Document	Document Title
US07683091B2	Substituted indoles and methods of their use The present invention relates generally to substituted indoles and methods of using them.
US07683081B2	1-phenyl-2-heteroaryl-substituted benzimidazole derivatives, their use for the production of pharmaceutical agents as well as pharmaceutical preparations that contain these derivatives New benzimidazole derivatives are described, their production and their use for the production of pharmaceutical agents for treatment and prevention of diseases that are associated with a microglia activation and T-cell-mediated immunological diseases, as well as pharmaceutical preparations that contain the new benzimidazole derivatives.
US07683077B2	Piperidine derivative The present invention provides a piperidine derivative represented by the following formula or analogs thereto, which are used for agents for treating or preventing various diseases related to 5-HT7.
US07683076B2	Tetrahydro-quinolinylurea derivatives This invention relates to tetrahydro-quinolinylurea derivatives and salts thereof which are useful as active ingredients of pharmaceutical preparations. The tetrahydro-quinolinylurea derivative of the present invention has vanilloid receptor (VR1) antagonistic activity, and can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with VR1 activity, in particular for the treatment of urological diseases or disorders, such as detrusor overactivity (overactive bladder), urinary incontinence, neurogenic detrusor overactivity (detrusor hyperflexia), idiopathic detrusor overactivity (detrusor instability), benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lower urinary tract symptoms; chronic pain, neuropathic pain, postoperative pain, rheumatoid arthritic pain, neuralgia, neuropathies, algesia, nerve injury, ischaemia, neurodegeneration, stroke, and inflammatory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary (or airways) disease (COPD).
US07683074B2	7-azaindoles, their use as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4, and a method for synthesizing them 7-azaindoles inhibit phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). Methods for preparing these compounds and methods of treating arthritis and other conditions with the compounds are also provided.
US07683065B2	Pyridines useful as modulators of ion channels The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US07683059B2	Triazole compounds and uses related thereto The present invention provides a triazole compound of the following formula: a prodrug thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The above-mentioned triazole compound is useful as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of diabetes, obesity or metabolic syndrome.
US07683058B2	Substituted pyrimidine derivatives The present invention relates to pyrimidine derivatives of the general formula I or salts thereof and their use.
US07683057B2	Kinase inhibitor compounds The invention relates to compounds, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compound compositions. The compounds, compositions, and methods described herein can be used for the therapeutic modulation of kinase-mediated processes, and treatment of disease and disease symptoms, particularly those mediated by certain kinase enzymes.
US07683054B2	Galenic formulations of organic compounds The present invention relates to a solid oral dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of aliskiren or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount of more than 46% by weight based on the total weight of the oral dosage form.
US07683046B2	Benzodiazepine compositions for treating epidermal hyperplasia and related disorders The present invention provides, for example, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a benzodiazepine compound and an agent selected from the group consisting of a topical steroid, a keratolytic agent, a topical retinoid, a coal tar, and a vitamin D-3 analog. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for treating medical disorders, such as epidermal hyperplasia.
US07683041B2	Microgel particles for the delivery of bioactive materials Novel microgels, microparticles and related polymeric materials capable of delivering bioactive materials to cells for use as vaccines or therapeutic agents. The materials are made using a crosslinker molecule that contains a linkage cleavable under mild acidic conditions. The crosslinker molecule is exemplified by a bisacryloyl acetal crosslinker. The new materials have the common characteristic of being able to degrade by acid hydrolysis under conditions commonly found within the endosomal or lysosomal compartments of cells thereby releasing their payload within the cell. The materials can also be used for the delivery of therapeutics to the acidic regions of tumors and sites of inflammation.
US07683036B2	Oligomeric compounds and compositions for use in modulation of small non-coding RNAs Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression and function of small non-coding RNAs. The compositions comprise oligomeric compounds, targeted to small non-coding RNAs. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of small non-coding RNAs as well as downstream targets of these RNAs and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with small non-coding RNAs are also provided.
US07683005B2	Photocatalyst, manufacturing method therefor and articles comprising photocatalyst A photocatalyst having superior properties of adsorption and decomposition with respect to various substances is provided. This photocatalyst comprises a porous body coated with titanium apatite. The porous body is preferably diatomaceous earth. The photocatalyst can be formed by co-precipitation or a sol-gel method.
US07682999B2	Glass composition for production of glazing absorbing ultraviolet and infrared radiation Glass composition intended for the manufacture of windows that absorb ultraviolet and infrared radiation, comprising the oxides below, in contents varying within the following limits by weight: SiO265-80% Al2O30-5% B2O30-5% CaO 5-15% MgO0-2% Na2O 9-18% K2O 0-10% BaO0-5% characterized in that it additionally comprises the absorbent agents below, in contents varying within the following limits by weight: Fe2O3 (total iron)0.7 to 1.6% CeO20.1 to 1.2% TiO2 0 to 1.5% the glass having a redox factor of 0.23 or less and containing no tungsten oxide WO3.
US07682997B2	Barrier laminates and articles made therefrom This invention relates to the production of durably liquidproof laminates and articles made therefrom, the laminates incorporating a barrier layer and a textile made from a composite yarn containing a core including fiberglass as a strength component and a sheath of a different material around the core. Shelters and other protective articles incorporating this laminate are also described.
US07682993B2	Insulated composite reinforcement material An insulated composite material for structural reinforcement applications is provided. The insulated composite material includes a fiber reinforced composite material and a cementitious insulating layer applied over the composite material. Also provided is a structural member reinforced with the insulated composite material and a method of reinforcing a structural member with the insulated composite material.
US07682990B2	Method of manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory device Conventionally, a MONOS type nonvolatile memory is fabricated by subjecting a silicon nitride film to ISSG oxidation to form a top silicon oxide film of ONO structure. If the ISSG oxidation conditions are severe, repeats of programming/erase operation cause increase of interface state density (Dit) and electron trap density. This does not provide a sufficient value of the on current, posing a problem in that the deterioration of charge trapping properties cannot be suppressed.For the solution to the problem, the silicon nitride film is oxidized by means of a high concentration ozone gas to form the top silicon oxide film.
US07682988B2	Thermal treatment of nitrided oxide to improve negative bias thermal instability A method of reducing threshold voltage shift of a MOSFET transistor resulting after temperature and voltage stress, and an integrated circuit device fabricated according to the method. The method includes the steps of forming a nitrided dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, and subjecting the nitrided dielectric layer to an anneal at low pressure.
US07682987B2	Device for processing substrate and method of manufacturing semiconductor device Provided is a substrate processing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which are hard to cause a defect in processing a substrate owing to that a pressure inside a process chamber is not kept constant, and which enable a better processing of a substrate. The substrate processing apparatus has: a process chamber for processing a substrate; a reactive gas-supplying module for supplying a reactive gas into the process chamber; a reactive gas-supplying line for supplying the reactive gas from the reactive gas-supplying module into the process chamber; an exhaust line for exhausting an inside of the process chamber; a pump provided in the exhaust line for vacuumizing the inside of the process chamber; a pressure-adjusting valve provided in the exhaust line for adjusting a pressure in the process chamber; a first pressure-measuring instrument for measuring an inside pressure of the process chamber; a second pressure-measuring instrument for measuring a differential pressure between the inside pressure of the process chamber and an outside pressure thereof; and a controller which controls the pressure-adjusting valve based on a value of the inside pressure of the process chamber measured by the first pressure-measuring instrument so as to keep the inside pressure of the process chamber constant, and controls the reactive gas-supplying module based on a value of the differential pressure measured by the second pressure-measuring instrument so as to allow supply of the reactive gas into the process chamber in a case of the inside pressure of the process chamber being smaller than the outside pressure thereof, and so as to preclude supply of the reactive gas into the process chamber in a case of the inside pressure of the process chamber being larger than the outside pressure thereof when processing the substrate.
US07682985B2	Dual doped polysilicon and silicon germanium etch A method for etching a stack with at least one silicon germanium layer over a substrate in a processing chamber is provided. A silicon germanium etch is provided. An etchant gas is provided into the processing chamber, wherein the etchant gas comprises HBr, an inert diluent, and at least one of O2 and N2. The substrate is cooled to a temperature below 40° C. The etching gas is transformed to a plasma to etch the silicon germanium layer.
US07682982B2	Plasma processing apparatus and control method thereof There is provided a plasma processing apparatus includes a lower electrode in a processing chamber on which a object to be processed is mounted; an upper electrode confronting the lower electrode; a first and a second high-frequency power supply for applying high-frequency powers respectively to the upper and the lower electrode; and an output controller for raising each of outputs from the high-frequency power supplies at least three times in a stepwise manner up to each of set levels for processing the object to be processed. The output controller adjusts each of rising times of the outputs from the high-frequency power supplies so that an output of the second high-frequency power supply is raised earlier than an output of the first high-frequency power supply while the outputs from the high-frequency power supplies are raised up to the set levels in a stepwise manner.
US07682978B2	Plasma processing method and high-rate plasma etching apparatus A plasma processing method for use in a processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus having a mounting table and a ceiling portion, there being formed a plasma processing space between the mounting table and the ceiling portion, includes the steps of mounting a target object on the mounting table, setting a gap between the ceiling portion and the mounting table to be greater than about 25 mm and less than about 65 mm, and performing a plasma processing on the target object by generating a plasma in the processing space. The target object includes an opening pattern having openings and at least parts of the openings are equal to or greater than about 500 μm.
US07682975B2	Semiconductor device fabrication method A semiconductor device fabricating method includes forming a thin film at a top surface of a substrate; polishing a back surface of said substrate; and after the polishing of the back surface, polishing said thin film as formed at the top surface of said substrate.
US07682967B2	Method of forming metal wire in semiconductor device A method of forming a metal wire in a semiconductor device is disclosed The method includes the steps of etching an insulating layer formed on a semiconductor substrate to form a dual damascene pattern, forming a barrier metal layer in the dual damascene pattern, forming a metal layer on the barrier metal layer, and filling the dual damascene pattern with a conductive material to form a metal wire.
US07682966B1	Multistep method of depositing metal seed layers Metal seed layers are deposited on a semiconductor substrate having recessed features by a method that involves at least three operations. In this method, a first layer of metal is deposited onto the substrate to cover at least the bottom portions of the recessed features. The first layer of metal is subsequently redistributed to improve sidewall coverage of the recessed features. Next, a second layer of metal is deposited on at least the field region of the substrate and on the bottom portions of the recessed features. The method can be implemented using a PVD apparatus that allows deposition and resputtering operations. This sequence of operations can afford seed layers with improved step coverage. It also leads to decreased formation of voids in interconnects, and to improved resistance characteristics of formed IC devices.
US07682948B2	Digital light valve A system and method are provided for crystallizing a semiconductor film using a digital light valve. The method comprises: enabling pixel elements from an array of selectable pixel elements; in response to enabling the pixel elements, gating a light; sequentially exposing adjacent areas of a semiconductor film, such as Si, to the gated light; annealing the light-exposed areas of semiconductor film; and, in response to the annealing, laterally growing crystal grains in the semiconductor film. For example, the method may sequentially expose adjacent areas of semiconductor film to gated light in a first direction; and, simultaneously exposing adjacent areas of semiconductor film to gated light in a second direction, different than the first direction. For example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. As a result, crystal grains can be laterally grown simultaneously in the first and second directions.
US07682932B2	Method for fabricating a hybrid orientation substrate A method for fabricating a hybrid orientation substrate includes steps of providing a direct silicon bonding (DSB) wafer having a first substrate with (100) crystalline orientation and a second substrate with (110) crystalline orientation directly bonded on the first substrate, forming and patterning a first blocking layer on the second substrate to define a first region not covered by the first blocking layer and a second region covered by the first blocking layer, performing an amorphization process to transform the first region of the second substrate into an amorphized region, and performing an annealing process to recrystallize the amorphized region into the orientation of the first substrate and to make the second region stressed by the first blocking layer.
US07682931B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device When single crystal semiconductor layers are transposed from a single crystal semiconductor substrate (a bond wafer), the single crystal semiconductor substrate is etched selectively (this step is also referred to as groove processing), and a plurality of single crystal semiconductor layers, which are being divided in size of manufactured semiconductor elements, are transposed to a different substrate (a base substrate). Thus, a plurality of island-shaped single crystal semiconductor layers (SOI layers) can be formed over the base substrate. Further, etching is performed on the single crystal semiconductor layers formed over the base substrate, and the shapes of the SOI layers are controlled precisely by being processed and modified.
US07682928B2	Method of forming isolation layer of semiconductor device There is provided a method of forming an isolation layer which prevents a failure from occurring depending on a difference in the area of the isolation layer during a planarization process of the isolation layer having a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure. The present invention implements a uniform isolation layer by forming a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) stop layer on an isolation layer having a relatively large region and performing a planarization process using the CMP stop layer. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an isolation layer is completed by: forming a buffer insulating layer on a silicon substrate and patterning the buffer insulating layer; selectively etching the silicon substrate and forming trenches including a relatively big region and a relatively narrow region; depositing a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer sequentially on a whole surface of the silicon substrate; selectively removing the second insulating layer and forming a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) stop layer only on the relatively large trench region; planarizing the first insulating layer using the CMP stop layer; and removing all of the CMP stop layer and the buffer insulating layer and completing an isolation layer.
US07682922B2	Post STI trench capacitor A capacitor having a suitably large value for decoupling applications is formed in a trench defined by isolation structures such as recessed isolation or shallow trench isolation. The capacitor provides a contact area coextensive with an active area and can be reliably formed individually or in small numbers. Plate contacts are preferably made through implanted regions extending to or between dopant diffused regions forming a capacitor plate. The capacitor can be formed by a process subsequent to formation of isolation structures such that preferred soft mask processes can be used to form the isolation structures and process commonality and compatibility constraint are avoided while the capacitor forming processes can be performed in common with processing for other structures.
US07682920B2	Method for making a p-i-n diode crystallized adjacent to a silicide in series with a dielectric antifuse A method is described for forming a nonvolatile one-time-programmable memory cell having reduced programming voltage. A contiguous p-i-n diode is paired with a dielectric rupture antifuse formed of a high-dielectric-constant material, having a dielectric constant greater than about 8. In preferred embodiments, the high-dielectric-constant material is formed by atomic layer deposition. The diode is preferably formed of deposited low-defect semiconductor material, crystallized in contact with a silicide. A monolithic three dimensional memory array of such cells can be formed in stacked memory levels above the wafer substrate.
US07682917B2	Disposable metallic or semiconductor gate spacer A disposable spacer is formed directly on or in close proximity to the sidewalls of a gate electrode and a gate dielectric. The disposable spacer comprises a material that scavenges oxygen such as a metal, a metal nitride, or a semiconductor material having high reactivity with oxygen. The disposable gate spacer absorbs any oxygen during subsequent high temperature processing such as a stress memorization anneal. A metal is deposited over, and reacted with, the gate electrode and source and drain regions to form metal semiconductor alloy regions. The disposable gate spacer is subsequently removed selective to the metal semiconductor alloy regions. A porous or non-porous low-k dielectric material is deposited to provide a low parasitic capacitance between the gate electrode and the source and drain regions. The gate dielectric maintains the original dielectric constant since the disposable gate spacer prevents absorption of additional oxygen during high temperature processes.
US07682912B2	III-V compound semiconductor device with a surface layer in access regions having charge of polarity opposite to channel charge and method of making the same A method of forming a III-V compound semiconductor structure (10) comprises providing a III-V compound semiconductor substrate including a semi-insulating substrate (12) having at least one epitaxial layer formed thereon and further having a gate insulator (14) overlying the at least one epitaxial layer. The at least one epitaxial layer formed on the semi-insulating substrate comprises an epi-structure suitable for use in the formation of a channel of a III-V compound semiconductor MOSFET device, wherein the channel (30) having a first polarity. The method further comprises forming a charge layer (22) at a surface of the gate insulator, the charge layer having a second polarity, wherein the second polarity is opposite to the first polarity.
US07682904B2	Method of fabricating flash memory device The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a flash memory device and includes forming an air-gap having a low dielectric constant between word lines and floating gates. Further, a tungsten nitride (WN) layer is formed on sidewalls of a tungsten (W) layer for a control gate. Hence, the cross section of the control gate that is finally formed can be increased while preventing abnormal oxidization of the tungsten layer in a subsequent annealing process. The method of the present invention can improve interference between neighboring word lines and, thus improve the reliability of a device. Accordingly, a robust high-speed device can be implemented.
US07682895B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: (A) a wafer process; and (B) a bias application process after the wafer process. The wafer process includes: (a) forming a n-type well in a p-type semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a p-type well in the n-type well; and (c) forming a transistor on the p-type well, the transistor having a n-type source/drain diffusion layer. In the bias application process, a forward bias is applied between the p-type well and the n-type well to move heavy metal ions.
US07682882B2	Method of manufacturing ZnO-based thin film transistor Provided is a method of manufacturing a ZnO-based thin film transistor (TFT). The method may include forming source and drain electrodes using one or two wet etchings. A tin (Sn) oxide, a fluoride, or a chloride having relatively stable bonding energy against plasma may be included in a channel layer. Because the source and drain electrodes are formed by wet etching, damage to the channel layer and an oxygen vacancy may be prevented or reduced. Because the material having higher bonding energy is distributed in the channel layer, damage to the channel layer occurring when a passivation layer is formed may be prevented or reduced.
US07682877B2	Substrate based unmolded package A semiconductor die package is disclosed. In one embodiment, the semiconductor die package has a substrate. It includes (i) a leadframe structure including a die attach region with a die attach surface and a lead having a lead surface, and (ii) a molding material. The die attach surface and the lead surface are exposed through the molding material. A semiconductor die is on the die attach region, and the semiconductor die is electrically coupled to the lead. The die attach surface and the lead surface can be in different planes.
US07682874B2	Chip scale package (CSP) assembly apparatus and method In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of fabricating a chip scale package (CSP). The method includes forming conductive bumps on a top side of a semiconductor wafer; mounting the top side of the semiconductor wafer on adhesive tape; sawing the semiconductor wafer a first time such that a wide sawing kerf is obtained; molding the semiconductor wafer with a molding compound; and sawing the semiconductor wafer a second time to obtain the CSPs. Such method has improved efficiency as compared to many existing methods of fabricating CSPs.
US07682869B2	Method of packaging integrated circuit devices using preformed carrier Disclosed is a method of packaging integrated circuit devices using a preformed carrier. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes providing a carrier having a plurality of pockets formed therein, positioning an integrated circuit chip and a substrate in each of the plurality of pockets and conductively coupling the integrated circuit chip and the substrate in each of the plurality of pockets to one another. Also disclosed is a packaged integrated circuit device including a preformed body and an integrated circuit chip and a substrate positioned within the preformed body, the integrated chip and the substrate being conductively coupled to one another.
US07682868B2	Method for making a keyhole opening during the manufacture of a memory cell A keyhole opening is formed during one example of manufacturing a memory cell. An upper layer is formed on a base layer, the base layer having a bottom electrode. The upper layer includes a second layer formed over the base layer and a first layer formed over the second layer. A keyhole opening is formed through the upper layer to expose a surface of the bottom electrode and to create a first memory cell subassembly. The keyhole opening comprises a first, upper opening segment formed within the first layer and a second opening segment formed within the second layer, the first and second opening segments having first and second widths. The first layer has an overhanging portion extending into the opening so that the first width is shorter than the second width.
US07682859B2	Patterned strained semiconductor substrate and device A method that includes forming a pattern of strained material and relaxed material on a substrate; forming a strained device in the strained material; and forming a non-strained device in the relaxed material is disclosed. In one embodiment, the strained material is silicon (Si) in either a tensile or compressive state, and the relaxed material is Si in a normal state. A buffer layer of silicon germanium (SiGe), silicon carbon (SiC), or similar material is formed on the substrate and has a lattice constant/structure mis-match with the substrate. A relaxed layer of SiGe, SiC, or similar material is formed on the buffer layer and places the strained material in the tensile or compressive state. In another embodiment, carbon-doped silicon or germanium-doped silicon is used to form the strained material. The structure includes a multi-layered substrate having strained and non-strained materials patterned thereon.
US07682857B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor optical device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor optical device includes: forming a p-type cladding layer; forming a capping layer on the p-type cladding layer, the capping layer being selectively etchable relative to the p-type cladding layer; forming a through film on the capping layer; forming a window structure by ion implantation; removing the through film after the ion implantation; and selectively removing the capping layer using a chemical solution.
US07682855B2	Fabrication method of substrate-free light emitting diode A substrate-free light emitting diode (LED) including an epitaxy layer, a conductive supporting layer, and a first contact pad is provided. The epitaxy layer includes a first type doped semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, and a second type doped semiconductor layer. The light emitting layer is disposed on the first type doped semiconductor layer, and a portion of the first type doped semiconductor layer is exposed. The second type doped semiconductor layer and the conductive supporting layer are sequentially disposed on the second type doped semiconductor layer. The first contact pad is disposed on the exposed first type doped semiconductor layer and electrically connected thereto. The first contact pad and the conductive supporting layer serving as an electrode are disposed on the same side of the epitaxy layer to avoid the light shielding effects of the electrode to improve the front light emitting efficiency of the LED.
US07682847B2	Method for sorting integrated circuit devices A method for sorting integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type having a substantially unique identification (ID) code, such as a fuse ID, including automatically reading the ID code of each of the IC devices and sorting the IC devices in accordance with their automatically read ID codes, is disclosed.
US07682843B2	Semiconductor fabrication system, and flow rate correction method and program for semiconductor fabrication system Zero point shift based on thermal siphon effect occurring actually when a substrate is processed is detected accurately and corrected suitably. The semiconductor fabrication system comprises a gas supply passage (210) for supplying gas into a heat treatment unit (110), an MFC (240) for comparing an output voltage from a detecting unit for detecting the gas flow rate of the gas supply passage with a set voltage corresponding to a preset flow rate and controlling the gas flow rate of the gas supply passage to the set flow rate, and a control unit (300). The control unit replaces gas in the MFC by gas which is to be used at least for processing a substrate before the substrate is processed, detects the output voltage from the MFC under a state where valves (230, 250) provided in the upstream and the downstream of the MFC are closed and stores the detected output voltage in a storage unit, corrects the set voltage corresponding to the flow rate of gas to be used for processing the substrate based on the output voltage from the MFC stored in the storage unit at the time of processing the substrate, and sets the corrected set voltage in the MFC.
US07682839B2	Methods using novel chemiluminescent labels Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs.
US07682833B2	Immunoassay device with improved sample closure An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising: loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding camber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.
US07682831B2	Method of measuring lipid in specific lipoprotein A method of measuring a lipid in a specific lipoprotein characterized by using a polycyclic polyoxyalkylene derivative at least in the step of determining the specificity of the measurement of the target lipid.
US07682826B2	Human embryonic stem cells and culturing methods thereof Provided herein are human embryonic stem cells and their method of culturing. In one embodiment, the human embryonic stem cells are maintained in an environment containing an extracellular matrix isolated from feeder cells and a conditioned medium pre-conditioned by the feeder cells; the feeder cells are pre-inactivated by either gamma ray radiation or by mitomycin C treatment. The cultured human embryonic stem cells remain substantially undifferentiated and maintain their pluripotency to differentiate into three germ layer cells.
US07682819B2	Instrument for heating and cooling An instrument and method is provided that conveniently allows rapid amplification of nucleic acids.
US07682818B2	Apparatus for separating and purifying nucleic acid and method for separating and purifying nucleic acid The present invention provides an apparatus for separating and purifying nucleic acids, which comprises: a cylindrical syringe having a leading end part in which a first opening part is formed, a base end part in which a second opening part is formed and an accommodation part between said first opening part and second opening part, the accommodation part being able to hold liquid therein; and a solid phase-holding member connected to said leading end part, a flow hole being formed at the leading end side of the solid phase-holding member; wherein a solid phase comprised of an organic polymer having a hydroxyl group on the surface thereof is accommodated in said solid phase-holding member, the solid phase being able to adsorb and desorb nucleic acids in a sample solution; and wherein a pressure sensor capable of detecting the pressure in the accommodation part is connected.
US07682815B2	Bioelectrolytical methanogenic/methanotrophic coupling for bioremediation of ground water The invention disclosure is a method of bioremediation of wastewater, particularly groundwater, by utilizing coupled anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment, more specifically, methanogenic (strictly anaerobic) and methanotrophic (strictly aerobic) microbial populations, in combination with a supply of in-situ generated water-dissolved oxygen and hydrogen. Water electrolysis is used to produce water-dissolved oxygen and hydrogen. The immediate advantage of using H2 from the electrolysis is to provide electron donors to methanogens to reductively dechlorinate the chloroaliphatics, and to reduce the water carbonates and generate methane which is used as energy and carbon source for the methanotrophic bacteria. Oxygen is used as electron acceptor by the aerobic bacteria, including the methanotrophs. The addition of an organic carbon source can be minimized or even eliminated, so as to diminish the competition between methanotrophic bacteria and heterotrophic bacteria for oxygen.
US07682813B1	Methane generation from waste materials An organic solid waste digester for producing methane from solid waste, the digester comprising a reactor vessel for holding solid waste, a sprinkler system for distributing water, bacteria, and nutrients over and through the solid waste, and a drainage system for capturing leachate that is then recirculated through the sprinkler system.
US07682804B2	Diagnostics and therapeutics for macular degeneration-related disorders The invention relates to methods for diagnosing and treating macular degeneration-related disorders. The invention also related to methods for identifying genes that cause macular degeneration-related disorders.
US07682801B2	Dual path immunoassay device The systems of the invention include test cells with a first sorbent material defining a first flow path for a solution, a second sorbent material defining a second flow path distinct from the first flow path for a sample, and a test line or test site with immobilized antigens or antibodies or other ligand binding molecules such as aptamers, nucleic acids, etc. located at the junction of the first and second sorbent materials. The first and second sorbent strips touch each other at the test site location.
US07682778B2	Methods of forming contact plugs in semiconductor devices Provided are contact photomasks and methods using such photomasks for fabricating semiconductor devices and forming contact plugs on portions of active regions exposed between gate lines. The elongated active regions are arrayed in a series of parallel groups with each group being, in turn, aligned along their longitudinal axes to form an acute angle with the gate lines. The contact photomask includes a plurality of openings arranged in parallel lines that are aligned at an angle offset from previously formed gate lines and which may be parallel to the active regions or may be aligned at an angle offset from the axes of both the groups of active regions and the gate lines. Processes for forming contact plugs using such photomasks may provide increased processing margin and extend the utility of conventional exposure equipment for semiconductor devices exhibiting increased integration density and/or built to more demanding design rules.
US07682769B2	Method of manufacturing toner, toner, and image forming method Disclosed is a method of manufacturing toner possessing the steps of conducting a polymerization process for acquiring wax-containing polyester resin particles via condensation-polymerization of carboxylic acid and alcohol employing oil droplets after forming the oil droplets made of wax and a polymerizable monomer containing at least one kind of carboxylic acid with divalence or more and at least one kind of alcohol with divalence or more in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant including a compound having a long chain hydrocarbon group and acidic group, and conducting a process of coagulating at least the wax-containing polyester particles in the aqueous medium.
US07682755B2	Lithography mask and optical lithography method using surface plasmon A periodic structure for producing surface plasmon resonance as a result of coupling surface plasmon with light is formed on a side to which the light is to be input, while a fine structure having a periodically or aperiodically arbitrary shape is formed opposite to the periodic structure in order that a pattern a dimension of which is a half or less than a wavelength of light can be transferred to a resist without requiring closely contact of the resist with a mask, or an exposure for a long period of time unlike near field lithography. An electric field transmission layer may be formed between the periodic structure and the fine structure, and the fine structure may be formed on the electric field transmission layer.
US07682751B2	Lithium ion secondary battery and charging method therefor, and charge or charge/discharge control system for lithium ion secondary battery A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a composite lithium oxide, a negative electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions, a sheet-like separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a porous electron-insulating film attached to the surface of the negative electrode. The sheet-like separator is a monolayer film made of polypropylene resin or a multilayer film whose layer to be in contact with the positive electrode is made of polypropylene resin. The porous electron-insulating film includes an inorganic oxide filler and a binder. The sheet-like separator has a thickness not less than 1.5 times the thickness of the porous electron-insulating film.
US07682750B2	Lithium ion battery comprising nanomaterials A lithium ion battery includes a cathode (10) having a plurality of lithium-cobalt-nickel oxide nanoparticles, an anode (20) having at least one carbon nanotube array (22), an electrolyte, and a membrane (30) separating the anode from the cathode. The carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (23). Preferably, an average diameter of an outermost wall of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes is in the range from 10 to 100 nanometers, and a pitch between adjacent multi-walled carbon nanotubes is in the range from 20 to 500 nanometers. In the carbon nanotube array, the lithium ions are able to intercalate not only inside the multi-walled carbon nanotubes, but also in the interstices between adjacent multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Thus a density of intercalation of the carbon nanotube array is significantly higher than that of graphite.
US07682737B2	Lead-zinc storage battery A storage battery is provided such that in its charged condition the positive electrode comprises lead dioxide and the negative electrode comprises zinc. Upon discharge, the lead dioxide is reduced to lead monoxide and the zinc is oxidized to zinc oxide. The electrolyte comprises an aqueous solution of a chromate salt.
US07682736B2	Electrochemical device An electrochemical device includes a case, a nonaqueous electrolyte filled in the case and containing a room temperature molten salt in an amount of 1 to 50 vol %, a first electrode housed in the case, and a second electrode housed in the case and containing a substance having a lamellar crystal structure. The room temperature molten salt contains a cation represented by formula (1) or formula (2) given below. R1 includes a carbonic acid ester group. Each of R2 and R3 denotes a substituent having an acyclic structure and having 4 or less carbon atoms, or R2 and R3 are combined to denote a substituent having a cyclic structure and having 4 or 5 carbon atoms. R4 includes a carbonic acid ester group, R5 has an acyclic structure and has 4 or less carbon atoms, and R6 denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.
US07682727B2	Portable electronic device having a latched battery cover A portable electronic device includes a battery for providing electricity to the portable electronic device; a housing for accommodating the battery; a battery cover for covering the battery; a latch affixed to the housing in a slidable manner along a first direction, wherein when the latch is at a first position, the latch is capable of fixing the battery cover and the housing together; and an elastic unit for lifting the battery cover when the latch is at a second position.
US07682722B2	Membrane-electrode assembly, polymer membranes for a membrane-electrode assembly, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, and methods for the production thereof A membrane-electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cells and methods of production thereof, in which a polymer membrane, containing at least one basic polymer membrane, is sandwiched between two flat gas diffusion electrodes each of which is loaded with a dopant, whereby after reaching a mass transport equilibrium for the exchange of the dopant between the gas diffusion electrodes and the polymer membrane, the polymer membrane has a conductivity of at least 0.1 S/m at a temperature of no less than 25° C.
US07682721B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system and a related operating method are disclosed. The system includes a fuel cell body 1 having an anode electrode supplied with fuel gas containing hydrogen and a cathode electrode supplied with oxidizer gas, a catalyst degradation-suppressing means operative to interrupt supplying oxidizer gas to the cathode electrode after disconnecting the external load from the fuel cell body 1 and allow a load current, generated by the fuel cell body 1, to be extracted by an internal load 26 while supplying fuel gas to the anode electrode, a hydrogen supply stop means operative to interrupt a supply of fuel gas to the anode electrode during a period in which the load current is extracted by the internal load, and load current control means controlling a target load current such that after the supply of fuel gas to the anode electrode is stopped, a pressure inside the anode electrode is maintained at a target pressure.
US07682714B2	Connecting structure of a cell monitor connector to a fuel cell stack Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cell monitor connector having a pair of terminals is connected to a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells each having two separators. One terminal of the pair of terminals is caused to contact a first fuel cell at one of the two separators of the first fuel cell, and the other terminal of the pair of terminals is caused to contact a second fuel cell located adjacent to the first fuel cell at one of the two separators of the second fuel cell having the same polarity as the one of the separators of the first fuel cell, whereby an interval of the pair of terminals can be widened.
