper surface of a semiconductor body is amorphized and a liner is formed over the amorphized upper surface. The upper surface can then be annealed. A transistor is formed at the upper surface.
US07678627B2	Process for producing thin film transistor having LDD region In a process for producing a TFT display, a polysilicon layer is patterned to define a first and a second TFT regions. A first doping material is implanted into a first exposed portion in the first TFT region to define a first doped region and a first channel region, and implanted into a second exposed portion in the second TFT region to define a second doped region and a second channel region. A second doping material is implanted into a third exposed portion smaller than the first exposed portion to form first source/drain regions and simultaneously define a first LDD region in the first TFT region. A first and a second gate structures are formed over the first and the second channel regions, respectively. In a certain direction, the first gate structure is longer than the first channel, and the second gate structure isn't longer than the second channel region.
US07678620B2	Antifuse one time programmable memory array and method of manufacture A method for making a one time programmable (OTP) memory array includes providing a wafer comprising a buried insulator layer and a semiconductor layer over the buried insulator layer and forming a plurality of bit lines in the semiconductor layer. Each of the plurality of bit lines comprise a portion of the semiconductor layer and the plurality of bit lines are separated from each other by isolation regions formed in the semiconductor layer. The method further includes forming an anti-fuse dielectric layer over and in physical contact with the plurality of bit lines and the isolation regions, and forming a plurality of word lines over and in physical contact with the anti-fuse dielectric layer.
US07678602B2	CMOS image sensor and method for manufacturing the same A CMOS image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: preparing a semiconductor substrate in which a device isolation region and an active region are defined; forming a gate pattern including a gate oxide layer and a gate electrode on the semiconductor substrate; implanting n-type impurity ions in a predetermined part of the active region of the semiconductor substrate to form a photodiode region; forming a spacer at a sidewall of the gate pattern; forming a p-type impurity region at a surface of the photodiode region; forming an epitaxial layer on the semiconductor substrate and the gate pattern except for on the device isolation region and the spacers by performing a selective epitaxial growth; and implanting n+ type ions in a transistor region of the semiconductor substrate below the epitaxial layer to form a source/drain region.
US07678595B2	Method for forming a light emitting apparatus A light emitting apparatus includes a patterned conductive layer, a light emitting component, and a first light diffusion layer, wherein the light emitting component is disposed on the patterned conductive layer and the light emitting component and the patterned conductive layer are embedded into the first light diffusion layer. The method for manufacturing the light emitting apparatus is also disclosed.
US07678592B2	LED housing and fabrication method thereof In an LED housing, a heat conducting part has a chip mounting area, a heat connecting area opposed to the chip mounting area and a groove formed adjacent to the heat connecting area. An electrical connecting part has a wiring area placed adjacent to the chip mounting area and an external power connecting area led to the wiring area. A housing body is made of molding resin, and integrally holds the heat conducting part and the electrical connecting part while isolating the electrical connecting part from the heat conducting part. The housing body is provided with a recess extended from a portion of the groove of the heat conducting part to a side of the housing body.
US07678591B2	Semicoductor chip and method for production thereof For producing semiconductor chips by thin-film technology, an active layer (2) that has been grown on a substrate, with contact layers on the back side that have a base layer (3), is reinforced by a reinforcement layer (4). Next, an auxiliary carrier layer (5) is applied, which makes the further processing of the active layer (2) possible. The reinforcement layer (4) and the auxiliary carrier layer (5) replace the mechanical carriers used in conventional methods.
US07678590B2	Organic electroluminescence device and method for manufacturing same An organic electroluminescence device includes a substrate; first electrodes arranged on the luminous portion of the substrate in a single direction; an insulating layer pattern formed on the first electrodes and the substrate in a lattice shape to define plural pixel openings on the first electrodes; partition layers formed on the insulating layer pattern, the partition layers intersecting the first electrodes perpendicularly; organic thin film layer formed on the pixel openings; second electrodes formed on the organic thin film layer to be perpendicular to the first electrodes; first bus electrode patterns formed on the pad portion of the substrate to be connected with the first electrodes; second bus electrode patterns formed on the pad portion of the substrate to be connected with the second electrodes and including a material for forming the second electrodes; and barrier films formed between the second bus electrode patterns.
US07678589B2	Semiconductor device for providing capacitive semiconductor sensor and method for manufacturing capacitive semiconductor sensor A method for manufacturing a capacitive semiconductor sensor includes: forming a plurality of circuit chips in a wafer, wherein each circuit chip includes a pad for testing a sensor chip; bonding the sensor chip on each circuit chip with a bump so that the sensor chip is electrically coupled with the circuit chip, wherein each sensor chip is made of semiconductor and has a capacitance changing portion, which is disposed on one side of the sensor chip and has a variable capacitance, wherein the circuit chip detects a capacitance change of the sensor chip, and wherein the one side of the sensor chip faces the circuit chip; testing each sensor chip through the pad; and cutting the wafer into individual circuit chips so that the circuit chip and the sensor chip provide the capacitive semiconductor sensor.
US07678587B2	Cantilever-type probe and method of fabricating the same Disclosed is a cantilever-type probe and methods of fabricating the same. The probe is comprised of a cantilever being longer lengthwise relative to the directions of width and height, and a tip extending from the bottom of the cantilever and formed at an end of the cantilever. A section of the tip parallel to the bottom of the cantilever is rectangular, having four sides slant to the lengthwise direction of the cantilever.
US07678586B2	Structure and method to prevent charge damage from e-beam curing process An example embodiment is a method of curing a film over a semiconductor structure. We provide a semiconductor structure comprised of a substrate and an interconnect structure. We provide a film over the semiconductor structure. We provide an electron source, an anode grid between the electron source and the semiconductor structure. We cure the film by exposing the film to an electron beam from the electron source that passes through the anode grid. We control the electron beam by controlling the bias voltage between the anode grid and the semiconductor structure. Another embodiment is a tool for curing a film.
US07678579B2	Method for analysis metabolite difference between biological samples Disclosed is a method of extracting all metabolites existing in a biological sample to detect a comprehensive difference between metabolites of a control group and a test group, thereby verifying significance thereof. More particularly, the invention comprises a first step of analyzing a fraction extracted with a solid phase extraction method, a fraction obtained by extracting the remnant fraction with a liquid-liquid extraction method and fractions extracted with the liquid-liquid extraction method at two pH different from each other after the hydrolysis, with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; a second step of converting the chromatogram result into numerical values capable of being statistically processed; and a third step of analyzing the numerical values with a principal component analysis (PCA) and a discriminant analysis (DA) to detect a difference between the control group and the test group. According to the invention, the difference between the two groups can be comprehensively detected with the areas of the peaks on the chromatogram, without a standard material or verified quantitative method. Therefore, it is possible to detect the metabolic change in the organism due to the disease or gene mutation, without an accurate quantitative analysis of the metabolites.
US07678573B2	Method of preparing a conditioned medium from a confluent stromal cell culture A method of preparing a stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells to increase the number of the hemopoietic stem cells is provided. The method comprising: (a) establishing a stromal cell culture in a stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor under continuous flow on a substrate in the form of a sheet, the substrate including a non-woven fibrous matrix forming a physiologically acceptable three-dimensional network of fibers, thereby expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells; and (b) when a desired stromal cell density has been achieved, collecting medium from the stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor, thereby obtaining the stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding the undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells.
US07678571B2	Procedure for the large-scale T-lymphocytes culture in a homogeneous system The present invention refers to a procedure for the large-scale amplification of human lymphocytic cell lines for therapeutic use, consisting of a homogeneous culture system. The claimed invention also refers to the production of therapeutic doses of lymphocytic cells cultured homogeneously.
US07678567B2	Optical biosensor An optical biosensor has a total reflection plate so as to totally internally reflect and transmit an incident light, a first grating and a second grating disposed separately on the total reflection plate, and a sensing membrane that is containing an enzyme and a chromogenic reagent and is sandwiched by the first and second gratings on the total reflection plate.
US07678566B2	Device for chromatographic quantitative measurement In a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to the present invention, a beam applied from a light source to a chromatography test strip is formed into an elliptical shape by an optical means such as a cylindrical lens, a variation in absorbance that accompanies elution of a marker regent is detected while the elliptical beam is applied between a marker reagent hold part and a detection part, and a measurement is automatically started in a prescribed period of time since the detection of variation. According to the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus so configured, non-uniform coloration is reduced by shaping the beam elliptically with the optical means, whereby the accuracy of quantitative analysis is enhanced, and the apparatus can be operated easily.
US07678560B2	Δ 5 desaturase and its use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids The present invention relates to a Δ5 desaturase, which has the ability to convert dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3 ω-6) to arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4 ω-6) and/or eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA; 20:4 ω-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 ω-3). Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding Δ5 desaturase along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using this Δ5 desaturase in oleaginous yeast are disclosed.
US07678555B2	Production of crystalline short chain amylose A process for producing a starch comprises treating a feed starch that comprises amylopectin with glucanotransferase to produce a chain-extended starch, and treating the chain-extended starch with a debranching enzyme to produce a starch product that comprises amylose fragments. At least about 38% by weight of the amylose fragments have a degree of polymerization (DP) of at least about 35.
US07678552B2	Method for selecting therapeutic agents for cancer treatment An improved system for screening a multiple of candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents for efficacy as to a specific patient, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested, cultured and separately exposed to a plurality of treatments and/or therapeutic agents for the purpose of objectively identifying. One particularly important tissue sample preparation technique is the initial preparation of cohesive multicellular particulates of the tissue sample. For assays concerning cancer treatment, a two-stage evaluation is contemplated in which both acute cytotoxic and longer term inhibitory effect of a given anti-cancer agent are investigated. The tissue sample technique of the present invention is also useful in assaying expression and/or secretion of various markers, factors or antigens present on or produced by the cultured cells for diagnostic purposes and for using such expression to monitor the applicability of certain candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents and the progress of treatment with those agents.
US07678548B2	High throughput assay systems and methods for identifying agents that alter expression of cellular proteins Disclosed are high throughput assay systems and methods for identifying agents that alter the level of expression of proteins in mammalian cells, particularly integral membrane proteins.
US07678536B2	Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head, liquid discharge head, and liquid discharge recording apparatus A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head including an energy generating element for generating energy used to discharge a liquid, a discharge opening for discharging the liquid, and a channel for supplying the liquid to the discharge opening is provided. The method includes a step of forming a lamination on a substrate provided with the energy generating element, such that the lamination includes a plurality of laminated negative photosensitive resin layers with a light shielding film pattern for forming the channel, the light shielding film pattern being disposed therebetween, a step of exposing a portion which is set to be a member consisting the channel of the negative photosensitive resin layers in the lamination; and a step of removing an unexposed portion of the negative photosensitive resin layers in the lamination.
US07678528B2	Photoactive compounds The present invention relates to novel photoacid generators.
US07678498B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a battery can container which houses a wound electrode body formed by winding a belt-shaped anode and cathode isolated by a separator together with an electrolytic solution, an anode terminal fixed to the battery can container through a gasket, and a safety valve incorporated between the anode terminal and the wound electrode body. The safety valve includes a safety cover annularly formed, a stripper disk annularly formed, and a disk holder, annularly formed, which houses the stripper disk in the safety cover to fix and integrate the safety cover and the stripper disk therewith.
US07678494B2	Cooling structure for secondary battery The cooling structure for a secondary battery has a first center exhaust duct and a second center exhaust duct arranged on a floor between the driver seat and the front passenger seat. Each exhaust duct is located between the bottommost face of the first battery pack and the vehicle floor to constitute a heat insulation layer. By employing this configuration, there can be provided a cooling structure for a secondary battery that is not affected by heat from an exhaust pipe located under the floor, even in the case where a battery pack is arranged between the driver seat and the front passenger seat.
US07678489B2	Process for producing a fuel cell separator The present invention provides a separator for fuel cell, which is a molded article including a resin and a conductive filler, wherein a contact angle of water on a surface of the separator for fuel cell is from 20 to 85°, and a process for producing the separator for fuel cell.
US07678488B2	Integrated and modular BSP/MEA/manifold plates for fuel cells The present invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. It concerns an improved, integrated and modular BSP/MEA/Manifolds, which facilitates single cell (module) leak and performance testing prior to assembly in a fuel cell stack as well as facilitating manufacturing and cost reduction.
US07678474B2	Imidazole derivatives and organic electronic device using the same Disclosed herein are novel imidazole derivatives and organic electronic device using the same. The disclosed organic electronic device show excellent characteristics in terms of efficiency, driving voltage and stability.
US07678460B2	Intermediate semiconductor device structures using photopatternable, dielectric materials A cap layer that enables a photopatternable, spin-on material to be used in the formation of semiconductor device structures at wavelengths that were previously unusable is disclosed. The photopatternable, spin-on material is applied as a layer to a semiconductor substrate. The cap layer and a photoresist layer are each formed over the photopatternable layer. The cap layer absorbs or reflects radiation and protects the photopatternable layer from a first wavelength of radiation used in patterning the photoresist layer. The photopatternable, spin-on material is convertible to a silicon dioxide-based material upon exposure to a second wavelength of radiation.
US07678459B2	First surface mirror with silicon-metal oxide nucleation layer A first surface mirror includes a reflective layer and one or more dielectric layers. In certain example embodiments, a silicon metal oxide (e.g., silicon aluminum oxide) inclusive nucleation layer(s) is provided above and/or below the reflective layer in order to improve durability of the first surface mirror.
US07678458B2	Bonding silicon silicon carbide to glass ceramics A wafer chuck for use in a lithographic apparatus, which includes a low-thermal expansion glass ceramic substrate, a silicon silicon carbide layer, and a bonding layer comprising silicate having a strength of at least about 5 megapascals, the bonding layer attaching the silicon silicon carbide layer to the substrate is described. Also, a method of forming a wafer chuck for use in a lithographic apparatus, which includes coating a portion of one or both of a low-thermal expansion glass ceramic substrate and a silicon silicon carbide layer with a bonding solution, and contacting the substrate and the silicon silicon carbide layer to bond the substrate and the silicon silicon carbide layer together is described.
US07678457B2	Dielectric and display device having a dielectric and dielectric manufacturing method This invention provides a thick-film type dielectric with desired adhesivity to the base and very good insulation properties. The dielectric of the present invention includes a lower dielectric layer made of a photosensitive composition and an upper dielectric layer which is made of a photosensitive composition and formed on the aforementioned lower dielectric layer. The softening point (T1) of the primary glass powder used for the aforementioned lower dielectric layer, the softening point (T2) of the primary glass powder used for the aforementioned upper dielectric layer, and the firing temperature (T3) of the aforementioned primary glass powder satisfy the following relationship: T1
US07678456B2	Aqueous coating composition An aqueous coating composition including a polyurethane polymer which contains carboxylic acid groups, a crosslinking agent, a wetting agent, a slip aid, and a UV stabilizing agent is provided. Coatings prepared from the aqueous coating composition are durable and have low surface friction, flexibility at low temperatures, and adhesion to low surface energy substrates. A method of preparing a substrate coated with the aqueous coating composition and an article containing the coated substrate are also provided. The aqueous coating composition is useful for providing a protective coating with a low friction surface for automotive weatherstrip.
US07678439B2	Honeycomb structure and die for forming honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure has a cell structure section 3 an outer circumferential wall section 4. The cell structure section 3 includes a first partition wall group having partition walls 1a positioned in parallel and a second partition wall group having partition walls 1b which intersect the partition walls of the first partition wall group at right angles and are positioned in parallel. In this honeycomb structure, the partition wall intervals of the partition walls 1a and 1b of each partition wall group positioned in parallel are varied stepwise in at least a part of the cell structure section 3, and all the partition walls 1a and 1b have such a ratio of the cell side length to the partition wall thickness that the partition wall can withstand pressure during canning. The honeycomb structure has increased isostatic strength and thermal shock resistance and can be manufactured at low cost.
US07678438B2	Optical media One embodiment of an optical medium includes a substrate, a data recording layer positioned on the substrate, a selectively transmissive layer positioned on the data recording layer, and a label recording layer positioned on the selectively transmissive layer, the label recording layer optically accessible at only certain wavelengths through the data recording layer and through the selectively transmissive layer.
US07678437B2	Metallic local reinforcement for heavy loaded joints of composite components A mechanically fastened permanent or detachable joint between two or more parts (21, 23, 25, 41), at least one of them made of a composite material, preferably carbon fibers impregnated with thermoset resin, with continuous plies from the full-composite area along the joint area (15) and including a metal reinforcement, preferably made of titanium, in the joint area (15), the joint area (15) thickness being increased in the thickness of said reinforcement plus the eventual additional composite plies laid only on the reinforced area. The metal reinforcement may consist of one or more metal foils or sheets (31) interleaved between the composite plies or one or more metal plates (33) embedded between two of the composite plies.
US07678436B2	Pressure sensitive adhesive film overlamination There is disclosed an overlaminating adhesive film comprising a transparent film, an adhesive layer and a release material successively laminated in this order, wherein said release material has a surface contacting with the adhesive layer, said surface having a centerline average surface roughness of 0.5 μm or lower; an adhesive forming said adhesive layer has a pH of 7.2 to 8.5 in a solution state before applied, and is an acrylic emulsion-type adhesive having an average particle size of 200 nm or smaller; and a monomer component used for production of said adhesive includes an alkoxysilane group-containing unsaturated monomer in which each alkoxy group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, but includes no hydroxy-containing unsaturated monomer. The overlaminating adhesive film of the present invention exhibits a good water resistance and is free from deterioration in its transparency due to lifting or bubbles when laminated on an adherend.
US07678434B2	Thermally-enhanced HVAC constructions A thermally-enhanced, insulated component for use with an HVAC system includes a component having an outer surface usable with an HVAC system, the component being substantially filled with an insulating material. A thin, dimensionally stable layer of thermal barrier material having opposed surfaces is disposed inside the component at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the component. The thermal barrier layer is in contact with the insulating material on at least one surface of the opposed surfaces. When the outer surface of the component is subjected to an elevated temperature, the thermal barrier layer maintains a sufficient temperature differential between the surface of the opposed surfaces of the thermal barrier layer facing opposite the outer surface and the surface of the opposed surfaces of the thermal barrier layer facing the outer surface so that the insulating material produces a reduced rate of smoke.
US07678432B2	Liquid-crystalline medium The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterized in that it comprises one or more compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2 and X1-12 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1.
US07678427B2	Process for producing aging-resistant rubber material An aging-resistant rubber material with an improved heat resistance without deteriorating the moldability even if a rubber layer is formed from an aqueous latex of rubber and without any cost increase, even if a surface tack prevention treatment by an antitack agent is carried out, can be produced by applying a coating liquid containing an amine-based antioxidant in solution or dispersion to the surface of a cross-linked rubber material, followed by heating to a temperature of 80° C. or higher, thereby diffusing the amine-based antioxidant into the rubber material. When a coating solution containing an antitack agent together with the amine-based antioxidant in solution or dispersion is used, the surface tack prevention treatment of the cross-linked material as a product can be made at the same time.
US07678421B2	Method for increasing deposition rates of metal layers from metal-carbonyl precursors A method for increasing deposition rates of metal layers from metal-carbonyl precursors by mixing a vapor of the metal-carbonyl precursor with CO gas. The method includes providing a substrate in a process chamber of a deposition system, forming a process gas containing a metal-carbonyl precursor vapor and a CO gas, and exposing the substrate to the process gas to deposit a metal layer on the substrate by a thermal chemical vapor deposition process.
US07678413B2	Monoclinic CeTi2O6 thin film and sol-gel process for the preparation thereof A monoclinic CeTi2O6 thin film and a sol-gel process for the deposition of CeTi2O6 thin films, which has applications as passive counter electrodes in electrochromic devices, sensors and photocatalytic agent is presented. This film can be obtained by spin coating a solution, which comprises both titanium and cerium precursors on to electrically conducting or insulating glass substrates and annealing at a temperature of 600° C. for 5 min. in air. The Ce:Ti mole ratio in the deposition sol for the preparation of the film is identified in the range of 0.4:1 and 0.6:1.
US07678410B2	Dispenser for liquid crystal display panel and dispensing method using the same A dispenser for a liquid crystal display panel includes a substrate on which at least one image display is formed, a table on which the substrate having at least one image display part is loaded, and at least one syringe horizontally movable to change position in relation to the table for supplying a sealant on the substrate to form a seal pattern.
US07678407B2	Processes for making chocolate Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
US07678396B2	Method of obtaining avocado powder The invention relates to avocado powder and to the method of obtaining the same. Avocado powder is a novel product which enables the avocado to be preserved for an extended period of time at ambient temperature, such as to conserve the characteristic properties of the product, with the additional advantage of being 100% natural and occupying less physical storage space, thereby eliminating the post-processing cold chain. The method of obtaining avocado powder comprises a series of operations or steps that terminate in the pulverization and packing of the end product.
US07678394B2	Analytical methods for identifying ginseng varieties An analytical method for identifying woods-grown ginseng and mountain cultivated ginseng comprise: (a) preparing ginseng extracts, (b) acquiring fingerprint regions by GC-MS analysis, (c) selecting at least 8 GC peaks for similarity calculation; (d) calculating similarity coefficients; and (e) comparing similarity coefficients of samples to those of standards.
US07678386B2	Liposomes coated with selected antibodies that bind to aminophospholipids Disclosed are surprising discoveries concerning the role of anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids in tumor vasculature and in viral entry and spread, and compositions and methods for utilizing these findings in the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Also disclosed are advantageous antibody, immunoconjugate and duramycin-based compositions and combinations that bind and inhibit anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids, for use in the safe and effective treatment of cancer, viral infections and related diseases.
US07678385B2	Irradiated implantable bone material A method for making an implantable bone material. The method includes providing a bone composition consisting essentially of demineralized human bone, and irradiating the composition at a temperature less than about 0° C.
US07678376B2	Recombinant parainfluenza virus expression systems and vaccines The present invention relates to recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus (bPIV) cDNA or RNA which may be used to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cell systems and/or to rescue negative strand RNA recombinant viruses that express, package, and/or present the heterologous gene product. The chimeric viruses and expression products may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.
US07678375B2	Fusion proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.
US07678372B2	Use of inhibitors for the treatment of RTK-hyperfunction-induced disorders, particularly cancer The invention provides a method for the therapeutic treatment of a cancer in a mammal wherein (i) the mammal comprises a mutated fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 (FGFR-4) protein, and (ii) the mutated FGFR-4 comprises at least one point mutation in the transmembrane domain of FGFR-4 that substitutes a hydrophilic amino acid for a hydrophobic amino acid. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of at least one inhibitor of the mutated FGFR-4.
US07678371B2	Methods of humanizing immunoglobulin variable regions through rational modification of complementarity determining residues The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that strategic modifications of non-human donor antibody CDR residue(s) can be used to humanize antibodies. Such modifications modulate the 3D structural fit between donor antibody CDRs and human acceptor antibody framework regions that comprise the variable domains of a CDR-grafted antibody. Whereas prior art methods of humanization have relied on making framework substitutions (in which selected human framework residues are backmutated to the corresponding amino acid residue present in the non-human donor antibody), the instant invention is based, at least in part, on a method of humanizing antibodies in which selected CDR residues, and optionally adjacent FR residues, are changed in order to accommodate differences in FR amino acid sequences between donor and acceptor antibodies.
US07678365B2	Disinfecting oral rinse compositions and process for using the same This invention relates generally to compositions and methods useful for oral hygiene rinses, and more specifically to oral rinses in which the antimicrobial activity of chlorous acid is supplemented by that of lactic acid as one of a combination of antimicrobial acids, preferably acids which serve to partially convert chlorite ion to chlorous acid.
