Document	Document Title
US07700468B2	Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device. In the method, a field oxide layer can be formed in a semiconductor substrate so as to define and active electrode including a gate oxide layer and a gate poly is formed in the active region. An etch groove is formed between the gate electrode and the field oxide layer. Dopant ions are implanted between the gate electrode and the field oxide layer so as to form a source/drain region.
US07700466B2	Tunneling effect transistor with self-aligned gate In one embodiment, a mandrel and an outer dummy spacer may be employed to form a first conductivity type region. The mandrel is removed to form a recessed region wherein a second conductivity type region is formed. In another embodiment, a mandrel is removed from within shallow trench isolation to form a recessed region, in which an inner dummy spacer is formed. A first conductivity type region and a second conductivity region are formed within the remainder of the recessed region. An anneal is performed so that the first conductivity type region and the second conductivity type region abut each other by diffusion. A gate electrode is formed in self-alignment to the p-n junction between the first and second conductivity regions. The p-n junction controlled by the gate electrode, which may be sublithographic, constitutes an inventive tunneling effect transistor.
US07700462B2	Laser irradiation method, laser irradiation apparatus, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device When the CW laser oscillator is employed in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device, it is expected to obtain the device of high performance. However, the CW oscillator provides only a small beam spot and forms an inferior crystalline region when it is scanned on the semiconductor film. It is necessary to minimize such an inferior crystalline region because it gives a problem in terms of high integration of the semiconductor element. In view of the problem, the present invention is to form a long crystalline region as suppressing the formation of the inferior crystalline region by irradiating the fundamental wave with the harmonic supplementarily (refer to FIG. 1). The present invention also includes a constitution in which a part having high energy density in the fundamental wave is irradiated to a part having low energy density in the harmonic.
US07700452B2	Strained channel transistor A semiconductor device, such as a PMOS or an NMOS transistor, having a stressed channel region is provided. The semiconductor device is formed by recessing the source/drain regions after forming a gate stack. The substrate is removed under the gate stack. Thereafter, an epitaxial layer is formed under the gate stack and in the source/drain regions. The epitaxial layer may be doped in the source/drain regions. In an embodiment, a lower portion of the epitaxial layer and the epitaxial layer under the gate stack may be doped with a conductivity type opposite of the conductivity type of the source/drain regions. In another embodiment of the present invention, a lower portion of the epitaxial layer is left undoped.
US07700448B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device The performance of the semiconductor device which formed the metal silicide layer in the salicide process is improved. An element isolation region is formed in a semiconductor substrate by the STI method, a gate insulating film is formed, a gate electrode is formed, n+ type semiconductor region and p+ type semiconductor region for source/drains are formed, a metallic film is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a barrier film is formed on a metallic film. And after forming the metal silicide layer to which a metallic film, and a gate electrode, n+ type semiconductor region and p+ type semiconductor region are made to react by performing first heat treatment, a barrier film, and an unreacted metallic film are removed, and the metal silicide layer is left. An element isolation region makes compressive stress act on a semiconductor substrate. A barrier film is a film which makes a semiconductor substrate generate tensile stress, and the metal silicide layer which consists of mono-silicide MSi of metallic element M which forms a metallic film is formed in the first heat treatment.
US07700440B2	Method of manufacturing a metal-oxide-semiconductor with reduced on-resistance The trench MOS transistor according to the present invention includes a drain region in a form of a trench filled with a semiconductor material. The trench has a bottom surface and side surfaces and extends vertically downward from the top surface of the covering layer into the buried layer, the bottom surface of the trench lies in the buried layer, an insulating layer lines the side surfaces of the trenches, and the semiconductor material within the trench overlies the insulating layer and contacts the buried layer at the bottom surface of the trench.
US07700436B2	Method for forming a microelectronic structure having a conductive material and a fill material with a hardness of 0.04 GPA or higher within an aperture A microelectronic substrate and method for removing adjacent conductive and nonconductive materials from a microelectronic substrate. In one embodiment, the microelectronic substrate includes a substrate material (such as borophosphosilicate glass) having an aperture with a conductive material (such as platinum) disposed in the aperture and a fill material (such as phosphosilicate glass) in the aperture adjacent to the conductive material. The fill material can have a hardness of about 0.04 GPa or higher, and a microelectronics structure, such as an electrode, can be disposed in the aperture, for example, after removing the fill material from the aperture. Portions of the conductive and fill material external to the aperture can be removed by chemically-mechanically polishing the fill material, recessing the fill material inwardly from the conductive material, and electrochemically-mechanically polishing the conductive material. The hard fill material can resist penetration by conductive particles, and recessing the fill material can provide for more complete removal of the conductive material external to the aperture.
US07700431B2	Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having polysilicon plugs A method for manufacturing a DRAM device on a silicon substrate includes: forming cell transistors in a memory cell area and other transistors in a peripheral circuit area; forming polysilicon plugs connected to diffused regions of the cell transistors and metallic plugs connected to diffused regions of the other transistors; heat treating at a temperature of 980 to 1,020 degrees C.; heat treating at a temperature of 700 to 850 degrees C.; implanting fluorine or boron fluoride into the diffused regions of the other transistors; and heat treating at a temperature of 500 to 850 degrees C.