US07682713B2	Magnetic recording medium with recording layer having a predetermined concavo-convex pattern and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus The magnetic recording medium includes: recording elements formed as the convex portions of the recording layer formed in the predetermined concavo-convex pattern over a substrate; and a filling elements with which a concave portions between the recording elements are filled. A surface concave portion is formed in a surface of the magnetic recording medium above the recording element. The surface concave portion has a cross-sectional shape of which a portion corresponding to a center of the recording element lying thereunder in a width direction thereof is recessed deepest toward the substrate, and has a width monotonically increasing with increase of a distance from the substrate.
US07682703B2	Microfabrication using patterned topography and self-assembled monolayers A method of selectively and electrolessly depositing a metal onto a substrate having a metallic microstructured surface is disclosed. The method includes forming a self-assembled monolayer on the metallic microstructured surface, exposing the self-assembled monolayer to an electroless plating solution including a soluble form of a deposit metal, and depositing electrolessly the deposit metal selectively on the metallic microstructured surface. Article formed from this method are also disclosed.
US07682697B2	Fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheets with surface coverings A composite sheet material in one embodiment includes a porous core layer. The porous core layer includes a thermoplastic polymer, about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of reinforcing fibers based on a total weight of the porous core layer, and an effective amount of a flame retardant agent.
US07682696B2	Medical article and method of making and using the same The packaged medical article can comprise the medical article and a protective layer capable of inhibiting exposure of the medical article to a color change activator prior to use of the medical article. The medical article comprises a plastic portion and an active color changing specie, wherein the color changing specie is capable of changing color after exposure to a color change activator. The method for producing a medical article can comprise: combining thermoplastic resin with a blocked color changing specie to form a resin mixture and manufacture processing the resin mixture to form a packaged medical article. This manufacturing processing comprises forming the resin mixture into the medical article and packaging the medical article to form a packaged medical article. The color changing specie will not affect the structural integrity of the medical article when it changes color.
US07682693B2	Filling material A filling material for filling into articles of bedding and the like is presented and includes polyester fibres having an average dimension of 0.5 to 2.5 dtex and being coated with a slickener and crimped. The fibres have been cut to an average length of 4-15 mm and have subsequently been opened. In a method of forming a filling material a tow of slickened fibres of the above type is formed and crimped and is then cut to the above mentioned length. The cut fibres are then opened to form the filling material.
US07682687B2	Forgery-preventing film Disclosed is a forgery-preventing film having a structure in which a thermoplastic resin film is attached to both faces of a light-shielding layer processed for forgery prevention. It is impossible to recognize the letter information to be protected in the forgery-preventing film without peeling the information-concealing layer therefrom.
US07682683B2	Stretch film A stretch film with a base (1) consisting of a film material and with a multitude of holes (2) that are formed in the base (1) in several rows (3) of holes extending, in essence, in parallel to each other and in a main direction (X) comprises at least one layer of strips (4) consisting of a film material and extending in the main direction (X), said layer being arranged on the base (1) between the rows (3) of holes. Owing to the applied strips (4), a high stretchability of the stretch film can be achieved.
US07682681B2	Sound absorbing/sound blocking automotive trim products Sound absorbing/sound blocking products, including trim products formed from a porous fibrous layer backed by a sound absorbing layer and a sound blocking layer for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A porous fibrous layer structure including a fibrous layer backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to vacuum to draw air through the fibrous layer backing to create a porous structure. A layer of sound absorbing and a layer of sound blocking material may be applied to the porous fibrous layer backing to provide improved acoustic properties. An underlayment may further be included to provide selected areas of increased thickness and provide tailoring of sound attenuation.
US07682679B2	Optical information recording medium and method of manufacturing the same A dye or dyes are selected, which are capable of absorbing a laser beam with a wavelength of 350 to 500 nm and are capable of recording sub-information using a laser beam with a wavelength of 640 to 680 nm or 750 to 830 nm. An optical information recording medium including the optical recording layer records sub-information (BCA information) of a type different from that of main information (data information) in a sub-information region (a BCA recording region) different from a main information area (a data area) using a laser beam.
US07682675B2	Self-adhesive sealing tape for sealing the passages of construction units through plastic foils lining roofs A self-adhesive flexible sealing tape, especially on a butyl or acrylic base, possibly a butyl rubber base, intended for sealing purposes and so designed that both the sealing tape and the carrier foil applied to the sealing tape are capable of being stretched, thus enabling the carrier tape to follow the stretching state of the sealing tape.
US07682673B2	Blood-flow tubing An artificial or modified natural blood flow tubing has a helical-flow inducer to induce helical flow in such fashion as to eliminate or reduce turbulence. One inducer is a tubular stent of expansible mesh having a helical vane.
US07682671B2	Liquid crystalline medium and liquid crystal display The instant invention relates to dielectrically positive liquid crystalline media comprising a dielectrically positive component, component A, comprising a dielectrically positive compound of formula I wherein the parameters have the meaning given in the specification, and optionally a second dielectrically positive component, component B, comprising one or more dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of more than 3 and optionally a dielectric neutral component, component C, as well as to liquid crystal displays comprising these media, especially to active matrix displays and in particular to TN and to IPS displays.
US07682669B1	Methods for covalently immobilizing anti-thrombogenic material into a coating on a medical device The present invention is directed to a medical device having a polymerized base coat layer for the immobilization of an anti-thrombogenic material, such as heparin, thereon. The binding coat layer is comprised of various chemically functional groups which are stable and allow for the immobilization of the anti-thrombogenic material thereto. Methods for immobilizing the anti-thrombogenic material within the base coat layer posited on a surface of the medical device are also provided.
US07682661B2	Firearm camouflage system The present invention provides a pre-packaged kit and a method for creating unique multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage on a surface, and in particular the surfaces of a firearm. The multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage are created by separating or peeling off pre-cut stencil/templates from sheet or roll stock adhesive backed masking material and applying the stencil/templates to a surface. The surface is subsequently sprayed with coatings, finishers and sealants. Additional layers of stencil/templates are then added and sprayed with various colors or tones of coatings, finishers and sealants to complete the desired effect on the firearm surface.
US07682656B2	Process and apparatus for producing a coated product The present invention relates to a process for producing a coated product comprising: (a) coating a substrate with a coating material to form a coated substrate; and (b) stabilizing the coated substrate to form the coated product; wherein the operating parameter of substrate-substrate contact and coated substrate-coated substrate contact differs between step a) and step b), such that in step b) the contact is minimized. An apparatus is also provided.
US07682653B1	Magnetic disk with uniform lubricant thickness distribution A method for manufacturing a magnetic disk is provided that includes the steps: (a) forming a layer 128 of a lubricant material on a surface of a magnetic storage medium 300, the layer 128 of lubricant material also being located on an interior and/or exterior edge of the medium 300; and (b) removing at least some of the lubricant material from the edge 160 of the medium.
US07682644B2	Fat and oil composition for spreads An object of the present invention is to provide a fat and oil composition for spreads having good oral solubility and spreadability without greasiness. A fat and oil composition for spreads of the present invention is composed of a continuous fat and oil phase and a water phase, characterized in that the fat and oil phase comprises (a) a liquid-state fat and oil containing, as a main ingredient, triglycerides having fatty acids with 8 to 10 carbon atoms in an amount of not less than 10% by mass of the total constitutional fatty acids; (b) a low melting transesterified fat and oil obtained by subjecting 40 to 90 parts by mass of the palm based fat and oil and 60 to 10 parts by mass of a liquid-state fat and oil to transesterification with a 1,3-position-specific lipase; and (c) a solid-form fat and oil having an open-tube melting point under increasing temperature of 38° C. or higher.
US07682627B2	Artificial low-density lipoprotein carriers for transport of substances across the blood-brain barrier This invention relates to a highly efficient artificial low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carrier system for the targeted delivery therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In particular, this invention relates to artificial LDL particles comprised of three lipid elements: phosphatidyl choline, fatty-acyl-cholesterol esters, and at least one apolipoprotein. The present invention further relates to compositions, methods and kits comprising artificial LDL particles for targeting drugs to and across the BBB for the prevention and treatment of brain diseases.
US07682626B2	Polyvinylethers for delivery of polynucleotides to mammalian cells A class of polymers for delivery of polynucleotides to cells in described. More specifically, amphiphilic polyvinylethers and compositions containing amphiphilic polyvinylethers are described.
US07682619B2	Canine influenza virus The present invention relates to an isolate canine influenza virus. The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a hemagglutinin from a canine influenza virus. The present invention also relates to the protein or polypeptide encoded by the isolated nucleic acid molecule. Vaccines and detection and treatment methods relating to canine influenza viruses are also disclosed.
US07682617B2	Synergistic phytoceutical compositions Phytoceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of circulatory disorders, feminine endocrine disorders, and dermal disorders. A specific combination of extracts of plants is taught, as well as principles for varying the formulations based on categorizing plants into one of three groups, Energy, Bio-Intelligence, and Organization and selecting several plants from each group. Such combinations have synergistic effects, with minimal side effects.
US07682614B2	Methods for inhibition of NKT cells Molecules that interact with the NKT cell antigen receptor and its counterpart antigen presenting molecule, but which inhibit the NKT cell immune function, are administered to a patient. Conditions of particular interest include the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cancer, atherosclerosis, and allergic disease. In some embodiment of the invention, the inhibitory agent is an anergizing glycolipid, for example β-galactosylceramide. Pharmaceutical formulations of such glycolipids are provided, and find use in the treatment of diseases involving undesirable NKT cell activation.
US07682612B1	Treatment of hematologic malignancies associated with circulating tumor cells using chimeric anti-CD20 antibody Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) may be treated with antibodies directed against the CD20 antigen.
US07682611B2	Method of modulating the activity of functional immune molecules to CXCR4 protein The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, such as an antibody, a protein, a peptide or the like, an agent of promoting the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, and an immunologically functional molecule having the promoted activity.
US07682608B2	Stabilized preparations containing antibody A stabilized antibody-containing preparation containing acetyltryptophan or an acetyltryptophan derivative or a salt thereof as a stabilizer for controlling the decrease in the biological activity of the antibody.
US07682605B2	Water-resistant mascara composition having a high water content The invention relates to a water-resistant mascara composition that has a high water content. The inventive mascara composition contains an oil phase comprising a liquid ester, an oil, or a mixture thereof, 1 to 50 percent by weight of a silicon-based film-forming agent, 1 to 10 percent by weight of a gel-forming agent selected among fatty acid esters, glycol derivatives, or mixtures thereof, 1 to 50 percent by weight of substances selected among pigments, powders, fillers, and mixtures thereof, an aqueous phase comprising 42 to 75 percent by weight of water, 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of a surfactant, and other carrier substances, auxiliary agents, active substances, or mixtures thereof until reaching 100 percent by weight. Said composition contains no wax and no hydrocarbon solvent.
US07682604B2	Composite powder, cosmetics containing the same, and process for producing composite powder An object of the present invention is to provide a composite powder, cosmetics containing the same, and the production method of the same. When blended into cosmetics, the above-described composite powder corrects skin surface unevenness and imperfections in skin color, renders a natural finish, and have durability in finished makeup. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the composite powder of the present invention comprises flaky substrate powder and barium sulfate particles or zinc oxide particles that adhere to the surface, in protrusions, of the substrate powder.
US07682596B2	Titanium and dense lithium mixed oxide powder compound, method for producing said compound and compound-containing electrode A powdery compound selected from the group consisting of Li4Ti5O12 and its derivatives selected from the group consisting of Li4−xMxTi5O12 and Li4Ti5−yNyO12 (x and y between 0 and 0.2, M and N selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Mg, Nb, Al, Ni , Co, Zr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Si and Mo), used as active material of an electrode for a lithium storage battery, consists of unitary particles having a diameter not greater than 1 μm and 10-50% volume agglomerated particles having a diameter not greater than 100 μm wherein the agglomerated particles formed by agglomeration of said unitary particles. The method for producing such a compound preferably consists in grinding the synthesized oxide for a duration comprised between 24 hours and 48 hours in a planetary mill and in then performing thermal treatment at a temperature comprised between 450° C. and 600° C.
US07682593B2	Process for the production of Ge by reduction of GeCl4 with liquid metal The invention relates to the manufacture of high purity germanium for the manufacture of e.g. infra red optics, radiation detectors and electronic devices. GeCl4 is converted to Ge metal by contacting gaseous GeCl4 with a liquid metal M containing one of Zn, Na and Mg, thereby obtaining a Ge-bearing alloy and a metal M chloride, which is removed by evaporation or skimming. The Ge-bearing alloy is then purified at a temperature above the boiling point of metal M. This process does not require complicated technologies and preserves the high purity of the GeCl4 in the final Ge metal, as the only reactant is metal M, which can be obtained in very high purity grades and continuously recycled.
US07682588B2	Process for the manufacture of sodium carbonate Process for the manufacture of sodium carbonate crystals comprising: the addition of solid sodium carbonate (1) to an aqueous solution comprising sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate; the crystallization and the separation of sodium sesquicarbonate crystals; (B, C) the crystallization of sodium carbonate crystals, (E) the amount of sodium carbonate added being adjusted so that the crystallization of sesquicarbonate crystals can be carried out without preliminary evaporation of the aqueous suspension.
US07682583B2	Lean NOx trap/conversion catalyst A process and composition for converting nitrogen oxides present in exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine utilize cobalt and at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal as a component of an adsorbent. The process involves contacting the exhaust gas with an adsorbent which adsorbs the nitrogen oxides in lean-burn conditions and recurrently reducing the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas. During such periods of reduced oxygen concentration, the nitrogen oxides are then desorbed and reduced to nitrogen, thereby reducing the concentration of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas. The composition of the adsorbent comprises an oxide support and at least two components loaded on the support and containing cobalt and at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. The composition demonstrates improved activity at higher temperatures and improved thermal stability.
US07682582B2	Simultaneous removal of H2S and SO2 from tail gases A process for the simultaneous removal of H2S and SO2 from tail gases is disclosed. A tail gas stream is contacted with a sorbent in a sorption zone to produce a product gas stream and a sulfur laden sorbent, wherein the sorbent comprises Zn and a promoter metal.
US07682576B2	Apparatus for recovering power from FCC product Disclosed is an apparatus for recovering power from an FCC product. The dry gas is combusted and combined with FCC regenerator flue gas to raise the power recovery capability of the flue gas. The flue gas can be used to generate electrical power or steam. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
US07682573B1	Microscope plate index apparatus A microscope plate indexing apparatus includes a base platform and an indexing platform. The indexing platform has a slideway to slidingly receive a crystallography or other microscope plate. The indexing platform includes two projecting pins, one of which is a guide pin received in a guide groove in the base platform and the other of which is an indexing pin received in one of a plurality of indexing holes in the base platform. The indexing holes are preferably located in an indexing groove. The guide groove keeps the indexing platform aligned with the base platform during movement of the indexing pin from one indexing hole to the other and maintains the indexing platform in substantially fixed position in relation to the base platform when the indexing pin is in a selected indexing hole to insure correct alignment of the two platforms. The row of wells in the microscope plate is selected by selecting the indexing hole into which the index pin is inserted and the particular well of the row is selected by sliding the microscope plate in the slideway.
US07682571B2	Micro-fluidic heating system Provided is a micro-fluidic heating system, which comprises a micro-fluidic control element for providing a chamber, a flow path and a valve, and a main body for heating the inside of the chamber in contact with the micro-fluidic control element, wherein the micro-fluidic control element consists of an upper substrate for providing the chamber, the flow path and the valve, and a lower substrate as a thin film bonded to the upper substrate, and the main body consists of a membrane in which heating means and suction holes are formed, and support member for supporting the membrane, and the heating means is partially in contact with the lower substrate of the chamber to heat the inside of the chamber, so that thermal transfer efficiency becomes maximized and temperature of each chamber may be independently controlled in the case of configuration having chambers arranged in array.
US07682569B2	System equipped with water purification means The invention relates to an analyzer device of the kind using purified water and including one or more analyzer means adapted to carry out predetermined analyses and defining at least one point of use of the purified water and having a water purification system at least partially formed on board the device. The water purification system includes a variety of water purification modules adapted to produce purified water for the one or more analyzer means having a predetermined purity and in that the purified water is taken up by the one or more analyzer means immediately after it has been purified.
US07682562B2	Ozone-generating method for tubs A system for decontaminating a fluid-injection system for a tub from organic growth comprises an ozone source and a pressure source, producing an ozone-enriched air output. Piping is connected to a fluid-injection system. A controller device actuates the ozone source and the pressure source such that the ozone-enriched air output is conveyed to conduits of the fluid-injection system. A switch manually actuated to stop an actuation of the ozone source, whereby organic growth in the conduits of the fluid-injection system is exposed to the ozone-enriched air output.
US07682560B2	Fumigation apparatus As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10). Extraction means for evacuation of the fumigation chamber gases includes a pipe (28) attached to an orifice (30) located in the lower region of the panel (10), the pipe (28) in turn connected to a contra-rotating fan (34) and an actuated butterfly valve (32) and thence to a pipe exhaust stack (36). Absorption means are operatively coupled to the extraction means on the module (8) to absorb at least part of the fumigant extracted from the fumigation chamber. The absorption means is in the form of a removable absorption bed cartridge (40) and includes activated carbon to which the fumigant attaches or is absorbed and is thus stripped from the gas/fumigant extracted from the fumigation chamber.
US07682557B2	Multiple processes of high pressures and temperatures for sintered bodies A method for forming a carbide composite that includes providing a mixture of carbide particles and a metallic binder in a container; sintering the container contents at a first processing condition having a pressure of less than about 45,000 psi; and sintering the container contents at a second processing condition having a pressure of greater than about 100,000 psi is disclosed.
US07682547B2	Integrally formed molded parts and method for making the same A method and device for making integrally formed one-piece molded parts is provided, where the molded parts are to contain a void within their volume. An exemplary such molded part is an arc tube for a discharge lamp. A wax core is first molded onto a core pin wire in the shape of the desired void, the discharge chamber in the case of an arc tube. Then the part is molded over the wax core to provide an integrally formed one-piece part having the appropriately dimensioned void volume therein defined by the wax core. After the part has been hardened around the wax core, the core is removed by conventional means. The holes through the finished molded part left after the core pin wire is removed can be filled in, or in the case of an arc tube they are useful as passageways to accommodate electrodes therethrough.
US07682539B1	Regeneration of silk and silk-like fibers from ionic liquid spin dopes The present invention relates to a process of forming fibers of silk and silk-like proteins in a solution with a solvent consisting of a pure ionic liquid, an ionic liquid mixture, an ionic liquid mixed with one or more cosolvents, or an ionic liquid mixture mixed with one or more cosolvents. A solution is extruded through a spinneret orifice to form a fiber. The spinneret is either directly immersed in the coagulation bath or the spinneret is surrounded by a noncoagulating medium (i.e., air or other inert fluid) and the extruded fiber is subsequently immersed in a coagulation bath. Fibers may also be formed by extruding a fiber directly from a reservoir of solution into a noncoagulating, inert medium and then immersing the extruded fibers into a coagulation bath to rinse the fiber of ionic liquid.
US07682528B2	Oxide ion conductor An La2O3 powder and an SiO2 powder are mixed with each other, and then heated. By heating, a porous material of LaXSi6O1.5X+12 (8≦X≦10) as a composite oxide is produced. Subsequently, the porous material is pulverized to obtain a powder, and the powder is added to a solvent to prepare a slurry. The slurry is solidified in a magnetic field to prepare a compact. After that, the compact is sintered, and an oxide ion conductor is obtained thereby.
US07682504B2	System for growing crustaceans and other fish A recirculated marine aquaculture system for growing crustaceans within a body of water includes a wholly submerged chamber situated in the body of water having a filtering wall connecting the chamber floor and ceiling permitting water to flow from the water body into the first chamber while excluding particulate materials. A second chamber is situated above the first chamber having a plurality of water outlets below the body of water upper surface, and a top having an air inlet above the body of water upper surface. A stand pipe has an open lower end opening into the first chamber and a plurality of laterally directed openings into the top of the second chamber. An impeller coupled to the stand pipe moves filtered water from the first chamber through the laterally directed openings into the second chamber adjacent to the air inlet, the water exiting the second chamber into the body of water through the plurality of water outlets after mixing with air drawn in through the air inlet.
US07682502B2	Process to hydrogenate aromatics present in lube oil boiling range feedstreams An improved hydrogenation process for lube oil boiling range feedstreams utilizing a catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII noble metal selected from Pt, Pd, and mixtures thereof having an average pore diameter of about 15 to less than about 40 Å.
US07682501B2	Processing of different feeds in a fluid catalytic cracking unit An apparatus and method for processing different feeds in a fluid catalytic cracking unit are disclosed which result in improved yields of C3, C4 and gasoline range hydrocarbons as compared to conventional systems. The process comprises injecting a main hydrocarbon feed into a catalyst-containing riser reactor through a plurality of main feed injectors, and injecting a light hydrocarbon feed into the riser reactor at a location upstream from the main feed injectors and downstream from a control valve such as a regenerated catalyst slide valve, the light feed being injected in a region having a high density of catalyst particles. The light feed is injected in a dispersed way such the amount of feed injected corresponds to the density of catalyst particles at that particular point, with greater amounts of feed being injected at locations having a large number of catalyst particles. Also, a heavy hydrocarbon feed or a heavy recycle stream from the same FCC unit can be injected at the same elevation as the main feed injectors but through separate injectors.
US07682499B2	Mineral insulating oil, a process for preparing a mineral insulating oil, and a process for using a mineral insulating oil The invention provides for a mineral insulating oil having a naphthenic base oil and a paraffinic base oil wherein the naphthenic base oil includes a ratio of total sulfur to basic nitrogen of less than about 80:1. The invention also provides for a mineral insulating oil having a naphthenic base oil, a paraffinic base oil, and an antioxidant agent wherein the naphthenic base oil includes a ratio of total sulfur to basic nitrogen of less than about 80:1. The invention also provides for a process for producing a mineral insulating oil including contacting a naphthenic base oil and a paraffinic base oil wherein the naphthenic base oil includes a ratio of total sulfur to basic nitrogen of less than about 80:1. The invention also provides for a process for producing a mineral insulating oil including contacting a naphthenic base oil, a paraffinic base oil, and an antioxidant agent wherein the naphthenic base oil includes a ratio of total sulfur to basic nitrogen of less than about 80:1.
US07682491B2	Antifoulant for hydrocarbon processing equipment A method of using substituted olefin polymers prepared by reacting one or more C2-C10 mono-olefin polymers having a number average molecular weight of about 300 to about 5,000 with C4-C10 monounsaturated dicarboxylic acid derivatives and compositions comprising the substituted olefin polymers for preventing fouling of hydrocarbon processing equipment, especially ethylene dichloride distillation units.
US07682488B2	Method of making a paper web containing refined long fiber using a charge controlled headbox A method of forming a cellulosic web is discussed, the product of which may, for example, possess at least one of increased softness, strength, and absorbency. The method measures the total anionic charge and controls the net charge of an aqueous stream.
US07682486B2	Low density paperboard articles The invention provides a low density paperboard material and associated method for use in producing an insulated container, and is especially well-suited for making cups. The paperboard material comprises a paperboard web including wood fibers and expanded microspheres, and has a relatively low density ranging from about 6 to about 10 lb/3MSF/mil, a relatively high caliper ranging from about 24 to about 35 mil, and an internal bond strength of at least about 80×10−3 ft-lbf., preferably at least 100×10−3 lft-lbf. For applications such as cups the material is also coated on one or both sides with a barrier coating, preferably low density polyethylene, to limit liquid penetration into the web. The low density paperboard material of the invention is convertible for manufacture of containers, particularly cups, and exhibits insulative properties comparable to higher cost materials conventionally used to make cups. Also, the surface of the low density board may have a Sheffield smoothness of 300 SU or greater compared with the surface smoothness of 160 to 200 SU for conventional cupstock, the latter having been thought necessary for adequate print quality. However, it has been found that the low density board exhibits good printability on flexo printing machines despite its relatively rough surface, which is surprising and bonus effect realized along with the insulative and other properties of the board.
US07682474B2	Cutter composed of Ni-Cr-Al Alloy A cutter is composed of a Ni—Cr—Al alloy containing from 32 to 44 mass percent of Cr, from 2.3 to 6.0 mass percent of Al, the balance being Ni, impurities, and additional trace elements and having a Rockwell C hardness of 52 or more. This Ni—Cr—Al alloy provides a cutter produced with a superior workability and by a significantly simplified process, having a low deterioration in the hardness even when heated in use, having excellent corrosion resistance and low-temperature embrittlement resistance, and satisfactorily maintaining the cutting performance for a long time.
US07682472B2	Method for casting polycrystalline silicon In melting and casting by a water-cooled crucible induction melting technique, a partition means is inserted on top portion of a melt, and a new raw material for is charged on an upper side of the partition means to continue the melting and casting. Therefore, the continuous casting can be kept while avoiding mixture of the melt on a lower side of with the melt on an upper side of the partition means. A partition plate or a partition plate with legs can be used as the partition means. When the present invention is applied to production of a silicon ingot used for a solar cell and the like, productivity is largely improved, which allows costs to be remarkably reduced in solar energy generation. Therefore, the present invention can widely be utilized as the method for casting a polycrystalline-silicon ingot for a solar cell.
US07682470B2	Magnesium alloy A magnesium-based alloy consists of 1.5-4.0% by weight rare earth element(s), 0.3-0.8% by weight zinc, 0.02-0.1% by weight aluminum, and 4-25 ppm beryllium. The alloy optionally contains up to 0.2% by weight zirconium, 0.3% by weight manganese, 0.5% by weight yttrium and 0.1% by weight calcium. The remainder of the alloy is magnesium except for incidental impurities.
US07682454B2	Perimeter partition-valve with protected seals and associated small size process chambers and multiple chamber systems A seal-protected perimeter partition valve apparatus (450) defines a vacuum and pressure sealed space (401) within a larger space (540) confining a substrate processing chamber with optimized geometry, minimized footprint and 360° substrate accessibility. A compact perimeter partitioned assembly (520) with seal protected perimeter partition valve (450) and internally contained substrate placement member (480) further provides processing system modularity and substantially minimized system footprint.
US07682437B2	Transparent solid marker There is provided a transparent solid marker that has high bending strength and low writing resistance as stick-formed goods, is difficult to break or bend, generates few remnants while coating is carried out, and does not cause spreading of a writing surface even if it is coated on a surface which is written on by oily or aqueous writing implements. There is provided a transparent solid marker that is obtained by heating and mixing a composition including a gel forming material that includes an alkali metal salt or ammonium salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, a transparency agent, a subsidiary transparency agent, hydrogenated glucose syrup, a basic pigment, and oil, and cooling it.
US07682433B2	Ink set, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit, and ink jet recording apparatus In an ink set having a plurality of inks, the ink set has at least a pigment ink and a dye ink. The pigment ink contains at least water, a surfactant, a self-dispersion pigment, and a poor medium for self-dispersion pigment and/or a salt; a dynamic surface tension of the pigment ink at a lifetime of 50 milliseconds is higher than 47 mN/m. The dye ink contains at least water, a surfactant and a dye. An ink set is provided which can obtain images having a high image density and a superior bleeding resistance without regard to the types of recording mediums.
US07682411B2	Portable hydrogen source A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements, an ignition control system and a pressure vessel. Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more igniters, associated with an individual pellet, and activation means to activate the igniters; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.
US07682408B2	Disperse azo dyestuffs The present invention relates to a dyestuff of the formula (I) wherein each of G1 and G2, independently is hydrogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, trifluoromethyl, halogen, nitro, cyano or —SO2—T, wherein T is halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, aryl or aryloxy; K is a coupling component; and n is 1 or 2. The invention also relates to a process for its preparation and their use and for ink jet printing containing the ink.
US07682405B2	Coloring composition comprising at least one pigment and at least one electrophilic cyanoacrylate monomer The present disclosure relates to a dyeing composition comprising, in an appropriate dyeing medium, at least one pigment and at least one electrophilic cyanoacrylate monomer of formula (I) in which R is chosen from alkyl radicals and alkoxyalkyl radicals. Dyeing kits comprising said compositions and processes using same are also disclosed.
US07682400B2	Non-soft tissue repair An implant for filling and/or distracting a body region, particularly a non-soft tissue cavity, has a plurality of segments wherein at least two of the segments are flexibly connected. The segments have a crush-strength sufficient to create and/or maintain the distraction of two or more non-soft tissue body surfaces, and to maintain the stability of the body region. The implant may be inserted into a cavity by an applicator having a cannula with a distal opening, and a rotary driver for applying force to move the implant within the cannula.
US07682398B2	Variable geometry rim surface acetabular shell liner There is provided an acetabular shell liner, and particularly a constrained liner, having a variable rim surface geometry to improve the range of motion of a femoral component within the liner and decrease the incidence of dislocation and subluxation. There are also provided methods of making and using the acetabular shell liner. Prosthetic devices, and particularly hip joint prostheses, containing the acetabular shell liner having a variable rim surface geometry are also provided.
US07682397B2	Revisable prosthetic device A modular prosthetic device is described. The modular prosthetic device is provided with an anchoring device having first and second end members, the first and second end members cooperating to receive a prosthetic insertion device. The first and second end members each include a first surface, at least one vertebral-engaging member extending from the first surface, a second surface in an opposed relation to the first surface, and at least one flange extending from the second surface. The anchoring device is adapted to receive a variety of prosthetic insertion devices such that the modular prosthetic device can be revised into a variety of modular prosthetic devices. A stacking member is also provided for use with the anchoring device to provide a variety of modular, stackable prosthetic devices.
US07682394B2	Method for repair of a spine and intervertebral implant Repair of a spine from a posterior approach especially for locating an implant between a lower and upper human vertebra includes making an incision in the skin lateral to the midline, making an incision through the Erector Spinae Aponeurosis (ESA) following the ELIF groove, separating the ESA from the Longissimus Thoracis Pars Lumborum (LTPL), atraumatic separating the Multifidus from the LTPL using the interfascial boundary between the Multifidus and the LTPL, and creating a surgical plane having an angle of 20°-60°.
US07682393B2	Implant system, method, and instrument for augmentation or reconstruction of intervertebral disc An augmentation instrument for attaching a retaining device to a vertebral endplate comprises a drive housing having a distal end portion, a drive mechanism extending through the drive housing and including a flexible shaft portion, and an attachment mechanism at the distal end portion of the drive housing. The attachment mechanism is adapted for coupling to the retaining device.
US07682388B2	Stent with longitudinal groove A method of treating a vascular condition includes delivering a stent including at least one elongated axial slot to a target region of a vessel and receiving endothelial cell growth in the slots. A system for treating a vascular condition includes a catheter and a stent disposed on the catheter. The stent includes a stent framework including elongated axial slot formed therein and at least one therapeutic agent carried within the elongated axial slots. An outermost surface of the therapeutic agent is recessed within the elongated axial slots from the outer surface of the stent framework to allow endothelial cell growth within the elongated axial slots upon delivery of the stent to a target region of a vessel.
US07682384B2	Stent with helical elements An expandable stent comprised of a plurality of helical segments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stent is generally cylindrical in shape having a cylindrical axis, and comprises a first and second set of helical segments. The helical segments in the first set are substantially parallel and have a first pitch forming a first helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. The helical segments in the second set are also generally parallel to each other and form a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, thereby forming a second helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. In an alternative embodiment, the stent comprises one set of helical segments and a plurality of circumferential elements that are joined together by the helical segments to form a plurality of cylindrical elements which are joined together to form a stent body. The stent may also have endzones.
US07682383B2	Devices for repairing aneurysms A device for repairing an aneurysm by deployment within the aneurysm comprises a graft tube, at least part thereof having an inflatable wall whereby the tube can be deployed in an artery and inflated to grip at least part of the arterial wall.
US07682378B2	Bone treatment systems and methods for introducing an abrading structure to abrade bone The invention provides instruments and methods for prophylactic treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral body or for treating a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). In one exemplary method, a probe system uses a high speed rotational elastomeric cutter having an optional expandable abrasive surface for abrading or cutting at least one path or region within vertebral cancellous bone. Irrigation and aspiration sources are included in the probe system for removing abraded bone debris. In one embodiment, the high speed rotational abrader uses a tissue-selective abrading surface that abrades or cuts bone but does not cut soft tissue. In another embodiment, an expandable abrading surface allows the treatment of bone with low pressures to create paths or spaces without explosive expansion forces known in prior art balloon procedures that are designed to crush and compact cancellous bone in a vertebra. After the creation of a path or space, an in-situ hardenable bone cement volume is introduced into each path or space to support the vertebra.