US07678360B2	Alunite type compound particles, manufacturing process thereof and use thereof Alunite type compound particles represented by the following general formula (I) and having a specific value of D75/D25 when D25 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 25% of the total and D75 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 75% of the total in the cumulative particle size distribution curve measured by a laser diffraction method: Ma[Al1-xM′x]3(SO42−)y(OH)z.mH2O (I) wherein M is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+, NH4+ and H3O+, M′ is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Sn4+, Zr4+ and Ti4+, and a, m, x, y and z satisfy 0.8≦a≦1.35, 0≦m≦5, 0≦x≦0.4, 1.7≦y≦2.5, and 4≦z≦7, respectively. The above particles of the present invention have a small average particle diameter, are spherical, disk-like or hexagonal and have an extremely narrow particle size distribution.
US07678346B2	Dual function CO clean-up/sorber unit A preferential oxidation reactor (PrOx) is provided including a plurality of substrates defining a plurality of channels, through which a reformate stream flows. A CO-sorption layer and a CO-catalyst layer coat a surface of each substrate support member. The PrOx operates in a first mode, generally at a temperature below 100 ° C., whereby the CO-sorption material adsorbs CO from the reformate stream. After operation in the first mode, the PrOx operates in a second mode, generally at a temperature above 100° C., whereby the CO-catalyst material enables a preferential oxidation reaction of CO in the reformate stream with a supply of oxygen and desorption of the CO previously absorbed by the CO-sorption layer for an overall reduction in the CO content of the reformate stream.
US07678332B2	Drive arrangements for a strip of cuvettes in analytical device The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a series of cuvettes (C) forming a strip (2) fixed by means of a film (3) in an automatic analytical device (1), comprising at least one toothed belt (12), the teeth of which engage with the corresponding forms of the cuvettes. The above finds application in an automatic analytical device, particularly for the determination of the rate of change of the physical state of a medium.
US07678329B2	NOx sensing devices having conductive oxide electrodes A NOx sensing device includes at least one pair of spaced electrodes, at least one of which is made of a conductive oxide, and an oxygen-ion conducting material in bridging electrical communication with the electrodes.
US07678321B2	Clear and resilient artificial fingernail tip A method for making clear and resilient artificial fingernail tips which can be applied to the forward edge of the natural fingernail using a mixture of copolymer pellets which form a plastic phase and terpolymer pellets which form a rubber phase; drying the pellets, melting the pellets, injecting the molten material into a mold to form the desired artificial fingernail tips.
US07678309B2	System and method for the preservative treatment of engineered wood products Systems and methods of making a wood enhancement agent treated engineered wood product. The wood enhancement agent typically includes at least one of a preservative, a water repel but, a fungicide, an insecticide, a stabilizing agent, wax, an ultra-violet light inhibitor, and combinations thereof, and may also include an antioxidant. The wood enhancement agent is incorporated into the engineered wood product during a billet making process or after forming the billet. The wood enhancement agent may be applied to a warm billet after steam press, or to a reheated billet, by dipping, spraying, or flood coating the billet, or by diffusion, vacuum impregnation, pressure, or a combination thereof.
US07678307B1	Vortex control in slurry molding applications A molding head is especially adapted for vacuum molding or forming of structures and, in particular, fibrous composite structures in an adjustable, controllable three dimensional orientation before, during and after molding. Such a molding head includes a mold plate with narrow slots in the mold surface thereof and wider channels in the back surface thereof, with such slots and channels intersecting one another. A control system of servomotors or other actuators permits movement and orientation of the mold head during forming, thereby creating the ability to vary the material properties based on gravity and particle or suspension grain, thickness and other now controllable properties.
US07678291B2	Snow-melting/antifreezing agents A snow-melting/antifreezing agent which comprises potassium silicate as an active ingredient and a snow-melting/antifreezing agent which comprises potassium silicate and a nitrite salt as active ingredients are disclosed. These snow-melting/antifreezing agents may optionally further contain an alkali metal salt and/or a lower alcohol. These snow-melting/antifreezing agents are safe for the environment and do not cause concrete to deteriorate. They not only have excellent capability to melt snow and ice and to prevent freezing, but also have high profitability and are easy to handle.
US07678287B2	Information storage medium and method for producing a storage medium of this type An information storage medium and method of manufacturing such a medium, particularly applicable to computer hard disks. An information storage medium includes an approximately plane front face and a back face, the medium being read and/or written by a device placed facing the front face. The back face includes recessed areas and all or part of sidewalls and/or the bottom of the recessed areas is covered with a magnetic deposit, the distance separating the front face from the deposit being such that the device can read and/or write information in the deposit.
US07678280B2	Method for recycling of oil based drilling fluid contaminated with water and water contaminated with oil based drilling fluid A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.
US07678276B2	Method of substance separation by supercritical fluid chromatography and vapor liquid separator for use therein A method comprising liquefying a gas to thereby obtain a liquefied gas; injecting a sample into a mobile phase containing a solvent and a supercritical fluid formed from the liquefied gas; passing this mobile phase through a column so that the mobile phase containing desired substance is divided into the solvent and the gas; and separating the desired substance from the solvent, wherein when the pressure of the gas divided from the mobile phase is higher than the pressure of the gas fed for formation of the liquefied gas from gas supply device, the gas divided from the mobile phase is liquefied. Further, there is provided a vapor liquid separator for use in the method.
US07678269B2	Asymmetric porous adsorptive bead The present invention relates to an asymmetric chromatography media suitable for separations applications, particularly as packed bed, fluidized bed or magnetized bed chromatography media. In certain embodiments, the asymmetric chromatography media comprises asymmetric particles, preferably beads, having at least two distinct, controlled pore size distributions. Preferably one of the distinct pore size distributions is in an internal region of the particle, and the other is in an external region or coating on the particle. These distinct pore size distributions can be modified with uniform or alternatively unique functional groups or mixtures of functional groups. The present invention allows for the control over pore size distribution within an asymmetric porous particle by providing a distinct internal region, preferably in the form of a bead, and a distinct external region, preferably in the form of a coating on the bead.
US07678263B2	Gas stripping process for removal of sulfur-containing components from crude oil High rate gas stripping for removal of sulfur-containing components such as mercaptans from crude oil may be conducted by feeding sweet gas to the bottom of a tower containing pre-heated mercaptan-containing crude oil feed. The gas bubbles up through the crude becoming enriched with H2S, mercaptans, CO2 and/or hydrocarbons. The rich gas exits the tower, and is treated to produce a sweetened gas, a portion of which is recycled to the tower, and an acid gas. The remainder of the sweetened and/or the acid gas may be used as a fuel or processed to recover a portion of any hydrocarbons that may have been stripped out of the crude oil with the mercaptans, sulfur-containing components, CO2, used for enhanced oil recovery or disposed.
US07678259B2	Method of anodizing valve metal derived anode bodies and electrolyte therefore An electrolyte solution for anodizing a metal and a capacitor comprising the anodized metal. The electrolyte comprises more than about 5%, by weight, and less than about 30%, by weight, water; about 0.1 to 20%, by weight, ionogen and an aprotic polar solvent. The ionogen comprises phosphoric acid and an alkanol amine in an amount, and ratio, sufficient to maintain a pH of about 4 to about 9.
US07678257B2	Copper electrolytic solution containing quaternary amine compound polymer with specific skeleton and organo-sulfur compound as additives, and electrolytic copper foil manufactured using the same There is obtained a low-profile electrolytic copper foil with a small surface roughness on the side of the rough surface (the opposite side from the lustrous surface) in the manufacture of an electrolytic copper foil using a cathode drum, and more particularly an electrolytic copper foil which allows fine patterning, and is superior in terms of elongation and tensile strength at ordinary temperatures and high temperatures. The present invention provides a copper electrolytic solution, containing as additives an organo-sulfur compound and a quaternary amine compound polymer obtained by homopolymerizing a compound in which the nitrogen of an acrylic type compound having a dialkylamino group is quaternized, or copolymerizing the compound with another compound having an unsaturated bond, and an electrolytic copper foil manufactured using this electrolytic solution.
US07678248B2	Circulated cooled target A liquid and a gas is constantly filled into a target chamber of a target. Then the liquid and the gas flow around the chamber and are flown out. By doing so, the target is effectively cooled down.
US07678246B2	Vibratingly stirring apparatus, and device and method for processing using the stirring apparatus An insulated vibration-stirring apparatus comprising: a vibration generating means containing a vibration motor and a vibrating member attached to that motor, and a vibrating rod attached by an installation piece to allow vibration lined with the vibration generating means, and vibrating vanes installed on this vibrating rod. An electrical insulation area made from hard rubber is installed on a section nearer to the installation section to the installation piece than the section where the vibrating vanes are mounted on the vibrating rod. An electrical line is connected to the lower section of the vibrating rod on the electrical insulation area side where the vibrating vanes are installed. This electrical line conducts power to the vibrating vanes by way of the lower section of the vibrating rod. A power supply applies a voltage across the lower section of the vibrating rod and vibrating vanes and treatment tank by way of the electrical lines, and while applying power to the processing liquid within the treatment tank, the insulation vibration stirring apparatus vibrates and stirs the processing liquid.
US07678242B2	System and method for manufacturing flexible copper clad laminate film Disclosed is a system and a method for manufacturing flexible copper clad laminate film capable of efficiently electroplating both surfaces of a polyimide-based film to form copper plating layers thereon while making it easy to repair and maintain the apparatus or clean its plating or cleaning bath. The system includes a pickling device adapted to spray a pickling liquid to both surfaces of a to-be-plated film to remove oxide coatings from the copper coatings; a number of water-cleaning devices for removing the pickling liquid and copper electrolyte remaining on the film; at least one plating device positioned between the water-cleaning devices to form copper plating layers on both surfaces of the film; an antirust device for preventing the copper plating layers, which have been formed by the plating device, from rusting; and a drying device for drying the antirust liquid on the film, which has been subjected to antirust treatment.
US07678241B2	Film forming apparatus, substrate for forming oxide thin film and production method thereof The invention provides a film forming apparatus that is capable of forming films sequentially with two types of film forming mechanisms in the same chamber. The film forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a Pt target disposed at one side within a film forming chamber, a sputtering output mechanism to supply to the Pt target, a Pt vapor deposition source disposed at an other side within the film forming chamber, a vapor deposition output mechanism to supply to the Pt vapor deposition source, a substrate holder disposed between the Pt target and the Pt vapor deposition source within the film forming chamber to mount a substrate, a rotating mechanism to move the substrate holder so that the substrate directs to the Pt target or to the Pt vapor deposition source, a heating mechanism to heat the substrate when the substrate is subjected to a sputtering film forming, and a cooling mechanism to cool the substrate when the substrate is subjected to vapor deposition film forming.
US07678239B2	Sliding anode magnetron sputtering source A magnetron sputtering source includes a plurality of electrodes and a switching circuit. The switching circuit sequentially connects each of the plurality of electrodes to a ground reference, making it anodic, while connecting the remaining of the plurality of electrodes as cathodes. A method of operating the magnetron sputtering source includes steps of: providing a plurality of target arrangements; causing each of the plurality of target arrangements to act as a cathode; and sequentially causing each of the plurality of cathodes to temporarily act as an anode.
US07678234B2	Dewatering arrangement on the press section of a web-forming machine A dewatering arrangement in the press section of a web-forming machine having a press suction roll (10) and a press fabric (13) arranged to run via the press suction roll (10). The dewatering arrangement has a saveall (15), which is installed in conjunction with the press suction roll (10), and drainage facilities (18) for removing the collected water from the saveall (15). The saveall (15) has a concave guide surface (19) which in the cross direction is located on a partial distance of the circumference of the press suction roll (10) and at a distance from the surface of the press suction roll (10) in order to accomplish a vacuum effect and to hence remove water from the press suction roll (10).
US07678227B2	Multi-stage flash evaporator The present invention provides tube bundle configurations for multi stage flash cross tube type evaporators using concepts with parallel and counter current coolant flow. Those tube bundle configurations allow to build the evaporators more compact and provide the possibilities to lower the thermal and electrical energy consumption for a multi stage flash desalination plant by maintaining or reducing the distilled water generation cost as achievable with cross tube evaporators utilizing single pass tube bundles in serial flow communication.
US07678220B2	Method of making a bonded hem using an elastic strip with a raised fleece surface A method of making a bonded hem includes sandwiching a body member between a first adhesive film and a second adhesive film, placing a fabric sheet upon the first adhesive film and fusing the first adhesive film to bond onto the body member and the fabric sheet, flipping the fabric sheet to form a first fold line and a second fold line, and fusing the second adhesive film to bond onto the fabric sheet to form the bonded hem.
US07678219B2	Method for making segmented composite panel with false joints A method of forming a building panel is provided, with the building panel including facer and liner sheets surrounding a foam core. The method includes the steps of pre-notching the facer sheet at each false joint, roll forming the side joints of the facer sheet, bending the facer sheet, via a press operation, at the pre-notched area to form the false joint, such that the facer sheet is a continuous sheet across the false joint, and bonding the facer sheet having the false joint and the liner sheet to the foam core to form the building panel.
US07678210B1	Injection loading of highly filled explosive suspensions A process for mitigating shear induced particle migration of highly filled explosive suspensions during injection loading of the explosive suspension into a confined container that includes monitoring particle migration within the highly filled explosive suspension and correcting flow parameters effective to reduce the particle migration.
US07678207B2	Steel product for induction hardening, induction-hardened member using the same, and methods producing them We provide a steel product that includes, by mass %, C: 0.35-0.7%, Si: 0.30-1.1%, Mn: 0.2-2.0%, Al: 0.005-0.25%, Ti: 0.005-0.1%, Mo: 0.05-0.6%, B: 0.0003-0.006%, S: 0.06% or less, P: 0.02% or less, Cr: 0.2% or less, and the balance Fe and inevitable impurities, and has a structure of bainite and/or martensite, the total volume fraction of bainite and martensite being 10% or more, and an induction hardened member that is made of the steel product having a hardened surface layer formed by induction hardening and has a prior austenite grain size of 12 μm or less through the layer thickness. The member has high fatigue strength and therefore is suitable for an automobile drive shaft, an automobile constant velocity joint or the like.
US07678192B2	Method of solidifying and detoxifying soil, incinerated ash and coal ash and method of detoxifying polluted water containing dioxins and PCB A method of solidifying and detoxifying a soil, incinerated ash and coal ash to yield a solidified substance detoxified to a level complying with the environmental standards and a method of detoxifying polluted water containing dioxins and polluted water containing PCB are provided. First solidifying and detoxifying agent contains light burnt magnesite as component (1) and chrysolite powder as component (2), in which a ratio by weight of the component (1) and the component (2) is 1:5 to 5:1, preferably 1:3 to 3:1, more preferably 1:2 to 2:1 and is the solidifying and detoxifying agent applied to one kind selected from soil, incinerated ash and coal ash as well as polluted water containing dioxins and polluted water containing PCB. Other solidifying and detoxifying agent further contains as an additional component a fused phosphate fertilizer and titanium dioxide powder as well as anhydrous gypsum powder, light burnt dolomite and/or calcined lime powder.
US07678191B2	Fast-setting pourable mortars with high fluidity Described herein are new cementitious mortars with a high degree of fluidity and short consolidation times. The mortars contain water, a fast-setting cement, fluidifiers and/or superfluidifiers, setting regulators and aggregates having a specific granulometric distribution. The aggregates are made up of two fractions with different grain size such that the ratio between the characteristic grain diameters of the two fractions is comprised between 2.2 and 3.2. The new mortars thus obtained have values of fluidity 2-3 times higher than those of mortars produced with traditional aggregates; the increase in fluidity is obtained without increasing the water/cement ratio and without increasing the amount of fluidifiers present. The mortars produced according to the invention may be used to advantage in all applications in which it is required to associate a high degree of fluidity and a rapid consolidation.
US07678182B2	Material and process for the filtration of nitric acid and NO2 from streams of air A material for filtering NO2 and nitric acid vapors from air over a wide range of humidities and temperatures including a porous hydrophobic substrate and an amine is provided.
US07678177B2	Membrane air dryer and sweep valve A membrane air dryer includes a proportioning valve for providing sweep air to the dryer. The valve may be located in an easily accessible location and may be oriented so that the movable valve element extends transverse to the length of the shell. The valve may be configured to allow air to flow back from the delivery port to the fibers during a compressor unload cycle to maintain pressure on the fibers, while blocking flow of air from the delivery port to the sweep chamber.
US07678176B2	Method and apparatus for charging hot direct reduced iron from hot transport vessels into a melter or finisher The present invention provides a method and apparatus for charging hot direct reduced iron (HDRI) from hot transport vessels (HTVs) into a melter or finisher. In general, the apparatus includes a charging stand including a plurality of bays for receiving and supporting a plurality of HTVs. Each HTV includes at least an outlet port. This outlet port is configured to engage an inlet port of one of the plurality of bays of the charging stand via a telescoping seal that provides a substantially air-tight seal. A feed device is provided that moves the HDRI disposed within the HTVs from the outlet port/inlet port interface to a melter or finisher, such as an electric arc furnace (EAF) or the like. The charging stand also includes one or more load cells operable for weighing the HTVs and the HDRI disposed therein, such that a computer or other logic may be used to control the feed rate of the HDRI charged into the melter or finisher.
US07678170B2	Filter system A filter element, especially for filtering intake air for an internal combustion engine, which filter element is composed of a coiled filter, through which a flow of air passes axially, and which has an annular gasket on at least one end face, the annular gasket being connected to the filter element by a welded, glued, extruded or fused connection, such that the annular gasket is inserted into a suitably constructed receptacle in a filter housing and radially and/or axially positions the coiled filter. The annular gasket is arranged directly on the end face of the coiled filter and is pressed axially and/or radially into the receptacle of the housing.
US07678161B2	Reactive dyes, their preparation and their use Reactive dyes of formula (1), wherein R1 is hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted C1-C4alkyl, (R2)s denotes s identical or different substituents from the group halogen, nitro, unsubstituted or halo-substituted C1-C4alkyl, C2-C4alkanoylamino, C1-C4alkylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl and sulfo, Me is chromium, cobalt or iron, X is chlorine, T is a fiber-reactive radical of formula —NH—(CH2)2-3—SO2—Z (2a), —NH—(CH2)2-3—O—(CH2)2-3—SO2—Z (2b), formula (2c), formula (2d), formula (2e), formula (2f), (R3)0-2 denotes from 0 to 2 identical or different substituents from the group halogen, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy and sulfo, Z is vinyl or a —CH2—CH2—U radical and U is a group that is removable under alkaline conditions, Q is a —CH(HaI)—CH2—HaI or —C(HaI)═CH2 group, Hal is halogen, s is the number 0, 1, 2 or 3 and m, n, r and q are each independently of the others the number 0 or 1, are especially suitable for dyeing synthetic polyamide fiber materials and yield dyeings or prints having good wet-fastness properties.
US07678160B2	Colorant for foliage of humic and/or fulvic acid, and dye The invention relates to a colorant composition comprising humic acid and/or fulvic acid and a water soluble dye. The invention in particular relates to a colorant composition and method for imparting color to turf grass.
US07678156B2	Compositions for treating keratinic fibers, methods of treating such fibers therewith and compounds contained therein Compositions suitable for treating keratinic fibers, in particular human hair, are disclosed, which compositions comprise: (i) at least one component selected from the group consisting of salt compounds of general formula I, enamine counterparts of salt compounds of general formula I, and mixtures thereof: Where each Me represents a methyl group, R represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of an allyl group, a hydroxy-(C2-6)-alkyl group, a benzyl group, and substituted benzyl groups, and X− represents a physiologically compatible anion; and (ii) at least one aldehyde selected from the group consisting of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzaldehyde, 3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzaldehyde, 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde, 5-bromo-4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-dimethylamino-2-methoxybenzaldehyde and mixtures thereof.
US07678153B2	Subtalar implant An implant for insertion into a joint between articulating bones is provided. The implant includes a generally cylindrical metal body having a plurality of threads disposed thereon. The implant also includes a smooth polymeric portion that is configured to be disposed between the articulating bones of the joint. The polymeric portion provides a bearing surface for the articulating bones, and thus inhibits friction and irritation of the joint tissue. A pin is axially disposed through the polymeric portion and through the body and provides an attachment feature to facilitate rotation of the implant and engagement of the threads within the joint.
US07678151B2	System and method for joint resurface repair An implant for installation into a portion of an articular surface includes an implant shell component having a proximal load bearing wall with an outer proximal load bearing surface. A peripheral rim extending distally relative to the load bearing wall may provide a bone-facing distal pocket on the shell component. An inner implant component may be received in the bone-facing distal pocket of the implant such that a proximal surface of the inner component is spaced apart from a distal surface of the load bearing wall. The contour of the load bearing surface may be based on an original surface contour of an articular surface, and the load bearing wall of the shell component may be a deflectable wall, so that the load bearing surface can deflect under an applied load. The space between the load bearing wall and the inner implant may include a compressible fluid such as elastomeric gels.
US07678148B2	Expandable spinal implant having interlocking geometry for structural support An expandable spinal implant including at least two expandable branch portions extending generally along a longitudinal axis and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces. A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces. The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess.
US07678135B2	Compressible tissue anchor assemblies Apparatus & methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc.
US07678133B2	Biological tissue closure device and method Devices and methods for biological tissue closure are disclosed. Arteriotomy closure and hemostasis devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can provide a lateral tension across an opening in the tissue and apply energy to seal the tissue is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.
US07678132B2	Systems and methods for treating septal defects A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the body member and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location.
US07678126B2	Lancet depth adjustment assembly A lancet depth adjustment assembly structured to be used use with a lancet device of the type including a lancet disposed movably within a housing so as to pass into a piercing orientation wherein a piercing tip of the lancet protrudes from a piercing aperture defined in the housing. The lancet depth adjustment assembly includes a depth adjustment element movably secured in overlying relation to the piercing aperture of the housing and having a piercing access including one or more openings structured to permit passage of the piercing tip of the lancet therethrough. The depth adjustment element is structured to be interposed between a finger of a patient and the piercing aperture so as to define a spacing therebetween, and accordingly define a depth to which the piercing tip, which protrudes a defined amount from the housing, penetrates the body part. Furthermore, the depth adjustment element is constructed of a varying thickness so as to vary the spacing between the body part and the piercing aperture in accordance with a thickness of a portion of the depth adjustment element disposed in overlying relation to the piercing aperture at a time of operation of the lancet device.
US07678123B2	Tubular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with catch system The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by a central tube. The occluder is formed from a tube, which is cut to produce struts in each side. Upon the application of force, the struts deform into loops. The loops may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. The occluder further includes a catch system that maintains its deployed state in vivo. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture and the catch system is deployed so that the occluder exerts a compressive force on the septal tissue and closes the aperture.
US07678121B1	Surgical stapling tool A surgical stapler may include a catheter connected to a stapler head and a handle. The stapler head may be configured for introduction into the vasculature of a patient. The stapler head may include a driver movable in two dimensions relative to a plurality of staples. Each staple may be held by a holder, where the holders may be connected together or fabricated as a unitary cartridge.
US07678116B2	Bone treatment systems and methods The present invention relates in certain embodiments to medical devices for treating osteoplasty procedures such as vertebral compression fractures. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to instruments and methods for controllably restoring vertebral body height by controlling the geometry of fill material introduced into cancellous bone. An exemplary system utilizes Rf energy in combination a conductive bone fill material for polymerizing the surface of the inflow plume to control the geometry of the fill material and the application of force caused by inflows of fill material. In another embodiment, method of treating bone includes injecting a volume of fill material into a bone and selectively modifying a viscosity of a selected portion of the bone filler to control the direction of flow of the fill material within the bone. A system for treating bone using this method includes an introducer for delivering fill material into the bone and an energy source selectively coupleable to the fill material to alter the viscosity of the fill material as it flows out of the introducer.