US07700428B2	Methods of fabricating a device structure for use as a memory cell in a non-volatile random access memory Methods for fabricating a device structure for use as a memory cell in a non-volatile random access memory. The method includes forming first and second semiconductor bodies on the insulating layer that have a separated, juxtaposed relationship, doping the first semiconductor body to form a source and a drain, and partially removing the second semiconductor body to define a floating gate electrode adjacent to the channel of the first semiconductor body. The method further includes forming a first dielectric layer between the channel of the first semiconductor body and the floating gate electrode, forming a second dielectric layer on a top surface of the floating gate electrode, and forming a control gate electrode on the second dielectric layer that cooperates with the floating gate electrode to control carrier flow in the channel in the first semiconductor body.
US07700423B2	Process for manufacturing epitaxial wafers for integrated devices on a common compound semiconductor III-V wafer A method of fabricating an epitaxial compound semiconductor III-V wafer suitable for the subsequent fabrication of at least two different types of integrated active devices (such as an HBT and a FET) on such wafer by providing a substrate; growing a first epitaxial structure on the substrate; and growing a second epitaxial structure on the first epitaxial structure.
US07700407B2	Method of forming a bump-on-lead flip chip interconnection having higher escape routing density A flip chip interconnect is made by mating the interconnect bump directly onto a lead, rather than onto a capture pad. Also, a flip chip package includes a die having solder bumps attached to interconnect pads in an active surface, and a substrate having electrically conductive traces in a die attach surface, in which the bumps are mated directly onto the traces. In some embodiments the interconnection is formed without employing a solder mask. In some methods a curable adhesive is dispensed either onto the bumps on the die or onto the traces on the substrate; the adhesive is partly cured during the mating process, and the partly cured adhesive serves to confine the molten solder during a reflow process.
US07700404B2	Large die package structures and fabrication method therefor A method for fabricating large die package structures is provided wherein at least portions of the leadtips of at least a plurality of leadfingers of a leadframe are electrically insulated. A die is positioned on the electrically insulated leadtips. The die is electrically connected to at least a plurality of the leadfingers.
US07700401B2	Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same An image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate having a CMOS circuit formed therein; an interlayer dielectric layer formed on the semiconductor substrate and including a trench formed therein; a metal wiring and a first conductive layer formed within the trench of the interlayer dielectric layer; an intrinsic layer formed on the semiconductor substrate including the first conductive layer and the interlayer dielectric layer; and a second conductive layer formed on the intrinsic layer.
US07700398B2	Method for fabricating an integrated device comprising a structure with a solid electrolyte Method for fabricating an integrated device, comprising the step of providing a substrate, which includes an electrode element, and a step of providing a solid electrolyte element coupled to the electrode element. The solid electrolyte element is provided in a crystalline state and in conjunction with electrode element such to form a programmable resistance element. The method furthermore comprises a heating process, after providing the solid electrolyte element.
US07700395B2	Hybrid integration based on wafer-bonding of devices to AlSb monolithically grown on Si Exemplary embodiments provide a semiconductor fabrication method including a combination of monolithic integration techniques with wafer bonding techniques. The resulting semiconductor devices can be used in a wide variety of opto-electronic and/or electronic applications such as lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), phototvoltaics, photodetectors and transistors. In an exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor device can be formed by first forming an active-device structure including an active-device section disposed on a thinned III-V substrate. The active-device section can include OP and/or EP VCSEL devices. A high-quality monolithic integration structure can then be formed with low defect density through an interfacial misfit dislocation. In the high-quality monolithic integration structure, a thinned III-V mating layer can be formed over a silicon substrate. The thinned III-V substrate of the active-device structure can subsequently be wafer-bonded onto the thinned III-V mating layer of the high-quality monolithic integration structure forming an optoelectronic semiconductor device on silicon.
US07700387B1	Method of fabricating optical device using multiple sacrificial spacer layers The present invention is a method of fabricating an optical device using multiple sacrificial spacer layers. The first step in this process is to fabricate the underlying base structure and deposit an optical structure thereon. A facet is then created at the ends of the optical structure and alternating sacrificial and intermediate layers are fabricated on the device. A mask layer is deposited on the structure, with openings created in the layers to allow use of an etchant. User-defined portions of the spacer layers are subsequently removed with the etchant to create air gaps between the intermediate layers.
US07700373B2	Assay method and apparatus The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in an assay comprising: (a) at least one first receptacle comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, (b) a porous membrane, and (c) at least one analyte-specific binding agent, characterised in that said at least one analyte-specific binding agent is immobilised on the underside of said porous membrane relative to the fluid inlet; and to methods of performing said assay.
US07700369B2	Method and apparatus for applying a pressure differential to a multi-well plate A method and apparatus for moving material in a multi-well plate includes applying positive and negative pressure to one or more wells in the plate, e.g., to enhance a flow rate of material from the well through a filter element. Wells requiring application of positive pressure may be identified, e.g., by image analysis performed by a machine vision system. Those wells determined to require enhanced throughput may have negative and positive pressure applied to the well, while other wells have only negative pressure applied.
US07700366B2	Fluorescent, semi-conductive polymers, and devices comprising them The present invention relates to fluorescent, semiconductive polymers comprising electron withdrawing groups bonded to the polymer. The invention also relates to a method of detecting analytes comprising contacting the analyte with the fluorescent, semiconductive polymers of the present invention. The invention also relates to light emitting devices, photovoltaic devices, and sensors comprising the fluorescent, semiconductive polymers of the present invention.