US07682376B2	Interspinous devices and methods of use Devices and methods for spacing the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral members. In one embodiment, the device includes first and second sections and an intermediate section that together form an interior section. An elastic member may be positioned within the interior section. The elastic member may have a variety of orientations, sizes, shapes, densities, modulus of elasticity, and other material properties depending upon the desired displacement between the first and second sections. The intermediate section in combination with the elastic member may be deformed during this movement and thereby exert a force to stabilize the vertebral members.
US07682373B2	Vascular wound closure device and method A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.
US07682342B2	Syringe assembly A syringe assembly comprises a syringe barrel having an elongated body defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end, a distal end and a frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an inside diameter of at least 13.5 mm. A stopper is in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongated plunger rod extends proximally from the stopper through the open proximal end of the barrel. A flange is positioned at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The flange is shaped and positioned to limit the distal motion of the plunger rod in the barrel by contacting the proximal end of the barrel. A tip cap is releasably connected to the tip for sealing the passageway and the chamber contains injectable liquid.
US07682339B2	Indwelling needle device An indwelling needle device includes a shield tube with a flexible outer needle fixed at a front end, a hub movable in a lumen of the shield tube, an infusion tube attached to an end thereof, a rigid inner needle at a front end part of the hub and insertable into a lumen of the outer needle. A lateral penetration path penetrates to a lumen of the hub. A space is provided between an outer surface of the hub and an inner surface of the shield tube. A sealing section is on the outer surface of the hub. The outer peripheral surface of the hub forms engagement recesses. A rear-end-side engagement projection is on the inner surface of the shield tube and engages with the engagement recesses. Hub side walls, with a communication area opening, couple with the front end of the hub. The hub can be small in size.
US07682338B2	Infusion medium delivery system, device and method with needle inserter and needle inserter device and method An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.
US07682331B2	Device for introducing a catheter with a security non-piercing cage provided with a flexible blade A device for introducing a catheter into a body site through the skin by means of an security non-piercing cage includes a steel spring flexible blade which is disposed in the cross section of the chamber of the nonpiercing cage near the proximal input thereof perpendicularly to a needle and is penetrable by the needle. The blade and the needle are adapted to interact in such a way that the blade is in a resting position and freely transversable by the needle when the needle is pushed in a distal direction, and the blade stops the needle and is flexed thereby when the needle is pulled in a proximal direction beyond a determined axial position in such a way that the flexed blade tilts the needle and exposes the inclined needle to a restoring force which pushes the needle off in the distal direction until the puncture end is stopped against the chamber wall. The invention can be used for intravenous catheters.
US07682328B2	Access disconnection systems and methods An extracorporeal blood system includes: (i) an extracorporeal blood machine; an extracorporeal blood circuit coupled operably to the machine, the extracorporeal blood circuit including first and second blood lines, the blood lines configured to be in blood flow communication with a patient; (ii) an electrical loop including first and second electrodes placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit; (iii) a device configured to inject an electrical signal into the blood circuit via the loop; and (iv) a third electrode placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the third electrode configured to enable a change in an electrical value to be measured so that an access disconnection of the extracorporeal blood circuit from the patient can be measured.
US07682326B2	Foot protection device for a fight Disclosed herein is a foot protection device adapted to protect feet when training and playing fighting games. The device includes an exterior cover (100). The exterior cover has an opening (10), an anterior hole (20) and a posterior hole (30) provided on a sole portion (A), toe insert parts (40) provided on a toe portion (B) and having toe holes (45), and an ankle securing means (150) provided at an end of an ankle portion (C). The device protects a wearer's feet, and is in maximally close contact with the feet due to its elastic force, and is light in weight, thus providing a sensation similar to that of a barefoot state. Further, a part of the foot is exposed to the outside, thus preventing the wearer from sliding on the ground surface, and allowing free movement of the foot, therefore affording a high level of power and quickness.
US07682324B2	Breast and bottle feeding infant head support A breast and bottle feeding infant head support including a slip-on sleeve open at opposite ends and inclusive of inner and outer linings forming first and second outwardly opposing face surfaces of predetermined length and width, and a cushion insert between the inner and outer linings forming at least one of the outwardly opposing face surfaces wherein the sleeve, when worn on the arm, is of a length to extend past the crook of a wearer's elbow and towards the palm of the wearer's hand for the fingers to hold the sleeve in place.
US07682320B1	Method and apparatus for therapeutic treatment A device and method of treatment to manage or alleviate pain in an individual operates such that, from any specific complaint point on the body, a series of specific, related points can be found such that treatment of those points, either singly or in some combination, will alleviate or reduce the degree of soreness of the original complaint point. Correlation is provided between the feet, torso, head, arms and legs.
US07682311B2	Phase unwrapped velocity display for ultrasound medical imaging Phase unwrapping is applied to velocity data to remove aliasing artifacts. Phase unwrapping is applied on multidimensional regions of velocity data. The unwrapped velocity image is displayed. The displayed image may have high sensitivity to slow motion but may also avoid aliasing of fast motion despite being undersampled.
US07682309B2	Ultrasound system for generating a single set of ultrasound pulse firings An ultrasound imaging system configured to simultaneously acquire and process multi-mode and multi-band echo information from a single set of pulse firings is provided. Raw ultrasound signals are digitized and stored in an I/Q data buffer. The stored data are then parallel preprocessed as a function of frequency band or alternative encoding. Parallel preprocessing optionally includes manipulating the data in respect to different imaging modes. Outputs of the parallel preprocessors are coupled to separate area formers used to simultaneously reconstruct various desired echo information to form a multi-mode or multi-band image. The echo formation process is optionally performed in parallel.
US07682308B2	Method and system for assessing fall risk A method and system for determining the fall risk of a patient is provided. The method includes the evaluation of a patient to determine whether the patient exhibits one or more intrinsic fall risk factors selected from a group consisting of confusion, depression, altered elimination, dizziness, male gender, antiepileptic/anticonvulsant prescriptions and benzodiazepine prescriptions. A specific point value is assigned to each of the intrinsic risk factors found to be exhibited by the patient. A mobility test is also performed on the patient to evaluate the patient's ability to rise from a seated position, and a specific mobility test point value is assigned to the patient based upon the patient's performance of the mobility test. Each intrinsic risk factor's specific point value is then summed together with the specific mobility test point value to achieve a total risk score, and the patient's fall risk is determined based on the total risk score. An intervention process may be developed for the patient based on the patient's fall risk.
US07682297B2	Treatment table and exercise device method and apparatus An exercise and therapeutic apparatus having a kick plate that is adapted to be stored in an operable position where it is in a substantially vertically orientated manner where the kick plate is in a more vertically orientated or positioned orientation with respect to a frame and a carriage is movably attached in a substantially horizontal direction where a resistance system provides resistant movement of the carriage with respect to the frame. The kick plate is further adapted or operatively configured to be re-orientated in a stowed position where an upper surface of the kick plate operates in conjunction with an upper surface of the carriage to function as a table like support.
US07682294B2	Medical analysis and recording system A system is disclosed for monitoring, recording and analysis of exercise in an exercise machine of the type which uses a cable, having a proximal end and a distal end, and a device, such as a handle, that enables a user to push or pull the proximal end of the cable against a resistance that is coupled to the distal end of the cable. A sensor or “load cell” mounted on the frame structure of the machine, for producing an electronic signal representing the instantaneous tensile force in the cable, and an electronic computer or the like, coupled to receive the electronic signal, for storing values representing the tensile force in the cable as a function of time.
US07682292B1	Flywheel-type variable resistance generating device for an exercising apparatus A flywheel-type variable resistance generating device for an exercising apparatus includes two actuating arms disposed outboard of a flywheel, a pulling cord having two anchoring ends coupled with a tightening-force adjusting member and a lever, and two pull-activating members connected to the pulling cord so as to move the actuating arms. The actuating arms are movable among a starting position where they are disengaged from the flywheel, an adjusted position where they are partially engaged with the flywheel, and a braking position where they are fully engaged with the flywheel. When the lever is operated to move one anchoring end with a braking force, the other anchoring end of the pulling cord is pulled back to its initial locus to move the actuating arms to the starting position.
US07682282B2	Multi-speed transmission A multi-speed transmission has input and output shafts, gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), and shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E). A carrier of gearset (RS4) and the input shaft couple as shaft (1). A carrier of gearset (RS3) and the output shaft couple as shaft (2). Sun gears of gearsets (RS1, RS4) couple as shaft (3). Ring gears of coupled gearsets (RS1, RS2) respectively form shafts (4, 8). Sun gears of gearsets (RS2, RS3) couple as shaft (5). A carrier of gearset (RS1) and a ring gear of gearset (RS3) couple as shaft (6). A carrier of gearset (RS2) and a ring gear of gearset (RS4) couple as shaft (7). Arranged within the power flow: elements (A, B) are respectively between shaft (3, 4) and a transmission housing; element (C) between shafts (1, 5); element (D) between either shafts (2, 8) or (6,8); element (E) between two of shafts (5, 7, 8).
US07682280B2	Differential assembly with preload adjustment mechanism A vehicle differential assembly may include a differential housing rotatable about an axis, a first output assembly, a pinion gear, and a first coupling assembly. The first output assembly may include a first side gear and a first output member. The first side gear may be disposed within the differential housing and may be rotatable about the axis. The first output member may be coupled to the first side gear for rotation therewith. The first coupling assembly may be engaged with the first output assembly and may include a coupling mechanism and a biasing member. The coupling mechanism may extend through an opening in the first output member and may be displaceable relative to the differential housing in a direction generally parallel to the axis. The biasing member may be engaged with the coupling mechanism and may urge the first output assembly into frictional engagement with the differential housing.
US07682279B2	Electronically actuated apparatus using solenoid actuator with integrated sensor A locking differential assembly with a differential case, a gearset, a first dog, a second dog and a thrust member. The differential case has a mounting hub. The gearset is disposed in the differential case and has a side gear. The first dog is coupled to the side gear. The thrust member is slidably supported on the mounting hub and has projections that extend through apertures in the differential case and engage the second dog.
US07682269B1	Lacrosse head with vertical pocket attachments A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a plurality of vertical attachment projections, and a pocket. The frame includes a pair of sidewalls with each sidewall including an exterior surface and an interior surface. The vertical attachment projections are spaced along each sidewall wherein each vertical attachment projection is vertically attached to the interior surface of one of the sidewalls. The pocket is then attached to the vertical attachment projections.
US07682267B2	Ball sports training aid A ball sports training aid includes a shaft and a slidably engaged replica sports ball assembly with an integral damper that is actuated when a player swings the shaft. Integral swing diagnostics means indicate correct batting, pitching and throwing techniques.
US07682258B2	Sound producing play apparatus An apparatus includes a support member, a moveable member supported by the support member, a user support mechanically associated with the moveable member, and a sound producing mechanism that produces sound as a result of movement of the moveable member between a first position and a second position caused by the user's application of force to the urge the moveable member between the first position and second position. The applications include a play apparatus, wherein the user interacts with the moveable member with the result that the moveable member changes position and a selected sound is thereby produced.
US07682257B2	Constant velocity joint A constant velocity joint having an inner hub and an outer hub (1) in which races or tracks (3) associated with one another in pairs are provided and with balls received in respective pairs of races or tracks for transmitting torque. The constant velocity joint is further provided with at least one joint connector (2) which, when the joint is assembled, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to one of the hubs (1) by mating profile members (6, 7) in order to transmit torque.
US07682255B2	Compensator assembly for a motorcycle primary drive A compensator assembly for transmitting torque from a crankshaft of an engine to a clutch in a motorcycle drive train. The compensator assembly includes a cam slider, a sprocket, and a spring pack biasing the cam slider into engagement with the sprocket. The spring pack includes multiple springs having different spring rates. The cam slider includes first and second dissimilar cam members. A retainer is coupled to the crankshaft and formed with an anti-rotation feature engageable to hold the retainer, the cam slider, and the crankshaft stationary during tightening of a retaining bolt. The sprocket includes a plurality of spokes and axial openings. At least a portion of the cam slider extends through one of the plurality of axial openings.
US07682249B2	Light emitting interface displays for a gaming machine A disclosed thin light-emitting interface displays may be mounted to a surface on the gaming machine. The light-emitting elements used in the interface displays may be provided from electro-luminescent elements, organic light emitting diode (OLED) elements and combinations thereof. The thin light-emitting interface displays may be used to input and output gaming information on the gaming machine. The gaming information that is input and output via the interface display may be used to provide: 1) a game of chance played on the gaming machine, 2) player tracking services, 3) game services available on the gaming machine and 4) attract features. In one embodiment, a game input interface display is provided with a plurality of input buttons where a number and a format of the input buttons are dynamically configurable for different types of games of chance played on the gaming machine.
US07682243B2	Method for providing online game which changes pilot data and unit data in gear and system thereof Disclosed are an online game providing method including the steps of: maintaining a unit information database recording unit information on at least one unit, in which the unit information includes at least one piece of unit ability information and sync point information; maintaining a pilot information database recording pilot information on at least one pilot, in which the pilot information includes a unit identifier associated with a pilot, at least one piece of pilot ability information and unit ability information associated with the pilot ability information; receiving updating request information on first pilot ability information of a first pilot; searching for unit identifier information associated with the first pilot by referring to the pilot information database; searching for sync point information associated with the searched unit identifier information by referring to the unit information database; and updating and recording first pilot ability information and unit ability information associated therewith in accordance with the searched sync point information, respectively, and a system thereof.
US07682235B2	Threshing device for harvesting machines A threshing device for harvesting machines having a cut front header for cutting plants to be harvested. The threshing device includes a feeder rotor, at least two threshing rotors, and a grille located underneath of the threshing rotors. The threshing rotors are placed adjacent to each other and only one is located adjacent to the feeder rotor. The feeder rotor feeds the plants to the threshing rotor nearest the feeder rotor. The grille runs continuously through all the threshing rotors and includes a plurality of waves parallel to each other and defining peaks and valleys. The valleys match the peaks of the adjacent waves. On each valley the corresponding threshing wheel is located.
US07682232B2	Dripless chimney cap The present invention relates to a dripless chimney cap which prevents condensates from dripping down the outside of a chimney. The dripless chimney cap includes a cone-shaped top cap at the top of the chimney cap for stopping liquids and objects from falling into the chimney. A condensation drip pan in the shape of an inverted cone is positioned below the top cap and functions to catch and collect condensates, directing them toward the inside of the chimney flue. A mounting flange attaches to the chimney and secures the condensation drip pan and top cap to the chimney. A screen mesh located between the condensation drip pan and the mounting flange is designed to allow cross air flow.
US07682229B2	Coin insertion device A coin insertion device with a shutter, where the device has a simple structure, can be produced at low cost, and does not require the use of electricity. A coin insertion device (1) is provided with a shutter member (30) for opening and closing a coin discharge opening (11) of a coin passage (12) and holding means (56) for holding the shutter member (30) in a non-rotatable state with the coin discharge opening (11) closed. The shutter member (30) comprises releasing means (40) with which a coin (C) inserted from a coin insertion opening (10) comes in contact. When the coin (C) is in contact with the releasing means (40), the shutter member (30) is released from the hold of the holding means (56) and becomes openable/closable.
US07682227B1	Meat cutting assembly A cutting assembly for cutting a meat or food product passing along a path of travel and comprising a blade roller having a plurality of blades transversely connected thereto in aligned relation to the path of travel. A mate roller, an in-feed roller and an out-feed roller interact with the plurality of blades to assure removal of meat portions from the blade and mate rollers during the cutting procedure. The mate roller comprises a plurality of mate roller sections each separated from one another by a first predetermined space and variably or adjustably positioned along the length of the mate roller by interaction with a stabilizing assembly to accommodate receipt of the blades within the first predetermined spaces during concurrent rotation of the blade and mate rollers. The cutting assembly may include a modular construction disposable within and removable from an operative position along a processing line associated with the path of travel.
US07682224B2	Method of machining substrate A method of machining a wafer is disclosed, in which the wafer is held by sucking its back-side surface directly onto a suction surface of a chuck table, and the tips of protruding electrodes and a resist layer are cut to make them flush with each other (appendant part cutting step). Next, the wafer is held by sucking the surface of the cut appendant part directly onto the suction surface of the chuck table, and the back-side surface of the wafer is ground (back-side surface grinding step), followed by removing the resist layer. The wafer is held onto the chuck table without using any protective tape but by directly holding the wafer, whereby the wafer can be ground to have a uniform thickness.
US07682218B2	Toy vehicle and launcher A toy vehicle set. The toy vehicle set includes a toy vehicle including a steering mechanism, and a toy launcher to selectively energize the toy vehicle for movement while selectively securing the toy vehicle in a fixed position. The toy launcher looks approximately the same as the steering mechanism of the toy vehicle.
US07682216B2	Book housing a figure of compressed foam An article including a book, a closeable housing and an object in a compressed state in the housing is disclosed. The object is compressed foam that expands into a figure when the housing is opened. The book has one or more characters and the figure is representative of one of the one or more characters. The housing is preferably in a back cover of the book. The compressible toy is made from a compressible and expandable foam.
US07682211B2	Flat panel display with improved anode adhesion A flat panel display with improved adhesion of the anode to the second substrate is disclosed. The adhesion of the anode to the second substrate is reinforced to prevent damage to the anode at the spacer formation area and to stably adhere the phosphor layer to the anode. The flat panel display comprises first and second substrates each facing each other and separated from each other by a distance. An electron emission unit is formed on the first substrate. A plurality of phosphor layers are formed on the second substrate. An anode is formed on the second substrate covering the phosphor layers and the non-light emitting regions between the phosphor layers. In the non-light emitting regions, the anode is placed on the second substrate without leaving a gap between the anode and the second substrate.
US07682208B2	High-power electrical quick connector A quick connector assembly for high power electrical applications is disclosed. The quick connector assembly has a first connector and a second connector constructed to form an electrical connection that can be quickly coupled and decoupled. The first connector has a collar portion connectable to a welding cable and a stem portion having a shank section and a threaded section. The second connector has a recess constructed to receive the stem portion of the first connector and electrically engage both the shank portion and the threaded portion of the first connector. The stem portion of the first connector has a channel formed therein, and the second connector includes a pin extending into the recess of the second connector and constructed to engage the channel formed in the stem portion of the first connector.
US07682201B2	Cable connector plug having contact with curved extension portion An exemplary cable connector plug (20) includes a first contact (21). The first contact includes a contact portion (210) and an extension portion (211) extending from the contact portion along an axis of the cable connector plug. The extension portion includes a first columnar portion (2111), a neck portion (2112) and a second columnar portion (2113). The neck portion interconnects the first columnar portion and the second columnar portion. A periphery of a junction where the neck portion connects with the second columnar portion is curved from a point of the periphery distal from the second columnar portion to a point of the periphery distal from the neck portion. The cable connector plug has a relatively good mechanical strength and durability.
US07682197B2	Memory card connector with a power switch A memory card connector has an insulative housing, a power switch and a plurality of conductive terminals. The power switch is mounted in the insulative housing, to detect a memory card and has a first detecting terminal and a second detecting terminal. The first and second detecting terminals are mounted in the insulative housing. The second detecting terminal selectively contacts the first detecting terminal to supply power to the memory card connector when the memory card is installed in the memory card connector. When the memory card is removed, the power switch cuts the power to the memory card connector to save power.
US07682193B2	Retention member An electrical connector may include a connector housing, a first leadframe assembly received in the connector housing, a second leadframe assembly received in the connector housing and a retention member. Each leadframe assembly may include a leadframe housing, and a plurality of electrically conductive contacts extending therethrough. Each leadframe housing may include a recess. The retention member may include a first body portion, a first member extending from the first body portion and a second member extending from the first body portion such that a face of the first member opposes a face of the second member. The first member may apply a first force against a first surface of each respective recess and the second member may apply a second force against a second surface of each respective recess.
US07682187B2	Multi-port mounting bracket and method A multi-port cabling system for use in installing cable to an equipment rack or enclosure or within an equipment room or data center includes a cabling assembly comprising at least one connector head having a plurality of ports and at least one cable operatively connected to the plurality of ports. The at least one cable terminates internally within the connector head to operatively couple the cable to the plurality of ports. The system further includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the connector head are each configured for tool-less attachment of one or more cabling assemblies to the bracket. The mounting bracket is further configured to removably mount to an equipment rack or enclosure, and/or to a wall, to thereby install one or more cables. The cabling assembly and the cabling system help to eliminate on-site cable termination and testing during installation of cables to rack-mounted equipment.
US07682180B2	Electrical connector with integral terminal retention and terminal position assurance An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having at least one contact cavity extending along a longitudinal axis between a mating end and an opposite contact loading end. A primary terminal lock extends from an interior wall of the housing and is configured to engage a terminal contact to retain the terminal contact in the at least one contact cavity. A secondary locking member is integrally formed with the housing. The secondary locking member has a flexible hinge member proximate the contact loading end that pivotably connects the secondary locking member to the housing. The secondary locking member includes an engagement end that is received in the housing in a direction transverse to the axis of the at least one contact cavity to provide a visible indication of a seating condition of the terminal contact.
US07682174B2	Electrical card connector An electrical card connector for receiving a card, comprises an insulative housing having a supporting surface with a front end and a rear end; a plurality of contacts assembled in the housing and oriented toward the rear end; a switch terminal arranged in the rear end. Each contact has at least a contact engaging portion extending above the supporting surface; one of the contact engaging portions engaged with the switch terminal when a card is inserted, and electrically separated from each other when the card is removed.
US07682170B2	Electronic apparatus The present invention relates to a cable wiring structure of an electronic apparatus that has such a movable unit as an opening/closing unit and a rotary unit. The cable wiring structure is provided to suppress the wearing of a cable to improve the durability of the cable, and to offer other advantages. The cable wiring structure applies to an electronic apparatus having movable units (hinge mechanism, rotation mechanism). The cable according to the structure has an extra length portion, which gives the cable a length necessary for the cable, for example, to pass through the movable units, and which is housed in a cable housing unit. The cable housing unit is formed on the electronic apparatus, where the cable housing unit arranges the extra length portion in a sinuous form and allows a shift in the extra length portion caused by a move of the movable unit.
US07682169B2	Bidirectional USB port for vehicle Disclosed herein is a bidirectional USB port for a vehicle. In order to allow a USB memory stick to be inserted into a USB port in either direction, two PCBs are provided in the USB port and are arranged in opposite directions such that the USB memory stick can be bidirectionally inserted into the USB port.
US07682168B2	Shielded memory card connector An electrical card connector (100) adapted for receiving an electrical card comprises an insulative housing (1), a plurality of terminals (3) received in the insulative housing, and a shell (2) assembled on the insulative housing. The insulative housing comprises a front wall (12) and a pair of lateral walls (18) extending from the opposite ends of the front wall. The insulative housing defines a card inserting opening (101) opposite to the front wall along a card inserting direction. The shell comprises a main portion (21) and a pair of lateral portions (22) extending downwardly from the opposite sides of the main portion, each lateral portion only defines a soldering plate (226) extending inwardly therefrom at the distal end thereof adjacent to the card inserting opening.
US07682160B2	Land grid array connector with interleaved bases attached to retention frame A Land Grid Array connector (1) comprises an socket (2) having opposite upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of contacts (4) received in the socket and a retention frame (3) assembled with the socket. Each contact comprises upper and lower contacting sections (41, 42) extending beyond the upper and lower surfaces of the socket adapted for electrically connecting with a Central Processing Unit and Printed Circuit Board. The retention frame comprises a base portion (31) defining an opening to interferentially receive the outer periphery of the socket and four sidewalls (32) extending upwardly beyond the base portion. The socket fills up the opening after assembled to the retention frame and forms a receiving space together with the base portion and the four sidewalls of the retention frame which is originally communicating with the opening before the socket is assembled to the retention frame adapted for accommodating the Central Processing Unit.
US07682158B2	Electrical card connector for different size cards An electrical card connector includes: a plastic base having one row of first terminals and a first slot; and an upper cover, which has a top surface and covers over the plastic base. A partition baffle is disposed below the top surface of the upper cover. Each side of the partition baffle is formed with a side portion. A first inserting port is formed below the partition baffle. A second inserting port is defined and enclosed by the partition baffle, the two side portions and the top surface of the upper cover. When a first card is inserted into the first slot from the first inserting port, connection points of the first card are in direct contact with the first terminals. When a second card is slantingly inserted from the second inserting port, connection points of the second card are lowered and thus in direct contact with the first terminals.
US07682155B2	Training device for an automatic injector A resettable training device and method for training a user on the operation of an auto-injector for dispensing a medicament are provided. The user can operate the training device to simulate an auto-injector operation and then reset the training device to repeat the injector operation. The training device includes a housing, a cover member slidably received within the housing between a retracted operative position and an extended inoperative position, a spring member for biasing the cover member into the extended position, an actuation assembly that controls the movement of the cover member from the retracted position to the extended position in response to activation of the trainer by the user, a safety pin, and in some embodiments at least one releasable locking assembly to prevent movement of the cover member from the extended position to the retracted position.
US07682151B2	Integrated system to stabilize dental prostheses The invention discloses an integrated 3 D surgical guide, guide bar, mini-implant system and a procedure to stabilize dental prostheses, based on implanting two parallel mini-implants at a given distance and then joining them by means of a prosthetic bar mounted on them, thus achieving the required strength to mount on the bar a metallic clip that retains a dental prosthesis. The advantage of this integrated system is the stabilization of dental prostheses with high precision and save standardized protocol, lower costs and less trauma for the patient than the traditionally used method.
US07682143B2	Modular mounting device for concrete casting machines Mounting device for a flexible constructed retainer means for retention of a casting upper part in a concrete casting machine of the type which typically is used for the production of casting items in the form of concrete blocks for pavements and wall constructions. Typically, two or three fixer flutes (10) are applied for each casting upper part, the length of the fixer flutes are adapted the depth of the casting upper part. In the invention, a flexible mountable fixer flute (10) consisting of two identical halves (12) is described. When the height of these fixer flute-halves exceeds a certain height, spacers (14) are mounted by means of bolting. The design of the fixer flute (10) leaves a space where the forks of fork lift trucks can be passed through, thus using the fixer flutes to also lift the casting upper part.
US07682137B2	Jet generating device and electronic apparatus A jet generating device includes a housing having an opening and containing gas therein, a vibrating member which is supported by the housing so that the vibrating member is capable of vibrating and which vibrates the gas to discharge the gas as pulsating gas through the opening, a driving mechanism for driving the vibrating member in accordance with an electrical signal, and a drive controller which generates the electrical signal at a fundamental frequency at which an input impedance of the driving mechanism is substantially a maximum and which outputs the generated electrical signal to the driving mechanism.
US07682132B2	Double jet film cooling structure A film cooling structure includes a wall surface which faces a gas-flow passage for high-temperature gas. One or more than one pair of jetting holes are formed on the wall surface so as to respectively jet cooling media into the gas-flow passage. The pair of jetting holes respectively have jetting directions in which the cooling media are jetted from the pair of jetting holes into the gas-flow passage. The jetting directions of the pair of jetting holes are respectively set so as to respectively form swirls in directions in which the cooling media are mutually pressed against the wall surface.
US07682131B2	Impeller baffle with air cavity deswirlers A gas turbine engine includes a high-pressure compressor having an impeller and an impeller baffle having a generally annular body, the impeller baffle spaced apart from a back face of an impeller to create an airspace therebetween, the airspace communicating between an impeller exit and an apparatus to be pressurized, the impeller baffle including a plurality of generally radially-disposed ribs extending into the airspace for diminishing the velocity of air swirling in the airspace.
US07682120B1	Positive locking machine screw mechanism A positive locking machine screw mechanism comprises a screw having a head and a body wherein the body includes male threads formed thereon wherein the threaded body has at least one longitudinal segment devoid of threads. A work piece defines a hole having female threads formed therein for receiving the screw and further defines in a portion of the hole, at least one longitudinally extending segment devoid of female threads. The longitudinal screw segment devoid of male threads and the longitudinal hole segment devoid of female threads are arranged such that the screw body is longitudinally received in the hole without engagement of the male screw threads with the female work piece threads.
US07682118B2	Threaded screw fastener with multiple characteristic threads A fastener with multiple thread characteristics includes a shank and head. The shank has a penetrating tip distal most from the head. The shank includes a first, conventional thread formation formed therein adjacent the penetrating tip and a second, anti-back-out thread formation adjacent the conventional thread formation, between the conventional thread formation and the head.
US07682115B1	Reconfigurable load-binding system and apparatus A load binding apparatus for mounting an object comprising a frame assembly suitable for supporting at least one object, at least one channel coupled to the underside of the frame assembly, the channel further comprising at least one receiving aperture, and a securing assembly for releasably coupling an attachment to the frame assembly through the receiving aperture.
US07682114B2	Parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.
US07682109B2	Cutting tool, tool body and cutting insert therefor A cutting tool has a tool body and a cutting insert releasably retained in a pocket of the tool body. The cutting insert has first and second rear insert abutment surfaces and a third forward insert abutment surface and the pocket has first and second rear pocket abutment surfaces and a third forward pocket abutment surface. The first and second abutment surfaces are separated from the third abutment surface by a bore. The third forward pocket abutment surface can be either a socket recessed in a pocket base surface or a protrusion protruding from the base surface; and the third forward insert abutment surface can be correspondingly either a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the insert or a socket recessed in the inner surface.
US07682106B1	Apparatus for installing slipliners in pipes An apparatus for installing a pipeline slipliner, by pushing rather than drawing the slipliner into the host pipe. The gripper assembly is mounted on the boom of an earthworking machine or other vehicle, such as a track excavator. The gripper assembly includes gripper tracks that engage the exterior of the slipliner and advance it in a linear fashion. The gripper assembly is lowered on a boom into a excavation so as to level with the opening of the host pipe. The gripper assembly is then operated to advance the slipliner into the host pipe, with the slipliner being feed down to the gripper assembly on the surface of the excavation. The gripper assembly resiliently compresses the slipliner to establish a grip that enables it to push the slipliner great distances into the host pipe.
US07682105B2	Cover system for waste sites and environmental closures A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.
US07682101B2	Bollard and accessories for use therewith A bollard including a series of at least two nested, inverted U-shaped forms of decreasing height set around a common vertical axis. Each form has an upper transverse portion and two parallel, vertical legs extending therefrom. The U-shaped forms are made of metal pipes, and have physical characteristics such that on impact by a moving vehicle, including an automobile or a truck, the U-shaped forms will initiate a “crumple zone” type reaction, so as to meet governmental standards addressing the threats posed by vehicular traffic.
US07682096B2	Image forming apparatus and opening/closing method of re-conveyance mechanism An ADU is turned around a first hole section that operates as fulcrum and opened by a first angle relative to the lateral side of an apparatus main body when dissolving a jam. The lateral side cover is temporarily taken away from a stationary side plate when maintenance the inside of a color copying machine. Then, a second engaging pin is put into a second hole section to engage the lateral side cover with the stationary side plate. The ADU is turned around the second hole section that operates as fulcrum and opened by a second angle greater than the first angle.
US07682093B2	Hand operated marking device employing printer with movable printhead and retractable shutter A hand operated marking device for printing upon print media, the marking device comprising: a pair of housings which are movably interconnected together so that a first one of the housings is adapted to be received in a second one of the housings responsive to compression of the housings between a hand and the print media; a printer which is located within the first housing and comprising a movable printhead configured to print ink; a selector arrangement operatively mounted to the second housing and enabling selection of an indicia, from a plurality of possible indicia, to be printed by the printhead; and a moving mechanism housed within at least one of the housings and which moves the printhead along the print media responsive to the compression of the housings so that the selected indicia is printed upon the print media, wherein the first housing defines an opening in which the printhead can move, and the marking device further comprises a retractable shutter which is operatively connected to move with the printhead and cover the opening when the marking device is not in use.
US07682084B2	Bearing and screw compressor In a bearing constituted by a plural-layer slide member, the plural-layer slide member comprises a resin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene as a slide member and a backing strip to which the resin layer is bonded. A fitting hole having a depth exceeding the thickness of the resin layer is formed from the resin layer side. A temperature measuring metallic member formed of a white metal is fitted in the fitting hole. A temperature sensor is positioned within the temperature measuring metallic member. This bearing permits an accurate detection of its temperature. Further, in an oil cooled screw compressor having a bearing lubricating oil supply pipe, a slide surface of the bearing is covered with polyether ether ketone. Even if foaming occurs in the oil, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mechanical trouble such as galling.