US07678111B2	Device and method for ablating tissue An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy and contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue. The solution is further energized to a range of energy densities such that tissues to be affected are sealed against flow of blood, lymphatic fluids, air, and other bodily fluids and gases.
US07678108B2	Loop ablation apparatus and method Embodiments of the invention provide an ablation apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation apparatus can include a tube capable of being advanced around the pulmonary veins to form a loop. The tube can receive or include electrodes to ablate target tissue. Some embodiments provide a loop ablation device, which may include a cannula and two or more electrode rods carrying two or more bipolar electrodes. The electrode rods can be advanced through the distal ends toward the proximal ends of the loop and toward the target tissue. The bipolar electrodes can receive energy to ablate the target tissue. The bipolar electrodes may be surrounded by the liquid within the cannula while ablating the target tissue. The loop ablation device can further include a rotating grasping mechanism coupled to the electrode rods.
US07678106B2	Gynecological ablation procedure and system A method for treating tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata, includes inserting an ablation apparatus into a pelvic region and positioning the ablation apparatus into a pelvic tumor. The method further includes using a laparoscope and an imaging device, such as an ultrasound machine, to confirm the location of the pelvic tumor and placement of the ablation apparatus. The method further includes delivering electromagnetic energy or other energy through the ablation apparatus to the pelvic tumor to directly ablate the tumor. A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors is also provided.
US07678104B2	Ultrasound ablation catheter and method for its use Catheters and methods for epicardial ablation are provided. A suitable catheter comprises an elongated catheter body and an ultrasound transducer mounted at or near the distal end of the catheter body. The transducer has a front surface and an opposing back surface, wherein the transducer is positioned to transmit ultrasound energy toward tissue facing the front surface but not toward tissue facing the back surface. A sensor is mounted within the catheter near the ultrasound transducer for sensing a location and an orientation of the ultrasound transducer within a patient. A suitable method involves introducing the distal end of the catheter introducing into the pericardium of a patient. The transducer's front surface is positioned so that it generally faces tissue to be ablated, and the tissue is ablated with ultrasound energy generated by the transducer.
US07678092B2	Collapsible fluid containment device with semi-rigid support members A collapsible fluid containment bag for irrigating and cleaning wounds on extremities having semi-rigid support members and an elevated lower support member attached to the bottom of the proximal end of the containment bag creating a gradient for allowing irrigation fluids and biological tissue to drain to the distal end of the bag for removal. The containment bag is collapsible, making it a convenient size for storage, transport, and disposal.
US07678087B2	Equine intranasal delivery system This invention relates to apparatus and methods of delivering various compositions including medicaments to a variety of targets. The invention includes a dose administrator (1) which may be used for intranasal delivery of compositions or medicaments, such as live virus vaccines, to both humans and animals. An axial collapse prevention element (2) to prevent excessive axial deflection of the dose administrator (1) or a dose-location coordinate indicator (3) to facilitate the delivery of a dose to the desired target location may be coupled to the dose administrator (1). An intranasal probe (4) having a force dissemination contact surface (7) may be responsive to a first end of the dose administrator (1). The dose may be delivered from a conformable dose sequestration element (10) through an aperture which penetrates the dose delivery aperture element (5) and the dose may be caused to stream by coupling a stream delivery element (6) to the dose delivery aperture element (5). The force application element (12) which acts upon the dose may be separated from the dose by a fluid dose propellent (13). While the invention may be used for numerous applications, it specifically addresses the difficulties of delivering cold-adapted live equine influenza viruses intranasally to equids.
US07678084B2	Medication dispensing apparatus with gear set for mechanical advantage A medication dispensing apparatus having a gear set (64) to provide a mechanical advantage to the plunging of the apparatus plunger (66). The gear set (64) has a first pinion (114) in meshed engagement with a rack of the plunger (102), and a second pinion (126) in meshed engagement with a rack of a drive member (80) of the apparatus. The gear set (64) operatively interconnects the plunger (66) and the drive member (62) such that after the plunger (66) is moved relative to the housing in a proximal direction to prepare the apparatus for injection, the plunger (66), when manually pushed back toward the housing, causes the drive member (62) to advance in a distal direction to force medication through an outlet, typically provided with an injection needle, at the distal end of the apparatus.
US07678083B2	Pre-curved catheter tip A catheter retaining clip (100) including first and second generally straight body portions (104,106), each of which extends along a longitudinal axis parallel to the other and includes a retention section. The generally straight body portions are connected by an extension piece (116 or 240) that extends generally from one generally straight body portion to the other generally straight body portion. The extension piece (116) may extend around a 180° curve that defines the curve of the catheter to be inserted into the clip, and a U-shaped channel (120) extends through the first and second generally straight body portions and the extension piece; the clip is installed onto a catheter (50) so that the catheter lies in the U-shaped channel and is retained therein by two or three retention sections or locking clasps (130). The present invention also provides methods of installing a catheter within the clip and methods of removing a catheter from within the clip.
US07678079B2	Patch-like infusion device A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir subassembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. Simple removal of an interlock allows a disk, or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of the fluid reservoir assembly, and allows the device to then be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button activation assembly is provided which can then be used to release and seat one or more spring-loaded patient needles into the skin surface, and establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin.
US07678078B1	Intravitreal injection device, system and method An intravitreal injection device for administering a pharmacological agent formulation to an intravitreal compartment of an eye, comprising (i) a nozzle member having an internal formulation chamber that is adapted to receive and contain the pharmacological agent formulation therein, (ii) a microneedle having a first end that is in communication with the nozzle member and a second ejection end, (iii) and piercing depth limiter means for limiting the penetration depth of the microneedle into the eye, the microneedle piercing depth limiter means including guide means for positioning the limiter means and guiding the microneedle.
US07678077B2	Variable depth injection device and method An apparatus for the injection of therapeutic and other agents at a target site within a patient's body. A catheter including a first elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter also including a second elongated shaft slidingly disposed in the first elongated shaft, the second elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter further including a third elongated shaft disposed in and attached to the second elongate shaft, the third elongated shaft to move in a one-to-one relationship with the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft to maintain a predetermined needle deployment length as each are subjected to various bend configurations.
US07678069B1	System for electrosurgical tissue treatment in the presence of electrically conductive fluid Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. The high frequency voltage generates electric fields around the active electrode(s) with sufficient energy to ionize the conductive fluid adjacent to the active electrode(s). Within the ionized gas or plasma, free electrons are accelerated, and electron-atoms collisions liberate more electrons, and the process cascades until the plasma contains sufficient energy to break apart the tissue molecules, causing molecular dissociation and ablation of the target tissue.
US07678068B2	Atraumatic delivery devices Methods and apparatus for delivering an implant device within the digestive system of an animal are presented. An delivery device includes an outer sheath, or container, for storing a proximal portion of the implant device. The outer sheath is moveable relative to the stored portion of the implant device to release the proximal portion from within the outer sheath. The delivery device also includes an inner sheath defining a lumen therein that extends distal to the outer sheath, a moveable element adapted to secure the distal end of the implant to the inner sheath, and a release mechanism coupled to the moveable element for releasing the distal end of the implant. The device also includes a atraumatic tip, or ball, coupled at its distal end to facilitate guiding the delivery device through the gastrointestinal tract.
US07678061B2	System and method for characterizing patient respiration Patient respiration may be characterized using a marked respiration waveform involving a respiration waveform annotated with symbols, markers or other indicators representing one or more respiration characteristics. A respiration waveform may be acquired by sensing a physiological parameter modulated by respiration. A marked respiration waveform may be generated based on the acquired respiration waveform and one or more detected respiration waveform characteristics and/or respiration-related conditions. One or more components used to generate the marked respiratory waveform may be fully or partially implantable.
US07678060B1	Method of monitoring a state of health, and a wellness/emotional state monitor implementing the method A method of deriving a single integer figure of merit representative of vital signs of a mammalian, generally a human subject. A systolic blood pressure S, a diastolic pressure D, and a heart rate PR are used to calculate an Inferred Blood Flow (IBF) using the equation IBF=(S−D)* PR/C where C is a constant, typically 100. A procedure is provided for establishing a statistically valid baseline IBF number against which subsequent IBF readings may be compared to assess the wellness (physiological and emotional) of the subject relative to medical community limits and standards. A self-contained apparatus for making measurements, and computing and storing an IBF is also provided. A normalized single digit scale, the Millen Scale is provided and ideal for use with the present invention. A system for monitoring wellness and/or emotional state of being using the IBF parameter is also provided.
US07678059B2	Non-invasive blood pressure monitor with improved performance A blood pressure measurement system that utilizes both a non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitor having a blood pressure cuff and a continuous non-invasive blood pressure (CNIBP) monitor. During operation of the NIBP monitor, the blood pressure cuff is inflated to an initial inflation pressure greater than the systolic blood pressure for the patient being monitored. The CNIBP monitor calculates an estimated blood pressure that is supplied to the NIBP monitor. The NIBP monitor utilizes the continuous, estimated blood pressure to select a target inflation pressure for the blood pressure cuff. During operation of the NIBP monitor, the size of the pressure steps from the initial inflation pressure to a final pressure can be varied based upon the continuous blood pressure estimate from the NIBP monitor.
US07678057B2	Device and system that identifies cardiovascular insufficiency In an embodiment, the present invention provides a device that identifies cardiovascular dysfunction of a subject. The claimed device comprises a controller, a transducer, and a processor. The controller initiates collection of a plurality of data related to a physiological condition. The transducer collects data over a plurality of cycles and transfers the data to the processor, which reduces the received data signal into an output using a novel formula. In an example the data correlate with data that are directly related to cardiovascular dysfunction but that are of limited use.
US07678054B2	Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnosing device An array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers having a piezoelectric layer 2 and a couple of electrodes 7-1 and 7-2 sandwiching the piezoelectric layer therebetween is provided. The piezoelectric layer 2 has a first piezoelectric layer 2-1 provided on the ultrasonic-wave emission side, a second piezoelectric layer 2-2 provided on the other side of the first piezoelectric layer 2-1, and a common electrode 8 provided therebetween. Each of the ultrasonic transducers has a low-frequency response distribution that is uniform in the minor-axis direction perpendicular to a direction in which the ultrasonic transducers are arranged and a high high-frequency response distribution at a center part in the minor-axis direction. The characteristics of the minor-axis-direction frequency and sound pressure of the first piezoelectric layer are complemented by those of the second piezoelectric layer, whereby a uniform frequency characteristic for a minor-axis-direction low frequency is obtained.
US07678042B2	Devices and methods for promoting or enhancing male erectile function A closed ringed structure having an arch segment embedded within is demonstrated for promoting and/or enhancing erectile function. It is for external placement on the shaft of a user's penis, including a closed, hollow tube of relatively elastic material forming a ring, the hollow tube completely encircles the shaft of a user's penis when placed on the user's penis, or completely encircles the shaft of the user's penis and the user's scrotum and testicles; and contains a filled arch segment within the hollow tube, for providing compression of the dorsal vein of the user's penis, where the outer diameter of the arch segment is of a smaller diameter than an outer diameter of the hollow tube.
US07678041B2	Airplane seat, passenger bench, magnetic field resonance system, and use of a device for generating electromagnetic interaction in an airplane seat or in a passenger bench in an aircraft A seat with a device for generating electromagnetic interaction in an accommodation region that is equipped to accommodate an object. By electromagnetic interaction, an object can be influenced in such a way that, for example, fatigue that occurs during long-distance flights can be avoided. The device is used to prevent and reduce the occurrence of jet lag, reduce the danger of passengers suffering from thrombosis, and increase general well-being by promoting relaxation, sleep and stress reduction. The integration in cabin crew seats and/or cockpit seats can improve the performance of the crew of an aircraft on long-distance flights.
US07678022B1	Loading device of leg extension machine A loading device of a leg extension machine includes: a set of symmetric left and right gear disks linked and engaged with each other and installed onto two axles of left and right leg extension elements respectively, such that if the leg extension elements are pulled apart or pressed together, the two axles drive the left and right gear disks to rotate in opposite directions synchronously; a motor having a first gear installed on a main shaft and engaged with one of the left and right gear disks and a second gear engaged between the first gear and the gear disks for producing a driving resistance to the left and right gear disks synchronously; a current controller, provided for an exerciser to adjust the current transmitted to the motor through a microcomputer control panel; and a movement path sensor, for using pulse signals generated by a pair of optical couplers as feedback positions and determining the positive or negative rotation if the axle drives the optical interrupt disk, so as to control a curved load, and appropriately compensate the load current to provide a smooth and real-world setting.
US07678015B2	Efficiency based integrated power train control system A power train control system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The power train control system has a power source configured to produce a power output, a transmission device operatively connected to receive the power output and propel the mobile machine, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive an indication of a power demand, receive an indication of a current travel speed of the mobile machine, and reference the power demand and the current travel speed with a power train efficiency map to determine a desired power source speed. The power train control system is also configured to control operation of the transmission device to bring a speed of the power source within a predetermined amount of the desired power source speed.
US07678001B2	Apparatus for the intermittent drive of a spindle for a workpiece fixture, especially a forging machine An apparatus is described for the intermittent drive of a spindle (1) for a workpiece fixture, especially a forging machine, comprising a traction gear (7) consisting of a traction means (13) guided endlessly about a driving wheel (6) and a driven wheel (8), a continuous rotary drive (5) for the driving wheel (6) and a superposition drive (10) performing rotary oscillations. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the superposition drive (10) comprises a support (11) which can be displaced in a rotary oscillating manner about the axis of the driven wheel (8), and deflection rollers (12) held on the support (11) for the traction strands (14) moving towards and away from the driving wheel (6).
US07678000B2	Tensioning arrangement for an endless linkage A tensioning arrangement to an endless linkage of a drive train is provided. The tensioning arrangement includes a tension arm and a spool mounted at the tension arm. The spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool. The rib includes a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of adjacent cylindrical portions abutting the rib. Both opposing first and second endwalls of the spool are of greater outer diameter so as to steer the endless linkage therebetween in general alignment with the rib. A spring includes a hook free end engaged at the tension arm, and a linear shaped free end engaged at the frame so as to bias the spool against the endless linkage.
US07677994B2	Ball throwing and retrieving device An apparatus for throwing and picking up a sphere. A user may employ the apparatus, for example, to throw a sphere. The user may also employ the apparatus to pick up the sphere without requiring any portion of the user come into contact with the sphere. The apparatus may include a claw or gripper for holding the sphere. The claw may have three or more prongs for gripping the sphere and may be attached to a handle. The handle may telescope from a retracted position to an operating position. The handle may include gripping surfaces to aid a user in holding the handle, and a clip for attaching the throwing apparatus to a belt, a hanger or other suitable support.
US07677992B2	Apparatus and method for training a baseball batter to swing a baseball bat level A baseball bat swing trainer attaches to a baseball bat and is configured to train a batter to maintain a level swing. The baseball bat swing trainer is attachable to a horizontal structure that is over the head of the batter and to a baseball bat. The baseball bat swing trainer includes a single-unit line controller, a line, and a baseball bat coupling connected to the line. The line controller is configured to vary and fix a working length of line defined as extending from the line controller to the baseball bat. The line may be varied in length, a working length, in order to accommodate different size batters. The line controller is configured to keep and release excess line. The coupling is secured onto the baseball bat at a location taken from a handle of the baseball bat that is approximately 50% of an overall length of the baseball bat.
US07677988B2	Training device for golfers An apparatus for assisting in training players of golf includes a platform and a first coplanar foot support member and a second coplanar foot support member on the platform, with the first coplanar foot support member being fixed in position and the second coplanar foot support member able to be moved laterally and linearly on the platform relative to the first coplanar foot support member when a golf player places one foot on each of the two coplanar foot support members. A biasing device causes the second coplanar foot support member to be adjacent the first coplanar foot support member, so that in the absence of an externally applied force, the second coplanar foot member remains adjacent to the first coplanar foot support member.
US07677986B2	Shifting guides for gutter ball prevention on a bowling alley Bowling game apparatus allowing children to get strikes and spares for a high score. Two guides (10) are provided longitudinally along lane (3); two first retainers (15) are arranged outside the end of lane (3) near approach (2) for retaining first ends of the guides (10); two second retainers (20) for retaining the second ends of the guides (10) are provided over lane (3) between first retainers (15) and pins (5), and allow, as driven by a second-retainer drive unit, the guide second-end retaining portions of the second retainers (20) to shift between a guide position and a retract position apart from the guide position. The guides (10) diagonally intersect the longitudinal direction of the lane (3), where they come into contact with the height-wise center of a ball rolling down the lane (3) ball when the second-end retaining portions of the second retainers (20) are in the guide position.
US07677980B2	Membrane compensating coupling and hole anchor connection A membrane compensating coupling comprises a first compensating element made of fiber composite material with two membranes located opposite one another, a second compensating element and an intermediate tube inserted between these. The first and second compensating element in each case have on their side pointing towards the intermediate tube a radially inwardly directed connecting flange. The intermediate tube is releasably coupled to the connecting flanges. As a result, a membrane compensating coupling comprising at least two membranes made of fiber composite material is provided, which is easy to produce and install, at the same time has low inertias and allows large angle, radial and axial compensation and also a flexible axial length. A hole anchor connection which is particularly suitable for such couplings is also described.
US07677977B2	Video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer program product for processing a video game A movement determining map is stored in addition to a field display map. The field display map is a three-dimensional map for displaying a field of the video game on the image display screen. The movement determining map is a two-dimensional map in which an enterable region. An unenterable region is distinguishably provided for the characters existing in the field. A control section determines a movement route of the sub character, in which no unenterable region exists, using the movement determining map when a predetermined movement route determining condition is met. The sub character is caused to move in accordance with the determined movement route. The predetermined movement route determining condition is met every predetermined period of time or in the case where the main character moves apart from the sub character in a predetermined distance or more.
US07677975B2	Video game with registration of funding sources The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for obtaining funding for developing game environments. Methods and systems include a variety of funding sources including taxes, fees, licenses, bond issuance, loans, investors, commercial paper, convertible debt, bills, notes, debt issuance, promissory notes, venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock.
US07677971B2	Gaming system and method for enabling a player to select progressive awards to try for and chances of winning progressive awards The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.
US07677970B2	System and method for social matching of game players on-line A matchmaking service that selects matches based on personal/social characteristics as well as skill and experience. The service takes into account direct feedback from other players about positive and negative experiences with a particular player and expectations about appropriate conduct and type of game being played before a player joins the game session.
US07677969B2	Bill acceptor for a gaming machine A bill acceptor for a gaming machine including a receiving zone for receiving a tendered bill. A sensing device is arranged at an input region of the receiving zone for sensing at least one characteristic of the bill. A controller is in communication with the sensing device for receiving an output signal from the sensing device. An annunciator is controlled by the controller to be activated when a bill acceptance rate of the controller drops below a predetermined threshold.
US07677967B2	Battle school Educational materials are presented in the format of games such as role-playing where participants progress through game storylines within a game environment. Each game participant is assigned a game character having unique and dynamic attributes that can be modified as the character progresses through the game storylines. The characters encounter challenges and participate in game actions that require the participant to answer questions that correspond to educational materials that are contextually unrelated to the game storylines. In order to successfully modify a character's attributes, obtain possessions for the character, progress through the storyline, to be successful in battle sequences or to obtain a desired reward, the participants must correctly answer the questions they are presented. To obtain a successful result, it is also sometimes necessary for a participant to recruit other participants having different assigned characters with different attributes to collaborate and work with the participant.
US07677965B2	Combine harvester residue chopper active counter knife assembly An active counter knife assembly for a material chopper assembly or construction that has a rotary chopper element disposed across a material flow path, including a chopper grate assembly, having a grate portion with spaced generally transverse slots therealong, positionable generally parallel to the rotary chopper element of the residue chopper assembly; a rotatable shaft positionable generally beneath and parallel to the grate portion of the chopper grate assembly, with a plurality of fixed or flail-type knife elements attached to such shaft and positioned thereon to be alignably rotatable through the spaced generally transverse slots of the grate portion of the chopper grate assembly; and a drive mechanism for effecting rotational movement of the counter knife assembly, which drive mechanism is preferably controllable to allow an operator to vary the rotational speed and direction of the rotatable shaft so that the rotatable shaft may be selectably either maintained in an essentially fixed or locked condition or operated to rotate either counter to the rotation of the rotary chopper element of the chopper assembly or in the same tangential direction as the rotary chopper element, thereby controlling to some extent both the throughput speed of the material at the chopper assembly and the quality of the chop by the chopper assembly.
US07677962B2	Electronic device and filtering unit A filtering unit for receiving an electronic device. The filtering unit includes a housing, a filter, a fan, a detector, and a controller. The housing includes an inlet. The filter is disposed at the inlet of the housing. The fan is disposed in the housing. The detector detects the number of particles in the filter. The controller is coupled to the fan and the detector. When the number of the particles in the filter exceeds a threshold value, the detector outputs a signal to the controller to change the rotating direction of the fan.
US07677953B2	Crotch-posessing corrective garment A (short or long) girdle constituted including, in an area fitting over a wearer's body, tightening portions for which the magnitude of the tightening force varies with direction. The tightening fabric portions 21 each run from above the anal cleft, passing above the left or right buttock to the vicinity of the left or right greater trochanter when the girdle is being worn, and the tightening force in the direction in which each tightening fabric portion 21 runs is made to be low. Moreover, supplementary tightening fabric portions 22 are provided running along the tightening fabric portions 21 in front of the tightening fabric portions 21, and the tightening force in the direction in which each supplementary tightening fabric portion runs is made to be low.
US07677950B2	Decorative element for the human body A decorative element for the human body in the form of a breast clasp which can be worn on the person. One breast clasp can be worn in the crease beneath a female breast and is held in place by means of a clamping and adhesive effect. The breast clasp is designed as a curved element and performs a shaping or supporting function, or both, for the female breast.
US07677947B2	Fabric diving stick A diving stick of the type that, after being tossed into a swimming pool, sinks to the bottom while maintaining an upright posture so that it be can easily grasped by a diver. The stick includes a soft hollow shank designed to prevent accidental impalement. The stick also includes means for swapping components to vary the number of subsets of sticks within a set.
US07677940B1	Swimmer's safety apparatus The swimmer's safety apparatus is worn around a user's waist or proximal thereto and is selectively inflated. The apparatus has a small rigid case with spaced apart rigid housings, each rigid housing holding an inflation device with compressed gas therein. Upon selection, each inflation device is separately released and inflated via a separate rotating handle for each. The compact device is provided in embodiments which can be attached to clothing, included in clothing, or worn about the waist in either attachment fashion or included with an optional belt.
US07677936B2	Plug connector having retainer attached mold case To prevent damage by an external force in a retainer attached mold case of a plug connector including an insulating member having aligned containing holes containing contacts, a shield case surrounding the insulating member, a substantially cylindrical mold case incorporating these therein and having slits for grounding at two side walls thereof and an elastic claw with a lock portion and a lock release portion at an upper face, and a retainer for closing a rear end opening of the mold case excluding a cable inserting portion, a locking projection is projected to a rear side from a rear end portion of the elastic claw, and a float preventing piece for preventing the elastic claw from floating up by engaging with the locking projection is projected from a front end portion of the retainer.
US07677932B2	Open face electrical connector An open-face electrical wire connector for forming an electrical connection to a wire connector lug wherein the wire connector lug, which is free of any sealant can be brought into engagement with another portion of a housing, which carries a sealant, to cause the sealant to flow around the wire connector lug and the electrical connection therein for on-the-go formation of a sealant covered electrical connection.
