Document	Document Title
US07687343B2	Storage capacitor, a memory device and a method of manufacturing the same A storage capacitor includes a first capacitor portion and a second capacitor portion, the second capacitor portion being disposed above the first capacitor portion, thereby defining a first direction. The first and the second portions each include a hollow body made of a conductive material, respectively, thereby forming a first capacitor electrode. An upper diameter of each of the hollow bodies is larger than a lower diameter of the hollow body, the diameter being measured perpendicularly with respect to the first direction. The storage capacitor also includes a second capacitor electrode and a dielectric material disposed between the first and the second capacitor electrodes. The storage capacitor also includes an insulating material disposed outside the hollow bodies, and a layer of an insulating material. A lower side of the insulating layer is disposed at a height of an upper side of the first capacitor portion.
US07687340B2	Protect diodes for hybrid-orientation substrate structures A semiconductor structure fabrication method. First, a semiconductor structure is provided including (a) a semiconductor block having a first semiconductor material doped with a first doping polarity and having a first lattice orientation, and (b) a semiconductor region on the semiconductor block, wherein the semiconductor region is physically isolated from the semiconductor block by a dielectric region, and wherein the semiconductor region includes a second semiconductor material (i) doped with a second doping polarity opposite to the first doping polarity and (ii) having a second lattice orientation different from the first lattice orientation. Next, first and second gate stacks are formed on the semiconductor block and the semiconductor region, respectively. Then, (i) first and second S/D regions are simultaneously formed in the semiconductor block on opposing sides of the first gate stack and (ii) first and second discharge prevention semiconductor regions in the semiconductor block.
US07687339B1	Methods for fabricating FinFET structures having different channel lengths Methods for fabricating a FinFET structure are provided. One method comprises forming a hard mask layer on a gate-forming material layer having a first portion and a second portion. A plurality of mandrels are fabricated on the hard mask layer and overlying the first portion and the second portion of the gate-forming material layer. A sidewall spacer material layer is deposited overlying the plurality of mandrels. The sidewall spacer material layer overlying the first portion of the gate-forming material layer is partially etched. Sidewall spacers are fabricated from the sidewall spacer material layer, the sidewall spacers being adjacent sidewalls of the plurality of mandrels. The plurality of mandrels are removed, the hard mask layer is etched using the sidewall spacers as an etch mask, and the gate-forming material layer is etched using the etched hard mask layer as an etch mask.
US07687326B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof An object of the invention is to provide a semiconductor device and a display device which can be manufactured with improved material efficiency through a simplified manufacturing process, and a manufacturing method thereof. Another object is to provide a technique capable of forming a pattern such as a wiring included in the semiconductor device or display device in a desired shape with good controllability. One feature of a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is to comprise the steps of forming a layer having a rough surface, forming a region having low wettability by a composition containing a conductive material and a region having high wettability by the composition over the rough surface, and forming a conductive material using the composition in the region having high wettability. Since regions having largely different wettability (regions having a large difference in wettability) can be formed, a liquid conductive or insulating material is attached only to a formation region with precision. Accordingly, a conductive or insulating layer can be precisely formed in a desired pattern.
US07687325B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A TFT is manufactured using at least five photomasks in a conventional liquid crystal display device, and therefore the manufacturing cost is high.By performing the formation of the pixel electrode 119, the source region 115 and the drain region 116 by using three photomasks in three photolithography steps, a liquid crystal display device prepared with a pixel TFT portion, having a reverse stagger type n-channel TFT, and a storage capacitor can be realized.
US07687318B2	Extended redistribution layers bumped wafer A semiconductor device is manufactured by, first, providing a wafer, designated with a saw street guide, and having a bond pad formed on an active surface of the wafer. The wafer is taped with a dicing tape. The wafer is singulated along the saw street guide into a plurality of dies having a plurality of gaps between each of the plurality of dies. The dicing tape is stretched to expand the plurality of gaps to a predetermined distance. An organic material is deposited into each of the plurality of gaps. A top surface of the organic material is substantially coplanar with a top surface of a first die of the plurality of dies. A redistribution layer is patterned over a portion of the organic material. An under bump metallization (UBM) is deposited over the organic material in electrical communication, through the redistribution layer, with the bond pad.
US07687316B2	Method for adhering semiconductor devices A method for adhering semiconductor devices is provided. The method includes forming a first semiconductor device including a first metal pad, forming a second semiconductor device including a second metal pad, adhering the first semiconductor device to the second semiconductor device, the first metal pad electrically connecting the second metal pad, and forming a heat sink via in the second semiconductor device.
US07687311B1	Method for producing stackable dies A system and method for improved semiconductor die production is provided. A preferred embodiment provides a method for creating a stackable die, the method includes providing a first substrate, and forming through-silicon vias in the first substrate. The through-silicon vias extend from a first surface of the first substrate, wherein the through-silicon vias connect to a conductive layer on the first surface of the first substrate, and wherein the conductive layer has a planar surface. The conductive layer joins to a carrier substrate with an adhesive. The method continues by joining a second substrate to a second surface of the first substrate, removing the carrier substrate, removing the adhesive layer, and patterning the conductive layer to form contact pads.
US07687308B2	Method for fabricating carbon nanotube transistors on a silicon or SOI substrate A method of forming a single wall thickness (SWT) carbon nanotube (CNT) transistor with a controlled diameter and chirality is disclosed. A photolithographically defined single crystal silicon seed layer is converted to a single crystal silicon carbide seed layer. A single layer of graphene is formed on the top surface of the silicon carbide. The SWT CNT transistor body is grown from the graphene layer in the presence of carbon containing gases and metal catalyst atoms. Silicided source and drain regions at each end of the silicon carbide seed layer provide catalyst metal atoms during formation of the CNT. The diameter of the SWT CNT is established by the width of the patterned seed layer. A conformally deposited gate dielectric layer and a transistor gate over the gate dielectric layer complete the CNT transistor. CNT transistors with multiple CNT bodies, split gates and varying diameters are also disclosed.
US07687306B2	CMOS image sensor and method for manufacturing the same A CMOS image sensor and manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The present CMOS image sensor comprises: a semiconductor substrate including an active region having a photo diode region and a transistor region; a gate on the active region, comprising a gate insulating layer and a gate electrode thereon; a first source/drain diffusion region in the transistor region at one side of the gate electrode, including a first conductivity type dopant; a second photo diode diffusion region in the region at the other side of the gate electrode, the second diffusion region including a first conductivity type dopant; insulating sidewalls on sides of the gate electrode; and a third diffusion region over or in the second diffusion region, extending below one of the insulating sidewalls (e.g., closest to the photo diode region), and including a second conductivity type dopant.
US07687300B2	Method of dynamic temperature control during microcrystalline SI growth The present invention generally comprises a method for dynamically controlling the temperature of a solar cell substrate during microcrystalline silicon deposition. In amorphous silicon/microcrystalline tandem solar cells, microcrystalline silicon may be deposited using a higher power density and to a greater thickness than amorphous silicon. The higher the power density applied, the faster the deposition may occur, but the temperature of the deposition may also increase. At high temperatures, the likelihood of dopant diffusing into the intrinsic layer of the solar cell and damaging the cell is greater. By dynamically controlling the temperature of the susceptor, the substrate and hence, the dopant can be maintained at a substantially constant temperature below the value at which the dopant may diffuse into the intrinsic layer. The dynamic temperature control permits the microcrystalline silicon to be deposited at a high power density without damaging the solar cell.
US07687295B2	Method for manufacturing optical semiconductor device In an optical semiconductor device that emits or receives light substantially perpendicularly to or in parallel to an active surface formed on a semiconductor substrate, the optical semiconductor device, an electrode that is formed on the active surface side and connected to the active surface is stepped or tapered at an end of the electrode. The electrode of the optical semiconductor device is formed of three layers including an adhesive layer, a diffusion prevention layer, and an Au layer, and the stepped configuration or the taped configuration is formed by a difference of the thickness of the Au layer or the thickness of the adhesive layer/diffusion prevention layer/Au layer.
US07687285B2	Method for manufacturing ferroelectric memory A method for manufacturing a ferroelectric memory includes the steps of: forming an iridium film above a substrate; forming an iridium oxide layer on the iridium film; changing the iridium oxide layer into an amorphous iridium layer; oxidizing the amorphous iridium layer to form an iridium oxide portion; forming a ferroelectric film on the iridium oxide portion by a MOCVD method; and forming an electrode on the ferroelectric film.
US07687281B2	Bovine pregnancy test This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.
US07687279B2	Evaluation method for chemical solution, qualification method for chemical solution and method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for evaluating chemical solution includes determining number of particles in liquid for each size of the particles by measurement, expressing a relationship between size of the particles and number of particles corresponding to the size by a function based on the number of particles for each size of the particles determined by the measurement, and evaluating influence of particles having size less than or equal to a measurement limit in the liquid based on the function.
US07687276B2	Method of detecting analyte vaporized from sample with low-power UV radiation A method for collecting and concentrating trace chemicals for subsequent analysis by virtually any type of chemical detector includes providing directed radiation to a sample, or a portion of a sample. An apparatus can include a sampling body for providing radiation.
US07687259B2	Method for noncovalently immobilizing a biomolecule on a solid substrate and microarray produced according to the method Provided is a method for noncovalently immobilizing a biomolecule on a solid substrate, including: providing a solid substrate having a first functional group attached thereto, the first functional group having a hydrogen bond donating ability; and reacting a mixture of a compound having a hydrogen bond accepting ability and a biomolecule functionalized with a second functional group, with the surface of the substrate, the second functional group having a hydrogen bond donating ability, in order to noncovalently immobilize the biomolecule on the substrate.
US07687253B2	Escherichia coli strains which over-produce L-threonine and processes for the production of L-threonine by fermentation The present invention relates to the fields of microbiology and microbial genetics. More specifically, the invention relates to novel bacteria strains and processes employing these strains for the fermentative production of amino acids such as threonine.
US07687251B2	Method for producing cell culture substrate and apparatus for producing cell culture substrate A method for producing a cell culture substrate to which cells adhere in a finely processed pattern while retaining the pattern for a long period of time to culture the cells and a production apparatus used in the production method. The method includes: forming a patterning substrate by forming: on a base material, a light shielding portion, and a cell adhesive layer having adhesion to a cell and containing a cell adhesive material which is decomposed or denatured by an action of a photocatalyst upon energy irradiation so as to cover the light shielding portion; an energy irradiating process of irradiating energy to the patterning substrate from the base material side to form a pattern; and a cell adhesion process of making the cell adhere to the cell adhesion portion in a cell culture medium containing the cell and a culture medium.
US07687250B2	Ethanol production from biological wastes The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and kits for producing ethanol and other alcohols. The methods involve fermenting organic material in a fermentation mixture to a biogas comprising methane; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; and contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce alcohol. In some embodiments, a microorganism that reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron is included in the fermentation mixture to enhance the efficiency of the fermentation and the yield of alcohol. The invention also provides a method of producing alcohol involving fermenting organic material to a biogas comprising methane; removing sulfhydryls from the biogas; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a sulfur-free catalyst to produce a substantially sulfur-free alcohol; and purifying the alcohol wherein the purified alcohol is substantially sulfur-free and comprises less than 5% methanol and at least 70% C2+ alcohols by weight.
US07687249B2	Polysaccharide derivatives with high antithrombotic activity in plasma The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of sulphated glycosaminoglycans derived from N— acetylheparosan which comprises: a) N-deacetylation and N-sulphation of the N-acetylheparosan polysaccharide prepared from natural or recombinant bacterial strain, preferably K5 E. coli, b) enzymatic epimerization with the glucuronyl C5-epimerase enzyme, c) partial O-sulphation followed by a partial O-desulphation, d) partial 6-O-sulphation, e) N-sulphation and an intermediate step of controlled depolimerization characterised by the fact that both O-sulphations (O-sulphation and 6O-sulphation) are partial.Furthermore the invention relates to the products obtained according to the process which show a ratio between the anti-Xa activity and anti-IIa activity equal to or higher than 1 and to compositions comprising said products in combination with suitable and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or diluent.
US07687244B1	Chromogenic composition for detecting spilled blood and associated methods A chromogenic composition for detecting spilled blood includes a mixture of an acidified aqueous solution containing reduced FD&C Blue #1 and hydrogen peroxide. The chromogenic composition has a relatively long shelf life and will produce a bright blue visible color when contacting blood, thereby being useful for detecting spilled blood and blood trails from wounded game.
US07687238B2	Method for evaluating kidney function in a feline Methods for (1) evaluating feline kidney function by determining ghrelin level in feline tissue or biofluid and correlating the ghrelin level directly to kidney function and (2) diagnosing kidney disease in a feline comprises determining an observed ghrelin level in a tissue or biofluid of the feline and comparing the observed ghrelin level to a reference ghrelin level indicative of normal kidney function, wherein an observed level lower than the reference level is indicative of kidney disease or susceptibility thereto.
US07687235B2	Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating neuropsychiatric disorders The present invention provides methods for diagnosing mental disorders (e.g., psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and mood disorders such as major depression disorder and bipolar disorder). The invention also provides methods of identifying modulators of such mental disorders as well as methods of using these modulators to treat patients suffering from such mental disorders.
US07687228B2	Antireflection film composition and patterning process using the same An antireflection film composition, wherein an etching speed is fast, thus, when used as a resist lower layer, a film loss of a resist pattern and deformation of the pattern during etching can be minimized, and because of a high crosslinking density, a dense film can be formed after thermal crosslinking, thus, mixing with an upper layer resist can be prevented and the resist pattern after development is good is provided. The antireflection film composition comprising; at least a polymer having a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (I).
US07687207B2	System for coloring a partially colored design in an alternating phase shift mask A method of designing an alternating phase shifting mask for projecting an image of an integrated circuit design. Phase units are binary colorable within each unit of the hierarchical circuit design, e.g., cell, an array, a net, or array of nets and/or cells, the phase shapes. The assignment of phases or colors within a hierarchical unit will be correctly binary colored to satisfy the lithographic, manufacturability and other design rules, referred to collectively as coloring rules. During assembly with other units, the coloring of phases in a hierarchical unit may change (e.g., be reversed or flipped), but the correct binary colorability of a hierarchical unit is preserved, which simplifies assembly of the integrated circuit layout.
US07687204B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery comprises lithium salts including LiPF6 and LiBF4; a non-aqueous organic solvent including an organic solvent with high boiling point; and vinylene carbonate.The electrolyte may inhibit battery swelling at high temperature storage and may improve battery cycle-life characteristics.
US07687202B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including: a positive electrode having a positive electrode material mixture containing a composite lithium oxide; a negative electrode; a polyolefin separator; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a heat-resistant insulating layer interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode active material mixture has an estimated heat generation rate at 200° C. of not greater than 50 W/kg. The estimated heat generation rate is determined by obtaining a relation between absolute temperature T and heat generation rate V of the positive electrode material mixture using an accelerating rate calorimeter; plotting a relation between the inverse of absolute temperature T and the logarithm of heat generation rate V according to the Arrhenius law; obtaining a straight line fitted to the plotted points in a heat generation temperature range of T<200° C.; and extrapolating the straight line to the temperature of 200° C.
US07687200B2	Sealed penetration for lithium battery, its method of fabrication and its use in a lithium battery and lithium battery using same This glass-metal penetration is made from glass, a metal pin and a body. The glass is of the TA23 type and the pin is made using solid platinum/iridium (90/10).
US07687199B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery which can prevent leakage of an electrolytic solution by improving the sealing property of an electrolytic solution injection hole formed at a cap plate comprises: an electrode assembly including a cathode plate, a separator and an anode plate; a can having an upper opening for receiving the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly which is combined with the upper opening of the can, and which includes a cap plate provided with an electrolytic solution injection hole at one side thereof. A groove is formed in an axial direction on an inner circumferential surface of the electrolytic solution injection hole. Thus, the contact area between a stopper and the electrolytic solution injection hole is increased, thereby improving the sealing property of the electrolytic solution injection hole.
US07687197B2	Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices In a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and a removeable cover therefor, the battery compartment and cover are configured to accommodate batteries of at least two different sizes.
US07687194B2	Battery unit, lithium polymer battery using the same, and method for manufacturing lithium polymer battery A battery unit with improved safety measures, a lithium polymer battery using the battery unit, and a method for manufacturing the lithium polymer battery are provided. The lithium polymer battery has a battery unit and a case accommodating the battery unit, wherein the battery unit includes: a cathode plate having a cathode collector and a cathode active material layer coated on at least one surface of the cathode collector; a cathode lead electrically connected to the cathode collector; an anode plate having an anode collector and an anode active material layer coated on at least one surface of the anode collector; an anode lead electrically connected to the anode collector; a separator interposed between the cathode plate and the anode plate, which insulates the cathode plate and the anode plate from each other; and an insulating member formed on at least one of the cathode lead and the anode lead, which prevents a short circuit between the cathode lead and the anode plate or between the anode lead and the cathode plate. In the battery unit, the cathode plate, the separator, and the anode plate are sequentially and repeatedly stacked upon one another. Therefore, the insulating member incorporated in the lithium polymer battery can enhance the safety of the battery.
US07687189B2	Housing for a sealed electrochemical battery cell An electrochemical cell with a collector assembly for sealing the open end of a cell container. The collector assembly includes a retainer and a contact spring with a peripheral flange, each having a central opening therein. A pressure release vent member disposed between the retainer and the peripheral flange of the contact spring seals the openings in the retainer and contact spring under normal conditions and ruptures to release pressure from within the cell when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.
US07687181B2	Channel-based electrochemical cassettes The present invention provides membrane cassettes and stacks thereof which are suitable for a use in a variety of electrochemical applications. The invention further provides membrane cassettes which comprise one or more bipolar plates which have one or two reactant or coolant flow fields consisting of at least one groove in opposing surfaces of the bipolar plate. In certain preferred embodiments, the invention provides cassettes and stacks which are suitable for use in fuel cell applications. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention include design improvements which enhance the performance and reliability of certain components of the fuel cell stack.
US07687176B2	Fuel cell A fuel cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly, and an IR transmissive window for thermographic analysis of a surface of the membrane electrode assembly is described. The test fuel cell provides a method of monitoring a fuel cell, and capturing a thermographic profile of said fuel cell with an IR detector array, while simultaneously measuring the electrochemical output of the cell, including current, voltages and half cell potentials.
US07687175B2	Hybrid bipolar plate assembly and devices incorporating same A hybrid bipolar plate assembly comprises a metallic anode plate, a polymeric composite cathode plate, and a metal layer positioned between the metallic anode plate and the composite cathode plate. The metallic anode and composite cathode plates can further comprise an adhesive sealant applied around the outer perimeter to prevent leaking of coolant. The assembly can be incorporated into a device comprising a fuel cell. Further, the device can define structure defining a vehicle powered by the fuel cell.
US07687174B2	Optical fuel cell stack cell voltage monitor A voltage monitoring system for measuring the voltage of the fuel cells in a fuel cell stack that employs optical devices for providing an optical signal of the measured voltages, where one or more of the fuel cells power the optical devices. A surface mount device is electrically coupled to opposing plates in the stack, or opposing plates over a plurality of cells in the stack. The surface mount device includes a bonded contact and a spring contact to provide the electrical connection. A detector is positioned remote from the stack that receives the optical signals and converts them back to electrical signals indicative of the voltage.
US07687173B2	Process for making a ceramic composite device An electrical power generating device having a plurality of ceramic composite cells, each cell having a cathode and an anode. A thermal shell in which the ceramic composite cells are stacked or arranged in electrical series and gas parallel surrounded by shock absorbing and insulating materials, respectively, is preferably included. Also provided are an exhaust fan, thermocouple sensors, a fuel supply, a programmable computer controller with user interface, and a container supporting the assembly and having passageways for providing air ingress and egress to the device, and power output terminals for the electrical power from the device.Methods for manufacturing the ceramic composite cells are also provided, including a method for manufacturing stabilized zirconia and for use in the ceramic materials used within the ceramic composite cell.
US07687169B2	Stop method for fuel cell system A stop method for a fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell unit in which hydrogen is supplied to an anode, and air is supplied to a cathode so as to generate electrical power via an electrochemical reaction. The stop method includes the steps of stopping supply of hydrogen to the anode, and supplying air to the anode so as to discharge water remaining at the anode.
US07687158B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and perpendicular magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus The invention provides a perpendicular magnetic recording medium in which the recording density is greatly increased with little deviation of the crystal structure. A perpendicular magnetic recording medium has at least a soft magnetic under layer, an orientation control layer, a perpendicular magnetic layer, and a protective layer, which are formed on a nonmagnetic substrate, the orientation control layer consisting of a plurality of layers including a seed layer and an intermediate layer from the substrate side. Preferably, the seed layer and the intermediate layer each have a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure, and the average grain size of the seed layer is between 8 nm and 20 nm. The main component of the seed layer is preferably Mg, and the main component of the intermediate layer is preferably Ru.
US07687155B2	Luminescence device and display apparatus A metal coordination compound having the following structure: wherein M′ is Ir or Rh, m′ is 2, and are identical to each other and are represented by a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl isoquinoline ligand. A luminescence device and a display apparatus using this metal coordination compound are provided.
US07687154B2	Light-emitting device The present invention provides a light-emitting device which can be driven at a low voltage and has high luminance, high efficiency, and has a long lifetime even as an organic EL device using phosphorescence. The light-emitting device of the present invention is a light-emitting device including an anode, a cathode, and an organic light-emitting layer sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, in which the organic light-emitting layer is composed of a host material and one or more kinds of dopants, a difference in electron affinity between the host material and at least one kind of the dopants is 0.3 eV or less, and a difference in ionization potential between the host material and the at least one kind of the dopants is 0.8 eV or less.
US07687153B2	Donor substrate for laser transfer and organic electroluminescence display device manufactured using the same A donor substrate for laser transfer comprises: a base film; a light-to-heat conversion layer formed on the base film; and a transfer layer formed of an organic material on the light-to-heat conversion layer. The transfer layer contains a thermosetting electroluminescent material, and an organic electroluminescence display device is manufactured using the same. Thus, R, G and B emission layers are simply formed with a fine pattern by a thermal curing process after laser transfer. As a result, the emission layers are not damaged, and the manufacturing cost of a full-color organic electroluminescence display device is reduced due to employment of a simplified mask process. The donor substrate is advantageous to use in the manufacture of a large-sized organic electroluminescence display device.
US07687151B2	Overlay for repairing spline and seal teeth of a mated component An overlay for repairing spline and seal teeth of a mated component is disclosed. The overlay is a tube constructed of a weld repair material, the tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is dimensioned to define an aperture sized to receive a plurality of radially spaced splines of the component, the splines of the component arranged to matingly engage a complementary component.
US07687150B2	Thermal barrier composition The thermal barrier composition of the present invention provides a glassy matrix comprising an alkoxy-functionalized siloxane and a functionally-terminated silane or siloxane, polymethylsilsesquioxane dissolved in a crosslinking agent, and optionally a filler and/or hollow glass microspheres.
US07687147B2	Composite article providing blast mitigation and method for manufacturing same A composite article and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polyurethane-polyurea layer is disposed on a substrate. The polyurethane-polyurea layer includes a reaction product of an isocyanate component having from about 10% to about 90% of a toluene diisocyanate, by weight of the isocyanate component, and an isocyanate-reactive component having amine-terminated and/or hydroxyl-terminated compounds. The polyurethane-polyurea layer provides blast and fragment protection from explosive devices as well as ballistic mitigation.
US07687145B2	Compounds containing a thiol protected group bonded to a protecting group via a polarized bond, and structure comprising the compounds on its surface Organosulfur compounds suitable as protected thiol-containing reactive organic layer precursors, for example 3,5-dimethoxy-α,α-dimethylbenzyloxycarbonyl-3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, are useful in methods of nanometer scale (nanoscale) patterning and fabrication of nanoscale structures on patterned surfaces. The compounds and methods enable the patternwise placement of nanoparticles, with nanometer resolution to form, for example, electrically conductive nanostructures.
US07687144B2	Medical device with adherent coating, and method for preparing same A medical device such as a wire guide has a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating adhered to an etched, carbonaceous polymeric surface, for example a sodium-etched polymer surface. A method for preparing a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on a medical device includes etching a polymeric portion of the device to create a carbonaceous surface and applying a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on the etched surface.
US07687140B2	Fibrous structures Fibrous structures that exhibit a Dry Burst of greater than 360 g as measured according to the Dry Burst Test Method and optionally, a Total Dry Tensile of less than 2450 g/76.2 mm and/or a Machine Direction (MD) Dry Tensile of less than 1520 g/76.2 mm and/or a Geometric Mean GM) Total Dry Tensile of less than 1180 g/76.2 mm as measured according to the Tensile Strength Test Method are provided.
US07687136B2	Fuser-oil sorbent electrophotographic toner receiver layer The invention relates to an image receiving element comprising in order a support, at least one polyolefin resin coating and at least one toner receiver layer, wherein said toner receiver layer comprises a fuser-oil sorbent additive and a thermoplastic polymer and said additive is present in an amount of greater than 10% by weight of said layer.
US07687132B1	Ceramic microtruss An ordered ceramic microstructure and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the ceramic microstructure includes a base structure and one or more ceramic layers. The base structure includes a plurality of first truss elements defined by a plurality of first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction, a plurality of second truss elements defined by a plurality of second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction, and a plurality of third truss elements defined by a plurality of third self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a third direction. Here, the first, second, and third truss elements interpenetrate each other at a plurality of nodes to form a continuous material, and the base structure is self-supporting. In addition, the ceramic layers coat a surface of at least one truss element of the first truss elements, the second truss elements, or the third truss elements.
US07687112B2	Surface for reduced friction and wear and method of making the same A process for producing an enhanced friction reducing surface by bonding a dry lubricant to a substrate by way of high velocity mechanical impact and low temperature diffusion bonding, and the friction-reduced surface produced thereby. A process for bonding the dry lubricant by peening and concurrently obtaining a desired dimpling or surface texturizing by appropriate selection of peening particle size and hardness relative to the substrate, as well as impact velocity against the substrate, is also provided.
US07687106B2	Algae resistant roofing granules with controlled algaecide leaching rates, algae resistant shingles, and process for producing same Algae-resistant roofing granules are formed by coating mineral particles with a clay-silicate binder including a metal oxide algaecide and small organic particles. When the particles are heated to cure the binder, the organic particles pyrolyse to form pores in the coating. Release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules.
US07687100B2	Method of dry coating flow field plates for increased durability A simple and inexpensive method of making a flow field plate that exhibits increased durability under conditions of use is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of applying a dry carbon powder to a flow field surface of the flow field plate and buffing the carbon powder onto the flow field surface. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of rubbing a flow field surface of the flow field plate with a dry carbon solid and optionally buffing the carbon onto the flow field surface.
US07687097B2	IOL insertion apparatus and methods for making and using same Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.
US07687088B2	Protein isolation procedures for reducing phytic acid Oil seed protein isolates, in particular canola protein isolate, having a decreased phytic acid content is prepared by a procedure in which extraction of phytic acid from oil seed meal is inhibited during extraction of protein from the oil seed meal.
US07687083B2	Pharmaceutical compositions comprising old man's beard (Usnea barbata) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and their use Pharmaceutical compositions of Usnea barbata and the use thereof for the treatment of skin diseases are disclosed. A preferred composition is the combination with an extract of Hypericum perforatum. The extracts are obtained by supercritical high-pressure extraction with spring carbon-dioxide. A preferred form of preparation is the homogenization of 6% by weight of an extract of Usnea barbata, containing 96% of usnic acid, and 40% by weight of an extract of Hypericum perforatum, containing 39% of hyperforin, together. The pharmaceutical composition leads to a potentiation of the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of the extracts and to stabilization of the hyperforin. The combination is suitable for the external and internal treatment of various skin diseases, in particular skin inflammations and skin ageing, and for the treatment of skin infections with pityrosporon yeast fungi, acne and rosacea.
US07687077B2	Method to reduce stool odor of companion animals A method is provided for reducing stool odor of a companion animal such as a cat or dog. The method comprises causing the animal to ingest a composition comprising a stool odor reducing effective amount of a zinc ion source, for example zinc acetate.
US07687073B2	Preparation of powder agglomerates The invention relates to a method of producing an agglomerate of drug and solid binder. The process involves producing individual agglomerate particles and then converting the convertible amorphous content of same, following agglomeration, by the application of, for example, moisture. Agglomerates capable of conversion as well as the finished agglomerates and oral and nasal dosing systems including same are also contemplated. The process produces agglomerates which are rugged but which will produce an acceptable fine particle fraction during dosing.
US07687070B2	Reagents for intracellular delivery of macromolecules The present invention provides certain cationic lipids containing stigmasterol, ergosterol and cholic acid groups. Compounds of the invention are useful, either alone or in combination with other lipid aggregate-forming components (e.g., DOPE, DOSPA, DOTMA or cholesterol) for formulation into liposomes or other lipid aggregates. Such aggregates are cationic, and able to form stable complexes with anionic macromolecules, such as nucleic acids. The cationic lipids of the invention are useful in methods of transfecting cells, particularly to introduce nucleic acids into cells. The invention also related to kits for the preparation of lipid aggregates and to lipid aggregates and compositions for transfection of cells.
US07687063B2	Treating solid tumors with an antibody to hepatocyte growth factor The present invention is directed toward a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to hepatocyte growth factor, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same, and methods of treatment comprising administering such a pharmaceutical composition to a patient.
US07687049B2	Apparatus and process for removal of carbon monoxide One exemplary embodiment can be a process for lowering an amount of carbon monoxide in a stream rich in hydrogen. The process can include passing the stream rich in hydrogen through a carbon monoxide removal zone to produce a product stream having no more than about 10 vppm carbon monoxide and communicating the product stream to a reduction zone receiving a catalyst comprising unreduced metal species.
US07687047B2	Sulfur recovery process 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. A process for the recovery of sulfur is also disclosed. A tail gas stream is contacted with a sorbent in a sorption zone to produce solid sulfur, wherein the sorbent comprises Zn and a promoter metal, wherein the promoter metal is manganese.
US07687040B2	Automated portable and submersible ozone generator The present invention is directed to a portable ozone generator for use in small, confined, uninhabited spaces, such as refrigerators. The generator has a clam shell top and bottom. The bottom is of unitary construction and houses batteries. The top house electrical components, including circuitry for time generation of ozone.
US07687033B2	Specimen aliquoting/dispensing device incorporated reference A tip mounting position, an aliquoting position, a dispensing position, and a tip casting position are circumferentially arranged around a rotating shaft, and a plurality of aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms are circumferentially arranged corresponding to the plurality of operating positions around the rotating shaft. Each aliquoting/dispensing mechanism is provided with a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle mechanism that includes a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle portion. The rotating shaft is intermittently rotated to locate the aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms individually in the positions whereupon tip mounting, aliquoting, dispensing, and tip casting operations are performed continuously.
US07687023B1	Titanium carbide alloy A composite alloy that contains TiC is made using a green binder system of titanium sponge granules and a liquid phase binder system comprising titanium, nickel, and aluminum. The alloy has a mass of less than 5 grams per cubic centimeter. The alloy may be bonded to a hard substrate to provide an armor tile.
US07687022B2	Method for manufacturing a synchronizing ring To manufacture a synchronizing ring of a synchronizing device for a variable-ratio gear transmission, this synchronizing ring having a ring body having locking teeth on an outer circumference and a friction lining made of a carbon nonwoven material bonded to a duroplastic resin on the conical inner circumference, the ring body is compressed from a sintering powder and sintered before the sintered ring body is axially compressed in a die at least in the region of the conical inner circumference. The friction lining is then glued onto the conical inner circumference of the ring body and secured in a mold under pressure while supplying heat.
US07687010B2	Process and apparatus for pumping gases in a film The invention is a process and apparatus for producing a cross-linked, tubular film or “tape” that uses a motor driven nip roll assembly and a product driven idler roll to pump gases contained within the film in a desired direction. The process eliminates the need to create slits to vent gases that are trapped within the film. The motor driven roll comprises a driven nip roll and a driven peristaltic roll that cooperate to drive the film forward and nip the film. The driven peristaltic roll includes a pumping section that comprises a plurality of pumping rollers that pump gases contained within the film in a direction that is the reverse direction of film travel. The product driven roll comprises a spool roller and a plurality of pumping rollers that are circumferentially spaced around the spool roller. The pumping rollers trap and pump gases contained in the film in the reverse direction of film travel.