US07682083B2	Bearing system A bearing system includes a bearing, a shaft extending in the bearing, and a layer of nano-structured coating coated on one of the bearing and the shaft. A space is formed between the bearing and the shaft, and a lubricant is filled in the space. The lubricant is made of polymer material with hydrophilic and hydropholic properties. The nano-structured coating has a high surface tension which results in the coating being capable of adsorbing the lubricant to form a layer of lubricant film between the coating and the other of the bearing and the shaft, thereby reducing possibility of direct contact between the lubricant and the other of the shaft and the bearing. Thus, loss of the lubricant is reduced to avoid contacting frication between the shaft and the bearing. Accordingly, noise generated by the bearing system is decreased and life of the bearing system is extended.
US07682073B2	Radiation measuring apparatus, and method and device for testing proper functioning of said radiation measuring apparatus A conventional radiation thermometer encompasses an infrared radiation sensor and a heatable and/or coolable radiation incidence window. The method and radiation thermometer according to the invention use the established dependence of the sensor signal U of the infrared radiation sensor on the temperature Tw of the radiation incidence window W (or any other heatable or coolable optical element in the beam path) for verifying its proper functional operation. Applying the method according to the invention, the radiation incidence window (or perhaps another optical element in the beam path) is heated up or cooled by activating an associated electric heating or cooling device. The resulting change ΔUw in the sensor signal U is detected, preferably in continuous fashion, as a function of the window temperature Tw and analyzed or verified for any deviation from an acceptable value or permissible range.
US07682058B2	Vehicle headlamp A reflector reflects a light from a light source. A projector lens projects a reflected light from the reflector ahead of a vehicle. A shade is used to switch the reflected light into a plurality of beams in a plurality of light distribution patterns. A spring member and a drive unit switch a position of the shade between an obliquely upward and backward position and an obliquely downward and forward position to obtain the light distribution patterns.
US07682048B2	Lighting emitting diode lamp A lighting emitting diode (LED) lamp (100) includes a first LED array (60) and a second LED array (50). A rate of change of a relatively luminous intensity relative to the temperature of the first LED array is lower than that of the second LED array. A first heat sink (10) thermally attaches to the first LED array. A second heat sink (20) thermally attaches to the second LED array. A heat dissipation efficiency of the second heat sink is higher than that of the first heat sink. The heat dissipation of the second LED array is much quicker than that of the first LED array. The second LED array thus can be kept working at a much lower temperature.
US07682047B2	Backlight module with a heat dissipation device A backlight module including a light box, a plurality of light source sets, and a heat dissipation device is provided. The light box has a bottom and a light-emitting section. The bottom has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The light source sets are disposed on the first surface, and each of the light source sets includes a substrate disposed on the first surface and a plurality of point light sources disposed on the substrate. The heat dissipation device is disposed on the second surface. The heat dissipation device includes a thermal assembly and at least one fan, and the thermal assembly includes a plurality of covers. Each of the covers is individually disposed on the second surface at a position below one of the light source sets, and an air flow channel is formed between each cover and the bottom.
US07682039B2	Extensible light shade A male terminal cap and a female terminal cap are mounted on the two ends of a strip light shade to form an extensible strip light shade. Electrical contacts are formed in the terminal caps for electrical coupling when two light shades are connected through mechanical coupling of the terminal caps.
US07682022B2	Ophthalmic apparatus An ophthalmic apparatus capable of observing an examinee's eye even during switching of measurement modes comprises a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit, an up-and-down movement mechanism, a display device, mode switching means which generates a mode switching signal for switching between a first measurement mode and a second measurement mode, and a control unit which drives and controls the up-and-down movement mechanism to change a state in which a first center axis and the eye are placed at substantially a same height into a state in which a second center axis and the eye are placed at substantially a same height by moving a main body of the apparatus, and controls to display the image outputted from a first image-pickup element and the image outputted from a second image-pickup element simultaneously on the display device during a shift from the first measurement mode to the second measurement mode.
US07682021B2	System and methods for the treatment of retinal diseases Systems and methods for treating a retinal disease in a human include locating and defining one or more zones of vision within the human's visual system and defining a treatment area which is located within at least one of the zones. The method of this embodiment may also include treating the human's retinal disease by presenting visual stimuli to the treatment area at a specified location and with a specified definition and recording changes in specified characteristics of the human's visual system. The method of this embodiment may also include reiterating the previous steps so as to improve the human's overall visual system.
US07682016B2	Stably operable image-forming apparatus with improved paper conveying and ejecting mechanism An image-forming apparatus includes an endless conveyor belt, a counter roller, and a clutch part. The endless conveyor belt is rotatable to convey paper with a surface of the conveyor belt being charged. The counter roller holds the paper between the conveyor belt and the counter roller and conveys the paper. The clutch part is caused to slip by the difference in velocity between the conveyor belt and the counter roller. The counter roller is driven through the clutch part.
US07682010B2	Solid ink stick with coating An ink stick for use in a phase change ink imaging device is provided, the phase change ink device having an ink stick feed system. The ink stick has a solid ink body having an exterior surface, and a light responsive overcoat that overlays at least a portion of the exterior surface of the ink stick body.
US07682008B2	Printhead reservoir with siphon vents A printhead reservoir assembly has at least one reservoir to hold ink. The assembly includes an outlet plate having siphon vents to allow air to exit an ink path, a manifold plate having at least one manifold to channel ink and manifold outlets to corresponding to the siphon vents, a jet stack having an array of jets to transfer ink out of the printhead reservoir assembly to a printing substrate and jet stack outlets corresponding to the siphon vents, and a circuit board between the jet stack and the manifold plate to operate the jet stack, the circuit board having outlets corresponding to the siphon vents.
US07682003B2	Needle and method of manufacturing thereof A needle is provided with a tubular member. The tubular member comprises a side wall, a through hole formed at the side wall, and an outer slanted portion formed at an outer surface of the side wall along the periphery of the through hole. The outer slanted portion slants down toward the through hole. A length of the outer slanted portion in an axis direction of the tubular member is greater than a length of the outer slanted portion in a circumferential direction of the tubular member.
US07681998B2	Laminated piezoelectric element, liquid droplet ejection head using same, and image forming apparatus comprising same The laminated piezoelectric element comprises a plurality of layers including first electrodes, piezoelectric material bodies, and second electrodes, wherein: the layers are laminated in order of the first electrode, the piezoelectric material body, the second electrode, and the piezoelectric material body; a plurality of active parts of the laminated piezoelectric element, where the piezoelectric material bodies are capable of actively expanding and contracting when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode that are mutually opposing across the piezoelectric material body, are two-dimensionally arranged in a row direction and a column direction; and the first electrodes are common to the plurality of active parts in the row direction and the second electrodes are common to the plurality of active parts in the column direction.
US07681994B2	Drop ejection device Disclosed devices include a channel having a wall with a plurality of spaced apart projections extending therefrom. The projections substantially prevent intrusion of a liquid into the projections.
US07681992B2	Element substrate, and printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus using the element substrate This invention relates to a printhead element substrate having a plurality of electrothermal transducers and a plurality of switching elements which drive the plurality of electrothermal transducers. The element substrate has a level converter which is shared by adjacent electrothermal transducers and steps up an input driving signal, and a switch circuit which supplies the driving signal output from the level converter to one of the adjacent electrothermal transducers. The switch circuit switches the supply destination of the driving signal in accordance with an external input selection signal.
US07681985B2	Self-aligned precision datums for array die placement A method and resulting device for accurately positioning an array of die modules in an imaging array, including larger partial width arrays and full page width arrays, is described herein. The method includes forming physical reference datum directly on an individual silicon die module, and positioning the individual die modules on a temporary holder. The temporary holder includes an alignment tool and singulated die are placed onto the temporary holder by abutting the physical reference datum against the alignment tool. A vacuum temporarily secures the die positioned on the temporary holder, and a permanent substrate is then attached to the die of the temporary holder. The temporary holder is released in favor of the permanent substrate having the accurately aligned die modules thereon.
US07681979B2	Inkjet printing system and method capable of automatically calibrating a non-uniform speed of a printhead carriage An inkjet printing system and method capable of automatically calibrating non-uniform speed of a printhead carriage, which includes a test pattern generator, a printing device, an image extractor, a processor and a printhead carriage control signal generator. The test pattern generator generates at least one test pattern. The printing device prints the test pattern on a recording medium. The image extractor captures an image of the test pattern. The processor reads and analyzes the image of the test pattern to accordingly generate a look-up table. The printhead carriage control signal generator generates an inkjet control signal for the printhead carriage, and adjusts a clock of the inkjet control signal in accordance with the look-up table.
US07681974B2	Recording apparatus and method A recording apparatus detects a leading edge of a recording material to be transported in a sub-scanning direction, and performs recording on a recording region of the recording material with reference to the leading edge. When a margin is formed at least at a leading end of the recording material, recording is performed on the recording region with reference to a center leading edge of the recording material. When a margin is not formed at least at the leading end of the recording material, recording is performed on the recording region with reference to one of right and left leading edges of the recording material that precedes in the sub-scanning direction.
US07681970B2	Self initialising printhead IC A printhead IC for an inkjet printer, the inkjet printer having a print engine controller (PEC) for sending print data to the printhead IC, the printhead IC comprising: an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate; and, drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles, the drive circuitry being configured for connection to a power source in the printer; wherein, the drive circuitry being configured to reset itself to a known initial state in response to receiving power from the power source after a period of not receiving power from the power source.
US07681968B2	Ink level detecting apparatus of an ink-jet printer An ink level detecting apparatus usable with an ink-jet printer includes an ink tank having a bottom, a ceiling, and a sidewall, a shrinkable ink pack is accommodated in the ink tank and having a top surface that moves down evenly as an ink level in the shrinkable ink pack decreases, a fixed electrode installed to an upper portion of the ink tank, and a movable electrode disposed to face the fixed electrode at a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode. The movable electrode moves in a horizontal direction according to a height variation of the top surface of the shrinkable ink pack such that an overlap area between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode varies. Therefore, the ink level is detected from electric capacity variation sensed between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode.
US07681965B2	Imaging apparatus having a programmable throughput rate An imaging apparatus includes a print engine for printing on a print medium. A device is communicatively coupled with the print engine. The device is programmed to set a throughput rate for the print engine. A controller reads the device, and operates the print engine at the throughput rate designated by the device.
US07681957B2	Equipment and supplies lift accessory An accessory for use in conjunction with a utility vehicle for the lifting and hauling of equipment and supplies, including an integrated platform base, either of a grid work of supporting frames and rods, or of a solid platform type, having upright columns and bracings for support, with a hooked configuration extending forwardly from the upper end of the upright columns, formed of a series of structural member and rods, for securement onto the upper edge of the tailgate or back wall of the bin or carrier of a utility vehicle. Structural support through the use of further rods can connect onto a portion of the accessory, and be fastened structurally to the front of the utility vehicle to add additional strength to the accessory during usage.
US07681956B2	Easy-assembled chair An easy-assembled chair comprises a frame body having a seat frame; a cushion; the backside of the cushion having at least one recess; at least one through hole being formed in the recess; a back pad; a lower edge of the back pad being formed with at least one protruding sheet; at least one hook being installed at the protruding sheet; a combining device for combined handles or a table plate to legs of the seat frame of the frame body. The hook of the protruding sheet passes through the through hole of the recess of the cushion to hook the back rod of the seat frame. The frame body has supporting rods; and a rear side of the seat frame has a back rod; the hooks of the back pad can hook the back rod so as to secure the back pad to the frame body.
US07681954B2	Seat with a pivoting headrest A seat including a sitting surface, a back, and a headrest pivoting between a vertical position in the extension of the back and an inclined position. The back includes a vertical support consisting of a plate extending at the rear of the back of the seat and above the back and a pivotably mounting component of the headrest fastened to the vertical support, the pivotably mounting component including at least one rod extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical support.
US07681947B2	Seat attachment device A seat attachment device is provided that uses a single bolt to secure the seat rails to the seat attachment device and the seat attachment device to a post.
US07681946B2	Portable table assemblies An apparatus includes a table and a bench movably coupled to the table. The table and the bench collectively have a first configuration and a second configuration. The table has a first width when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a first height when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a second width and a second height when the table and the bench are in the second configuration. The second width is less than half of the first width, and the second height is less than half of the first width.
US07681943B2	Front part structure of vehicle body A front part structure of a vehicle body is provided. A suspension frame is disposed posterior to a front-side component in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An apron side member extends in the longitudinal direction. An apron lower member extends in the longitudinal direction, connects the front-side component and the suspension frame and is disposed below the apron side member. The apron lower member is formed into a square cylindrical shape. Two walls of the apron lower member, which are opposed to each other are respectively fixed to the suspension frame.
US07681941B2	Camper trailer A camper trailer or caravan (10) includes a chassis (12) adapted to be attached to, and towed behind a motor vehicle (11). A housing (21) is mounted on the chassis (12) and defines a main chamber including a peripheral wall. The chassis (12) is short in length and about the same width as the towing vehicle (11) with the wheels (19) located adjacent the rear end of the chassis (12), and the housing (21) is adapted be opened such that panels (41) folded inside the housing when in the closed configuration are adapted to form annex chambers (42, 43) when in the open configuration when the camper trailer (10) is being used for camping and the like. A sleeping chamber (23) associated with the main chamber extends outside the peripheral walls of said camper trailer when required. Preferably there is a kitchen chamber and a bedding chamber within the housing of the camper trailer.
US07681937B2	Closure device for a cabriolet roof structure A closure device is provided for a cabriolet roof structure having at least one closure element which can assume an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure device is at least at times assigned a sensor device which can detect the open position and the closed position. According to the invention, it is provided that the sensor device comprises only one sensor which generates a first signal when the open position is reached and which generates a second signal when the closed position is reached. The invention also relates to a roof structure for a cabriolet and to a method for monitoring a closure device for a cabriolet roof structure.
US07681934B2	Fiber sling and method for evaluating its performance An object of the present invention is to enable easy and sure evaluation of practical performance of a fiber sling without taking troublesome labor such as to decompose it. As a means of achieving this object, a fiber sling according to the present invention is a fiber sling S such that: a strand 20 having a load capacity is circulated in a plurality of rows to thus form an annulus wherein the annulus is contained in a protective bag 10 having a hollow annular shape, which fiber sling S comprises: detection wires 30 each having electroconductivity and disposed in the lengthwise of the strand 20, the number of the detection wires 30 being plural and less than the total number of the rows of the strand 20; sheaths 40 covering the outer circumference of the detection wires 30; and a pair of detection terminals 32 and 32 connected electrically with the opposite ends of the plural number of detection wires 30 and exposed to the outer surface of the annular protective bag 10.
US07681931B2	Barkersville scooper device The present is invention is a refuse collector device for collecting feces waste material from the ground. The device comprises a shaft having an upper end and a lower end with an internal bore extending therethrough. An extension rod extends through the internal bored from the upper end to the lower end of the shaft. The extension rod is defined by a top and a bottom. A handle is fixably mounted to the upper end of the shaft. An actuator device is operationally mounted to the handle and is operationally connected to the top of the extension rod. A protective sleeve is configured to surround and to slidably engage with the shaft. A bag holder is pivotally mounted to the lower end of shaft. A shovel is pivotally connected to the bottom of extension rod facing the bag holder such that when activated by a user the actuator device causes the shovel to automatically move foreword scooping the feces waste material up and into the bag holder.
US07681929B1	Pipe coupler for metal to plastic pipe A pipe coupler for coupling pipe of dissimilar composition having a substantially cylindrical housing with a stub end and a bell end, the housing having a primarily plastic composition with an embedded anchor ring at the bell end wherein the anchor ring includes a plurality of threaded radial holes and a set of gripping bolts with ends that physically engage an outer surface of a pipe inserted into the bell end of the housing and a plurality of threaded axial holes off-set from the radial holes with a compressor ring, sized to slip over the end of a pipe inserted into the bell end of the housing, the compressor ring compressing a seal when a series of axial bolts engaging the anchor ring are tightened.
US07681916B2	Gas generating system with axial flow filter A filter for use in absorbing heat from gases generated in a gas generating system is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of discrete, continuous gas flow passages extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the filter is incorporated into an inflator used for inflating an inflatable element of a vehicle occupant protection system. A gas generator incorporating the filter and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also described.
US07681914B2	Airbag module The disclosed apparatus can control the cross section of at least one vent opening of an airbag module, through which gases can escape into the environment. The apparatus can include: at least one covering part for at least partially covering the at least one vent opening and an operating mechanism comprising a gas source and an inflatable element in fluid communication with the gas source. The inflatable element can be configured to produce a variation in the outlet cross section of the vent opening in cooperation with the covering part.
US07681910B2	Side airbag connector assembly A connector assembly for use with a side airbag having a tearable seam in a vehicle seat is disclosed. The connector assembly includes a clip member having a slot near one end thereof and an inner chute connected to the clip member via the slot. The connector assembly also includes a rod releaseably secured to the clip member. An outer chute is connected to the rod and the seam on the opposite end thereof. The chute will allow for proper guidance of the airbag during deployment from the seat in a crash situation.
US07681905B2	Ski binding, especially telemark binding Ski binding (10) for fixing a ski shoe that comprises an upper and a sole (11), having a front retaining element (12) associated with the front end of the sole, a rear retaining element (13) arranged to engage at the foresole or at the heel of the ski shoe, a tensioning means (15, 16, 17, 19) effective between front and rear retaining elements, and having a means, associated with the front retaining element (12) and pivotally mounted relative to the latter about a horizontal axis, for supporting the front end of the sole or sole-supporting means (28), wherein the pivotal axis (29) associated with that supporting means simultaneously defines the pivotal axis about which a structural unit (26) comprising the front and rear retaining elements is pivotable when the shoe heel is lifted or lowered. The sole-supporting means (28) associated with the front end of the sole is pivotable relative to the structural unit (26) and is lockable, as required, by a separate locking element (30).
US07681901B2	Gauge mount for motorcycle A gauge mount for a motorcycle with a gauge encasement attached to a triple tree and one or more gauge mount locations attached to the gauge encasement. The gauge mount locations are located on the rearward facing side of the triple tree, facing the seat of the motorcycle. Each gauge mount location is adapted to receive a gauge housing. Each gauge housing connects a gauge to the gauge encasement. The gauges are preferably tilted upward to be more easily viewed by the rider while operating the motorcycle.
US07681898B2	Composite suspension system for a vehicle A composite suspension system for a vehicle includes a mechanical suspension system supporting the body of the vehicle with respect to an axle and a pneumatic suspension system to selectively provide support for the body relative to the axle. Under heavy loads, the pneumatic suspension system may be inflated to support the body relative to the axle. When not under heavy loads the pneumatic suspension system may be deflated so as not to interfere with the support provided by the mechanical suspension system. A control system regulates a compressor connected to the pneumatic suspension system to inflate the same. The control system also regulates access of the pneumatic suspension system to a vacuum source to deflate the same.
US07681895B2	Side movement propelled scooter device having expanded foot platform A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of a user that includes a frame structure through which at least a front wheel is coupled to two direction biased rear wheels. The frame structure may have a foot placement platform that extends laterally between the two rear wheels. The platform may extend over half of the distance between the rear wheels and/or be substantially continuous for that distance. Various platform embodiments and frame structures, including rigid and flexible, are disclosed, among other aspects.
US07681880B2	Sheet delivery apparatus Provided is a sheet delivery apparatus for delivering a sheet to a delivery tray, including: a pair of delivery rotary members for nipping and delivering the sheet guided by the guide portion; and a projection that rotates about an axis being the same as an axis of one of the pair of delivery rotary members, is abutted against a trailing end of the sheet, and pushes out the trailing end of the sheet toward a delivery tray side. The guide portion deforms the sheet so that the sheet does not contact the projection, and after the trailing end of the sheet has passed through the guide portion, the projection and the trailing end of the sheet are abutted against each other.
US07681876B2	Printer having disengageably gear driven media pick-up roller A printer comprising: a sheet media transport mechanism for transporting sheet media past a printhead; a pick-up roller arranged to be rotated so as to contact and pick-up sheet media from a supply of sheet media and deliver the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism; and a gear assembly for communicating a driving force of a motor to the pick-up roller so as to rotate the pick-up roller, wherein a first gear of the gear assembly is arranged to disengage from a second gear of the gear assembly substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism so as to cease communication of the driving force of the motor to the pick-up roller.
US07681874B2	Sheet conveying device, and image forming apparatus including same A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first conveying unit to convey a sheet in a first sheet conveying direction, a second conveying unit to convey the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit in a second sheet conveying direction that is different from the first sheet conveying direction, a first sheet conveying path provided between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, a belt-type sheet conveying unit to the holding section of the second conveying unit, and a positioning control mechanism to move and position the first supporting member and the second supporting member in respective directions different from each other. The belt-type sheet conveying unit includes a belt, a first rotary belt holding member, a second rotary belt holding member, a first supporting member, and a second supporting member.
US07681865B2	Ball valve A ball valve assembly comprises a housing with ball valve rotatably disposed in a valve chamber in the flow passage. The ball valve is rotatable between open and closed positions by a valve stem that is connected to the ball valve at one end. The ball valve has an open ended slot in which the end of the stem is received. During assembly the stem may be inserted into the housing first and then the ball valve introduced into the housing with the slot facing the stem and then moved in the direction of the slot so that that the stem is received in the slot. The arrangement enables the conventional bonnet in a ball valve assembly to be eliminated and therefore provides for a compact design.
US07681862B2	Magnet valve A magnet valve having a valve insert and a tappet, guided movably in the valve insert via a tappet guide, which tappet is braced, via a restoring spring resting on a contact face of the tappet, is braced on a valve body. According to the invention, fixation means which define a rotational position of the restoring spring relative to the tappet are disposed on the contact face of the tappet.
US07681861B2	Dosage feed device for additive fluids Metering device in particular for metering an additive in the field of oil exploration with a metering element adjustable by an adjusting means. To improve such a metering device in that already with minimal movement of the adjusting means in a constructive simple way a particular amount of additive is added to raw material and also to quickly interrupt the metering, the metering element comprises a metering gap and a valve means arranged behind the metering gap downstream in fluids moving direction.
US07681858B1	Preloading and flex resistant support board for a mechanical machine A preloading and flex resistant support board for a mechanical machine comprises a support board body and at least one preloading bar. The support board body is formed with at one preloading groove in the side subjected to the compressive stress. The preloading groove is provided with two resisting surfaces. The preloading bar is also provided with two resisting surfaces. The preloading bar is assembled in the preloading groove of the support board body by screw, so as to provide a balance between the preloading capacity produced by preloading bar to the support board body and the flexing stress produced by the support board body.
US07681857B2	Portable sign and barricade assemblies and plastic molded uprights and light and flag mounts therefor Plastic molded uprights and/or light and flag mounts may include stepped upper ends for mounting of a light thereon and/or laterally spaced apart oppositely downwardly angled flag mounting holes extending at least partway therethrough adjacent the upper ends thereof. One or more pairs of integral molded, axially spaced apart flanges may protrude outwardly from one of the front and back walls of the uprights for aiding in locating and supporting one or more barricade boards between respective pairs of flanges.
US07681854B2	Device for securing an insert in a structure The invention concerns a device for securing an insert in a structure having a first opening, the insert having a principal body (20) inserted in the first opening, the body (20) having a second opening having a principal axis, the device including a shaft (23) designed to pass through the second opening and at least one detachable or non-detachable head (24, 42).According to the invention, this device includes at least one roughly planar part (25, 26, 43) having a third opening, the part being designed to be positioned on an outer face of the structure (21, 22) so that the third opening is centered on the second opening for the passage of the shaft (23), the part (25, 26, 43) locking the insert in the first opening, a system for blocking the part (25, 26, 43) from rotating relative to the principal body (20), and an element for joining the head onto the part (25, 26, 43) for locking the head onto the part, the head being designed to be supported against the part (25, 26, 43) to secure the part against the outer surface.
US07681851B1	Retractable hook device A retractable hook device that has a hook mounted on a housing. The housing is to be securable to an exterior surface. The hook is pivotable between a retracted (stowage) position and an extended (usage) position. A release plate is mounted on the housing. The release plate can be in either an outer position or an inner position. When in the outer position the hook can be locked in either the extended position or the retracted position. When the release plate is in the inner position, the hook is pivotally movable between the extended position and the retracted position.
US07681847B2	Portable device and method for raising the height of furniture The furniture raising device described herein is collapsible, portable, stable, and easy to use. The device is designed to raise furniture to one or two preset increases in height. Preferably the device is used to raise the height of a chair. In one embodiment, the device contains a plurality of arms and a center base, where each arm is pivotably attached at a predetermined point in the base using a pin. The locations for attachment of the pins are selected to be spaced far enough apart from each other to allow the arms to rotate about the pins from a first position, where the arms align with the legs in the article of furniture, to a second position, where the arms are aligned in the same general direction (i.e. the “storage position”), and to maximize the ability of the device to be as compact as possible in the storage position. In a second embodiment, the device contains a plurality of arms and a center base, where each arm is pivotably and slidably attached to the base using a pin. In a third embodiment, the furniture raising device is designed to increase the device's strength and prevent breakage. In this embodiment, at least one portion of the center base either contacts the floor when the device is in use or hovers above the floor by at least approximately 1 mm.
US07681834B2	Composite missile nose cone A missile includes a radome-seeker airframe assembly that has a single-piece composite material forebody. The forebody is made of a high-temperature composite material that can withstand heat with little or no ablation. The forebody has a front part with an ogive shape and an aft part that has a cylindrical shape. The front part acts as a radome for a seeker located within the forebody. Patch antennas are attached to an inside surface of the cylindrical aft part. The aft part acts as a radome for the patch antennas, allowing signals to be sent and received by the patch antennas without a need for cutouts. A single seal may be used to seal the guidance system and seeker within the forebody, allowing the equipment to be hermetically sealed within the forebody.
US07681824B2	Webbing retracting device A webbing retracting device that may prevent entering of an end-lock state when a spool rotates in the pull out direction on rebound just after completion of taking up of the webbing belt. A restriction weight is provided on a V gear. The restriction weight moves in the pull out direction relative to the V gear by acceleration when the V gear is rotated in the take up direction, and furthermore, the restriction weight pivots about a support pin under centrifugal force due to rotation of the V gear and attains a contact position. In such a state, even if the inertial mass attempts to displace toward the lock activation direction, the restriction weight interferes with the inertial mass and restricts displacement of the inertial mass toward the lock activation direction.
US07681817B2	Food processor A food processor (100) includes one or more of a removable feed tubes (155), a cover or lid (156) for a feed tube opening (154), a double sided grating disc (190), a bowl or receptacle (110) having a pour spout and a complimentary hinged spout lid (140s) on the bowl cover (140), a bowl mounted drive shaft (115), an extensible shaft for mounting various blades or discs at various heights, and an adjustable thickness slicing disc (180).
US07681813B2	System and method for treating shredder residues In a method for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, e.g., vehicle bodies, the shredder residues are separated into a shredder light fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (shredder heavy fraction). A system is arranged for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, e.g., vehicle bodies. At least parts of the primary material streams produced during the sorting of the shredder light fraction and the shredder heavy fraction in preliminary processes are fed to a common, main process for final processing, at least a ferromagnetic fraction, a fraction containing non-ferromagnetic metals, a granulate fraction, a fiber fraction, and a sand fraction being produced as end products.
US07681810B2	Irrigation emitter An emitter comprising: a plurality of inlet apertures through which liquid enters the emitter; a manifold flow channel into which liquid that passes through the apertures flow; an elastic diaphragm that seats on the manifold flow channel; an outlet aperture through which liquid that enters the emitter exits the emitter; wherein liquid that enters the inlet apertures displaces only a portion of the diaphragm from the manifold channel so that the liquid can leave the manifold channel and flow through the emitter to reach the outlet aperture.
US07681799B2	Method of reading code symbols using a digital image capturing and processing system employing a micro-computing platform with an event-driven multi-tier software architecture A method of reading code symbols using a digital image capture and processing system which includes: an image formation and detection subsystem; an illumination subsystem; an illumination control subsystem; a digital image processing subsystem; and an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem. In the illustrative embodiment, a micro-computing platform implements the digital image processing subsystem, the input/output subsystem and the system control subsystem. The micro-computing platform includes a microprocessor, a memory architecture, and a multi-tier modular software architecture responsive to the generation of a triggering event within the system. Triggering events can be generated by an automatic object detector or by a manually actuated trigger switch.
US07681788B2	Apparatus and method for integrated payment and electronic merchandise transfer Payment transactions using a payment infrastructure are efficiently combined with e-merchandise transactions using an e-merchandise infrastructure, while allowing each infrastructure to concentrate on its primary function. An electronic payment device configured according to the payment infrastructure is interrogated by a payment module (also configured according to the payment infrastructure) of a first terminal to obtain financial data. Electronic merchandise-related information is generated by an electronic merchandise module (configured according to the electronic merchandise infrastructure) of the first terminal, and such information is transferred to the electronic payment device within a transaction conducted in accordance with the financial data and the payment infrastructure.
US07681781B2	Octagonal bulk bin with self-locking gusset-fold bottom flaps An octagonal bulk bin has sidewalls, end walls and diagonal corner panels interposed between adjacent sidewalls and end walls. Bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the sidewalls, end walls, and diagonal corner panels, and gusset panels connect adjacent side edges of the bottom flaps, facilitating set up of the bulk bin and spacing flap cuts from the corners of the bin to minimize or eliminate initiation of tears in the vertical corners of the bin. A plastic pallet tray has an upstanding lip around its periphery, shaped and sized to closely receive the bottom end of the octagonal bin to reinforce the bottom end and facilitate handling of the bin.
US07681779B2	Method for manufacturing electric connections in wafer A method for manufacturing electrical connections in wafer is provided. A plurality of openings is formed on the upper surface of a wafer by dry etching or laser drilling and then solder paste is applied to the openings. Next, the wafer is positioned in a vacuum environment and is heated to soften the solder paste. Subsequently, the vacuum is suddenly broken to have the pressure upon the upper surface of the wafer greater than that in the openings thereby pressing the molten solder paste into the openings.
US07681773B2	Methods and apparatus for retractable pin friction stir welding and spot welding An apparatus for friction stir welding is described that includes a stationary assembly having a bore therethrough, the bore having an inner diameter, and a rotational assembly having a welding end. At least the welding end of the rotational assembly extends through the bore. A portion of the rotational assembly is adjacent the inner diameter of the bore. At least one of the adjacent portion of the rotational assembly and the inner diameter of the stationary assembly are configured such that rotation of the rotational assembly will cause plasticized material from a welding process that has entered an area between the adjacent portion and the inner diameter to move towards a welding zone located proximate the welding end.
US07681771B2	Stapler A stapler movable between a rest position and a stapling position and having a front end and a rear end. The stapler includes a base, a staple magazine coupled to the base and configured to hold staples, and a driver blade operable to drive staples out of the staple magazine during stapling operations. The stapler further includes an elastic member coupled to the driver blade and operable to move the driver blade during stapling operations. The elastic member utilizes potential energy to move the driver blade during stapling operations. The driver blade is positioned above the staple magazine when the stapler is in the rest position and the magazine is extendable from the front end of the stapler to allow a user to load staples in the magazine. The stapler is configured such that only the potential energy of the elastic member can operate the driver blade during stapling operations.
US07681763B2	Condiment dispensing container Substantially cylindrical condiment container with a vertically sliding cap to cover and uncover a dispensing outlet opening in the top portion of the container. Preferably, the outlet opening is in the side wall of the container body and the cap slides up to unblock the opening and down to block it. Optionally, a rotary pre-measuring dispense structure can be located at the lower end of the container to dispense condiments in pre-measured increments through an outlet in the bottom of the container.
US07681760B2	Liquid cartridge A liquid cartridge for supplying liquid to an external device connected therewith is provided with a casing, a partition member movably fitted in the casing, which partitions the casing into a first chamber and a second chamber, an outlet port communicating between the first chamber and the external device and a pressure unit housed in the second chamber, which presses the partition member so as to discharge the liquid out of the outlet port.