US07677925B2	Multi-port connector having DisplayPort connector and HDMI connector A multi-port connector having DisplayPort and HDMI connector includes a seat body, a DisplayPort, an HDMI connector, a sealing lid and an outer casing. A first slot and a second slot are respectively arranged on the seat body. At back of the seat body, there is a recessing part, at upper portion of which an assembling opening communicated to the first slot is arranged. A plurality of slots are arranged on a wall surface of the recessing part. The DisplayPort is assembled in the first slot, while the HDMI connector is assembled in the second slot. The sealing lid is assembled to the recessing part. A protruding portion arranged at the sealing lid is assembled to the assembling opening. On a wall surface of the sealing lid, there are a plurality of striping ribs snapped into the slots. The outer casing externally fitted to the seat body is arranged a first perforation and a second perforation at front side face thereof. The first and second perforations respectively correspond to a plug-in opening of DisplayPort and a slot of HDMI connector, while a set of assembling legs are extended at a bottom part of a side face of the outer casing. The multi-port connector is to provide a plug-in function for the transmitting lines of the Displayport and the HDMI.
US07677922B2	Composite connector A composite connector includes an insulating base, an S/PDIF connector and a Display port connector. The insulating base is formed with a first accommodating trough and a second accommodating trough adjacent to the first accommodating trough. The S/PDIF connector is partially accommodated in the first accommodating trough. The Display port connector is accommodated in the second accommodating trough. The first accommodating trough and the second accommodating trough are arranged vertically. The present composite connector has an effect of saving space.
US07677921B2	Plug-in amp/watt power meter A power meter has a measuring circuit composed entirely of analog components that measures the instantaneous current draw of one or more electrical devices, such as home appliances. The power meter may be in the form of a hand-held device that includes elongated connections that allow a homeowner to measure the current draw of an electrical device without significant displacement of the electrical device. In addition to measuring current draw, the power meter may provide an estimated wattage consumed by the measured electrical devices.
US07677920B2	Adapter capable of storing and positioning cables, and adapter having a cable organizing device An adapter capable of storing and positioning cables comprises a main body, a cable, and a casing. The cable is connected to the main body, and the main body is wrapped by the casing. The casing comprises a cable organizing portion comprising a plurality of elastic loop grooves, and a guiding groove. By the above-mentioned structure, the guiding groove can guide the cable to the cable organizing portion. The plurality of elastic loop grooves is applied for organizing the cable.
US07677916B2	Power plug assembly The present invention relates to a power plug assembly, comprises a cable having two power wires, end sections of each wire has plural conductive metal wires; a terminal set composed by a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a connecting section is respectively provided to the rear ends of the positive and the negative terminals and the connecting sections are respectively connected to plural conductive metal wires of end sections of the power wires, the surfaces of the positive and the negative terminals are provided with welding holes; a conductive sleeve tube having an inner tube and an outer tube, an insulating material is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube for insulation; after the two terminals are respectively provided on the outer tube and the inner tube of the conductive sleeve tube, a welding operation is processed and the welding material passes through the welding holes so the two terminals are connected and retained on the conductive sleeve tube; an outer covering member formed by a plastic injection molding and the rear portion of the conductive sleeve tube, the terminal set and the front portion of the cable are covered by the outer covering member via the plastic injection molding. With the improved connecting method of the cable, the terminal set and the conductive sleeve tube provided by the present invention, the connecting strength and the welding speed are increased, and the defective rate is lower and the quality can be ensured.
US07677910B2	Connector connection apparatus The present invention is to provide a connector connection apparatus to avoid drop of a connector without increase of cost. The connector connection apparatus includes a holder for receiving therein and holding the connector, a receiving portion main body for receiving therein and holding the holder, and a plate for fixing the holder attached to the receiving portion main body. The receiving portion main body includes a receiving hole having a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the holder and receiving the holder therein. The holder is inserted from an upper opening of the receiving hole into the receiving portion main body. The holder is then held between the plate and the receiving portion main body.
US07677902B2	Extended package substrate An apparatus may include an integrated circuit package comprising a plurality of conductive pads and having a face, and a socket coupled to the integrated circuit package and to the conductive pads, the socket having a footprint. In some aspects, the footprint is smaller than the face.
US07677900B2	Back-to-back mounted electrical connectors An electrical connector assembly is provided that includes a pair of connectors configured to be mounted onto a midplane circuit board in a back-to-back orientation. Each connector includes offset engagement members that mate with corresponding engagement members on the midplane circuit board.
US07677899B2	LED light source module and LED backlight module using the same A LED light source module includes a printed circuit board and a plurality of LEDs. The printed circuit board has a plurality of through holes arranged in intervals. Each of the LEDs includes at least one LED chip and at least one metal board. The metal board has a supporting surface. The LED chip is arranged on the supporting surface. At least one of the LED chip and the metal board is contained in each through hole of the printed circuit board corresponding to the LED including the at least one of the LED chip and the metal board. Each of the LEDs electrically is connected with printed circuit board through the supporting surface of the metal board to make the LED chip be connected with the printed circuit board electrically.
US07677886B2	Maxillofacial orthodontic appliance A maxillofacial orthotic appliance comprises: a maxilla expander fixed to the maxilla in the mouth of a human and a towed-unit which is connected to the maxilla expander and is towed in an anterior direction from the human. The towed-unit includes: a left wire whose one end is inserted into the left hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a right wire whose one end is inserted into the right hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a connecting tube provided on the left or right wire and extending in the direction of the distance variation, caused by the maxilla-expander adjusting mechanism, between the left and right contact parts and a connecting wire provided on the other of the left and right wires and inserted into the connecting tube slidably.
US07677880B2	Apparatus for forming hand-formed style patty using a patty-forming machine A system includes a high speed reciprocating mold plate patty-forming machine and a downstream patty presser. The high speed patty forming machine provides patties at a high production speed onto an output conveyor portion. The patty presser includes an upper conveyor having an upper endless belt. The upper conveyor is located above the output conveyor, wherein facing belt surfaces of the upper and lower endless belts define a path between the upper and lower conveyors. The upper conveyor has a tilted section such that a first clearance at an input to the path is equal to or greater than a thickness of the patties and a second clearance at an outlet of the inlet length is less than a thickness of the patties at the input of the path. A shuttle conveyor is arranged at the output of the path and delivers patties to an indexing packaging machine.
US07677877B2	Imprint lithography A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes an imprint template and a radiation source configured to cure photosensitive material, the radiation source including a laser or a light emitting diode. An imprint template is also disclosed.
US07677873B2	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. In one embodiment, the apparatus include a stretch measuring device adapted to measure the stretch applied to the fabric.
US07677863B2	Overspeed safety device for a rotation motor An over-speed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a cylinder (10), a forward end wall (11), a rear end wall (12) with a pressure air inlet opening (21), a rotor (13), and an actuator (15) co-rotative with the rotor (13) and responsive to centrifugal action, and a valve lid (20) tiltable relative to a pivot axis (C) and shiftable between an open position and a closed position for controlling the airflow though the inlet opening (21), wherein the pivot axis (C) extends along a chord in relation to the rotor centre, and the actuator (18) comprises a cam surface (25) for camming engagement with the valve lid (20) for moving the latter in a radial direction toward the closed position. The valve lid (20) is supported by ridge positions (33, 34) on a seat surface (2) disposed around the inlet opening (21), and a wire spring (26) is arranged to retain and bias the valve lid (20) against the seat surface (32). The ridge portions (33, 34) are arranged to make the valve lid (20) perform an over-centre movement when shifted from open to closed position, thereby obtaining a bi-stable action of the valve lid (20) under action of the wire spring (26).
US07677846B2	Method and apparatus for weld profiling A method for removing a weld crown from a weld joint between first and second work pieces includes steps of positioning a rotary milling tool proximate to the joint and at an offset angle to set a cutting arc relative to the joint. The milling tool is positioned so the cutting arc intersects the weld crown, weld toes, and parent metal on each side of the weld joint. As the milling tool traverses the joint to cut away the weld crown, the milling tool may tilt from side to side to compensate for misalignment between the work pieces along the weld joint. An apparatus for weld crown removal holds a milling tool at an offset angle, and provides a tracking mechanism to permit the milling tool to track misalignment between the work pieces, maintaining the cutting arc in intersection with the weld toes and parent metal along the weld joint.
US07677836B2	In-situ surfactant and chemical oxidant flushing for complete remediation of contaminants and methods of using same The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.
US07677824B2	Slide pen Disclosed is a slide pen. The slide pen includes (a) a pen core having a nib, (b) a tubular pen core slider having an open lower end, a pen core coupler, and guide ridges formed at an upper portion thereof, so as to allow the nib of the pen core to protrude through the lower end thereof and to allow the pen core to be held and coupled therein, and (c) a body casing having a tubular upper portion formed with a guide slot so as to allow the guide ridges of the pen core slider to vertically move and be fixed, a tubular intermediate portion being partially open such that the pen core slider is held inside so as to allow the outer circumference of the pen core slider to be exposed outside, and a conical lower portion having an open lower end so as to allow the nib of the pen core to be moved in and out. Thereby, when the guide ridges of the pen core slider vertically move in the guide slot of the upper portion of the body casing, the pen core slider slides in the body casing, and the nib of the pen core coupled to the pen core coupler of the pen core slider comes in and out through the lower end of the body casing.
US07677823B2	Rolled-print-medium holder device A rolled-print-medium holder device includes an axial member, a holding member, an outer fitting portion, an inner fitting portion, and a weld portion. The holding member is fixed to at least one of both axial ends of the axial member and holds both sides of a rolled print medium. The outer fitting portion is provided at either one of the axial member and the holding member. The outer fitting portion has an inner peripheral surface. The inner fitting portion is provided at the other one of the axial member and the holding member. The inner fitting portion has an outer peripheral surface. The inner fitting portion is fitted into the outer fitting portion. The weld portion is provided at at least one of the inner fitting portion and the outer fitting portion. The weld portion at least fixes the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface by ultrasonic welding.
US07677822B2	Semiautomatic electronic printer A semiautomatic electronic printer comprises a housing (2) and, internally, a print head (8). A push-button (3), projecting upwards from the housing (2), is rigidly connected to a frame (7), which is mounted in a spring-charged relationship inside the housing (2) in such a manner to be vertically movable between a rest position and a working one. The frame (7) sustains in the upper part a printed circuit board including a microprocessor for acquiring from a separate computer data that has to be printed, and for storing such data, as well as for controlling the operation of the print head (8), supported by a carriage (20), with its inferior part being brought to touch the medium to be printed when the push-button is pushed downwards and to translate horizontally after the printing of a line of dots until a desired imaging made of a dot matrix has been printed on the all printing surface.
US07677820B2	Printing supporting apparatus, printing apparatus selecting apparatus, printing supporting program, printing apparatus selecting program, storage medium, method of selecting printing apparatus, method of supporting printing, and method of creating printing apparatus determining tree A print support apparatus includes: a unit acquiring printing specification information; a unit acquiring printing apparatus information indicating capabilities of printing apparatuses; a unit selecting a printing apparatus as a printing destination based on the printing specification information and the printing apparatus information; a unit acquiring document data associated with the printing specification information; a unit processing the acquired document data based on printing apparatus information indicating a capability of the selected printing apparatus and the acquired printing specification information; a unit creating printing setting information including a printing setting of the selected printing apparatus based on the acquired printing specification information; and a unit requiring printing of the selected printing apparatus based on the created printing setting information and the processed document data.
US07677812B2	Strain relief boot for cable connector A strain relief boot for a connectorized cable. The boot has a staged bending characteristic in that there are discrete first and second zones that have different bending and minimum bend radius characteristics. The boot is of a segmented design including multiple links separated from one another by open gaps that are spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction. Gaps are positioned along a periphery of the boot for each axial location. Ribs extend longitudinally to connect axially adjacent links, and to separate peripherally spaced gaps. The different characteristics relate to differences in the gap, link and rib structures, which have dimensions varying along the boot's length. Preferably, link and rib dimensions are relatively smaller toward a proximal end of the boot, and gap dimensions are relatively larger toward the proximal end of the boot. This provides greater flexibility and smaller minimum bend radii toward the boot's proximal end.
US07677809B2	Tapered roller bearing, a tapered roller bearing assembly and a pinion-shaft supporting assembly using the same A tapered roller bearing is designed to have a roller loading ratio in the range of 0.7 to 0.92 and a ratio of roller length to roller diameter in the range of 1.1 to 1.7 whereby oil agitation loss and rolling viscous resistance are reduced for achieving the reduction of running torque. Crownings are provided which are designed to have an outer-ring crowning parameter (=RCO/LRO) in the range of 30 to 150 and an inner-ring crowning parameter (=RCI/LRI) in the range of 50 to 260, provided that RCO denotes the radius of an outer ring crowning, LRO denotes the raceway length of an outer ring, RCI denotes the radius of an inner ring crowning and LRI denotes the raceway length of an inner ring. Thus, the rolling viscous resistance is reduced for achieving the reduction of running torque.
US07677801B2	Non-invasive method and apparatus to locate incision site for spinal surgery A non-invasive means and method locates a target spinal segment on a patient prior to surgery. An apparatus comprises a frame; a plurality of laser diodes projecting planar beams and mounted on the perimeter of the frame; a radio-opaque cable attached to the frame at the location of a laser diode; optionally, a weight is attached to the cable; optionally a rod extends from the frame perimeter; and optionally a bombsight is included within the frame marked with crosshairs. The method comprises the steps of marking a patient's skin; placing the frame on the patient; turning on the laser diodes; rotating the frame until the until a line of visible light is perpendicular to the patient's spine; aligning the cable with the planar laser beam; providing an X-ray source; aligning the X-ray source with the planar laser beam and obtaining an X-ray.
US07677799B2	Coordination of radiological imaging subsystems and components Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for coordinating a radiological imaging subsystem with a component including: a first communication device located on the radiological imaging subsystem; and a second communication device located on the component, wherein the first and second communication devices are capable of communicating to indicate a positional relationship between the radiological imaging subsystem and the component. In an embodiment, the component includes an imaging table. In an embodiment, at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system is determinable based at least in part on the communicating to indicate a positional relationship. In an embodiment, the at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system includes at least one range of motion of a gantry.
US07677798B2	System including a portable device for receiving dental images The system for taking images includes a portable base (2) for managing an image sensor (1) used to take the image of a tooth, providing an electronic image which is transmitted to display circuits (80), and it includes sequencing circuits, which respond to the action of image file validation circuits, the sequencing circuits managing a library, for filing a sequence of image files, by associating, with each validated image file, rank sequence data in the sequence.
US07677790B2	Fluid rotation system for a cavitation chamber A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller located within the cavitation chamber. A motor, coupled to the impeller by a drive shaft, rotates the impeller thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to cavitating the bubbles within the cavitation chamber. In the latter scenario, the impeller can be stopped, and if desired locked, at a specific rotational position, thus minimizing possible interference between the impeller and the source of the cavitation energy. The impeller can be shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the cavitation chamber, for example spherically or cylindrically, and can utilize multiple impeller blades.
US07677789B2	Mixer rotor with spiral core ribs An improved rotor design is provided for an internal batch mixing machine. A rotor has a rotor body with an axially extending central cavity, and with a plurality of mixing wings defined on the outer surface of the rotor body. A plurality of internal reinforcing ribs of generally spiral or curved configuration are defined on the rotor body and project into the cavity.
US07677781B2	Sheet switch module A sheet switch module including a circuit board (22), at least one key switch (25) disposed on the circuit board, and a flexible light guiding sheet (31) which is disposed on the key switch and configured to cover the circuit board, the light guiding sheet being configured to flexibly fit over and follow the shape of the key switch along an outer surface of the key switch, when the light guiding sheet is disposed on the circuit board.
US07677774B2	Vehicle interior illumination apparatus A vehicle interior illumination apparatus includes a first type touch switch which turns illumination ON and OFF when a human body touches a surface of an illumination lens on a vehicle compartment side, and a second type touch switch which switches between linkage and non-linkage between ON and OFF of illumination and a state of a door when the human body moves on the surface of the illumination lens on the vehicle compartment side. The first type touch switch includes a first transparent electrode on a surface of the illumination lens on the light source side for detecting touch of the human body on the surface of the illumination lens on the vehicle compartment side, and the second type touch switch includes a plurality of second transparent electrodes on the surface of the illumination lens on the light source side for detecting movement of the human body on the surface of the illumination lens on the vehicle compartment side.
US07677771B2	Vehicle instrument panel device An instrument panel device includes an instrument panel incorporating a speed meter, an odometer, a main switch and a meter cover covering the instrument panel and the main switch. The main switch is provided with a key cylinder projecting inwardly from the side surface of the meter cover. An inclined surface is formed on the side surface of the meter cover so that the projecting direction of the key cylinder is oriented obliquely downwardly. The inclined surface is formed at a position lowered by one step from the outermost circumferential surface of the meter cover. The resulting configuration reduces the size of the instrument panel device by reducing the depth of the instrument panel device incorporating the main switch with the key cylinder.
US07677767B2	LED lamp having higher efficiency An LED lamp includes a heatsink housing, a heatsink plate mounted on the heatsink housing, an LED module mounted on the heatsink plate, and a circuit board mounted in the heatsink housing and electrically connected to the LED module. Thus, when the LED module is operated, the heat produced by the LED module is transferred by a heat conduction of the heatsink plate and by a heat convection between the heatsink plate and the heatsink housing, so that the heat produced by the LED module is carried away exactly and quickly, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the LED module.
US07677763B2	Method and system for attachment of light emitting diodes to circuitry for use in lighting A method and system for attaching LEDs to circuitry which would protect the LEDs from heat damage and allows for individual LEDs to be removed.
US07677756B2	Backlight module A backlight module including a plurality of lamps, a first circuit board, and a second circuit board is provided. Each lamp has a first electrode and a second electrode. The first circuit board has a plurality of first openings and first conductive clips. The first electrode is disposed to extend through the first opening and to be clamped by the first conductive clip. Furthermore, a plurality of current adjustment devices is disposed on the first circuit board. The current adjustment device is electrically coupled to the first electrode through the first conductive clips. In the backlight module, the conductive clips or clamping pins of the current adjustment devices are used to hold the electrodes of lamps, thereby facilitating the assembly process of backlight module.
US07677755B2	Variable orientation appliance mount A mount for securing an appliance such as a light beam generator to a support or other object at various selected orientations of the appliance. A preferred embodiment of the mount includes a circular element having a wedge-shaped circumferential portion and a plurality of rotationally spaced diametric grooves, and a securement device including first and second opposed surfaces for securingly engaging the circular element's wedge-shaped circumferential portion, the securement device including a bar extending between the first and second opposed surfaces for engaging a selected one of the diametric grooves.
US07677744B2	Ring pointer illumination An illuminated pointer assembly for a gauge scale having an outer periphery includes a pointer that moves about a periphery of the gauge scale and is illuminated by a light guide. The light guide is disposed on a plane below the pointer and the gauge scale. The light guide includes at least two LEDs that are disposed adjacent first and second ends of the light guide. The light guide also includes a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is disposed in sets that are orientated with regard to each of the LEDs. The reflective elements provide for the transmission and direction of light within the light guide into the guide body portion of the pointer.
US07677743B2	Keypad light guide with lined apertures An exemplary process for making a light guide includes the steps of: providing a transparent base sheet; punching the base sheet to form an array of first apertures therein; coating a melted resin material in the first apertures and making the melted resin material fill up the first apertures; solidifying the melted resin material to form a plurality of resin blocks; punching the base sheet to form an array of second apertures in the resin blocks, the second apertures configured for illuminating the keys via at least one light source; and trimming the base sheet with the second apertures to form a light guide. A light guide made by the process is also provided.
US07677741B2	Auxiliary accessory for a vehicle rearview mirror An auxiliary accessory for a vehicle rearview mirror having a linking segment with an outer end, a casing formed on the outer end of the linking segment with an outer rim and a mirror mounted in the casing has a cover and an auxiliary mirror assembly. The cover is detachably mounted on the casing of the vehicle rearview mirror and has a body, a mounting gap and multiple retaining tabs. The body has a shape corresponding to the casing of the vehicle rearview mirror and two mounting recesses. The auxiliary mirror assembly is detachably connected to the cover and has an auxiliary mirror mounted in one of the mounting recesses of the body to increase the viewing range of the vehicle rearview mirror.
US07677740B2	Optical diaphragm and projector An optical diaphragm for adjusting a light quantity of an incident light beam includes: a plurality of light-shielding vanes attached to a circumferential portion of an aperture of a base plate in a manner rotatable along a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of the light beam. The light-shielding vanes may be rotated to change an aperture area of the aperture of the base plate for transmitting the light beam. The plurality of light-shielding vanes each include a vane plate for intercepting the incident light beam; and a bearing integrally provided to the vane plate, the bearing each allowing a rotary shaft to be inserted therein so as to be supported by the rotary shaft. The vane plate is perpendicularly attached to the bearing. The plurality of light-shielding vanes move parallel to each other in an opening and closing direction thereof without crossing with each other.
US07677724B1	Spectacle frame mount for face mask A spectacle frame mount provides secure, removable positioning of a spectacle frame in a gas mask or full face respirator. A spring wire mount supports the spectacle frame between two legs of a loop. The spring wire mount includes two leg portions that have lower ends which terminate adjacent each other when the mount is in its use position. The two leg portions positively engage an internal portion of the full face mask so that the spectacle frame will be positioned within the interior of the mask at a location such that the spectacles will be properly positioned for use by the person wearing the mask.
US07677712B2	Liquid container having foldable portion In an ink pack 24 stored in an ink cartridge 20 of a printer, a first welded portion is formed by bonding both end portions of a sheet of film to each other. A tube-shaped bag portion 31 is formed by the first welded portion. One opening of the bag portion 31 is thermally welded in a state where a supply member 27 is inserted into the film, thereby forming a second welded portion 38. The other opening of the bag portion is sealed through the thermal adhesion, thereby forming a third welded portion 39. The ink volume capable of being stored in the bag portion 31 of the ink pack 24 is larger than the volume in a frame 26c for storing the ink pack 24.
US07677709B2	Liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus The liquid ejection head comprises: a nozzle through which liquid is ejected; a pressure chamber which is connected to the nozzle; a diaphragm which pressurizes the pressure chamber; and a laminated piezoelectric element which causes the diaphragm to deform and is formed on the diaphragm by means of a thin film forming technique, wherein: an effective surface area of the diaphragm forming one inner surface of the pressure chamber is greater than a surface area of a bonding section between the diaphragm and the laminated piezoelectric element; a surface area of an active section of the laminated piezoelectric element is greater than the effective surface area of the diaphragm; and the laminated piezoelectric element is formed in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the laminated piezoelectric element perpendicular to a direction of lamination becomes smaller as receding from the diaphragm.
US07677705B2	Ink jet head for providing stable ink discharge, method of manufacturing the ink jet head, and ink jet recording device An ink jet head with a plurality of ink jetting units enabling the easy filling of ink and an operation for recovering from defective jetting, a method of manufacturing the ink jet head, and an ink jet recording device. The ink jet head comprises a nozzle plate in which a nozzle jetting the ink is formed, a pressure application means applying a pressure to the ink, a wall member holding the nozzle plate, a head plate holding the plurality of ink jetting units, sealing members sealing clearances between the ink jetting units and the head plate so that air is not passed there through and movably supporting the ink jetting units on the head plate by deforming by itself, and fixing members fixing the ink jetting units to the head plate.
US07677696B2	Liquid discharge head In order to suppress peeling of a film formed on a base, and improve the durability and reliability of the film, an overhang is provided on a side surface of a sacrifice layer, whereby a film is formed, which has an edge portion having a thickness distribution, in which a thickness is gradually decreased to substantially zero at an edge of a formed film.