US07687009B2	Fiber and process for producing three-dimensional, self interlacing composites by mechanical polymerization with ultrasonic manipulation A fiber includes a base having a surface to be impacted by a fluid wave for propelling the fiber forward and a body having a trailing end connected to the base, a leading free end, and a spiral shape causing the fluid wave to rotate the fiber. A locking system causes the fiber to engage and hold at least one other fiber being propelled and rotated by the fluid wave. A process for producing three-dimensional, self-interlacing composites by mechanical polymerization with ultrasonic manipulation, includes placing the fibers and a mixing fluid in a form or mold. The fluid is subjected to ultrasonic manipulation in a mixing step, causing the fibers to be propelled, rotated and three-dimensionally engaged and held to one another.
US07686993B2	Colored polymeric articles having high melt temperatures The present invention relates to polymeric articles that are colored using an unformulated heat stable black, blue or violet dye during melt processing, for example a melt spinning process. The process eliminates the need for acid bath dyeing of high melt polymeric materials. The polymeric articles are for example polyester or polyamide.
US07686989B2	Method for manufacturing a dental restoration A method for manufacturing a dental restoration, including: determining an external form and dimensions available for a completed restoration; obtaining an image of a natural tooth to be replaced with the restoration or a tooth corresponding therewith, wherein the image comprises at least the external surface visible in use of the to be replaced or corresponding tooth, with variations in the appearance therein; defining locally on and at least to visible depth below the surface of appearance-determining properties of at least one material to be applied for the restoration in accordance with the obtained image and the variations in the appearance therein; constructing the restoration, including the steps of: providing at least one material to be applied in non-cohesive form; and providing cohesion to the material in accordance with the available form and dimensions.
US07686985B2	Gallium oxide-zinc oxide sputtering target, method of forming transparent conductive film, and transparent conductive film Provided is a high density gallium oxide-zinc oxide series sintered body sputtering target for forming a transparent conductive film containing 20 to 500 mass ppm of aluminum oxide. In a gallium oxide (Ga2O3)-zinc oxide (ZnO) series sputtering target (GZO series target) for forming a transparent conductive film, trace amounts of specific elements are added to obtain a target capable of improving the conductivity and the bulk density of the target; in other words, capable of improving the component composition to increase the sintered density, inhibit the formation of nodules, and prevent the generation of an abnormal electrical discharge and particles. Also provided are a method for forming a transparent conductive film using such a target, and a transparent conductive film formed thereby.
US07686982B2	Conductive filler Disclosed is a conductive filler which can be fusion-bonded under lower temperature conditions (with the peak temperature of not less than 181° C.) than the reflow heat treatment conditions for an Sn-37Pb eutectic solder. This conductive filler is applicable to heat-resistant uses similar to those of the Sn-37Pb eutectic solder. The conductive filler is a mixture of first metal particles composed of an alloy having a chemical composition including 25-40% by mass of Ag, 2-8% by mass of Bi, 5-15% by mass of Cu, 2-8% by mass of In and 29-66% by mass of Sn, and second metal particles composed of an alloy having a chemical composition including 5-20% by mass of Ag, 10-20% by mass of Bi, 1-15% by mass of Cu and 50-80% by mass of Sn. In the mixture, 20-10,000 parts by mass of the second metal particles are contained per 100 parts by mass of the first metal particles.
US07686981B1	Dispersions of conductive carbon materials and methods for preparing the same A method for preparing a dispersion of conductive carbon materials is provided. The method includes dissolving a sulfonated chitosan in an aqueous solution, wherein the amount of the sulfonated chitosan of the solution is about 0.1-3 wt %. Then, a conductive carbon material is added into the solution, and the conductive carbon material in the solution is dispersed across the solution. The conductive carbon material can be carbon black or carbon nanotube.
US07686975B2	Use of acylcyclohexanedione derivatives for improving the tolerance of plants to cold and/or frost The invention relates to the use of acylcyclohexanedione derivatives for improving the tolerance of plants to cold and/or frost.
US07686974B2	High energy density piezoelectric ceramic materials The present invention includes methods, devices, and compositions having improved piezoelectric characteristics with high energy density. Compositions of the present invention are ceramic materials of the formula: Pb[(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3]1−x[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3]x+Mn, where x is 0.05 to 0.20 and Mn is manganese in a form that is present from about 0.1 to 1.5 wt %. Suitable manganese forms as the starting material include MnCO3, MnO2, MnO, and Mn3O4. The compositions exhibit a high product of piezoelectric voltage constant and piezoelectric stress constant. The compositions are polycrystalline or textured with a dense microstructure and small grain. The piezoelectric voltage constant and piezoelectric stress constant obtained from such compositions are superior to those of conventional hard or soft ceramics and yield a magnitude product of the piezoelectric voltage constant and piezoelectric stress constant that is significantly higher than those reported in the literature or in available with commercial or conventional ceramic compositions.
US07686970B2	Imprint lithography A method for manufacturing a working template for use in imprint lithography is disclosed, which in an embodiment, involves contacting a first target region of an imprintable medium on a working template substrate with a master template to form a first imprint in the medium, the imprint defining a part of a working template pattern, separating the master template from the imprinted medium, contacting a second target region of the medium with the master template to form a second imprint in the medium, the second imprint defining a further part of the working template pattern, and separating the master template from the imprinted medium.
US07686969B2	Method for manufacturing door mold and door produced using the same The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a door mold and a door produced using a mold that is manufactured by the method. The method for manufacturing the door mold according to the present invention comprises a masking/sanding process of masking a non-etching area except an etching area of the mold and then finishing the etching area with sand to transfer a pattern on the etching area; a pattern forming process for forming the pattern on the etching area of the mold; a mesh forming process of forming a mesh on the etching area of the mold; a polishing process of performing polishing treatment by spraying glass beads on the etching area such that the degree of polish of the etching area can be uniformly maintained; and a mask removal/inspection process of performing anticorrosive treatment on the surface of the mold. Further, there is provided a door produced using the mold that is manufactured by the method.
US07686964B2	Method and device for washing of lime mud The method and an arrangement are for dewatering and washing lime slurry before the dewatered lime mud is passed to a lime mud kiln. The lime slurry is dewatered in a pressurized lime mud filter of disc or drum type. The pressurized lime mud filter is pressurized through a compressor drawing on its suction side (s) gas phase from the filtrate tank and pressurizing on the pressurized side (p) of the compressor the pressure vessel on the lime mud side of the filter. A certain pre-determined amount of gas phase in the gas circulation system is vented and an equivalent pre-determined amount of fresh air is added to the recycled gas phase with the aim of maintaining the partial pressure of oxygen gas above a certain minimum level.
US07686959B2	Control system and method for flash separation Provided are methods and apparatus for determining conditions for performing chromatography, particularly flash chromatography. The methods may be utilized for separating compounds in a sample in a column chromatography system. The method includes determining at least two retention factors corresponding to the TLC performance of a target compound and an adjacent compound and defining a sample loading amount and a solvent gradient profile using at least two solvents that will result in differential elution of the target and adjacent compounds from a chromatography column. The chromatography system and loading parameters may be selected to provide satisfactory separation of the target compound from adjacent compounds.
US07686954B2	Device for treating a flowing liquid A device for treating a flowing liquid comprises a chamber containing a treatment medium, having an inlet through which liquid enters the chamber and an outlet through which liquid leaves the chamber. A plate is provided in the outlet, having at least one opening extending through it positioned such that liquid passing out of the chamber passes through the opening for discharge from the device. The outlet includes a skirt located downstream of the plate so that the plate is recessed from the outlet end of the device defined by the edge of the skirt, and a peelable protective cover which is attached to the edge of the skirt at the outlet end of the device to prevent ingress of contaminants into the device at its outlet end.
US07686944B2	Process for recovering power from FCC product Disclosed is a process 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.
US07686940B2	Acoustic agglomeration to reduce fouling in thermal conversion processes This invention relates to a process for reducing fouling of equipment used in fluidized bed thermal conversion processes such as fluid coking and FLEXICOKING™. Acoustic energy is used to acoustically agglomerate fine mists created during the coking process. The agglomerated mists are then carried along with the circulating coke instead of depositing on coking equipment.
US07686936B1	Method for inhibiting fouling of a submerged surface A method for operating a system which inhibits the growth of marine organisms on a submerged surface causes a current to flow to one of two submerged surfaces over a time period that is selected as a function of the magnitude of the current and the area of the surface. In other words, the time period is determined as a function of the current density applied to the surface. In a particularly preferred embodiment the current density is maintained at approximately 35 milliamps per square foot and the time period is approximately four minutes. At the end of the time period, the current is reversed and a second submerged surface is polarized in a similar manner.
US07686935B2	Pad-assisted electropolishing Pad-assisted electropolishing of the substrate is conducted by performing anodic dissolution of metal at a first portion of the substrate and simultaneously mechanically buffing a second portion of the substrate with a buffing pad. Anodic dissolution includes forming a thin liquid layer of electropolishing liquid between the anodic substrate and a cathodic electropolishing head. The location of electrical contacts between the substrate and power supply allow peripheral edge regions of the substrate to be mechanically buffed with the pad. Preferably, a substrate is further planararized using an isotropic material-removal technique. An apparatus includes an electropolishing head that is movable to a position proximate to a first portion of a substrate to form a thin gap, and a buffing pad that mechanically buffs a second portion of the substrate using minimal pressure.
US07686930B2	Secure meter A compact multiparameter instrument for electrochemical measurements is described. The instrument facilitates rapid engagement and disengagement of a variety of sensor elements in such a manner as to prevent accidental mismatch of sensor elements and sensor input ports. Positive identification of specific sensors is ensured by including color marking or other indicia on the sensor connectors that are matched to corresponding markings on the meter body. Measurements of specific parameters such as temperature may readily be shared among all other sensors connected to the instrument. A method of rapidly reconfiguring the instrument to provide extended or different capabilities is described.
US07686928B2	Pressure switched dual magnetron A dual magnetron for plasma sputtering in which two distinctly different magnetrons are mounted on a common plate rotating about a central axis in back of a target. At least one of the magnetrons is switched on and off by changes in chamber pressure or target power while the other magnetron, if it does switch, switches in complementary fashion. When the two magnetrons are mounted at different radii, the switching effects a effective movement of the magnetron such that different areas of the target are exposed to a sputtering plasma. In particular, a small unbalanced magnetron may scan the target edge to produce a highly ionized sputter flux and a larger magnetron positioned near the center can be switched on to clean sputter material redeposited on the target center.
US07686926B2	Multi-step process for forming a metal barrier in a sputter reactor A multi-step process performed in a plasma sputter chamber including sputter deposition from the target and argon sputter etching of the substrate. The chamber includes a quadruple electromagnetic coil array coaxially arranged in a rectangular array about a chamber axis outside the sidewalls of a plasma sputter reactor in back of an RF coil within the chamber. The coil currents can be separately controlled to produce different magnetic field distributions, for example, between a sputter deposition mode in which the sputter target is powered to sputter target material onto a wafer and a sputter etch mode in which the RF coil supports the argon sputtering plasma. A TaN/Ta barrier is first sputter deposited with high target power and wafer bias. Argon etching is performed with even higher wafer bias. A flash step is applied with reduced target power and wafer bias.
US07686925B2	Silicon alloy coating of insulated wire Method and apparatus for sputter coating an insulated wire with a silicon and metal alloy, to provide the wire with sufficient surface conductivity to protect against build-up of electrostatic charge. A sputtering target of silicon has a metal plate positioned close enough to the sputtering site on the target to permit metal atoms to be dislodged by sputtered silicon, and deposited with the silicon to form an alloy. In the disclosed form of the invention, the wire is insulated with a polyimide material and the metal alloyed with silicon in the sputtered coating is stainless steel.
US07686922B2	Process and device for dewatering a fiber web A process and a device for dewatering a fiber web 3, especially a paper web, using vacuum. The vacuum seen by a given unit are of the web is pulsed between a maximum value V and a minimum value. At least one suction box 7 is provided with perforations beneath the running web where the vacuum is applied with a pulsating effect on the web.
US07686907B1	Phase-changing sacrificial materials for manufacture of high-performance polymeric capillary microchips A microchip with capillaries and method for making same is described. A sacrificial material fills microchannels formed in a polymeric substrate, the filled microchannels are covered by a top cover to form filed capillaries, and the sacrificial material is removed to form the microcapillaries. The sacrificial material fills the microchannels as a liquid whereupon it becomes solid in the microchannels, and is liquefied after the top cover is applied and affixed to remove the sacrificial material. The top cover may be solvent sealed on the substrate and of the same or different material as the substrate. The top cover may also be an in situ applied semipermeable membrane.
US07686904B2	Carbon filament ignition of combustion synthesis materials This invention generally pertains to self propagating high temperature synthesis or combustion synthesis as a way of bonding materials. The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for bonding, preferably carbon-carbon composite materials, by combustion synthesis. Generally, the invention involves providing at least two carbon-carbon composite parts to be bonded and interspersing a combustion synthesis material in between the parts with each part in contact with the combustion synthesis material. The combustion synthesis material is then ignited, which initiates the combustion synthesis reaction. Typically, a ceramic material is formed which immediately freezes, bonding the parts together.
US07686901B2	Gas generant compositions A gas generating composition 12 containing a polyvinylazole is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. A gas generating system 200 incorporates the polyvinylazole therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200.
US07686896B2	High-strength steel sheet excellent in deep drawing characteristics and method for production thereof A high-strength steel sheet is useful for applications to automobile steel sheets and the like and has excellent deep drawability, a tensile strength (TS) of as high as 440 MPa or more, and a high r value (average r value ≧1.2), and a process for producing the steel sheet. The steel sheet has a composition containing, by % by mass, 0.010 to 0.050% of C, 1.0% or less of Si, 1.0 to 3.0% of Mn, 0.005 to 0.1% of P, 0.01% or less of S, 0.005 to 0.5% of Al, 0.01% or less of N, and 0.01 to 0.3% of Nb, the Nb and C contents in steel satisfying the relation, (Nb/93)/(C/12)=0.2 to 0.7, and the balance substantially including Fe and inevitable impurities. The steel microstructure contains a ferrite phase and a martensite phase at area ratios of 50% or more and 1% or more, respectively, and the average r value is 1.2 or more.
US07686891B2	Method and apparatus for collecting chemicals from semiconductor wafer An apparatus and a method are provided for accurately analyzing and evaluating a degree of contamination on a chamfered part without mixing impurities from parts other than the chamfered part into chemicals. At a position in which, on a front plane flat part of a semiconductor wafer, a boundary region bordering the chamfered part can come into contact with the chemicals, a radius direction position of the chemicals (a distance between a chemicals center and a wafer center) is determined, scanning is performed in a circumference direction, and the chemicals including impurities are collected. Then, at a position that can be brought into contact with the both chamfered part of the semiconductor wafer and the boundary region, a radius direction position of the chemicals is determined, scanning is performed in the circumference direction and the chemicals including impurities are collected. A liquid drop holder is, for instance, relatively rotated in the circumference direction from a desired start point on the circumference of the semiconductor wafer to a finish point.
US07686890B2	Dishwasher control system A dishwasher includes a plurality of electrical wash system components connected to a control system constituted by a user interface controller and a main controller. The user interface controller includes a plurality of user input selectors for establishing model dependent operational parameters for a washing operation. The main controller broadcasts an information packet regarding a desired washing operation in the form of a first set of instructions associated the model dependent operational parameters and a second set of instructions associated with other dishwasher models. The dishwasher is then operated based upon the first set of instructions, while the second set of instructions are automatically filtered out.
US07686888B2	Cooling system for chamber of ingot growth arrangement Disclosed herein is a cooling system for a chamber of an ingot growth apparatus. In the present invention, guide blades (180) are provided in a base plate (100) at positions adjacent to unevenly curved parts of a guide line (170), which is the base plate (100), and along which cooling water flows. Furthermore, guide blades (360) are provided in a lid (300) at positions adjacent to ports, which are provided in the lid (300) and interfere with the flow of cooling water. As such, in the present invention, the guide blades are provided in the base plate (100) and the lid (300), which define the chamber, at positions at which cooling water creates stationary vortices, thus solving a problem of water stagnation, thereby increasing a cooling effect.
US07686886B2	Controlled shape semiconductor layer by selective epitaxy under seed structure A method for forming a structure of a desired cross-section on a substrate is provided. The method provides a seed structure comprising at least one support layer on the substrate. The support layer has a geometric shape related to the desired cross-section of the structure and is diffusive to a precursor constituent. The method further includes growing the structure by supplying at least one precursor constituent on the substrate. The desired cross-section of the structure is defined by the geometric shape of at least one support layer.
US07686881B2	Flame-hydrolytically produced titanium dioxide powder Flame-hydrolytically produced titanium dioxide powder that is present in the form of aggregates of primary particles, and has a BET surface of 20 to 200 m²/g, a half width (HW) [nm] of the primary particle distribution of HW = a×BETf where a = 670×10−9 m³/g and −1.3 ≤ f ≤ −1.0 and the proportion of particles with a diameter of more than 45 &mgr;m lies in a range from 0.0001 to 0.05 wt. %. The powder is produced by a process in which a titanium halide is vapourised at temperatures of less than 200°C., the vapours are transferred to a mixing chamber by means of a carrier gas of defined moisture content and, separately from this, hydrogen, primary air, which may optionally be enriched with oxygen and/or preheated, and steam are added to the mixing chamber, following which the reaction mixture is combusted in a reaction chamber sealed from the ambient air, secondary air is in addition introduced into the reaction chamber, the solid is then separated from gaseous substances, and following this the solid is treated with steam. The titanium dioxide powder may be used for the heat stabilisation of polymers.
US07686877B2	Pigmented tinting concentrates comprising a diels alder humectant The invention relates to pigmented tinting concentrates comprising a) stabilized pigments; b) humectant compounds obtainable by effecting a Diels Alder reaction at a temperature of 150-260° C. between a polyunsaturated compound and a co-reactant having the formula R1XOC—CH═CH—COXR2 or CH2═CH—COXR3 or CH2═CH(CH3)—COXR3 wherein X is oxygen or —NH— and wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a polyether moiety and any other of R1 and R2 is a polyether moiety or hydrogen and R3 is a polyether moiety.
US07686875B2	Electroless deposition from non-aqueous solutions A non-aqueous electroless copper plating solution that includes an anhydrous copper salt component, an anhydrous cobalt salt component, a non-aqueous complexing agent, and a non-aqueous solvent is provided.
US07686871B2	Integrated filter assembly An integrated filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a fastener that holds two substantially opposing elements of a housing together. Also included is a multi-purpose filter that has at least a particle filter component and a chemical filter component. The multi-purpose filter is attached to the fastener. The multi-purpose filter is within the housing when the fastener holds the two substantially opposing elements of the housing together.
US07686870B1	Expandable product rate portable gas fractionalization system An oxygen concentrator system that includes or can be expanded to include more than one compressor is provided. The system utilizes a controller that is adapted to selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the compressors to optimize system performance and efficiency. Multiple compressors can be selected to operate at the same time, thereby enabling the system to operate at a higher peak pressure, increase the recovery of the PSA cycle, and expand the product rate. The additional compressors can also be removed when not in use so as to reduce weight of the system. In some implementations, the system housing reserves a certain amount of space for accommodating additional compressors and related components, which can be added to the system as after market parts. In other implementations, the additional compressor can be located external to the system.
US07686863B1	Gypsum fertilizer products with polymer adjuvants Improved gypsum fertilizer compositions are provided by coating of naturally-occurring or synthesized gypsum with low pH maleic-itaconic copolymers. The preferred copolymers are aqueous dispersions of acid or partial salt maleic-itaconic copolymers, and are applied by spraying or other means onto the surface of gypsum and allowed to dry. The copolymer coatings increase the solubility of sulfate and Ca ions from the gypsum, allowing accelerated plant availability and uptake of such nutrients.
US07686862B1	Composite vane and method of manufacture A vane having a profile capable of formation by pultrusion is disclosed. The vane can be used for removing liquids entrained in a gas stream. The vane includes a main curved section oriented generally parallel to the gas stream and curved to reorient the gas stream, the main curved section causing a first and a second change of direction of the gas stream; a first air pocket formed on a first side of the main curved section, the first air pocket sized and oriented into the gas stream where the gas stream first changes direction; and a second air pocket formed on a second side of the main curved section, the second air pocket smaller than the first air pocket and sized and oriented into the gas stream where the gas stream makes the second direction change.
US07686853B2	Apparatus for interconnecting battery cells in a battery pack and method thereof A battery pack for a cordless power has a plurality of battery cells disposed in a housing. In an embodiment of the invention, battery cells are interconnected with a laminated plate structure having non-conductive layers interspersed with conductive layers, at least one of the conductive layers connected to the battery cells to interconnect them. In an embodiment of the invention, battery cells in a battery pack are interconnected with a flexible printed circuit board having conductive traces thereon that are attached to the battery cells to interconnect them. In an embodiment of the invention, a cordless power tool has one or the other of the foregoing battery packs. In an embodiment of the invention, the battery cells are Lithium Ion battery cells.
US07686844B2	Prosthetic valve for implantation in a body vessel Prosthetic valves for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Prosthetic valves according to the invention comprise first and second frame members and a graft member at least partially disposed between the first and second frame members. The graft member forms a valve that permits fluid flow through the body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow through the body vessel in a second, opposite direction.
US07686842B2	Endovascular stent graft A stent graft (10) with a stent frame (12) having a plurality of stents (16) connected together with monofilament line (22). A covering (14) of collagen having an extracellular matrix (ECM), such as small intestine submucosa (SIS), is disposed through the inside and over the outside of the stent frame. The covering (14) is affixed to the stent frame (12) such as by being sutured onto the stent frame at the ends of the stent frame and also at the connections of the stent bodies, such as at eyelets (24).
US07686838B2	External bullet anchor apparatus and method for use in surgical repair of ligament or tendon A surgical anchor device for the repair of a torn ligament or tendon, primarily the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, is used to affix the ligament within a femoral bone tunnel in the distal portion of the femur from the intra-articular surface, the device providing a pulley for a suture, wherein a free end of the suture may be pulled away from the device to draw the suture attached to the ligament graft within the femoral bone tunnel securing the ligament graft within the bone tunnel. Installation of the device is provided by insertion of the device through a tibial hole, through the femoral tunnel out of the lateral femoral cortex, pulling the attached sutures simultaneously to flatten the device against the lateral femoral cortex, attaching one end of the suture to the ligament graft and pulling the other end of the suture until the graft is situated properly within the femoral bone tunnel and tying the free end of the suture to retain the graft within the femoral bone tunnel.
US07686833B1	Ball jointed pedicle screw and rod system A pedicle screw assembly includes pedicle screw having a plurality of spaced-apart posts. A ball collet having a ball collet bore is seated on the pedicle screw between the posts and a rod is gripped by an inner surface of the ball collet bore. The assembly also includes a cap that is coupled to the posts, the cap applying a compressive force to the ball collet against a seat of said pedicle screw. A free end of the rod may be provided with various structures to enable such free end to be retained by another pedicle screw.
US07686832B2	Implant for spinal stabilization and its method of use A generally rectangular intra-spinous spacer preferably made of bone material advantageously has a low potential for bone fusion. The spacer has depressions sized and positioned on opposite sides to receive spinal processes. The depressions reduce the amount of bone-to-spinal process contact. A fixation strap of the spacer secured either to both the superior and inferior spinous processes or to only one of the superior or inferior processes laterally maintains the implanted position of the spacer and limits either flexion and extension, just flexion, or just extension.
US07686830B2	Suture anchoring device A suture anchoring device comprising (1) a first retaining member having a first surface, a second surface and a first outer edge; where the second surface lies in a first plane; the first retaining member having an opening that extends from the first outer edge to at least partially through the second surface to an inner point of the first retaining member; (2) a second retaining member having a third surface, a fourth surface and a second outer edge; where the third surface lies in a second plane, the second retaining member having a holding means; and (3) a coupler having a third outer edge and a cross-sectional area taken in a plane parallel to the first plane that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first retaining member taken in a plane parallel to the first plane; where the coupler joins the first retaining member to the second retaining member at the second surface and third surface; wherein the second and third surfaces are parallel to each other and non-coterminous.
US07686829B2	Wound closure product A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin tissue on an opposite side of the wound, and a line extending between the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus to movably connect the anchor to the tensioning apparatus. The line is fixedly engaged with an anchor on one side of the wound while the tensioning apparatus provides tension on the line to draw the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus toward each other and toward the wound.
US07686826B2	Surgical instrument The surgical instrument includes a distal tool, a rigid or flexible elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via distal and proximal bendable motion members. Actuation means extends between said distal and proximal members whereby any deflection of said control handle with respect to said elongated instrument shaft causes a corresponding bending of said distal motion member for control of said working member. A manually rotatable member is arranged adjacent to the control handle for manually rotating the instrument shaft and working member relative to the control handle.
US07686806B2	Anterior cervical plate An anterior cervical plate is adapted to engage at least two vertebrae along the anterior cervical spine. The plate comprises at least one cross connector member connecting two substantially parallel support bars. The anterior surface of the cross connector member is recessed for providing room for the esophagus. The posterior surface of the cross connector member extends slightly into the center of an intervertebral disc space for securing implanted bone graft material, and of course any other suitable intervertebral implant spacer. The preferred configuration of the cross connector member provides torsional resistance for the bone plate. At least two openings are formed in the plate for receiving a fastener therein for fixing the plate to the anterior cervical spine.
US07686801B2	Method and apparatus for indicating pressure in chest drainage devices An apparatus is provided for indicating the presence of pressure within a collection chamber of a device such as a chest drainage device. The apparatus includes a bladder configured to be positioned within the collection chamber or within another chamber in fluid flow communication with the collection chamber. The bladder has a concavity formed therein and configured to contract or expand in response to pressure in the collection chamber. The apparatus also includes surfaces associated with the bladder that are configured to move with respect to one another upon contraction or expansion of the concavity of the bladder, thereby indicating pressure within the collection chamber.
US07686800B2	Anti-recoil catheter A design is disclosed for a catheter assembly used during interventional and/or diagnostic procedures. The catheter includes a plurality of openings that allow for controlled fluid flow as the fluid exits the lumen of the catheter and can be inserted into the vascular system over a guidewire. As a result, the openings balance the fluid forces and, thereby, stabilize the distal tip to accommodate a wide range of injection parameters. The particular design of the catheter assembly of the present invention also reduces and/or eliminates recoil of the catheter tip during high volume injections, such as those associated with coronary or ventricular angiography.
US07686798B2	Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07686791B2	Emesis container A collapsible, hands-free emesis container is provided with improved portability, deployment and emesis reception characteristics. The container includes a receptacle for receiving emesis, a chute for directing emesis and a retainer to maintain desired positioning of the container about a support structure, which may be the neck of an impaired patient. The container may be provided in a package having size characteristics for easy storage and access by emergency medical service personnel.
US07686786B2	Dial-down mechanism for wind-up pen The present invention relates to a dial-down mechanism for an injection device comprising a torsion spring for assisting injection of a dose of medicament from the injection device, the dial-down mechanism comprising dial-up cam arranged to receive and engage with a dial-up key, wherein the dial-up cam and the dial-up key are adapted to, upon rotation of a dose setting member in a first direction, cooperate to strain the torsion spring of the injection device, and a dial-down cam arranged to receive and engage with a dial-down key, wherein the dial-down cam and the dial-down key are adapted to, upon rotation of the dose setting member in a second direction, cooperate to release the torsion spring of the injection device, the second rotation direction being opposite to the first rotation direction.
US07686777B2	Plasma lipids in-vitro filtering method and apparatus An in-vitro blood plasma lipids filtering method includes the following steps: separating out the blood plasma from the blood collection; flushing a filtering device with saline solution; controlling the pressure of the separated blood plasma; passing the blood plasma to the filtering device for filtering out lipids; controlling the temperature of the filtered blood plasma; and feeding the blood plasma back to the blood. The method is clearly effective and accurate, quick response indication, securer and safer, more tolerant, and the treatment time is short.
US07686775B2	Method and apparatus for multidirectional positioning of a shoulder The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manipulating a shoulder joint, by independently manipulating the upper arm in two directions. One direction is “longitudinal”, wherein the upper arm moves substantially along its longitudinal axis. The second is “lateral”, in which the upper arm moves laterally from a first to a second position, with the second position being spaced apart from the first and such that the longitudinal axes of the upper arm in the two positions are substantially parallel. The apparatus is adjustable, but includes two parts stationary during use; an elongate yet platelike “upper arm supporting plate” configured to be situated under the upper arm of the patient (extending proximate the armpit and extending proximate the elbow) and an elongate “forearm member” configured to be positioned proximate the forearm of the user when the user's arm is in position bent approximately 90 degrees. Two other elements cause controlled movement of the arm relative to the structure so the surgeon may perform the desired procedure. These inflatable bladders may be selectively inflated or deflated to provide a desired effect. These can be referenced as an “upper arm bladder” and a “forearm bladder”, although they may be also referenced as first and second bladders, although not necessarily in that order. By inflating the upper arm bladder, the upper arm is moved away from the upper arm supporting plate, causing perpendicular (a.k.a., “lateral”) force to occur to elevate the humerus perpendicularly from the glenoid to allow good clean glenoid work.
US07686774B2	Electromagnetic cushion providing knocking and oscillating massages to acupoints in male and female private body parts The invention relates to massages for acupoints in sensitive private parts of male and female private parts. It comprises a cushion shell, knocking and oscillating massagers for acupoints of the private parts, a sponge pad, an arc cover board, a bottom cover of cushion shell, a computer controlling board of integrated circuits and a hand-held switch controller. The knocking and oscillating head for massaging private parts is arranged and mounted at the position of the central line C of the cushion shell. An arc supporting plate for knocking and oscillating massages for private parts on it is installed at the massage head. The distances between each of the knocking massagers can be adjusted within a proper range. The benefits of the invention are its simple structure, good curative effect and convenience in use.
US07686773B2	Injection distraction device A system for mitigating pain in a patient associated with needle penetration in the administration of medication, and in particular to a vibratory device configured to be utilized with a variety of existing hand-held intra-oral dental drills or like devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a disposable or non-disposable vibratory tip formed to engage an off-the-shelf intra-oral dental drill, the vibratory tip utilizing an off-axis weight associated with a shaft drive engaging the dental drill, to provide a vibratory sensation to an application tip, the application tip configured to engage an area of a patient's mouth targeted for the subsequent needled administration of local anesthetic, or other medication. In use, the application tip is applied to the patient, the dental drill is engaged to rotate the shaft drive of the vibratory tip, vibrating same for period of time, so as to decrease the sensation of pain associated with the subsequent needle penetration.
US07686770B2	Discrete or continuous tissue capture device and method for making Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.
US07686766B2	Medical diagnostic ultrasound instrument with ECG module, authorization mechanism and methods of use A handheld ultrasound instrument is disclosed having enhanced diagnostic modes including pulse/continuous wave Doppler, time-motion analysis, spectral analysis and tissue harmonic imaging. An external electrocardiograph (ECG) recording unit is also disclosed. The ECG unit is adaptable to be used with the handheld ultrasound instrument to provide for ECG monitoring while performing an ultrasound scan in B-mode, Doppler, color Doppler, M-mode, and CW/PW mode. The enhanced handheld ultrasound instrument further includes a security mechanism allowing any combination of the diagnostic modes to be enabled by the manufacturer, and later to enable or disable any one or group of the diagnostic modes. The invention also discloses a method for a manufacturer to maintain a database of handheld ultrasound instrument capabilities after the instruments enter the stream of commerce.
US07686762B1	Wireless device and system for monitoring physiologic parameters A system for monitoring blood pressure and other physiologic parameters is provided. The system is designed such that it can be delivered to the patient with ease and minimal invasion. The system contains at least one self contained implantable sensing device consisting of a sensor, an electrical circuit for signal conditioning and magnetic telemetry, a biocompatible outer surface and seal, an anchoring method, and an external readout device. The implant is small in size so that it may be delivered to the desired location and implanted using a catheter, although direct surgical implantation is also possible. The circuit, sensor, and antenna for telemetry are packaged together and sealed hermetically to the biologic environment. The larger readout unit remains outside the body but proximal to the implant for minimizing communication distance.
US07686761B2	Method of detecting proper connection of an endoscope to an endoscope processor A method detects proper connection of an endoscope to an endoscope processor by measuring pressure pulses applied to the connection point. The method can include measuring for the pressure pulses at a second connection point on the endoscope processor and measuring for a beat frequency produced variations in the frequency of pressure pulses input at each connection point. The method can also include looking for echoes of the pressure pulsations from physical structures within a lumen of the endoscope connected to the connection point.