US07681756B2	Stretchable composite sheet for adding softness and texture A method for increasing the thickness of a fibrous sheet including stretching the sheet beyond its relaxed length and returning the sheet to about the relaxed length, causing the sheet to have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The sheet can be a wet-wipe. The wet-wipe includes an elastic layer and a fibrous layer, which increases in thickness when stretched then relaxed. The wet-wipe can be stored in a container which causes the wet-wipe to stretch as it is removed from the container.
US07681751B2	Collapsible container for the transport of air cargo What is disclosed is a collapsible container for the transport of air cargo, consisting of a bottom panel, a cover panel and four side walls which are detachably connected to said bottom panel and said cover panel, wherein the bottom panel and the cover panel adjoin each other in the collapsed position of the container, retaining the four side walls between them. The bottom panel is provided with profiled members at two opposed first edges, which profiled members can be inserted into complementary profiled members at two corresponding opposed first edges of the cover panel by moving said profiled members in longitudinal direction relative to each other, and two first opposed side walls are provided with profiled members at their horizontal edges, which profiled members are complementary to the corresponding first opposed edges, which profiled members can be inserted into complementary profiled members at the corresponding vertical side walls by moving said profiled members in longitudinal direction relative to each other.
US07681748B2	Hoisting device with vertical motion compensation function A hoisting device can be small-sized and energy can be saved. A hoisting device 10 according to the present invention has a hoist 30 and a control unit 32. The hoist 30 rotates a drum 12 having a wire 14 wound thereon by an oil pressure motor 42 rotatable in normal and reverse directions. To the oil pressure motor 42, operating oil is supplied from an oil pressure pump 44. The oil pressure pump 44 is a two-way discharge fixed capacity type, and rotated by a servomotor 46. An acceleration/displacement transducer 34 in the control unit 32 finds a moving direction and a moving speed of a wire hanging point in the vertical direction from an output signal of an acceleration sensor 24. The control unit 32 outputs a drive control signal of the servomotor 46 according to a paying-out speed or a rolling-up speed of the wire 14 offsetting the vertical motion of the wire hanging point caused by the heaving of a hull based on a speed instruction Vi of the paying-out or rolling-up speed of the wire, a detected signal of the acceleration sensor 24 and a detected signal of a wire speed sensor 26.
US07681746B2	Multiple level product divider A system for dividing a series of products within a display case, such as a freezer. The system includes a base positionable within the display case between products that are to be separated. The base is preferably formed from molded plastic and includes a series of horizontally extending support legs. The base includes a pair of parallel support arms that extend perpendicular to the support legs and are spaced from each other to define a receiving gap. The receiving gap is sized to receive a divider that can be positioned within the receiving gap. The base includes a series of support tabs each extending from the bottom wall of the base into the receiving gap to reduce the effective depth of the receiving gap. Each of the support tabs can be selectively removed from the base to increase the depth of the receiving gap. The depth of the receiving gap controls the amount of the divider extending past the top edge of the base. One of the support arms includes a locking member to securely hold the divider within the base.
US07681745B2	Merchandising system A merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a base having a front and a back, the base being configured to support the articles and defining a first space for containing the articles. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the articles toward the front of the base, wherein the assembly comprises a member configured to extend beyond the base to create a second space for containing the articles in addition to the first space.
US07681743B2	Beverage container shelf management system A gravity feed display rack for supporting and displaying merchandise is provided. The rack has a merchandise channel support structure featuring a number of rods. Inner and outer dividers featuring merchandise supports and longitudinally extending walls are positioned on the rods in a sliding fashion. End portions of the rods feature adjustable latch slots and at least one outer divider features connectors with locking projections that engage the adjustable latch slots of the merchandise channel support structure. As a result, the dividers are located in spaced apart relationship upon the merchandise channel support structure and may be adjusted to accommodate varying sizes of merchandise.
US07681742B2	Fork rack and associated systems and methods A rack, which is configured to selectively maintain at least one fork of a lift truck, includes a back, a front opposite the back, a supporting member extending between the back and the front of the rack, and a wedge member. The wedge member extends between the back and the front of the rack such that the wedge member is positioned substantially nearer the supporting member at the back of the rack than at the front of the rack. The supporting member and the wedge member collectively define a storage space for receiving the at least one fork. Fork rack systems and methods for removing, replacing, and/or storing forks provide additional advantages.
US07681735B2	Self-locking pallet assembly A paperboard container is formed from a base unit, a flat floor unit, a self-supporting side unit, and a lid. The side unit is foldable inside the base unit for shipping and storage. The side unit can be unfolded and the parts readily assembled to form a paperboard container.
US07681732B2	Laminated lidstock A laminated lidstock includes a substrate film, a support web; a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the substrate and support webs, and covering the substrate film and support web except for a clear area disposed near one end of the laminated lidstock; a first die cut disposed in the substrate film; a second die cut disposed in the support web; a pull tab; and a tamper evidence device including an end portion of the support web, defined by a first end, a first side edge, and a second side edge of the package made from the laminated lidstock, and the second die cut, capable of indicating tampering of the package upon removal of the tamper evidence device from the support web; wherein at least one of the substrate film and the support web carries a registration device.
US07681728B2	Shoe holder Disclosed is a collapsible container comprised of a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one intermediate panel, at least one side wall, and at least one divider panel. Each of the panels and the side wall may be covered with flexible material such that the collapsible container is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The top panel is spaced apart from the bottom panel with the intermediate panels being interposed therebetween in spaced relation. The side wall partially extends around the top, bottom and intermediate panels to partially enclose the collapsible container and define a plurality of compartments with an opening to each compartment. Each one of the top, intermediate and bottom panels has a tension loop extending therearound and configured to outwardly urge the top, bottom and intermediate panel perimeters such that the top, intermediate and bottom panels are generally held taut. A retainer member extends across a lower portion of the openings to help retain articles in the compartments.
US07681721B2	System for selecting eyeglasses In one embodiment of the present invention a system is provided for allowing a consumer to easily match a suitable pair of primary eyeglasses with a suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the suitable pair of primary eyeglasses may be matched with the suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses without damaging or opening the package which contains the pair of auxiliary eyeglasses. In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the system may comprise a package and/or a displayer.
US07681717B2	Conveyor belt with attached strips of teeth An endless conveyor belt (10) comprises a flat belt portion (12) with strips (20) of teeth (28) attached to one side of the flat belt, near the side edges (26) of the flat belt. In another embodiment, the side edges of the strips are attached to the side edges of the flat belt. In either embodiment, the strips are first attached to the flat belt, and then machined to form a plurality of teeth on each strip. The strips can be of a different material than the flat belt. The conveyor belt can be employed with conveyors having small radius pulleys (54) and nose bars (58).
US07681701B2	Vibration damper, a method of producing a vibration damper and a dampening arrangement for dampening the vibrations of an engine A vibration damper comprising a body part via which the damper can be fastened to the object to be dampened, an oscillating piece movably arranged in the space of the body part and fastened by at least one spring to the body part, the oscillating piece consisting of more than one part, removably fastened to each other. The invention also relates to a method of producing a vibration damper and an arrangement of reducing the vibration in a piston engine.
US07681698B2	Disc brake A brake disc for a disc brake having one or more sliding or not sliding discs on a hub or other central part is provided. The brake disc has an outer circumference and an inner circumference with a number of alternating teeth and gaps on the inner circumference. One or more measures are taken to reduce the risk of crack formation. One of the measures is to arrange areas of reduced material thickness at and/or adjacent each tooth. The areas of reduced material thickness may be openings having an axial or radial extent. Other measures include designing the teeth and gaps in an appropriate way and forming the brake disc with different properties at different parts.
US07681691B1	Planar object lifting apparatus An apparatus for lifting planar objects which includes an extendable rectilinear elongated frame formed of at least two spaced U-beams, each U-beam defining a longitudinal runway and having an elongated area removed from a forward face below a midpoint of the frame. The removed elongated area defines an entranceway to the longitudinal runway. The entranceway is dimensioned to receive the planar object for placement on a transport carriage while maintaining a top portion of the planar object within the longitudinal runway. The carriage is configured to laterally span the two spaced U-beams such that a portion of the carriage and a portion of the planar object are confined within each interior longitudinal runway at least during transport. A skid is perpendicularly joined to a forward face of the carriage at about its bottom edge. The skid is configured to support the planar object during placement and lifting. A pull cable is affixed at one end to the carriage at about a midpoint of a lateral dimension and in proximity to a top edge of the carriage. A first cross member is laterally joined to a top of the frame which includes a pulley aligned such that the pull cable when in communication with the pulley and affixed to the carriage are aligned along a common longitudinal centerline between the two spaced U-beams. A second cross member is likewise laterally joined to the frame in proximity to the entranceway. A winch is connected to an opposite end of the pull cable and configured to move the carriage and planar object through the longitudinal runways.
US07681690B2	Noise abatement device for a pneumatic tool Noise-abatement devices are provided for a pneumatic tool that can include a housing having a first end and a second end. An expansion chamber is defined within the expansion chamber. At least one tube is located at least partially within the expansion chamber in which the tube has at least a perforated portion, and an outlet defined therein. The device also includes a port outlet in fluid communication with the expansion chamber in which the port outlet and the outlet are located near the second end of the housing.
US07681689B2	Vibration damping device and bucket for construction machine A vibration damping device capable of maintaining high vibration damping effect, and a bucket for a construction machine. The vibration damping device has a laminated plate (20) having at least its inner region fixed in a noise-emitting base material (11), the inner region being a region (G) other then a region which becomes a loop in a vibration mode when the base material (11) is vibrated in a vibration mode with a predetermined frequency.
US07681685B2	Passive pedestrian-protection front hood hinge A front hood hinge for connecting a front hood to the body of a vehicle, comprising a cuttable device having a cuttable member, a cutting knife and a stop determining the normal closed position of the front hood, and being designed such that, when a threshold value is exceeded, the stop is adapted to be displaced downwardly beyond the normal closed position against a resistance generated by the cuttable device, said resistance being caused by the cuttable member being cut in the course of the displacement of the stop upon movement of the cutting knife in relation to the cuttable member.
US07681679B2	Cantilevered motorcycle frame A motorcycle frame assembly having a cantilevered, open loop motorcycle frame assembly that achieves a desirable balance between frame strength and rigidity in a lateral and a vertical direction without the necessity of a conventional down tube. The frame assembly utilizes a top tube supported by a top tube support aligned parallel and concentric with at least a portion of the top tube from a connection point with the head tube. The top tube and support being the sole support for the head tube so that a down tube is not necessary.
US07681663B2	Methods and systems for determining angular orientation of a drill string Preferred methods and systems generate a control input based on a periodically-varying characteristic associated with the rotation of a drill string. The periodically varying characteristic can be correlated with the magnetic tool face and gravity tool face of a rotating component of the drill string, so that the control input can be used to initiate a response in the rotating component as a function of gravity tool face.
US07681662B2	Water bottom ore sampler and method of using the same A water bottom ore sampler includes a submersible housing for positioning on or near a water bottom, a riser duct mounted within the submersible housing and movable vertically relative to the submersible housing, a drilling assembly disposed within the riser duct for excavating the water bottom, a passage defined within the riser duct through which a particulate fluid mixture produced by the excavation can flow up the riser duct and into an interior of the submersible housing, and a sample container disposed within the submersible housing for collecting ore from the particulate fluid mixture received in the submersible housing.
US07681645B2	System and method for stimulating multiple production zones in a wellbore A system and method for selectively stimulating a plurality of producing zones of a wellbore in oil and gas wells, the system being cemented within the wellbore. The system includes a plurality of modules connected in a string wherein the modules can be selectively actuated to stimulate producing zones adjacent the modules. Each module includes a sleeve shiftable between a closed position and a treating position where a plurality of radial passageways are exposed to the central passageway of the assembly. The system includes a wiper plug that is adapted to pass through ball seats of various sizes in the plurality of modules and an acid solution pumped into the string to break down the cement at the producing zones. The system may include at least one natural rubber wiper ball to remove residual cement from the string.
US07681638B2	Wellbore treatment for reducing wax deposits A method of reducing wax deposition in an oil wellbore tubing includes providing an aqueous bioslurry comprising at least one microbe capable of degrading paraffin wax at about 20-45° C. and a nutrient medium containing one or more carbon source and an oxygen slow-releasing compound. The method further includes providing an oil wellbore completion having a production tubing with an interior surface including a zone that is susceptible to wax deposition when the well is operated to produce oil. The method further includes, while oil production from the well is stopped, incubating the biological slurry in the wax-deposition zone tubing for a sufficient time to multiply the microbe(s) and form a biofilm on at least the wax-susceptible zone.
US07681632B2	Integrated top drive and coiled tubing injector An apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations, comprising a base, a mast mounted on the base, and an integrated unit comprising a top drive and a coil tubing injector carried by the mast for longitudinal movement therealong. The top drive has an opening therethrough whereby coil tubing from the injector can pass through the top drive. There is a guide for coil tubing, the guide being selectively releasably connected to the coil tubing injector and mounted on the mast and selectively movable between a first position wherein coil tubing from the guide can be stabbed into the injector and a second position wherein coil tubing from the guide is out of alignment with the coil tubing injector.
US07681624B2	Flaskless molding machine The disclosed invention provides a molding machine that defines upper and lower molding spaces while cope and drag flasks 12,13 and a match plate 11 clamped therebetween are rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and that readily places a core into a lower mold within the drag flask. An upper squeeze member 14 is insertable into the cope flask 12 with its pressure-applying plane being opposed to the upper face of the match plate 11. The pressure-applying plane defines an upper molding space together with the upper face of the match plate 11 and the cope flask 12. A pivoting frame 23 supports the cope and drag flasks 12,13, a match plate 11 clamped therebetween, and the upper squeeze member 14, such that they rotate in unison between a horizontal position, in which the pressure-applying plane of the upper squeeze member 14 is oriented vertically downward, to a vertical position in which the pressure-applying plane is oriented horizontally. A fixed, vertical, filling frame abuts the drag flask 13 when the flasks 12, 13 and the match plate 11 that is clamped therebetween are in the vertical position. A lower squeeze member 16 has a pressure-applying plane that is oriented horizontally, and is insertable into the filling frame and the abutting drag flask 13. The pressure-applying plane of the lower squeeze member 16 defines a lower molding space together with the lower face of the match plate 11, the drag flask 13, and the filling frame 15. To place a core into a lower mold within the drag flask, the drag flask 13 is laterally moved from a position that is immediately beneath the cope flask 12 such that an open working space is provided.
US07681623B2	Casting process and cast component Thick-walled parts made via a casting method often exhibit, in those thick zones, the worst mechanical properties since the solidification speed in the zones is reduced relative to the thin-walled zone and frequently induces the worst mechanical properties. There is described a method incorporating solidification control elements in a melting charge, the elements increase locally the solidification speed of the melting charge.
US07681621B2	Pinch free panel system and method An articulating door generally includes a first door panel having a bottom section, the bottom section defining a first bottom portion, a second bottom portion and a first bottom channel therebetween. A second door panel is coupled for rotation with the first door panel. The first door panel and the second door panel moving between an open condition and a closed condition. The second door panel has a top section proximate the bottom section of the first door panel. The articulating door also includes a blocking member having a ramp portion. The blocking member extends from the top section of the second door panel. At least a portion of the blocking member is received by the first bottom channel of the first door panel in the closed condition. The ramp member is disposed between the first bottom portion of the first door panel and the top section of the second door panel.
US07681620B2	Stacking mechanism A stacking mechanism comprising: a rotatable screw with external thread of length L and pitch P1; a plurality of N traveling nuts mounted on the screw, having internal thread of pitch P1 and external thread of pitch P2, P1>P2; an arrester preventing rotation of the nuts within a length L1 of the screw, while allowing sliding; and a threaded member of pitch P2 adapted to engage the external thread of the nuts within a length L2 of the screw. In a first position of the mechanism, the nuts are arranged over the length L1. Upon rotation of the screw, the nuts slide along the screw at rate P1 per 1 turn, transit from L1 to L2, and then slide within the length L2 at a rate P2 per 1 turn, thereby achieving reversibly a second position of the mechanism where they are arranged over the length L2, L2
US07681612B2	Run-flat supporting body and tire/wheel assembly The run-flat supporting body (1) is configured of the annular shell (2) and elastic rings (3) and (3). The annular shell (2) works as a supporting surface on an outer peripheral side, and bifurcates into two leg portions on an inner peripheral side. In addition, the annular shell (2) is provided with a large number of the through holes (4) in wall surfaces thereof. The elastic rings (3) and (3) are attached respectively to the two leg portions of the annular shell (2). The run-flat supporting body 1 is supported on a rim of a wheel with the elastic rings (3) and (3). According to a configuration of the present invention, peripheries of the respective through holes (4) are thickened, residual stresses are applied to the peripheries of the respective through holes (4), or each through hole (4) is formed into an elliptic shape having the major axis in a circumferential direction.
US07681610B2	Optimized planermill system and method An optimizing planermill system includes a control system and a workpiece feed path for feeding an array of workpieces linearly downstream to an optimizing planer. The gap size between successive workpieces is set so that each gap provides enough time for relative movement of at least one of movable cutting elements in the planer and movable guiding elements so as to obtain relative movement between the cutting elements and the workpiece being next fed in for optimized positioning.
US07681606B2	Automated system and process for filling drug delivery devices of multiple sizes In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation system according to the present invention includes automated preparation of a dosage of medication in a drug delivery devices, such as a syringe, and includes an automated transport device for controllably delivering each drug delivery device from one location to another location and a receiving member that is associated with the automated transport device and includes at least two pockets for receiving and retaining at least two differently sized drug delivery devices according to a predetermined orientation. The system also includes a controller in communication with the automated transport device for moving the automated transport device in an indexed manner.
US07681603B2	Auto-release vacuum device A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
US07681597B2	Thermostatic mixer with device for dynamic regulation of a water flow The disclosure relates to a thermostatic mixer, including a device for the dynamic regulation of cold water flow which supplies the mixer. A resistance is generated to the flow of cold water supplied to the thermostatic mixer when small flows of mixed water are required, and said resistance is lifted or reduced when large flows of mixed water are required. Said operation is automatically carried out by devices for dynamic regulation of flow, whereby the flow cross-section provided for the incoming cold water is reduced when the drawn flow is reduced and a larger flow cross-section reestablished when a larger flow is required.
US07681586B2	Double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system A double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system prevents fuel leaks into a dispenser sump located below a fuel dispenser. An inner flexible connector and an outer flexible connector are configured such that the dispenser sump connection system may be installed on newly constructed fuel delivery systems or be retrofitted onto existing fuel delivery systems in order to bring them into compliance with recently environmental regulations.
US07681579B2	Guided procedures for treating atrial fibrillation A method for treating atrial fibrillation in a heart of a patient includes placing an ultrasonic catheter in a first chamber of the heart; acquiring two-dimensional ultrasonic images of a second chamber of the heart and at least a portion of surrounding structures of the second chamber using the ultrasonic catheter placed in the first chamber; reconstructing a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the two-dimensional ultrasonic images; displaying the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; identifying at least one key landmark on the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; marking the least one key landmark on the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; penetrating the septum for accessing the second chamber of the heart while using the marked at least one key landmark for guidance; positioning a sheath through the penetrated septum and within the second chamber of the heart; inserting an ablation catheter through the sheath and into the second chamber of the heart; and ablating a portion of the second chamber of the heart using the ablation catheter while under observation with the ultrasound catheter located in the first chamber of the heart.
US07681571B2	Apparatus for delivery of humidified gases therapy, associated methods and analysis tools Apparatus for delivery of humidified gases therapy includes a humidifier. A recorder records. An output interface allows for outputting of the recorded data. The recorder may also record data indicative of patient compliance with the humidified gases therapy. The apparatus may determine patient compliance from sensed delivered flow. Recorded humidity and compliance data retrieved from the apparatus are useful in methods for improving the efficacy of humidified gases therapy or diagnosing problems with the efficacy of humidified gases therapy.
US07681570B2	Spray device or injection device enabling delivery of at least two predetermined product doses A spray or injection device that includes a casing or a pusher that includes at least one tab configured to move radially between a first radial position in which the tab does not impede the movement of the pusher with respect to the casing, and a second radial position in which the tab opposes movement of the pusher. The tab includes an opening. The pusher or the casing, respectively, includes at least one ramp-shaped projection configured to bring the tab into the second radial position then to penetrate the opening thereby allowing the tab to return to the first radial position. The pusher or the casing, respectively, further includes at least one stop region against which the tab abuts when the tab is brought into the second radial position by the projection. The stop region occurring just before the projection being opposite the opening.
US07681568B2	Barbecue cooking apparatus with ash scraper assembly A barbecue apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a firebowl having an open topside and a bottomside which has a circumference smaller than a circumference of the topside of the firebowl, and the bottomside of the firebowl comprises at least one central aperture situated adjacent at least one peripheral aperture; a base frame comprising a top end, a bottom end, and a central cavity, and the peripheral aperture of the firebowl leads to the central cavity of the column, and the top end of the column is connected to the bottomside of the firebowl; and an ash scraper assembly comprising a frame having at least one arm designed to cover and uncover the peripheral aperture and an actuator pivotally attached to the frame and designed to rotate the arms to cover and uncover the peripheral apertures and scrape the bottomside of the firebowl.
US07681567B2	Mobile barbecue grill A mobile barbecue grill includes a base, a first handle, an upper lid, a holding member, a first bracing rack, a second bracing rack and a pair of wheels. The base aims to hold a cooking grid. The first handle is located on an outer side of the base. The upper lid aims to cover the base. The holding member has one end coupling with the bottom of the base. The first bracing rack is located beneath the base and has two first upright bars and a first transverse bar coupling the first upright bars. The first transverse bar is leaned against the holding member and supports the base. The first bracing rack has one end remote from the base and resting on the ground surface. The second bracing rack is located beneath the base and has two second upright bars and a second transverse bar coupling the second upright bars. The second transverse bar is pivotally coupled with the bottom of the base. The second upright bars and the first upright bars are pivotally coupled. The wheels are coupled with one end of the second upright bars and rest on the ground surface.
US07681566B2	Adjustable arrow rest apparatus An adjustable arrow rest assembly including a bracket for mounting to an archery bow, a shaft carriage secured to the mounting bracket, a vertical stop extending from the shaft carriage, an elevation block positioned on the shaft carriage which further includes a travel channel for leveling the vertical stop and a launcher capable of rotation in association with the elevation block. The shaft carriage may receive a shaft therein which may support the launcher and/or a launcher body. A bias element may be positioned on the shaft to apply a rotational bias force to the shaft. A travel limiter may be inserted in the travel channel to limit the rotation of the elevation block by limiting the path of travel of the travel channel. The shaft carriage may also be capable of lateral movement within the mounting bracket so as to provide windage adjustment to the arrow rest.
US07681559B2	Torsion damping mechanism for a supercharger A torsion damping mechanism for a rotary blower is provided that has improved durability and ease of installation into the rotary blower. A rotary blower including a torsion damping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is also provided.
US07681550B2	Internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine 10 includes a fuel injection valve 37 for injecting a gasoline fuel into a combustion chamber 25, and a spark plug 35. When the internal combustion engine is operated in a light-load region, the fuel is injected at an early and/or middle stage of an intake strode, whereby a homogeneous air/fuel mixture is formed and compressed to thereby perform a premixed-charge compression auto-ignition operation in which the fuel is auto-ignited and combusted. When the internal combustion engine is operated in a middle-load region, a spark-ignition combustion operation is performed. When the internal combustion engine is operated in a high-load region, air taken into the combustion chamber is compressed, and the fuel is injected into the compressed air, thereby performing a diffusion combustion operation in which the fuel is diffusion-combusted.
US07681548B2	Method and apparatus for lubricating cylinder surface in large diesel engines There is described a method and an installation for lubricating cylinder surfaces 6 in large diesel engines. The installation includes a lubricating apparatus 3 with a number of piston pumps 4 which via connecting lines 5 are connected with lubricating points 6 in the cylinder walls 7. In order to enable electronically controlled regulation of the lubricating oil portion, there is provided an electronic control unit 9 which is connected with a flow regulator 8. The flow regulator includes redirecting valves 12 which are inserted in connecting lines 5 between the lubricating apparatus 3 and the lubricating points 6.
US07681546B2	Device for controlling an automatic start/stop system A device for controlling the operating state of a system for the automatic starting/stopping of a heat engine of a vehicle. The invention is characterized in that the device comprises at least one operating state indicator (F1, F2) which is associated with an operating mode of the system and which can adopt a first position (B1, P1) in an operating mode inhibition state, a second position (B2, P2) in an operating mode activation state and a third position (B3, P3) in an operating mode intermediate state.
US07681545B2	Starting apparatus for internal combustion engine and automobile An idling stop control of the invention attains an auto start and an auto stop of an engine. At a time point t1, pre-set stop conditions are met to cut off a fuel supply to the engine. Preset starting conditions may be met at a time point t2 when the engine still continues rotating in a normal direction by the inertial force. In this state, the idling stop control starts cranking the engine. The preset starting conditions may be met at a time point t4 when a piston does not complete a compression cycle immediately before a stop of the engine but is pressed back by the compressed air to rotate the engine in a reverse direction. In this state, the idling stop control waits until cancellation of the reverse rotation of the engine and then starts cranking the engine. The arrangement of the invention desirably ensures a quick start of the engine, while effectively preventing an excess stress from acting on a gear mechanism, which connects a starter motor to the engine.
US07681544B2	Control device for engine of power equipment apparatus A control device is configured for use with an engine of a power equipment apparatus. The control device includes a base, a first knob, and a second knob. The first knob is positioned adjacent to the base and is rotatable about an axis with respect to the base while being substantially restrained from axial movement along the axis with respect to the base. The first knob has an aperture surrounding and extending along the axis to define a passageway extending through the first knob. The second knob has an end portion slidingly received within the aperture of the first knob such that the second knob is axially movable along the axis with respect to the base and the first knob. Power equipment apparatus and saddle-type vehicles including control devices are also provided.
US07681539B2	Method for improving operation of an electrically operable mechanical valve A method to improve the performance of an electrically operable mechanical valve actuator is described. The system is capable of providing heat to targeted areas of an actuator so that valve performance may be improved during at least some operating conditions.
US07681536B2	Low maintenance fluid heater and method of firing same A fluid heater constructed of rectangular tubing through which fluid to be heated is circulated in a circuitous path. The floor and walls of a combustion chamber of the heater are constructed of the rectangular tubing. A tubular coil stack is positioned over the combustion chamber and surrounded by coil stack chamber walls constructed of the rectangular tubing. Consequently, all surfaces of the fluid heater exposed directly to flame are constantly cooled by the fluid to be heated. A combustion unit of the fluid heater is removable to facilitate maintenance.
US07681533B2	Multiple function animal furniture system A multi-purpose furniture structure and system may be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system may be used as a dwelling in which the owner may train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys may be stored in the animal living space as well. A removable barrier such as a grate or plastic ventilated sheet may cover a front opening to prevent undesirable movement of the animal in and out of the furniture structure. Animals may use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. For larger or older animals, the furniture structure may serve as a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture structure may form a bed for animals of all ages. The bed may be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.
US07681529B2	Diffuser and anchor An aquarium aerator unit includes an anchor that is weighted by an aquarium bedding material. The anchor includes a lower portion that has a defined edge and spaced-apart side sections proximate to the lower portion. An inner space is formed between the side sections above the lower portion. The defined edge provides a shovel edge that eases the lower portion into the bedding material and the inner space storing the bedding material to enhance stability and aesthetics.
US07681528B2	Fish netpen A netpen for breeding, storage or transport of fish in the sea, in particular completely or in part in open sea regions outside the skerries is provided. The netpen may be lowered in the sea to a desired depth. The netpen may be elevated to a half or approximately half submerged state for various work operations, such as maintenance and inspection of the netpen or harvesting. The netpen has a substantially spherical geometry. The netpen consists of a framework of stays, a horizontal through center pole also serving as a buoyancy adjusting element for elevation and lowering of the netpen, a horseshoe-shaped working platform having an integrated dock for working vessels. The entire working platform including dock is liftable and lowerable through buoyancy adjustment using a designated element. The working deck is mounted on an extended axle on the center pole. The netpen may be rotated inside said working deck.
US07681526B2	Watering device for poultry A watering disc for use in a nipple assembly of a watering line system has an outer rim portion and an upper surface extending inwardly from said outer rim portion to an aperture provided through a center of the watering disc. The upper surface defines a plurality of separators and a plurality of individual compartments in an alternating manner about a circumference of the watering disc. The plurality of separators generally extend from proximate the center of the watering disc to the outer rim portion in order to define each individual compartment between the outer rim portion and two adjacent separators. Each individual compartment is substantially formed in a concave manner and are configured to receive and retain water from the watering line system. The watering disc is formed of plastic and has reflective particles integrally formed therein for attracting poultry to the watering disc.
US07681522B2	Apparatus for manufacturing bonded substrate The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a bonded substrate that suppresses a defect in the bonded substrate. When the pressure in a vacuum chamber is at the atmospheric level, upper and lower chuck units respectively attract substrates through vacuum. When the vacuum chamber is depressurized, each chuck unit electrostatically attracts the associated substrate. During the depressurization of the vacuum chamber, the pressure for attracting each substrate to the associated chuck unit is controlled to be equal to the pressure in the vacuum chamber. This prevents each substrate from falling from or moving relative to the associated chuck unit. The first and second substrates are thus bonded together and accurately aligned.
US07681515B1	Life raft launcher A life raft canister is launched from a below deck doorway. A launcher is activated and pneumatically opens a below deck door, exposing the doorway. The same inflation tank inflates an elongated bladder that forces the life boat canister out of the doorway. The canister drops to the sea where the life boat is deployed from the canister. The life raft auto-inflates. As a result, a life raft is deployed from below-deck.
US07681513B1	Tiller operated marine steering system A hydraulic lock of a tiller-based watercraft steering system is responsive to tiller release to lock a watercraft's steered element in the last commanded position upon tiller release. The hydraulic lock can be controlled through an actuator assembly that is provided between a tiller arm and the watercraft's steered element. One or more cables connect the actuator assembly to other components of the hydraulic lock. A thermal compensator regulates pressure within the hydraulic lock by accommodating changes in temperature related characteristics of the fluid within the hydraulic lock Increases in fluid pressure due to thermal expansion can be mitigated within the thermal compensator by automatically or manually directing a volume of fluid from the hydraulic lock, through a compensating valve assembly, and into a reservoir. Decreases in fluid pressure can be mitigated by directing fluid from the reservoir back into the hydraulic lock.
US07681507B2	Railcar with discharge control system A railcar with discharge control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a railway car includes an underframe and at least one hopper for transporting lading. The railway car further including the underframe including a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the railway car. A discharge opening formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper. A respective door assembly pivotally mounted adjacent to the discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the hopper. The door assembly operable for movement between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the discharge opening. A discharge control system operable to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position. The discharge control system operably moves generally longitudinally along the axis of the railway car to move the door assemblies between the first, closed position and the second, open position.
US07681504B2	Method and apparatus for displacing material and projectile thereof Hard material can be displaced by firing a frangible projectile from a firing device. The projectile has a rear portion that engages the bore of the barrel of the firing device and a front portion that is rotatably journaled to the rear portion. The front portion can be frangible to allow maximum displacement of the hard material. Specifically, the front portion has a core and a plurality of fins extending from the core. At impact, as the fins penetrate the target, the fins separate from the core and spread radially outwardly from the core.
US07681496B2	Method and device for strapping goods In a method to seal/lock a strap (44) including a metal strap (44d) which is fitted at least in the zone of seal with a protective layer (44c), the packing strap is laid in the form of a loop around the package and is held, in particular, clamped, in place before and/or during production of the seal. The seal is implemented on the packing strap (44) by resistance welding and the protective layer (44c) of the packing strap (44) shall be pierced before and/or during production of the seal.
US07681489B2	Extendable pipe unit for frame floor pump A frame floor pump includes a cylinder having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, an extendable pump unit having an outer pipe with a first end installed to a side of the second end of the cylinder and a second end, an inner hose disposed through the second end of the outer pipe and received in the outer pipe and a nozzle provided to couple to an end of the inner hose against the second end of the outer pipe; wherein the inner hose of the extendable pipe unit could extend to various lengths from the outer pipe of the extendable pipe unit while operating the frame floor pump; while the frame floor pump is collapsed and not used, the inner hose could be received in the outer pipe so as to be easy to stow.