US07700365B2	Vitamin D deficiencies Methods for determining the amount of vitamin D compounds in a sample are provided. The methods can employ LC-MS/MS techniques and optionally the use of deuterated internal standards. Methods for diagnosing vitamin D deficiencies are also provided.
US07700361B2	Secretory or membrane protein expressed in skeletal muscles The present invention provides a novel secretory or membrane protein expressed specifically in skeletal muscles, a nucleic acid encoding the same, an antibody against the same, useful as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent or diagnostic agent for a disease associated with an abnormality of differentiation of skeletal muscle cell or metabolism function, or as a tool for screening a drug-candidate compound effective for the prophylaxis/treatment of the disease.
US07700360B2	Optical method and system to determine distribution of lipid particles in a sample The system and method of the present invention relate to characterizing lipoproteins in a sample. The system includes a light source that delivers electromagnetic energy in a predetermined range of wavelengths to the sample and a sensor that senses an intensity spectrum which emerges from the sample when the sample is illuminated by the light source. A processor determines a chemical composition of the sample to determine the presence of lipoprotein particles. The processor then characterizes lipoproteins that are within in the sample by deconvoluting the intensity spectrum into a scattering spectrum and absorption spectrum. The method includes illuminating the sample with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined range of wavelengths and sensing the electromagnetic energy that emerges from the sample. The method further includes transducing the sensed electromagnetic energy which emerges from the sample into an intensity spectrum that determines the types of lipoproteins that are within the sample.
US07700354B2	High throughput stem cell assay for identifying stem cells useful for transplantation The present invention relates generally to high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The present invention further relates to high-throughput assays for screening compounds that modulate the growth of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and for identifying subpopulations thereof that are suitable for transplantation. The assay of the present invention is particularly useful for quality control and monitoring of the growth potential in the stem cell transplant setting and would provide improved control over the reconstitution phase of transplanted cells.
US07700353B2	Compositions and methods for inducing apoptosis in tumor cells A method is described for using an E-domain peptide for the induction of apoptosis in a cancer cells. In particular, the invention relates to methods for using a-type E-domain peptide from trout IGF and/or a b-type E-domain peptide from human IGF for the induction of apoptosis in a broad spectrum of cancer cells. The peptide species can be a homologue of the E-domain of IGF-1 or a fusion protein comprising the E-domain of IGF-1. It can be administered to one or more cancer cells alone or in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition.
US07700349B2	Methods and compositions for highly efficient transformation of filamentous fungi Applicants have devised a highly effective, convenient, and expeditious genetic transformation system for filamentous fungi, such as Agaricus bisporus. The preferred method uses an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol. The critical features of this protocol include co-cultivation of the bacterium with fruit body tissue instead of spores. In a preferred embodiment, even higher transformation efficiencies were observed with the use of a homologous promoter in the polynucleotide expression construct in order to drive gene expression.
US07700335B2	Stabilization of enzymes in an emulsion by cross-linking A process for producing enzymes structures includes providing an emulsion of droplets of a first liquid phase dispersed in a second liquid phase. The one liquid phase is a hydrophilic phase, while the other liquid phase is a hydrophobic phase which is immiscible with the hydrophilic phase. Enzyme molecules are located at or within interfacial boundaries of the droplets and the second liquid phase. The enzyme molecules of the respective droplets are cross-linked so that individual enzyme structures, which are stable and in which the enzymes are immobilized with a majority of active sites of the enzymes being orientated either internally or externally, are formed from individual droplets.
US07700329B2	Methods for making simvastatin and intermediates The invention provides synthetic chemical and chemoenzymatic methods of producing simvastatin and various intermediates. In one aspect, enzymes such as hydrolases, e.g., esterases, are used in the methods of the invention.
US07700328B2	Method for producing an L-tyrosine over-producing bacterial strain An enteric bacterial strain was engineered to over-produce L-tyrosine using a one-step method. The pheA-tyrA chromosomal region of the bacterial genome was replaced with an engineered chromosomal segment, resulting in inactivation of the pheA coding region and strong expression of the tyrA coding region, resulting in high levels of L-tyrosine production.
US07700325B2	Haplotype analysis The present invention provides an efficient way for high throughput haplotype analysis. Several polymorphic nucleic acid markers, such as SNPs, can be simultaneously and reliably determined through multiplex PCR of single nucleic acid molecules in several parallel single molecule dilutions and the consequent statistical analysis of the results from these parallel single molecule multiplex PCR reactions results in reliable determination of haplotypes present in the subject. The nucleic acid markers can be of any distance to each other on the chromosome. In addition, an approach wherein overlapping DNA markers are analyzed can be used to link smaller haplotypes into larger haplotypes. Consequently, the invention provides a powerful new tool for diagnostic haplotyping and identifying novel haplotypes.
US07700316B2	CD109 nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides and methods of use The invention is a CD109 nucleic acid molecule and its corresponding polypeptide. The invention also includes biologically functional equivalent nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides. The invention also relates to methods of using these nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides in medical diagnosis and treatment and in drug screening.