US07686760B2	Transobturator surgical articles and methods Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for a transobturator surgical procedure are described.
US07686753B2	Bottom finishing station components for a cup making machine A cup making machine has a bottom finishing station provided with a mandrel for holding a sidewall blank and a bottom blank such that a flap portion of the sidewall blank is folded around a lip of the bottom blank. The bottom finishing station has a seam clamp engageable with overlapped edges of the sidewall blank to form a side seam, and a clamp ring selectively movable into engagement with the seam clamp. The clamp ring includes an annular wall forming a recess for receiving a rotatable tool which presses against the flap portion and the lip to form a bottom seal. Part of the seam clamp protrudes into the clamp ring, and part of the clamp ring protrudes into the seam clamp to form a bridge acting against the overlapped side seam at the top of the lip.
US07686749B2	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.
US07686748B2	Inertial exerciser and entertainment device The inertial exerciser and entertainment device includes a central axle on which is mounted pair of pendulums. Each pendulum includes an elongated pendulum rod, a spherical weight provided on one end of the pendulum rod, and an eyelet provided on the other end. The pendulum rods and the spherical weights of the exerciser are configured such that when the pendulums are mounted on the common axle, side by side, the spherical weights are aligned and are configured to oscillate and collide in the same plane.
US07686745B2	Method for torso muscle lengthening Posture improvement by conducting a set of stretch protocols with an inelastic strap which lengthen front torso muscles in order to reduce forward head position, and to decrease rounded shoulders. Posture improvement is monitored by periodically taking hip to rib, sternum to shoulder, and shoulder to shoulder measurements. The protocols may be performed at home, or in groups such as company sponsored activity. The strap may include markings to permit a participant to readily determine desired hand positions on the strap for a stretch protocol.
US07686744B2	Scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions.
US07686743B2	Elliptical rock climber exercise apparatus The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates lateral rock climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Each pedal follows a separate elongate curve with lateral movement. As one pedal moves downward on the inside portion of one pedal curve, the other pedal moves sideways upward following the outer portion of the other pedal curve. A pair of cranks rotate in opposite directions when driven by the pedal movement. The orientation of the pedal curves is adjustable to exercise leg muscles differently. Arm exercise is positioned above the shoulders of an operator to simulate rock climbing and is coordinated with the foot pedal movements.
US07686742B2	Exercise desk An exercise desk that may be attached to a piece of exercise equipment is disclosed that that has an adjustable desk top. By providing an adapter capable of independent adjustment of the desk top, horizontal position of the adapter and vertical position of the adapter, the exercise desk may be mounted to a variety of exercise devices. Furthermore, the desk top is selectively pivotable.
US07686736B2	Shift and throttle management during cruise control A control system for regulating operation of a vehicle having a transmission driven by an engine during a cruise control mode includes a first module that determines an operating point of the vehicle and that compares the operating point to one of a shift line and a torque converter clutch (TCC) release line. A second module regulates a throttle of the engine to maintain the operating point a threshold distance from the one of the shift line and the TCC release line, when the operating point is at the threshold distance.
US07686735B2	Continuously variable power-branched transmission, and a method for regulating a continuously variable power-branched transmission A continuously variable power-branched transmission for a motor vehicle, including an input shaft, a variable speed drive unit having pairs of conical disks and a continuously variable transmission ratio, a gear system, and an output shaft. Two control clutches connect the variable speed drive unit and the gear system so that when going through the entire transmission ratio range of the power-branched transmission the adjustment range of the variable speed drive unit is passed through a plurality of times. The transmission also includes rotational speed sensors and a controller that determines whether a change in rotational speed is triggered by a change in the transmission ratio, and when it is not triggered by a change in the transmission ratio, the controller adjusts the variable speed drive unit so that the change in rotational speed not triggered by a change in the transmission ratio is compensated.
US07686734B2	Apparatus and method of using a hardness differential and surface finish on mating hard gears An apparatus and method for finishing the mating surfaces of a gear set or gear train includes at least a first and a second rotatably connected gear element in dynamic, lubricated contact and rotating at different cycle rates. A hardness differential is employed between mating gear surfaces to balance surface damage imparted by friction and plastic deformation. The mating surfaces are of a hardness of at least approximately 70 on the Rockwell superficial hardness scale (70HR-30N), and are subjected to a polishing process, such as isotropic chemical finishing, to shape the surface asperity profile, thereby reducing accumulative damage due to friction and plastic deformation.
US07686731B2	Wide ratio transmission with four planetary gear sets and three fixed interconnections The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and tree fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07686730B2	Multiple speed automatic transmission A multiple speed transmission includes an input and output; a first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and pinions supported on the carrier and meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear; a first epicyclic gearing assembly including the first gear set, the second gear set, a first clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and first, second, third and fourth rotating members, said first clutch being operable to couple said first rotating member to the input, said first brake being operable to hold said fourth rotating member against rotation, and said second brake being operable to hold said second rotating member against rotation; and a second epicyclic gearing assembly including the third gear set, the fourth gear set, a second clutch, a third clutch, a third brake, and fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rotating members, the third rotating member being secured to the eighth rotating member, said second control clutch being operable to couple said fifth rotating member to the input, said second control clutch being operable to couple said seventh rotating member to the input, said third brake being operable to hold the seventh rotating member against rotation, and said sixth rotating member being secured for rotation to the output.
US07686727B2	Lubrication system for high speed planet gears A lubrication system is provided for a planetary gear train. The system includes an oil supply that disperses oil to a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing purges the oil radially outward. A strategically placed molded cavity collects and channels the oil from the thrust bearing into the planet bearings. Features in a planet gear carrier and a planet gear face washer can form the oil flow path. The washer can have a further feature for expelling the oil after the planet bearings are lubricated. By using the planet gear end face washer, this arrangement allows for the cavity to be cast rather than machined to thereby reduce the cost of increasing the flow of oil into the planet bearings.
US07686717B2	Hydraulic tensioner A tensioner for a traction drive includes a cylinder arranged in a housing at a distance to a housing wall to thereby define an interior space which contains hydraulic fluid. A piston is received in the cylinder for back-and-forth movement and bounds a pressure chamber containing hydraulic fluid. The piston has a cylinder-distal end which is operatively connected to a spring-biased tension roller supported on a traction member. Formed between the piston and the cylinder is a leakage gap, and a reservoir for hydraulic fluid is provided in an area of the leakage gap to prevent ingress of air into the pressure chamber, when the traction drive is at a rest.
US07686716B2	Drive sprocket wheel slide restricting structure of bicycle transmission In a bicycle transmission, a driven sprocket wheel body includes a plurality of driven sprocket wheels which are connected with a drive sprocket wheel by an endless chain. A derailleur is provided for changing over the winding of the endless chain among the plurality of driven sprocket wheels. The drive sprocket wheel is prevented from moving beyond a given range even when an excessive external force is applied to the drive sprocket wheel at the time of traveling. A slide member is movable in the axial direction of a drive shaft and is provided between the drive shaft and a drive sprocket wheel. A drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member is provided which sandwiches the drive sprocket wheel position setting member and moves in the axial direction of the drive shaft together with the drive sprocket wheel.
US07686706B2	Golf club head This invention provides a golf club head including a head main body, a face plate and a hollow portion. The head main body includes an opening in a face portion, and the opening is provided with a plurality of pawls to receive the face plate which is to fit in the opening. The pawls include a large pawl and a small pawl. The large pawl is arranged in each of a heel-side upper portion and a toe-side lower portion and the small pawl is arranged in at least either one of a heel-side lower portion and a toe-side upper portion when the opening is divided into four vertically and horizontally about a face center as the center. The face plate is fitted in the opening and fixed by welding.
US07686704B2	Iron-type golf clubs The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron.
US07686703B2	Practice device for corrected golf swing A practice device for corrected golf swing basically comprises a frame which is relatively long in one direction and a pair of strip-shaped members extending in alignment with each other in the one direction so as to define a straight target line. The frame includes a pair of space defining members extending in the one direction in parallel to each other leaving a space therebetween so that said space is adjustable. The strip-shaped members linearly extend outward in the one direction from respective middle locations on the lines connecting respective pairs of the frame ends which are opposed in a direction orthogonal to said one direction, respectively.
US07686701B2	Shaft behavior automatic measuring system A shaft behavior automatic measuring system 2 according to the present invention includes a metal member 14 provided on a surface of a shaft 8 in a golf club 4, and a radar device 6 to be a Doppler radar. The radar device 6 has at least one transmitting portion for emitting a radar wave to the metal member 14 in the golf club 4 during a swing and at least three receiving portions 16 for receiving the radar wave reflected from the metal member 14. The shaft behavior automatic measuring system 2 includes a calculating portion for calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the metal member 14 based on a signal received by the at least three receiving portions 16. A coating material containing metal powder, a resin sheet containing metal powder, a metallic foil and a metallic thin film are taken as an example of the metal member 14.
US07686699B2	Wearable golf swing training aid and method of using the same A wearable swing training aid for golfers, for use in association with a golf swing which includes a take-away portion and an impact, to follow through portion. The aid has a guide to guide one arm of said golfer during said take-away portion of said golf swing and a limiter to limit movement of the other arm of the golfer past the golfers body during the follow through portion of the golf swing. An adjustable belt is used for securing and positioning the guide and the limiter of the swing training aid onto the body of a golfer. The guide and the limiter are positioned to cause said golfer to move said arms in a controlled manner through said golf swing to thereby limit the position of the golfer through the golf swing to mimic an preferred golf swing. A further aspect of the invention is a method of using the wearable swing training aid to learn a preferred golf swing.
US07686694B2	Gaming machine having components located in a bumper recess A gaming machine includes a bumper which is preferably positioned at the front-most portion of a play area of the gaming machine. The bumper defines a recessed area. Gaming machine components such as player input devices including a keypad, buttons, and/or card reader slot, or other components such as a ticket printer slot and/or bill validator slot, are located at or in the recessed portion of the bumper of the gaming machine.
US07686691B2	Satisfaction of financial obligations in a virtual environment via virtual and real world currency The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure includes methods and systems for allowing game players to secure in-game contracts using credit systems such as credit cards or other financial instruments. The disclosure further provides methods and systems for providing virtual and/or real world financial penalties to game players and/or player characters who default on in-game agreements.
US07686674B2	Cup attaching apparatus A cup attaching apparatus for attaching a cup to an eyeglass lens, comprises: a lens mount on which the lens is to be mounted; at least three support pins provided on the lens mount to support the lens when a rear refractive surface of the lens is brought in contact with the support pins; a holding unit adapted to hold the support pins so that a supporting plane defined by the support pins is inclinable; a lens clamp for clamping the lens in cooperation with the lens mount when the lens is mounted on the lens mount; at least three presser pins provided on the lens clamp to clamp the lens when a front refractive surface of the lens is brought in contact with the presser pins; and a locking unit adapted to keep the supporting plane defined by the support pins in a substantially horizontal position when the lens is not clamped between the lens mount and the lens clamp.
US07686665B2	Manufacturing method of a printed matter and a printed matter The present invention is related to a printed matter on which thin film is formed by a printing method. Functional organic thin film is formed in little process with highly precise on a substrate without water absorbing property sectioned by partition walls. According to the current invention, the printing that accuracy is preferable can be achieved only by alignment in only one direction. In addition, yield of manufacture of printed matter is preferable. In addition, configuration of partition wall is configuration that printing plate is easy to approach one part of partition wall. Therefore, ink is transferred surely from printing plate to a substrate. Even more particularly, problem such as disconnection of the functional layer or substrate on partition wall when the functional layer or substrate is laminated on a top face of printed matter can be prevented.
US07686657B1	Cigarette lighter adapter with USB connector A cigarette lighter adapter with USB connector, includes a first casing engagable with a second casing, the first and the second casings cooperatively defining a plug portion and a holding portion, a circuit board, a contact terminal, a fixed spring contact, a USB connector having an insertion opening, a rotating means, and a transmission wire electrically connected to the circuit board, wherein a sleeve having a plug hole corresponding to the insertion opening is mounted to the engaged first and the second casings and is able to rotate about the holding portion by means of the rotating means to locate the plug hole facing the insertion opening in an insertion position or to shield the insertion opening, whereby to protect the USB connector and keep dust out of the USB connector.
US07686651B2	Sensor apparatus The sensor module has four internal terminals that include a first ground terminal, a second ground terminal, an output signal terminal, and a power terminal, three external terminals are connected to the first ground terminal, the output signal terminal, and the power terminal, respectively, a sensor main body portion is obtained by molding the sensor module to which the external terminals are connected integrally in a insulating resin, and a connector connecting portion and a mount portion are molded integrally with the sensor module in this sensor main body portion. With this system, different orders of arrangement of the three external terminals may be formed while insuring that capacitors may be mounted between certain terminals without spanning other wiring patterns.
US07686646B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a mount plate and a metallic housing. The metallic housing includes a metallic frame and at least one hook-shaped rib which extend from the metallic frame and are used to hold the mount plate. The mount plate is made of low-cost material to replace expensive side tab extending from the metallic housing. Thus, size of mould for the metallic housing is decreased, scraps is fewer and cost is lowered.
US07686645B2	Apparatus and method of zeroing a test instrument An apparatus and method for shorting together a plurality of electrical leads. The apparatus includes an electrical conductor that extends between first and second ends and a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The electrical conductor includes a central bight that is disposed between the first and second ends and has a concave contour that defines a portion of the first surface. The electrical conductor also includes first and second bights that have convex contours that define portions of the first surface. The first bight is disposed between the central bight and the first end and the second bight is disposed between the central bight and the second end. The electrical conductor also includes a first and second contact segments that are respectively disposed between the first and second bights and the first and second ends.
US07686643B2	Method and apparatus for visual indication in cable network systems A cable network system includes a distribution assembly having a plurality of visual indicators mounted thereto, and a jack assembly removably coupled to the distribution assembly. The jack assembly has a plurality of jacks configured to receive cables of the cable network system therein. The visual indicators provide an indication of a status of a respective one of the jacks, and the jack assembly is removable from the distribution assembly while the visual indicators remain mounted to the distribution assembly.
US07686641B2	Wire piercing electrical connector A wire piercing connector assembly, including a body including a cavity having two or more conductive protrusions, a disk connectable into the cavity, the disk including a first side and a second side, a plurality of channels extending from the first side to the second side of the disk, wherein each channel includes two first openings on the first side and one second opening on the second side, two or more wires, each wire extending into one of the first openings of one of the channels and at least partially out another of the first openings of the channel, and wherein at least one of the conductive protrusions extends into the second opening of the channel and at least partially pierces the wire to establish an electrical connection between the at least one conductive protrusion and the wire.
US07686639B2	Electrical card connector having clips to increase retaining force for cards An electrical card connector (100) includes an insulating housing (10), a metal shield (30) defining a plurality of channels (110, 142, 141), a terminal module (20) with a plurality of contacts (21) received therein and a clip. The metal shield shields over the insulating housing for defining a card receiving space. The clip includes a pair of first elastic pieces (40) and a second elastic piece (50). The first elastic piece forms a first contact portion (42) and a second contact portion (41). The first contact portion protrudes into the card receiving space for connecting with an inserted card (70). The second elastic piece forms a flexible arm (51) interfering with the second contact portion.
US07686634B2	Charging connector The invention relates to a charging connector, comprising a plug provided with a plug housing and a socket outlet provided with a socket outlet housing, wherein the plug housing and the socket outlet housing each comprise standard fixing holes for fixing a handle in an interchangeable manner, wherein the charging connector is additionally provided with interchangeable adapters for fluid lines and/or pilot contacts, wherein the adapters are arranged on the interchangeable handles and can be fixed therewith to the charging plug housing and/or socket outlet housing.
US07686631B1	Electrical connector with a latch mechanism An electrical connector includes a generally box-shaped connector housing and a lever. The lever is pivotally connected to the connector housing and is operative to move from a first fixed position to a second fixed position. In the first fixed position, the lever is releasably connected to the connector housing to prevent the lever from moving towards the second fixed position. In the second fixed position, the lever is releasably connected to the connector housing to prevent the lever from moving towards the first fixed position. Upon releasing the lever from the first fixed position, the lever is operative to pivotally move from the first fixed position to the second fixed position. The electrical connector is adapted for matable connection with a workpiece connector.
US07686630B2	Connector including foreign body preventing unit including blocking sheet member and locking unit A connector includes a male connector including plural male terminals, a first body provided with the plural male terminals, and a first terminal housing formed with a first housing opening facing respective ends of the plural male terminals, and a female connector including plural female terminals paired with the plural male terminals, a female terminal box formed with plural female terminal openings facing ends of the plural female terminals respectively, and a second body provided with the plural female terminals and the female terminal box. The connector further includes foreign body preventing means for preventing a foreign body from being mixed into the specified receiving space of the first terminal housing. The foreign body preventing means includes a blocking sheet member enclosed in the specified receiving space of the first terminal housing for blocking or substantially blocking the first housing opening, and plural male terminal openings through which the male terminals pass at specified positions respectively in the blocking sheet member.
US07686628B2	Electrical connector with improved contact An electrical connector includes an insulating housing (1) defining a first direction and a plurality of conductive contacts (20) arrayed in the housing along the first direction. The contacts are divided into a first type and a second type and each includes a soldering portion extending out the insulating housing. The soldering portion of the second type is wider than that of the first type and distances between every adjacent soldering portions of the first and second type are the same.
US07686627B2	Rail-type grounding terminal structure having a spring latch A rail-type grounding terminal structure composed of a metal grounding member and an insulating housing. The grounding member has better operation elasticity and can be easily tightly connected with a grounding rail. The grounding member includes a metal insertion leg mountable on a leaf spring mount, a bow section connected with the metal insertion leg and a first end and a second end respectively outward extending from the bow section and latched on a grounding rail. The metal insertion leg has a slightly outward deflected head end and a neck wall formed thereunder. When the metal insertion leg is mounted on the leaf spring mount, the leaf spring mount exerts a reaction force to urge the grounding member to tightly attach to lower side of the housing. Therefore, a gap is defined between the grounding member and the housing for a serviceman to separate the grounding member from the rail or connect the grounding member with the rail.
US07686626B2	Rail-type grounding terminal having a two piece spring latch structure A rail-type grounding terminal structure composed of a metal grounding member and an insulating housing. The amount of waste material produced in manufacturing of the grounding member is reduced. In addition, the grounding member has larger contact face to increase current value. Also, the grounding member can be easily tightly connected with a grounding rail. The grounding member is divided into two parts with predetermined configurations respectively. The grounding member includes a metal insertion leg mounted on a leaf spring mount and a bow section connected with the metal insertion leg. The bow section has a first end and a second end. The first and second ends outward extend and are latched on the grounding rail. The metal insertion leg has a head end, a slope and a shoulder section. The slope and the shoulder section are formed under the head end. The grounding terminal is operable to separate from or connect with the rail.
US07686623B2	Electronic device including printed circuit board, connector and case An electronic device includes a printed circuit board, a connector mounted on the printed circuit board, and a case housing the printed circuit board. The connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals arranged in the housing. The case has an opening portion on one side thereof and the housing covers the opening portion. The case includes a wall having a case-side fixing part and a case-side engaging part at a portion adjacent to the opening portion. The housing has a housing-side fixing part and a housing-side engaging part. The case-side fixing part engages with the housing-side fixing part for fixing the housing to the case. The case-side engaging part engages with the housing-side engaging part for restricting the portion of the case adjacent to the opening portion from separating from the housing.
US07686617B2	Manufacturing of three-dimensional topographical scale models for the purpose of science The invention shows the method to create a high accuracy topographical scale model for the purpose of science by using multi layered/laminated materials. The invention is based on and involves the following steps: The geometry and the data of terrain are measured, collected, and recorded; The data is entered into a computer and design components are added, if needed; Based on these data a three-dimensional surface is created; A block of multi-layered/laminated materials made of a combination of veneers, or machinable dividers/layers, laminated one on the top of another, is constructed. Based on the three-dimensional surface, a program for a C.N.C machine is generated; Based on the program, the C.N.C. machine cuts/removes the excess material from the block of multi-layered materials. The three-dimensional surface, contour lines, elevations, outlines, and edges are then exposed automatically and are easy visually measurable.
US07686614B2	Dental handpiece drive train with non-intersecting axes A dental handpiece includes a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions disposed at an ergonomic angle to each other. A drive gear extends from the second portion toward the first portion. The drive gear has a first axis of rotation and rotatably drives at least one driven gear having a second axis of rotation. The at least one driven gear is operatively connected to a bur disposed in the first portion to rotatably drive the bur about a third axis of rotation. The drive gear and the at least one driven gear do not include a taper gear or a face gear.
US07686613B2	Narrow ceramic self-ligating orthodontic bracket A ceramic orthodontic bracket has a centrally located clip for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The body of the bracket includes a mesial section, a distal section, and a bridge section, wherein the bridge section extends through, and retains, the clip. The bridge section also includes a recess adjacent to the bridge section that facilitates debonding of the bracket from a patient' s tooth. Preferably there are gaps on one or both sides of the clip to allow space for debonding of the bracket by applying a mesial-distal compressive force on the bracket and fracturing the bracket along the recess. This configuration allows the overall mesial-distal width of the bracket to be reduced, thereby facilitating the bonding of brackets to narrow and/or maloccluded teeth. Another embodiment includes a stop member that is connected to the base of the bracket and retains the clip on the bridge section.
US07686602B1	Slippers for rollers in a roller vane pump A roller vane pump that uses slippers on its rollers to create multiple seals. The roller vane pump has a fixed cam ring that has a rotor within. The rotor has openings that receive rollers that rotate about the inside of the cam ring. Each roller has a slipper rotatably connected thereto. The use of the slipper allows multiple seals to be created between the slipper, the rollers, and the cam ring and additionally allows for the roller vane pump to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise without the changing of parts.
US07686601B2	High pressure telescoping gear pumps and motors Rotary seals in a telescoping gear pump/motor a feature that allows the seal to shift radially relative to other components while maintaining the seal integrity and without compromising the function of the bearings or the bushings needed to bear the load.
US07686594B2	Refrigerant compressor arrangement The invention concerns a refrigerant compressor arrangement with a compressor having a suction inlet, a casing, in which the compressor is located, a suction socket, which is in communication with the casing, a suction opening in the casing, which is connected with the suction socket, and a telescopic pipe, which is located between the suction inlet and the suction opening in the casing. It is endeavored to manufacture a refrigerant compressor arrangement in a cost-effective manner. For this purpose, the suction opening is surrounded by a drawing through in the casing wall, whose inner wall forms a sliding surface for the telescopic pipe.
US07686572B2	Pump comprising an axial balancing system A pump for the drawing-in of a fluid, including at least one centrifugal wheel having a fluid inlet edge and a fluid outlet edge, the pump further including an axial balancing system with a high-pressure flow space defined between the housing and an upstream face of the centrifugal wheel. The axial balancing system further includes a device for substantially increasing the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid circulating in the high-pressure flow space during operation of the pump.
US07686563B2	Coupling apparatus for releasably coupling hydraulically powered work implements to a work vehicle A coupling apparatus for releasably coupling a hydraulically activated work implement to a work vehicle includes an implement attachment device for attaching a work implement to a work vehicle, a first coupling assembly, and a second coupling assembly. The implement attachment device includes a forward side for facing the work implement and a rearward side for facing the work vehicle, first mounting members extending from the rearward side for mounting the implement attachment device to at least one boom arm of the work vehicle, and second mounting members for mounting the implement attachment device to the work implement. The first hydraulic coupling assembly extends from the rearward side, and includes a first coupler configured for fluid communication with a hydraulic power source on the work vehicle. The second hydraulic coupling assembly is mountable to the work implement, and includes a second coupler configured for fluid communication with a hydraulic system of the work implement, the second coupler being shaped and configured for engaging the first coupler. The first coupler is movable between a retracted position and an extended position so as to selectively engage the first coupler with the second coupler when the work implement is attached to the implement attachment device and the second hydraulic coupling assembly is mounted to the work implement, for placing the hydraulic system of the work implement in fluid communication with the hydraulic power source.
US07686559B2	Article transport facility and a method of operating the facility An article transport facility includes a plurality of mobile bodies movable along a single track for transporting articles, and a control device for controlling movement of the mobile bodies. The control device is capable of executing a joint moving operation for moving the mobile bodies in combination. In this operation, a first mobile body which is one of the mobile bodies pushes a second mobile body which is another of the mobile bodies.
US07686545B2	Bulk material storage facilities with access chases and/or internal filling structures A storage facility includes a storage structure having a floor and a boundary wall upwardly extending therefrom, the floor and boundary wall bounding a chamber adapted to receive bulk material. A transfer pipe includes a base section that extends outside of the storage structure and a raised section disposed and upwardly extending within the chamber. The transfer pipe terminates at an outlet port disposed in an upper portion of the chamber. A pump is coupled with the transfer pipe for conveying bulk material through the transfer pipe and into the chamber.
US07686541B2	Method of containing a spill The disclosure shows an apparatus and a method for containing a spill of petroleum product. The inventive apparatus and method each include the assembly pliable building blocks of a generally rectangular shape that surrounds an internal void. The blocks form a wall by stacking successive horizontal rows of building blocks such that the respective internal voids vertically align, thereby forming adjacent columnar voids within the wall. The columnar voids are then filled with an adsorbent material that will cling to the petroleum product.
US07686538B2	Portable vibratory screed with bubble vial inclination indication system A portable vibratory screed includes a blade that is connected to a handle constructed to be manipulated by an operator. Nodes of minimum vibrational amplitude are formed at specific locations along the length of the blade when the exciter is driven at a rated operating speed. A site level and/or the handle is attached to the blade at or in the vicinity of one or more of these nodes, therefore, is relatively isolated from induced vibrations.
US07686526B2	Document feeder device A document feeder device is disclosed. The document feeder device includes a frame and at least one cantilevered roller shaft for advancing a document, where an unsupported end of the at least one cantilevered roller shaft floats. The document feeder device eliminates the need for a rigid frame to support the unsupported end. This decreases the cost of production by eliminating the need for additional frame hardware and/or more rigid frame hardware. The document feeder device can be implemented in existing designs.
US07686521B2	Zero force socket for laser / photodiode alignment The present invention relates to the use of zero force sockets to provide power to an optical device, such as a laser diode or photodiode, during active alignment of the optical device. The zero force sockets can be repeatedly changed between an open position for insertion and removal of optical device leads with minimal drag and a closed position for securing and providing power to the optical device leads. A pneumatically driven air cylinder can be used to open and/or close the zero force sockets. Devices for securing the optical device leads in place include, for example, lead clamps, which close upon conductive sleeves into which the optical device leads have been inserted, and conductive leaf springs, which close (when a pneumatic plunger is withdrawn) upon the laser diode leads, securing them in place and providing a conductive pathway.
US07686514B2	Wiper for linear motion guide apparatus A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap and a wiper device attached to each side of the slider, the wiper device includes two wiping members to be easily and detachably attached to each of the end cap without tools and fasteners. The wiping members each include one or more projections or one or more latches for engaging with the end cap and for anchoring and positioning the wiping members to the end cap without tools and fasteners. The end cap includes a space separated into two chambers and for receiving the wiping members respectively. The wiping members each include a soft wiping portion for resiliently engaging with the guide rail.
US07686511B2	Angular irradiation in an upright treatment system An upright treatment system including a source housing including a radiation source operable to emit an orientated radiation beam, a source positioner operable to rotate the source housing through an elevation angle about a source housing elevation rotation axis which generally intersects a center of gravity of the source housing, and a target positioner operable to position a target linearly along a generally vertical target rotation axis for interception with the radiation beam, wherein the target positioner is further operable to rotate the target about the target rotation axis.
US07686500B2	Method and apparatus for acoustically controlling liquid solutions in microfluidic devices Acoustic energy is used to control motion in a fluid. According to one embodiment, the invention directs acoustic energy at selected naturally occurring nucleation features to control motion in the fluid. In another embodiment, the invention provides focussed or unfocussed acoustic energy to selectively placed nucleation features to control fluid motion. According to one embodiment, the invention includes an acoustic source, a controller for controlling operation of the acoustic source, and one or more nucleation features located proximate to or in the fluid to be controlled.
US07686498B2	Support structure for a light source, a backlight unit for a display device having the support structure, and a display device A support structure for a light source prevents the occurrence of a contact noise caused by contact of the light source with elements disposed around it due to vibrations. In the support structure, at the front of a backlight unit, cold cathode tubes as light sources and optical sheets for controlling the properties of light emitted from the cold cathode tubes are placed, and a frame substantially in the shape of a square with an opening is attached thereto from the front, so that rubber holders attached to the ends of the cold cathode tubes and the edges of the optical sheets are secured while disposed between the backlight unit and the frame.
US07686492B2	Film illumination system An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.
US07686485B1	Outdoor deck lighting system A lighting assembly designed to fit within a rail post. The lamp post assembly focuses light toward the ground to prevent sending light into the night sky or into the eyes of users. The lamp assembly fits within a post to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The lamp assembly can be installed in existing post configurations or installed with a new post. The lamp assembly also hides the wiring necessary for the lamp from view, thus providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
US07686484B2	Ceiling-mounted troffer-type light fixture A ceiling-mounted troffer-type light fixture for illumination. The fixture comprises a body with a first flange having at least one hook-receiving opening and a second flange with a suspension-member-receiving opening. A cover includes a rectangular frame, at least one catch-arm and at least one suspension member. Frame fasteners along the frame engage the perimeter in a closed position. One-person attaching/closing and removal of the cover for maintenance is facilitated by the cover being supported in an open position, suspended position and fully engaged with the body in a closed position.
US07686482B2	Lamp with sail-like overhead element, preferably for improving acoustics, room formation, and indirect lighting of workplaces A light fixture shining light upward has a mast with a base or is attached to room or furniture systems. In order to improve the acoustics or a room, structure of a room, and/or for the indirect lighting of workplaces, a canopy element including a textile canopy and a frame stretching the textile canopy has at least one shaft-like element of the frame located eccentrically relative to the canopy, and is attached to the light-fixture mast or another part of the light fixture shining light upward.
US07686481B1	Illumination apparatus, method, and system for converting pseudo-collimated radiant energy into a predetermined pattern in angle space with controlled intensity A radiant energy redirecting apparatus, method, and system. In one aspect, it comprises two radiant energy distribution surfaces, each surface comprised of a multiplicity of equivalently shaped linear distribution elements, where each surface acts to distribute radiant energy in orthogonal directions, and where each surface is comprised of refractive or total internal reflection elements, or a combination thereof, for the purpose of efficiently directing pseudo-collimated radiant energy into a generally rectangular-shaped output distribution in angle space.
US07686480B2	Light valve device A light valve device includes a light valve disposed adjacent to a circuit board, and a heat-dissipating structure including a heat-dissipating main body and a heat-dissipating block. The heat-dissipating main body is disposed opposite to the light valve, and is formed with a groove defined by a first contacting surface and two engaging surfaces. The first contacting surface extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and has two opposite longitudinal edges. The engaging surfaces respectively extend from the longitudinal edges and define an open side of the groove opposite to the first contacting surface in the vertical direction. The open side has a width in the transverse direction smaller than that of the first contacting surface. An engaging portion of the heat-dissipating block is disposed in the groove so that a second contacting surface is in contact with the first contacting surface.
US07686473B2	Lamp assembly A lamp assembly includes an elongate source of radiation formed with end pieces and a mount connected to the end pieces for securing the radiation source in an irradiator. The mount is shaped for directing air drawn towards the mount to cause the air to flow around at least part of the radiation source and between the radiation source and the mount.
US07686470B2	Ceiling light fixture adaptable to various lamp assemblies A ceiling light fixture includes a housing forming a channel having a trapezoidal cross section and a light-transmitting cover panel fixed in and covering the channel. The channel has a bottom wall forming a slot. A circumferential mounting frame is formed on a back of the bottom wall of the channel and barbs extend from the mounting frame. The bottom wall further forms a fitting hole. The ceiling light fixture selectively receives a first lamp assembly in the mounting frame and secures the lamp assembly with the barbs so that a light source of the lamp assembly is exposed through the slot for irradiating light or alternatively an end seat of a lamp tube is fit and retained in the fitting hole to set and fix the lamp tube in the slot to realize interchangeable use of the ceiling light fixture with different lamp assemblies.
US07686460B2	Method and apparatus for inhibiting a subject's eyes from being exposed to projected light A method of inhibiting a subject's eyes from being exposed to projected light when the subject is positioned in front of a background on which an image is displayed comprises capturing an image of the background including the displayed image, processing the captured image to detect the existence of the subject and to locate generally the subject and masking image data used by the projector to project the image corresponding to a region that encompasses at least the subject's eyes, the image data masking compensating for differing camera and projector viewpoints.