US07681487B2	Tandem axial piston pump unit A hydraulic machine (60, 70) comprising a housing (12, 14, 16) and at least first and second hydraulic units. Each unit comprising a cylinder block (36A, 36B) located in the housing and having pistons (42), and a shaft (18, 20) in rotational engagement with the cylinder block (36A, 36B). The shafts (18, 20) being arranged coaxially and being coupled so as to rotate together. The machine (60, 70) further comprising bearings (30, 32, 34, 71) for supporting the shafts (18, 20) in the housing (12, 14, 16). The shafts (18, 20) are coupled by corresponding male and female splined end portions (18A, 20A) thereof engaged one in the other, and the bearings (30, 32, 34, 71) comprise first and second bearings (30, 32) for respectively supporting the shafts (18, 20) at portions thereof located on the other sides of the cylinder blocks (36A, 36B) with respect to said splined end portions (18A, 20A). A single third bearing arrangement (34, 71) engages one of the shafts (18, 20) at least in the vicinity of the splined end portion (18A, 20A) thereof thereby supporting the shafts (18, 20) between said cylinder blocks (36A, 36B).
US07681470B2	Threaded drive with resilient catch nut In a threaded drive having a load-bearing nut and a catch nut, for securing against a load-bearing nut, the catch nut is urged by a spring against an axial bearing face of the load-bearing nut.
US07681469B2	Drive device A drive device for moving a flap of a vehicle includes a first fastening element which can be connected to one of a moveable component and a fixed component, and a housing tube which is axially movable relative to the first fastening element. The housing tube has an end opposite the first fastening element which carries a second fastening element which can be connected to the other of the moveable component and the fixed component. A spindle drive includes a threaded spindle having end mounted for rotation in the housing tube and fixed against axial movement with respect to the housing tube, and a spindle nut arranged on the threaded spindle. The spindle nut is connected to the first fastening element and secured against rotation with respect to the housing tube, and a rotary drive is arranged to drive the spindle in rotation.
US07681465B2	Method to protect the integrity of small analytical samples This invention provides a method to protect an analytical sample from being diluted or otherwise contaminated during the analytical procedure.
US07681461B2	Pipe adapter for adjusting the flow past a sensor An adapter for a pipe is disclosed where the adapter changes the effective inside diameter of the tube to increase the airspeed flowing through the area where the adapter is placed. The adapter is utilized in automobiles where to adjust engine parameters based upon the requirements from the various sensors. This allows original sensors to be used in pipe while providing the overall appearance of a larger section of pipe. A kit including a number of nesting adapters is provided to allow altering of the cross sectional area of the pipe. The location of the sensor is maintained in the center of the pipe and the adapter(s) engage, nest, or connect to cause a progressive reduction of the pipe diameter until the optimal air flow speed is achieved based upon the requirements of the sensor.
US07681459B1	Multi-scale & three-axis sensing tensile testing apparatus A tensile testing apparatus is provided, and generally includes an X-Y automated stage, and a first specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a specimen to a first portion of a specimen. The first specimen holder is operatively supported by the X-Y automated stage. A Z-automated stage, a multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, and a second specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a second portion of the specimen is further provided. The second specimen holder is operatively linked to the Z-automated stage via the nanotensile transducer head assembly. Variable displacement modalities, and non-Z alignment assessment and adjustment are enabled by the multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, as well as the X, Y, and Z automated stages.
US07681458B2	Apparatus, method, and medium for adaptively setting reference sensing boundary of touch sensor Provided are an apparatus for and method and medium of adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a touch sensor. The apparatus for adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary includes a reference sensing boundary setting unit adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a capacitance using a signal generated by a reference touch sensor; a determination unit determining whether or not a value measured by a device control touch sensor controlling a device to which the reference touch sensor is attached is within the set reference sensing boundary, by sensing a change in the capacitance; and an output unit outputting the measured value if the determination result indicates that the measured value is within the reference sensing boundary. Accordingly, the reference sensing boundary of the touch sensor is automatically recalculated without a user's intervention and a sensitivity and threshold of the touch sensor are adaptively changed so that the operational reliability of the touch sensor can be enhanced.
US07681453B2	System and method to calibrate multiple sensors The present invention provides a multi-mode calibration target operable to calibrate multiple optical sensors. One embodiment has multiple planar surfaces, wherein the multiple planar surfaces are able to be distinguished by visual sensors based on their color, hue, shade, tint, or tone. Additionally, these planar surfaces may be raised or recessed from one another to provide depth contrast as well as visual contrast. Other embodiments may include narrow band emitters such as laser diodes located at predetermined locations within the multi-mode target. These targets may then be used to calibrate various sensors, such as optical sensors, within an inspection system such as a laser ultrasonic inspection system.
US07681451B2	Passage detection apparatus of object Disclosed herein is a passage detection apparatus capable of detecting a passage of an object in a specific space. The passage detection apparatus includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a shielding member. The transmitting device is provided with a vibration generating source. The receiving device is arranged at the position corresponding to the transmitting device across the specific space. The shielding member has a through-hole, and is arranged so as to be interposed between the transmitting device and the receiving device. The vibration transmitted from the transmitting device reaches the receiving device via the through-hole and a passage route of the object. On the other hand, the reception of the vibration, reflected in the specific space, by the receiving device is suppressed by the shielding member.
US07681449B2	Metal loss rate sensor and measurement using a mechanical oscillator The present invention is a mechanical oscillator metal loss sensor for use in a corrosive or erosive environment. The elements include a mechanical oscillator that is mechanical excited with two regions that corrode differently, where the regions are determined to affect specific influences on the resonance parameters, wherein said mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator has the shape of a tuning fork.
US07681448B1	System and method for aligning sensors on a vehicle A vehicle sensor system consisting of video, radar, ultrasonic or laser sensors, oriented to obtain a 360 degree view around the vehicle for the purpose of developing a situation or scene awareness. The sensors may or may not have overlapping field of views, or support the same applications, but data will be shared by all. Orientation of the sensor to the vehicle body coordinates is critical in order to accurately assess threat and respond. This system describes methods based on measuring force and rotation on each sensor and computing a dynamic alignment to first each other, then second to the vehicle.
US07681447B2	Liquid level detection apparatus A liquid level detection apparatus of the present invention includes contacts provided at a distal end portion of a contact plate, and resistance plates which are formed on a wiring board, and have respective conductor portions over which the contacts can slide, respectively, so as to detect a liquid level. Conductor patterns other than the conductor portions are formed on those regions of the wiring board which the contacts at the distal end portion of the contact plate contact during the time when an arm holder is mounted on the wiring board.
US07681435B2	Arrangement for monitoring the leak-tightness of an evacuated space An arrangement for monitoring the leak-tightness of an evacuated space which is hermetically closed, leak-tight, by means of at least one metallic wall is specified. A device which is connected to the evacuated space indicates an inadmissible pressure rise in the evacuated space caused by a leak in the wall. The device includes a metallic bellows, which is hermetically connected, leak-tight, to the evacuated space, and an electrical proximity switch to which an evaluation unit is connected. The proximity switch (7) is mounted, in the direction of movement of the bellows (5), at a distance from the end face of the latter, the size of which is varied as a function of the respective axial length of the bellows (5). A tube (9) connected fixedly to the wall (2) is mounted around the bellows (5), so as to maintain an air gap, surrounds the bellows (5) in a moisture-tight manner and is longer than the bellows (5) in its longest initial position corresponding to the expanded state. The proximity switch (7) projects into the tube (9) so as to be sealed off with respect to the latter.
US07681426B2	Unitary rear axle housing and method for manufacturing same A method for manufacturing a one piece axle tube housing with an integral spindle includes providing a tube blank, providing the blank with a region of increased thickness, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing a reducing die over the tube to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further swaging step may be used to form the final spindle structure.
US07681424B2	Swing handle latch A latch has a pawl, a handle connected to the pawl, a manual lock for preventing movement of the handle between a closed position and an open position, an electrical lock for preventing movement of the handle between the closed position and the open position, and a shuttle connected to both the manual lock and the electrical lock. The shuttle is moveable between an engaged position in which the handle is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position and a disengaged position in which the handle is permitted to move from the closed position to the open position. Upon deenergization of the electrical lock, the shuttle remains in the engaged position if the shuttle was in the engaged position prior to deenergization and the shuttle remains in the unengaged position if the shuttle were in the unengaged position prior to deenergization.
US07681423B2	Column lock assembly A column lock assembly for a vehicle including a steering shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. A first abutment defining a plurality of recesses and a second abutment are mounted to the steering shaft. A sleeve is disposed between the abutments with a locking member movable between a locked position preventing rotation of the sleeve and an unlocked position allowing rotation of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a body portion and a first protrusion engaging one of the recesses to couple the sleeve to the steering shaft for concurrent rotation about the longitudinal axis with the body portion being deformable along the longitudinal axis to move the first protrusion from one of the recesses to an other one of the recesses for allowing rotation of the steering shaft relative to the sleeve when the locking member is in the locked position.
US07681422B2	Gift box apparatus and method therefor A gift box apparatus having a locking mechanism and a programmable timer for selecting a specific date and time for when the gift box apparatus may become unlocked to reveal a gift contained therein is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gift box apparatus includes an integrated compartment that may be automatically released from the gift box apparatus at a preselected time, thereby revealing a key contained therein, which may be used by a recipient of the gift box apparatus to unlock a main compartment of the gift box apparatus and retrieve a gift contained therein.
US07681417B2	Heat-resistant fabric and garment and heat-resistant glove using the same A heat-resistant fabric according to the present invention is a knitted or woven fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn and a fancy twist yarn. The heat-resistant fiber yarn is present more on one surface, and the fancy twist yarn is present more on the other surface. A heat-resistant glove according to the present invention is formed of a knitted fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn (11) and a fancy twist yarn (12). The knitted fabric is a knit, and the heat-resistant fiber yarn (11) is present more on an outer surface, and the fancy twist yarn (12) is present more on an inner surface. The heat-resistant fabric, a garment, and the heat-resistant glove have air permeability and good workability and are washable. Further, there is provided a heat-resistant fabric as a knitted or woven fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn and a fancy twist yarn, in which the heat-resistant yarn is arranged on a surface and the fancy twist yarn is arranged in a structure so as to allow much air to be contained. As a result, the heat-resistant fabric has high heat insulation, heat resistance, flame proofness, flame retardancy, and protection. Further, there are provided a garment and a heat-resistant glove using the above-described heat-resistant fabric.
US07681404B2	Modular ice storage for uninterruptible chilled water A backup cooling storage system comprising at least one cooling and storage unit configured to cool a liquid supply using a quantity of cooled material when a main chiller of the liquid supply is not operational, and at least one chilling element configured to generate the quantity of cooled material for the at least one cooling and storage unit when the main chiller of the liquid supply is operational. Additional embodiments and methods are further disclosed.
US07681399B2	Turbofan engine cowl assembly and method of operating the same A turbofan engine assembly is provided. The turbofan engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine, a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine, a nacelle positioned radially outward from the core cowl, a fan nozzle duct defined between the core cowl and the nacelle, and an inner core cowl baffle assembly positioned within the fan nozzle duct. The inner core cowl baffle assembly includes a first core cowl baffle coupled to a portion of the core cowl within the fan nozzle duct, a second core cowl baffle coupled to a portion of the core cowl and positioned a distance radially inward from the first core cowl baffle, and an actuator assembly configured to vary the throat area of the fan nozzle duct by selectively repositioning the second core cowl baffle with respect to the first core cowl baffle. A method for operating the turbofan engine assembly is also provided.
US07681398B2	Combustor liner and heat shield assembly Impingement hole patterns are provided in a combustor dome panel to provide efficient cooling of a combustor dome heat shield. The impingement holes are substantially aligned or located above partial height protuberances provided on the back face of the heat shield.
US07681390B2	Spindle with injector duct and piecing method for an airjet spinning machine A spindle of an airjet spinning machine for guiding back the free yarn end after an interruption in a spinning process is disclosed. The spindle contains an injector duct in the immediate vicinity of the spindle orifice. To guide the free yarn end back after an interruption, compressed air is admitted through the injector duct and generates a suction action at the spindle end. After the yarn end has been guided back level with the entrance of the injector duct the yarn end is blown out of the spindle orifice by the compressed air.
US07681388B1	Agricultural harvester with simultaneous and independent seed and biomass processing A harvester for crops including biomass crop material and seed heads. The harvester includes a base unit, a biomass harvester sub-system for harvesting the biomass crop material, and a seed harvester sub-system for harvesting the seed heads. The biomass harvester sub-system includes a biomass harvester carried by the base unit. The seed harvester sub-system is carried by the base unit and operable independent from the biomass harvester sub-system, whereby the biomass crop material and seed heads are processed independently from each other within the harvester.
US07681385B2	Mower liquid herbicide applicator An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower. The treating fluid is ejected from the bolt passage directly onto the exposed undersurface of the cutting blade and directly to the vegetation at the same time that it is cut so that the treatment fluid, herbicide or other chemical is absorbed directly into the translocation system of the cut vegetation.
US07681381B2	Apparatus and method for loading an end-loadable carton A substantially tubular end-loadable carton (200) comprising a top wall (212), an inwardly-extending structure (X2) foldably adjoining said top wall (212) stowable in a substantially flat-face position with an underside of said top wall (212), and a top end flap (X1) connected to said inwardly-extending structure is translated in a direction (F) and a flap deflector (310) is disposed to engage and deflect the end flap (X1a) downwardly and thereby cause the inwardly-extending structure (X2a) to pivot upwardly inside the carton (200) into substantially flat-face position with the underside of the top wall (212) of the carton (200).
US07681359B2	Biodegradable planters A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.
US07681349B2	Hand operated traffic signal device A hand-held ground-supported display device for warning passersby is disclosed. Included is a self-supporting sign panel and a plurality of at least three mast sections telescopically interfittable, one within the other. A coupler is attached to the sign panel, with a socket for releasably engaging the top mast section. The mast sections have progressively smaller internal diameters and progressively shorter lengths, with the outermost mast section having the largest internal diameter and the longest length. Middle mast upper and middle mast lower stop members are attached to upper and lower ends of the middle mast section, respectively. In one example, the middle mast upper stop member has an end wall with first and second sidewalls extending downwardly therefrom with lower free ends for interfering with stop members associated with the top and the bottom mast sections. A kit including the display device is also disclosed.
US07681347B1	Edge lit sign with illuminated image A sign is edge lit and illuminated by an array of light emitting diodes disposed along an edge of a light transmissive panel. A light diffusion surface, which can be formed by a series of serrations on the panel edge, disperses light from the discrete light emitting diodes in the array. A geometric figure, which can be text or graphics or both is formed on one face of the panel by grooves, which redirect diffused light so that an illuminated image, corresponding to the geometric figure, can be seen on the front of the panel. The grooves forming the figure and the light diffusion surface comprise parts of a one-piece panel, and the grooves and the light diffusion surface can be formed when the panel is injection molded.
US07681342B2	Induction ironing apparatus and method A cordless ironing apparatus includes an iron and an ironing board adapted to be used with the iron. The iron includes a soleplate. The ironing board includes an ironing surface on which fabric is placed and an electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron. Alternatively, the ironing apparatus includes an iron and an induction device which is removable or separate from an ironing board. The induction device includes an electromagnetic generator which is adapted to generate an electromagnetic filed which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron.
US07681337B2	Plow with blade wing A plow assembly comprises a blade, structure attached to the blade and adapted to be attached to a vehicle for mounting the blade to and supporting the blade from the vehicle, and a wing attached to an end of the blade. The wing has a first portion mounted to the blade for translational movement relative thereto, and a second portion mounted to the first portion for rotational movement relative thereto. An actuator has a cylinder and first and second oppositely movable piston rods. The first piston rod and the cylinder operable to move the first portion of the wing relative to the blade, and the second piston rod and the cylinder are operable to move the second portion of the wing relative to the fist portion of the wing.
US07681318B2	Power-saving scissors A power-saving scissors comprises a first handle having a first knife set; the first handle being formed with a receiving space; an inner wall of the receiving space being formed with teeth; a second handle pivotally installed to the first handle by a planet gear set; the second handle having a second knife set; a center gear being protruded from the second handle at a position corresponding to the receiving space; the center gear being engagable with the receiving space of the first handle; the planet gear set including the center gear, three peripheral gears and a cover; one end of the center gear being installed to the second handle and another end thereof being protruded with a post; the three peripheral gear being respectively engaged to the center gear and also engaged to the teeth of the receiving space.
US07681317B2	Icicle removing tool A de-icicling tool has an icicle removing head mounted onto the distal end of an elongated handle. The head is formed of a generally flat blade and a mounting sleeve to that fits onto the distal end of the handle. The blade member has a series of triangular teeth in a concave arc along the front with each tooth having a point and beveled edges which meet at the associated point. The points of the teeth are rounded. The blade has at least one generally triangular notch formed along its rear thereof, each notch having a pair of beveled edges. There is one or more one round aperture in the blade, each with a beveled edge and with a diameter of three to five centimeters. The mounting sleeve includes a threaded socket adapted to accept a male thread of a standard broom handle or paint pole.
US07681313B2	Heat exchanger plates and methods for manufacturing heat exchanger plates A method for forming heat exchanger plates (10) comprises formation of a fluid flow channel (28) along the edges (22) of a sheet metal strip or blank, and formation of a pair of raised end bosses. The raised end bosses (32) are elongated in the longitudinal dimension and are formed within the final width dimension of the plate so as to avoid the need for trimming of excess material along the edges of the plate. The method generates less scrap than prior art processes using progressive stamping, and also permits variation of the plate lengths.
US07681309B2	Method for interconnecting an integrated circuit multiple die assembly A method is disclosed that can be used to interconnect an integrated circuit (IC) multiple die assembly to conductors on a substrate such that signals can be conveyed between the dies and the conductors on the substrate. The multiple die assembly can include a first IC die and at least one secondary IC die, which can be mounted on a surface of the first IC die. Signal paths can be provided between the first IC die and the secondary IC die. The method can include providing conductive contacts on the surface of the first IC die. Each such conductive contact can have a free end extending outward from the surface beyond the secondary IC die. The method can also include mounting the multiple die assembly on the substrate such that the free end of each contact is brought into contact with the conductors on the substrate. The secondary IC die can reside between the surface of the first IC die and the substrate, and the contacts can convey signals between the first IC die and the conductors on the substrate.
US07681303B2	Method for manufacturing a magnetic head slider Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing a magnetic head slider, the method being adapted so that throat height of a main magnetic pole piece of a perpendicular recording magnetic head can be controlled with high accuracy. According to one embodiment, a first Electrical Lapping Guide element (ELG) is disposed on the same layer as a plated underlayer of a shield of one write head in a row bar, and other ELGs are disposed on the same layer as that of a main magnetic pole piece of another write head. Front end positions (Tops) are detected from changes in resistance values of the other ELGs and an ending position of lapping is calculated. Since the front end positions (Tops) of the other ELGs are accurate, it is possible to assign a correlation to throat height “Th” of the main magnetic pole piece and the resistance value of the first ELG by detecting this resistance value existing when the front end positions (Tops) are detected.
US07681301B2	RFID silicon antenna The system of producing an RFID antenna using the silicon in an integrated circuit as the resonant antenna material for the purpose of reducing the cost of an RFID system and for the purpose of increasing the range and selectivity of the RFID system. According to this invention the base silicon sheets which make up the primary building material of the silicon chip (integrated circuit) is subjected to a laser ablation process. This creates three dimensional nano structures on the surface of the silicon thereby raising its absorption rate of electro magnetic signals. On the reverse side of the same silicon sheet a directional antenna is etched using standard photographic reduction techniques and standard semi conductor industry manufacturing methods. The two sides of the silicon are connected through doping aluminum or copper impurities into these same base silicon sheets causing conductivity within the sheet of silicon.
US07681297B2	Duct fastseam A seam for ductwork has a male end portion integrally formed at a distal end of a duct wall and a female end portion integrally formed at another distal end of the duct wall. The female end portion includes a first fold and a second fold which define a female groove for accommodating the male portion. A distal end of the second fold is bent transverse to the female groove prior to the male portion being inserted into the female groove.
US07681295B2	Method of making improved large diameter seals A large diameter seal having a band of elastic material on its outer diameter to insure a complete and effective sealing in the counterbore and a method for manufacturing this large diameter seal having elastomeric material on its outer diameter.
US07681279B2	Vacuum cleaner A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body 3; an elongate handle 5 connected to the cleaner body, the elongate handle being movable between an extended position, extending outwardly from the cleaner body, and a stowed position, in which the elongate handle is positioned substantially adjacent to the cleaner body; wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a carry handle 11 which becomes accessible for use when the elongate handle is moved from the extended to the stowed position.
US07681274B2	Overhead brush support and counterweight A horizontal car wash implement for a vehicle laundering or finishing plant wherein a horizontal implement rotated by a hydraulic motor is mounted between the free ends of pivot arms carried by spaced vertical support columns on opposing sides of a vehicle wash lane. The car wash implement is mounted between the ends of a pair of spaced apart, parallel support arms and a counterweight is mounted to the ends of a second pair of spaced support arms. The counterweight support arms and the car wash implement support arms are adapted to pivotally mount to the vertical support columns. The counterweight support arms and the implement support arms are mechanically interconnected such that the support arms of the car wash implement and the counterweight pivotally move synchronously in opposing directions relative to one another on one side of the vertical support columns.
US07681273B2	Water powered counter rotor cleaner A cleaning attachment to water hose is provided comprising an outer shell having a dome-shaped base skirt including a connector member for tightening the flared top end of the neck section of the outer shell to the water hose in a sealing engagement, a main ball valve to permit passage of water and out of alignment therefrom to block the entire water stream; and a water chute with two extensions each extending approximately in parallel with the interior walls of the outer shell and in a first spiral form. A dome-shaped outer rotor with a number of fans and a bottom brush is rotationally positioned in the base skirt under the water chute for receiving the pressurized impacts of the water streams to activate the outer rotor in a first direction.
US07681272B2	Counterbalance assembly for a fold out ramp A counterbalance for a ramp assembly includes a chain assembly and a spring assembly. The spring assembly includes a spring and first and second spring fittings. The first spring fitting restrains a first end of the spring when the ramp portion is between a neutral position and the stowed position and moves the first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the deployed position. The second spring fitting is spaced from the first spring fitting and restrains the second end of the spring when the ramp portion is between the neutral position and the deployed position. The second spring fitting moves the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the stowed position.
US07681270B2	Mattress with features for improved support and comfort A mattress includes features that improve support and comfort. The mattress may include one or more of a head section positioned to support a user's head, a torso section coupled with the head section via a first multi-plane bond, and a foot section coupled with the torso section via a second multi-plane bond. The foot section may be retractable, and the torso section may include a cross-linked foam part and a seat ledge. The seat ledge is positioned to define a catch point for the user upon articulation of the mattress.
US07681268B2	Featherbed with hourglass construction The featherbed includes upper and lower outer fabric sections, which are substantially identical in configuration, secured together along their respective longitudinal and end edges. A plurality of baffle members extend between and are secured to the upper and lower layers substantially from end to end of the featherbed. The baffle members are arranged in pair forms a substantially hourglass configuration.
US07681266B2	Adjustable recliner bed An adjustable reclining infant bed apparatus having a head base with at least one elevating wedge attachable on a center side surface of the foot base is shown. The elevating wedge operates to elevate the head base at an angle. A foot base is shown comprising a lower body support surface having a modified S curve shape. Head and foot base are connected at center sides with hook and loop fastener. Connecting flaps attachable to the head base and the foot base reinforce connection of the head base to the foot base. The connecting flaps are configured to provide ports to the head base and the foot base. A triangular harness having one attachable point for attaching to the foot base and two attachable points for attaching to the head base and three attachable points to separate mattress pad is shown. The triangular harness is configured to support a torso of an infant.
US07681262B2	Patient incline device having centerline spinal support A patient incline device includes a base member, an inflatable incline ramp located on an upper surface of the base member, an incline ramp adapted to support a patient such that the patient's upper torso is elevated with respect to the base member, an inflatable head support pillow and a wedge-shaped inflatable spinal support air chamber located on the incline ramp and angling upward in a direction away from the incline ramp, and aligned with a centerline of the incline ramp, wherein the peak end of the wedge extends to about the region of the patient's lumbar curve so that the buttocks are not raised upon inflation.The wedge-shaped spinal support chamber may also include a pop-up air chamber having internal air vents to the spinal support chamber such that when the spinal support chamber inflates, the pop-up chamber rises as pressure accumulates and lifts a thoracic curve portion of the patient's spine.An accessory lift device is provided for use in situations where raising the patient's buttocks and pelvis is wanted. The accessory is an inflatable air chamber having side lobes adapted to lie along each lateral side of the inflatable pad base and a seat portion that crosses transversely over the inflatable base pad beneath the patient's buttocks.
US07681251B2	Hat with scarf A hat member has a lower rim with a scarf attached thereto which extends between the temple areas around the back of the head. The scarf has an eye edge proximate the lower part of the eye sockets and extends from there to an area proximate the juncture of the neck with the torso or trunk. The scarf is loose and has folds under the chin so that a coat or other outer garment can be positioned and closed there over without restricting movement of the user. The scarf extends from the rim down proximate the nape of the neck to protect the back of the head and the rear of the neck. The hat member has a crown into which the scarf member can be positioned and stored while the hat is being worn. In turn the scarf may be moved between a stored position in the crown of the hat member and a deployed position removed from the crown and deployed over and about the head of the user.
US07681250B2	Hygienic mitten A disposable cleaning mitten for wearing over the hand when performing hygienic care. The mitten can be used to cleanse, bathe and refresh the skin of a disabled individual, baby, elderly person or oneself, and includes a finger portion to house the fingers and a separate thumb portion for the thumb. Both the exterior and the interior surfaces are intended for use as a cleaning surface. Tear lines or perforations allow the mitten to be converted into a single, elongated sheet, or two separate sheets, so that all sides of the sheet or sheets can be used for cleaning. The mitten can be sized so that the user can wear a latex or surgical glove beneath the mitten so that dirt or other soiled materials do not touch the skin of the hand. The mitten has a grasping means at its open end for grasping to pull the body onto the hand and to tear the body along the tear lines.
US07685644B2	Managing user access to data A method of managing user access to data includes detecting that a user seeks access to a data portion that belongs to a specified category. One or more authorizations are evaluated, each authorization having an authorization segment corresponding to the specified category. The method includes permitting the sought access to the data portion if at least one of the authorization segments corresponding to the specified category identifies the data portion to which access is sought. The method may permit access to data that falls within a union of granted authorizations. An authorization segment may correspond to a data dimension or to a meta dimension, such as an authorized action or data source, that does not directly relate to a data dimension.
US07685643B2	System and method for managing multimedia contents in intranet A system and method for managing non-free multimedia contents in an intranet. The system includes proxy managers provided in a server of the intranet, for example, a media center or set-top box, and clients, for example, DRM smart clients in wired/wireless digital information appliances, such as Digital TVs or PDAs. Various kinds of encrypted multimedia contents and license information are converted by the proxy managers into multimedia contents and license information having a format executable by the DRM smart clients.
US07685637B2	System security approaches using sub-expression automata A method and system for ensuring system security is disclosed. The method and system split a regular expression that corresponds to a number of patterns into sub-expressions. The dependency relationships among the finite automata that correspond to the sub-expressions are maintained. Then, as data units are put through these finite automata in a sequence that is based on the dependency relationships, suspected data units are identified. The suspected data units are the ones containing content that collectively matches one or more of the aforementioned patterns. Identification of the suspected data units is based on the merged results of the finite automata. Depending on the result of identifying the suspected data units, different actions are performed.
US07685632B2	Access authorization having a centralized policy A facility for performing an access control check is provided. The facility receives a request to perform an access control check to determine whether authorization exists to access a resource. The access control check is performed against the identity of a principal, a policy that applies to the principal, and the identity of the resource the principal wants to access. The principal may either be an application program or a combination of an application program and an identity of a user in whose context the application program is executing.
US07685625B2	Image reproducing apparatus for channel map updating and method thereof Disclosed is an image reproducing apparatus for updating a channel map, and a method thereof. The image reproducing apparatus includes an identification (ID) detector for detecting the ID of a broadcast information card when a broadcast information card is mounted, a comparing unit for comparing the ID of the broadcast information card detected by the detector with the ID of a existing broadcast information card, the ID being received from a broadcast station and stored in a storage unit, a deleting unit for deleting an existing first channel map when the ID of the detected broadcast information card is different from the ID of the existing broadcast information card, and a receiving unit for receiving data including a new second channel map from the broadcast station in place of the first channel map deleted by the deleting unit. Accordingly, accurate update conditions are proposed, thereby enhancing user convenience and increasing accuracy.
US07685624B2	Receiver unit and method of setting the same Satellite receiving channel data 810 are described in a network information table (NIT) in a random fashion. Frequencies in the redelivering facility in a community receiving system are arranged in order of increasing frequencies for each of the networks. In a receiver unit, the frequencies 753 of the satellite receiving channel data 810 are rearranged in order of increasing frequencies and are registered to the receiving frequencies 831 in a frequency conversion table 830. The receiver unit selects the frequency according to wire frequencies 822 of a wire channel 821 in a wire frequency table 820 and registers the wire frequency of a channel that can be normally received to a conversion frequency 832 in the frequency conversion table 830. Therefore, the frequency data contained in the broadcast signals before being redelivered are corresponded to the redelivering frequency of signals really transmitted through a cable on the receiver unit side in the community receiving system.
US07685620B2	Apparatus and method of searching for desired television content The present invention is an apparatus and method for allowing a user to search for specific content across many television channels in order to locate desirable television shows related to the searched content. Multiplexed cable signals flow thorough a logical unit which buffers text associated with the voice stream of each station via the pre-encoded closed-captioning signal or through the real-time voice translation within the logical unit. The user then enters search terms through one of a variety of different input devices. Upon entry of the search terms, the logical unit will compare the entered term with those available keywords stored in each buffer. Lexical parsing associates terms which may differ from plural to singular forms, or in tense. Additionally, synonym comparisons may be made. The logical unit will return a list of matches for the search criteria and allows the user the option of going directly to the television program. The logical unit also evaluates each returned item for its relevancy to the keywords. When not in use, the logical unit maintains a quiescent but monitoring state permitting continuous creation of lexical buffers. This permits the user who turns the television on to immediately have such search terms available. Alternatively, the logic is implemented at the cable provider and enabled through interactive links to the home. In that case, the home logical unit is unnecessary.
US07685602B1	Controlling software components in a multi-node processing system A multi-node processing system includes a plurality of nodes in which various software components may be executed. To coordinate the control of the software components in the plural nodes, an instance of a manager module may be started in each of the nodes. In one example arrangement, the manager module may include a WINDOWS® NT or WINDOWS® 2000 service control manager. In the WINDOWS® NT or WINDOWS® 2000 environment, the software components that are controlled through the service control manager may be services. To perform control of the various software components, requests may be sent to the manager module instance in each of the nodes. The manager module then launches one or more server services in each node to perform the desired control task, which may be start the software component, monitor the software component, or terminate the software component.
US07685594B2	Method and data structure for reconfiguring a software package The present invention provides a method of configuring a package that enables the reduction of load on a network without a temporary need for a large recording area on the client side when reconfiguring a software package from given components. A second computer receives, from a first computer, combination information on a combination of one or more components and position information indicating storage locations of components recorded in the first computer, receives a selection of given components from a user, determines the combination of the components selected based on the combination information, receives the selected components based on the determination of the combination and the position information corresponding to the selected components, and configures the secondary software package using the received components.
US07685590B2	Minimum delta generator for program binaries Implementations provide a technology for generating a minimum delta between at least two program binaries. An implementation is given a source program (S) in a binary format and a target program (T) in a binary form. It constructs control flow graphs (CFGs) of each. It matches common blocks of the S's CFGs and T's CFGs. The blocks are matched based upon their content and their local neighborhoods. In addition, the register renaming problems is solved so that blocks can be fairly compared. This implementation produces an intermediate output, which is the content of unmatched blocks. It generates a set of edge edit operations for merging the unmatched blocks into S. The combination of the unmatched blocks and the edit operations is the delta. To patch S to produce a reconstructed copy of T, the delta is merged with S.