US07700315B2	Serpin in bifidobacteria A novel gene of Bifidobacteria and the polypeptides encoded thereby. In particular, a gene belonging to the Serpin superfamily and its use in the production of bacterial Serpins is provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and methods for producing bacterial Serpin polynucleotides and/or polypeptides.
US07700313B2	Alleles of the OpcA gene from coryneform bacteria The invention relates to mutants and alleles of the opcA gene of coryneform bacteria, which encode variants of the OpcA subunit of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC: 1.1.1.49), and to processes for preparing amino acids, in particular L-lysine and L-tryptophan, by using bacteria which harbor said alleles.
US07700312B2	Preparation containing nanoscale particles with electrostatically adhered enzyme Improved catalytic enzyme preparations are provided which effectively catalyze reactions carried out in organic solvents. The preparations comprise nanoscale solid support particles (e.g., fumed silica or alumina) having enzyme molecules electrostatically adhered to the surfaces of the particles. The preparations are prepared by mixing together solid support particles and enzyme molecules in an aqueous system under pH conditions establishing opposite charges on the support particles and enzyme molecules, respectively. The water is then removed from the system, preferably by pre-freezing followed by lyophilization to yield free-flowing, particulate catalyst particles which can be used in liquid organic reactions or in packed bed reactors.
US07700311B2	Alcohol dehydrogenases The invention relates to novel polypeptides which have the biological activity of an NAD- or NADP-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides, to nonhuman hosts or host cells and to reaction systems which may be used for preparing desired products. The polypeptides of the invention are preferably used in the preparation, starting from aldehydes or ketones, of primary and enantiomerically pure secondary alcohols which may serve as intermediates for medicaments. Alternatively, the polypeptides of the invention may also be employed in the reverse reaction, i.e. the oxidation of alcohols with the formation of aldehydes or ketones.
US07700308B2	Methods for determining susceptibility to dental caries The present invention provides methods for determining whether a human being is susceptible to dental caries. The methods each include the steps of measuring the amount of α-defensins HNP 1, HNP 2 and HNP 3 in saliva obtained from a human being, and determining whether a reduced amount of the α-defensins HNP 1, HNP 2 and HNP 3 is present in the saliva, thereby determining whether the human being is susceptible to dental caries.
US07700306B2	Method for charcterising analytes Provided is a method for characterizing an analyte by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, which method comprises: (a) labelling the analyte with a light-absorbing label that absorbs light at a pre-determined frequency, to form a labelled analyte; (b) embedding the labelled analyte in a matrix formed from at least one compound that absorbs light, to form an embedded labelled analyte; (c) desorbing the embedded labelled analyte by exposing it to light having the pre-determined frequency, to form a desorbed analyte; and (d) detecting the desorbed analyte by mass spectrometry to characterize the analyte.
US07700294B2	Method of isolating cytotoxic heterocomplex associated with multiple sclerosis The invention relates to an isolated cytotoxic factor which is associated with multiple sclerosis and which is selected from the heterocomplex GM2AP/GM2/MRP14 and mutated GM2AP/GM2/MRP14, and to the method of detecting said factor in a biological sample to be tested. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: (i) bringing the biological sample into contact with at least one capture antibody selected from antibodies that bind specifically to the GM2AP protein, to the mutated GM2AP protein, to the MRP14 protein, to the complex GM2AP/GM2, to the complex mutated GM2AP/GM2 and to the complex MRP14/GM2, and with at least one labeled detection antibody selected from antibodies that bind specifically to the GM2AP protein, to the mutated GM2AP protein, to the MRP14 protein, to the complex GM2AP/GM2, to the complex mutated GM2AP/GM2 and to the complex MRP14/GM2, and (ii) detecting and/or quantifying the cytotoxic factor by detecting and/or quantifying the labeled detection antibody.
US07700293B2	Expression profile of prostate cancer The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention provides gene expression profiles associated with prostate cancers. Genes identified as cancer markers using the methods of the present invention find use in the diagnosis and characterization of prostate cancer. In addition, the genes provide targets for cancer drug screens and therapeutic applications.
US07700291B2	Genetic test for the identification of dwarfism in cattle Genetic markers for identifying bovine carriers of dwarfism in cattle, particularly Angus cattle is described. The genetic markers, including the microsatellite markers BMS4311 and AFR227 and the bovine PRKG2, BMP2K, BMP3, FGF5 genes, are located on bovine chromosome BTA6. One SNP, a polymorphism is located in the protein kinase domain within exon 15 of the bovine PRKG2 gene and is identified as being causative and diagnostic for dwarfism.
US07700290B2	Method of manufacturing DNA chip A method of manufacturing a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) chip is provided. The DNA chip has a plurality of transistors formed on a substrate and an organic layer and a DNA probe sequentially stacked on a gate of the transistor. The method includes forming an inter-layer insulation layer on the substrate to cover the transistors, planarizing the inter-layer insulation layer, forming at least two contact holes exposing gate electrodes of the transistors in the inter-layer insulation layer, selectively forming organic layers on the exposed gate electrodes, attaching a first DFR (dry film resist) layer to the upper surface of the inter-layer insulation layer to cover the contact holes, removing a portion of the first DFR layer covering a first contact hole among the contact holes, attaching a first DNA probe to the organic layers in the first contact hole, and removing a remaining portion of the first DFR layer.