US07686459B2	Lens array optical system, projection optical unit, and image projection apparatus A lens array optical system includes a first lens array that includes plural first lens cells arranged in first and second directions, the first lens array being configured to split a light flux to plural split light fluxes and to condense each split flux; and a second lens array that includes plural second lens cells arranged in the first and second directions, each second lens cell being configured to receive the split lights from each first lens cell, wherein a ratio between a width of an arrangement area of the first lens cells and a width of an arrangement area of the second lens cells in the first direction is different from a ratio between a width of an arrangement area of the first lens cells and a width of an arrangement area of the second lens cells in the second direction, and wherein at least one of the first and second lens arrays has a toric surface.
US07686455B2	Optical system and projection display device Light in primary colors RGB modulated in a first modulation optical system is transmitted through a relay lens (36) and further divided into a P-polarized light and an S-polarized light by a PS separation wire grid (37). The S-polarized light is transmitted through a wavelength spectral filter (39) to select red/green/blue light components R1, G1, B1 of 615, 515, 450 nm in wavelength, which are then modulated by a Y1 device (44). The P-polarized light is transmitted through a wavelength spectral filter (46) to select red/green/blue light components R2, G2, B2 of 650, 550, 475 nm in wavelength, which are then modulated by a Y2 device (51). The 3 -primary color lights modulated by the Y1/Y2 devices (44), (51) are combined with each other at a PS composite wire grid (55) to project a synthetic light on a screen.
US07686452B2	Apparatus and method for assessing visual suppression A device is used to determine the presence of and the amount (depth) of visual suppression in a subject. The device includes a first light source emitting a first light and a second light source emitting a second light. Intensities of the light sources are independently controllable. A first filter disposed over one eye of the subject allows transmission of the first light and prevents transmission of the second light. A second filter disposed over the other eye of the subject allows transmission of the second light and prevents transmission of the first light. In a method of using the device, the intensity of at least one of the first and second lights is independently controlled, wherein the difference in intensities of the first and second lights at which the lights appear to be at equal brightness to the subject determines the amount of visual suppression in the subject.
US07686449B2	Eyewear retention system and method Disclosed is an eyewear retention system. In some embodiments, the eyewear retention system retains a lens by using at least one padding structure located between the lens and the lens holder. In some embodiments, the lens can be press fit into the frame and retained by the resulting interference fit. The lens holder, such as an orbital, can fully or partially surround the lens.
US07686446B2	Vertical desktop printer A desktop printer having a relatively small “footprint” on a desktop is provided. It has a base and a print engine connected together by a substantially vertically extending body of the printer. A media supply and collector are provided on surfaces of the body so as to be substantially vertically disposed, where the media is supplied to the print engine for printing from the supply and is delivered to the collector after printing.
US07686444B2	Water-based ink for ink-jet recording and ink-jet recording method A water-based ink for ink-jet recording and an ink-jet recording method allow the formation of sharp text and lines in high density black, and the formation of a high quality gradation image in which the graininess is reduced in a black image of a medium lightness to a high lightness (e.g., an achromatic image in dark gray to light gray) in ink-jet recording. The water-based ink combination for ink-jet recording comprises a black ink, and a color ink (A) and a color ink (B) that satisfy a color relationship of the following expression (I): about 120°≦\|α−β\|≦about 240° (I) wherein α is the hue angle of the color ink (A) and β is the hue angle of the color ink (B).
US07686436B2	Ink recharging system for ink cartridge, bulk ink cartridge used in said system, and ink recharging method using them The present invention relates to an ink recharging system in which the ink can be recharged into a used ink cartridge repeatedly, a bulk ink cartridge used in the system, and a method for recharging the ink into the ink cartridge using them. The ink recharging system for the ink cartridge installed in an inkjet printer comprises a compressor and a positive pressure tank for providing the compression force to supply the ink stored in the quantitative ink supply cylinder to the ink cartridge, a charging cylinder for applying the compression force and the suction force to the quantitative ink supply cylinder, automatic quantitative position control means for measuring the movement displacement of the charging cylinder, a vacuum pump and a negative pressure tank for producing a vacuum in the ink cartridge, and a compressed air supply tube diverged and connected to the inlet and outlet of the charging cylinder from the positive pressure tank via the solenoid valve for air pressure. The present invention provides a recharging system for the ink cartridge and a method for recharging the ink cartridge, in which the remaining air or ink in the recycled ink cartridge can be easily discharged and vacuum degree of the ink cartridge can be precisely controlled by the control means for the quantitative position, to thereby charge the quantitative ink into the recycled ink cartridge rapidly and accurately, and relates to a bulk ink cartridge which can prevent wrong installment with simple identifying members.
US07686426B2	Liquid transporting apparatus and liquid transporting head An ink transporting head includes a plurality of common channels, a plurality of common electrodes formed on each of the common channels, a plurality of individual channels branched from each common channel, a plurality of individual electrodes arranged on each of the individual channels, and an insulating layer which is arranged to cover each of the individual electrodes, and on which an ink may exist only when an electric potential difference between the ink and the individual electrode becomes not less than a predetermined critical electric potential difference. Further, the individual electrodes provided to each ink channel correspond to individual electrodes provided at the same positions of another ink channel, and the corresponding individual electrodes are in mutual conduction. Accordingly, there is provided a liquid transporting head and a liquid transporting apparatus having a simple and small sized formation, in which a matrix drive is possible.
US07686425B2	Printhead assembly with symmetrical tri-layer outer shell laminate A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an outer shell of a hot rolled tri-layer laminate of two different metals; a core element within the shell, the core element defining four separate ink reservoirs; a printhead constructed using MEMS techniques to provide ink nozzles, chambers and actuators; and a micro molding for distributing ink from the ink reservoirs to the printhead. The tri-layer shell is configured such that the effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the shell as a whole is substantially equal to that of silicon, and the outer layers of the tri-layer laminate are symmetrically disposed around a central layer thereof.
US07686421B2	Fluid injection head, method of manufacturing the injection head, and fluid injection device Provided is a liquid jet head, a method of manufacturing the same, and a liquid jet apparatus, in which liquid ejecting characteristics can be kept constant for a long period and in which nozzle blockage is prevented. In a liquid jet head including a passage-forming substrate (10) which is made of a single crystal silicon substrate and in which pressure generating chambers (12) communicating with nozzle orifices are formed, and pressure generating elements (300) for causing pressure changes in the pressure generating chambers (12), a protective film (100) which is made of tantalum oxide and has resistance to liquid, is provided at least on the inner wall surfaces of the pressure generating chambers (12).
US07686418B2	Inkjet image forming apparatus having a capping unit An inkjet image forming apparatus includes an inkjet head having a nozzle unit having a length in a main scanning direction corresponding to a width of a printing medium, a capping unit to move to a capping position to cap the nozzle unit and an uncapping position for a printing. The capping unit includes a cap member having a spitting hole and covering the nozzle unit, an absorbing member to absorb an ink passing through the spitting hole, and a support member disposed at a position where the cap member and the absorbing member are installed, the support member receiving the ink spitted.
US07686411B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus for effecting recording by scanningly moving a recording head, wherein the apparatus is provided with a group of a plurality of arrays each including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the group is responsive to one-color recording data, includes selecting means for selecting a block of a predetermined number of the nozzles in the nozzle array in synchronism with cyclic signals; driving means for driving the nozzles in the block selected by the selecting means; managing means for managing information of the block selected by the selecting means, for each group of the nozzle arrays; generating means for generating, for each nozzle array, driving data including information indicative of a block to be selected by the selecting means and block data corresponding to the block, on the basis of the information of the block managed by the managing means; and transfer means for transferring the driving data generated by the generating means to the recording head.
US07686409B2	Driver device and print head A print head has m driver devices 1 that are fed with a supply voltage VDD and that control the driving of resistive elements acting as heaters and a regulator 2 that is fed with a supply voltage VH higher than the supply voltage VDD and that converts the supply voltage VH into a supply voltage VG, which the regulator 2 then feeds to the individual driver devices 1.
US07686405B2	Self-closing sliding door assembly This self-closing, sliding door assembly is used for a cabinet having a front opening and a pair of doors each mounted for movement in upper and lower tracks. A counterweight is attached to each door by a sash-line having a vertical length attached to the counterweight and a horizontal length attached to an associated door. The sash-line is guided from the vertical to the horizontal by a pair of pulley bracket assemblies one being mounted to a cabinet wall in a vertical plane and the other being mounted to a cabinet wall in a horizontal plane. The sash-line is retained on the pulleys by the pulley brackets during movement of the counterweight to guard against slip off the pulleys.
US07686397B2	Easy entry seat track release mechanism A seat assembly for an automotive includes a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. A riser mechanism extends between the seat cushion and a vehicle floor. The riser mechanism includes spaced apart front, center, and rear legs each pivotally movable at opposing upper and lower ends. A latch mechanism is operably coupled to each of the center legs for movement between a latched position preventing movement of the front, center, and rear legs relative to the floor and an unlatch position allowing pivotal movement of each of the front, center, and rear legs relative to the floor for moving the seat assembly between a seating position and at least one of an easy entry and forwardly dumped positions.
US07686396B2	Method and apparatus to enhance proprioception and core health of the human body A device to actively enhance proprioception and core strength of its user consisting of a motion control system providing a tilt plate that is dampened with a suspension system to provide a system to deliver an exercise regimen that automatically detects and strengthens core muscles in an unobtrusive manner by allowing the individual to move freely while seated. The device can be configured into a chair, stool, wheelchair seat insert, vehicle or airplane seat or exercise device generically known as balance board. The device is intended to enhance the user's proprioception core strength, sense of balance, and overall physical well being.
US07686394B2	Vehicle seats A vehicle seat may include a seat back that includes an upper half corresponding to a shoulder portion of a passenger, a lower half corresponding to a waist portion of the passenger, at least one angular adjustment mechanism and at least one upper half height adjustment mechanism. The at least one angular adjustment mechanism is disposed between the upper half and the lower half and is arranged and constructed to tilt the upper half back and forth relative to the lower half to intermediately fold the seat back at an intermediate folding position. The at least one upper half height adjustment mechanism is disposed in the upper half and is arranged and constructed to vertically move the upper half relative to the intermediate folding position.
US07686385B2	Flexible truck skirt with floating mount A vehicle skirt panel assembly includes a skirt panel comprising a thermoplastic material and including a plurality of panel sections each having one or more ribs on its exterior. The skirt panel is mounted to the vehicle so the skirt panel projects below the side of the vehicle and the skirt panel can move relative to the vehicle to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the skirt panel without deforming the skirt panel. One or more struts are mounted between the vehicle and a lower portion of the skirt panel. The strut is adjustable and is deformable to absorb an impact to the exterior of the skirt panel. The strut is bendable by hand to allow the skirt panel to be returned to the original position.
US07686383B2	Retractable curved air dam A retractable curved air dam assembly is provided for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a motor vehicle. The air dam assembly is segmented to include a plurality of panel members each adapted to pivotably attach to the underside of the front-end vehicle structure. The panel members are configured to selectively transition between a deployed position, in which the panel members are preferably in a generally vertical orientation, and a stowed position, in which the panel members are in a generally horizontal orientation. The panel members are shingled (i.e., partially overlapped) such that pivoting a center panel from the deployed position to the stowed position thereby pivots the side panels to the stowed position, and such that pivoting a side panel from the stowed position to the deployed position thereby pivots the center panels to the deployed position.
US07686379B2	Removable door skin A removable door skin for a vehicle for mounting on a door frame member and includes a flexible door panel that includes an edge and a flap. The flexible door panel may further include a fastening means having a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is located on the flexible door panel and second portion is located on the flap.
US07686378B2	Power swinging side door system and method A vehicle is provided having an automatic swinging side door with an actuator for opening and closing the door. A controller has an algorithm for moving the actuator, a sensor for detecting an obstacle via contact with the door; and a sensor for detecting the obstacle without contact with the door. The controller interrupts movement of the door when the obstacle is detected. The door has a measurable and selectable opening angle. A hydraulic pump actuates the actuator using fluid pressure, and a hydraulic fuse monitors flow through a bypass valve to detect the contact. A method of opening a side-swinging vehicle door includes recording a door opening angle; detecting a door operating mode, opening the door when one mode is detected; closing the door when a second mode is detected; and opening the door to the recorded angle when a third mode is detected.
US07686375B1	Vehicle window sunshade assembly A vehicle window sunshade assembly includes a vehicle structure, a trim member, a sunshade and a close-out member. The trim member is dimensioned to at least partially cover the vehicle structure. The trim member also has a sunshade opening and attachment portions for coupling to the vehicle structure. The sunshade has an end supported by the vehicle structure. The sunshade is movable between a retracted position and an extended position such that in the extended position at least a portion of the sunshade extends through the sunshade opening. The close-out member is supported by the vehicle structure and positioned such that with the trim member installed to the vehicle structure the close-out member extends generally around the end of the sunshade to conceal an area behind the end of the sunshade from view through the sunshade opening.
US07686373B1	Sun visor handicap hang-tag holder/displayer A combination hang-tag holder and displayer which includes a body; one or more fasteners of sufficient size to attach the body to an automobile sun visor; a hanging device located on the front of the body, either on the left side or right side, such that a hang-tag may be temporarily hung from the hanging device without requiring physical modifications to the hang-tag; and a securing device located on the front of the body on the upper corner opposite the hanging device. The combination hang-tag holder and displayer may be attached to an automobile sun visor, and a hang-tag may be hung from the hanging device for display of the hang-tag. The hang-tag may then be rotated to a horizontal position and secured by the securing device for storage.
US07686371B2	Thermoformed vehicle floor tray with tread-containing reservoir A vehicle floor tray is molded from a thermoplastic polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray has first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls integrally formed with the floor, which has a reservoir. The reservoir has a plurality of longitudinally and transversely oriented baffles standing up from the general surface of the reservoir portion to impede lateral movement of water.
US07686368B2	Vehicle stadium/slide seat system A system and method to configure the back seats of a passenger vehicle to provide easy vehicle ingress and egress and to configure the back seats for a flat or near flat load (cargo) floor.
US07686357B2	Operating mechanism An operating mechanism for building components such as windows, doors and the like comprises at least one handle and an actuating element that ca be made to engage the handle in a mutually non-rotational manner. A blocking device is situated between the handle and the actuating element and is designed so that the actuating element is insertable in a first direction into the handle whereas its displacement in the opposite direction is blocked.
US07686351B2	Soft insert gasket Gasket comprising an inner ring having an outer surface, an outer ring having an inner surface, and an intermediate ring disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the intermediate ring has an inner surface in contact with the outer surface of the inner ring and an outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the outer ring, and wherein the intermediate ring is made of a material that has a hardness less than the hardness of the material of each of the inner ring and the outer ring.
US07686346B1	Transition tee coupling An improved coupling, such as a transition tee coupling, is described having press-connect fittings on the ends and a push-connect fitting on the outlet. The improved transition tee coupling is formed using a reduced-outlet tee having press-connect fittings on all three sockets. An unfinished end of a tailpiece having a push-connect fitting on the opposite end is inserted into the outlet socket of the press-connect tee. The press-connect fitting of the outlet tee is crimped using a special press tool jaw that does not damage the push fitting on the tailpiece.
US07686340B2	Occupant restraint system and method for restraining occupant in seat of vehicle An occupant restraint system includes a rollover prediction unit, a rollover detection unit, primary and secondary pre-tensioner units, and a control unit. The rollover prediction unit is configured to predict a rollover of the vehicle based on a state of the vehicle. The rollover detection unit is configured to detect a rollover of the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle. The primary and secondary pre-tensioner units are configured to apply a tension to a seat belt so as to restrain an occupant in a seat. An operation force of the secondary pre-tensioner unit is stronger than that of the primary pre-tensioner unit. The control unit is configured to activate the primary pre-tensioner unit based on a prediction by the rollover prediction unit that a rollover occurs and activate the secondary pre-tensioner unit based on a detection by the rollover detection unit that the rollover occurs.
US07686339B2	Seat belt apparatus A seat belt apparatus is disclosed that includes a rotatable spool connected to the seat belt webbing and at least one variable energy absorbing mechanism connected to an end of the rotatable spool. The variable energy absorbing mechanism may include a chamber configured to be filled with a fluid and a flexible member attached to an outer circumference of the rotatable spool within the chamber.
US07686338B2	Seat-belt presenter for a motor vehicle A seat-belt presenter for a motor vehicle includes a seat-belt capture unit for supplying a seatbelt, a guide device for supplying and retracting the seat-belt capture unit, a pivoting element and a pivoting unit which, together with the pivoting element, form the seat-belt capture unit. The pivoting unit contains a locking device which during the supply operation, locks the pivoting element in its expanded position in such a manner that it does not pivot inward under the dynamic effect of the seatbelt, permits the pivoting element to pivot inward with manual application of force while it is still locked, and automatically unlocks during retraction of the guide device.
US07686337B2	Steering column cover assembly and method The present invention generally relates to steering column covers, and related assembly methods. According to some embodiments a steering column cover assembly can include a plurality of alignment and fastening means. For example, some embodiments include one or more sets of male/female clips, one or more track-and-barrel devices, one or more means for accepting a fastener, and one or more pivoting means. In some embodiments, the track-and-barrel device can include a feature for seating the barrel in the track in a snap fitted relation. Some embodiments comprise a process for using one or more of the foregoing structures to assemble a column cover.
US07686327B2	Airbag Arrangement The invention relates to an airbag arrangement, comprising a gas bag, a gas generator for inflating the gas bag, a flexible chamber arranged within the gas bag, into which the gas from the gas generator flows, at least one outlet opening through which the gas is led into the gas bag in order to inflate the same and at least one ventilating opening, through which gas can escape into the environment. According to the invention, the ventilating opening (E) is arranged such that gas from the flexible chamber (2) can reach the ventilating opening (E) without passing through the outlet opening of the flexible chamber (2).
US07686322B2	Foldable stroller with memory recline A foldable stroller which includes a frame having a front leg and right and left rear legs, right and left support rails movably coupled to a respective one of the right and left rear legs, an operator handle extending between the support rails. A locking assembly is secured to at least one of the support rails and biased toward a locking position that fixes the engagement between the support rails and the rear legs. The stroller includes a one hand folding mechanism that can be movably secured to an operator tray. The foldable stroller also includes a reclinable back having a plurality of recline positions that retains the last adjustment position when the stroller is moved between a folded and unfolded condition.
US07686310B2	Elevated work platform and multi-function tool This invention pertains to a multi-function tool that when assembled in different configurations would meet many needs of the home or commercial mechanic. One configuration is height adjustable allowing users to work safely in an elevated position over the engine compartment of a light truck (i.e. half-ton to one-ton vehicle) even if that vehicle is lifted or taller than factory normal. Another configuration is an engine stand to hold a small engine block so the mechanic may repair it. Yet another configuration is a crane or hoist to assist in lifting engines or parts of engines (e.g. heads) out of the engine compartment to prevent injury to the mechanic. This hoist could also aid in lifting the engine or engine parts onto the engine stand or onto another conveyance (i.e. onto a truck).
US07686305B2	Craps game improvement A proposition bet for Craps referred to as a FIRE BET™. The method includes predetermining a schedule of a pay-out table, players placing FIRE BET wagers at respective player betting areas prior to a shooter's initial come out; accumulating points responsive to outcomes of the shooter's dice throws, wherein points are made when a number 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is twice rolled before sevening out, and wherein repeating of any made number is ignored, and making a pay-out based upon the points accumulated and the schedule.
US07686301B2	Printing apparatus, feeding apparatus, and feeding control method A printing apparatus, a feeding apparatus, and a feeding control method supply an object accurately to a target position by servo control even though the load abruptly changes. In this printing apparatus, the conveyance position and conveyance speed of a printing medium are detected by using an encoder. The conveyance target position of the printing medium is generated at a predetermined period, and corrected. A PWM signal is generated on the basis of the generated or corrected conveyance target position, and the conveyance position and conveyance speed of the printing medium which are detected and fed back. A DC motor is servo-controlled by the PWM signal. At this time, the generated or corrected conveyance target position is compared with the detected conveyance position of the printing medium. Control is made to perform correction in accordance with the comparison result.
US07686293B2	Spring-assisted print media feeder apparatus A print media feeder apparatus suitable for use in an image-forming device is provided. The apparatus comprises an elevator tray holding a stack of print media connected to a housing by a transmission system. The housing comprises a hoist drum that is connected to one end of a shaft for connecting the housing to the transmission system. A spring enclosure encasing a spring is fixed on the other end of the shaft. The load of print media is transmitted to the hoist drum, from which it is further transmitted to the spring through the shaft. This results in the displacement of the spring and a corresponding vertical movement of the elevator tray to position the print media at the desired feeding level.
US07686289B2	Vertical collating machine There are provided a plurality of sheet feeding units 2a to 2d arranged in a vertical direction at spacing therebetween, a vertical sheet conveyance path G arranged oppositely with the sheet outlets 12a to 12d of the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d, conveyance means 1 and 6 for sequentially conveying the sheets fed from respective sheet feeding units 2a to 2d, vertically downward along the sheet conveyance path G, and control means controlling the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d and the conveyance means 1 and 6 in such a manner that the sheets fed from the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d are conveyed while at least partially overlapping the sheets which are fed from a sheet feeding unit of a next lower site on the sheets which are fed from the sheet feeding unit of an upper site. Imaging means 3a to 3d are arranged oppositely with the sheets conveyed on the sheet conveyance path G, and the control means controls the motions of the imaging means 3a to 3d and detects collation errors based on image data captured from the imaging means 3a to 3d.
US07686284B2	Aerator and mixer A diffuser which includes a cylinder open at one end and closed at the opposite end, the open end of the cylinder being securable to air supply; the wall of the diffuser being formed with a plurality of holes therethrough, each hole having a larger diameter on the exterior of the wall of the diffuser than on the interior of the wall of the diffuser, the longitudinal axis of each hole being inclined at an acute angle to both the radius and the longitudinal axis of the diffuser, and the orientation of each hole with respect to the longitudinal axis of the diffuser being such that when the diffuser is rotated about it longitudinal axis in use, the leading edge of each hole is at a higher elevation than the trailing edge of each hole.
US07686283B2	High security gate assembly A gate assembly prevents keyless ingress into, and enables keyless egress from, a gated area. The gate assembly comprises a gate frame and a gate. The gate frame comprises rectangular or 360 degree frame structure for maintaining a planar gate-receiving area despite ground deformations and the like. The gate comprises rectangular gate structure that defines a planar frame-engaging area. The gate-receiving area is greater in magnitude than the frame-engaging area. The gate further comprises a state of the art interior push bar latch for enabling keyless egress, and state of the art keyed lock for preventing keyless ingress into the gated or secure area. An inferior frame member is anchored in subterranean media for positioning the gate frame during installation for maintaining the gate-receiving area should ground deformations occur.
US07686278B2	Tooth mold retaining frame A tooth mold retaining frame comprises an L shape seat; a pivotal block; a universal connector; a first positioning block; a second positioning block; and a first fine adjust unit. By using the first fine adjust unit, second fine adjust unit and the fine-adjust device, an upper teeth mold, and a lower teeth mold can move with respect to one another precisely. By a universal connector, the upper teeth mold can move three directionally and can lift or descend proportionally so as to avoid the error in manufacturing of the teeth mold. Thus the teeth mold can be made precisely and the condition of the teeth mold can be viewed conveniently. Furthermore, the teeth mold can be sent directly without needing to send the teeth frame. Thus, the manufacturer can make the teeth mold continuously without affecting the working time.
US07686273B2	Method and device for an adjustable hanger Methods and devices are for adjustably and securely supporting an object using an adjustable hanger. The hanger includes a movable bracket, a fastener extending through the bracket and an adjustment member engaging the bracket and engaging the fastener. Adjustment of the adjustment member adjusts the position of the hanger relative to the fastener and to the surface to which the fastener attaches the hanger to the surface. Thus, a position of an object hung by the hanger is adjustable.
US07686271B2	Display device According to one embodiment, a display device is provided with a body, a stand to support the body, and an adjustment system which is arranged between the body and the stand and adjusts the tilt of the body. The adjustment system has a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion which is arranged independent from the first positioning portion. The first positioning portion determines the position of the body on the stand. The second positioning portion has the first positioning portion function as a pivot point to rotate the body in a predetermined angle with respect to the stand to determine the position of the body on the stand in the predetermined rotated angle.
US07686269B1	Hands away pharmaceutical holder The present invention provides a medical safety device for holding a container. The medical safety device is used to hold the container while extracting liquid by a syringe from the container. The medical safety device is a unitary flexible main body having two opposing ends. On each end is a hand hold for grasping by the user's hands. A longitudinal slit is positioned within a center portion of the main body. When opposing force is applied to both ends toward the center of the main body, the slit widens, allowing positioning of the container within the slit. Release of the force upon the ends narrows the slit and the container is retained within the slit of the medical safety device. The user may then extract the liquid from the container without holding the container.
US07686268B2	Structure fixing apparatus including support device A structure fixing apparatus for attaching a structure on roof tiles, for example, the structure being a solar cell apparatus, includes a support device for supporting attachment hardware which is a part of a base for fixing a solar cell module, a fixing member formed to reach a sheathing through the support device and a roof tile, and a tubular portion formed to surround the fixing member and to be inserted in a through hole formed in the roof tile. The tubular portion is formed to be smaller in size than the through hole formed in the roof tile and to be in non-contact with the through hole.
US07686267B2	Operating table support clamp A clamp assembly for use in connection with an operating table rail is disclosed. The clamp assembly includes a top clamp member, a base clamp member and an operating lever to move the top clamp member relative to the base clamp member. The base clamp member and the top clamp member include complimentary V-shaped channels that allow the clamp assembly of the present invention to be installed on the sterile side of the surgical field. The base clamp member is provided with dual guide pins and an actuator pin, extending upwards from the base clamp member and through the top clamp member. The actuator pin is affixed with a fastening means to engage the top of the actuator pin and the base clamp member together. Further, the base clamp member includes apertures for receiving various surgical support fixtures.
US07686262B2	Archers caddie An archer's caddie includes a portable, freestanding quiver and bow support. The caddie is fabricated from solid plastic parts, which parts are attached with metal fasteners. The upper end of the caddie terminates in a padded bow support. A removable beverage holder can be disposed at two positions on the caddie. An array of receptacles is provided for containing accessories such as conventional arrows, crossbow bolts, shooting gloves, quick release, pencils, markers, etc. A base member defines the lower end of the caddie. The base member is weighted and designed with bent feet to enhance stability when the caddie is positioned on uneven surfaces.
US07686259B2	Ringpost assembly A ringpost is disclosed. The ringpost includes an outer member and an inner member secured within the outer member. The outer member has a rib along an interior surface, and the inner member has a groove along an exterior surface that receives the rib. The outer member rotates about the inner member after the inner member is secured within the outer member. A ringpost assembly is also disclosed.
US07686253B2	Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.
US07686249B2	Integral frame member for an aircraft According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a frame member for an aircraft is provided comprising a clip region and a frame region. According to an aspect of this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clip region, shear web region and the frame region are integrated into the frame member and be formed from an extrusion mold by a milling process. Advantageously, this allows for a reduced number of individual elements for forming a frame member and provides the flexibility of variation of the forms and dimensions of a frame member for an aircraft.
US07686241B2	Jaw crusher and self-traveling crusher In a jaw crusher, cheek plates are mounted on side wall plates of a crusher frame by mounting bolts, and the mounting bolt adjacent to the outlet of the jaw crusher can be covered with the swing jaw by adjustment of an outlet gap-adjusting link mechanism. When the jaw crusher is in operation, the mounting bolt is covered by the swing jaw to avoid contact with raw materials, so that abrasion of and damages to the mounting bolt can be prevented. Thus, a longer lifetime of the jaw crusher can be promoted. Besides, since abrasion of and damages to the mounting bolt can be prevented, a mounting structure of the cheek plate can be stronger.
US07686240B2	Kitchen appliance with a safety interlock A kitchen appliance with a safety interlock for processing foodstuff including a housing with a motor and a switch to actuate the motor within the housing. A bowl has a first actuator therein for selectively actuating the switch. A bowl lid is removably mountable over a mouth of the bowl and is mounted to a mouth of the bowl when the bowl and bowl lid are in a working position. A feed tube defines a feed cavity including a feed mouth. The feed tube has a second actuator in an operative relationship with the first actuator. A feed tube lid is pivotably and removably mounted to the feed tube and includes a tab. The tab contacts and moves the second actuator to its operative position to thereby actuate the switch through the first actuator when the feed tube lid is in a closed position.
US07686233B2	Systems and methods for dispensing an anti-traction, mobility denial material Systems and methods for dispensing an anti-traction, mobility denial material on a target surface. In various exemplary embodiments, a method of dispensing an anti-traction material on a target surface includes providing a polymer particle powder to a first section of a dispensing nozzle, providing a water stream to a second section of a dispensing nozzle, and mixing the polymer particle powder with the water stream upon exit of the streams out of the first and second sections of the dispensing nozzle to form the anti-traction material on the target surface, the formed anti-traction material being a gel.
US07686230B2	Medium provided with magnetic body and magnetic body sensing device A medium comprises a magnetic body which generates a signal when a magnetic field is applied thereto, wherein the magnetic body has two or more easy magnetization directions and the magnetic body forms information that identifies the medium based on the signal generated when the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body.
US07686220B2	Memory card detection circuit and method thereof The invention provides a memory card detection circuit of a computer. The memory card detection circuit comprises a plurality of query pins through which a memory card is coupled to the computer and a plurality of latch circuits respectively coupled to each of the query pins. The latch circuits generates query signals indicating whether ground bounce occurs in the voltage of the query pins due to a voltage difference between two ends of the query pins shortly after the memory card is coupled to the computer through the query pins. The query signals identify the type of the memory card without waiting until ground bounce is resolved.
US07686218B2	System and method for exchanging loyalty points for acquisitions Systems and methods are provided for facilitating an acquisition from a merchant, whereby payment for the acquisition is made at least partially through automated redemption of loyalty points from a loyalty account. In particular, information is received at a loyalty point exchange system from the merchant. The information may include loyalty data indicating that the acquisition was paid for using a transaction card account that is to be reimbursed using loyalty points from the loyalty account. The loyalty account is debited by an amount equal to a currency value of the acquisition and the transaction card account is credited the amount charged for the acquisition. Loyalty points may, alternatively, be used to directly pay for purchases without the steps of charging and crediting a transaction card.
US07686208B2	Simultaneous real-time presentation of financial information The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments describe below include a method of simultaneously presenting user specific real-time financial information includes authenticating a user, for example by using a user-id and password. Then receiving an input from the user indicating the shareholder of interest. The user is then presented with a list of the shareholder's account information. The shareholder account information can be retrieved from several different record keeping systems. The record keeping systems can be maintained by different entities and can store the respective account information in different formats. The shareholder account information can be retrieved by broadcasting an account inquiry to the record keeping systems or by using a cross-reference table that indicates which record keeping systems the shareholder has accounts with. A combination of the broadcast and cross-reference table can be used. Once the shareholder account information is presented, the user can select an account, for example by a hyperlink tag, and receive detailed information about that account.
US07686207B1	Locking devices for storage boxes such as mailboxes A multipoint locking mechanism for an enclosure such as a mailbox which is gravity biased into an unlocked position. The locking mechanism includes a cylindrical lock member that extends through the panel and engages with a multipoint locking member that is rotatable about an axis that extends substantially the width of the panel. The rotatable locking member includes a plurality of hook members that engage with receiving openings formed on the door and further includes an engagement member that engages with the cylindrical member so that the cylindrical member can urge the engagement member and thus the rotatable member into a locked configuration. By manipulating the cylindrical lock member into an unlocked configuration, the engagement member is gravitationally biased to rotate so that the hook members are removed from the engagement member on the door thereby unlocking the door.
US07686204B2	Wire bonding apparatus, record medium storing bonding control program, and bonding method A wire bonding apparatus including a bonding control section provided with an electrical non-bonding detector, an optical non-bonding detector, and an optical shape detector, which are for detecting non-bonding between a first bonding point and a bonding wire; and when non-bonding is detected by the electrical non-bonding detector and non-bonding is also detected by the optical non-bonding detector, then the tip end of the bonding wire is reformed by, based on the shape of the tip end of the bonding wire detected by the optical shape detector, a ball formation device into a ball of a prescribed shape, and rebonding is performed at the first bonding point.