US07685581B2	Type system for representing and checking consistency of heterogeneous program components during the process of compilation A representation of types, type-checker, method and compiler are provided for checking consistency in various forms of an intermediate language. Specifically, the typed intermediate language is suitable for use in representing programs written in multiple (heterogeneous) source languages including typed and untyped languages, loosely and strongly typed languages, and languages with and without garbage collection. An unknown type representation indicates that an element of the intermediate language is associated with an unknown type. A method of type-checking a code segment written in a programming language is provided using a rule set that contains rules for type-checking an unknown type. The unknown type allows for selectively retaining type information as the compilation process continues and allows multiple programming languages to be type-checked by the same type system.
US07685572B1	Method of static analysis for race condition detection A method for detecting a race condition using static analysis that includes determining a first permit set and a second permit set, and performing a static analysis, wherein the static analysis comprises using the first permit set and the second permit set to detect a race condition, wherein the static analysis is performed before accessing critical data and includes determining whether the intersection of the first permit set and the second permit set is empty, and if the intersection of the first permit set and the second permit set is empty, then outputting a value indicating the detection of a race condition.
US07685570B2	Error/exception helper An error/exception helper may provide tailored help when an error such as an exception is generated. A source program editor interface may be displayed and/or focus given to the program editor interface. An error/exception bubble or tool tip may be displayed, which, in one embodiment of the invention, points to the line of code that generated the exception. The error/exception bubble may include a link to a help topic or the actual help text may be displayed within the bubble. The bubble may also include one or more actions that may be taken to correct the error or a link to a procedure to perform the action(s). The source code may be edited, actions initiated and execution re-initiated at which time the bubble and editor interface display may be dismissed.
US07685569B2	Navigation in computer software applications developed in a procedural language A method for providing a maintenance environment for computer program code is disclosed. According to the method, portions of the computer program code are selectively stored and one or more lists of the stored portions are created. Links are created between the lists and the stored portions of the computer program code for navigational purposes. A system for providing a maintenance environment for computer program code and a computer program product for the same purpose are also disclosed.
US07685563B2	Reusable customized project system An extensible project system for software development is provided by allowing a flavor, with a specific purpose, to be applied to a base project system. More than one flavor may be applied. Where components are distributed objects, such as where COM (component object model) is used, the project system is assembled by aggregation of a base project object, which contains some data for creating a project system with a flavor object, which modifies the project system. The base project object is the participating object in the aggregation and the flavor object is the controlling object. Multiple flavors may be applied to create a project system intended for multiple purposes, corresponding to the applied flavors.
US07685562B2	Method and code generator for integrating different enterprise business applications A method and code generator system for integrating different enterprise business applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for integrating a local business system with an external business system, comprises using a code generator to generate integration source code, wherein using a code generator comprises; interrogating a repository containing integration data by an introspector; and using the integration data with a code filter, wherein the filter generates the integration source code.
US07685557B2	Radiation mask with spatially variable transmissivity A mask, a method for creating a mask, and a method for irradiating a substrate through use of the mask. Creating the mask establishes the mask by designing the mask, forming the mask, or both designing and forming the mask. Creating the mask includes receiving a specified target transmittance (TS) of the substrate with respect to radiation propagated from a radiation source and transmitted through the mask with spatial selectivity in accordance with a spatially varying transmissivity (TM) of the mask with respect to the radiation. The mask is disposed between the radiation source and the substrate. The mask includes transparent portions and reflective portions distributed within the transparent portions. The first radiation after having passed through the mask is transmitted into the substrate in accordance with a spatially varying reflectance (R) of the substrate such that TM*(1−R) is about equal to TS.
US07685541B1	Translation of high-level circuit design blocks into hardware description language Translation of high-level design blocks into a design specification in a hardware description language (HDL). Each block in the high-level design is assigned to a group. A set of attributes is identical between the blocks in a group. For each group of blocks, a respective set of parameters having different values on subblocks of at least two blocks in the group is determined. An HDL specification is generated for each group. The HDL specification for a group has for each parameter in the set of parameters, a parameter input.
US07685539B2	User interface for stylus-based user input Systems and methods for a user interface for stylus-based user input is described. In one aspect, a stylus-based user input is received. Responsive to receiving the input, a menu is displayed. The menu includes selectable items to allow a user, by selecting one of the selectable items, to direct the computer system to generate right-mouse button input or to interpret one or more subsequent stylus-based user inputs as hover cursor input, keyboard-like input, or handwriting input.
US07685537B2	Computer interface method and apparatus with portable network organization system and targeted advertising A method and apparatus for providing an automatically upgradeable software application includes targeted advertising based upon demographics and user interaction with the computer. The software application is accessible from a server via the network and demographic information on the user is acquired by the server and used for determining what advertising will be sent to the user. The software application includes programming that accesses the sewer to determine if one or more components of the application need upgrading. If so, the components can be downloaded and installed without further action by the user. A distribution tool is provided for software distribution and upgrading over the network. Also provided is a user profile that is accessible to any computer on the network. Furthermore, multiple users of the same computer can possess Internet web resources and files that are personalized, maintained and organized.
US07685534B2	Method and apparatus for a three-dimensional web-navigator A three-dimensional browser wherein in an exemplary embodiment, information from a uniform resource locator is converted into at least one texture. The texture is mapped onto a surface of a three-dimensional object located in a virtual three-dimensional space in order to provide a three-dimensional navigation mechanism. In an alternate arrangement an event associated with an image is intercepted and the location of the event in the corresponding geometric surface of the virtual three-dimensional space is computed. This location is converted to a two-dimensional coordinate and thereafter information pertaining to the event is placed on the surface on the three-dimensional object in the virtual three-dimensional space.
US07685532B2	Data input device, image processing device, data input method and computer readable recording medium on which data input program is recorded A method for displaying a plurality of key icons on a display includes displaying a first screen on the display, the first screen having at least one first key icon and a plurality of second key icons, wherein the first key icon corresponds to a first input instruction while each of the second key icons respectively corresponds to a respective one of a set of second input instructions; and displaying a second screen on the display, the second screen having at least one third key icon and a pull down menu, wherein the third key icon is bigger than the first key icon but corresponds to the first input instruction, and the pull down menu corresponds to the set of second input instructions.
US07685529B2	Visual guides for word processing application styles A graphical user interface is disclosed for providing a visual and/or numeric aid facilitating the use formatting styles in word processing application programs and others. Visual and numeric indicators are assigned to all styles defined within the word processing application program. The visual indicator may be a unique color assigned and applied to each defined style. Upon launching the visual aids functionality, each style name in a styles pallet is displayed with its assigned visual and numeric indicators. The visual and numeric indicators are also displayed along side the text, with text of a given style being displayed with the visual and numeric indicator assigned to the style name. Thus, the visual aids allow a user to quickly ascertain which styles are applied to what text.
US07685525B2	Interactive transaction center interface A transaction module having a summary interface is provided as part of a software suite for enabling viewing and manipulation of multiple categories of aggregated data compiled from a plurality of data sources and accessible through a single interfacing node operated on a data-packet-network. The transaction module comprises, an interactive main interface accessible through the summary interface, the main interface for listing new transactions related to registered financial accounts, an interactive history link embedded in the main interface for providing access to a secondary interface for viewing transaction history, an interactive menu provided within the main interface for assigning categories to the listed transactions, an interactive save feature for saving category assignments to the listed transactions; a interactive bill-payment link provided within the main interface for linking the interface to a bill-payment module and an interactive transfer-funds link provided within the summary interface of the module for linking the summary face of the module to a secondary interface for transferring funds from one account to another. A user operating the main interface from a remote node having access to the data-packet-network may view all transactions according to option of category, account, and time period.
US07685524B2	Information processing apparatus and method, information processing system, and providing medium The invention enables users to virtually attach information to situations in the real world, and also enables users to quickly and easily find out desired information. An IR sensor receives an IR signal transmitted from an IR beacon, and supplies the received signal to a sub-notebook PC. A CCD video camera takes in a visual ID from an object, and supplies the inputted visual ID to the sub-notebook PC. A user inputs, through a microphone, a voice to be attached to situations in the real world. The sub-notebook PC transmits position data, object data and voice data, which have been supplied to it, to a server through a communication unit. The transmitted data is received by the server via a wireless LAN. The server stores the received voice data in a database in correspondence to the position data and the object data.
US07685523B2	System and method of voice recognition near a wireline node of network supporting cable television and/or video delivery A method and system of speech recognition presented by a back channel from multiple user sites within a network supporting cable television and/or video delivery is disclosed.
US07685522B1	Self-describing forms Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for generating a form and extracting user data from a form, the form including one or more data fields. Zoning information and structural information about the data fields are defined and encoded according to a symbology defined by rules for encoding information in a medium in which the form will be presented. The encoded zoning and structural information is incorporated in a representation of the form to be presented in the medium. Data entered on the form by a user can be extracted based on the encoded zoning and structural information.
US07685519B1	Process and apparatus for providing a customizable content tooltip A method and apparatus for providing a customizable content tooltip provides a customizable content tooltip including a customization control that, when activated, allows a user to choose and/or edit the content displayed by the customizable content tooltip.
US07685518B2	Information processing apparatus, method and medium using a virtual reality space An object in a virtual reality space is made perform complicated movements. A user (or a keeper) who controls an object (or a pet) in a virtual reality space enters a command at the client terminal of the user by means of chat operation. The entered command is sent to a server. The server has a table listing the relationship between commands and movements to be performed by the object in the virtual reality space. For example, the relation is between command “Jump” and movement of jumping. The server interprets the received command by referencing this table. The interpretation result is sent to the client terminal. On the client terminal, the object (the pet) in the virtual reality space performs complicated movements such as dancing according to the received interpretation result.
US07685513B2	Optimization of storage and delivery of markup language files A method receives a request at a server from a browser for at least one markup language page. The method can then determine which CSS classes are used with the requested markup language page using a usage map. Then, the method loads the markup language page and loads only the CSS classes that are used with the markup language page to the browser.
US07685506B2	System and method for synchronizing data between a plurality of databases A system for facilitating the information transfer and processing associated with home construction and home sales. Various discrete software modules are disclosed each handling a specific task associated with home construction and sales. Also, a system for communicating between separate data bases is disclosed wherein separate and distinct sales offices, each having their own data base, may communicate with a parent, market office having its own data base wherein the data bases of the sales offices and the market office are synchronized according to the method of the present invention so that any data updates in any of the sales offices would be automatically updated in the associated market offices. This aspect of the present invention allows a corporation responsible for home construction and sales amongst various regional, market, and sales offices to coordinate a plurality of discretely separate data bases in a way such that they are all synchronized with one another at a predetermined time.
US07685498B2	Digital broadcasting system and digital broadcast transmission and reception method A digital broadcasting system transmitting and receiving a broadcast stream created from a broadcast source. The system includes a hierarchical coding unit (2) coding the broadcast source depending on a characteristic of the broadcast source and generating, from the coded broadcast source, a first layer code and a second layer code which can respectively be used for reproduction of the broadcast source and includes a synthesis unit (5) generating data bursts, each including the generated first and second layer code. The system also includes a multiplexing unit (7) creating the broadcast stream by multiplexing the generated data bursts, a transmission unit (9) transmitting the created broadcast stream to the network, a tuning/demodulation unit (301) receiving the transmitted broadcast stream, a synchronization unit (302) extracting, from the received broadcast stream, at least one of the first layer code and the second layer codes and a TS decoder (303) reproducing the broadcast source using the extracted code.
US07685492B2	Method, arrangement, node and mobile unit for improved transmission between two units of a telecommunication system A mechanism for improved data transmission between units in a telecommunication network, where at least one of the units utilizes multiple transport channels for transmitting data. An acknowledgeable data transmission is started over a first transport channel if no other on-going acknowledgeable data transmission on a second transport channel starts or ends within a pre-defined or assigned transmission period for the first channel. Thereby, unique identification of acknowledgements messages is enabled.
US07685491B2	Test generation methods for reducing power dissipation and supply currents Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used for generating test patterns as may be used as part of a test pattern generation process (for example, for use with an automatic test pattern generator (ATPG) software tool). In one exemplary embodiment, hold probabilities are determined for state elements (for example, scan cells) of a circuit design. A test cube is generated targeting one or more faults in the circuit design. In one particular implementation, the test cube initially comprises specified values that target the one or more faults and further comprises unspecified values. The test cube is modified by specifying at least a portion of the unspecified values with values determined at least in part from the hold probabilities and stored.
US07685486B1	Testing of an embedded multiplexer having a plurality of inputs Functional testing of an integrated circuit (IC) is a part from a more comprehensive and thorough testing. An IC including an embedded select circuit module coupled to receive numerous input signals. The IC may also include control circuit coupled to receive input control signals, where at least one input control signal of the input control signals is a mode signal. Asserting the mode signal may operate the select circuit module in a test mode.
US07685484B2	Methods for the support of JTAG for source synchronous interfaces Exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprise a method for the support of a JTAG interface for the testing of connectivity between integrated circuits. The method comprises delivering output from a JTAG register to a primary register, delivering a JTAG control signal to the primary register and a clock signal gating control logic, delivering output from the primary register and a secondary register to a multiplexer, delivering clock signal output from the clock signal gating control logic to the multiplexer, wherein the clock signal is delivered is a constant and known value, and delivering the output from the multiplexer to an I/O driver.
US07685464B2	Alternating fault tolerant reconfigurable computing architecture A method for reducing radiation effects in an electronic circuit is disclosed. The method involves periodically transferring operation of the electronic circuit to at least one alternate processing element of a plurality of processing elements. With the at least one alternate processing element in control, the method reconfigures one or more processing elements of the plurality of processing elements. Once the one or more processing elements are reconfigured, the method synchronizes the one or more processing elements with the at least one alternate processing element.
US07685459B1	Parallel backup A backup system can be provided, which system can comprise an identifier operable to identify a data object for possible backup and a generator operable to generate an identity representation for the data object on the basis of the content thereof. The identity representation can be transmitted to a backup store where it can be tested against identity representations for previously stored objects. The system can also comprise a receiver operable to receive from the backup store an indication of whether the data object described by the identity representation has previously been stored at the backup store. The system can be operable to transmit the data object to the backup store in the event that the data object described by the identity representation has not previously been stored at the backup store.
US07685456B1	DDR interface bus control Systems and techniques for improved bus control, which may be particularly useful for double data rate (DDR) data transfer. A circuit may include a clock transmitter in communication with a clock bus, a clock receiver in communication with the clock bus, and a driver in communication with the clock bus. The driver may drive a voltage of the clock bus to a first voltage level when the clock transmitter is not transmitting a clock signal on the clock bus and the clock receiver is not receiving a clock signal on the clock bus.
US07685454B2	Signal buffering and retiming circuit for multiple memories A signal buffering and retiming (SBR) circuit for a plurality of memory devices. A PLL-based clock generator generates a set of phase-shifted clock signals from a received host clock signal. Each of a plurality of phase selectors independently selects a subset of contiguous clock signals from the set of phase-shifted clock signals. Each subset of contiguous clock signals is applied to a different set of one or more verniers, each vernier independently selecting one of the contiguous clock signals as its retiming clock signal for use in generating either (1) an output clock signal or a retimed bit of address or control data for one or more of the memory devices or (2) a feedback clock signal for the PLL-based clock generator. The SBR circuit can be designed to satisfy relatively stringent signal timing requirements related to skew and delay.
US07685451B2	Method and apparatus to limit current-change induced voltage changes in a microcircuit A method and apparatus for compensating for current-change induced voltage changes is disclosed. In one embodiment, a digital throttle unit coupled to an instruction pipeline may generate a compensating current signal, which may then cause a dummy load to consume a compensating current. In another embodiment, a counter responsive to changes in clock frequency may generate a ramp current signal, which may then cause a dummy load to consume a current corresponding to the ramp current signal.
US07685443B2	Server card power switch One aspect of the present invention provides a server card that is removably insertable into a server chassis. An electronic power switching mechanism is disposed on the server card and is configured to cause three power states of the server card including a fully operational state, a standby state, and a fully shutdown state. In the fully operational state, a system power of the server card is enabled and a standby power of the server card is enabled. In the standby state, a system power of the server card is disabled and the standby power of the server card is enabled. In a shutdown state, the system power of the server card is disabled and the standby power of the server card is disabled.
US07685432B2	Authentication method based on biological characteristic information The present invention provides authentication equipment having functions for prevention of erroneous authentication using biometrics data, and which can reduce the burden of registration placed on users. The authentication equipment is characterized in comprising an input portion, which generates primitive-format information of biological characteristics based on biological characteristics specific to individuals; a primary information extraction portion, which extracts primary information identifying the biological characteristics from the primitive-format information; a secondary information extraction portion, which extracts, as secondary information, a part of the primitive-format information using the primary information; a registration portion, which stores in a storage portion the secondary information extracted by the secondary information extraction portion; and a verification portion, which compares the secondary information extracted by the secondary information extraction portion with secondary information stored in the storage portion, and judges whether authentication has been successful.
US07685423B1	Validation protocol and system This invention is a validation protocol for determining whether an untrusted authentication chip is valid, or not. In another aspect it concerns a validation system for the protocol. The protocol may be used to determine the physical presence of a valid authentication chip. In this case a system may call the trusted chip to generate a random number and a digital signature for it, encrypt them with a first key and then call a prove function in the untrusted chip. The prove function decrypts the random number and signature, and calculates another signature from the decrypted random number, for comparison with the decrypted one. If the comparison is successful the random number is encrypted with another key and sent back. Finally, a test function is called in the trusted chip to generate its own encrypted version of the random number using the second key and then compare it with the received version to validate the untrusted chip. The untrusted chip may be associated with a consumable so that validation of the untrusted chip authenticates the consumable.
US07685416B2	Enabling content security in a distributed system A method and system are directed towards enabling content security in a distributed environment. The system includes a data store for content associated with an application that may be tagged as exclusively memory resident at a client. The content may also be encrypted and digitally signed. When an authenticated client requests the content, it is provided at a constrained rate that enables a portion of the content to start execution on the client before the application associated with the content is completely downloaded. Additional portions of the content are provided to the client when the additional portions are required for execution by the application.
US07685412B1	Configuration settings Configuration settings are described which may be utilized to indicate a configuration of an application. In an exemplary implementation, a method includes validating a configuration setting of a first application for use with a second application. The configuration setting includes a first field and a first description of a first condition for the first field. The second application is composed of computer instructions that include an attribute. The attribute provides a second description of a second condition for a second field. If the first field corresponds to the second field, then the first description of the first condition is compared with the second description of the second condition to determine whether the first condition is met by the second condition. If the first condition is met, the configuration setting is determined to be valid for use with the second application.
US07685404B2	Program subgraph identification An apparatus is provided for processing data under control of a program having program instructions and subgraph suggestion information identifying respective sequences of program instructions corresponding to computational subgraphs identified within the program. A memory stores a program formed of separate program instructions. Processing logic executes respective separate program instructions from said program. Accelerator logic, in response to reaching an execution point within the program associated with a subgraph suggestion, executes a sequence of program instructions corresponding to the subgraph suggestion as an accelerated operation instead of executing the sequence of program instructions as respective separate program instructions with the processing logic.
US07685401B2	Guest to host address translation for devices to access memory in a partitioned system Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for guest to host address translations for devices to access memory in a partitioned system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interface, partitioning logic, first address translation logic, and second address translation logic. The interface is to receive a request from a device to access memory in a partitioned system. The partitioning logic is to determine whether the device is assigned to a first partition or a second partition. The first address translation logic is to translate a first guest address to a first host address in the first partition. The second address translation logic is to translate a second guest address to a second host address in the second partition.
US07685400B2	Storage of data blocks of logical volumes in a virtual disk storage subsystem When data is stored in many storage subsystems, metadata, such as a sequence number, is also generated and stored with the data. When the data is accessed, the metadata is checked to ensure that the desired data element has been accessed. In conventional storage subsystems, data elements, such as logical blocks, are stored sequentially in logical pages of each logical volume. Consequently, sequence numbers closely correlate with block positions within the physical pages and sequence number/position patterns tend to repeat frequently and access errors may not be detected. Algorithms are provided to calculate new, offset, physical block positions which reduce the close association of sequence numbers and physical positions, thereby reducing such aliasing. The algorithms incorporate the logical volume number, the logical page number, or both, in addition to the logical block number. As a result, detection of access errors becomes more likely.
US07685391B1	Kernel/user stack relocation during system uptime Kernel and user stack data is stored in relocatable memory. A kernel thread or a user thread can move its own stack data by creating a relocation request and adding the relocation request to a queue of a dedicated thread. The dedicated thread performs the relocation on behalf of the requesting kernel or user thread.
US07685388B1	Method and system for single pass volume scanning for multiple destination mirroring A method for operating a computer data storage system stores snapshots of an active file system of the storage system at a plurality of destinations. A latest snapshot stored at each destination of the plurality of destinations is identified. Those data blocks which are newer than the latest snapshot stored at the each destination are sent to the each destination. The active file system is scanned to find each data block newer than the oldest snapshot stored at a selected destination, and all such data blocks are tagged. Those data blocks which are tagged are sent to the selected destination.
US07685385B1	System and method for satisfying I/O requests before a replica has been fully synchronized Various methods and systems are disclosed for handling I/O requests to a replica that has not yet been fully synchronized. One method involves detecting the transfer of the role of working volume from a first volume to a second volume. The second volume is configured as a replica of the first volume, but the second volume may not be fully synchronized with the first volume at the time that the role of working volume is transferred. Subsequent to the role of working volume being transferred to the second volume, a read request to the second volume is satisfied by accessing a log. The log is configured to store values that have been written to the first volume, and at least one of the values written to the first volume has not been written to the second volume.
US07685383B2	Vehicle data backup method In a vehicular system (1) configured such that data can be transmitted and received via a data bus (4) between an engine electronic control unit (2) for controlling an engine and electronic units (3-1 to 3-n) including a data storing function, the most recent content of accumulated data stored in the engine electronic control unit (2) is stored as backup data in the electronic units (3-1 to 3-n) via the data bus (4) at an appropriate timing, and when the engine electronic control unit (2) is replaced, the necessary backup data is transferred via the data bus (4) from any of the electronic units to an engine electronic control unit (2) after replacement.
US07685372B1	Transparent level 2 cache controller A digital system that connects to a bus that employs physical addresses comprises a processing core. A level one (L1) cache communicates with the processing core. A level two (L2) cache communicates with the L1 cache. Both the L1 cache and the L2 cache are indexed by virtual addresses and tagged with virtual addresses. A bus unit communicates with the L2 cache and with the bus.
US07685362B2	Storage unit and circuit for shaping communication signal The present invention relates to a storage unit comprising: a channel control portion for receiving a data input/output request; a cache memory for storing data; a disk control portion for performing input/output processing on data in accordance with the data input/output request; and a plurality of disk drives for storing data, wherein at least two of the disk drives input data to and output it from the disk control portion at different communication speeds. Further, the storage unit has a plurality of communication paths provided to connect at least one of the disk drives in such a manner as to constitute a loop defined by the FC-AL fiber channel standards, so that the communication speeds can be set differently for these different communication paths.
US07685351B2	External device access apparatus In response to a write request from a master to write to an external device, a control unit holds a write address and write data from the master in a write address holding unit and in a write data holding unit, respectively, outputs a reception signal to the master, and writes the write data to the external device specified by the write address. When the master holds the read address in the read address holding unit, the control unit reads data from the external device specified by the read address, and holds the read data in the read data holding unit.
US07685349B2	Modules and backplanes Embodiments of a module and backplane are presented herein.
US07685337B2	Solid state storage subsystem for embedded applications A non-volatile storage subsystem solution is provided for embedded applications. The storage subsystem is preferably designed to communicate with the host system using a signal interface, such as a USB or SATA interface, that uses substantially fewer signal lines than the IDE interface traditionally used for embedded applications. Thus, the amount of board real estate used to carry interface signals in the host system is reduced. To further reduce board real estate, the host system may include a processor that includes an integrated controller (e.g., a USB or SATA controller) corresponding to the host-subsystem signal interface. The storage subsystem may plug into, and lock to, an internal connector on a circuit board of the host system.
US07685329B1	Detecting the presence and activity of a mass storage device Technologies are described herein for detecting the presence and activity of a mass storage device. A resistor divider circuit generates a voltage indicating whether a mass storage device has been mated to a mass storage backplane and whether the device is active. The circuit provides a voltage within a first range when the device is not mated to the storage backplane, and provides a voltage within a second range when the device is mated to the storage backplane but is inactive. The circuit also provides a voltage within a third range when the device is mated to the storage backplane and is active. The circuit can be connected to an integrated circuit that can determine, based on the output of the resistor divider circuit, whether the device has been mated to the storage backplane and whether the device is active.
US07685324B2	Audio-video processing apparatus and program therefor Provided is an audio-video processing apparatus having significant operability. The first electronic device (100) includes a state information sending unit (105) that sends, to a second electronic device (200) being the audio-video processing apparatus, a state information indicating a state of the self electronic device. The second electronic device (200) includes: a second manipulation item information storage unit (202) that stores one or more pieces of first manipulation item information, each of which includes item information indicating an item in a manipulation menu and operation instruction information that is information instructing the first electronic device (100) to perform a specified operation corresponding to the item; a state information obtainment unit (203) that obtains the state information from the first electronic device (100); a manipulation menu display preparation unit (204) that displays a manipulation menu based on one or more pieces of manipulation item information stored in the second manipulation item information storage unit (202), depending on the state information obtained by the state information obtainment unit (203).
US07685321B2	Native virtualization on a partially trusted adapter using PCI host bus, device, and function number for identification A mechanism that allows a single physical I/O adapter, such as a PCI, PCI-X, or PCI-E adapter, to perform I/O transactions using the PCI host bus, device, and function numbers to validate that an I/O transaction originated from the proper host is provided. Additionally, a method for facilitating identification of a transaction source partition is provided. An input/output transaction that is directed to a physical adapter is originated from a system image of a plurality of system images. The host data processing system adds an identifier of the system image to the input/output transaction. The input/output transaction is then conveyed to the physical adapter for processing of the input/output transaction.
US07685315B2	System and method for conveying terminal capability and user preferences-dependent content characteristics for content adaptation A system and method for conveying content-specific characteristics related to terminal capabilities and user preferences, and adapting content for particular terminals in response to the conveyed information. A content type or other message characteristic that is recognizable by the terminal is identified, as are operational confines of the terminal by which the content type is to comply. The content type is associated with the operational confines of the terminal. The content type and associated operational confines are provided to the network server for use by the network server in delivering messages to the terminal as dictated by the operational confines.
US07685313B1	Universal conversion server A method and system for re-formatting computer files. The method comprises the steps of inputting a data file into a computer, and determining if the data file is compatible with the computer. If the data file is not compatible with the computer, the data file is transmitted over the Internet to a universal server; and the universal server transforms the data file into a format compatible with the computer, and sends the transformed data file back to the computer. Preferably, the universal server identifies the type of file, and transforms the file into a different format of the same type. Also, in a preferred embodiment, a user of the computer identifies user requirements, these requirements are transmitted to the universal server, and the file is reformatted in accordance with the user requirements.
US07685311B2	Geo-intelligent traffic reporter A traffic reporter gathers real-time information on traffic conditions within a network and sends out traffic reports to traffic managers. The traffic reporter analyzes the network and also gathers network information from the traffic managers and analyzers dispersed throughout the network. These traffic reports provide real-time information on network conditions to allow the traffic managers to route network traffic in the most efficient, reliable, and fastest manner.
US07685303B2	Object-oriented discovery framework An object-oriented programming framework allows developers to write applications for services and devices that are automatically “discoverable” by applications associated with other devices and services on a network. An attribute is added to a class in an application or web service object and an associated, generic discoverable base class is appended to the application to make the application discoverable on the network. The discovery framework imposes minimal requirements on the application in which it is embedded, so nearly every application can be converted into a “discoverable” application. The discovery protocol-dependent details are hidden from the application itself, so exchanging the discovery protocol can be done without affecting the application.
US07685302B2	Communications system providing extensible protocol translation and configuration features and related methods A communications system may include data storage devices and mobile wireless communications devices for accessing the data storage devices, each using one or more different operating protocols. The system may further include a protocol interface device, which may include a protocol engine module for communicating with the data storage devices using respective operating protocols, and a front-end proxy module coupled to the protocol engine module. The front-end proxy module may include a respective proxy module for communicating with the mobile wireless communications devices using each different operating protocol, and at least one common core service module coupled to the proxy modules. The protocol interface device may also include a configuration file module coupled to the front-end proxy module for storing a plurality of different sets of configuration files relating to different allocations of resources of the at least one common core service module.
US07685297B2	Resource control In a method for controlling an access to at least one resource by a plurality of clients, at least one set of rules is selected from a plurality of available sets of rules upon occurrence of an event relating to an access to the at least one resource by at least one of the clients. The selection depends at least on one of the type of the event, a state of at least one of the clients and a system state. The selected at least one set of rules is applied, resulting in a decision. The access to the at least one resource is then controlled according to this decision.
US07685288B2	Ad-hoc service discovery protocol An ad-hoc discovery protocol improves reliability, security and scalability of multicast and server-based discovery. In switching from multicast to server-based discovery, the discovery client is made responsible for multicast suppression, and not discoverable devices with services. Messages include message identifier and time-to-live parameters to detect recast queries and avoid duplicating replies. A device's announcement message includes endpoint identifier, configuration number and stateless boot time parameters to detect changed device configuration and rebooted state for refreshing cached device and service descriptions. Paging parameters allow a discovery client to control the number of discovery responses returned at a time from a discovery server.
US07685287B2	Method and system for layering an infinite request/reply data stream on finite, unidirectional, time-limited transports An improved method and system for layering RPC communications on top of an HTTP transport. An RPC data stream of individual request/reply packets is mapped to HTTP primitives, and RPC requests are mapped to one large, HTTP, POST-like request (IN channel). Corresponding replies are mapped to another large, HTTP, GET-like request (OUT channel). The client establishes the IN channel and OUT channel as simultaneously open connections with a large content-length for each. Before the content-length is exhausted, the client and server open a new IN or OUT channel while the corresponding channel is still alive, so that there is always at least one opened IN or OUT channel available. If traffic is too infrequent, the client keeps the connection alive so that it will not be closed for being idle. This provides a bi-directional virtual connection that remains open for an unlimited time for tunneling unlimited amounts of RPC traffic.
US07685282B2	Data processing method, data processing apparatus, and recording medium The present invention has enabled computing resources existing in domestic network systems to be utilized with a maximum efficiency. Actual condition of the connection of client apparatuses to a domestic network and overall computing resources of the domestic network are integrally controlled by a personal computer functioning itself as a private server. When a PDA outputs a request to a personal computer for downloading image data on a server, the image data is downloaded and stored in a hard disk area owned by the personal computer and offered to the PDA. A connected condition of the client apparatuses to the domestic network is constantly monitored. Even when any of the client apparatuses is provisionally disconnected from the network, proper service is continuously rendered by applying the computing resources offered to the client apparatus.
US07685278B2	Adapting Bayesian network parameters on-line in a dynamic environment A method for adapting a Bayesian network includes determining a set of parameters for the Bayesian network, for example, initial parameters, and then updating the parameters in response to a set of observation data using an adaptive learning rate. The adaptive learning rate responds to any changes in the underlying modeled environment using minimal observation data.
US07685271B1	Distributed platform for testing filtering rules A distributed testing platform tests network traffic filtering rules. A control point receives a network traffic filtering rule and test parameters describing how to test the rule. The control point distributes the rule and parameters to a plurality of testing nodes. The testing nodes are located on a network at locations where they receive a variety of different network traffic. The testing nodes test the rule against traffic received by the nodes according to the test parameters. The traffic can include real-time traffic and corpora of traffic designed to test different types of rules. The testing nodes return test results describing the testing to the control point. The control point analyzes the test results to determine the accuracy and performance of the rule.