US07700288B2	miR-155 assay The invention provides methods for diagnosing B-cell lymphoma in an animal. In particular, the invention provides methods for distinguishing an animal having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with an activated B-cell (ABC) phenotype from an animal having DLBCL with a non-activated germinal-center (GC) phenotype. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds for treating B-cell lymphoma. The invention further provides reagents and methods for determining the amount of miR-155 in sample isolated from an animal. In this regard, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides for determining the amount of miR-155 in sample isolated from an animal.
US07700281B2	Hot start nucleic acid amplification Methods and compositions for performing nucleic acid duplication and amplification reactions are provided. A single-stranded nucleic acid binding protein is selected and provided in the reaction mixture which is assembled at a low, nonstringent temperature to include all of the necessary reagents for successful nucleic acid duplication or amplification reactions. By incorporating a single-stranded nucleic acid binding protein into the reaction mixture at low temperature, the generation of nonspecific products such as amplification products is improved despite the reaction mixture having been fully assembled at a nonstringent temperature.
US07700280B2	Methods for assessing cisplatin resistance, disease progression, and treatment efficacy in ovarian cancer The invention provides methods for predicting whether an ovarian cancer patient's tumor will be resistant to chemotherapy. The invention also provides methods for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, particularly a chemotherapeutic treatment, in a patient treated for ovarian cancer. The invention further provides methods for treating ovarian cancer, by reducing chemotherapeutic drug resistance in said cells. In addition, the invention provides methods of screening compounds to identify tumor cell growth inhibitors in tumor cells resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic treatment regimes.
US07700272B2	Polynucleotides encoding acetylcholine-gated chloride channel subunits of Caenorhabditis elegans The invention relates to novel polynucleotides which encode novel polypeptides that are acetylcholine-gated chloride channel subunits and immunogenic or acetylcholine-binding fragments thereof. The novel polypeptides may be used for identifying compounds that modulate the acetylcholine-gated chloride channels, e.g. for use as pesticides and antiparasitic agents. Methods for identifying compounds that modulate the acetylcholine-gated chloride channels are provided.
US07700271B2	Method of diagnosis and treatment and agents useful for same The present invention relates generally to a method for detecting an aberrant cell, and more particularly an aberrant epithelial cell, in a subject or in a biological sample from said subject and agents useful for same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of deleting an aberrant mammary epithelial cell. The presence of the aberrant cell or group of aberrant cells provides an indication of a particular disease or condition or a propensity for development of a disease or condition.
US07700269B2	Method of forming stack layer and method of manufacturing electronic device having the same A method of forming a stacked structure in an electronic device, where a photoresist for performing multi-patterning processes is used. Also, a method of manufacturing a FED in which different structures can be multi-patterned by using a single photoresist mask. The photoresist has a solubility to a solvent by heat-treatment after exposure, and a complicated structure can be formed using the photoresist.
US07700266B2	Water spray development of planographic plates Excellent development of planographic printing plates can be achieved by exposing an imaged, negative working, photopolymerizable coating to a high pressure stream of essentially untreated tap water, whereby the water completely removes only the less cohesive and adhesive (e.g., partially polymerized) regions to the substrate, thereby directly producing a printing plate having an image pattern of highly cohesive and adhesive, oleophilic regions of the coating and hydrophilic regions of the substrate. The coating removal mechanism appears to be due entirely to ablation. The high pressure stream is preferably delivered to the plate through at least one nozzle having a discharge pressure greater than about 200 psi. Each nozzle preferably has a spray pattern that impinges the plate over a substantially rectangular region of the plate, and the nozzle and plate translate relative to each other. The nozzle can reciprocate across the width of a longitudinally transported plate, thereby contacting successive regions of the plate in a rastering fashion.
US07700255B2	Intermediate transfer material, image forming method and image forming apparatus An intermediate transfer material, for use in an image forming apparatus in which a toner image on an electrostatic latent image carrier is transferred onto the intermediate transfer material and the toner image on the intermediate transfer material is further transferred onto a final transfer material, wherein the intermediate transfer material comprises a substrate layer having thereon a surface layer, and the surface layer comprising a cured (meth)acrylic resin. There are also disclosed an image forming method by use of the intermediate transfer material and an image forming apparatus by use of the image forming method.
US07700254B2	Toner with specified amounts of the THF-soluble matter having certain intrinsic viscosity The present invention aims to provide a toner having excellent developability and excellent low-temperature fixability without causing adhesion of ejected sheets even in a high-speed oilless fixing system and capable of preventing a frameless printing from causing a twisted offseting phenomenon. Specifically, provided is a toner having toner particles including at least a binder resin and a colorant, in which, when the toner is dissolved in a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent at 25° C. for 24 hours, the ratio of a THF-soluble matter having an intrinsic viscosity of 5.0×10−2 dl/g or less with respect to the total amount of the THF-soluble matter in a GPC-RALLS-viscometer analysis is 15.0 mass % to 60.0 mass %, and the ratio of a THF-soluble matter having an intrinsic viscosity of 1.5×10−1 dl/g or more with respect to the total amount of the THF-soluble matter in a GPC-RALLS-viscometer analysis is 20.0 mass % to 40.0 mass %.