US07686203B2	Direct application of pressure for bonding porous coatings to substrate materials used in orthopaedic implants A method for constantly controlling a direct application of pressure for bonding porous coatings to substrate materials used in orthopaedic implants. The direct pressure is applied to an interface between the porous coating and the substrate material via a pressure application mechanism unaffected by heat and air pressure conditions of the bonding process. The pressure application mechanism maintains a pressure on the implant which is constantly controlled throughout the bonding process.
US07686198B2	Nail gun bushing and cylinder valve arrangement A bushing for conducting air in a nail gun is arranged between an air chamber and a cylinder received in a housing of the nail gun. The bushing is adjacent to a bottom of a main valve for driving hitting motion of the nail gun. A number of main valve holes that are adjacent to the main valve are formed in a sidewall of the cylinder. At least one air inlet is formed in a bottom of a sidewall of the cylinder. An air flow passage is defined in the housing and is in communication with the main valve and the air hole. A valve plug which is configured for opening or closing the air flow passage is received in the air flow passage. The valve plug divides the air flow passage into an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is formed in the housing. An annular end surface is formed on a top of the bushing. The annular end surface defines a main air inlet for the main valve. An end portion extends from the bushing and having the upper portion of the air flow passage formed therein. The bushing further includes at least one upper air hole in communication with the air chamber, the main inlet and the upper portion of the air flow passage.
US07686183B2	Container lid and holder and system and method for attaching a lid and holder to a container An apparatus, system and method for attaching a lid to a beverage container is provided. In one embodiment a lid is positioned over the container opening and fastened to a first bead located around the opening. The lid also fastens to a second bead that is either located on the container, or located on a collar that is positioned adjacent to the first bead. The collar may extend around the container, or it may only extend partway around the container. The collar may be removable and may also include a handle. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US07686177B1	Uncoupling lever assembly An improved lever assembly for uncoupling railroad cars having a coupler that includes a lock lifter. The lever assembly has a handle on one end that is pivotally connected to the railcar and a hook located at the other end of the lever assembly that is connected to the lock lifter. The assembly has levers that slide relative to each other. The levers are held adjacent to each other by enclosures through which the levers slide. The enclosures contain U-shaped glides held stationary relative to the enclosures. Typically made of plastic, the glides provide low friction sliding contact with levers sliding through them. The glides are longitudinally shorter than their containing enclosures providing protection from ultraviolet light.
US07686166B2	Packing box for photosensitive recording material A packing box for photosensitive recording material comprising a box body 5 and a lid member 9, wherein the box body 5 includes a storage section 11 and a lid-covered portion 13; the lid-covered portion 13 includes a lid-covered fixed surface 15 and a lid-covered rotatable portion 19 rotatable outward and downward along a valley bending line 17, a first lid-covered end surface 21 having an upper corner portion formed into an arcuate shape and a second lid-covered end surface 23; and the lid-covered rotatable portion 19 is formed with an inner flap 43 on the side of the second lid-covered end surface 23.
US07686163B2	Ergonomic golf bag handle Embodiments of the present invention include an ergonomic golf bag handle. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a golf bag including the ergonomic golf bag handle thereon. In one embodiment, the golf bag handle is integrated into a top divider section of the golf bag. In another embodiment, the golf bag handle is angled with respect to the golf bag. Embodiments of the present invention also include a method comprising integrating the golf bag handle into the top divider section of the golf bag. Yet further embodiments of the present invention provide a method of using a golf bag, including gripping the ergonomically-designed and comfortable golf bag handle.
US07686159B2	Exchangeable attachment and attachment holder for modular belts A belt module suitable for use in a modular belt and designed for holding attachments such as flights. The belt module has an attachment holder with a dovetail section on the upper surface that accommodates attachments and the like that are designed to be removably attached to the holder by means of attachments furnished with foot extensions that fit into the dovetail section by sliding the foot laterally into a locked position relative to the attachment holder.
US07686158B2	Belt-conveyor device and image forming apparatus A belt-conveyor device includes a detecting unit that detects a belt position in a width direction of the endless belt for a plurality of times within more than a cycle of the endless belt, the width direction being a direction orthogonal to direction of travel of the endless belt; an average calculating unit that calculates an average belt position from the belt positions detected by the detecting unit; a storing unit that stores therein a plural sets of correction values and belt positions; and a meander correcting unit that corrects meander of the endless belt based on a correction value that corresponds with the average belt position in the storing unit.
US07686151B2	Angled currency processing system An angled arrangement of a currency document handling device and a second unit and an angle arrangement of two currency document handling devices, components of the same, and methods of coupling and using the same. For example, a currency document processing system for processing currency documents including currency bills comprises a currency handling device, a first currency document receiving unit, and a first angular transport unit. The first currency document receiving unit is adapted to receive at least some bills processed by the currency handling device. The first angular transport unit is adapted to receive bills from the currency handling device and transport bills to the first currency document receiving unit. The angular transport unit is adapted to be coupled between the currency handling device and the first currency document receiving unit such that the currency handling device and the first currency document receiving units are angled relative to each other such as by ninety degrees (90°).
US07686140B2	Elevator support means monitoring device and a method An elevator installation includes a device for monitoring the state of support belts. An elevator car and a counterweight are connected by the support belts and are movable in a vertical shaft in opposite sense along guide tracks. The monitoring device is fastened to the guide track by a support and has a guide device, preferably a guide roller, which guides the support belt along a scanning surface the monitoring device. The scanning surface and the support belt are protected simply and effectively against damage.
US07686138B2	Free standing step with user customizable height and flat expanding deck Disclosed in the present invention is a step assembly that facilitates stair climbing. This can aid a person with leg or back pain, decreased range of motion or limited physical strength, due to handicap, injury or infirmity. This free standing, user customizable height step with flat expanding deck surface. The disclosed present invention is a significant improvement over previous attempts to assist individuals by creating a fully adjustable and flat tread surface for the user. The present invention step also provides user customizable heights, by adding adjustment layers, so that the present invention can be used in a variety of step heights.
US07686128B2	Speaker diaphragm and speaker A speaker diaphragm includes a substrate and a surface material. The surface material is arranged on one side of the substrate, and includes a woven fabric of a polyethylene naphthalate fiber.
US07686126B2	Electric motor assisted steering apparatus An electromechanical steering device for a motor vehicle having at least one electric motor and power electronics for controlling the electric motor includes at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the power electronics and/or the ambient temperature of the power electronics and switching times of the power electronics are variable as a function of the measured temperature.
US07686122B2	Exhaust system and saddle-ride type vehicle An exhaust system for a saddle-ride type vehicle provides sufficient volume in a chamber while avoiding interference between the chamber and other parts. The vehicle center of gravity is lowered and differences in exhaust pipe length are reduced. Exhaust pipes are connected to combustion chambers of front and rear cylinder banks of a V-type engine. A chamber is connected to the exhaust pipes and mufflers are connected to the chamber. The chamber has an exhaust pipe connection wall to which the exhaust pipes are connected and opposing muffler connection walls. The mufflers are connected to positions on the muffler connection walls closer to the engine relative to a center in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US07686116B2	Vehicle A vehicle including a radiator with improved cooling efficiency is disclosed. The vehicle, such as a motorcycle, comprises an engine 10, a radiator 13b (13c) for cooling of the engine 10, and a baffle device 14 (15) including an outer wall portion 14a (15a) extending toward an outer side 131 (13n) of the radiator 13b (13c) from the front, and an upper wall portion 14b (15b) extending toward an upper portion 13d (13f) of the radiator 13b (13c) from the front and arranged in a manner not to have any substantial gap between it and the upper portion 13d (13f) of the radiator 13b (13c).
US07686106B2	Rock bit and inserts with wear relief grooves A rolling cone drill bit includes at least one cutter element comprising a base portion and a cutting portion extending from the base portion. The cutting portion includes a cutting surface with an apex defining an extension height and at least one rib extending from the apex toward the base portion. In addition, the at least one rib has a convex outer surface in profile view.
US07686105B2	Drill, wall protector and drilling method A drill includes a main body and a high-hard tip attached to a front end of the body. The tip has a width greater than the diameter of the body and has an angular cutting portion. In order to form a hole having a greater distal end in a wall, the tip is attached on the main body in such a way that a cutting point on an axial line of the tip is eccentrically shifted from an axis of the main body. The drill is inserted into a preliminary hole drilled beforehand and cuts a distal end of the preliminary hole to form a hole including an expanded distal end having a greater diameter. Thereby, the expanded distal end hole having a greater distal end can be formed that is capable of increasing the fixity of an anchor far greater.
US07686100B2	Technique and apparatus for drilling and completing a well in one half trip A technique that is usable with a well includes running a motor into the well and actuating the motor to turn a drill bit. The motor is used to pump well fluid from the well.
US07686093B2	Dual extinguishment fire suppression system using high velocity low pressure emitters A fire suppression system is disclosed. The system includes a gaseous extinguishing agent and a liquid extinguishing agent. At least one emitter is in fluid communication with the liquid and gas. The emitter is used to establish a gas stream, atomize and entrain the liquid into the gas stream and discharge the resulting liquid-gas stream onto the fire. A method of operating the system is also disclosed. The method includes establishing a gas stream having first and second shock fronts using the emitter, atomizing and entraining the liquid with the gas at one of the two shock fronts to form a liquid-gas stream, and discharging the stream onto the fire. The method also includes creating a plurality of shock diamonds in the liquid-gas stream discharged from the emitter.
US07686088B2	Equalized load distribution slips for spider and elevator Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular.
US07686084B2	Well bore servicing fluids comprising thermally activated viscosification compounds and methods of using the same Well bore servicing fluids are provided that include a thermally activated viscosification compound. Further, methods of servicing a well bore are provided that include displacing such a servicing fluid into the well bore, wherein a viscosity of the servicing fluid increases as it passes down the well bore due to its temperature increasing. Thus, the viscosity of the servicing fluid is effective to suspend solids therein when the servicing fluid is in the well bore. The servicing fluid may be, for example, a cement slurry, a drilling fluid, a gravel packing fluid, a fracturing fluid, a completion fluid, or a work-over fluid. In an embodiment, the thermally activated viscosification compound includes at least one water-soluble hydrophobically modified polymer comprising a hydrophobic substituent having from about 1 to about 22 carbon atoms.
US07686082B2	Full bore cementable gun system A completion method delivers cement to an open hole below a cemented casing. A gun or guns are run below a liner and a hanger and advanced into the cement before it sets up. With the gun and the liner surrounded in cement up to close to the hanger that supports the liner to the already cemented casing, the cement is allowed to set around the gun with no tubular surrounding the gun. The gun carries extra shot to enhance the perforation and can be fluid filled with clean fluid. Prior well cleaning such as with brine circulation is now limited to the region of the hanger and above. Production flow is through the perforations into the gun body allowing any residue of the explosive charge used to perforate to flow to surface.
US07686078B2	Well jet device and the operating method thereof Well jet device comprises a packer on a pipe string, with a central channel and a jet pump, comprising channels for supplying a working medium to a nozzle and supplying a medium pumped from the well. A diffuser output connects to the annular space and the nozzle connects to the pipe string internal cavity on the side of the input thereof through the channels. The body has a movable steady bush, spring-loaded working medium flow switch. Steady bush bypass holes and mounting seat for mounting a sealing unit provided with a hole for passing a logging cable or for arranging a depression insert provided with autonomous instruments and a return valve are provided. The sleeve, in the top position, closes the channels and, in lower position, the top end face is positioned under the input into the channel. The bypass holes are connected to the input into the channel.
US07686076B2	Expandable tubulars for use in a wellbore The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for mitigating trouble zones in a wellbore in a preferred pressure condition and completing the wellbore in the preferred pressure condition. In one aspect, a method of reinforcing a wellbore is provided. The method includes locating a valve member within the wellbore for opening and closing the wellbore. The method further includes establishing a preferred pressure condition within the wellbore and closing the valve member. The method also includes locating a tubular string having an expandable portion in the wellbore and opening the valve member. Additionally, the method includes moving the expandable portion through the opened valve member and expanding the expandable portion in the wellbore at a location below the valve member. In another aspect, a method of forming a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a system for drilling a wellbore is provided.
US07686075B2	Downhole pump assembly and method of recovering well fluids The present invention relates to a downhole tool. In particular, the present invention relates to a downhole pump assembly, a downhole tool assembly including a downhole pump assembly, a well including a downhole pump assembly and to a method of recovering well fluids. In one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a downhole tool assembly (10) for location in a borehole (16) of a well (12), the tool assembly (10) including a downhole pump assembly (18). The pump assembly (18) comprises a turbine (26) coupled to a pump (28), for driving the pump (28) to recover well fluid.
US07686074B2	Apparatus and method for active circuit protection of downhole electrical submersible pump monitoring gauges Embodiments of the present invention beneficially provide circuits and methods which isolate downhole electronics of a well pump assembly from a power surge. The pump assembly includes a motor and a housing, including head, base, and manifold plate. The head has a hollow interior and a shoulder. The head is mounted to the motor so that, in operation, oil from the motor fills the interior of the head. The base has an outside diameter to fit snugly inside the head. The manifold plate is located between an upper end of the base and the shoulder of the head so that the axis of the manifold plate is perpendicular to the axis of housing. A gauge circuit and an isolation circuit are mounted to the manifold plate. The isolation circuit includes active semiconductor elements to detect excessive voltage and to protect the gauge circuit from the excessive voltage.
US07686072B2	Heat exchanger and methods of producing the same A heat exchanger for a gas boiler for producing hot water is provided with a casing extending along a first axis and through which combustion fumes flow; a tube along which water flows, and which is housed inside casing, and coils about the first axis to form a helix having a succession of turns; and deflecting means for directing the fumes between successive turns of a first helix portion in a first direction and between successive turns of a second helix portion in a second direction opposite to first direction; the tube forming the turns of the first helix portion has a first cross section and the tube forming the turns of the second helix portion has a second cross section different from the first cross section.
US07686071B2	Blade-thru condenser having reeds and heat dissipation system thereof A condenser includes a condenser core, input and output manifolds connected therewith. The condenser core has a blade-thru structure, which is formed by a plurality of layers of thin metal blades stacked on top of another by joint interfaces or joined by spacer rings between two adjacent blades. Each layer of the blades includes condensation chamber(s), wherein the floor of the chamber is monolithic with the rest of the blade. The blades are so aligned that the condensation chamber(s) of each blade are on top of the condensation chamber(s) of the blade immediate underneath, thereby forming phase exchange column(s). Each condensation chamber has one or more apertures on the floor thereof, permitting vapor and condensate to pass therethrough and causing vibration of the chamber floor. Further disclosed is a heat dissipation system utilizing the blade-thru condenser, as well as a computer system utilizing the heat dissipation system.
US07686062B1	Dust barrier curtain and mounting system A curtain mounting system for creating a dust barrier that includes a curtain and a mounting system. The mounting system is made up of multiple support assemblies with each assembly having a holding member for attaching and supporting the curtain to a support structure such as wall or ceiling. The support assembly also has an elastic member coupled to the holding member and is also attached to the curtain. The elastic member is configured to suspend additional portions of the curtain creating an overlapping fold in the curtain. The curtain will lengthen when it is tugged on due to the curtain fold and will return back to its original length once the tugging has subsided due to the nature and placement of the elastic member.
US07686058B2	Operation handle assembly for curtains A curtain includes a top rail and a sheet of fabric having a top end connected to the top rail, a handle assembly is connected to a lower end of the sheet of fabric. The handle assembly includes two transverse bars received in the sheet of fabric and two upright bars which are removably connected to the transverse bars via connection members connected to the transverse bars from outside of the sheet of fabric. The upright bars can be separated from the transverse bars so that the curtain can be folded.
US07686047B2	Golf club cover Various exemplary implementations of the principles described herein provide a cover for a golf club. The golf club may include a head and a shaft, the head having a heel end and a toe end, and the shaft connected at the heel end. The cover may include a toe portion substantially shrouding the toe end of the club head and a heel portion substantially shrouding the heel end of the club head and a first length of the shaft. The cover may include a sleeve portion extending from the heel portion and substantially shrouding a second length of the shaft, the second length being greater than the first length. The sleeve portion may have an opening opposite the heel portion. The cover may include a first pull member on the heel portion.
US07686046B2	Router base securing mechanism The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing above the table securing/unsecuring of a router motor housing. The mechanism of the present invention employs a mechanical connection included on a pivot member to couple with a wrench device extended through the tabletop. The mechanism permits a user to adjust or release the motor housing without having to reach under the table surface.
US07686035B2	Device for division of a non-Newtonian liquid flowing through a passage A device for division of a non-Newtonian liquid, for example a molten synthetic material, flowing through a passage (1, 21), and comprising a flow-conditioned viscosity decreasing outward in cross section in flow through a T-shaped passage branching (T) deflecting and dividing the liquid flow. In a first embodiment of the device, before the end of the supply passage (1), a partition (11) is installed in the passage branching (T) dividing the liquid counterflow from the supply passage (1) into two halves, the angular position of the partition (11) assuming a setting adapted to the distribution of the differentially viscous components of the liquid in the supply passage (1). In a second embodiment of the device, in the passage branching (T), a deflector (23) is installed, so fashioned that essentially the central (viscous) component of the liquid from the supply passage (21), prior to its deflection into the discharge passages (22a, 22b), is divided into two components and these are so deflected that the two components preferably flow diametrally towards each other in the region ahead of the discharge passages (22a, 22b).
US07686028B2	Structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet An improved structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet, which is comprised by cover water-receiving valve seat with open bottom, cylinder water-controlling shaft bolt that one end is covered into shaft hole at center of water-receiving valve seat and a plurality of butterfly outlet control valves, wherein bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt has a protruding tongue embedding into top of bottom butterfly porcelain shard in order to adjust outlets of top and bottom porcelain shard; its features are as follows: an inlet channel extending to middle section of shaft bolt is made at middle section of bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt, horizontal through outlet channel is made at two sides of inlet channel. This straight-out water supply channel structure, because of ceramic valve of top porcelain shard, water can directly flow upward into inlet channel at middle section of the continuous shaft bolt when outlet of bottom porcelain shard is not closed properly, and then enter into pipe of faucet from outlet set around shaft hole at top of cover water-receiving valve seat via horizontal through outlet channel, so that this straight-out channel can supply water directly, no reduction of hydraulic pressure during supplying because of curve of water channel.
US07686009B2	Oven with cooling door Disclosed herein is an oven that is capable of discharging hot air generated when cooling a door and heat generated in a cooking chamber through the lower end of the door. The oven includes a door having at least two separated air channels. The air channels comprise at least one first air channel to discharge hot air generated when cooling the door through the lower end of the door, and at least one second air channel to introduce air through the lower end of the door such that the door is cooled. In the housing is mounted a circulating fan. Between the circulating fan and the air channels is connected a channel connecting unit. As the circulating fan is rotated, air flows along the second air channel to cool the door. Hot air generated when cooling the door is introduced into the first air channel through the channel connecting unit, and is then discharged out of the oven through the lower end of the door.
US07686003B2	Manually powered projectile launcher The present device is a projectile launcher using compressed air. The device includes a barrel adapted to receive the projectile proximate a rear end. The device further includes a cylinder, a piston, and a firing handle fixed to a rear side of the piston. A valve provides selective fluid communication between the cylinder and the barrel. A bolt rod is fixed to the valve. The valve is actuated when the piston is pushed to a front end of the cylinder and the firing handle comes into contact with the bolt rod. Air compressed within the cylinder by the piston is thereby being released into the barrel to propel the projectile from the barrel. The barrel further includes a bolt slidable within the barrel between a loading position and a firing position. The bolt is fixed to the front end of the bolt rod and includes a bolt air passageway.
US07686001B2	Throwing apparatus The invention consists in a throwing apparatus comprising an elongated handle and a cup mounted on the handle at or adjacent one end thereof. The cup is shaped to receive a throwable, non spherical, object and to retain such object until the handle is swung whereupon the object is released from the cup.
US07686000B2	Controller and method for controlling an ignition coil A controller for an ignition coil, the controller comprising means for determining a rate of change of current flow through a primary winding of the ignition coil; and means for switching off current flow through the primary winding of the ignition coil as a function of the rate of change of current.
US07685999B2	Ignition control device for internal combustion engine An ignition control device for controlling a multi-spark operation comprises: a secondary electric energy generator generating an electric energy to reignite an air fuel-mixture associated with an internal combustion engine during the multi-spark operation; a switching element capable of controlling the supplying of the electric energy to a primary coil of an ignition coil, the controlling causing a secondary current in a secondary coil of the ignition coil; an ignition timing signal generator generating an ignition timing signal based on a driving state of the engine; a multi-spark period setting element setting a multi-spark period of the multi-spark operation based on the ignition timing signal; and an ignition control element setting an amount of electric power supplied to the secondary electric energy generator based on the multi-spark period before the performing of the multi-spark operation is started, and for controlling the switching element.
US07685990B2	Dual mode combustion apparatus and method A fuel injection apparatus for a fuel injector nozzle includes a moveable valve needle slideably located within a nozzle body, the nozzle body having an internal surface defining a valve seat between a fuel supply path and fuel outlets. The valve needle includes an obturator piston that is engagable with an axial fuel outlet and a two-stage lift mechanism for enabling lift of the valve needle. In a first stage lifted position of the valve needle, the valve face is spaced apart from the valve seat, and the obturator piston is positioned such that a fuel flow passage is opened between the obturator piston and the axial fuel outlet. In a second stage lifted position, the valve face is spaced further apart from the valve seat and the obturator piston is positioned such that the fuel flow passage between the obturator piston and the axial fuel outlet is substantially closed.
US07685983B2	Systems and methods of lubricant delivery Embodiments of a lubricant delivery system comprise a lubricant feeder comprising at least one outlet port with an outwardly tapering cross section, and a lubricant delivery pipe operable to receive lubricant from the at least one outlet port of the lubricant feeder. The lubricant delivery pipe also comprises at least one lubricant discharge nozzle disposed on the lubricant delivery pipe, wherein the at least one lubricant discharge nozzle is operable to deliver lubricant to portions of the lubricant delivery pipe.
US07685981B2	Method of controlling variable valve timing system, controller, and motorcycle including controller A method of controlling a variable valve timing system comprising calculating, by a sliding mode control, a first control amount based on a deviation between a target value and an actually measured value of the position of the displacing member of the variable valve timing system, calculating a second control amount by integrating the deviation as an input when the deviation falls within a predetermined numeric value range containing a zero value, or by integrating the zero value as the input when the deviation falls outside the predetermined numeric value range; and adding the first control amount and the second control amount to set a compensation control amount for compensating the position of the displacing member.
US07685976B2	Induction tuning using multiple intake valve lift events A tuned induction control system for an engine at or near full load having a piston that is reciprocally disposed in a cylinder includes a first module that actuates an intake valve associated with the cylinder and a second module that determines a second intake valve open timing based on an intake air temperature, pressure and an engine speed. The first module actuates the intake valve during a first intake event and actuates the intake valve during a second intake event that is subsequent to the first intake event. The first and second intake events occur during a common intake stroke of the piston and the intake valve is opened at the second intake valve open timing during the second intake event.
US07685970B1	Aerial capture-and-carry of cattle by land vehicle, and apparatus An aerial pen raised and lowered by a driven land vehicle has sidewalls defining an open bottom, a retractable platform for a targeted animal to stand on, a livestock head gate, and a retractable crowding gate cooperatively arranged with the deployed platform and head gate for securing the targeted animal for aerial carrying. Use of the aerial pen is like practicing, on a large-scale, a box-trap style ‘pursuit-and-pounce’ of cattle catching, albeit at an unhurried pace of pursuit, followed by an unhurried pounce. The box-trap style capture might be likened to the activity of ‘pouncing’ or, more fancifully, likened to the activity of netting as practiced by insect collectors with aerial nets (eg., butterfly nets). Presumptively, the livestock animal is sick or otherwise slowed, which permits this activity to be practiced without harm to the animal.
US07685954B2	High speed, multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship A multi segment articulated Surface Effect Ship. Flexible air seals are formed between hull modules with a gas cushion contained between the side hulls under the entire length of the ship. In one embodiment the cushion formed may act as one continuous gas cushion whereby air cushion pressure generated or flowing from a leading car, or modular segment, flows rearward to supply or augment the cushion pressure necessary to support the following modules at the required operational draft. Hull configurations adaptable to the multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship described in the invention include conventional and air cushion assisted catamaran, trimaran and quadramaran designs and configurations. The ability to vary the cushion pressure at any point or area underneath the length of the ship gives the craft unique and novel passage-making abilities and extreme shallow draft capabilities that can be easily altered while underway to suite the routes and areas it serves in addition by dynamically adapting to varying sea states or other wave type and wave height conditions encountered during transit.
US07685943B2	Traveling duct for carrying exhaust captured from moving diesel-powered locomotives A traveling duct allows a bonnet to remain over the exhaust pipes of diesel-powered locomotives in motion, and to remain in fluid communication with an Emissions Control Unit (ECU). The bonnet includes a shell with a compliant fender for enclosing the exhaust pipes. One or more of the bonnets are positioned over the exhaust pipe or pipes of the locomotive and are secured to the exhaust pipes or to a top surface of the locomotive. The traveling duct includes an outer duct having a bottom gap or slot. The bonnets may either be connected to an extendable inner duct within the traveling duct, or to a duct transport unit slidably residing within the traveling duct. Exhaust from the locomotive is captured by the bonnet and fed from the bonnet into the traveling duct. The exhaust is then carried by the traveling duct to the ECU for processing.
US07685934B2	Refrigerator and method for keeping food using the same A refrigerator and a method for keeping food items fresh therein are provided. The refrigerator may include a main body, storage compartments provided in the main body to store food items therein, and irradiation devices that irradiate visible light into the storage compartments. The irradiation devices may switch a wavelength of irradiated light depending on the type of food items stored in the corresponding storage compartment. The refrigerator may also include a sensor that senses whether food items are stored in the storage compartments, and purification devices provided in the compartments to remove ethylene generated by the food items stored in the storage compartments.
US07685921B2	Composite panels for blast and ballistic protection A ballistic and blast protective composite panel includes a first composite layer and a second composite layer.
US07685917B2	Apparatus and method for clearing land mines A method and an apparatus for clearing land mines includes a mine detonator, a unmanned propulsion device and a rake member-electromagnet combination. The mine detonator includes a roller assembly, which is connected to and propelled by a prime mover of the unmanned propulsion unit. The mine detonator additionally may include a segmented column of weights that function to exert ground pressure to detonate hidden land mines. The rake member-electromagnet combination includes a rake member to turn up soil as the device advances in a minefield, and a magnetic member to pick up surface or sub-surface metal on the minefield.
US07685916B2	Product clamp for food slicing machine A clamping mechanism for a food slicing machine having a product holder that is driven cyclically through a food slicing blade along an arcuate or linear path. The clamping mechanism is driven by the drive means that drives the product holder, thereby assuring the timing of the clamping during the cutting portion of the stroke. A drive rod extends from the drive means, which can be a driveshaft, and extends to a plate that is pivotably mounted to the product holder. The plate pushes plungers through the sidewall of the holder to seat against and clamp the food product against the sidewall of the holder.
US07685890B2	Bearing assembly with a strain sensor A bearing and shaft assembly comprises a shaft and at least one bearing, and is provided with at least one strain sensor. An elastic component is provided between the shaft and the at least one bearing, and the elastic component comprises the at least one strain sensor. In one disclosed embodiment, the elastic component forms an integral part with one of the bearing and the shaft.
US07685885B2	Manipulator constant force spring counterbalance In various embodiments, a test head weight compensation device includes at least one constant force spring connected between a test head assembly of the automated test equipment system and a test head supporting structure to apply a constant supportive force to the test head assembly. The at least one constant force spring is mounted to the test head supporting structure with a distal end of the constant force spring is attached to the test head assembly. Alternately, the constant force spring is mounted to the test head assembly with the distal end of the constant force spring connected to the test head supporting structure. The test weight compensation device may include pulleys attached to the supporting structure or the test head assembly with the constant force spring passed through the pulley to multiply the force of the constant force spring.
US07685883B2	Analytic sintering forms and method for using same A set of analytic forms provide empirical data used to determine the material properties of a part following its fabrication. Multiple of families of the forms are identically processed to provide a variety of data, including the reaction of the part material to compression, tension and bending stresses. The forms in each family have a structural feature that singularizes the directional effect of gravity on a test cross section of the material. The dimensions of the test cross section progressively vary within each family so that data can be generated for multiple levels of stress.
US07685882B1	Heating and air conditioning service gauge A pressure gauge for determining refrigerant pressure and the saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a refrigerant in an HVAC system. The pressure gauge employs a bourdon tube with at least one attached strain gauge to sense the refrigerant pressure and produce an electronic pressure signal. The electronic pressure signal from the output of the strain gauge is attached to a microprocessor, which calculates and displays the refrigerant pressure, the saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a variety of refrigerants, and produces instantaneous and time lapsed representations of those parameters.
US07685877B2	Semiconductor mechanical sensor A semiconductor mechanical sensor having a new structure in which a S/N ratio is improved. In the central portion of a silicon substrate 1, a recess portion 2 is formed which includes a beam structure. A weight is formed at the tip of the beam, and in the bottom surface of the weight in the bottom surface of the recess portion 2 facing the same, an electrode 5 is formed. An alternating current electric power is applied between the weight portion 4 and the electrode 5 so that static electricity is created and the weight is excited by the static electricity. In an axial direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the excitation of the weight, an electrode 6 is disposed to face one surface of the weight and a wall surface of the substrate which faces the same. A change in a capacitance between the facing electrodes is electrically detected, and therefore, a change in a physical force acting in the same direction is detected.
US07685874B2	Thermal type flow sensor with a constricted measuring passage A thermal type flow sensor includes a base portion provided along the direction of a fluid flowing through a main passage, and a sensor element mounted on the base portion and having an exothermic resistor formed on a substrate for detecting the fluid flow rate. The base portion has a rectangular recessed portion in which the sensor element is fixed so that the surface of the detecting portion of the sensor element is positioned lower than an upper edge of the recessed portion. A wall portion of the measuring passage facing the sensor element is constricted. The exothermic resistor is disposed along the fluid passage and spaced away from the upstream side upper edge of the recessed portion and cannot be substantially affected by a fluid flow disturbance due to a step portion formed between the upper edge of the recessed portion and the detecting portion surface.
US07685871B2	System and method for estimating engine internal residual fraction using single-cylinder simulation and measured cylinder pressure An estimation apparatus for determining a residual burned gas mass fraction of an internal combustion engine includes a single-cylinder simulator and an optimizer. The residual estimation apparatus does not rely on accurate knowledge of, or calculation of the details of the complex pulsating pressures and flows at the intake and exhaust valves. Instead an iterative approach uses primarily measured cylinder pressure and airflow as driving inputs, to ensure that the simulation states (i.e., pressure, temperature, and composition) of the cylinder gas contents, at the time of intake valve closing, are correct. The burned gas fraction calculated by the engine simulator is then taken as an estimate of that in the actual engine.
US07685870B2	Systems and methods for performing cooling airflow analysis of gas turbine engine components Systems and methods for performing cooling airflow analysis of gas turbine engine components are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes an airflow insert operative to form a seal with a component, the airflow insert having a main portion and a removable sacrificial portion, the sacrificial portion being sized and shaped to engage the component, the main portion having a cavity sized and shaped to removably receive the sacrificial portion, the main portion being sized and shaped to form a seal about the sacrificial portion and a corresponding portion of the component.
US07685868B2	Measuring head for nanoindentation instrument and measuring method using same A measuring head for a nano-indentation instrument capable of positioning a sample relatively to the measuring head, which includes a measuring axis, a reference axis and a component for detecting a depth of penetration of an indentor into the sample. The measuring and reference axes are attached to a frame for connection to the instrument. The measuring axis incorporates an actuator and includes the indentor, the reference axis incorporates an actuator and includes a reference tip, and the measuring and reference axes each have a component for detecting a force applied by its actuator. Penetration depth is detected by measuring a displacement of the indentor relatively to the reference tip.
US07685867B2	Leak diagnostic apparatus for a vaporized fuel processing system A leak diagnostic apparatus for a vaporized fuel processing system that purges vaporized fuel in a fuel tank of a vehicle is disclosed. The leak diagnostic apparatus comprises a leak diagnostic device, a fuel tank condition detection device and a determining device. The leak diagnostic device carries out a leak diagnosis of the vaporized fuel processing system while the engine is operating. The fuel tank condition detection device detects the conditions in the fuel tank. The determining device determines whether the leak diagnosis should be carried out based on predetermined conditions in the fuel tank.