US07677689B2	Method of measuring volumes of ink droplets and method of controlling nozzles of inkjet head using the method A method of measuring the volumes of ink droplets is provided that includes repeatedly forming print patterns each including a plurality of ink droplets ejected from the inkjet head, photographing ink droplets which correspond to each other in terms of ejection order among the ink droplets of the repeatedly formed print patterns and measuring the volumes of the photographed ink droplets.
US07677683B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a recording head mounted on a carriage movable along a recording material, a guide member for guiding the carriage, a bearing member which is mounted to the carriage so as to be movable relative to the carriage in a vertical direction, and a slidable member mounted slidably in a carriage movement direction between the carriage and the bearing member. The slidable member is slid in the carriage movement direction to switch a height position of the carriage with respect to the guide member, whereby a gap between the recording head and the recording material is switched.
US07677681B2	Kimchi refrigerator A refrigerator having improved cooling and cooling recovery is provided. A main body of the refrigerator may include an outer casing that defines an external appearance of the refrigerator, and an inner casing with an open upper face installed in the outer casing to define a storage space therein. The open upper face of the main body may be opened and closed by a door. The inner casing may include a casing upper portion and a casing lower portion coupled to the bottom of the casing upper portion. The casing lower portion may be formed of a material different from that of the casing upper portion. The casing upper portion may be made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and the casing lower portion may be made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity that that of the casing upper portion.
US07677674B2	Cutting machine In a cutting machine (1) with cutting heads or rollers (7) rotationally mounted on a pivotable cutting arm (6), including a loading ramp or a conveyor (9) extending in the direction to the mine face for receiving and removing the cut material, wherein the cutting arm (6) is mounted on a carriage (4) displaceable on guides extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine, the carriage (4) carries guide rods (12) extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine and engaging in tubular guides (13) of the machine frame (3) carrying a chassis (2).
US07677670B2	Patient chair A back for a patient chair with which a patient may be moved from a generally upright sitting position to a generally supine position comprises a back shell and a cushion. The back shell has a front surface, a back surface, a top, a bottom, opposed first and second outer sides, a central section extending longitudinally from a region adjacent the top to a region adjacent the bottom and opposed side sections extending laterally outwardly from the central section toward the first and second outer sides. The cushion is attached to the back shell. The central section of the back shell comprises a plurality of stiffening elements that extend longitudinally of the back shell. A patient chair including the back is also described.
US07677667B2	Fitting for a vehicle seat A fitting has a first fitting part, a second fitting part which is rotatable about an axis relative to the first fitting part, a drivable eccentric mounted rotatably about the axis, locking elements moved radially outward by the eccentric to interact with the second fitting part to lock the fitting, a disc cam which pulls the locking elements radially inwards to unlock the fitting, and a free-pivoting control element which, in a certain free-pivoting angular range corresponding to a relative angular range of the fitting parts, prevents the fitting from locking. The free-pivoting control element has at least one first stop track, and at least one second stop track which is offset axially and/or radially with respect to the first stop track. The locking elements comprise first locking elements which interact with the first stop track, and second locking elements which interact with the second stop track.
US07677664B2	Motor vehicle seat with portions made from composite sheet The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat with an underframe, two side parts and one seat back that is connected to the side parts by a seat back hinge mounting. At least portions of the motor vehicle seat are made from a composite sheet.
US07677658B2	Automotive headrest Disclosed herein is an automotive headrest, which is constructed so that the automotive headrest is not tilted, but is displaced in a straight line in only one direction in a rectilinear motion, and is then returned to its original position. The automotive headrest includes a stay rod having vertical parts secured to a seat, and a horizontal part coupling the vertical parts to each other. A horizontal guide frame is secured to the horizontal part of the stay rod. A ratchet slider is movably mounted to the horizontal guide frame. A ratchet pawl locks or releases the ratchet slider. A tension spring returns the displaced ratchet slider to its original position. A ratchet spring provides tensile force to the ratchet pawl.
US07677646B2	Vehicle frame for work vehicle and method for manufacturing same The vehicle frame for a work vehicle includes a cabin frame that is assembled into a substantially box form. A base frame is welded to the cabin frame. The cabin frame includes left and right side frames, each of which is formed into a loop. The cabin member includes a plurality of cross members for connecting the left and right side frames. Each of the side frames is formed with a single one-piece pipe material having a first end and a second end with the first end connected to the second end such that a tangential direction extending along a region of the first end coincides with a tangential direction extending along a region of the second end. The pipe material has an irregular shape having a recess formed along the entire length between the first end and the second end of the pipe material.
US07677643B2	Body framework construction A body framework construction, includes: a rear seat cross member, extending in a transverse direction of a vehicle, in a rear part of a body in a lower part of a passenger compartment; a dash cross member upper, extending in the transverse direction, in a front part of the passenger compartment; and a backbone, configured into a thin, long shape having a closed cross section, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A front end portion of the backbone is connected to the dash cross member upper via a gusset, and a rear end portion of the backbone is joined to the rear seat cross member. The gusset is deformed more easily than the backbone relative to a force from a front.
US07677638B1	Car and window shield device A car covering for covering and protecting a car and the windows from elements and harsh weather comprising an outer shell having the shape of a vehicle; a set of window coverings removably attached to the outer shell via a set of fastening devices, wherein the set of fastening devices can be detached to allow a set of rigid plate members to be inserted into said window coverings, wherein when the set of rigid plate members are inserted into said window coverings the set of rigid plate members are sandwiched between the respective window coverings and the outer shell, the outer shell comprising a foam layer.
US07677634B2	Foldable top assembly for a golf cart A foldable top assembly for a golf cart having front and rear ends, passenger seating therebetween, rear support attachments disposed rearwardly of front passenger seating, and front supports mounted in front of the passenger seating is disclosed. The foldable top assembly includes an articulated frame including a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending main members connectable to the rear support attachments. A plurality of transversely extending support members is connected to the pair of longitudinally extending main members. A front support member is connected to ends of the longitudinally extending frame members and is detachably connectable to the front supports on the golf cart. A foldable top, such as a fabric or rigid top is mounted on the articulated frame. The frame is foldable to fold and nest the top in a storage position and unfoldable to a use position to cover the passenger seating.
US07677632B2	Roof construction for motor vehicles A roof structure for motor vehicles has at least one roof panel attached to the body of the motor vehicle, a headliner, a linkage for shifting the roof panel from an out-of-service position into a use position, and at least one support element carrying a portion of the headliner for displacement between an out-of-service end position and a working end position. The headliner portion in the respective out-of-service end position covers a motor-vehicle portion and in the working position frees the motor-vehicle portion. The support element is pivotal to displace the portion about a pivot axis fixed relative to the roof panel.
US07677631B1	Vehicle access assembly An access assembly for a vehicle body. The access assembly includes a body panel movably mounted to the vehicle body for movement between an open position and a closed position and defining an access opening. A door assembly is provided on the body panel and has a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vehicle component is disposed in a substantially fixed position with respect to the vehicle body, the vehicle component having a receptacle that is substantially aligned with the access opening when the body panel is in the closed position. The access opening is exposed when the cover is in the open position, and the access opening is concealed when the cover is in the closed position.
US07677628B2	Unit for synchronous extension and retraction of two wire segments, and a motor vehicle having such a unit The invention relates to a unit for synchronous extension and retraction of two wire segments that are wound onto a storage spool in such a way that upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in one rotation direction, both wire segments are synchronously unwound, and upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in the other rotation direction they are synchronously rewound, the wire segments being separated from one another and being fastened at their storage-spool ends to the storage spool, the storage spool comprising a catch that is effective in that rotation direction in which the wire segments are unwound from the storage spool, and is releasable via an actuation device. The invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle using such a unit.
US07677609B2	Reusable fitting for corrugated tubing A fitting for use with corrugated tubing, the fitting comprising: a nut having a passage therethrough for receiving the tubing, the tubing being corrugated tubing having a series of peaks and valleys; a plurality of retainers positioned forward of the nut, the retainers having a sealing surface for placement in a valley of the corrugated tubing; a body having an annular pocket formed circumferentially around the retainers, the body having a body sealing surface, wherein upon sealing, the tubing is compressed between the sealing surface and the body sealing surface; a spring positioned within a cavity in the retainers, the spring driving the retainers into the pocket when the fitting is not sealed.
US07677600B2	Roller ski In-one aspect, a leg activated brake for a foot supporting rolling device, such as a roller ski. Roller skis generally have one wheel mounted to each end of the foot supporting frame which houses a ski binding for the skier's boot. The brake system mounts to the frame of the roller ski and when the brake is activated by the leg, the brake applies frictional force to the rear wheel to stop the roller ski.
US07677591B2	Beach cart for recreation and sports The beach cart has two arcuate rails having two ends. Upon one end, the rails have a handle and on the other end, an axle and a pivoting plate. The axle spans the rails and has two wheels. The plate attaches to each rail at a hinge. The plate pivots from a position perpendicular to the rails to a position folded upon the rails. When unfolded, the plate supports cargo, and when folded, the plate supports a tabletop as the handle is positioned down and the cart positioned flat. Between the rails, a curved panel stiffens the cart. The curved panel has a tube in communication with two openings for carrying an umbrella. Centered at the crest of the panel, an aperture receives a beach umbrella when the invention is placed down at the beach.
US07677589B2	Hitch cover The hitch cover is adaptable to several commercially available trailer hitches. The cover has a flat portion with a hexagonal recess, the recess being about 3 inches across opposite corners. A protective portion, generally perpendicular to the flat portion has a “U” shape and provides a polyurethane padding approximately 1.25 inches thick and 3 inches in depth. A steel plate, interposed between the flat portion and the perpendicular portion, has a hole, the center of which is in alignment with the center of the hexagonal recess. The semicircular portion of the “U” shaped protective portion, moreover, has a general diameter of 5.25 inches between opposite external surfaces of the protective portion and the parallel arms of the “U” shape protruding about 3.75 inches from the semicircular portion.
US07677573B2	Hold'Em table game A method of playing a house-banked casino card game includes dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer hand. The players are provided with options to place wagers, wherein a number of placed wagers in play is determined according to a rank of the dealer hand. Moreover, not all wagers are required for the player to stay in the game.
US07677568B1	Two-sided puzzle and box assembly The unassembled puzzle pieces of a two-sided puzzle are stored in a right-triangular box to form a two-sided puzzle and box assembly. A representation of the image on one side of the two-sided puzzle when assembled is on one triangle-leg first side wall. And a representation of the image on the other side of the puzzle is on the triangle-leg second side wall. Thus, the person assembling the puzzle opens the box, dumps the puzzle pieces out and sets the box up generally with the right angle of the box facing her. She can easily then see both image representations by only moving her head slightly as she puts the puzzle together. She may then figure out which up-or-down way to flip the pieces, as she puts the puzzle together. The puzzle assembly method is also disclosed.
US07677559B2	Apparatus for laterally aligning printed products The apparatus 10 has a conveyor 12 which may be configured as a multiple tape conveyor and the working section 14 of which, which is driven in a conveying direction (F), forms a supporting face 16 for the printed products 18 which accumulate in an overlapping formation (S). An aligning plate 66 is situated on each side of the conveyor 12. The working section 14 of the conveyor can be deflected out of a conveying plane by means of a switching means 34, in order, in particular for the aligning of thin printed products 18 with few pages, to form a bend 62 in the products which reinforces them transversely with respect to the conveying direction (F) so that they can be laterally shifted into alignment by the aligning plates without damage.
US07677558B2	Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus A sheet conveying device for conveying a sheet includes a displacement-amount detector configured to detect an amount of displacement of a conveyed sheet from a conveyance reference in a width direction being substantially perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction and a plurality of sheet conveying roller portions configured to be shiftable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction while pinching the sheet having the amount of displacement detected by the displacement-amount detector. Before the sheet reaches the sheet conveying roller portions, the sheet conveying roller portions are shifted based on the amount of displacement detected by the displacement-amount detector from a conveyance-reference position in a direction in which the sheet is displaced. After the sheet reaches the sheet conveying roller portions, the sheet conveying roller portions are shifted while pinching the sheet so as to reduce the amount of displacement.
US07677555B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus with vibration applying unit A sheet conveying apparatus includes a sheet containing unit that contains sheets; a sheet conveying unit that conveys the sheets; a separating unit that separates a single sheet from the sheets; a holding unit that holds the separating unit; and a vibration applying unit that applies a vibration to any one of the sheets conveyed by the sheet conveying unit and the separating unit before starting conveyance of the sheets.
US07677551B2	Document conveying apparatus A document conveying apparatus (1) includes a conveying unit (30) inside a document feeding section (10), and the conveying unit (30) includes two fans (34) for cooling the inside of the document conveying apparatus (1). The fans (34) are arranged to pass air from upstream to downstream with respect to the document conveying direction. Thus, the stream of air produced by the fan (34) flows along the document conveying direction so that a document sheet is conveyed without being affected by a braking effect. Moreover, the air stream produced by the fan (34) flows along the document conveying passage (13) both on the air intake side and the air exhaust side of the fan (34). This facilitates the conveying of a document sheet by pulling it on the air intake side of the fan (34) and pushing it on the air exhaust side of the fan (34).
US07677542B2	Vacuum-mounted clamp A vacuum-mounted clamp for clamping a first component to a second component. The clamp includes a substantially rigid body having an application face, a back face opposite the application face, a side, and a vacuum port extending between the application face and the back face. The application face has a step adjacent the side for engaging the first component. The clamp includes a flexible seal connected to the rigid body adjacent the application face. The seal has a vacuum port in fluid communication with the vacuum port in the primary body and a periphery for contacting the second component to create a vacuum area between the clamp and the second component. The vacuum port of the body and the seal are in fluid communication with a vacuum generator for generating a vacuum in the vacuum area.
US07677535B1	Railing A railing has its posts and rails intersected with each other and fixed stably together by connecting plates hidden inside the rails. The connecting plate has a wing formed at a preset position between every two posts. The wing has a hole at its center. Each of the rails has a long space defined by three walls of its inverted U-shape, a rectangular opening bored in its top side for being correspondingly inserted by the post, and a female-threaded tube extended downward from an upper inner wall for corresponding to a hole of a wing of the connecting plate so that a screw can be inserted from under the hole to threadably engage with the female-threaded tube to keep the rails fixed with the connecting plates. The railing is thus assembled stably by means of the connecting plates and the screws that are hidden inside the rails, obtaining an aesthetic appearance.
US07677533B2	Guardrail A guardrail defined by a number of vertical supporting posts fixed successively to the ground along the edge of a road, and by one or more longitudinal members fixed successively and substantially horizontally to the vertical posts to form a longitudinal transverse retaining member extending along the edge of the road, at a predetermined height off the ground; each of the longitudinal members being defined by a rigid, controlled-deformation strip of composite material, which is bent back on itself to form a substantially S-shaped first longitudinal portion and a substantially C-shaped second longitudinal portion adjoining and covering the first longitudinal portion, so as to form a tubular, complex-section body extending from one vertical post to another and substantially parallel to and a predetermined height off the ground.
US07677531B1	Non-axial actuable valve capable of retaining both high and low pressures The present invention relates to improved fluid valves actuable by a non-axial movement of an actuation stem. The non-linear actuable valves embodied in the present invention maintain pressure containment through a novel approach over the prior-art. The exemplary embodiments teach improved non-linear actuable valves that reduce the chances for seal extrusion, particularly at elevated retaining pressure, while keeping the component count low, and are capable of functioning under both high and low pressure.
US07677520B2	Longitudinal guide for an automotive vehicle seat The invention relates to a longitudinal guide for an automotive vehicle seat with a surrounding rail (20), a surrounded rail (50), a free longitudinal channel (72) being formed between said rails and a first lateral encompassing area (68) and a second lateral encompassing area (70) located diagonally opposite said first lateral encompassing area being provided, with said surrounding rail (20) forming an outer grip around said surrounded rail (50) and the roll bodies (73-75) being disposed in a respective one of said areas, with guide channels for the roll bodies (73-75) being formed between the rails in the encompassing areas (68, 70). One guide channel (76) only is formed in the first encompassing area (68) while two guide channels (77, 78) are formed in the second encompassing area (70).
US07677517B2	Swivel stand A swivel stand of the present invention has a mechanism by which while equipment 1 such as a TV monitor or monitor camera is rotated manually, the rotation of the equipment 1 (TV monitor 1) is controlled such that a disc 4 fixed by a worm gear 8 slides on a pole 2 joined to the equipment, or by which while the equipment 1 is rotated by the motor 9, the rotation of the equipment 1 is controlled such that the disc 4 rotated by the worm gear 8 synchronizes the pole 2 joined to the equipment 1.
US07677516B2	Arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices An extension arm suitable for mounting an electronic device. The extension arm also includes a pair of end caps. The extension arm also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the end caps. The upper channel includes an integrally formed boss for securing a ball stud. A tensioning assembly is contained within the extension arm having one end coupled to the ball stud and the other end coupled to one of the end caps. The upper and lower channels and the end caps form an adjustable parallelogram.
US07677511B2	Load-bearing frameworks Load-bearing frameworks (40), tables or the like with four feet have at least one foot being formed by a cap (1) which is associated with a cap-carrier (2). The cap (1) can be rotated about a horizontal axis (25). The cap (1) forms a standing surface (3) by way of a portion of its circumferential surface (5). For stabilizing purposes, the circumferential surface (5) runs along a helical curve around the horizontal axis (25).
US07677509B2	Monitor stand A monitor stand is provided and includes a base, a stand body, a stand top assembly, an upper hinge assembly, a top slide, a first elastic member, and a locking unit. The stand body is supported by the base. The stand top assembly is pivotably supported by the stand body. The upper hinge assembly is provided with a rotating shaft to pivotably connect the stand body to the stand top assembly. The top slide slides along the stand top assembly and has a monitor mounted thereon. The first elastic member is supported on the stand top assembly, to impart an upward elasticity to the top slide. The locking unit restricts a sliding of the top slide with respect to the stand top assembly, when the stand top assembly is pivoted from a vertical position to beyond a predetermined angle.
US07677508B1	Easy sweep trash bag holder A bag holder combined with a trash bag for easy pickup and removal of leaves on a ground surface. The bag holder is a self-standing frame that has two adjustable legs to allow the bag holder to stand upward by itself. An attached clip holds a garbage in place in an open position so that leaves may easily be swept or blown into the bag.
US07677506B1	Truck air hose holder An apparatus for holding a plurality of rearwardly extending coiled lines on a truck in an elevated side-by-side position for line-protection purposes includes an assembly having a first section, a second section, and components for holding the assembly together. A plurality of at least two line-gripping portions (preferably three) extend away from the elongated portion radially relative to the axis of elongation and in spaced-apart relationship to each other. The line-gripping portions define line-receiving openings with central axes extending intermediate the first and second sections generally parallel to the axis of elongation. So constructed, the apparatus provides sidewardly extending openings for receiving upwardly disposed and sidewardly extending loop portions of the rearwardly extending coiled lines.
US07677504B2	Gutter cover clip A cutter clip and methods for installing a gutter cover onto a gutter system are disclosed. The gutter clip includes a mouth portion sized to provide an interference fit between the gutter cover and the mouth portion of the clip which stationarily secures the gutter cover to the gutter clip. The gutter clip is further provided with a mounting portion that fastens to the lip of a gutter. Once assembled, the gutter clip of the present invention provides minimum horizontal and vertical tolerances between the gutter and the gutter cover, such that water may flow freely into the gutter channel, but does not permit debris to be lodged therein.
US07677503B2	Rework bracket for electrical outlet boxes A bracket for electrical outlet boxes that includes: a first end section, a middle section and a second end section, wherein each section has a substantially planar surface, a first side, a second side, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the middle section is offset from and substantially parallel to the first and second end sections; first and second offset portions connecting the middle section to the first and second end sections; first and second opposing ends extending upwardly and substantially perpendicular to the first and second end sections; a first tab and a second tab extending in opposing relation to each other from the first side of the first and second ends; a first leg and a second leg extending downwardly from the second side of the first and second end sections; and a bendable member extending from the first side of the middle section.
US07677502B2	Method and apparatus for generating lift A method of generating lift for a vehicle including heating a flow of gas using a gas generator mounted on the vehicle that contributes no more than about ten percent of thrust used to propel the vehicle in a forward direction, and driving a lift fan using the heated gas flow to generate lift for the vehicle.
US07677500B2	Aircraft structural element provided with a cavity and drainage element An aircraft structural element having a cavity. The structural element has an opening in a wall of the cavity through which moisture located in the cavity can escape into the surroundings, wherein a drainage element for sealing the opening in the wall of the cavity is provided in the opening. In order that the structural element can be produced with a low expenditure on components and assembly equipment, the drainage element comprises a hollow cylinder which connects the cavity of the structural element to the surroundings, which is provided with an external thread having a predefined external diameter, and a head at one end which has a predefined diameter, wherein the external diameter of the thread is smaller than the head diameter.
US07677498B2	Device and method for fastening an aircraft radome A radome system for fastening an aircraft radome, wherein the system includes a plurality of first fasteners each designed to put the radome into a position along two distinct axes contained in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of this fastener; and a plurality of second fasteners each designed to put the radome into a position along a single axis of a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of this fastener.
US07677493B2	Engine assembly for aircraft comprising an engine and a mounting device for such an engine The invention relates to an aircraft engine assembly (1) including an engine (6) and an engine mounting device (4), the mounting device being designed to be inserted between a wing of the aircraft and the engine, and comprising a rigid structure (8) and means of mounting the engine onto the rigid structure, the mounting means comprising a forward fastener (10) and an aft fastener (12). According to the invention, the aft fastener comprises two aft half-fasteners (12a) that will each resist at least the forces applied along a longitudinal direction (X) of the engine, and the two aft half-fasteners are arranged so that a horizontal plane (P) passing through a longitudinal axis (5) of the engine passes through each of them.
US07677488B2	Recording tape cartridge A recording tape cartridge which includes a case, a reel including a hub accommodated in the case, a locking member supported to be non-rotatable relative to the case and disposed within the hub, and a switching member disposed in the case. The hub is provided with an engaging portion therein. The locking member can attain a rotation-locking position, at which the locking member engages with the engaging portion and fills a gap between the reel and the case in an axial direction of the reel, and a rotation-enabling position, at which the state of engagement with the engaging portion is released and the locking member being withdrawn from the gap. The switching member retains the locking member at the rotation-locking position at times of non-use of the recording tape, and moves the locking member to the rotation-enabling position when operated in a predetermined direction by a drive device.
US07677486B2	Assembly of an electrodynamic fractionating unit The assembly of an electrodynamic fractionating unit, for the fragmentation, milling or suspension of a brittle, mineral process material is disclosed. The energy store including the output switch/spark gap thereof, the electrodes including the supply line and the reaction vessel are each arranged at least within the protection of the electrically necessary insulating separation of regions of differing electrical potential, completely enclosed in a volume of the encapsulation, having electrically-conducting walls. The wall thickness of the encapsulation is at least equivalent to the penetration depth, corresponding to the lowest components of the Fourier spectrum of the pulsed electromagnetic field. The electrode at reference potential is connected to the ground side of the energy store through the encapsulation wall. The electrode at high voltage is connected by the shortest path to the output switch on the energy store.
US07677483B2	Substrate destruction apparatus with shared rotating shaft A substrate destruction apparatus for destruction of paper and optical discs, wherein first and second shafts are used for shredding paper fed through a paper receiving opening and second shaft is shared such that the second shaft and a stationary structure are used to damage optical discs. First and second shafts are provided with a plurality of cutter elements that interleave with when rotated relative to each other during use in a paper mode. When the apparatus is operated in a disc destruction mode, the shared second shaft is rotated in an opposite direction than the paper shredding direction and interleaves with the stationary structure to at least damage an optical disc fed through the disc receiving opening. Cutting elements on the second shaft have radial projections and protrusions for damaging at least the surface of the disc with a plurality of scratches, depressions, or cuts, rendering the disc unreadable.