US07700240B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte for use in a battery A non-aqueous electrolyte is disclosed. Exemplary embodiments include at least one ionically conducting salt, especially a lithium salt, a non-aqueous, anhydrous solvent for the ionically conductive salt, the solvent being selected to achieve a degree of dissociation of the ionically conductive salt in the non-aqueous solvent, at least one oxide in a particulate form, the oxide being selected such that it is not soluble in the solvent and such that it is water-free. The electrolyte can be used in a primary or secondary lithium battery, in a supercapacitor, in an electro-chromic display or in a solar cell.
US07700225B2	Binder and electrode for lithium battery, and lithium battery containing the same A lithium battery binder includes polyvinylidenefluoride(PVDF) having an IR absorption peak ratio of Iγ in a range from 0.35 to 1.00, wherein Iγ is equal to I820-850/I860-880 where I820-850 is a peak height resulting from a CH2 rocking band in γ-phase PVDF and I860-880 is a peak height resulting from backbones in α- and γ-phase PVDF. The lithium battery containing the cathode and/or the anode which incorporates the binder improves the charge/discharge characteristics and the lifespan characteristics of a lithium battery.
US07700220B2	Fuel cell A fuel cell is provided which can enhance the CO resistance to thereby improve the voltage characteristics thereof. A fuel cell includes an electrolyte layer, a first electrode provided on one surface of the electrolyte layer, and a second electrode provided on the other surface of the electrolyte layer. In this fuel cell, a reaction fluid to be supplied to the first electrode contains carbon monoxide or carbon monoxide is generated from a reaction fluid having been supplied to the first electrode. The first electrode of the fuel cell includes a first catalyst material (Pt) having a function of extracting an electron from the reaction fluid, a second catalyst material (WAu) having a function of reducing the activation energy for conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and an oxygen-supplying material (Ru) supplying oxygen.
US07700210B2	Increasing thermal dissipation of fuel cell stacks under partial electrical load A method of operating a high temperature fuel cell system containing a plurality of fuel cell stacks includes operating one or more of the plurality of fuel cell stacks at a first output power while operating another one or more of the plurality of the fuel cell stacks at a second output power different from the first output power.
US07700209B2	Power generation control system for fuel cell A power generation control system which includes: a fuel cell (201); a target power provider (101) for the fuel cell (201); a operation status monitoring system (102) for monitoring output power from the fuel cell (201), in which the detected output power includes actual output voltage (AV) of the fuel cell (201); and a controller (214). The controller (214) includes: a target current computing unit (104) which calculates a target current (TI) from the target power (TPW) given by the target power provider (101), based on PW-I characteristic obtained from I-V characteristic of the fuel cell (201); and a command output power computing unit (106) which calculates a command output power (CPW) of the fuel cell (201) based on the target current (TI) and the actual output voltage (AV).
US07700207B2	Turbocompressor shutdown mechanism Turbocompressors 1 comprise a turbine 10, a compressor 30, a rotatable shaft 20 connecting the turbine 10 and compressor 30 at opposite ends of the shaft 20, and an electric motor 50 coupled to the compressor 30. The turbine 10 comprises an inlet port 14 configured to receive an air feed, and a turbine wheel 12 connected to the shaft 20 and configured to rotate in response to a torque (τM) provided by the air feed. The rotation of the turbine wheel 12 is rotates the rotatable shaft 20 and a compressor wheel 32 of the compressor 30 connected thereto. The compressor 30 comprises an inlet port configured to receive and compress an air feed. The electric motor 50 may deliver a torque (τM) to the compressor wheel 32 in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the rotatable shaft 20 in order to shut down the turbocompressor 1.
US07700189B2	Heat shrinkable film with (meth)acrylate resin curable adhesive A heat shrinkable label comprises (A) a heat shrinkable film comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, and (B) a curable adhesive comprising (1) at least one urethane (meth)acrylate resin having an average of about 1 to about 1.6 (meth)acrylate groups per resin molecule, (2) at least one tackifier, and (3) at least one photoinitiator, where the film has an ultimate shrinkage at 135° C. of at least 15%, and the adhesive has sufficient precure tack, wherein the loop tack of the uncured adhesive is at least 4.3 g/cm2. The heat shrinkable label is useful in high-speed industrial processes such as beverage container labeling.
US07700186B2	Cemented carbide body According to the present invention there is now provided a body cemented carbide provided with at least one wear resistant layer, which body contains a toughness increasing surface zone. Increase in toughness is obtained due to the presence of a surface zone having increased WC grain size and/or increased Co content. The invention is most suitable for WC—Co cemented carbides.
US07700174B2	Laminate with fill layer A laminate has alternating metal layers and at least one plastic bonding layer. The metal layers each comprise at least two metal layer sections that have mutually overlapping edges bonded to one another. To even out the differences in thickness, a fill is provided which has at least a thickness such that at the location of the fill the laminate has a thickness equal to the thickness at the location of the overlapping edges.
US07700167B2	Erosion-protective coatings on polymer-matrix composites and components incorporating such coated composites A stator vane is provided that includes an airfoil and a coating. The airfoil comprises a polymer matrix fiber composite having a melting point, glass transition temperature, or maximum exposure temperature that is less than about 150° C. The coating is formed over the airfoil and comprises a material that is more erosion-resistant than the polymer matrix fiber composite, where the material is the selected from a group of constituents consisting of titanium, chromium, vanadium, and zirconium, and nitrides, carbides, mixed carbonitrides, oxides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, and oxycarbonitrides thereof. Methods for making the stator vane are provided as well.