US07685865B2	Method and apparatus for measuring the rate of permeation A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the rate of permeation of a gas or vapour through a test sample with the gas container detachable from the sensor. The gas container consists of an upstream and a downstream chamber in communication with a test sample. The upstream chamber of the gas container containing the test sample is filled with a gas or vapour. The pressure increase in the downstream chamber is monitored and recorded at successive increments of time. To estimate the rate of permeation one or more experimental pressure values can be used as input for a mathematical approximation procedure. Using the starting pressure and one or more pressure values taken at different times allows the gas container with the test sample to be detached from the sensor and hence an increased sample throughput is realised.
US07685863B2	Device for measuring the gas content in a molten metal A device is provided for measuring the gas content in a molten metal, the device including an immersion end having a gas-collecting body, a gas supply line opening on the immersion end, and a gas discharge line for the gases passing through the gas-collecting body. The gas-collecting body contains materials, which in contact with the molten metal do not form liquid reaction products.
US07685858B2	Sheet metal bending brake A bending brake assembly for manually bending pieces of sheet metal material including a base supporting a plurality of c-shaped members presenting opposing clamping surfaces for receiving the sheet metal material. An extension extends away from the clamping surfaces with a socket connection rotatably supporting a bending member on the base for bending the sheet metal material disposed between the clamping surfaces. The socket connection includes a mate portion and a female portion in sliding engagement with one another as the bending member moves between a pre-bending position, a first operating position, and a second operating position. A finger extends from the male portion and defines a gap between the finger and the extension when in the pre-bending position with the finger maintaining the gap as the finger moves from the pre-bending position to the first operating position and the finger engaging the extension when in the second operating position.
US07685857B2	Curved extrusions and method of forming the same A curved extrusion includes a body that has indefinite length and a cross-section, and that is formed to contour and at least one channel cut into the cross-section that is filled with deposited material such that said cross-section of said body is restored. By cutting the channels into the cross-section of the extrusion, the extrusion may be easily formed onto a contoured tool to be curved with lower forming and residual stresses and distortion. By filling the channels with deposited material, the original cross-section and strength of the extrusion can be restored. By adding a transverse stiffener, the strength of the original extrusion may not only be restored but also further improved. By depositing material to create structural features the cross-section of the extrusion may be locally changed. The method for forming curved extrusions of the present invention may be used, for example, to produce T-chords of an aircraft.
US07685854B2	Axial spring balancing pin tumbler lock An axial spring balancing pin tumbler lock includes a cylindrical shell, a plug rotationally disposed within the shell and rotatable by a tubular key. The shell contains a plurality of first pin bores annularly and evenly defined to the axis of the shell for receiving first pins and first springs. The plug has a through aperture for engaging with a elongated spindle, a key bore coaxially defined on front end for receiving the tubular key, a plurality of third pin bores annularly and evenly defined on front end with same depth of the key bore for receiving third pins, and a plurality of second pin bores defined on rear end of the plug for receiving second pins and second springs. Each second pin may contacts the tubular key and one of third pins simultaneously. The extension force of the second spring at its preloaded length is stronger than that of the first spring at its fully loaded length so both second pin and third pin are urged by compound extension force to their most extended position while the first pin is at its most retracted position. The extended third pins bridge the shear plane of the lock, the plug is then blocked from rotating. Since the third pins are isolated from the opening keyway and are not driven by key notches or external force directly, the conventional lock picking or bumping methods must fail.
US07685853B2	Pin-a-plug time saving device for re-keying a lock A device for re-keying a lock that frees the locksmith from having to handle individual tumblers. A magazine is provided for each tumbler in the lock. Each magazine is numbered or coded to indicate the size of the tumblers within. The magazines fit into the top of a housing that temporarily holds the plug portion of the lock to be re-keyed. Upon alignment of the magazines with their corresponding holes in the plug, the tumblers fall into place and the lock has effectively been re-keyed. The plug is then removed from the housing and ready to be placed back in its original lock assembly.
US07685852B2	Tool for pin tumbler locks A tool for loading pin stack elements into a pin tumbler lock includes a cylindrical shank of diameter similar to the diameter of the lock plug, a loading groove extending along at least a shank portion corresponding to the length of the set of pin chambers and intersecting with the shank axis; a set of parallel loading bores formed in the shank, extending between the loading groove and the outer surface of the shank, each loading bore dimensioned to contain pin stack elements, the loading bores further having a spacing along the shank in a direction parallel to its axis equal to the spacing of the chambers; and a loader element mounted within the loading groove in adjustable positioning with respect to the loading bores, operative for selectable transfer of a pin stack element from each loading bore to a chamber in axial registration therewith.
US07685851B2	Security padlock having a secondary locking system By providing a padlock having a primary shackle and a secondary shackle which is easily employed whenever the primary shackle has been cut, an effective, easily produced, key operated or combination controlled padlock is achieved which enables the padlock to be quickly and easily opened for inspection by security personnel, while also enabling the padlock to be quickly relocked after inspection using a secondary locking shackle. In addition, the secondary locking shackle provides the user with notice that the padlock and suitcase had been opened by security personnel. In accordance with the present invention, the padlock incorporates a housing and a primary shackle which is constructed for being lockingly engaged with the housing, as well as dis-engaged from the housing whenever the padlock is opened.
US07685846B2	Assembly for stacking washers and dryers The present invention is to provide an assembly for stacking washer and/or dryers, by which washers/dryers, washers, or dryers can be stacked. The present invention includes at least one bracket provided to a top portion of a first washer or dryer and at least one holder provided to the bracket to hold a leg of a second washer or dryer put on the first washer or dryer.
US07685838B2	Ground-based aircraft air conditioner with thermal storage A preconditioned air system for cooling an interior cabin space of a parked aircraft includes a thermal energy storage unit, which contains a thermal energy storage medium for storing cooling capacity. During use, a ground-based air-cooling unit is placed in thermal communication with the thermal energy storage medium. The ground-based air-cooling unit draws upon cooling capacity that has been stored previously within the thermal storage medium for cooling the interior cabin space. Storage of cooling capacity is performed during off-peak demand times and/or during low power cost times. System modularity supports cooling of variously sized aircraft even under extreme temperature conditions.
US07685837B2	Freezer storage assembly for a refrigerator A storage assembly for a refrigerator having a freezer storage compartment includes a second storage compartment positioned within the freezer storage compartment, and a cooling plate positioned within the second storage compartment. The cooling plate is configured to support a food item and transfer thermal energy between the food item and the cooling plate through conduction. The storage assembly also includes a fan positioned at a first end of the second storage compartment. The fan is configured to draw cool air into the second storage compartment and direct the cool air across the food item.
US07685835B2	Air conditioning system An air conditioning system includes a heat source unit, an air supply device that supplies the outside air to the room as the ventilation air, a water supply type humidifier for humidifying the ventilation air, a heating medium circuit, and a supply water heating device. The heat source unit heats a heating medium that is used for heating the room in a heating medium—refrigerant heat exchanger. The heating medium circuit includes at least one room heating device that releases the heat of the heating medium heated in the heating medium—refrigerant heat exchanger into the room, and circulates the heating medium between the room heating device and the heating medium—refrigerant heat exchanger. The supply water heating device uses the heat generated from the heat source unit in order to heat water to be used in the humidifier.
US07685829B2	Process and device for producing a current of humid air Process and device for generating a current of humid air having a defined relative humidity comprising the steps of generating a current of air in a tubing arrangement, generating hot water vapor, introducing the water vapor into the air current to generate flowing hot humid air, passing the hot humid air through a water separator while lowering the temperature of the humid air below the dew point temperature to generate saturated humid air having a defined temperature, heating the humid air coming from the water separator above the defined temperature to achieve a defined relative humidity, and discharging the humid air from the tubing arrangement as a current of humid air having a relative humidity of not less than 80%.
US07685828B2	Electricity generation in a turbomachine A turbomachine comprising at least one Stirling cycle thermal engine which is mounted at the end of a radial arm of the exhaust casing and comprises a working chamber located outside the primary and secondary flows, a displacing piston associated with a moving element of an energy generation system, and two exchangers, heating and cooling, formed in parts of the radial arm respectively intercepting the primary flow and the secondary flow, these two exchangers communicating with each other and with the working chamber for the circulation of a working fluid.
US07685824B2	Rotary ramjet turbo-generator A Brayton-cycle rotary ramjet engine (10) operated within the confines of a helically elongated pass-through duct formed between a preferably stationary radially outward surface (14) and an outer rotating flow channel (36). The flow channel (36) is contoured between its inlet (34) and outlet (38) to include a supersonic diffuser (40), a combustor (42) and an expansion nozzle (44). Gaseous fuel, or liquid fuel atomized by a fuel slinger (58) within a housing (46), or solid fuel in the form of fine particulates, is inter-mixed with an oxidizer prior to being directed to the flow channel inlets (34). The air and fuel are combusted in the flow channels (36) and exhausted through the rear of the housing (46). A generator (22) can be coupled to a power shaft (18) to convert net shaft power into electricity. Preferably, the rotor (24) and stator (12) are fabricated from a ceramic or other high-temperature material so that combustor exit temperatures (T3) can be operated at highly efficient levels.
US07685821B2	System and process for base load power generation A system and process are disclosed for converting thermal energy into power from three different compositional streams of a multi-component working fluid, one of the streams being a lean working fluid stream pressurized into its super-critical state before being vaporized in a heat recovery vapor generator, another stream is a rich working fluid steam and the third stream is an intermediate working fluid stream, where the system and process has increased overall efficiency.
US07685819B2	Turbocharged internal combustion engine system The present invention relates to a turbocharged internal combustion engine (ICE) system having fast response to increased power demand and reduced response time lag. The system includes a vortex tube for delivering cold air into the turbocharger compressor where it may be used to cool the impeller, and/or accelerate the impeller rotational speed, and/or favorably shift the compressor surge line at low speeds and high loads. Cold air from the vortex tube may be also used to operate an ejector pump in the intake duct which further compresses intake air and increases engine charge weight during periods of high power demand. In addition to increasing engine output power, delivery of cold air into engine intake also reduces engine pre-ignition (knocking) thereby reducing emissions. The invention also relates to a method for operating a turbocharged internal combustion engine.
US07685805B2	Turbofan gas turbine engine and nacelle arrangement The arrangement comprises a fan by-pass duct located within the nacelle and having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is generally oriented substantially radially and at an intermediary location along the nacelle. The nacelle has an aft section with an initially convex and substantially outwardly extending surface adjacent to the outlet of the fan by-pass duct. The surface of the aft section decreases in curvature and becomes concave towards a rear end of the engine.
US07685794B2	Apparatus for sterilization and filling of cup type container Cup-shaped containers can be turned over and transferred with good stability from a sterilization-washing zone to the filling-sealing zone inside an aseptic chamber, and admixture of odor or microorganisms is prevented.The first conveyor 2 for conveying the cup-shaped container 38 in an inverted state and a second conveyor 3 for conveying the container in an upright state downstream of the first conveyor 2 are disposed in series in substantially the same plane inside a continuous aseptic chamber 1. A container supply device, a container sterilization device, and a container washing device are disposed successively along the first conveyor 2. A contents filling device 40, a lid material sealing device 41, and a device for discharging the sealed cup-shaped container are installed successively along the second conveyor 3. Sterilization and washing are performed in an inverted state, while conveying the container with the first conveyor 2. The washed container is turned over and transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor 3 and the contents filling and lid sealing are performed on the second conveyor.
US07685788B1	Wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall A wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall. The wall strap tensioner includes first and second links pivotally connected together. A fastener is secured to each of the first and second links for engaging and fastening to the wall strap. Disposed about the opposite end of the tensioner is a flexible cable adapted to be secured to a portion of the metal wall. A connector connects to the flexible cable and a handle is pivotally connected to the connector and movable between first and second positions. Once the handle assumes the second position, the metal strap is tensioned and can be fastened to an appropriate area of the metal wall.
US07685787B1	System and method for leveling or alignment of panels A system for connecting and sealing panels comprising a bridge component with elevated and recessed surface features adapted to receive and bridge adjacent panels to form a weather-resistant seal and aesthetically pleasing appearance. By providing mating surface features to receive a side edge portion of an adjacent panel assembly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may enable an improved lap joint to be established between adjacent backed panels.
US07685784B2	Cool roof covering and adhesive therefor A cool roof covering for forming the outermost layer of a bituminous roof coating is provided, this cool roof covering comprising multiple heat-reflecting cap-sheets arranged in an adjacent, overlapping edge fashion and a heat-reflecting cap-sheet adhesive applied to overlapping portions of the cap-sheets for securing these cap-sheets to one another. The heat-reflecting cap-sheets exhibit a solar reflectance of at least 60% and a thermal emittance of at least 65. The heat-reflecting cap-sheet adhesive comprises a storage-stable, VOC-compliant mixture containing at least 10 wt. % of one or more weather-resistant organic resins dissolved in an organic solvent, the adhesive having a viscosity of 15,000 cps or less at 77° F. (25° C.) and exhibiting a lap shear strength of at least about 17 lbf/in when applied to a substrate and dried.
US07685779B1	Molded wall flashing kick out A molded wall flashing kick out is designed to be the lower terminus end of a flashing system that is used wherein a roof section terminates against a sidewall of a building. The molded wall flashing kick out has a sheet-like body member that is bent along a longitudinal seam. A kick out plate is integrally formed on the end cap and extends outwardly from a generally vertical section of the body member toward and attaches to a generally horizontal section of the body member. A channel, which may have two sections, is formed on the body member in order to receive a vinyl siding J-channel. The outer edge of the horizontal section of the body member is curled while at least one opening is located on the vertical section of the body member in order to receive a fastener therethrough.
US07685777B2	Weather strip for motor vehicle A weather strip exhibiting excellent sealing properties, of which a tubular seal portion is prevented from readily tilting when attached to a curved flange in a vehicle body. The weather strip includes a trim portion having a generally U-shaped cross-section and a tubular seal portion. The tubular seal portion includes a first outer seal wall, a second outer seal wall, a first inner seal wall, a second inner seal wall, an outer flexing part and an inner flexing part. The thickness of the tubular seal portion decreases in the order of joint areas of the first outer seal wall and the first inner seal wall to the trim portion, the second outer seal wall and the second inner seal wall, and the outer flexing part and the inner flexing part.
US07685769B2	Methods for storing conifer somatic embryo germinants In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of storing conifer somatic embryo germinants germinated on a sterile germination medium for delayed transplanting into a growth medium. The methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) placing the germinants while still on sterile germination medium into a cold environment in which the temperature is in the range of 0.5° C. to 10° C. for a time period up to six months, said germinants comprising a visible, well-defined epicotyl and radicle; and (b) placing the germinants in water for a time greater than about 1 hour at a temperature below about 24° C. prior to transplantation into growth medium.
US07685768B2	Automated testing of seeds An apparatus for the automated testing of seeds includes a testing device having a testing stage, for analyzing a seed delivered to the testing stage; and a conveyor for automatically individually conveying each of a plurality of seeds in a tray between individual compartments in the tray and the testing stage of the testing device.
US07685758B2	Accessory rails for firearms and methods of operating the same Accessory rails for use with firearms are disclosed. An example rail includes a front sight arrangement that has a width less than the width of the rail, wherein the front sight arrangement is retractable and wherein the front sight arrangement is laterally adjustable. The example rail also includes a rear sight arrangement that has a width less than the width of the rail, wherein the rear sight arrangement is retractable and wherein the rear sight arrangement is laterally adjustable.
US07685757B2	Rifle A rifle comprising a housing, a barrel anchored thereon and a forearm extending below the barrel. The barrel is anchored by a fastening element which extends through a cross hole of the housing. The forearm has at least one axial projection that detachably engages into a seat of the housing. The cross hole for anchoring the barrel and the seat for fastening the forearm intersect and the forearm comprises a snap-in recess for the fastening element to snap in when the barrel is anchored.
US07685747B1	Footwear architecture(s) and associated closure systems Footwear architecture(s) and associated closure systems. A footwear closure system is described with an anchor section, affixed to a forefoot portion of an upper of the footwear, and an engagement section, coupled with the anchor section through an elastomeric material, to removably engage a rearfoot portion of the upper of the footwear, securing the rearfoot portion to the forefoot portion.
US07685746B2	Pedicure boot The present invention is directed to a pedicure boot having a forward end of an upper member detachably secured to the forward end of the sole member to enable the toes of the user to be exposed and then covered as needed without having the forward end of the upper member detached from the pedicure boot.
US07685739B2	Convertible dance shoe An article of footwear having a street shoe configuration and a dance shoe configuration is provided. The shoe includes a sole and an upper having a lacing system, lace and a tongue. The tongue is removably attached to the upper. The tongue may be removed to convert the shoe from a street shoe configuration to a dance shoe configuration. The tongue may also be secured via a lace strung through an apertures formed in the tongue. This configuration provides for easier conversion from street shoe to dance shoe.
US07685738B2	Computer to plate color sensor and drying/curing system and method A printing plate curing system includes a color sensor that measures at least one color value of a printing plate. The color value is used to control a parameter of a curing system, such as energy output or conveyor speed. Multiple color sensors may be used to measure color values of a printing plate before and after imaging, developing and curing. Each sensor may measure multiple color values. The measure values may be used to control an imager as well as a curing system.
US07685737B2	Process and system for drying and heat treating materials This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.
US07685725B2	Apparatus and method for theodolite support A theodolite support tool includes a base plate configured to couple to the theodolite. The base plate has at least three rods extending from the bottom side of the base plate with each rod being vertically adjustable. The theodolite support tool also includes a clamp configured to attach to a support of an antenna. A cantilevered frame supports the base plate and is coupled to the clamp such that the frame is approximately level when the clamp is attached to the support of the antenna that is a predetermined angle from vertical.
US07685719B2	Circle cutting device A rotary disc assembly for use with a cutting tool to cut circles from a material. The rotary disc assembly includes an outer ring frame having an inner flange and a rotary disc, rotatably attached to the inner flange of the outer ring frame. The rotary disc has a radial channel so that when it is placed on the material and the cutting tool is inserted into the radial channel and affixed therein, and when the cutting tool and the rotary disc are rotated relative to the outer ring frame, the material is cut to form a circle.
US07685718B2	Deburr device A deburr tool for deburring an end of a conduit includes a handle, cutting bit, and head. The handle is to grasp the deburr tool. The handle has a handle axis. The cutting bit includes a distal end, proximal end, body portion and a cutting profile. The body portion is generally cylindrical and has a bit axis. The cutting profile is generally “U” shaped and resides in a plane generally parallel to the bit axis. The cutting profile tapers from an opening disposed at the distal end to an arcuate base. The opening has a distance between a first side and a second side that exceeds a wall thickness of the conduit. The head rotatably secures the cutting bit to the handle. The bit axis coincides with the handle axis.
US07685708B2	Multipoint nanoprobe method of making A nanoprobe includes a substrate having a layer, which forms a projected portion. A plurality of conductive lines is adhered to the projected portion and the lines extend beyond an end of the projected portion by a distance to form contact points, wherein the lines are connected to material of the projected portion to provide stiffness and the contact points provide flexibility during use.
US07685703B1	Method of making an essentially monolithic capacitor A monolithic or essentially monolithic single layer capacitor with high structural strength and capacitance, a printed circuit board having the capacitor mounted thereon, and a method of making. Sheets of green-state ceramic dielectric material and glass/metal composite material are laminated together, diced into individual chips, and fired to sinter the glass and the ceramic together. The composite material contains an amount of metal sufficient to render the composite conductive whereby the composite may be used for one or both electrodes and for mounting the capacitor to the printed circuit board. Vertically-oriented surface mountable capacitors and hybrid capacitors are provided.
US07685701B2	Method and apparatus for restoring alignment of the support socket in the manufacture of leg prostheses An apparatus for restoring the alignment of the support socket with other structural components during the fabrication of a leg prosthesis comprising a stand with base, a means to secure the lower aspect of the leg prosthesis to the stand base, and a laser source attached to the top of the stand that emits visible cross-beams downward onto the leg prosthesis when the prosthesis is mounted on the stand base. The method of the invention uses the described apparatus with leg prosthesis mounted thereon to mark points on the inside of a check or test socket that coincide with the laser cross-beams; transferring these marks from the check socket to the permanent support socket; and re-aligning the permanent support socket with the lower aspect prosthetic components by mounting the leg prosthesis with permanent support socket on the alignment apparatus and matching the marks to the laser cross-beams. A removable base plate allows for a number of leg prostheses to be fabricated concurrently, using the same alignment apparatus. The method and apparatus of the present invention reduces the time and expense of orthotic fabrication while increasing the accuracy of alignment of the finished prosthetic product.
US07685697B2	Method of manufacturing an electric motor of a power tool and of manufacturing the power tool A method of manufacturing a power tool includes forming an armature by placing an electrically insulative sleeve on an armature shaft, securing a lamination stack having slots therein on the armature shaft with the insulative sleeve disposed therebetween, securing a commutator on one end of the armature shaft with the insulative sleeve disposed therebetween, winding magnet wires in the slots in the lamination stack and securing ends of the magnet wires to the commutator, and molding thermally conductive plastic to at least partially encase the magnet wires in plastic. The armature is then disposed in a stator to form an electric motor and the electric motor is disposed in a power tool. In an aspect, electrically insulative plastic is molded in the slots of the lamination stack to form slot liners and around the ends of the lamination stack to form end spiders.In an aspect, the method includes disposing an electrically insulative seal around the insulative sleeve and abutting the commutator to seal any gap between an end of the insulative sleeve and the commutator.
US07685690B2	Method and apparatus for attaching a fastener nut to a hydroformed part Method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a hydroformed part remains in a hydroforming die cavity under hydroforming pressure while an attachable fastener nut is operated to pierce and form a collar in the part by forced insertion of the nut into the part and wherein the nut is fastened to the collar by friction welding, friction skip welding or mechanical locking depending on the form of the fastener nut.
US07685688B2	Forced puller A forced puller includes a central seat having a threaded hole centrally defined therein and extending therethrough. The central seat has two opposite sides each having a rod perpendicularly extending therefrom relative to an axis of the threaded hole. Two hook members are respectively slidably mounted to a corresponding one of the two rods. Each hook member is formed with a hook engaged to a workpiece that is purposed to be detached. A main threaded rod is screwed through the threaded hole in the central seat. The main threaded rod has a polygonal head formed on a first end thereof for user to forcefully rotate the main threaded rod and a push portion is formed on a second end of the main threaded rod to securely and longitudinally abut against the workpiece after rotating the main threaded rod.
US07685685B2	Seat belt with child resistant buckle A seatbelt assembly with a buckle has male and female mating parts, in which the male part includes features to prevent disengagement operation by a child. The child resistant features include added ribs, webbing in the form of flanges or struts, or barbs or prongs that increase the difficulty for disengaging the buckle. The female part can have an arcuate outer surface to increase the overall durability of the buckle and resist damaging external forces or damaging misuse. The female part can also be provided with lateral shoulders to make the female part harder to withdraw and thus more child resistant. The seatbelt assembly with the child resistant buckle can be operated easily by an adult, while remaining secure from disengagement by a typical child.
US07685684B1	Line attachment system An elongated shaft configured to receive the expeditious attachment of a line thereto, the shaft having adjacent to a first end a short length radially extending post, the shaft having a recess therein at the first end so that thereby the portion of the shaft from about the position of the post to the first end is tubular providing a tubular wall, and a V-shaped notch formed in the tubular wall, the notch extending from about the post to the shaft first end, the notch being configured to provide a portion of the tubular wall that is tooth-like, the post serving to receive a loop from a bight of the line after which the bight can be wrapped around the shaft and then looped in the notch and beneath the tooth-like portion, an end of the line extending out the shaft tubular end.
US07685672B2	Vacuum eraser for blackboards This invention is a new structure of blackboard eraser with cordless vacuum functionality. The main components in the design include a chalk eraser, chalk dust collector and vacuum fan. A brusher mounted in the edge of inlet hole of chalk dust collector removes the chalk dust from the surface of eraser belt shape fabric and then the chalk dust is vacuumed into the collector chamber by vacuum fan. The roller shafts are inserted to the eraser bracket side holes and then go to the center of cylinder rollers.The eraser belt shape fabric covers to the external of the four rollers and eraser bracket. The eraser belt fabric will be conveyed back and forth by the friction with rollers and erase the chalk dust from the blackboard. One filter bag installed in the collect chamber filters the chalk power from the inlet air of the vacuum fan. The vacuum function driven by fan and electric motor can transport the chalk power to the external surface of filter bag and no leaking to the outside and that harms the health for anyone nearby. The built-in rechargeable battery for the fan motor allows the eraser to be used cordlessly.
US07685666B2	Method for producing waterproof seams Method for sealing seams in shoes having an exterior upper with a lower end, an interior upper with a lower end, an insole with a circumferential edge, and a sole, the lower end of the exterior upper, the lower end of the interior upper, and the outer edge of the insole being sewn together, characterized in that a tape is selected that is provided on both sides with a layer that is adhesive at room temperature, and that this tape is used to join and fix the lower end of the exterior upper to the lower end of the interior upper before the exterior upper, interior upper, and insole are sewn together.
US07685655B1	Convertible furniture and method Convertible furniture in the form of a sleeper sofa is demonstrated without the complex mechanical mechanisms conventionally used. The seat is attached to a slide received within a slide support. A seat extension is affixed to the slide support and as the slide is moved forwardly during the method of conversion, for example to convert from sofa mode into the bed mode, the back pivots to lay on the slide support in horizontal alignment with the seat and seat extension thereby forming an extra wide bed. The seat, back and seat extension create a wide sleeping area, wider than that as would be formed by only the seat and back. A latch mechanism positioned behind the front panel secures the slide and slide support in the sofa mode until manually released.
US07685651B2	Girdle underwear for men An undergarment for men is formed with multiple layers of fabric materials attached together. A first fabric piece (10) is formed in a brief shape to have a front part (10c), a rear part (10d), a pair of side parts (10e) extending between the front and rear parts (10c, 10d), and a bottom part (10f) extending between a lower portion of the front part (10c) and a lower portion of the rear part (10e), the front part (10c) having a first elastic thread line (14) attached by stitching or sewing to a central area of the front, bottom, and rear parts (10c, 10f, 10e) to exert a suitable elastic force a genitalia region of the wearer. A second fabric piece (20) is attached externally to the first fabric piece (10), wherein the second fabric piece has a belt-like shape extending in a circumferential direction and covering a substantial portion of the first fabric piece (10) but not covering a central portion of the front part of the first fabric piece. A third fabric piece (30) is attached externally to the first and second fabric pieces (10, 20), wherein the third fabric piece is formed in a partial brief configuration having a front part, a rear part, a pair of side parts extending between the front and rear parts, and a bottom part extending from a lower portion of the front part and having a free end, in a shape such that, when attached to the first and second fabric pieces, the front and side parts cover substantially an entire area of the front and side parts of the first fabric piece, respectively, the rear part covers an upper portion of the rear part of the first fabric piece, and the bottom part covers substantially an entire area of the bottom part of the first fabric piece. The third fabric piece (30) preferably includes a second elastic thread line (32) attached by stitching or sewing to a central area of the front part of the third fabric piece.
US07690041B2	Associating first and second watermarks with audio or video content The Present invention relates generally to processing audio or video content. In one embodiment, a method is provided including receiving audio or video content, the audio or video content includes a first watermark associated therewith, the first watermark has first data indicating that the audio or video content is rights protected; and associated a second watermark with the audio or video content, the second watermark including second data indicating permissible uses or restrictions associated with the audio or video content, wherein the second watermark is associated with the audio or video content later in time relative to the first watermark. Other embodiments are described and claimed as well.
US07690038B1	Network security system with automatic vulnerability tracking and clean-up mechanisms In one embodiment, an antivirus system logs in-transit e-mails in a computer network. Upon receipt of an updated pattern file for an antivirus scan engine, the log may be checked to determine if the computer network has been exposed to a computer virus identified in the updated pattern file. If so, antivirus actions, such as antivirus scanning of a client computer that has been infected by the virus, may be remotely initiated.
US07690036B2	Special group logon tracking A method of generating a computer user activity log for a user belonging to a specially monitored group includes allowing a user to logon to a local computer. The local computer verifying the user account credentials and creating a user logon session. A token is created by the local computer for identification of any group membership with which the user associated and also having the user access privileges. The group information in the token is compared with a specially monitored group list. The specially monitored group list may be obtained from a domain server or may be configured locally. If the user has membership in the specially monitored group, then a special logon session is created and activities of the user are recorded.
US07690029B2	Remote administration of smart cards for secure access systems A method for remote administration of at least one smart card via a communication network is described. The method includes the steps of associating the at least one smart card with a remote administrator by storing administrator identification information of the remote administrator in the at least one smart card, inserting the at least one smart card in at least one user unit, employing the administrator identification information stored in the at least one smart card to identify the remote administrator associated with the at least one smart card, and establishing communication between the at least one smart card and the remote administrator via the communication network in accordance with the administrator identification information.Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US07690028B2	Image communication apparatus An image communication apparatus includes a central processing unit for verifying at least a password, entered by an operator, against authentication information stored in an external storage to authenticate the operator. When the operator is authenticated, sender information corresponding to the operator is read from the external storage. When the sender information is inappropriate, the image communication apparatus prevents the operator from transmitting image data.
US07690027B2	Method for registering and enabling PKI functionalities The present invention discloses a method of registering and activation of PKI functionalities in SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards by preprinting a number of sealed envelopes each containing an activation code hidden when unopened and a reference number or code visibly printed on the envelope. The reference number or code and the associated activation code of each envelope are stored in a table in a security server being integrated in or connected to the PKI. The user is provided one of the sealed envelopes together with an application form. The user is requested to fill in the reference code or number on the application form together with personal data, and this is transferred to the PKI and the security server. When the registration is approved by the PKI, approval information is transmitted to the user, requesting him to enter the activation code in his terminal. Simultaneously, the activation code associated with the reference code or number in the table and a Smart Card identity corresponding to the Smart Card of the user, are provided to an Activation Module in the PKI. Upon entering of the activation code in the terminal, the activation code together with the Smart Card identity is transmitted from the terminal to the Activation Module. Upon receipt of the activation code and the Smart Card identity, the Activation Module determines if the received activation code and Smart Card identity match those previously provided by the security server, and if so, the Activation Module executes the necessary procedure for enabling the PKI part of the Smart Card.
US07690026B2	Distributed single sign-on service The described implementations relate to establishing authenticated communication between a client computing device and a service provider. In one implementation, once a registration procedure is complete, multiple authentication servers are used by a client computing device and a service provider to facilitate the establishment of an authenticated communication session. However, the authentication servers are not necessarily trusted authorities. That is, secrets of the various described devices are not revealed to each other.
US07690021B2	Combining multiple simultaneous source cinema to multiple exhibitor receivers An apparatus and method for combining multiple simultaneous sources to multiple exhibitor receivers in a secure manner is disclosed. An exemplary system includes a plurality of live event sites each producing and transmitting a live video source. A live event director system is used for receiving and combining each transmitted live video source in an overall transmission and transmitting the overall transmission for exhibition. A network operation center coordinates encryption of the overall transmission at the live event director system and decryption of the overall transmission by at least one authorized exhibitor site. In further embodiments, the live event sites selectively transmit high bandwidth signals to reduce bandwidth usage.
US07690019B2	Receiving apparatus and receiving method In order to make it possible to easily judge a time until a program can be actually audio visually enjoyed after the program is selected, a receiving apparatus includes a controller which receives plural contents such as plural streaming broadcasts via a network, outputs video data of the contents to a display apparatus, estimates a time until each of the plural broadcast contents becomes audio visually enjoyable, and displays information on the estimated time on the display apparatus in association with program names of the plural contents data.
US07690001B2	System and method for a management model event system An architecture for managing representations of objects. Each representation of an object corresponds to a regular object that is to be managed (i.e., an EJB). A model event system is utilized to receive and process external events and provide instructions on how these object representations. In one embodiment, the architecture adopts the JSR-77 specification for greater standardization and interoperability with existing systems and techniques.