US07677478B2	Fuel injection valve A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes an energizable actuator, a valve needle, which is in operative connection with the actuator and acted upon by a restoring spring in a closing direction to actuate a valve-closure member, which forms a sealing seat together with a valve-seat surface formed at a valve-seat body. The valve-seat body includes at least two spray-discharge orifices. The pressure of the fuel flowing through the fuel injector is greater than 10 bar.
US07677476B2	Extension pole apparatus An apparatus includes an extension pole, a hydraulic valve, and a handle containing the valve. The handle has a forward end portion configured to receive the extension pole in an installed position. The handle also has a pistol grip portion inclined from the forward end portion. A valve trigger is supported on the handle. The valve trigger has a pistol grip section that extends along the pistol grip portion of the handle within reach of a user's hand grasping the pistol grip portion from behind. The valve trigger further has an upper grip section that projects forward beneath the installed position of the extension pole within reach of a user's hand grasping the extension pole from above.
US07677473B2	Spout for foaming and saving water A spout for foaming and saving water has a shell, a foaming assembly mounted in the shell, a sieving assembly mounted on a faucet end of the foaming assembly and a regulator mounted through the foaming assembly. The foaming assembly has a sleeve, a distributor mounted in the sleeve, a foaming ring mounted between the sleeve and the distributor and an inlet valve mounted on a faucet end of the sleeve. The spout is mounted on an outlet of a faucet to allow water to flow through the sieving assembly and the foaming assembly and mix with air to foam to provide foaming water flowing out of the spout. Impurities in the water do not clog the foam assembly and water flow is regulated with the regulator selectively mounted in a water flow hole of the inlet valve.
US07677472B2	Drilled and integrated secondary fuel nozzle and manufacturing method A secondary fuel nozzle is formed by brazing and welding a central core, a cylindrical body, and a unitary secondary fuel nozzle portion. The central core has a central bore for receiving a liquid fuel cartridge, and at least two passages concentric with the central bore. The secondary fuel nozzle portion includes a base flange and a main shaft having a central bore for aligning with the central bore of the core and for receiving the liquid fuel cartridge, and a plurality of peripheral bores disposed at spaced locations about the central bore for flow communication with the concentric passages of the core. The core is brazed to the base flange and the cylindrical body is disposed around the core and welded to the base flange to define a one-piece secondary fuel nozzle assembly.
US07677471B2	Modular fuel nozzle and method of making A modular fuel nozzle configuration is defined which permits lower-cost manufacturing operations such as injection moulding to be employed. Also described is a method of making such a component.
US07677468B2	Inductive heated injector using additional coil A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The second coil also is electrically connected to pass current induced from the first coil into a component in thermal contact with the flowing fuel. The current from the secondary coil resistibly heats the component to provide an alternate mode of heating fuel flow.
US07677464B1	Specialized space control and monitoring system A specialized space control and monitoring system preferably includes a controller, a software program and a touch screen monitor. The software program is run on the controller. The controller may include a plurality of inputs and outputs for directly monitoring and/or controlling at least one parameter in a room. The plurality of inputs read various sensors. The plurality of outputs are used to actuate control devices for changing various functions. However, the controller could be connected to a facility controller. The touch screen monitor provides access to the software program. The software program preferably includes a selection screen, a parameter display screen, a setpoint screen and a room overview screen.
US07677463B2	Process for tag imaging and decoding of machine readable coded data Provided is a process for tag imaging and decoding of machine readable coded data which comprises a plurality of layouts. Each layout has at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout encodes a first codeword comprising a sequence of at least n first symbols, the first symbols being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the first symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the first codeword. Each representation includes a different cyclic shift of the first codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout. Each representation also includes a second codeword comprising a number of second symbols, the second codeword being indicative of information regarding the respective layout. The process includes the steps of acquiring an image which includes said coded data, enhancing said image to obtain improved image contrast and uniform pixel intensities, and identifying at least one layout. The process also includes decoding the layout to determine at least a representation of the first codeword, and determining a degree of rotation of the layout from the decoded representation.
US07677451B2	Reducing incident infrared radiation received by one or more infrared detectors in a self checkout point of sale system A self checkout POS system including a security zone; an emitting tower including one or more infrared emitters; a detecting tower including one or more infrared detectors, the detecting tower located on a side of the security zone opposite the side on which the emitting tower is located, the infrared detectors of the detecting tower aligned for reception of infrared radiation emitted by the infrared emitters of the emitting tower; a security shield installed on one side of the detecting tower; and a security shield installed on one side of the emitting tower, the security shield installed on one side of the emitting tower including: a clear acrylic pane; and a polycarbonate film having a matte finish, the polycarbonate film laminated to the clear acrylic pane with an adhesive, the polycarbonate film capable of reducing incident infrared radiation transmitted through and reflected by the clear acrylic pane.
US07677449B2	Automatic integrated sensing and access control An access control system for sensing exposure to items of interest for a person associated with a unique identifier of a fare card or ticket is disclosed. The access control system includes the unique identifier, an exposure detector and a processor. The unique identifier associated with the person that is flagged when exposure is detected. The exposure detector detects exposure to items of interest by the person. The processor is coupled to the exposure detector. The message is communicated away from the processor to a remote location when the unique identifier is flagged.
US07677443B2	Depositing items of value A method of depositing items of value, the method comprising 1) receiving a tamper evident and coded container holding the items of value, the code relating to the content of the container; 2) verifying that the package has been received in an acceptable manner, and, if it has, 3) either incrementing an account with the value of the items of value in the container by reference to the code and without opening the container, or, if the account has previously been incremented, leaving the account unchanged.
US07677442B2	Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.
US07677441B2	Relaxed currency constraints The subject invention pertains to transaction processing systems and methodologies that allows update transactions to read stale data copies and update a data store therewith. Each transactional operation, including a read, can carry or be associated with one or more freshness constraints or tests that specify how fresh a data copy must be in order to be read. More specifically, the subject invention provides systems and methods that extend transactions and serializability to account for out-of-date reads that are justified by freshness requirements.
US07677438B2	Radio frequency certificates of authenticity Radio frequency certificates of authenticity (RFCOAs) are presented. In one implementation, a scattering agent is attached to an object to provide a reproducible radio frequency (RF) fingerprint that can be used to authenticate a tag or a seal for the object. In one implementation, the RF fingerprint is measured and digitized, combined with information associated with the object to which the RFCOA is attached, and stored in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system associated with the RFCOA. A scanner receives the fingerprint and the information and authenticates the information by comparing the fingerprint against a new fingerprint obtained from the object.
US07677424B2	Portable shoehorn A portable shoehorn that can be easily and quickly be used by a user to put on his/her shoes, scratch his/her back when itchy, and massage a part of his/her body when stress is to be relieved. In the portable shoehorn 1, a plate member, which is bent in the breadth direction, is also bent in the longitudinal direction approximately like a bow into a slender plate to form a shoehorn and a grip section 1a is fold into two at the central portion to reduce the total length approximately by half. A backscratcher 2 is formed at the tip of the grip section 1a and an elastic body 3 for patting the body is mounted attachably/detachably to the backscratcher 2 and to the shoehorn portion 1b of the shoehorn section.
US07677422B2	Spout assembly for liquid container A spout assembly for a liquid container includes a spouting member formed on an outlet of the container, a closer coupled on the spouting member, a male seal structure formed on the spouting member, and a female seal structure formed on the closer, the female seal structure corresponding to the male seal structure.
US07677420B1	Aerosol spray texture apparatus for a particulate containing material A texturing system for applying texture material to a surface. The texturing system comprises a container, a valve assembly, texture material, and propellant material. The container assembly defines a product chamber. The valve assembly is mounted to the container assembly and is operable in closed and open configurations. The texture material comprises a coating portion and a particulate portion and is disposed within the product chamber. The particulate portion comprises urethane particles. The propellant material is disposed within the product chamber and is substantially inert to the urethane particles. Operation of the valve assembly in the open configuration allows the propellant material to force the texture material from the product chamber and onto the surface.
US07677418B2	Bone cement cartridge with a releasably locked drive piston, the piston configured to be unlocked by a delivery device A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided. The system includes a mixing cartridge for receiving liquid and powder components of bone cement, a mixing blade for mixing the components, and a delivery gun for discharging the bone cement from the mixing cartridge. The mixing cartridge comprises a cylinder having proximal and distal ends with a cylinder wall extending between the ends. A piston is locked at the distal end by a locking member that includes a pair of locking tabs protruding into slots in the cylinder wall. With the piston in the locked position, the mixing blade mixes the components. After mixing, the cartridge is placed in the delivery gun and release buttons on the locking member are engaged by a release mechanism on the delivery gun to release the piston from the locked position.
US07677417B2	Storage/dispensing system and method for the application of a flowable substance A storage/dispensing system (9) for a flowable dental substance is described with a solvent-tight, resiliently deformable container (10) for the storage and provision of the flowable dental substance and a dispensing device (1) connected to the container (10) for discharging the flowable dental substance from the container (10), with a cup (2) which has an outlet orifice (3) and a wall (4, 4′) in which a passage orifice (5) is provided for introducing the flowable dental substance from the container (10), wherein the passage orifice (5) has a cross-sectional area of 0.001 to 0.1 mm2 and the outlet orifice (3) has a cross-sectional area of 0.5 to 5 mm2, and wherein the inside of the cup (2) has a cross-section which is constant and/or reduces from the passage orifice (5) to the outlet orifice (3).
US07677416B2	In-line manually operated liquid dispenser with simplified construction A hand operated liquid dispenser has a simplified, in-line construction that reduces the number of component parts of the dispenser and thereby reduces the dispenser's manufacturing costs. The in-line construction of the liquid dispenser coaxially aligns a liquid discharge orifice, a liquid discharge passage, and a pump chamber of the dispenser. The construction provides a compact liquid dispenser that can be easily held in one hand by a user and manipulated by the fingers of the user's hand to pump liquid from a bottle attached to the liquid dispenser and dispense the liquid in a variety of different discharge patterns.
US07677408B2	Laundry basket with hip hugging feature A laundry basket has a bottom panel with a perimeter. A contiguous side wall extends generally upward from the perimeter of the bottom panel and terminates at an upper end. A basket interior is defined above the bottom panel and bounded by the side wall. A curved wall section of the side wall is curved concavely inward toward the basket interior. The bottom panel and the contiguous side wall, including the curved wall section, are formed of a primary material. A cushion pad is positioned generally at the upper end of the curved wall section and is formed from a secondary material that is softer than the primary material of the curved wall portion.
US07677406B2	Insulating container An insulation container includes a flexible exterior container and a rigid interior container for maintaining stored items at a cool temperature. The exterior housing includes a lid for selectively sealing the entire open top thereof for selectively inserting or removing large or multiple items, the lid having an auxiliary door for quickly removing small or single items from the internal storage area. Opening only the auxiliary door also helps to maintain the internal temperature for a longer time than is possible if the entire lid is opened. The interior housing may be constructed of stainless steel for enhanced insulation with an intermediate housing sandwiched between interior and exterior housings. The intermediate housing may include a rubber material for preventing condensation from forming on the exterior housing.
US07677400B2	Cable management assembly, system and method A cable management assembly, and method related thereto, including a panel having an interface portion. The interface portion having a plurality of discrete openings, including first and second shaped apertures. The assembly further including cable management devices having securing structure including a flexible tab and a locating element. The securing structure being configured to mount the cable management devices at selected vertical and horizontal locations on the panel. The cable management assembly being configured to mount between two adjacent telecommunication racks or to an end of a telecommunication rack.
US07677396B2	De-inking screen Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.
US07677384B2	Apparatus for transporting containers to at least one processing station An apparatus for transporting containers to at least one processing station, in particular a filling and/or sealing station, having a number of container carriers that accommodate the containers and having two parallel guides spaced apart from each other and extending in the transverse direction, which are used for the advance and return of the container carriers and have turnaround devices at their ends that perform the function of switching the container carriers from one guide into the other guide; pinions are also provided for transporting the container carriers and are situated between the guides and engage the container carriers. The turnaround devices each have arc guides that adjoin the ends of the two guides and are connected to them and that also transition in the arc from one guide to the other guide.
US07677383B2	Guide path for electronic components A guide path for electronic components has guide elements by means of which the components are guided obliquely with respect to the direction of the light beams at least in the area of a light barrier, such that the component produces a shadow area which is higher than the side end surface of the component.
US07677382B2	Method and apparatus for assembling and manufacturing An assembling apparatus and method easily applicable to an existing production line and capable of improving assembling quality and reducing equipment cost. The assembling apparatus performs processing such as part assembling or the like to a processed part which is free-flow conveyed by a processed part conveyor. The processing is performed by a robot which is conveyed in the same direction as the processed part by a robot conveyor having its own motor. The processed part conveyor is provided with a removable pallet for supporting the processed part. The robot conveyor comprises a turntable which mounts and rotationally positions the robot thereon, a pallet support provided on the turntable so that the removed pallet from the processed part conveyor is supported thereon, and a connector for connecting with the processed part conveyor to synchronously convey the same.
US07677380B2	Optical sensing device for detecting optical features of valuable papers An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64. Thus, the optical sensing device can derive plural optical scanning patterns by means of less number of light emitting and receiving elements to improve accuracy in valuable paper validation; can pick out optical patterns for different colors printed on valuable paper by means of plural lights of different wavelength irradiated on a same scan line or area on valuable paper; and can utilize inexpensive light emitting and receiving elements to reduce cost for manufacture.
US07677377B2	Multimembered core plate A core plate is provided including a plurality of stamped metal semi-trapezoidal members formed from a linear portion of planar stock material. Each member has teeth along a common edge and is connected to an adjoining member by an integral cord. The members are wound into a closed ring.
US07677375B2	Drive force transmission device A drive force transmission device has an outer clutch plate and an inner clutch plate, which are rotatable relative to each other about a common rotational axis. The inner and outer clutch plates become frictionally engaged with each other with lubricant oil provided in between. The outer and inner clutch plates each have a sliding surface. The sliding surfaces face each other. A diamond-like carbon film is formed on the sliding surface of the outer clutch plate. Fine grooves are formed in the sliding surface of the inner clutch plate. The proportion of the sliding area to the sliding surface of the inner clutch plate at the initial stage of use is 55 to 90%.
US07677374B2	Axial setting device with torque determining means A method of determining the coupling moment in a friction coupling with an electro-mechanical actuator which comprises a supporting element axially supported in a housing and a displaceable setting element axially supported on said supporting element, wherein the supporting element is axially supported in the housing via an undisplaceably enclosed hydraulic medium and that the pressure in the hydraulic medium is measured and used by lookup tables of values for the actuator and for the friction coupling for the purpose of calculating the coupling moment in a central ECU.
US07677370B2	Energy absorbing device An energy absorbing device, particularly for single-use occupant protection in vehicles on the action of an external force, has a free-flowing medium which is forced through a constriction by a mobile pressure element on the action of an external force. A pull device or tension device pulls on the pressure element on the action of the external force.
US07677349B2	Drive unit for motor vehicles The invention relates to a drive unit for motor vehicles, comprising an internal combustion engine, a transmission which is mounted downstream therefrom and is provided with an integrated differential, and a separating clutch that is disposed between the internal combustion engine and the transmission. The differential is driven via a bevel wheel and a bevel-gear drive comprising a drive pinion on an output shaft of the transmission. In order to create a drive unit that is advantageous regarding structure and efficiency, the bevel wheel (48) of the differential (16) is placed laterally from the separating clutch (26) from a vertical perspective and partly protrudes (A) therefrom in an axial direction.
US07677343B2	Four-wheeled utility vehicle A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.
US07677342B2	Hybrid system of vehicle Disclosed is a hybrid system of vehicle capable of accurately generating an engine output in conformity to a required vehicle driving power and suppressing an electric power loss even when a battery is used for correcting electric power to prevent occurrence of overshoot or undershoot. The hybrid system of vehicle is designed to drive a generator by an engine and supply an electric power generated by the generator directly to a wheel-driving electric motor so as to drive the motor. The hybrid system of vehicle comprises required motor output setting means for setting a required output of the motor depending on a required vehicle driving power, required generator output setting means for setting a required output of the generator depending on the required motor output set by the required motor output setting means, and engine output setting means for setting an output of the engine depending on the required generator output set by the required generator output setting means.
US07677341B2	Hybrid vehicle and control method of hybrid vehicle When the driver heavily depresses an accelerator pedal to start a hybrid vehicle in an engine stop condition, the control of the invention waits until elapse of a preset wait time and then starts outputting a torque equivalent to a preset torque demand to a ring gear shaft or a driveshaft. The preset wait time is determined not to make the driver feel uncomfortable with a poor response. This arrangement desirably shortens a time period when the vehicle acceleration is restricted due to insufficient power output until the engine starts to output sufficient power and make significant contribution to the vehicle acceleration. The control of the invention thus desirably prevents the driver from feeling the unexpectedly slow acceleration.
US07677340B2	Hybrid-type forklift When an engine is operated, a power dividing mechanism divides power of the engine to output the power to a motor for running operation and a motor for a cargo handling operation, respectively. Each of loads is driven via a rotational shaft of a corresponding one of the motors. By operating the engine and supplying the motors with electric power from a battery to operate the motors, each of the loads can also be driven by the sum of power of the engine and power of a corresponding one of the motors. When surplus power is generated in the power of the engine, each of the motors is operated as an electric power generating unit by the surplus power. As a result, the battery is charged.
US07677339B2	Vehicle suspension arrangement An arrangement for a suspension for a load carrying vehicle is provided. The suspension is provided with air springs and comprises at least one front axle and at least two rear axles, and each rear axle is provided with at least one pair of corresponding suspension air springs and at least one air spring is provided for lifting one of the rear axles. The suspension air springs for at least the rearmost axle is connected to the air spring for lifting one of the rear axles by a conduit for compressed air, which conduit is provided with a controllable valve, whereby the controllable valve is arranged to open during a vehicle loading process. A vehicle provided with the arrangement, and a method for carrying out a loading operation using the arrangement, are also described.
US07677337B2	Construction device, in particular drilling device The invention relates to a construction device comprising a carrier vehicle with an undercarriage, a mast element arranged at the front side of the carrier vehicle and a winch drum, which is supported in a rotatable manner on the carrier vehicle. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the winch drum to be adjustable between a first position, in which it is arranged on the upper side of the carrier vehicle, and a second position, in which it is arranged in a rear portion of the carrier vehicle.
US07677331B2	AC coiled tubing rig with automated drilling system and method of using the same A method of automatic drilling of a well with coil tubing or drill pipe tubing utilizes AC motors coupled to variable frequency drives controlled by a programmable logic controller. For example, a coil tube injector is supported in a mast for injecting coil tube from a reel and into a wellbore for drilling the wellbore. The AC motors for the injector are driven for controlling a rate of injection of coil tube by the injector for maintaining at least one drilling parameter such as weight-on-bit, differential mud pressure or rate of penetration. The AC motor for the reel is also controlled for driving the reel and maintaining a relative rate of coil tube supplied from the reel to the injector. Drawworks and a top drive supported by the draworks can also be equipped with AC motors and variable frequency drives for controlling a drilling rate for maintaining at least one of the drilling parameters.
US07677329B2	Method and device for controlling drilling fluid pressure A method of reducing drilling fluid pressure during subsea drilling, where drilling fluid is pumped down into a borehole and then flows back to a drilling rig via the lined and/or unlined sections of the borehole and a liner, wherein the drilling fluid pressure is controlled by pumping drilling fluid out of the liner at the seabed, and where the liner annulus above the drilling fluid is filled with a riser fluid having a density different from that of the drilling fluid.
US07677327B2	Percussion mechanism for a repetitively hammering hand power tool A percussion mechanism for a repetitively hammering hand power tool in the form of a rotary hammer has a striker movable axially forward and backward in a guide barrel and imparting impacts directly and without any intermediate parts to an end section of a tool bit that is insertable into the hand power tool, a device that exerts pressure on the striker, by which the striker is capable of being set into a forward motion in the direction of the tool bit, a blocking element, with which the striker is blockable in its forward motion, and the striking frequency of the striker is adjustable by controlling the blocking time of the blocking element, so that the striking frequency of the striker depends on how long the blocking element blocks the forward motion of the striker.
US07677322B2	System and method for a low drag flotation system A low drag flotation system for placing screens in horizontal wells is provided which includes a screen exterior to the washpipe to be placed for sand control, and hydraulically actuated valves for trapping air within the washpipe. The air in the washpipe creates a buoyancy force that decreases the drag force of the pipe string in the horizontal well, allowing it to move further down the well under its own weight. As a result, screens can be placed in longer lengths of horizontal wells to maximize oil and gas production.
US07677319B2	Subsea tree cap and method for installing the subsea tree cap A retrievable tree cap for use on a subsea tree having a concentric bore. The tree cap may be installed and retrieved using a remotely operated vehicle. Hydraulic pressure may be used to lock the tree cap onto the subsea tree and to set the tree cap seals. The tree cap is locked onto the subsea tree before setting the seals within the concentric bore. The tree cap includes a locking means that may engage a profile within the subsea tree regardless of the radial orientation of the tree cap. The tree cap may be used to hydraulically isolate an annulus bore from the production bore of the subsea tree. The tree cap may provide for the injection of a corrosion inhibitor within a cavity of the tree cap and may also provide for the removal of water trapped between the tree cap and the subsea tree.
US07677313B2	Method for controlling water influx into wellbores by blocking high-permeability channels A method of blocking a high permeability channel in communication with a wellbore, including the steps of introducing an amount of an unreinforced gel into the high permeability channel via the wellbore and introducing an amount of a reinforced gel comprising an amount of a reinforcing material into the high permeability channel via the wellbore. The method may further include the step, after introducing the unreinforced gel and the reinforced gel into the high permeability channel, of introducing an amount of a chaser fluid into the wellbore.
US07677307B2	Apparatus and methods to remove impurities at a sensor in a downhole tool Apparatus and methods to remove impurities at a sensor in a downhole tool are disclosed. During the testing and/or sampling of formation fluid in a borehole, the downhole tool creates a transient high rate of fluid flow of the formation fluid to remove impurities at the sensor.
US07677300B2	Method for making brazed heat exchanger and apparatus Disclosed is a heat exchanger comprising a boiling passage and cooling passage defined by opposite sides of metal walls. Layers of brazing material between the metal walls and a spacer member bond components of the heat exchanger together. An enhanced boiling layer (EBL) comprising metal particles bonded to each other and to a boiling side of the metal wall provides nucleate boiling pores to improve heat transfer. The EBL has a melting temperature that is higher than the melting temperature of the brazing material. Also disclosed is a process for assembling the heat exchanger.
US07677297B2	Reducing residual stresses during sand casting Residual stress is reduced in light metal alloy articles, e.g. aluminum alloy articles, formed as castings against a sand casting mold body by incorporating a wax composition of suitable softening or melting temperature with the sand particles of the mold or core body. The hot cast metal heats adjoining surfaces of the mold body. As the cooling metal forms a solid shell, the surrounding sand particle and wax mixture are heated sufficiently to melt or soften the wax incorporated on or between sand particles. This softens portions of the rigid mold body that could otherwise restrain shrinking surfaces of the casting and produce unwanted stressed regions that are retained in the casting and must be removed by subsequent processing.
US07677295B2	Die casting process incorporating computerized pattern recognition techniques A die casting process using pattern recognition techniques to identify those die castings manufactured under conditions likely to produce a die casting which would subsequently prove unacceptable for use. By promptly identifying such die castings, they may be discarded before being shipped to a remote facility for further processing. As a result, the rejection rate of die castings at the remote facility may be reduced and the raw materials used to form the discarded die castings may be more readily recycled.