US07700164B2	Apparatus for fabricating coating and method of fabricating the coating In an apparatus for fabricating a carbon coating, an object such as a magnetic recording medium is disposed on a side of an electrode connected to a high-frequency power supply. Ultrasonic vibrations are supplied to the object. Discharge is generated between the electrode connected to the high-frequency power supply and a grounded electrode to fabricate a carbon coating on the surface of the object. Also, an electrode interval is set to 6 mm or less, pressure between the electrodes is set to 15 Torr to 100 Torr, whereby high-density plasma is generated to form an ion sheath on an anode side. Therefore, a coating is fabricated on the surface of the object by bombardment of ions.
US07700163B2	Microwave process for porous ceramic filters with passivation and catalyst coatings A method for base-coating a porous ceramic catalyst support includes coating the support with a passivation coating via vacuum infiltration, and subsequently exposing the support to a microwave field to dry the coating and form a polymerized film. The method further includes coating the support with a catalyst coating or washcoat, and subsequently exposing the support to a second microwave field, thereby removing water from the catalyst coating or washcoat.
US07700162B2	Method for coating graphite foil A method for applying a thin coating to a flat side (front side) and edge surfaces of a two-dimensional formation of graphite foil, includes applying the coating material to the flat side (front side) to be coated by electrostatic powder spraying followed by a sintering cycle or melting cycle. During the spraying, the two-dimensional formation is electrically contacted on a limited area virtually in the middle of its rear side, facing away from the spraying direction, on a limited area at a distance of at least 5 mm from the edges. A method for heat dissipation in electronic equipment, is also provided.
US07700159B2	Hydrophilizing wax composition There is provided a hydrophilizable wax composition which provides a wax coating layer having a hydrophilic surface and imparts a gloss and long-lasting stain-proofing property on a substrate. The hydrophilizable wax composition can form a hydrophilizable wax coating layer by applying the composition containing a hydrophilizing agent and wax component and wiping off the composition, in which the hydrophilizing agent has hydrolyzable groups which are converted into hydrophilic groups by hydrolysis in the presence of water and are condensed to enable the hydrophilizing agent to have a high molecular weight and is, for example, an organometallic compound having a releasable group by hydrolysis, its oligomer and/or a co-oligomer comprising two or more of the compounds.
US07700153B2	Process for making water-swellable material comprising coated water-swellable polymers This invention is directed to a process for making solid, typically particulate, water-swellable material comprising coated water-swellable, preferably hydrogel-forming polymers, which are coated with a coating agent, which is such that it does not rupture when the polymers swell in a liquid, e.g., water or saline water. Hereto, the coating agent is extensible in wet state and comprises thereto a wet-extensible material that has a wet-elongation of at least 400%, or even more preferably at least 500%, and preferably a tensile stress at break in the wet state of at least 1 MPa. Typically, the coating agent comprises thereto an elastomeric polymeric material. The invention also relates to solid (particulate) water-swellable material obtainable by the process of the invention.
US07700152B2	Liquid feed flame spray modification of nanoparticles Nano- and micron sized metal oxide and mixed metal oxide particles are injected into a high temperature region wherein the temperature is between about 400° C. and less than 2000° C., and collected as particles or as coatings wherein a particulate nature is substantially maintained. The particles are altered in at least one of phase, morphology, composition, and particle size distribution, and may achieve further changes in these characteristics by coinjection of metal oxide precursor in liquid form.
US07700145B1	Methods of making a low-carbohydrate dairy beverage and dairy beverages made from such methods Methods of making a low-carbohydrate dairy beverage are provided. The method includes the steps of adding specific ingredients in order to obtain a low-carbohydrate dairy beverage having certain nutritional and overall quality characteristics, including one or more of at least the following characteristics: high protein; high calcium; low calories; satisfying flavor, taste, aroma, and/or appearance; and/or extended shelf life. Low-carbohydrate dairy beverages made by such methods are also provided.
US07700141B2	Composition The present invention provides the use of the probiotic micro organism deposited under the accession number NCIMB 41117, in the manufacture of a composition for the treatment of non specific dietary sensitivity in a dog or a cat. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment of non specific dietary sensitivity in a dog or a cat, the method comprising administering to the dog or cat the probiotic micro organism deposited under the accession number NCIMB 41117.
US07700140B2	Bacterial autolysate A method for producing a feedstuff or feedstuff component, e.g., a palatability-enhancing agent, said method comprising subjecting a microbial culture which comprises a methanotrophic bacterium to autolysis.
US07700138B2	Jucara and Açai fruit-based dietary supplements The present disclosure relates to stable, palatable, freeze-dried, fruit-based dietary supplements. In one embodiment, the disclosures relates to compositions of Açai fruit and Jucara fruit with high antioxidant capability and cyclooxygenase-inhibitory activity, and their uses. The disclosure further provides for methods of making stable, palatable, freeze-dried, fruit-based dietary supplements from Açai fruit and Jucara fruit.