US07689996B2	Method to distribute programs using remote Java objects A distributed Java virtual machine method and system for managing distributed heterogeneous network nodes to timely and efficiently meet demand for service requests. Upon receipt of a request for service, Java workload manager (JWLM) of the present invention classifies the request into a particular type of service, places the work on a logical queue to be executed. Routing queues place the work on one of many available nodes. The work is distributed to the nodes based on accounting, availability and past performance of all nodes considered. Changes are made periodically to the system to meet demands for service and/or conserve resources. JWLM of the present invention learns the needs of programs over time and does not require the intervention of a system administrator. The system does not rely on system specific metrics. JWLM may use performance metrics. Additionally, the present invention allows objects to be distributed and run on distributed workstations by distributing work through the cluster of workstations, while behaving as if it were initiated locally on the machine on which it runs. The similar type of work sent to different workstations may have the same class names, and the classpath may hold different implementations of that object at a particular workstation. Thus, at dynamic compilation time, if a platform has a more efficient feature than others, a work unit is dynamically compiled with the more efficient feature.
US07689990B2	Method, system and program for managing executable tasks Disclosed herein are a data processing system implemented method, a data processing system and an article of manufacture for managing a plurality of data processing system executable tasks each having a script associated therewith. The data processing system includes a task selector for selecting, from the plurality of computer executable tasks, a selection of tasks, a script selector for selecting scripts, the selected scripts associated with the selected selection of tasks, and a script editor for editing the selected scripts, the edited selected scripts being executable by the data processing system.
US07689989B2	Thread monitoring using shared memory A system and method to monitor worker threads within a Java virtual machine. At least one program is executed on the Java virtual machine to perform a task. A worker thread of the Java virtual machine is assigned to perform the task. Status information for the worker thread is generated and reported into memory external to the Java virtual machine to enable monitoring of the worker thread from external to the Java virtual machine.
US07689984B2	Client-server data execution flow A system may scan various reporting services and application manufacturers' websites for recent security upgrades, hot fixes, and service packs. The system may then retrieve these patches and automatically apply these patches on every computer within the corporate network. A server and/or a client may each run a web module, a main module, and a patch module. The modules may interact with each other, and with a user interface and/or database through a listen-process-respond procedure. This ensures effective communication between users requesting patch updates and servers providing the patches themselves.
US07689968B2	Proximity effect correction with regard to a semiconductor circuit design pattern A pattern correction apparatus for performing both of optical proximity effect correction and process proximity effect correction with regard to a design pattern includes: a correction calculation means configured to perform correction calculation by two-dimensional model-based optical proximity effect correction for each of sampling points set on pattern edges which form the design pattern; the correction calculation means performing the correction calculation which involves weighting with a two-dimensional distribution of the pattern edges around the sampling point taken into consideration; the weighting being performed such that a high weight is applied to a region in which reaction products which can have an influence on the sampling point are produced but a low weight is applied to any other region.
US07689958B1	Partitioning for a massively parallel simulation system A method involves building an intermediate form data flow graph (IFgraph) from an intermediate form data flow tree (IFtree) associated with the logic design, partitioning the IFgraph across at least three levels of granularity to obtain a partitioned IFgraph, wherein partitioning the IFgraph involves balancing a set of nodes of the IFgraph into a first subset and a second subset, wherein each of the first subset and second subset are within a predefined constraint of the cycle-based system, and wherein the balancing is performed on at least one of the levels of granularity, and rewriting the IFtree based on the partitioned IFgraph.
US07689949B1	Evaluating Green's functions for modeling multilayer integrated circuits A method of modeling an integrated circuit includes: specifying a layout for the integrated circuit, wherein the layout includes a plurality of devices arranged in a plurality of layers and a plurality of connections between the layers; specifying locations for a source point and an observation point for the integrated circuit; determining a plurality of static images for the source point and the observation point; determining a plurality of discrete complex images for the source point and the observation point; determining a Green's-function value for the source point and the observation point by combining the static images and the discrete complex images; and saving at least some values based on the Green's-function value.
US07689945B2	Product reliability analysis In one embodiment, a first set of inputs which describe aspects of a device may be received. A second set of inputs may be automatically provided for a group of assessments, included in an analysis, based on the first set of inputs and information in at least one database. An analysis may be performed based on the second set of inputs to assess the reliability of the device. A report may be generated based on the performed analysis.
US07689944B2	Method for designing semiconductor apparatus, system for aiding to design semiconductor apparatus, computer program product therefor and semiconductor package A method for designing a semiconductor apparatus comprising a semiconductor package in consideration of power integrity for a semiconductor chip included in the semiconductor package is disclosed. A target variable for an adjustment target is calculated on the basis of target information about the adjustment target, wherein the target variable is represented in frequency domain, and the adjustment target includes a part of the semiconductor package. The target variable is compared with a predetermined constraint, which is represented in frequency domain, to identify a problematic section, wherein the problematic section corresponds to a frequency region at which the target variable exceeds the predetermined constraint. Design guidelines are decided to solve the identified problematic section.
US07689941B1	Write margin calculation tool for dual-port random-access-memory circuitry Systems and methods are provided for computing write margins for dual-port memory. A design for a dual-port memory array cell is generated using a circuit design tool. A user modifies the design of the dual-port memory array cell to incorporate two voltage sources. The voltage sources are used to represent differential noise on the memory cell. A write margin calculation tool uses a circuit simulation tool to perform transient simulations of write-during-read operations on the modified dual-port memory array cell. During the transient simulations, the voltage level on the voltages sources is systematically varied. The write margin for the dual-port memory is determined by analyzing the results of the transient simulations for each of the voltage levels used for the voltage sources.
US07689940B2	Method and apparatus for allocating data paths A method and apparatus to produce high-level synthesis Register Transfer Level designs utilises a trade-off between power dissipation and area usage in data path allocation. Power dissipation and area constraints and a priority between them are input. An algorithm automatically decides the number of registers that are to be used, according to the specified priority and constraints specified. Power management formulations can be used to gear the allocation process to trade lower power management costs for equivalent savings in register areas. Multi-criteria optimisation Integer Linear Programming is utilised with heuristically determined power and area weightings to suit different predefined requirements of the chip design. Bipartite weighted Assignment is used to determine the number of registers to be used at every stage, through cost formulations and the Hungarian Algorithm.
US07689939B1	Software application break through a screen blanker The present invention is directed to a personal computer that includes: a display device 316 for displaying image information and a processor 312 operable when the display device 316 is in a screen saver mode to (a) receive, from an application, at least part of which is executing on the personal computer 216, notification of the occurrence of an event; (b) determine if the event is a member of a defined set of events; and (c) when the event is a member of the defined set of events, display on the display image information associated with the event, wherein the displaying function occurs while the display is in the screen saver mode.
US07689932B2	Maintenance of shortcut keys in a mobile device A device and method provide for maintenance of a shortcut key to an application accessible at the device. The method includes assigning a first application to a shortcut key at a device, wherein the shortcut key at the device is a button on the device; storing an identifier of the first application to a first file at the device; determining if the first application at the device assigned to the shortcut key remains executable at the device; if the first application is determined to be unexecutable at the device, assigning a second application to the shortcut key at the device, wherein an identifier of the second application is stored in a second file at the device, and further wherein the second application is executable at the device.
US07689927B2	Viewable document section Systems, methods, and computer-readable media that include computer-executable instructions stored thereon for displaying electronic documents keep track of portions of an electronic document that have appeared in a user interface window at some point in time (i.e., the portions that have been actually viewed by the user). These portions of the electronic document that have actually been viewed are designated the “viewable document section” of the electronic document. In some examples, scrolls bars and/or other electronic document view shifting elements become available to the user only if the electronic document includes a viewable document section that does not appear in the user interface window, and these scroll bars and/or other view shifting elements may be limited based on the content of the viewable document section (not the entire electronic document). If the user changes the user interface window to include portions of the electronic document that previously had not been in view, the viewable document section then changes to include this new, previously unseen portion. Accordingly, as the user inputs electronic ink or other information into the document, scroll bars or the like will not appear until the user takes steps to bring previously unseen ink or other information into view in the user interface window.
US07689921B2	User interface for managing multiple network resources A method and system for displaying information related to a plurality of resources in a network environment. The system uses web technology to receive and store information related to back-end resources and to provide a framework by which client computer systems can manage the plurality of back-end resources in a uniform manner. In accordance with one method, a request is received to display object information from different network resources. In response, attribute and task information is retrieved from the appropriate different network resources and this information is displayed. A graphical user interface (GUI) displays information related to network resource objects. The GUI includes a console displaying a tool zone and a work zone. A module is displayed in the work zone having an object zone displaying a list of objects and a task zone displaying a list of tasks.
US07689920B2	Parental control graphical user interface Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for restricting the availability of media items and/or podcasts are also disclosed. The graphical user interfaces are particularly useful for a system that provides purchase and distribution of media in a client-server environment.
US07689918B2	Graphical indicator for the multiplexed display of line graph information A method is disclosed for displaying a multiplexed property indicator on a network topology map. A coloration designation specification that specifies property-color designations is obtained. A network topology map that includes devices and links having properties that are specified in the coloration designation specification is displayed. A link or device in the map is wrapped with a multiplexed graphical sleeve that includes a color for each property in the coloration designation specification that the link or device has.
US07689915B2	Image processing apparatus and image processing method using image attribute information and thumbnail displays for display control An information management apparatus includes a determination unit which determines the type of information designated by an input unit, and a display control unit which controls, in accordance with the type of information determined by the determination unit, the display form of an information presentation portion presenting explanatory information on the designated information. When the information designated by the input unit is an image in a folder, the explanatory information contains explanatory information on the image, and when the input unit designates an object other than an image in a folder, contains explanatory information on the folder.
US07689913B2	Managing internet pornography effectively A process of managing Internet pornography based on detection of the phrase “18 U.S.C. 2257 Record-Keeping Requirements Compliance Statement” or a discernable variation. The top level domain “xxx” may instead or in addition be examined.
US07689912B2	Managing electronic documents utilizing a digital seal A method for storing electronic documents can include associating a digital seal with at least one electronic document. An image within a user interface can be displayed, wherein the image is a user selectable representation for the digital seal. At least one metadata attribute can be stored as a characteristic related to the digital seal. A storage characteristic of at least one electronic document can be modified based on one or more of the metadata attributes.
US07689906B2	Technique for extracting data from structured documents The present invention discloses a technique for extracting data from a file. In accordance with the present invention, a request to extract one or more data records from the file is received. The data records within the file are identified, without using prior knowledge of a structure of the file. The data records are then extracted.
US07689896B2	Minimal hardware implementation of non-parity and parity trellis Minimal hardware implementation of non-parity and parity trellis. More than one type of trellis can be represented using a minimal amount of hardware. In magnetic recording systems and other communication systems types, there is oftentimes a need to switch between trellises which support parity and ones which do not. Rules are presented herein which will ensure joint representation of more than one trellis while requiring minimal additional hardware when compared to representing only one trellis. To represent the non-parity trellis, emanating states, resultant states, and one or more expansion states (if needed) are all that is required. Any expansion states may also need to have its path metric and path memory corresponded to one of the resultant states to ensure proper detection according to the non-parity trellis.
US07689894B2	Decoding apparatus and method therefor A decoding apparatus adapted for an optical access system comprises an interface, a detection element, and an error correction element. The interface receives a data from an optical storage medium. The detection element executes an error detection on the data received from the interface before the data is buffered to a first memory and generates a defect result in response to the error detection. The error correction element decodes the data in response to the defect result. A decoding method for an optical access system comprising the steps of: receiving a data from an optical storage medium via an interface of the optical access system; executing an error detection on the data received from the interface before the data is buffered to a first memory; generating a defect result in response to the error detection; and decoding the data in response to the defect result.
US07689890B2	System and method for handling write commands to prevent corrupted parity information in a storage array An architecture and method for executing write commands in a storage array is disclosed. The data strips of the data stripes of the storage array each include a parity check bit. The parity strip of each stripe includes a plurality of parity check bits, each of which is uniquely associated with one of the data strips of the stripes. The inclusion within each data stripe of parity bits associated with each data strip and the party strip provides a method for identifying a corrupted or degraded data condition that occurs as a result of a server failing fails during a write command.
US07689869B2	Unit, method and program for detecting imprecise data When data are transferred to a cache from disk drives, through a back end I/F unit, a redundant code verifier of a data path controller compares write-history information (a Destaging Counter (DC) value) embedded in a redundant code of the data with a DC value embedded in a redundant code of a corresponding parity, thereby verifying whether the data are imprecise. In addition, in a case where the data are updated, the redundant code verifier makes a similar verification when old data to be used for creating a parity are read. When the data are not imprecise, a redundant code generator of the data path controller adds to new data and the parity a redundant code into which a new DC value has been embedded. When the data are imprecise, a controller informs a host of an occurrence of a problem through a front end I/F unit.
US07689868B2	Memory handling techniques to facilitate debugging A method for debugging includes interacting with a memory management component to force an interrupt upon access to one or more memory locations during software execution, and in response to the forced interrupt, saving information regarding the execution of the software, and interacting with the memory management component to disable the interrupt upon access to the one or more memory locations during software execution.
US07689867B2	Multiprocessor breakpoint Techniques that may be utilized in a multiprocessor system are described. In one embodiment, one or more signals are generated to indicate that a breakpoint instruction is executed by one of the plurality of processors in the multiprocessor system. For example, a signal may be generated to indicate whether a processor is to be halted once it receives the a signal that indicates the breakpoint instruction. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US07689864B2	Processor comprising an integrated debugging interface controlled by the processing unit of the processor The systems and methods disclosed relate to a processor comprising a processing unit and a debugging that which can be connected to an external emulator for debugging a program executed by the processor, the debugging interface including internal resources at least partially accessible to the external emulator. According to one embodiment, the debugging interface includes a selecting circuit for selecting an internal resource of the debugging interface, according to a reference supplied by the processing unit, and an access circuit that transfers a datum between the resource selected and a data field accessible by the processing unit.
US07689857B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring and maintaining user-perceived quality of service in a communications network A method and apparatus for managing data, voice, application, and video services allows anticipation of poor quality of service from a remote management station, in order to allow correction of the cause before the end user perceives service quality degradation. Specific system phenomena are identified that coincide with user-perceived service degradation in a particular network. The network is then monitored for the occurrence of those phenomena. Incipient or existing user-perceived quality of service degradation is inferred from the occurrence of one or more of those phenomena and action is taken to avoid and/or correct the degraded service quality condition. In a preferred embodiment, as many of the steps as possible are performed automatically by a network management system. In one embodiment, a close correlation is assumed between application data buffer over-extension and poor quality of service from a user's point of view. In this embodiment, a monitor is placed on the application data buffer that raises an alarm for a network management system whenever the buffer is close to over-extension or an algorithm identifies a trend towards over-extension.
US07689853B2	Synchronization of network communication link Commands are passed between first and second asynchronous clock domains. Unique coded command signals are inserted into a data stream transmitted from the first asynchronous clock domain to the second asynchronous clock domain. They are passed without change from the first asynchronous clock domain to the second asynchronous clock domain through an elastic buffer. The unique coded command signals are then decoded in receiver circuitry in the second asynchronous clock domain. Process circuitry in the second asynchronous clock domain is controlled according to the decoded command signals.
US07689851B2	Limiting power state changes to a processor of a computer device One embodiment is a computer device that uses a timer to limit a quantity of changes to different power states that are performed on a processor in the computer device during a predetermined time period. The power states changes each have different operating frequencies for the processor.
US07689850B2	System and method for adaptive information handling system power management Information handling system power management in standby and hibernate states is adapted to reduce transition times for end user requests to resume to an operational state. During fast resume time periods, transitions to the hibernate state are limited so that recovery to an operational states has the reduced resume time associated with the standby state. The fast resume time periods are set by user preference or automatically set by monitoring end user interactions with the information handling system to predict fast resume times appropriate for the end user. In one embodiment, a power manager automatically transitions the information handling system from the hibernate state to a standby state a predetermined time period before a fast resume period begins.
US07689847B2	Method for increasing the data processing capability of a computer system A method for dynamically increasing the data processing capability of a computer system is provided. The computer system comprises a processor, a memory and a chipset. The data processing capability of the computer system is classified into a predetermined number of performance enhancing modes. At least one performance enhancing mode transition condition is checked to determine whether to automatically raise the performance enhancing mode of the computer system. The processor is suspended from using the processor bus during the transition of the performance enhancing mode of the computer system. The performance enhancing mode of the computer system is raised by increasing a first working frequency of the processor, a second working frequency of the processor bus and a third working frequency of the memory. The data processing rate of the computer system is further increased when the performance enhancing mode of the computer system is further raised.
US07689844B2	Credit-based activity regulation within a microprocessor based on an accumulative credit system A technique to control power consumption within a microprocessor. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a technique to control power and performance within one or more microprocessors by enforcing a credit-based instruction execution rate algorithm.
US07689839B2	Dynamic power management in system on chips (SOC) A system for dynamic power management in a distributed architecture system on chip, comprising a means for dynamically defining the feasibility of entering a low power mode of operation based on the status of components of the system, a means for entering or exiting safely from a low power state based on said feasibility, a means for decreasing the power centric communication between various processors and a means for increasing the low power mode time. Thus a framework is proposed in the instant invention wherein all the device drivers dynamically maintain the information on the feasibility of a low power transition at any point of time. Thus whenever an opportunity to enter a low power mode comes up one has to just check this feasibility variable to determine whether the low power mode entry is viable or not. For ensuring the safe transition to a low power mode, a stalling machine is proposed in case of DSPs. For further saving power, a power centric communication channel is established between various processors and to reduce the load on this communication channel techniques like quad-ring buffer and DSP feedback are proposed.
US07689826B2	Flexibly loading a tamper resistant module Methods and systems for flexibly loading an application, e.g., a software application, and associated data from an application provider (101) onto a tamper resistant module (TRM) (103) having an I/O buffer (115) and a memory (119). A method embodiment of the invention comprises determining (501) the size of the TRM's I/O buffer (115), segmenting (503) the application to be loaded and its associated data into a plurality of segments, with each segment adapted to be stored in the I/O buffer (115) and the size of each segment being a function of the determined size of the I/O buffer (115), separately transmitting (505) each segment to the tamper resistant module (103), and storing (603) each separately transmitted segment in a selected one of one or more available spaces of the TRM's memory (119), said spaces selected depending upon the size of each segment and upon which of said available spaces has the smallest available area in the TRM's memory (119) in which the segment can be stored.
US07689825B2	Systems and methods for device registration using optical transmission A client device is registered with a network server by having the network server generate a key number and emit an optical representation of the key number for optical reception by the client device. The client device determines the key number from the received optical representation, and encrypts or decrypts a communication using the key number, or a value based on the key number. In one embodiment, the optical representation may be either an infrared signal or visible light signal.
US07689816B2	Branch prediction with partially folded global history vector for reduced XOR operation time A global history vector (GHV) mechanism maintains a folded (XORed) GHV with higher order entries and an unfolded (no XORed) GHV with lower order entries. When a new entry arrives at the GHV, the GHV mechanism performs an XOR of the oldest unfolded entry in the unfolded GHV with the new entry. The XOR result is then shifted into the folded GHV as the newest folded entry. The oldest folded entry is discarded during the shift in of the newest folded entry. The GHV mechanism thus provides a resulting folded GHV that is current and can be utilized for XORing with an IFAR by performing an XOR operation. Only a single XOR logic is required to perform a single bit XOR operation between the oldest entry and the youngest entry, resulting in reducing the cycle time required to complete the folding (XORing) operation on a GHV.
US07689815B2	Debug instruction for use in a data processing system A method includes providing a debug instruction and providing a debug control register field, where if the debug control register field has a first value, the debug instruction executes a debug operation and where if the debug control register field has a second value, the debug instruction is to be executed as a no-operation (NOP) instruction. A data processing system includes instruction fetch circuitry for receiving a debug instruction, a debug control register field, and debug execution control circuitry for controlling execution of the debug instruction in a first manner if the debug control register field has a first value and in a second manner if the debug control register field has a second value, where in the first manner a debug operation is performed and in the second manner no debug operation is performed.
US07689804B2	Selectively protecting a register file In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for protecting a value to be stored in a register of a register file with a first level of protection if the value is predicted to be used for a first time period, and protecting the value with a second level of protection if the value is predicted to be used for a second time period. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07689801B2	Method for distributing hypervisor memory requirements across logical partitions A method of reallocating memory to a hypervisor in a virtualized computing system, includes: assigning priorities to a plurality of logical partitions configured within the virtualized computing system; determining a memory requirement for the hypervisor, the hypervisor configured to manage the plurality of logical partitions; determining minimum levels of memory required for each of the plurality of logical partitions; determining the amount of available memory in the virtualized computing system; and in the event that the amount of available memory is less than the determined memory requirement of the hypervisor, removing portions of memory from one or more of the plurality of logical partitions based on the assigned priorities until the determined memory requirement for the hypervisor is obtained.
US07689797B2	Method for automatically configuring additional component to a storage subsystem A method for automatically configuring a newly added component to a storage subsystem is disclosed. In response to a new component being connected to a storage subsystem, a determination is made whether or not the new component is a host computer or a disk drive. If the new component is a host computer, the new component is added to the storage subsystem as a host computer when the number of computer systems that can be supported by the storage subsystem has not yet been exceeded. If the new component is a disk drive, the new component is allocated to a pool of storage devices within the storage subsystem, wherein some of the pool of storage devices are held in reserve while some of the pool of storage devices are allocated to a host computer based on policy rules.
US07689796B2	Computer system, storage system and method for saving storage area by integrating same data Provided is a storage system capable of saving actually used physical storage areas and of achieving a high speed in write processing. There is disclosed a computer system including a server and a storage system, in which physical storage areas of a disk drive are managed for each one or more physical blocks of predetermined sizes, and allocation of one or more physical blocks to a plurality of logical blocks of predetermined sizes is managed, and the storage system stores data written in a first logical block in a first physical block allocated to the first logical block and allocates the first physical block to a second logical block where the same data as the data stored in the first physical block is to be written.
US07689790B2	Storage system, remote copy and management method therefor A copy source storage controller received write data added with a time and issued from a host computer transfers the write data with the time to a copy destination storage controller. If there are a plurality of copy destination storage controllers, a representative copy destination storage controller compares times of write data copied to the plurality of copy destination storage controllers, and writes the write data in copy destination logical volumes in the sequential order of time. The representative copy destination storage controller judges that integrity of the write data is established, if a communication procedure is established with the copy destination storage controller and if the statuses of the copy source/destination logical volumes are coincident. In remote copy which guarantees integrity of write data and traverses a plurality of storage controllers, it is possible to judge at an optional time point whether integrity of write data can be guaranteed.
US07689787B2	Device and method for controlling number of logical paths In a control device of a computer system in which a plurality of host computers are capable of sharing a same host interface of a storage system are provided: a VOL status monitoring portion that monitors a VOL status of each VOL mapped to the VVOL and determines whether or not the VOL status is changed, and a path number control portion that updates the number of paths connecting to a VVOL in which the VOL status has changed.
US07689783B2	System and method for sharing memory by heterogeneous processors A system for sharing memory by heterogeneous processors, each of which is adapted to process its own instruction set, is presented. A common bus is used to couple the common memory to the various processors. In one embodiment, a cache for more than one of the processors is stored in the shared memory. In another embodiment, some of the processors include a local memory area that is mapped to the shared memory pool. In yet another embodiment, local memory included on one or more of the processors is partially shared so that some of the local memory is mapped to the shared memory area, while remaining memory in the local memory is private to the particular processor.
US07689781B2	Access to a collective resource in which low priority functions are grouped, read accesses of the group being given higher priority than write accesses of the group The invention relates to a functional system comprising a set of functions (F, F′) which are to access a collective resource (RSRC), the system including an interface (INT) arranged to implement an access scheme (AS) including at least one state (I) defined by an order of priority for an arbitration according to which the functions (F, F′) can access the collective resource (RSRC), the state (I) being characterized in that, for at least one set of at least two functions (F), the access possibilities in read mode (F_R) and the access possibilities in write mode (F_W) have different priority levels, the access possibilities in read mode having consecutive priority levels higher than the priority levels of the access possibilities in write mode.
US07689761B2	Data storage system with complex memory and method of operating the same A data storage system and a data storing method for the data storage system are provided. The data storage system includes a host unit, a storage unit, and a first input/output bus functioning as an interface between the host unit and the storage unit. The storage unit includes a non-volatile memory buffer unit and a flash memory unit. The non-volatile memory buffer unit includes a plurality of buffers arranged in parallel. The flash memory unit includes a plurality of data storage devices arranged in parallel to input and output data using a parallel method. In the method, a writing request is first classified into one of a plurality of grades according to a writing request frequency when there is a writing request and the writing requested data is stored in one of the non-volatile memory buffer unit and the flash memory unit according to the writing request frequency.
US07689757B2	Systems and methods for data transfer Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) devices, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGAs”), may be interconnected using serial I/O connections, such as high speed multi-gigabit serial transceiver (“MGT”) connections. For example, serial I/O connections may be employed to interconnect a pair of ASICs to create a high bandwidth, low signal count connection, and in a manner so that any given pair of multiple ASIC devices on a single circuit card may communicate with each other through no more than one serial data communication link connection step. A reconfigurable hardware architecture (“RHA”) may be configured to include a communications infrastructure that uses a high-bandwidth packet router to establish standard communications protocols between multiple interfaces and/or multiple devices that may be present on a single circuit card. Additionally, a communications infrastructure may be established across multiple circuit cards.
US07689755B2	Apparatus and method for sharing devices between multiple execution domains of a hardware platform A method and apparatus for sharing peripheral devices between multiple execution domains of a hardware platform are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the configuration end-point devices, bridges and interconnects of a hardware platform including at least two execution domains. When a configuration requests is issued from an execution domain, the configuration requests may be intercepted. Hence, the received configuration request is not used to configure the peripheral end-points, bridges or interconnects of the hardware platform. Configuration information decoded from intercepted configuration request may be stored as virtual configuration information. In one embodiment, configuration information is read from a target of the configuration request to identify actual configuration information. This actual configuration information may be stored within a translation table and mapped to the virtual configuration information to enable translation of domain specific addresses to real (actual) addresses. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07689751B2	PCI-express system A method and system to facilitate Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe). The PCIe may be facilitated in such as way as to limit pins consumed by a Root Complex, switch, or other chipset included on the same die a central processing unit (CPU). A slot interface card (SIC) or other devices having less expensive pins may be used to connect to and communicate with the slot.
US07689745B2	Mechanism for synchronizing controllers for enhanced platform power management In one embodiment, an apparatus to synchronize multiple controllers is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of controllers, and logic coupled to the plurality of controllers to control one or more controllers of the plurality of controllers to perform fetches simultaneously with one or more other controllers of the plurality of controllers. Other embodiments are also described.
US07689743B2	Data copy system apparatus and method An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for copying data. The present invention includes a data storage subsystem that supports fast replication and a host system that communicates a fast replication request to the data storage subsystem, estimates an expected wait time for a pending fast replication operation if the fast replication request is not granted, awaits the expiration of the wait time, communicates an additional fast replication request to the data storage subsystem, and records the data as moved if the additional fast replication is granted. In certain embodiments, the host system moves the data via conventional I/O operations if the expected wait time exceeds an expected duration for the conventional I/O operations.
US07689741B2	Dual buffer memory system for reducing data transmission time and control method thereof A dual buffer memory system capable of improving system performance by reducing a data transmission time and a control method thereof are provided. The dual buffer memory system includes a flash memory block and a plurality of buffers. The dual buffer memory system uses a dual buffering scheme in which one buffer among the plurality of buffers interacts with the flash memory block and simultaneously a different buffer among the plurality of buffers interacts with a host. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a data transmission time between the flash memory and the host, thereby improving system performance.
US07689740B2	System and method for serial-peripheral-interface data transmission The invention provides a method for Serial-Peripheral-Interface (SPI) data transmission. First, data stored in a first buffer of an SPI controller is transmitted to a second buffer of an SPI slave. A clock signal according to which the SPI slave operates is halted after data stored in the first buffer is completely transmitted. The first buffer is then refreshed with data newly received by the SPI controller while the clock signal is halted. The clock signal is then restarted to operate the SPI slave after the first buffer is refreshed. Refreshed data stored in the first buffer is then transmitted to the second buffer while the clock signal is oscillating. Halting of the clock signal, refreshing of the first buffer, restarting of the clock signal, and transmitting of refreshed data are repeated until the second buffer is full. The buffer size of the second buffer greatly exceeds that of the first buffer.
US07689736B2	Method and apparatus for a storage controller to dynamically determine the usage of onboard I/O ports Methods and systems for automatically and dynamically identifying capabilities of devices connected to a storage system controller port and setting operating parameters of that port are described. In particular, a storage system controller administers scanning and probing functions to determine capabilities of devices connected to a given port. Based on the determined capabilities of all or a subset of the devices connected to that port, an operating parameter is assigned to that port.
US07689734B2	Method for toggling non-adjacent channel identifiers during DMA double buffering operations Disclosed are a method, a system and a computer program product for managing direct memory access (DMA) operations in a double buffering system. During direct memory access operations in a computer system, data is transferred from a source memory location to a destination memory location with minimal use of the computer's processing unit. Double buffering utilizes two separate memory buffers to perform simultaneous DMA operations. Prior to processing a DMA request each buffer in a double buffering system is assigned a channel identification (ID), or tag. When reading, writing, or polling status of data in a buffer, the tag identifies the buffer. A toggle factor is utilized to conveniently switch between each buffer in the double buffering system. Utilizing a toggle factor decreases latencies in DMA operations.
US07689733B2	Method and apparatus for policy-based direct memory access control A computer that operates in a metered mode for normal use and a restricted mode uses an input/output memory management unit (I/O MMU) in conjunction with a security policy to determine which peripheral devices are allowed direct memory access during the restricted mode of operation. During restricted mode operation, non-authorized peripheral devices are removed from virtual address page tables or given vectors to non-functioning memory areas.
US07689731B2	Exposing the supply state of a shared peripheral device to a remote network resource Supply state information associated with a peripheral device that is shared over a network while coupled to a local network resource is obtained and a representation of the supply state information is stored in a data repository that is accessible by remote network resources.
US07689730B2	Data output system and data output method with data output monitoring The invention relates to a data output method and to a data output system comprising: a printing device; a database device in which corresponding reference data and/or control data are stored for a plurality of data output system users; a data output control device providing or compiling corresponding output data sets and delivering same to the printing device; and a device for monitoring the providing or compiling and/or the delivering of the output data sets to the printing device.
US07689728B2	Method and apparatus for describing ACPI machine language in computer having multibridge PCI structure, and program thereof There is provided a method for describing an ACPI machine language table used in a computer system having a multibridge PCI structure, which enables an OS to support hot plugs for PCI devices subordinate to a PCI multibridge. Upon receiving a call requesting a resource information method for a PCI device from an ACPI driver on an OS, a PCI configuration access is made to a subordinate bridge in a PCI device side, so that the ACPI machine language table supplied from a BIOS returns resource information of the PCI device. A PCI configuration access is made to a superordinate bridge in a PCI system bus side, to obtain resource information of the subordinate bridge. The resource information of the subordinate bridge is obtained from the superordinate bridge, and secondary resource information is obtained from a PCI configuration space of the subordinate bridge.
US07689720B2	Method for establishing and maintaining a shared view of time in a peer-to-peer network A shared concept of time, called “graph time,” is agreed upon by all nodes within a graph. Each node maintains its own local delta representative of a difference in the node's system clock and graph time. Upon connecting to a neighbor node in a graph, a node is sent graph time as perceived by the neighbor node. In accordance with an embodiment, the node assumes that the lag time in receiving the graph time from the neighbor node is one-half of the lag time between the request for the connection and the receipt of the graph time. Graph time as sent by the neighbor node is added to one-half of the total delay and the sum is subtracted from the node's system time to calculate the delta for the node requesting connection.
US07689700B2	Configuration of a peer group Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for configuring computing devices to join a peer group. A peer group may be created on a subnetwork by a computing device. When a new computing device enters the subnetwork, it may join the peer group and be given access to the shared resources on the peer group and associated computing devices, using a communications layer and an authorization layer. Allowing a new computing device to join a peer group includes inviting the new device to join and then challenging the device for a passkey of the peer group. After joining the peer group, the computing device will be able to access and share resources with the peer group and other computing devices associated with the peer group.
US07689694B2	Process management apparatus, computer systems, distributed processing method, and computer program for avoiding overhead in a process management device When performing distributed processing in processing devices connected to a network and a processing managing device for managing the processing devices, it is possible to eliminate the overhead of the processing management device. When the processing management device (PU) (203) managing processing devices (SPU) (207) under its control receives a task request from one of the SPU, the processing managing device (203) specifies a cluster matched with the size or type of the task in a cluster list listed up in a predetermined memory, allocates the task to the specified cluster, and transmits to at least one of the cluster and the task request source SPU, communication setting information (such as a communication address) of the other, thereby enabling direct execution result transmission/reception by the network communication between the cluster and the request source SPU.