US07677273B2	Beading loom with removable warp thread cartridge The beading loom with a removable warp thread cartridge has warp threads mounted in a cartridge that is removably received in a frame of the loom, allowing the user to bead the threads in a conventional manner, but without having to wrap the threads on the loom manually. Once finished with one beading product, the user may then remove the cartridge from the loom and replace the beaded project with a fresh cartridge of warp threads. The frame has an elongated base having an adjustable length along the longitudinal direction.
US07677261B1	High flow, low mobile weight quick disconnect system A fluid coupling device and coupling system that may start and stop the flow of a fluid is disclosed. In some embodiments, first and second couplings are provided having an actuator coupled with each of the couplings. The couplings and actuators may be detachable to provide quick disconnect features and, in some embodiments, provide unitary actuation for the actuators of the coupling device to facilitate connection in mobile applications. Actuation may occur as the two couplings and actuators are engaged and disengaged and may occur by rotational actuation of the actuators. Rotational actuation can be provided to ensure flow through the coupling device, which in some embodiments may further provide an offset venturi feature. Upon disengagement, a compression element such as a compression spring can be provided to return the actuators to a closed position. Some embodiments further provide a seal external to the actuators and provided at incipient engagement of the couplings.
US07677258B2	Wheel washing assembly for an automated carwash and method of operating the wheel washing assembly A wheel washing assembly contains a machine frame, a pendulum assembly pivotably supported on the machine frame, and two washing manifolds, including a first washing manifold and a second washing manifold, attached to the pendulum assembly. Each of the washing manifolds has a nozzle assembly for ejecting water at a wheel to be washed. The washing manifolds are pivotable between a start washing position and an end washing position by an automatic motion of the pendulum assembly. The washing manifolds further automatically track the wheels to be washes by a motion of one of the wheels.
US07677254B2	Reduction of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide in smoking articles using iron oxynitride Smoking article components, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided that use nitrided transition metal oxide nanoscale particles and/or nitrided transition metal oxide clusters capable of catalyzing and/or oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or adsorbing carbon monoxide and catalyzing and/or reducing nitric oxide to nitrogen and/or adsorbing nitric oxide. Cut filler compositions, cigarette paper and cigarette filter material can comprise nitrided transition metal oxide nanoscale particles and/or nitrided transition metal oxide clusters.
US07677252B2	Cigarette manufacturing apparatus with an in-line flavoring device A cigarette manufacturing apparatus has an applicator that is interposed in a wrapping paper supply path for continuously supplying wrapping paper to a hoist and applies an aroma chemical to the wrapping paper, a high-frequency dielectric heating device that is installed in the applicator and dries the wrapping paper applied with the aroma chemical, and a warm air blower that supplies warm air to the inside of the high-frequency dielectric heating device and dehumidifies the inside of the device. Particularly, used as the high-frequency dielectric heating device is one that has one or more electrode pairs arranged opposite each other at a prescribed distance and applied with a high-frequency voltage in a range of from 10 to 100 MHz, and applies a high-frequency electric field to the wrapping paper introduced to between the electrodes to dielectrically heat the wrapping paper, so that the wrapping paper is provided to cigarette production after the aroma chemical applied to the wrapping paper is properly dried.
US07677240B2	Food oven An oven comprising a cooking chamber, a first tube having an inlet end associated with a heat source and defining an outlet opening disposed within the cooking chamber for delivering heat from the heat source through the outlet opening of the first tube to a first area of the cooking chamber, and a second tube having an end associated with the heat source and defining an outlet opening disposed within the cooking chamber for delivering heat from the heat source through the outlet opening of the second tube to a second area of the cooking chamber, the outlet opening of the second tube disposed above the outlet opening of the first tube. The oven may include additional tubes extending above the first and second tubes to deliver heat to other heights. The tubes may be aligned in a side-by-side manner and may be part of a tube assembly. The oven may further include oven racks disposed in the cooking chamber in a layered fashion corresponding to outlet openings of the tubes.
US07677229B2	Adaptive oil separator An oil mist separator has a pressure regulator valve which is located in the blow-by line downstream of the oil mist separator element in the flow direction of the gas. The pressure regulator valve has a bias so that it opens above a specified pressure difference between the blow-by line and a neighboring chamber. Located around the oil mist separator element is a bypass line which has a bypass valve. The bypass valve has a bias that causes the bypass valve to close below a specified pressure difference between the suction side and the pressure side of the oil mist separation element. The pressure regulator valve and the bypass valve are connected with each other so that the pressure regulator valve, as it closes, increases the bias of the bypass valve.
US07677227B2	Apparatus and method of abnormality diagnosis for supercharging pressure control system An opening of a waste gate vale is adjusted to control an actual supercharging pressure of intake air. Abnormality in a changing characteristic of the actual supercharging pressure relative to a change in a TCV control duty value can be detected. When an engine is in a steady operation condition, the TCV control duty value is forcibly changed repeatedly by a predetermined amount from 0% to 100%. A deviation between a target supercharging pressure corresponding to the TCV control duty value and an actual supercharging pressure is calculated each time the TCV control duty value is changed by the predetermined amount. This deviation is compared with an abnormality determination value to determine presence/absence of the abnormality in the changing characteristic of the actual supercharging pressure relative to the change in the TCV control duty value.
US07677226B2	Hydrocarbon adsorption filter for air intake system evaporative emission control The present invention is directed to the use of an improved hydrocarbon adsorbent coating for the treatment of evaporative emissions from a motor vehicle. More specifically, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents, in accordance with the present invention, can be coated to any surface area of an air intake system to trap hydrocarbon vapors before they can escape to the atmosphere, through said air intake system. In another embodiment, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents can be incorporated in the air filter of an air intake system.
US07677225B2	Fuel delivery system for engine An integrated, modular system for delivering fuel to an engine component in an engine having a fuel tank, as well as engine employing such a system, and methods of implementing such a system, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a housing defining a chamber, an in inlet, and a passage leading to an outlet, the inlet receiving fuel from the tank and directing the fuel into the chamber, the outlet capable of providing fuel from the passage toward the engine component. The system also includes both a pump and a pressure regulator supported within the housing, with the pump having a pump input and output, and the pressure regulator having a regulator input and output. The pump input and regulator output are in communication with the chamber and the pump output and regulator input are in communication with the passage.
US07677224B2	Fluid pump control apparatus A fuel supply system comprises an engine control unit (ECU), a fuel pump with a built-in pump motor which is PWM controlled based on a control signal from the ECU, a pump controller for controlling supply of electric power to the pump motor, and sensors for detecting an operating state of the engine. A control section of the pump controller controls to change a frequency to be lower as a duty ratio of a PWM control signal to operate a power transistor of an output circuit is higher and inversely to change the frequency to be higher as the duty ratio is lower.
US07677219B2	Cylinder head A cylinder head includes: a bottom wall portion; an outer circumferential wall portion defining inside thereof a space; a longitudinal wall portion extending to define, in the space, an intake side where an intake camshaft is disposed and an exhaust side where an exhaust camshaft is disposed; first lateral wall portions disposed on the intake side, on which first support portions are formed for supporting the intake camshaft thereon; second lateral wall portions disposed on the intake side, on which second support portions are formed for supporting the variable valve actuating units thereon; and third lateral wall portions disposed on the exhaust side, on which third support portions are formed for supporting the exhaust camshaft thereon. The second lateral wall portions are lower than the first lateral wall portions in a height direction from the bottom wall portion. The third lateral wall portions are higher than the second lateral wall portions in the height direction. A face of the bottom wall portion which is disposed on the exhaust side is higher than a face of the bottom wall portion which is disposed on the intake side, in the height direction.
US07677216B2	Engine start controller An engine start controller having a starter motor that is driven by battery to start engine, an activation switch that sends to the starter motor a START command for starting the engine, an activation circuit that connects the starter motor to the battery to supply a drive current, and an engine start control unit that issues an OPERATE command for operating the activation circuit when receiving the START command from the activation switch, and supplies the drive current to the starter motor. The controller is provided with a bypass circuit that directly sends to the activation circuit the START command that has been sent from the activation switch.
US07677210B2	Rotating barrel type internal combustion engine An internal combustion barrel engine having rotating cylinders and pistons which together form combustion spaces. The combustion spaces are maintained at a substantially constant volume while a compressed air-fuel mixture is combusted therein.
US07677204B1	Dog training device An animal training device utilizes electrical voltage pulses applied between spaced electrical conductors placed in close proximity to the skin of the animal to provide a stimulus useful in training the animal. The conductors, are exposed and are substantially flat; and these spaced conductors may be placed side-by-side in a localized area, around the entire inner surface of a collar or strap on an animal's neck, or spaced on the body of the animal in different locations. Alternatively, the conductors may be located on the end of a livestock prod.
US07677202B2	Pet cleaning apparatus A pet cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning tub, a saturated solution generator and an air-bubble generating nozzle. The saturated solution generator is connected to the cleaning tub and configured to generate a saturated solution by saturating a pressurized fluid with air. The air-bubble generating nozzle is connected to the cleaning tub and the saturated solution generator and configured to generate a fine air-bubble in the saturated solution.
US07677201B1	Disposable sanitary shield for kitty litter containers A sanitary shield includes a body formed from liquid absorbing material. An uppermost section is monolithically formed with a bottom section wherein the uppermost section is pivotal along a fulcrum axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body. First, second and third edges define an outer periphery of the bottom section, and fourth, fifth and sixth edges define an outer periphery of the uppermost section. A bend line indentation extends along the fulcrum axis and defines a line of weakness about which the uppermost section is pivotal. The uppermost section is disposed above a top edge of the litter container, and the bottom section is partially submerged beneath the litter housed within the litter container. The litter remains positioned forwardly of the bottom section. A mechanism affixes the bottom section of the body to an inner surface of the litter container.
US07677200B2	Doggie fountain An apparatus engageable with a water source for providing dogs access to fresh, clean water. The apparatus comprises a base member and a housing member engageable with an upper surface of the base member. Such housing member has a predetermined configuration and is formed of a predetermined material. At least one tubular member is disposed within the housing member, a first end of the at least one tubular member extends outwardly from a bottom portion of the housing member for engagement with such source of water and a second end of the at least one tubular member extends outwardly through an upper surface of the housing member. A water valve is disposed within the at least one tubular member for controlling water flow. There is a paddle member that is engageable with the water valve for activating the water valve and permitting water to flow from the second end of the at least one tubular member and for deactivating the water valve so as to stop a flow of water from the second end of the at least one tubular member.
US07677195B2	Apparatus for supplying a droplet on a substrate and method of manufacturing display apparatus using the same In an apparatus for supplying a droplet on a substrate and a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, the apparatus includes a base body, a dropping unit and a vapor supplying unit. The base body corresponds to the substrate disposed on a stage. The dropping unit is disposed on the base body. The dropping unit includes a nozzle to drop the droplet on the substrate. The vapor supplying unit is disposed adjacent to the dropping unit to supply the droplet dropped onto the substrate with a volatile solvent vapor. Therefore, an evaporation rate of the droplet dropped onto pixels is adjusted to uniformize a thickness of the layer, thereby improving the image display quality.
US07677194B2	Finger flag assembly A flag capable of being unfurled or crested in the wind without a flagpole comprising a flag with means for attaching the flag to a finger on a hand, the attaching means comprising panels that sandwich an end section of the flag, the attaching means further comprising a tubular member integrally attached to the panels, and wherein the tubular member has an inside diameter in an unstretched mode less than the outside diameter of a finger.
US07677187B2	Pattern generating mechanism for sewing machine A button-hole earn is mounted on a pattern selection cam shaft for mounting a pattern selection cam, the pattern selection cam shaft provided independently of a pattern cam shaft provided with a needle swing cam group. The rotation of a sewing machine main shaft causes rotation of a drive gear which in turn rotates a first follower gear in engagement with the drive gear and a second follower gear engaged with the first follower gear. Thus, the rotation of the first follower gear causes rotation of the needle swing cam group whereas the rotation of the second follower gear causes rotation of the button-hole cam. Thus, a pattern selected among a plurality of patterns by a pattern selection dial is generated to form button-hole stitches selected by the pattern selection dial.
US07677184B2	Flip top table A flip top table assembly including a table top member having an undersurface, a leg member having a top end, a hinge linking the top member to the top end of the leg member for pivotal movement between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, a restrainer forming at least first and second openings and forming an edge, a slider forming at least first and second distal pin ends, the slider supported by one of the table top member and the leg member proximate the restraining member and at least a first spring biasing the slider toward the restraining member where, when the top member is in the horizontal position, the first pin end is aligned with the first opening and is biased by the spring toward a restraining position and, when the top member is in the vertical position, the second pin end is aligned with the second opening and is biased by the spring toward a restraining position received within the second opening and the first pin end is biased by the spring toward a space adjacent the edge of the restraining member outside the first and second openings.
US07677179B2	Vehicle and track system for flying corner amusement park rides A vehicle for use in an amusement park ride to provide a flying corners effect. The vehicle includes a body and a guide slot or groove on the body. The guide slot is shaped for receiving and at least partially capturing or enclosing the track. The guide slot is defined in part by opposing first and second sidewalls that extend along a portion of the body. The guide slot is larger in width than the track such that the vehicle is able to move transversely or side-to-side a predefined distance such as in banked curves. Guides are provided on the sidewalls of the slot. The guides may be spaced apart from the edges when the vehicle is centered on the track and provide guidance after an amount of unrestrained lateral or transverse travel. Arms extend outward from the body to capture the track and prevent the vehicle from tipping.
US07677175B2	Installation for changing ink in a printing station of a flexographic printer A method and an installation operable for cleaning an inking blade acting against a chambered printing cylinder of a flexographic printing machine. A cleaning device includes a blade cleaner, a recovery device for ink removed from the blade, a first prewash cleaning system, a subsequent regular wash system and an air nozzle system to clean out ink. The ink is recovered before the washing. The ink washed out is recovered and this polluted wash fluid is used in a subsequent cleaning as a prewash.
US07677166B2	Adjustable vacuum food storage container The invention is to provide an adjustable vacuum food storage container, comprising of a base, a socket mounted on the base, and a cover covering the socket; a vacuum controller, a pressure detective means, an out connector power means, a spare battery set, and a power switch are disposed on the base, and an exhaust valve are further added on upper cover; the pressure detective connected to the socket for auto-detecting the accommodation between the socket and the upper cover, and the vacuum controller combined to the pressure detective means for keep it at vacuum state at any moment.
US07677164B2	Pressurized reactor for food processing The subject of this invention is a reactor for food processing in a composite geometrical shape, and a cover screwed in to the upper section, which principle of operation to generate high levels of temperature and pressure will be to utilize hot air supplied by a compressor in series with a heat exchanger, which conducted through 3 inputs designed in position and angle to, in combination with the helicoidally design of the interior and a relief exit, generate a hurricane like effect that maintains the food in constant movement during all the process cycle time. The reactor is equipped with entrance and exit fast action butterfly like valves activated by mechanical actuators and temperature and pressure sensors, all connected in a network and managed by a Programmable Logic Control that monitors the parameters and executes the actions by software.
US07677161B2	Steam oven There is provided a highly safe steam oven capable of controlling the amount of steam generated appropriately. Water dripped from a water feeder to the inside of a cooking chamber is converted into steam by a heater in the cooking chamber. The thus generated steam in the cooking chamber is discharged through a steam channel which keeps the inside of the cooking chamber connected to the outside of the steam oven. The temperature of steam passing through the steam channel is measured by a steam temperature measuring device. The amount of water fed from the water feeder is controlled in response to the measured temperature.
US07677153B2	Booster and brake control device fitted with this booster A device including a master cylinder driven by a control member, an enclosure for a pneumatic booster having a rear chamber separated from a front chamber by a piston, first and second balancing valve elements place the rear chamber in communication with the front chamber, first, second and third intake valve elements place the rear chamber in communication with a pneumatic pressure source, and a tubular support. The balancing valve elements are carried by a balancing part of the support and the pneumatic piston while the intake valve elements are carried by the first part of the control member, an intake part of the support and a second part of the control member. The first and second parts of the control member are connected through a spring arrangement for adjusting the relative axial position thereof as a function of the power of the force applied to the control member.
US07677152B2	Motorcycle equipped with a weapon A motorcycle, which is equipped with a weapon, as well as with a front and rear wheel or a front ski and a rear-located track mat. The motorcycle includes a chassis member, a front frame, a handlebar, and a pivoting device fitted between the handlebar and the front wheel or ski. The pivoting device includes connecting mechanism including switch-over elements whereby the weapon is connectable to the handlebar for directing it in a lateral direction by turning motions of the handlebar or disconnectable from this engagement with the handlebar to use the handlebar for steering the motorcycle.
US07677142B1	Pliers having ergonomic handle A hand-held tool includes first and second metallic parts pivotally interconnected to one another. A first cushioned hollow sleeve is adapted to receive the first handle and a second cushioned hollow sleeve is adapted to receive the second handle. The first sleeve is relatively straight and elongate and the second sleeve is arcuate and truncate in extent. A user holds the tool with the arcuate sleeve abutting the palm while grasping the straight sleeve with the fingers until the concentrated stress caused by the arcuate shape begins to produce fatigue. The tool is then rotated so that the arcuate sleeve is grasped by the fingers and the straight sleeve abuts the palm. The straight sleeve distributes the stress over a wider, less concentrated area. Continued rotation of the tool enables a user to employ it without fatigue for a prolonged period of time.
US07677133B2	Adjustable steering apparatus An adjustable steering apparatus includes: a movable bracket to which a steering jacket including a steering wheel is fixed and to which a movable telescopic member having a tooth portion is fixedly mounted; a stationary bracket which is disposed externally of the movable bracket and fixed to a vehicle body, and to which a stationary tilt member having a tooth portion is fixedly mounted; a movable tilt member having a tooth portion meshingly engageable with the tooth portion of the stationary tilt member; and a stationary telescopic member having a tooth portion meshingly engageable with the tooth portion of the movable telescopic member. An elastic body for release from meshing engagement is disposed on an outer side of the stationary bracket, the elastic body being capable of urging the movable tilt member away from the stationary tilt member. The movable tilt member is engageable with the stationary telescopic member in order that the movable tilt member being disengaged from the stationary tilt member can bring the stationary telescopic member out of engagement with the movable telescopic member.
US07677128B2	Vehicular shift lock device having pivotal stopper and linkage devices A vehicular shift lock device for selectively inhibiting and permitting a movement of a shift lever, including (a) a stopper member pivotable about an axis between a stopping position and a non-stopping position for respectively preventing and permitting a movement of a manually operable member provided to place the shift lock device in its unlocking state, (b) a first biasing member biasing the stopper member toward the stopping position, (c) a first linkage device pivotable about an axis in a first direction by the movement of the manually operable member, (d) a second biasing member biasing the first linkage device in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and (e) a second linkage device pivotable about an axis to its operated position and having a connected state and a disconnected state in which the second linkage device is connected to and disconnected from the stopper member, respectively, and wherein second linkage device is operatively connected to the first linkage device such that the stopper member is pivoted to the non-stopping position when the second linkage device placed in the connected state is pivoted to the operated position by a pivotal movement of the first linkage device in the first direction.
US07677123B2	Impact absorbing device An impact absorbing device has fixed discs and rotary discs alternately and coaxially disposed. Each disc has two surfaces, and two surfaces of each pair of fixed and rotary discs face each other through a lubricant. Each surface has dimples, respectively, surrounded by concave portions. A position of each dimple in the rotary discs is differentiated from a position of any dimple of the fixed discs in a radial direction of the discs. In response to an impact given to the rotary discs, the rotary discs are rotated on the fixed discs against a frictional force between the discs to absorb the impact. During this rotation, each dimple of the rotary discs is moved along a circumferential direction of the discs, and no concave portions of the rotary discs are placed just on the concave portions of the fixed discs.
US07677118B2	Magnetostrictive load sensor and moveable object including the same A magnetostrictive load sensor includes a coil, a magnetic path forming member composed of a magnetic material, a rod composed of a magnetic material, two load transmitting members, a housing, and two load applicators. Openings are respectively formed at the approximate centers at both ends of the magnetic path forming member that covers the outer periphery and both ends of the coil. The rod is inserted into a through hole of the coil and the openings. Both ends of the rod respectively project through the openings, and the rod is arranged so as not to come into contact with the magnetic path forming member. Both the ends of the rod are respectively supported by the load transmitting members. Respective portions of the load transmitting members project outward through an opening of the housing.
US07677117B2	Force-sensing device for vehicle running gears In a measuring device for the measurement of forces in a vehicle undercarriage, more particularly of the brake torque on a vehicle undercarriage, e.g. an aircraft landing gear, a sensor is introduced into a hollow connecting element that is transversally loaded by said forces, which sensor produces a measuring signal in function of a deformation of said connecting element. Distance measuring elements which detect the distance of the inner wall of said connecting element from said sensor are used as measuring elements.
US07677110B2	Method and apparatus for measuring the elasticity of materials for lining vehicle components The invention relates to a non-destructive method for measuring the elasticity of templates of materials for lining automotive vehicle components, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: applying a tensile pre-load with a predetermined value P1 in a longitudinal direction to a template section (41); applying a tensile load with a predetermined value P2 in a longitudinal direction to said section (41) and measuring the longitudinal deformation produced; removing the load applied to said section (41) and measuring the residual longitudinal deformation produced. The invention also comprises an apparatus (11) for carrying out the method which comprises two fixing elements (15, 17) for fixing the section (41), one of which elements is a fixed element (15) and the other is a moving element (17), a device for applying a tensile load to the moving element (17) connected to a dynamometer (29), and a rule (31) for measuring the longitudinal deformation of said section (41).
US07677108B2	Accurate pressure sensor The invention relates to a pressure sensor capable of measuring pressure accurately, and more particularly, to a pressure sensor comprising a box-shaped magnet, optionally having an inclined upper surface with a right side portion protruding higher than a left side portion, wherein the magnet is configured to radiate linear magnetic flux density in response to a change in distance along a straight line spaced uniformly apart from an N or S pole surface, whereby the pressure sensor can accurately detect a displacement in distance (position) and thus a pressure difference based on the displacement. The pressure sensor further includes a pipe connecting negative and positive pressures, a diaphragm movable in response to a difference between negative and positive pressures, a diaphragm support attached to a side of the diaphragm, a magnet attached to the diaphragm support to radiate linear magnetic flux density, a spring supporting the magnet, and the diaphragm and upper and lower cases housing these components.
US07677098B2	Light sensing contactless fuel level sensor A contactless, sealed fuel level sensor for determining a fuel level in a fuel tank and producing a level indicative signal includes a frame, a cover, a float arm, a float and a light-responsive sensor. The frame is configured to have a cavity formed therein. The cover is connected to the frame to enclose the cavity. The float arm is coupled to one of the frame or cover. The float is connected to the float arm and configured such that the float moves the float arm as a level of fuel increases and decreases in the fuel tank. The light-responsive sensor is configured to generate a fuel level signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank based on the movement of the float arm. The fuel level sensor may also include a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED). The light-responsive sensor may be a single photoelectric sensor located in the sealed cavity, or an array of photoelectric sensors located in the sealed cavity. The fuel level sensor may also include a rotatable hub connected to the float arm for movement as the arm moves and where rotation of the hub varies an amount of light impinging on the photoelectric sensor. The light responsive sensor may also include a CMOS sensor located in the sealed cavity. The light responsive sensor may also include a digital, optical-based displacement encoder mounted on the float arm used in combination with a rotary scale applied to the cover opposite the encoder.