US07685270B1	Method and apparatus for measuring latency in web services Method and apparatus for measuring true end-to-end latency for calls to Web services are described. In embodiments, a Web service client and a Web service provider may collaborate to collect timing/latency data for calls to the Web service. This data may be collected, stored, and analyzed by a latency measurement service to generate displays and/or reports on true end-to-end latency measurements for Web service calls. Embodiments may collect Internet/network infrastructure latency for Web service calls up to and including the “last mile” to the Web service client and the Web service processing time. Additionally, by analyzing latency data collected from a number of Web services clients and/or Web service providers, embodiments may provide a macro-level view into overall Internet performance. In one embodiment, the latency measurement service may be a Web service.
US07685260B2	Method for analyzing state transition in web page A method that enables a tester to efficiently perform confirmation behavior of a Web page that utilizes DHTML or difference in behavior of the Web page among various browsers, or assignment of information relating to accessibility of the Web page or verification of the information. A method is provided that analyzes change in a Web page by determining states that can dynamically occur in response to an external event in a Web page that utilizes DHTML by analyzing at least one of DOM, style information for when rendered on a browser, input data from a user, and the value of a global variable in JAVA®SCRIPT, storing data that can identify each of the states, identifying state transition between the stored states, and reproducing the stored states.
US07685252B1	Methods and systems for multi-modal browsing and implementation of a conversational markup language A new application programming language is provided which is based on user interaction with any device which a user is employing to access any type of information. The new language is referred to herein as a “Conversational Markup Language (CML). In a preferred embodiment, CML is a high level XML based language for representing “dialogs” or “conversations” the user will have with any given computing device. For example, interaction may comprise, but is not limited to, visual based (text and graphical) user interaction and speech based user interaction. Such a language allows application authors to program applications using interaction-based elements referred to herein as “conversational gestures.” The present invention also provides for various embodiments of a multimodal browser capable of supporting the features of CML in accordance with various modality specific representations, e.g., HTML based graphical user interface (GUI) browser, VoiceXML based speech browser, etc.
US07685250B2	Techniques for providing packet rate pacing Techniques to pace the transmission of packets to multiple connections using one or more queues or storages. When multiple queues are used, each queue may have an associated throughput rate and each of the queues may have a different associated throughput rate.
US07685246B2	Control of an instant message system that allows multiple clients with identical credentials A method and system for improving control of an instant messaging system. Multiple instant message (IM) instances are initiated with identical credentials of a user of multiple users participating in an IM session controlled by an IM server. A front-of-screen representation enables the user to manage instance attributes and allows any user to view conversational connectivity information. The IM server receives the user's selection of a graphical element that represents a remote IM instance of the multiple IM instances. Via the first IM instance, the IM server receives the user's request for a computing device to perform an action that includes an interaction with the remote IM instance. The computing device performing the action is located remotely from the user and is executing the remote IM instance. The action is performed by controlling a remote system function of the computing device.
US07685237B1	Multiple personalities in chat communications The same user is able to project different personalities while visiting different chat rooms. The personalities are tailored to the chat room being visited. Different personalization items (e.g., an icon or avatar, wallpaper, sounds, a smiley set, and text style) are provided based upon the chat room that the user is visiting. The personalization items may be customized based upon the identity of the chat room (such as a particular chat room, the type of chat room, or the content of the chat room). The personalization items may be host based and may leverage instant messaging (“IM”) personalization items. The personalization items may be user selected or user provided.
US07685235B2	Method and system for integration of instant messaging and teleconferencing via a telephone network A system is provided comprising a plurality of instant messaging client applications (202, 207, 208, 209) communicating via a computer network (206) to send and receive messages in real time integrated with n-way teleconferencing capability via a telephone network (216). The system includes a plurality of instant messaging client applications (202, 207, 208, 209), an instant messaging server (204), and a teleconferencing server (210), all connected via a computer network (206). The teleconferencing server (210) enables n-way telephone connections via the telephone network (216). The n-way telephone connections are provided to telephone apparatus of at least some users of the instant messaging client applications who can visualize the teleconference via a graphical user interface (600) of the instant messaging client application.
US07685226B1	Mechanism for data migration across networks In one embodiment, a method and apparatus for a mechanism for data migration across networks is disclosed. The method includes: randomly selecting a template from a local cache at an agent, the template indicating one or more characteristics of event data entities the agent is searching for; querying, via random connections from the agent, one or more other connected agents for the event data entities matching the template; if a matching event data entity for the template is found, returning the matching event data entity to the local cache of the agent; and if a matching event data entity for the template is not found, diffusing the template to the one or more other connected agents via a data diffusion process. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US07685224B2	Method for providing an attribute bounded network of computers An attribute bounded network of computers is created. Computers in the distributed computer network are identified by specific attributes (e.g., a geographically bounded region) and a server is used to distribute processing assignments (e.g., addresses of electronic documents to be indexed) based upon the identified attributes. A peer-to-peer computer network is also provided based upon geographically bounded regions, the peer-to-peer computer network can be used to share electronic documents. A virtual community can be created within a peer-to-peer computer network by identifying peer computer connections based upon associated attributes (e.g., a geographically bounded region). The attribute bounded network of computers provides indexes having fresher data by allowing spidering of electronic documents more often than can be done by a central server indexing site.
US07685220B2	Circular fast fourier transform A Decimation In Frequency (DIF) Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) stage is used in an N bin FFT, wherein N is an even integer. The DIF FFT stage includes swap logic that receives a first input sample, x(v), and a second input sample, x(v+N/2), and selectively supplies either the first and second input samples at respective first and second swap logic output ports or alternatively the second and first input samples at the respective first and second swap logic output ports, wherein 0≦v
US07685213B2	Conversion of floating-point numbers from binary into string format A method, system, and computer program product that convert a real number from a floating point representation to a character string. Mantissa bits are extracted from the floating-point representation of a value into an integer format. The mantissa bits of the integer format may be shifted left by a number of positions that is equal to a base 2 exponent of a first representation of the value. Prior to converting the value, the floating-point representation of the value can be divided by 2n, where n is the number of the mantissa bits in the floating-point representation of the value. A set of operations can then be performed to convert a result of the division to a number greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than 10.0. The set of operations may include multiplication operations and/or retrieving a constant from a lookup table.
US07685206B1	Authorization and access control service for distributed network resources Providing access to a resource via authorization data that conditionally defines the access by an expression that identifies the resource by name and by at least one property of the resource. An authorization service issues the authorization data (e.g., as a token) and evaluating authorization data received from a client. The authorization service evaluates the expression in the authorization data to identify the resource and determine the rights associated with the user for the resource. The authorization service implements role-based access control to control access to resources in a distributed, multi-site network.
US07685205B2	Application management system and method for managing an application An application management system includes an application manager for managing an application and associated with a database resource storing a plurality of entities. The application manager includes an input for receiving an input defining an event in which a user is involved in the application or an input defining an event involving a manipulation of at least one entity in the database resource. A context is associated with the event and is represented by a set of references to the entities stored in the database resource. The application manager includes a situation representation manager for determining a situation representation that defines a subcontext. The situation representation manager identifies a subset of references to a plurality of entities that are relevant to the event. The application manager adapts the behavior of the application to a situation or a future situation on the basis of the situation representation.
US07685204B2	System and method for enhanced media distribution A method and a computer readable medium for searching for media items from a network of users using a media management application and an instant messenger platform and a system for handling searches such searches. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving from a user having a group of messenger friends, a search request for a media item, identifying other users of the instant messaging service to form a list of candidate users, searching media items associated with each candidate user to develop a search result that fulfills the search request, and returning to the searching user the search result comprising information identifying which candidate user is associated with a media item source that can act as a source of a media item identified in the search result.
US07685203B2	Mechanism for multi-domain indexes on XML documents An XML document can contain domain-specific information, which typically has its own semantics and operations independent of the XML domain. Specialized indexes and operations are used to manage information within different types of domains, for example, text, spatial, life sciences, time series, image, and multimedia domains. Entries in domain-specific indexes are augmented to include data that indicates the position of domain information within the underlying hierarchy, referred to as order keys. The domain-specific index is used to locate instances of the requested information within the domain and to determine whether any of the instances satisfy the request. Determining whether the request is satisfied includes determining whether any of the instances of the domain information are positioned within the hierarchy at a location that satisfies the path specified in the request, i.e., an instance of the information has an appropriate relationship with the particular node specified in the request.
US07685201B2	Person disambiguation using name entity extraction-based clustering Described is a technology for disambiguating data corresponding to persons that are located from search results, so that different persons having the same name can be clearly distinguished. Name entity extraction locates words (terms) that are within a certain distance of persons' names in the search results. The terms are used in disambiguating search results that correspond to different persons having the same name, such as location information, organization information, career information, and/or partner information. In one example, each person is represented as a vector, and similarity among vectors is calculated based on weighting that corresponds to nearness of the terms to a person, and/or the types of terms. Based on the similarity data, the person vectors that represent the same person are then merged into one cluster, so that each cluster represents (to a high probability) only one distinct person.
US07685181B2	Method and system for utilizing a hierarchical bitmap structure to provide a fast and reliable mechanism to represent large deleted data sets in relational databases A method and system utilizes a hierarchical bitmap structure to represent deleted data sets. Each level in the hierarchical bitmap structure may have progressively larger size and represent finer granularity of number of data blocks than its parent level. A method in one aspect may comprise allocating a first level bitmap having size equal to a register on a processor, each bit in the first level bitmap representing a plurality of blocks of data in a database, and allocating one or more pointers corresponding to said plurality of bits in the first level bitmap, said one or more pointers being allocated to point to a sub bitmap generated after a data block is deleted but before the index corresponding to the data block is cleaned.
US07685170B2	Journaling database queries for database replication A database journal mechanism stores both row operations and database queries in a database journal. The database queries in the journal provide significant additional information that may be used in a number of different ways. For example, a database replication send mechanism in accordance with the preferred embodiments could read a database query in the journal and determine that the query affects several rows. The database replication send mechanism could then transmit the database query to the computer system that hosts the replicated database. A database replication receive mechanism in accordance with the preferred embodiments receives the database query, and executes the database query on the replicated database. As a result, the transmission of a single database query can replace the transmission of many row operations.
US07685167B2	Configuration management database reference instance A reference instance for use in a configuration management system is a configuration item that may be associated with a number of assets, all of which share a common set of attributes. The use of reference instances permits a single configuration item to identify a potentially large number of assets. This may be particularly useful for identifying and tracking low-priority assets where the detail or amount of information needed to effectively track and manage the asset is relatively small. Use of reference instance configuration items allows an organization to identify and manage virtually all of their assets without the cost and effort of creating large numbers of substantially identical configuration items.
US07685163B2	Automated creation of media asset illustrations The invention pertains to techniques for creating media asset illustrations for media assets are disclosed. The created media asset illustrations are useful for media assets that lack associated media asset illustrations. The techniques can analyze media asset data or media asset metadata when creating the create media asset illustrations. The created media asset illustrations can, for example, be used while playing, browsing or displaying associated media assets.
US07685162B2	Method and device for adjusting user-dependent parameter values A method and device for adjusting user-dependent parameter values in or on at least one automotive device in a motor vehicle and for saving the settings in at least one data memory inside the vehicle and/or outside the vehicle are provided. To improve the convenience of the known method with one or more main users and one more temporary users, there is a query in a first step to ascertain whether the user-dependent parameter values currently set are to be saved as temporary parameter values or as quasi-permanent parameter values in the at least one data memory inside the vehicle and/or outside the vehicle. In a second step, the user-dependent parameter values currently set are saved in accordance with the response to the inquiry, and in a third step, regardless of the result of the inquiry, the quasi-permanent parameter values are always set.
US07685158B2	System and method for managing an on-board entertainment system A system and method for managing an on board entertainment system is disclosed. The system and method can wirelessly receive music files from a computer and store those music files on an on board unit associated with a motor vehicle. The system and method can also include provisions to associate music information with a received music file and can include provisions to manage the music collection on board a motor vehicle.
US07685155B2	System and method of providing and utilizing an object schema to facilitate mapping between disparate domains The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitated data object persistence. An object schema is utilized to provide metadata for types in addition to what is provided by the type system for an underlying programming language. This metadata is then utilized by the system to translate data to and from user objects during a materialization or persistence process. The object schema provides information external to programming logic and type definitions. Consequently, the object schema can be deployed independent of an application thereby allowing the persistence storage of user objects to change without force the user to recompile and deploy application code.
US07685146B2	Apparatus and method for a collaborative semantic domain and data set based on combining data A computer readable storage medium includes computer executable instructions to provide a semantic domain with a plurality of semantic definitions associated with one or more subject areas to a community of users. A data input is received from a user within the community of users. A portion of the data in the data input is linked with a semantic definition from the plurality of semantic definitions to create a mapping. The data input and the mapping are evaluated. The data input is published to the community of users.
US07685137B2	Technique of using XMLType tree as the type infrastructure for XML A universal format is used to create a type representation of XMLType instances that are generated in various ways from various sources. An XMLType Type Tree is represented as a hierarchy of nodes, including leaf item node, composite item node, operator node, aggregate node, referred to herein as an XMLType Type Tree. An XMLType Type Tree serves as a digest of the type structure of XMLType, no matter the source of the XMLType instance or its manner of its generation and it creates one uniform abstraction of the type structure of XMLType for the data-typing analysis of XPath and XQuery during query compile time.
US07685130B2	Searching for services in natural language A method for answering search queries about services is disclosed. The method includes searching a plurality of storage media on a network for a natural language service metastatement. The natural language service metastatement is typically generated by a service provider and describes the services provided by the service provider in detail. The method also includes locating the natural language service metastatement in the storage media and extracting the natural language metastatement from the storage media. The method also includes indexing the natural language metastatement in a service description index. Thus, when a search query for a service is received, the service description index is searched for a natural language service metastatement corresponding to the search query, and the search result is provided in the form of a natural language answer.
US07685126B2	System and methods for providing a distributed file system utilizing metadata to track information about data stored throughout the system The intelligent distributed file system enables the storing of file data among a plurality of smart storage units which are accessed as a single file system. The intelligent distributed file system utilizes a metadata data structure to track and manage detailed information about each file, including, for example, the device and block locations of the file's data blocks, to permit different levels of replication and/or redundancy within a single file system, to facilitate the change of redundancy parameters, to provide high-level protection for metadata, to replicate and move data in real-time, and so forth.
US07685123B1	Method and system for controlling access to dynamically specified resources In an RBAC system, a capability is defined as including an operation and an object on which the operation is to be performed. The capability is assigned to a role, which is in turn assigned to a user. Then the user will have the authorization to perform the operation on the object. Rather than specifying the object by predetermining the identity of the object, an expression (e.g., a regular expression, a query, etc.) may be specified in place of the predetermined object. In response to a request initiated by a user, the expression is then evaluated to determine the identity of the object(s) on which the operation may be performed.
US07685121B2	Structure and method for maintaining ordered linked lists A hierarchically-organized linked list structure have a first level comprised of sections of sequentially-ordered segments, and a second level comprised of representatives of each of said sections at the first level. A method for maintaining the hierarchically-organized linked list structure to facilitate segment insertion, retrieval and removal.
US07685120B2	Method for generating and prioritizing multiple search results A method for generating and prioritizing multiple search results is disclosed. A database stores search results in an information storage and retrieval system. A search program executes on a computer system coupled to the database. The search program receives a search request from a user input. The search program parses the search request into at least one search term. The search program performs a loop comprising steps associating a priority adjustment value with each search term, generating a search result, calculating a priority adjustment sum of the generated search result, inserting the at least one search term, the generated search result, and the calculated priority adjustment sum in the search result list, and modifying the at least one search term and the priority adjustment value associated with each search term to perform a next iteration of the loop.
US07685117B2	Method for implementing search engine A system and method for implementing/influencing a search engine which provides search results to users based on characteristics of certain trendsetter web pages identified on the Internet. The trendsetter web page are determined by studying historical adoption behavior of a group within the universe of websites, or by reference to known indicia.
US07685113B2	Demand breakout for a supply chain A system for demand breakout for a supply chain includes a memory operable to store a plurality of orders for at least one product. Each product may be produced using at least one precursor. The memory is also operable to store a production schedule identifying one or more resources in the supply chain, a quantity of each product and precursor scheduled to be produced by the resources, and a time period associated with production of each product and precursor. The system also includes one or more processors collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of the product that correspond to each product order. The one or more processors are also collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of one or more precursors that correspond to each product order.
US07685111B2	Information management device, information management system, and computer usable medium One identification information piece to identify one data correlated with another data can be output as being correlated with the another data. In addition, when the one data is displayed or printed on the basis of the output one identification information piece or when another data associated with the one data is searched out, a score is given to the correlation of the one data with the another data and the one data correlated with the another data is preferentially output in accordance with the score.
US07685103B2	Method, system, and program for predicate processing by iterator functions Disclosed is a technique for processing predicates in an iterator function. When an iterator function included in a statement is invoked, one or more predicates included in the statement are obtained. The one or more predicates are applied to a row of data. If applying the one or more predicates results in a match, the row of data is returned. If applying the one or more predicates does not result in a match, a search is performed for another row of data for which application of the one or more predicates results in a match. Also disclosed is a technique for processing predicates in which a statement including an iterator function and one or more predicates is received. A qualification descriptor that describes the one or more predicates and one or more functions that are to be used to evaluate the one or more predicates is created. Then, the iterator function is invoked one or more times, until receiving a done indicator from the iterator function.
US07685101B2	Query directives and access plan hints A query plan modification system and method relate to a database system that includes a cost-based optimizer for generating access plans. The database system also permits a user to view an access plan that has been generated by a particular SQL query and modify the access plan if desired. The user specifies customizations that are associated with the access plan so that when that plan is executed, the customizations are executed as well. Exemplary customizations include specifying an initialization file specific to a query, specifying different implementation methods than those in the original access plan, prohibiting rebuilding of an access plan, and over-riding or ignoring a clause within the query that is used to generate the access plan.
US07685099B2	Forecasting time-independent search queries Techniques for analyzing and modeling the frequency of queries are provided by a query analysis system. A query analysis system analyzes frequencies of a query over time to determine whether the query is time-dependent or time-independent. The query analysis system forecasts the frequency of time-dependent queries based on their periodicities. The query analysis system forecasts the frequency of time-independent queries based on causal relationships with other queries. To forecast the frequency of time-independent queries, the query analysis system analyzes the frequency of a query over time to identify significant increases in the frequency, which are referred to as “query events” or “events.” The query analysis system forecasts frequencies of time-independent queries based on queries with events that tend to causally precede events of the query to be forecasted.
US07685088B2	System and method for generating new concepts based on existing ontologies A system and a method for automatically generating new concepts based on existing ontologies are provided. The system creates new concepts in existing ontologies based on new concept descriptions expressed in a natural language format, and comprises: a normalizer for receiving and parsing the new concept descriptions so as to transform them into normalized one and output them, wherein said normalized concept description includes one or more description part(s) having kernel concepts, said description parts can only contain the terms which can be identified in said existing ontologies, and each of said kernel concept contains a headword and zero or more property(s); and a new concept factory for, based on the normalized description of the new concept, identifying the kernel concepts in each normalized concept description part, and extracting the identified kernel concepts, related properties, and the relations among the kernel concepts for a user to create new concepts according to existing ontologies. Therefore, ontologies will be easier to be managed, reused and expanded, while keeping smaller size and less complexity of the ontologies.
US07685082B1	System and method for identifying, prioritizing and encapsulating errors in accounting data A method for detecting errors includes obtaining input data, applying a knowledge base to the input data, identifying diagnostics associated with errors in the input data, encapsulating data snippets corresponding to errors with associated diagnostic codes to obtain encapsulated data snippets, and outputting encapsulated data snippets.
US07685079B2	Methods for evaluating robustness of solutions to constraint problems Methods for evaluating robustness of solutions to constraint problems include: (a) determining one or more inputs for the constraint problem; (b) determining bias, uncertainty, or bias and uncertainty of the one or more inputs; (c) randomly perturbating at least one of the one or more inputs based on the bias, uncertainty, or bias and uncertainty of the one or more inputs to determine one or more modified inputs; (d) generating a solution to the constraint problem based on the one or more modified inputs; (e) storing the solution; (f) repeating (c) through (e) until multiple solutions are stored; and/or (g) determining the robustness of the stored multiple solutions by comparison of the stored multiple solutions to each other. The one or more modified inputs include the randomly perturbated input or inputs and/or the non-perturbated input or inputs.
US07685078B2	Method and appartus for using B measures to learn balanced relevance functions from expert and user judgments The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining a content item relevance function. The method comprises collecting user preference data at a search provider for storage in a user preference data store and collecting expert-judgment data at the search provider for storage in an expert sample data store. A modeling module trains a base model through the use of the expert-judgment data and tunes the base model through the use of the user preference data to learn a set of one or more tuned models. A measure (B measure) is designed to evaluate the balanced performance of tuned model over expert judgment and user preference. The modeling module generates or selects the content item relevance function from the tuned models with B measure as the selection criterion.
US07685074B2	Data mining of user activity data to identify related items in an electronic catalog Various methods are disclosed for monitoring user browsing activities that indicate user interests in particular products, or other items, represented in an electronic catalog, and for using such information to identify items that are related to one another. In one embodiment, relationships between items within an electronic catalog are determined by identifying items that are frequently viewed by users within the same browsing session (e.g., items A and B are related because a significant portion of those who viewed A also viewed B). The resulting item relatedness data may be stored in a table that maps items to sets of related items. The table may be used to provide personalized item recommendations to users, and/or to supplement item detail pages of the electronic catalog with lists of related items. In one embodiment, the table is used to provide session-specific item recommendations to users.
US07685073B2	Methods for negotiating agreement over concealed terms through a blind agent The present invention relates to methods, processes, apparatus, algorithms, etc., for secure identification of secret answers that satisfy secret questions. The methods, etc., can be used for the negotiated exchange of information, goods, or services when the Seeker and the Provider conceal their negotiating positions.
US07685072B2	Software distribution system for sewing machine, sewing machine and storage medium A software distribution system for sewing machine includes a server and a sewing machine. The server generates authentication key data dedicated for a sewing machine only upon initial transmission of medium identification data and sewing machine identification data from a terminal and stores the authentication key data in mapping with the medium identification data. If a valid medium identification data and an invalid sewing machine identification data are thereafter transmitted to the server, the stored data is not updated and the authentication key data is transmitted to the terminal. If determined that a control program transmitted from the terminal is not free of charge based on a version information thereof, calculated identification data corresponding to the sewing machine identification data is generated based on the authentication key data transmitted from the server, whereupon successful verification of calculated identification data with the sewing machine identification data, the control program is invoked.
US07685066B1	Providing a customer one or more options for increasing a line of credit A method for providing a customer one or more options for increasing a line of credit includes communicating to a customer one or more solicitations offering the customer a credit account and providing the customer one or more options for increasing a line of credit associated with the credit account. The method also includes receiving a response to the one or more solicitations from the customer requesting the credit account and selecting at least one of the one or more options. The method also includes storing data associated with the credit account to book the credit account according to the response from the customer. At least some of the data reflects the one or more options selected by the customer and an increase of the line of credit provided as a result of the selection of the at least one option by the customer.
US07685064B1	Method and apparatus for evaluating a financial transaction A system and method for evaluating financial transactions, which may involve credit requests, is provided. Credit requests are categorized into three tiers: the third-tier is for requests capable of being processed by computers, the second-tier is for requests that meet predefined criteria and cannot be categorized as third-tier requests, and the first-tier is for requests that cannot be categorized as second-tier or third-tier requests. The first-tier requests are manually reviewed by a credit executive. The second-tier requests are delegated to more junior credit personnel via an inventive pre-approval procedure. The third-tier requests are processed, at least in part, by computers. Additionally, requests that exceed a credit line, or limit, may be approved by reallocating credit from other credit lines.
US07685063B2	Client-server architecture for managing customer vehicle leasing A system for managing a credit profile for a customer having a fleet of leased vehicles, the system comprising: (a) a client computer; (b) a server in communication with the client computer; and (c) a database in communication with the server, the database being configured to store a plurality of customer credit profiles, each customer credit profile comprising a credit limit for a customer and a leased vehicle limit for a customer, the credit limit corresponding to a maximum amount of monetary credit that has been authorized for extension to the customer, the leased vehicle limit corresponding to a maximum number of leased vehicles that are authorized for the customer's leased vehicle fleet; and wherein the server is configured to (1) provide a plurality of GUIs for display on the client computer, wherein at least one of the GUIs is configured to submit a request for a change to a customer's credit profile in response to user input, at least one of the GUIs is configured to display at least a portion of the customer's credit profile in response to user input, and at least one of the GUIs is configured to receive input from the user corresponding to an action to take on the submitted request, and (2) update the customer's credit profile in accordance with the action input. Also disclosed herein is a method for managing a credit profile for a customer having a fleet of leased vehicles.
US07685048B1	Electronic trading system for forwards spread trades A trading system and method for trading forwards among a plurality of parties is presented. Among the features that the system implements are the following: counterparty enablement by forward term and/or region; a user selectable area on the monitor for executing again a trade that was just executed; a sweep trading feature for permitting a trader to sequentially aggress on a series of orders in the same forward; a spread-trading feature for allowing traders to directly trade on the difference between bid prices and offer prices for corresponding orders on a primary and secondary leg/link; providing a feature for joining orders wherein a trader may add a new bid or offer that has the same terms (e.g., price and quantity) of a perceived market best bid or offer; and enabling a party to make multiple bids and offers for the same forward within the same term at varying pricing.
US07685038B2	Method and system for block trading of securities Method and system for block trading of securities. Embodiments of the present invention can provide an automated dealer system that formulates customized, risk-controlled, two-sided indicative quotations for block quantities of a security. A quotation can be delivered to requesting counterparties via a secured network or Web-based platform. The system can also allow counterparties to submit orders for block trades based on the customized quotations. A customized quote can be based on the size of the block and historical characteristics of the security. The quoting service can be customized to take into account a minimum premium to be charged for a trade, profitability considerations discounts, and time considerations.
US07685036B1	System and method for delivering a financial message Systems and a method for delivering a financial message. The system for delivering a financial message includes, inter alia, an intervention system configured to allow an internal user of the system to add or edit content of a message to a client user prior to delivery. Advantageously, financial advisors and other internal users have the ability to interact with a client user to provide proactive financial advice.
US07685033B2	Method and apparatus for automatically mapping account-data to tax-forms One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically inserts account-data into a tax-form. During operation, the system receives account-data at a server from a data-provider. The system also receives a tax-form at the server from an application. Next, the system automatically analyzes the account-data to determine a data-map which maps the account-data to the tax-form without assistance from a user. Finally, the system inserts the account-data into the tax-form by applying the data-map to the account-data.
US07685032B2	Employment-tax information aggregator A system for paying and filing employment tax operates by updating a set of electronic templates such that the electronic templates are compatible with current formats of associated governmental agencies, receiving financial information associated with a user, selecting an electronic template from the set of electronic templates, and merging the financial information with the electronic template to produce a document. This financial information includes employment-tax information that has a format that is compatible with payroll-accounting software, and the electronic template is compatible with a submission format of a governmental agency. Next, the system submits the document to the governmental agency.
US07685023B1	Method, system, and computer program product for virtualizing a physical storefront An interactive virtual model of a physical storefront can be presented to a shopper within a user interactive interface of a computing device remotely located from the physical storefront. At least a portion of the organizational structure of the interactive virtual model can be identical a portion of the organizational structure of the physical storefront. The organization structure can varies from storefront-to-storefront of different physical storefronts, each being related to a different interactive virtual model. A change involving at least one physical object within the physical storefront can be sensed. Responsive to sensing the change, a virtual object presented in the interactive virtual model can be changed so that the change to the physical object occurring in the physical storefront is reflected in the interactive virtual model and is shown in the user interactive interface.
US07685014B2	Bank queue monitoring systems and methods A system for monitoring a queue including an entry sensor subsystem for sensing the entrance of customers into the queue, an exit sensor subsystem for sensing the exit of customers from the queue, and a processing system in communication with the entry and exit sensor subsystems. The processing system is operable to log a customer sensed by the entry sensor as entering the queue, determine from the exit sensor subsystem if the logged customer has exited the queue within a predetermined time period, and if the logged customer has exited the queue within the predetermined time period, log the customer as having received service or, if the logged customer has not exited the queue within the predetermined time period, provide an indication to management personnel.
US07685000B1	Predictive modeling system and method for disease management A method and system for administering a disease management program to improve healthcare quality, reduce healthcare costs, and optimize delivery of healthcare services. A multi-condition risk assessment is conducted for all or a substantial portion of a population of program participants, and collected multi-condition risk assessment data are combined with claims data for predictive modeling of future healthcare risk and expense. Participants are risk-stratified into one or more classifications of future healthcare cost risk, and appropriate intervention or delivery of healthcare services is made based on the risk classification.
US07684994B2	Next generation visibility package tracking The present invention involves systems and methods for tracking one or more shipped items that are shipped via a carrier. A set of expected occurrences are established for each item shipped. The items are then shipped and the shipment of the one or more shipped items is monitored for an occurrence of the set of expected occurrences, the occurrence of any non-expected event, and a non-occurrence of any of the set of expected occurrences. If there is the occurrence of any non-expected event or the non-occurrence of any of the set of expected occurrences, then such an event is made available to at least the shipper.
US07684993B2	Value diagnostic tool User-specified information pertaining to business challenges of an organization is received, and one or more predefined business processes that address the business challenges of the organization are identified. Further, the one or more predefined business processes are recommended to a user. In one embodiment, the user is provided with recommendations on best practices addressing the business challenges of the organization.
US07684987B2	Segmental tonal modeling for tonal languages A phone set for use in speech processing such as speech recognition or text-to-speech conversion is used to model or form syllables of a tonal language having a plurality of different tones. Each syllable includes an initial part that can be glide dependent and a final part. The final part includes a plurality of phones. Each phones carries partial tonal information such that the phones taken together implicitly and jointly represent the different tones.
US07684986B2	Method, medium, and apparatus recognizing speech considering similarity between the lengths of phonemes An apparatus, medium, and method recognizing speech. The method may include the calculating of scores indicating the degree of similarity between a characteristic of an input speech and characteristics of speech models based on the degree of similarity between the length of each phoneme included in an input speech and the length of phonemes included in each speech model, and determining a speech model with the highest score among the scores to be the corresponding recognized speech for the input speech. By doing so, the speech recognition rate may be greatly enhanced and when an input speech includes continuous identical phonemes the word error rate (WER) may be greatly reduced.
US07684981B2	Prediction of spectral coefficients in waveform coding and decoding Techniques and tools for prediction of spectral coefficients in encoding and decoding are described herein. For certain types and patterns of content, coefficient prediction exploits correlation between adjacent spectral coefficients, making subsequent entropy encoding more efficient. For example, an audio encoder predictively codes quantized spectral coefficients in the quantized domain and entropy encodes results of the predictive coding. Or, for a particular quantized spectral coefficient, an audio decoder entropy decodes a difference value, computes a predictor in the quantized domain, and combines the predictor and the difference value.
US07684976B2	Constructing regular-expression dictionary for textual analysis A regular-expression dictionary, as opposed to an exact-match dictionary, is constructed for utilization within computerized textual analysis. One or more data types are defined for entries within the regular-expression dictionary, within a markup-language schema. A structure in the markup-language schema is provided that encompasses the data types of the entries within the regular-expression dictionary. For each of a number of entries of the regular-expression dictionary, a mapping methodology is defined between a source definition of the entry to the structure and the data types within the markup-language schema. Furthermore, a definition of the entry is mapped to the data types within the structure of the markup-language schema, using the mapping methodology defined. The markup language may be eXtensible Markup Language (XML), or another type of markup language.
US07684973B2	Performance improvement for software emulation of central processor unit utilizing signal handler As fast and powerful commodity processors have been developed, it has become practical to emulate on platforms built using commodity processors the proprietary hardware systems of powerful older computers. High performance is typically a key requirement for a system even when built using emulation software. In a hardware design many special cases and conditions which may cause exceptions are detected by logic operating in parallel with the instruction execution. In software these checks can cost extra cycles of processor time during emulation of each instruction and be a significant detriment to performance. Avoiding some of these checks by relying upon the underlying hardware checks of the host system and then using a signal handler and special software to recover from these signals is a way to improve the performance and simplify the coding of the software emulation system.

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