US07689682B1	Obtaining lists of nodes of a multi-dimensional network A method of obtaining lists of nodes of a multi-dimensional personal information network includes accessing personal information aggregators from a first set of personal information aggregators that correspond to nodes of the multi-dimensional personal information network that have a degree of separation of one from a first node. One or more lists of additional personal information aggregators that correspond to nodes that have a degree of separation of one with at least one node corresponding to a personal information aggregator in the first set of personal information aggregators are requested. One or more of the requested lists are received and stored.
US07689677B2	Dynamic power cycling In a virtualized desktop system, a digital user station communicates with an interfacing module coupled to a target device via a network. The digital user station controls the power of the target device and the interfacing module by determining the power status of the interfacing module and sending a power control packet to the target device the interfacing module is coupled to.
US07689669B2	System and method for accessing a process control automation device from a network client A method for accessing an appliance, especially an automation appliance with a standardized interface, by means of a first processing device via a data network. A call is sent from the first data processing device to the second data processing device via the data network, and an address for identifying the appliance is extracted in the second data processing device from the call of the first data processing device to the second data processing device and used to identify the appliance. Information pertaining to the appliance can be accessed via the standardized interface of the appliance by means of the address extracted in the second data processing device.
US07689668B2	Method and array for transparent, dynamic provision of a web services A method is disclosed for transparent, dynamic provision of Web services, wherein a request, for example, a SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) message of a Web service can be rerouted transparently to a local instance. If a local instance is not yet available, a dynamic provision of the Web service, downloading and local initiation of the Web service are made possible.
US07689665B2	Dynamically loading scripts The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically loading scripts. Web pages can include references to script loaders that control the loading of other scripts at a Web browser. A script loader can load scripts in accordance with script loading rules that override the default script loading behavior of the Web browser. Script loading rules can cause scripts to load in a different order than encountered in a Web pager, load in parallel, load in a manner that limits cross-domain requests, etc. Script loading rules are configurable such at that a developer can create customized script loading behavior.
US07689660B2	Application server architecture Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for an application server architecture having a common connection manager for at least two heterogeneous application server software suites. One of the software suites is a standards-based application server software suite having a plurality of worker nodes. In one embodiment, the plurality of worker nodes share code and data that is stored in a shared memory.
US07689658B2	Method for publishing messages from identified, authorized senders to subscribers Publishing messages over a network includes receiving a message from a sender in a first format, identifying the sender of the message as an authorized sender based on information associated with the message in comparison to data in a sender account using software executing in a central processor, wherein the identifying step is dependent on the first format of the message, receiving a request for at least the portion of the message from a requester, and publishing at least the portion of the message to the requestor over the network only if the software has identified the sender as an authorized sender. The requester can subscribe to receive new messages from one or more senders including the identified sender, and a copy of any new messages from the identified sender can be sent to one or more notification devices associated with the subscribed requestor.
US07689651B2	Enterprise system having a smart distance among artifacts, and apparatus and method for providing the smart distance among the artifacts An enterprise system includes a plurality of artifacts (e.g., persons, objects, databases, autonomous elements, intelligent agents, information systems, etc), and a smart distance (e.g., a distance which may optimize the performance of the enterprise system) between the plurality of artifacts.
US07689647B2	Systems and methods for removing duplicate search engine results The present invention is directed toward efficiently locating desired information and, more specifically, to providing a system and method for removing unnecessary multiple references to a common resource such as redundant listed Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) that reference the same display URLs (and thus the same Web page) as another listed URL. Consequently, in circumstances where only a smaller, finite number of listed results are immediately used (such as displaying only the twenty most relevant results on the first page presented to a search engine end-user), the finite number of listed results may corresponds to a greater number of unique display URLs than would otherwise occur absent this form of filtering.
US07689639B2	Complex logarithmic ALU The present invention describes a method and apparatus for performing logarithmic arithmetic with real and/or complex numbers represented in a logarithmic format. In one exemplary embodiment, an ALU implements logarithmic arithmetic on complex numbers represented in a logpolar format. According to this embodiment, memory in the ALU stores a look-up table used to determine logarithms of complex numbers, while a processor in the ALU generates an output logarithm based on complex input operands represented in logpolar format using the stored look-up table. In another exemplary embodiment, the ALU performs logarithmic arithmetic on real and complex numbers represented in logarithmic format. In this embodiment, the memory stores two look-up tables, one for determining logarithms of real numbers and one for determining logarithms of complex numbers, while the processor generates an output logarithm based on real or complex input operands represented in logarithmic format using the real or complex look-up tables, respectively.
US07689638B2	Method and device for determining and outputting the similarity between two data strings The present invention discloses a method and device for determining and outputting a similarity measure between two data strings each data string comprising data entities, comprising: receiving a first data string, receiving a second data string, which is characterized by determining consecutively following data entities in the first data string, determining the relative positions of the consecutively following data entities in the first data string, determining similar data entities with the same order in the second data string, determining the relative positions of the determined data entities in the second data string, determining a matching measure by determining how far the relative positions of data entities in the second data string match with the relative positions of consecutively following data entities in the first data string, and outputting a similarity measure which corresponds to the matching measure of at least one comparison result.
US07689637B1	Adaptive filtering method and related device An input signal is filtered for creating an output signal using an adaptive filter. An error signal is derived from the output signal. The adaptive filter has coefficient whose value can be modified. A value of a coefficient is modified using a derived updating amount. The updating amount is obtained from the product of a value of the input signal, a value of the polarity of the error signal, and a step gain. The step gain has the form 2K with K being an integer and being dependent on a magnitude of the value of the error signal and on a step gain parameter. The updating amount is dependent on both the magnitude and the polarity of the error signal, therefore allowing a precise update of the coefficient. The specific form of the step gain allows a fast derivation of the product.
US07689632B2	Adaptive data dictionary language, extendable for a security system A system, method and computer program product for storing configuration data for use in configuring a device while a program utilizing the configuration data is undergoing a revision at the device. The method includes a first step of providing a data structure indicating a manner in which configuration data is to be stored, and storing the data structure and current configuration data according to the data structure. Then, a revised software program in the device may identify the data structure and access a particular configuration data, along with its format; and, apply a conversion function that translates the stored current configuration data to a format compatible for use by the revised software. This is accomplished in a manner such that no configuration data is corrupted. The data structure includes data self describing the stored current configuration data, such that a conversion function can easily access the self describing information and render the stored configuration data platform independent.
US07689628B2	Monitoring several distributed resource elements as a resource pool A monitoring system provided according to an aspect of the present invention enables a user to specify multiple resource elements as a resource pool, and view various aggregate information (e.g., sum, average) for attributes of interest for all the resource elements together. Such a feature is particularly useful in distributed environments where multiple independent resource elements need to be viewed as a single resource pool. The user is provided the flexibility to select the specific resource elements to be included in the resource pool.
US07689625B2	Taxonomy object modeling A computer-readable storage medium having a data structure for representing a plurality of objects. The data structure includes a first data field storing data associated with a taxonomy type. The data structure also includes a second data field storing data associated with a reference to a model instance of an object classified by the taxonomy type. The model instance identifies an entity represented by the classified object. A third data field stores a first data set having data stored in the second data field. The first data set identifies a set of one or more objects related to the classified object positioned higher in a hierarchical structure than the classified object. A fourth data field stores a second data set having data stored in the second data field. The second data set identifies a set of one or more objects related to the classified object positioned lower than classified object.
US07689624B2	Graph-based search leveraging sentiment analysis of user comments A search system and method is provided. The method includes constructing a graph-based query that is indicative of a user's preference-levels for different features of a search item (a product, for example). The constructed graph-based query is executed by comparing the user's preference-levels for the different features of the product, which are graphically represented in the query, with information related to sentiments expressed by other users regarding the product. Information related to the sentiments expressed by other users regarding the product can include system-generated product performance graphs constructed from comments regarding the product obtained from the World Wide Web (or other network). Results returned and output upon execution of the graph-based query include system-generated product performance graphs that are similar to the user-submitted query.
US07689620B2	Efficiently and systematically searching stock, image, and other non-word-based documents One embodiment of a non-word-based information retrieval system includes searching stock or image documents in a huge data source. A non-word-based document is first divided into a series of elements or an array of cells. Each element or cell is matched against a series of predefined token patterns, so that a match will generate a token having a name. The collection of the generated named tokens is a word-based representation of the non-word-based document. After tokens from all documents are collected in a master collection of tokens, the non-word-based documents can be efficiently and systematically searched in a manner analogous to a document search in a word-based search system.
US07689618B2	Information output method, central information processing device, and information output program A PC server, connected with a client PC, extracts from a database content satisfying a condition designated from the client PC, and content that does not directly satisfy the designated condition. A pamphlet including the extracted content is output.
US07689615B2	Ranking results using multiple nested ranking A unique system and method that facilitates improving the ranking of items is provided. The system and method involve re-ranking decreasing subsets of high ranked items in separate stages. In particular, a basic ranking component can rank a set of items. A subset of the top or high ranking items can be taken and used as a new training set to train a component for improving the ranking among these high ranked documents. This process can be repeated on an arbitrary number of successive high ranked subsets. Thus, high ranked items can be reordered in separate stages by focusing on the higher ranked items to facilitate placing the most relevant items at the top of a search results list.
US07689614B2	Query generation for a capture system A document accessible over a network can be registered. A registered document, and the content contained therein, is not transmitted undetected over and off of the network. In one embodiment, the invention includes a manager agent to maintain signatures of registered documents and a match agent to detect the unauthorized transmission of the content of registered documents.
US07689609B2	Architecture for supporting sparse volumes An architecture, including a file-level protocol, for supporting sparse volumes on a storage system is provided. The file-level protocol provides coherency checking for use in retrieving data stored on a backing store remote from a storage system.
US07689605B2	Systems and methods for proactive caching utilizing OLAP variants The present invention leverages MOLAP performance for ROLAP objects (dimensions, partitions and aggregations) by building, in a background process, a MOLAP equivalent of that object. When the background processing completes, queries are switched from ROLAP queries to MOLAP queries. When changes occur to relevant relational objects (such as tables that define content of OLAP objects), an OLAP object is switched back to a ROLAP mode, and all relevant caches are dropped while, as a background process, a new MOLAP equivalent is created.
US07689600B2	System and method for cluster file system synchronization A system and method for file system synchronization is described. A method described includes saving content of a cluster file system (CFS) archive to a CFS database, detecting a change made in the CFS database with respect to the CFS archive, comparing an index of the CFS database with an index of the file system, and updating the file system to reflect the change in the CFS database.
US07689596B2	Data transmission device and method for controlling the same and image reading apparatus using the same According to the present invention, a data transmission device that can transmit data to a destination contained in pre-stored destination information, the data transmission device comprises a determining section that, when the device is instructed to transmit data, determines whether or not destination information contained in the transmission instruction was updated after the last data transmission carried out with reference to the destination information; and a notifying section that, if the determining section determines that the destination information was updated after the last data transmission to the destination, notifies a user having given the transmission instruction that the destination information has been updated.
US07689594B2	Vehicle management and mission management computer architecture and packaging A vehicle management and mission management computer architecture and packaging may include a first line replaceable unit and a second line replaceable unit. The first line replaceable unit may include a vehicle management system computer channel coupleable to a group including at least one mission related system and at least one vehicle system. The first line replaceable unit may also include a mission management system computer channel coupleable to the group including the at least one mission related system and the at least one vehicle system. The second line replaceable unit may include another vehicle management system computer channel coupleable to the group including the at least one mission related system and the at least one vehicle system. The second line replaceable unit may also include another mission management system computer channel coupleable to the group including the at least one mission related system and the at least one vehicle system.
US07689591B2	Recording apparatus and method, reproducing apparatus and method, recording and reproducing apparatus and method, and program Disclosed is a recording apparatus for editing data and recording a file which is an editing result. The apparatus is configured by a file generating section for generating a file and a recording section for recording the file which is generated by the file generating section, in a recording medium. The file is composed of a management information block and a data block. The management information block has at least an image management track for storing management information necessary for reproducing image data with respect to each predetermined unit reproducing time, an identifier of the image management track, and a display control track for storing management information of display control data which is composed of a display position of an image which corresponds to the image data. The data block is capable of storing data which is managed by the management information block.
US07689589B2	System and method for content retrieval A content retrieval system is provided. The system includes a communications signal analyzing system for receiving a communications signal and decoding the signal to generate key search terms associated with the communications signal. A search engine system performs a content based search using the key search terms. A display system displays search results from the search engine system concurrently with displaying an output corresponding to the communications signal.
US07689587B1	Autorep process to create repository according to seed data and at least one new schema Generating a repository template of a repository of data for a storage area network (SAN) management tool is disclosed. The repository will hold data describing SAN elements and configurations, and will be stored on a host. A configuration file is updated to include current configuration data for the repository, and includes specifications for a set of new schemas that define structures within the repository. A set of new schemas is created from those specifications. Seed data that defines initial information for the repository is copied to the host. New schemas are initialized with the seed data. A repository template is generated from the created set of new schemas and the seed data, from which one or more repositories may be created to hold SAN data.
US07689586B2	Remote status and control of storage devices A system and method for remotely monitoring and controlling a data storage system comprising a web server that has an ability to send and receive communications with one or more data storage systems through the storage system's main data communication path or through an alternate path. The web server may include a routine which continuously monitors the status of the storage system as well as a routine which pushes changed data to a client device operating a browser. The system and method may consolidate the status and provide control of many different independent data storage systems simultaneously.
US07689584B2	Hybrid groups A method and apparatus for managing groups in a directory server is described. In one embodiment, in response to a request for accessing a static group, an action represented by an attribute of an entry of the directory server is dynamically performed. A result of the action is returned as part of a response of the static group.
US07689583B2	Flexible data presentation enabled by metadata Architecture that defines a document or portions thereof as data elements that are related and categorized. A data catalog is created that uses a schema for the data elements and a set of relationships, attributes and values that further define the data elements, all stored as metadata about the data elements. The metadata is employed to enable the application, display surface, and user to see only data relevant to the task at hand. The positioning and grouping of controls, control characteristics, and control behavior at the display surface is facilitated by forms which are dynamically populated for presentation and which are driven directly by the data catalog. The catalog can be made aware of device parameters, for example, the display size and resolution thereby enabling data to be displayed differently based upon the device parameters.
US07689578B2	Dealing with annotation versioning through multiple versioning policies and management thereof Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for maintaining annotations for changing source documents are provided. For some embodiments, an annotation system may support multiple policies, with each policy dictating how (or if) an annotation created for a version of a source document should be applied to subsequent versions of the source document. For some embodiments, a user creating an annotation may select from a group of available policies to be applied to the annotation.
US07689574B2	Index and method for extending and querying index A method, system and program storage device are provided for extending an inverted index, which comprises first and second inverted index subfiles to increase the speed of establishing and updating inverted index files. The method includes performing ordered keyword indexing operations of generating an inverted index from data sources, in which a frequency of occurrence of keywords in each of the data sources is calculated, and writing each keyword, the data sources, and the frequency of occurrence of each keyword in the corresponding data sources to the inverted index. If a number of data sources involved in the indexing operations reaches a first threshold, then writing contents of the inverted index as a smallest grid into the first inverted index subfile. If a number of smallest grids in the first inverted index subfile reaches a second threshold, then merging the smallest grids into a merged grid and writing the merged grid into the second inverted index subfile. If the number of merged grids in the second inverted index subfile reaches a third threshold, then further merging the merged grids into a larger merged grid, and writing the larger merged grid back into the first inverted index subfile.
US07689569B2	Systems and methods for managing large data environments A data management system includes a plurality of data environments. Each data environment includes data relating to items. In the system, a method of managing the data includes identifying a plurality of rules. Each rule represents a unique combination of the possible values of the variable in each of the plurality of data environments. The method also includes creating a record for each item. The record for each item includes an item field that identifies the item and a rule field that associates the item with one of the plurality of rules. The method also includes storing the records and receiving a request at the data management system to display the particular value of an item in one of the data environments.
US07689558B2	Application monitoring using profile points A system and method for application monitoring using profile points. An embodiment of a method includes installing an agent in a computer application. The agent will generate an event when there is an entry into a method or when there is an exit from a method. The method further includes running the computer application is run, and monitoring for events that are generated by the agent during the running of the computer application.
US07689554B2	System and method for identifying related queries for languages with multiple writing systems The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying one or more queries related to a given query. The method of the present invention comprises receiving a query written according to one or more writing systems of a language with multiple writing systems. A candidate set of queries written according to one or more writing systems of the language with multiple writing systems is identified. A score is calculated for the one or more queries in the candidate set indicating the similarity of the one or more queries with respect to the query received.
US07689537B2	Method, system, and computer program product for enhancing collaboration using a corporate social network The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for enhancing collaboration using a corporate social network to infer contacts. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: providing a social network for an organization, the social network including a plurality of nodes and links, wherein each node represents a member of the organization, and wherein each link represents a relationship between a pair of the nodes; receiving a request by a requesting member of the organization for a required type of contact; and inferring a contact to the requesting member by searching the social network along a plurality of dimensions from the node representing the requesting member.
US07689536B1	Methods and systems for detecting and extracting information Systems and methods that detect information and extract information are described. In one aspect, target rules are defined for detection of target hits in an article, including defining a target article region, extraction rules are defined based on the target rules for the extraction of extracts from the article, including an extraction article region, target rules are applied to each target article region of the article to determine target hits, and extraction rules are applied to detect at least one extract from the article based on the determined target hit.
US07689535B2	Method for providing a unified view of a domain model to a user Techniques for providing a unified view of a domain model to a user are described herein. In one embodiment, in response to a first search query received from a client via a first search mechanism (e.g., outside of the relational DB) for a list of persistent objects representing data entries of a relational database, it is determined whether the persistent objects have been accessed via a second search query via a second search mechanism based on an object identifier of the persistent object. If the requested persistent object has been accessed via a second search query, an identical instance of the persistent object is returned to the client as a result of the first search query. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US07689528B2	Method and apparatus for a scalable algorithm for decision optimization An iterative approach to solving the optimization problem is provided. The invention provides an iteration of four basic operations; determining the segments, balancing the segments, expanding a segment, and solving the segment optimization. The method and apparatus can use any off-the-shelf linear programming (LP) solver, such as Dash Optimization Xpress, by Dash Optimization, during the solve operation. The size of the problem fed into the LP solver remains bounded and relatively small compared to the entire problem size. Thus, the algorithm can solve problems of several orders of magnitude larger. In one embodiment of the invention, the sampling and segmentation techniques are removed to where the problem is solved at the account-level. In the above cases, the solution is produced in a more cost-effective manner and the best possible return is achieved because the doubt of achieving a true global solution is removed.
US07689525B2	Relationship view The present invention provides a unique method and user interface that facilitates accessing and browsing objects in which a user begins with a center object (e.g., one or a few focal objects) displayed on a screen and related objects are populated on the screen as well. The related objects can be further organized into clusters whereby each cluster or grouping of objects expands on a particular attribute of the center object. The attributes correspond to metadata. Thus, the objects are populated based upon the metadata of the center object. According to one aspect, the user can access one or more specific objects having a plurality of attributes and then relax at least one of the attributes to see what other objects share at least one attribute with the center object. According to another aspect, the object having the closest match to a search request can be centrally displayed with other close matches arranged by their respective metadata.
US07689523B2	Design support method and design support system In a system according to the present invention, when there occurs a failure or problem phenomenon in a new case example of designing, assembling components (parts, assembling operations and attributes thereof) are input. Failure influence indices are calculated for the assembling components respectively based on assembling operation/attribute coefficients. Assembling components to be improved are extracted, and specific solutions built for the assembling components respectively are displayed on a display so that a specific solution can be selected therefrom. Specific risks expected for the selected solutions respectively are built. The specific solutions and the specific risks are displayed on the display so as to be associated with each other.
US07689521B2	Continuous time bayesian network models for predicting users' presence, activities, and component usage The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate collaboration and communications between entities such as between automated applications, parties to a communication and/or combinations thereof. The systems and methods of the present invention include a service that supports collaboration and communication by learning predictive continuous time Bayesian models that provide forecasts of one or more aspects of a users' presence and availability. Presence forecasts include a user's current or future locations at different levels of location precision and usage of different devices or applications. Availability assessments include inferences about the cost of interrupting a user in different ways and a user's current or future access to one or more communication channels. The predictive models are constructed from data collected by considering user activity and proximity from multiple devices, in addition to analysis of the content of users' calendars, the time of day, and day of week, for example. Various applications are provided that employ the presence and availability information supplied by the models in order to facilitate collaboration and communications between entities.
US07689515B2	Power plant life assessment A method of evaluating a power plant having a design life based on operating the plant within an allowable chemical exposure range includes accumulating a history of a chemical exposure of a steam generating portion of the power plant. The method also includes determining a remaining life of the plant based on the history of the chemical exposure and assuming continued operation of the plant within the allowable chemical exposure range. The method may also include evaluating an economic value of operating the plant based on the remaining life of the plant.
US07689503B2	Predatory lending detection system and method therefor A predatory lending detection system and method are described. The system is adapted to receive information pertaining to loans, store general loan information, as well as predatory lending laws, and process the loan information to detect violations of applicable predatory lending laws. In particular, the system compares the loan information to the general loan information and to the applicable predatory lending laws, detects variances therebetween, and scores such detected variances to determine a risk category for the loan.
US07689498B2	System and method for trading options A system and method of trading option contracts, such as foreign currency option contracts, is described. In one embodiment, a system and method for web-based or network-based interactive trading of currency options is described. Users of the system provide volatility runs of currency options, deal on existing offers to sell or bids to buy, or may improve on existing offers to sell or bids to buy. The system and method provide automatic price quotations for a requested option contract by polling internal volatility surfaces of users for prices on the requested contract, and. ensure a more orderly pattern of trades by categorizing the users into discrete tiers which determine a user's obligations to provide offers and bids to the system and which determine a user's opportunities and rights to trade on the system.
US07689493B1	Methods for asset index tracking The disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods, and systems for asset index tracking. The disclosure details how an asset index tracker aligns investor asset portfolios to a selected asset index. The asset index tracker enables investors to automatically match their portfolio to a predefined index. The asset index tracker compares the investor's portfolio to the selected index and provides recommendations to rebalance the portfolio at specified intervals. This is achieved by comparing the investor's portfolio to the index to determine the trades necessary to align the portfolio to the index. A correlation and estimated tracking error of the portfolio to the index may be calculated to validate how the portfolio matches the index. The resulting trade recommendations may be executed upon the investor's approval or automatically. The execution of the trades achieves the rebalancing of the investor's portfolio to more closely track a selected target index.
US07689489B2	Methods and systems for assisting financial services firms and their representatives Methods and systems are provided for assisting financial services firms and their representatives in efficiently managing their businesses, and in developing and maintaining strong customer service and loyalty. An integrated, preferably web based browser operated system is provided that uses one or more central databases to store customer, account, accounting, compliance, and other relevant information. Interfaces and tools are also provided for accessing the one or more central databases in a manner that is consistent with and supports how a representative actually works.
US07689483B2	System to facilitate payments for a customer through a foreign bank, software, business methods, and other related methods A system for facilitating payment of accounts payables from a foreign financial institution for a customer of a domestic financial institution, software, and methods are provided. The system includes a first financial institution computer positioned at a domestic financial institution site to define a domestic financial institution server, having memory associated therewith, and foreign exchange analyzing software stored in the memory of the domestic financial institution server to analyze a foreign exchange transaction. The system also includes an area network in communication with the server, and a second customer computer in communication with the area network, positioned remote from the server at a customer site, and positioned to transmit an accounts payable batch data file having a plurality of accounts payable to the foreign exchange analyzing software stored on the server.
US07689468B2	Purchasing, redemption and settlement systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network Purchasing, redemption and settlement systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer takes possession of a product at a retailer. A purchasing system may communicate with a buyer through a communication network to establish a first price for a product between the buyer and a seller. The purchasing system may also arrange for the buyer to take possession of the product at a retailer, different from the seller, that offers the product for sale at a second price. Verification information, which enables the retailer to authorize the buyer to take possession of the product, is transmitted to the retailer. The buyer provides a payment, based on the first price, to the purchasing system in exchange for the right to take possession of the product at the retailer. In one embodiment, the purchasing system receives a buyer offer, including an offer price, related to the product. In another embodiment, the purchasing system transmits redemption information, including a redemption code, to the buyer. The redemption information may also include information that enables the creation of a voucher to be used when taking possession of the product. The purchasing system may also receive information related to an attempt by the buyer to take possession of the product, including the redemption code, from the retailer.
US07689465B1	System and method for visual verification of order processing One or more images of items for an order being processed at processing station of an order fulfillment center may be captured and associated with the order. Alternatively, a short video clip may be captured of the order being packaged. An electronic notification that the order has been processed may be sent to a customer associated with the order. The electronic notification may include a reference to one or more of the captured images or video clips. The customer may use a reference included in the notification to view the captured images. The customer may view captured images to verify that the order has been correctly processed. The captured images may include images of the items being packaged for shipment and may show the shipping address on the package allowing the customer to verify that indeed it is his package in the images.
US07689464B2	Electronic accounting-document system, electronic accounting-document processing method, accounting-document creation unit, and accounting-document processing unit An electronic accounting-document system, an electronic accounting-document processing method, an accounting-document creation unit and an accounting-document processing unit are provided in which the time that is taken to transmit and process accounting-document data can be shortened. An accounting-document creation section creates accounting-document data on an accounting document; an accounting-document data division section divides the accounting-document data into accounting-document present data and accounting-document absent data; a data transmission section transmits the accounting-document present data and the accounting-document absent data which is received by a data receiving section; an accounting-document data monitoring section identifies the accounting-document present data and the accounting-document absent data; a distribution accounting-document data creation section processes and stores, as accounting-document data for distribution, the accounting-document present data so that it can be output to a CD-R; and a distribution accounting-document data updating section updates the distribution accounting-document data, based on the accounting-document absent data.
US07689463B1	Multiple supplier system and method for transacting business A system and method for conducting electronic business between buyers and sellers is provided. The system and method disclose a means for at least one buyer to request and receive online bids from one or more sellers of a particular product according to a price curve or price schedule. A price schedule or curve for a product defining a product's unit price as a function of the volume of product ordered. Upon receipt of a plurality of bids from sellers, a buyer can then select a seller-supplier based at least in part on the price schedule.
US07689456B2	System for predicting sales lift and profit of a product based on historical sales information A method and system for predicting the profit attributable to a proposed sales promotion of a product, wherein the product has a wholesale price and a manufacturing cost per unit sales, including establishing a base volume for sales of the product in the absence of promotions; determining a sales lift for the plurality of single promotions; and correlating the sales lift with promotion information to provide a sales lift model. The method and system also include proposing a promotion having a cost per unit sales for a promotion time period and having a planned sale price for the product; applying the sales lift model to the proposed promotion to predict sales of the product for the promotion time period; and calculating manufacturer profit based upon the product's predicted sales, cost per unit sales for promotion, wholesale price, and manufacturing cost per unit sales during the promotion time period.
US07689451B2	Systems and methods for marketing financial products and services Systems and methods are provided for offering a financial product or service to a group of consumers. A first marketing pack for marketing a financial product or service to a group of consumers, where the first marketing pack has a first value for at least one marketing pack attribute, is selected. A second marketing pack having a second value for the at least one marketing pack attribute is then selected, such that the difference between the first value and the second value satisfies a predetermined marketing distance criteria. Thereafter, the financial product or service is offered to the group of consumers using the first marketing pack and the second marketing pack.
US07689436B2	Peripheral device output job user data processing A printer driver application is executed to form print data to be output at a peripheral device. User-specific data and the print data are addressed to an address of a queue to be output at the peripheral device. The user data can be an identification of a user requesting the output at the peripheral device, accounting information corresponding to the user, billing information corresponding to the user, a quantity corresponding to the print data, or a cost corresponding to the print data to be output at the peripheral device.
US07689428B2	Acoustic signal encoding device, and acoustic signal decoding device An acoustic signal encoding device for down-mixing at different ratios to encode a multichannel signal with a small number of channels, and an acoustic signal decoding device for decoding the signal encoded by the acoustic signal encoding device. In these devices, weighting means (103) in the acoustic signal encoding device (100) weights input signals of two channels individually according to a down-mixing coefficient thereby to calculate the level difference of the signals of two channels weighted by a level difference calculation unit (104). A separating unit (202) in the acoustic signal decoding device (200) separates the down-mixed signals into signals of two channels with the level difference information weighted.
US07689426B2	Method and apparatus for distributed interactive voice processing A distributed interactive voice processing system is disclosed that distributes IVR capabilities to one or more agent terminals associated with a call center. One or more agent terminals support the traditional functions of a live agent, as well as additional IVR capabilities to support the functions of a virtual or automated agent A call management system manages the distributed IVR resources by monitoring the availability status of the live and automated IVR agents in the distributed interactive voice processing system and distributing telephone calls and other types of communications to the appropriate agents. The availability status of the automated IVR agents is based on estimated available CPU cycles on the agent terminal A received call is routed to the extension on the agent terminal associated with the selected IVR channel. A VXML process associated with the selected IVR channel obtains the appropriate application software from a central voiceXML application server and executes the VXML page(s) to play the appropriate prompts from the IVR script to the caller and to collect DTMF or speech recognized inputs from the caller The distributed design allows centralized application management while using distributed resources to provide improved IVR availability.
US07689423B2	System and method of providing telematically user-optimized configurable audio A method of repeating a computer recognized string in a telematics unit in a vehicle, including receiving a user utterance at the telematics unit from a user, the user utterance including a plurality of words and a plurality of user pauses between the words, parsing the user utterance into a plurality of phonemes, forming a data string in which each user pause is associated with a phoneme adjacent to the user pause, and playing back the data string.
US07689422B2	Method and system to mark an audio signal with metadata A method of processing an audio signal comprises receiving an audio signal, extracting features from the audio signal, and translating the extracted features into metadata. The metadata comprises an instruction set of a markup language. A system for processing the audio signal is also disclosed, which comprises an input device for receiving the audio signal and a processor for extracting the features from the audio signal and for translating the extracted features into the metadata.
US07689414B2	Speech recognition device and method In a speech recognition device (1) for recognizing text information (TI) corresponding to speech information (SI), wherein speech information (SI) can be characterized in respect of language properties, there are firstly provided at least two language-property recognition means (20, 21, 22, 23), each of the language-property recognition means (20, 21, 22, 23) being arranged, by using the speech information (SI), to recognize a language property assigned to said means and to generate property information (ASI, LI, SGI, CI) representing the language property that is recognized, and secondly there are provided speech recognition means (24) that, while continuously taking into account the at least two items of property information (ASI, LI, SGI, CI), are arranged to recognize the text information (TI) corresponding to the speech information (SI).
US07689408B2	Identifying language of origin for words using estimates of normalized appearance frequency The language of origin of a word or named entity is predicted using estimates of frequency of occurrence of the word or named entity in different languages. In one embodiment, the normalized frequency of occurrence of the word or named entity in a variety of different languages is estimated and the values are used as features in a feature vector which is scored and used to identify language of origin.
US07689403B2	Instructions providing new functionality for utilization by a target system program of host system container words during computer system emulation with host word size larger than that of the emulated machine Two unique instructions for the instruction set of a target 36-bit machine which is emulated on a host 64-bit machine are provided in order to achieve visibility, to an emulated application program, of a “containing” word stored in the memory of the host machine. A “LOAD64” instruction loads the emulator memory location representing an emulated “Q” (supplementary accumulator) register with the “normal” 36-bits of the containing word. At the same time, the “upper” 28 bits of the 64-bit containing word is copied into the emulator memory location representing an emulated “A” (accumulator) register. Thus, the emulated 36-bit machine “sees” and can examine the 64-bit word in its entirety. A “Store64” instruction stores the emulated “Q” register contents into the lower 36-bits of the 64-bit containing word, and at the same time stores the lower 28 bits of the emulated “A” register contents into the upper 28 bits of the 64-bit containing word.
US07689400B2	Reconstruction of data from simulation models Systems, method, and media for reconstructing data from simulation models are disclosed. Embodiments may include a method for accessing an alias from an alias file. The method may generally include searching for a net name and, if the net name is not found, searching an alias index file for an alias index entry associated with the net name, the alias index entry having a net name and an associated position. The method may also generally include, if the net name entry is found, accessing from an alias file an alias associated with the net name. A further embodiment may generally include receiving a net name and a position of an alias in the alias file, creating an alias index entry for the alias having a net name and the position of the alias, and storing the created alias index entry in the alias index file.

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