US07677092B2	Cylinder characteristic variation sensing device A cylinder characteristic variation sensing device has a small injection controlling section that performs small injections sequentially in respective cylinders, a torque increase amount sensing section that senses an increase amount of output torque caused in connection with the small injection for each cylinder, an injection quantity sensing section that senses an actual injection quantity of the small injection for each cylinder, and a cylinder characteristic variation calculating section that calculates a variation in a cylinder characteristic among the cylinders (i.e., a cylinder characteristic variation) based on a variation in the sensing value of the injection quantity sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., an injection quantity variation) and a variation in the sensing value of the torque increase amount sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., a torque increase amount variation).
US07677091B2	Air-fuel ratio controller for an internal combustion engine and diagnosis apparatus for intake sensors A computer calculates an estimated cylinder-intake-air amount based on outputs from an airflow meter and a throttle position sensor, and then calculates a reference cylinder-intake-air amount based on an air-fuel ratio in an exhaust gas and fuel injection amount. An error of the estimated cylinder-intake-air amount is calculated by comparing the reference cylinder-intake-air amount with an estimated cylinder-intake-air amount base value. The error is low-pass filtered. The estimated cylinder-intake-air amount base value is corrected to obtain the final estimated cylinder-intake-air amount.
US07677090B2	Method and device for determining the occurrence of rotating stall in a compressor's turbine blade II A method and device for determining the occurrence of rotating stall in the turbine blade of a compressor, in which the blade pass frequency of at least one compressor stage and the associated vibration energy are monitored, the normal blade pass frequency being constituted by the operating speed of rotation of the compressor multiplied by the number of turbine blades in the stage, and in which incipient rotating stall in a compressor stage is indicated when, at the normal blade pass frequency of the compressor stage, the vibration energy falls below a predetermined first value at the same time as, at a blade pass frequency above the normal blade pass frequency, the vibration energy rises above a predetermined second value.
US07677087B2	Quartz sensor and sensing device Provided is a Angevin type quartz sensor which is high in measurement sensitivity, suppresses the influence of the surface tension of a sample solution during measurement, and enables an installed quartz resonator to stable oscillate. An opposing surface portion opposes one surface side of the quartz resonator via a housing area and a pouring opening formed in the outside area of the opposing surface portion. Measurement is conducted in a standstill state where the sample solution is filled in the lower side of the opposing surface portion. Since stress due to the surface tension of the sample solution does not act in this state, the quartz resonator can oscillate with reliability. Therefore, the quartz sensor can reduced the thickness of the quartz resonator, which realizes highly sensitive and highly accurate measurement.
US07677086B2	Engine oil viscosity diagnostic systems and methods An engine oil viscosity measurement system is provided. The system includes: a solenoid response module that determines an actual response time based on a position signal; an expected response module that determines an expected response time based on a system voltage and engine oil temperature; and a diagnostic module that diagnoses viscosity of the engine oil based on the actual response time and the expected response time.
US07677077B2	Sensor calibration device and method for a tire A sensor calibration device and method of construction for a force variation machine includes a circular plate having a test measurement region defined thereon. The test measurement region has a circumferentially extending inner track and a circumferentially extending outer track, the outer track having a projection and a valley for sidewall bulge and valley simulation formed therein and the inner track having a first and a second step formed therein separating the inner track into outward and inward inner track portions. A circumferentially extending radial edge track is provided having a first and a second step formed therein separating the edge track into outward and inward edge track portions. The projection and valley on the outer track have a depth equivalent to tire sidewall bulge and valley limits, respectively. The first and second steps in the inner track have a depth equivalent to a tire lateral run-out limit. The first and second steps in the edge track have a depth equivalent to a radial run-out limit.
US07677075B2	Methods and apparatus for evaluating sensors and/or for controlling operation of an apparatus that includes a sensor A method for evaluating sensors includes receiving a first measurement signal from a first sensor configured to measure a parameter relating to a first apparatus, receiving a second measurement signal from a second sensor configured to measure the parameter as the parameter relates to a second apparatus, comparing the first measurement signal with the second measurement signal, and determining at least one of, whether the first measurement signal is inaccurate or the first sensor has failed based, at least in part, on the comparison between the first and second measurement signals.
US07677071B2	Apparatus for the fabrication of metal wall frame members and assembly of wall frames therefrom, and foldable wall frame structures An apparatus is disclosed for roll forming metal components including substantially channel-shaped members for use in a building structure. The apparatus includes a support frame assembly having front and rear portions. A mechanism is provided for selectively feeding at least one metal strip into the support frame assembly, the metal strip having a pair of side edges and a center web. A plurality of driver roll elements are mounted along the support frame assembly and are adapted to move the metal strip through the frame assembly. Finally, a plurality of spaced idler forming rolls are mounted for free rotation in pairs along the support frame assembly. The idler forming rolls are adapted to simultaneously air form the side edges of the metal strip into angularly extending side flanges by urging the side edges in opposing directions from the center web as the metal strip is moved along the frame assembly by the driver roll elements. In addition, a device for feeding metal strips to the roll forming apparatus is disclosed along with an apparatus for assembling metal wall frame structures, both stationary and foldable forms thereof, from channel-shaped members.
US07677070B2	Shot-peening process A method of shot peening in which with respect to a carburized and quenched metal part, only its surface abnormal layer detrimental to the fatigue strength thereof is scraped without scraping of the martensitic structure underlying the surface abnormal layer, namely, in which the fatigue strength can be rendered stable and enhanced without surface cracking. As bombardment shot, use is made of a shot with hardness higher than that (first hardness) of the surface abnormal layer occurring at a surface layer portion of metal part prior to shot peening but lower than that (second hardness) of the martensitic structure.
US07677067B2	Lock In a lock of a door or a window with a basic lock and at least an auxiliary locking device and at least a first actuation arrangement for locking the lock, a second actuation arrangement separate from the first actuation arrangement is provided for unlocking the lock.
US07677066B2	Apparatus and methods for locking and unlocking containers Apparatus and methods for locking and unlocking a lockable container that has an internal locking mechanism are disclosed. The apparatus may include a main body including a channel for receiving the container. A magnetic field source coupled to the main body may emit a magnetic field for actuating a container lock catch mechanism disposed at least partially inside the container. The apparatus may include a channel blocker that may be positioned by actuating a channel lock to selectively prevent the magnetic field source from actuating the catch mechanism of a container lock. The channel lock may be coupled to a cam configured to position at least a portion of the channel blocker in the channel. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a ramp retractor coupled to the channel blocker wherein the ramp retractor urges the channel blocker down through the channel by action of the magnetic field.
US07677064B2	Door of drum type washing machine Disclosed herein is a door of a drum type washing machine. The door comprises a ring-shaped door frame hingedly connected to the front surface of the cabinet at one lateral side thereof, a door glass disposed at an open center of the door frame, a grip casing mounted inside a grip hole formed at the other lateral side of the door frame for preventing the interior of the door frame from being exposed to the outside through the grip hole, and a hook assembly disposed at the grip casing for locking the door frame to the front surface of the cabinet at the other lateral side of the door frame. The interiors of the front door frame and the rear door frame are prevented from being exposed to the outside through the grip hole by the grip casing, and the hook assembly is easily and conveniently mounted to the door frame.
US07677061B2	Socks of multi-stage pile structure To provide a sock with a performance that matches its purpose of use and seasonal requirements. To change the thickness and strength of different parts of the sock according to the load distribution on the sole and the impact that the different parts of the sock are subjected to when walking and running.Knitting structures of different thicknesses and airspace ratios, e.g., flat stitches P, short-terry stitches SP, long-terry stitches LP, mesh stitches M, short-terry stitches based on mesh stitches M-SP, long-terry stitches based on mesh stitches M-LP, short-terry stitches based on reinforced mesh stitches M-R-SP, long-terry stitches based on reinforced mesh stitches M-R-LP, short-terry stitches with reinforcement yarn R-SP and long-terry stitches with reinforcement yarn R-LP are distributed in different parts of the sock.
US07677059B2	Tellurite optical fiber and production method thereof A fabrication method of an optical fiber using as a core material tellurite glass. The method includes a first process of molding a tellurite glass melt into a mold, the mold having a plurality of convex portions defining an inner wall, which portions run parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction in order to make a polygon columnar glass preform, and a second process of inserting the glass preform into a cylindrical jacket tube made of tellurite glass and carrying out fiber-drawing under pressure so as to maintain or enlarge air holes which are gaps generated between the glass preform and the jacket tube.
US07677049B2	Algorithm for activation of directed relief system from vehicle accelerometers during crash A method of venting a refrigerant from an air conditioning system of a vehicle during a crash to mitigate leakage of the refrigerant into a cabin of the vehicle by crashing a test vehicle under a first set of predetermined conditions a number of crash events and measuring deceleration and determining the existence of leakage. The number of crash events in which leakage existed is divided by the number of crash events to establish a probability of leakage ratio. The test vehicle is crashed under a second set of predetermined conditions to determine a second probability of leakage ratio. A probability of leakage relationship is established correlating the probability of leakage ratios and the predetermined conditions. A deceleration relationship is established correlating the deceleration measurements and the predetermined conditions. A deceleration of the vehicle is sensed to determine a probability of leakage from the probability of leakage relationship and the refrigerant is vented in response to the probability of leakage exceeding a predetermined threshold.
US07677047B2	Inverted stiffened shell panel torque transmission for loaded struts and mid-turbine frames A mid-turbine frame connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine transfers a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a plurality of inverted panels and a plurality of struts. The inverted panels convert the first and second loads to a shear flow. The struts are connected to the inverted panels and transfer the shear flow to the mount.
US07677045B2	Gas turbine transition duct A transition duct having a panel assembly with an inlet end of generally circular cross section and an outlet end having a generally rectangular arc-like cross section is disclosed. The panel assembly has an uncoated internal profile substantially in accordance with coordinate values X, Y, and Z as set forth in Table 1. The coordinates are taken at a sweep angle θ wherein θ is an angle measured from the inlet end and X, Y, and Z are coordinates defining the panel assembly profile at each angle θ from the inlet end. An alternate embodiment is also disclosed defining an envelope for the uncoated internal profile of the panel assembly.
US07677042B2	Water vaporization apparatus A water vaporization apparatus is provided which uses the heat from the sun to vaporize water from a water collection means. The water collection means has a water container member which may be partially submerged in a water reservoir, or connected to a remote reservoir of water. The water container member has a water transport member connected to it, through which water from the water reservoir may move into the water container member, as the sun vaporizes water from the water container member, since the water levels will naturally try and reach equilibrium. An electricity generation means may be operatively connected to the water collection means in such a manner that the movement of the water through said water transport member may be used to generate electricity. In an alternate configuration, a water condenser means may be connected to the water collection means in such a manner that the vaporized water may be transformed back into liquid form, for use as drinking water and/or industrial water.
US07677038B2	Pump unit There is provided a pump unit including plurality of hydraulic pumps respectively fluidly connected to plurality of hydraulic motors, which are disposed away from the pump unit, so as to form closed circuits, the pump unit including a pump case accommodating the plurality of hydraulic pumps so that the plurality of hydraulic pumps are operatively driven by a common power source; and a filter mounted at the pump case so as to be inserted in a charge passage for replenishing operation fluid from a fluid sump to the closed circuits.
US07677036B2	Hydraulic energy storage with an internal element In one aspect of the present invention, a system for performing work having a hydraulic circuit comprising a length of hose a hydraulic fluid in the circuit in communication with the hose, a hydraulic actuator for doing the work, at least one compressible element disposed within the hose, and a mechanism for pressurizing the hydraulic circuit such that at least 50 foot pounds of energy is stored within the hose to perform the work.
US07677026B2	Mixer for separate-flow nozzle A mixer for a separate-stream turbojet nozzle, the mixer comprising along a longitudinal axis (X-X′) both a fastener shroud (10) for connecting said mixer to the exhaust casing of the nozzle, and a lobe structure (20) presenting a succession of inner and outer lobes (22 and 21) distributed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (X-X′) of the mixer. The lobe structure (20) is made of a ceramic matrix composite material and further comprises a stiffener ring (30) that forms a connection between at least some of the lobes of said structure. Thus, the major portion of the mixer, i.e. the lobe structure, is made of a ceramic matrix composite material, thereby significantly reducing the weight of the mixer, and consequently reducing the weight of the nozzle.
US07677025B2	Self-purging pilot fuel injection system A gas turbine combustor having a self-purging pilot fuel injection system and method of operation thereof is disclosed. The pilot fuel injection system comprises a radial inflow swirler, a generally axially extending centerbody, and at least one fuel injection source. In operation a fluid containing at least air passes along the centerbody outer surface clearing any remaining fuel from proximate the fuel injection source so as to prevent flame attachment proximate the fuel injection source.
US07677009B2	Roof truss system An adjustable roof truss that includes roof truss members, roof base members and a central body containing a polymer matrix. The roof truss members include a pivot end, a connection end, a roof facing edge, an inside edge, and a pivot surface. The roof base members include a receiving end, a connecting end, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a contact surface. The roof truss members are pivotally connected to the roof base members by a pivot fastener inserted through a pivot opening on the roof base members and a stator opening on the roof truss members. One or both of the roof truss members and the roof base members include an embedded portion extending from the roof facing edge or the bottom edge respectively into the central body. Expansion hole(s) are positioned along the embedded portion such that the polymer matrix expands through the expansion holes.
US07677008B2	Floor panels with edge connectors Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07677005B2	Mechanical locking system for floorboards A joint system having a flexible spring located in a horizontal groove of a panel, the spring having an inner flexible part and being displaceable horizontally in the groove.
US07677001B2	Flooring systems and methods for installation Floorboards for mechanical joining of floors in a herringbone pattern and in parallel rows with horizontal connectors which on the short sides have cooperating locking surfaces which are designed differently from the cooperating locking surfaces on the long sides.
US07676994B2	Greenhouse The present invention provides an improved greenhouse, improving upon the shortcomings of a typical greenhouse with difficult assembly and handling. The greenhouse is assembled by a plurality of trusses, which are combined through a plurality of erection tubes along with the covering and a plurality of angled elements. The covering directly couples onto the erection tubes, which are coupled via angled elements to form a greenhouse, thereby achieving rapid assembly/disassembly and handling of spare parts. The retaining portion of the covering is provided with layering, so that the covering could be supported and leveled by the layering to provide a smooth greenhouse with improved applicability.
US07676986B2	Capturing device for insects A device for manually capturing and restraining intended insects, the same comprising a pad of stacked, singular sheets each sheet having a partial enveloping means comprised of hydrophillic absorbing material and collapsible sheet construction whereby the sheet partially conforms in response to the insects body mass. Each sheet has a region is coated with a mild compression adhesive material capable of trapping of an insect in response to the physical manipulation by a human being. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can be used by separating each sheet individually or as a stack. Upon apprehension of an insect, the sheet restraining the insect is separated, if not already separated from its stack, folded to encase the insect and ready for disposal. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can have various sheet sizes, thickness and density with varying enveloping ability—all depending upon intended insect to be trapped. For increasing the maneuverability of the device, the device can be attached to an elongated rod such as a fly swatter's handle.
US07676984B2	Energy absorbing support for downrigger weight An energy absorbing member for use in suspending a weight to a downrigger assembly for fishing. The member is formed of a viscoelastic material.
US07676980B2	Adjustable mass tuner for rifle barrels An apparatus for mass-tuning a gun barrel comprises a body portion configured for attachment to the gun barrel. The body portion includes a main bore therethrough and defines a plurality of predetermined mass attachment locations. Each mass attachment location comprises a mating portion configured to engage a complimentary mating portion of a mass attachment. In some embodiments, mass attachments can be used to configure the total mass of the device.
US07676979B1	Bipod support and rifle forearm A rifle stock for used with the bipod support. The rifle stock has a front forearm and the front forearm has a bottom. There is a leg support cutout in the bottom of the front forearm. The leg support cutout large is enough to receive a bipod support in a folded position for storage of the bipod support. There are two leg grooves to receive legs of the bipod support when in a folded position for storage of the bipod support.
US07676977B1	Bipod A bipod for a firearm is provided, including a body with cutouts to receive a bipod base, and a pair of legs. The bipod base is pivotally mounted to the body, and a firearm mounting bracket is pivotally mounted to the bipod base, allowing for a traversing and/or canting motion. A ball lock mounts each leg to the body, allowing the legs to be independently deployed or stored with the push of a plunger. The legs also telescope to allow adjustment of the bipod height.
US07676967B2	Machine with automated blade positioning system A system is provided for positioning a work implement. The system has at least one actuator for actuating a movement of a work implement. The system also has at least one sensor associated with the at least one actuator and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of a position and an orientation of the work implement. Furthermore, the system has a controller configured to automatically create a travel path for the work implement and guide the work implement in response to the data received from the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is further configured to automatically modify the travel path when detecting an imminent collision between the work implement and an obstacle.
US07676965B1	Air powered vacuum apparatus An air powered vacuum apparatus for use in an air vacuum excavation system creates a fluid flow under vacuum and reduces the sound level of the exhausting air. The apparatus comprises an injector assembly and a container for collecting spoil, i.e., dirt, sand, gravel, etc. drawn in from the excavation site. The vacuum is produced by an injector and a supersonic nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the container. The injector has converging, straight and diverging sections, and the supersonic nozzle assembly extends into the converging section. The supersonic air ejected from the nozzle assembly mixes with the air drawn up from the container, and the air mixture travels through the diverging section and out of the injector assembly and creates a vacuum in the container.
US07676964B2	Snow plow having wear minimizing apparatus A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The plow blade includes a mold board, the plow blade including a rubber scraper connected to the mold board and at least one wear minimizing apparatus positioned to minimize contact between the rubber scraper and the ground surface when the vehicle is moving in a direction rearward of the plow blade and the plow blade is in a working orientation.
US07676959B2	Contoured skate boot Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.
US07676953B2	Calibration and metering methods for wood kiln moisture measurement A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.
US07676952B2	Hair dryer with static atomizing device A hair dryer having a static atomizing device, which has the capability of generating an electrostatically charged microparticle mist of 3 nm to 100 nm. The static atomizing device has a pair of an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode, a tank for storing a liquid such as water; a liquid transport member for transport water from the tank to the atomizing electrode according to capillary phenomenon, and a voltage applying unit. When a high voltage is applied between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode, while water being supplied to the atomizing electrode through the liquid transport member, the electrostatically charged microparticle mist is generated.
US07676951B2	Method and apparatus for linear measurement of a stator core A linear measurement device for a stator core inspection system includes a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to a frame. Each of the wheels has a contact surface and a hub portion. The linear measurement device further includes an encoder gear rotatably mounted to the frame. The linear measurement device further includes a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of rotation of the encoder gear. The linear measurement device further includes a belt configured to engage the hub portion of each wheel and the encoder gear, and rotation of one wheel causing synchronous rotation of the encoder gear and the other wheels.
US07676947B2	Adhesive label application system A label printing kit, system, and method of use is disclosed which enables a user to print and easily apply labels to one or more units of a product with precise registration of the label on each unit of the product. The system utilizes labels with adhesive on a backside and a jig so that the labels can be easily, rapidly, and precisely applied manually to one or more units of a particular product, item or object.
US07676943B2	Method and apparatus for using a surgical depth instrument A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the depth of a hole with a first edge and a second edge, comprising positioning a distal end of a first member of a measuring instrument against a first surface in which the first edge is formed. Then, positioning a distal end of a second member against a second surface in which the second edge is formed, the first member and the second member being movably connected; and finally, measuring an electronic signal that represents the distance between the first member and the second member.
US07676941B2	Chalk line or string attachment clamp for marking lines (straight angled or radius) on flat surfaces The chalk line attachment clamp is a new approach to snapping a chalk line on a flat surface such as plywood, sheetrock and other construction materials. It holds the chalk line at the specific desired location and allows one person to make an accurate straight line to cut the flat surface material at any angle, thereby saving man-hours at the same time improving the accuracy of the saw cut to allow a better fitting of the parts being cut and improving the quality of the assembled project. The old method of requiring one worker at each end of the chalk line is no longer necessary. It will not be required to damage the material by driving a nail into the material to hold a chalk line in place.
US07676940B2	Level A level includes a body having first and second arms attached to each other for relative pivotal movement about a pivot axis between open and closed positions. The level also includes a bubble vial mounted to the body and having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the pivot axis. Movement of the arms from their closed position to their open position exposes a measurement portion of the first bubble vial for use. Movement of the arms from their open position to their closed position shields the measurement portion of the first bubble vial within the body to protect the bubble vial from damage during storage.
US07676934B2	Keyless adjusting mechanism for chain saw A keyless adjusting mechanism for a chain saw is disclosed herein, which comprises a protection cover, an adjusting bolt, an adjusting stud, and an adjusting ring with a driver gear, wherein the adjusting bolt is coupled with a driven gear for engaging with the driver gear of the adjusting ring, the adjusting stud is coupled with a chain board and has a threaded hole for engaging with the corresponding adjusting bolt. Accordingly, when the adjusting ring is rotated, the driver gear can bring the driven gear to let the adjusting stud move axially along the adjusting bolt such that the chain could be adjusted to tighten or loosen. In addition, a knob with a handle is coupled to the adjusting ring. The handle can be withdrawn in the knob or extended out of the knob for convenient twist.
US07676911B2	Method to reduce module inductance A DC bus for use in a power module has a positive DC conductor bus plate parallel with a negative DC conductor bus plate. One or more positive leads are connected to the positive bus and are connectable to a positive terminal of a power source. One or more negative leads are connected to the negative bus and are connectable to a negative terminal of a power source. The DC bus has one or more positive connections fastenable from the positive bus to the high side of a power module. The DC bus also has one or more negative connections fastenable from the negative bus to the low side of the power module. The positive bus and negative bus permit counter-flow of currents, thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances, and the positive and negative bus are connectable to the center portion of a power module.
US07676901B2	Producing method of solid state pickup device, and attaching method and device for the same A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.
US07676893B2	Silencer plating for fasteners A fastener to removably mount an object in a mounting aperture of a panel is provided. The fastener includes a body having two opposing side members and defining a second aperture configured to accept at least a portion of the object, at least one elastic abutting flange disposed between the fastener body and the mounting aperture, a corrosion resistant coating, and a silencer plating overlying the corrosion resistant coating.
US07676891B2	Control knob for functional members, in particular ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning installation of a vehicle The subject of the invention is a rotary control knob (2) of a control panel in particular for a ventilation, heating and/or air-conditioning installation of a vehicle cabin. This control knob (2) consists of a cylinder (3) provided at one of its ends with a gripping member (6) intended for the user, and equipped with at least one boss (15) for limiting its rotational travel between its end positions. Said boss (15) is formed at the base of the gripping member (6) and is covered at least partially by a flexible mass (19) emanating from a flexible covering (18) of the gripping member (6).
US07676885B2	Carpet cleaner with pressed-down suction A carpet cleaner with a base, a handle, and a plurality of wheels includes a suction opening, a fulcrum, a lever, and a cable line. The suction opening is provided at a front portion of the base of the carpet cleaner. The fulcrum is provided at a rear portion of the base of the carpet cleaner. The lever with an active end and a passive end is for levering the suction opening against the fulcrum. The cable line is extended from the active end of the lever toward the handle. The suction opening is pressed down to the carpet floor by the lever actuated by pulling up the cable line, and the suction opening contacts the carpet floor tight for facilitating suction of the carpet cleaner. The suction opening can be pressed down by a pressing bar attached to the base.
US07676882B1	Debris collection device A debris collection device for collecting debris along a vertical surface during drilling of the vertical surface includes a tray being positionable adjacent a vertical surface and under a drill to collect falling debris when the vertical surface is drilled. The tray includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall being coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall and the bottom wall define a collection space to receive the debris.

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