US07700133B2	Antimicrobial formulations and methods of using the same Formulations and blends are described comprising zinc, silver, bismuth and copper in non-toxic amounts that are useful as treatments of a wide variety of conditions and diseases promoted by bacteria or other microorganisms.
US07700131B2	Powders having contact biocidal properties Powders having contact biocidal properties comprise a polysaccharide carrying atomic/metallic silver. The preferred polysaccharide is chitin, although other polysaccharides including chitosan, carboxymethyl celluloses and carrageenans can be used. The chitin may be obtained from deproteinated crustacean shells without demineralisation, thus being admixed with calcium carbonate and other naturally occurring minerals present in the shells, and may be enzyme deacetylated. The powders of the invention can be used as biocidal dusting powders, formulated into pastes, gels, hydrogels, creams, foams and aerosol sprays for pharmaceutical applications, or dissolved to form solutions for coating substrates such as skin, fabrics, glass, leather and paper to give a bactericidal surface. A particular application of such a solution is as a protective, post-wash treatment for workwear in a laundering process. The powders of the invention may be prepared by slurrying a polysaccharide, which is capable of interacting with silver ions and which is in powder form, in a liquid in which the polymer is insoluble, which liquid contains silver ions, filtering off the powder, washing the powder, reducing the silver ions which have interacted with the polysaccharide to atomic/metallic silver, and drying the powder. According to the polysaccharide chosen, the liquid is suitably water or aqueous ethanol. The silver ions may derive from silver nitrate. The reduction of the silver ions which have interacted with the polysaccharide to atomic/metallic silver can be effected photochemically through exposure to light. To hasten the reduction, however, the washed powder is preferably slurried in a solution of an alkali metal halide, irradiated under stirring with natural or artificial light containing an ultraviolet component, and again filtered off and washed, before drying it.
US07700124B2	Cosmetic compositions comprising a fine and porous powder The invention is a water/oil emulsion including a porous powder, the particles of the powder having the following characteristics: an apparent specific surface of 1 to 299 m2/g, measured by nitrogen absorption according to the ISO 9277 BET method; a linseed oil absorption of between 45 g/100 g of powder and 160 g/100 g of powder, measured according to ISO 787-5. The mean diameter of the particles of the powder is between 2 μm and 100 μm, preferably from 2 to 50 μm, more advantageously still from 2 to 20 μm. The powder is chosen from a powder formed of polyamides, of polyesteramides, of polyurethanes, of poly(methyl methacrylate)s, of acrylic polymers, of polyesters, of silicones, of polyethylenes and of silicas. The invention further relates to the use of the emulsion for obtaining a make-up and/or care product for the skin which is nonshiny, nonoily, nonsticky and/or nontacky, as well as the use of the fine powder for improving the feel and/or the appearance of a cosmetic emulsion.
US07700121B2	Gene associated with leishmania parasite virulence The invention relates to the field of combating leishmaniases. Said invention results from the isolation, from wild isolates of Leishmania major, of a protein-coding gene known as LmPDI which has two regions that are identical to the sequence (Cys-Gly-His-Cys) of the potential active site of the protein disulphide isomerases (PDI). The LmPDI protein is predominantly expressed in the most virulent isolates of the parasite. Said protein forms a novel therapeutic target for developing anti-leishmaniasis medicaments and a novel element that can be used in the composition of immunogenic, and possibly vaccinating, preparations which are intended to protect a human or animal host against Leishmania.
US07700105B2	Methods of inducing IL-10 production The invention provides a method of inducing IL-10 production.
US07700104B2	Attenuated Salmonella SP12 mutants as antigen carriers The present invention relates to vaccines, in particular, to an attenuated gram-negative cell comprising the SPI2 gene locus, wherein at least one gene of the SPI2 locus is inactivated, wherein said inactivation results in an attenuation/reduction of virulence compared to the wild type of said cell, and to a carrier for the presentation of an antigen to a host, which carrier is said attenuated gram-negative cell, wherein said cell comprises at least one heterologous nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for said antigen, wherein said cell is capable of expressing said nucleic acid molecule or capable of causing the expression of said nucleic acid molecule in a target cell.
US07700093B2	Methods for increasing lactose digestion The invention relates generally to digestive disorders, and in particular to methods for treating irritable bowel syndrome by increasing carbohydrate absorption by administering a composition containing a Bacillus coagulans bacterium.
US07700092B2	Pneumovirus NS proteins antagonize the interferon IFN response The present invention relates to the use of a pneumovirus NS1 protein and/or NS2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding pneumovirus NS1 protein and/or NS2 protein for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for reducing the immune response mediated by interferon (IFN). The invention further relates to recombinant pneumoviruses, in particular respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), having an increased, reduced, or lacking a resistance to the interferon (IFN) mediated immune response, recombinant viruses having an increased resistance to the interferon (IFN) mediated immune response, and the use of the viruses in pharmaceutical applications, e.g. as vaccines.
US07700087B2	Compounds and methods to inhibit or augment an inflammatory response Isolated and purified chemokine peptides, variants, and derivatives thereof, as well as chemokine peptide analogs, are provided. For example, the invention provides peptides of no more than 15 amino acid residues which include chemokine peptide sequences and variants thereof, as well as cyclic reverse derivatives thereof, which inhibit the activity of at least one chemokine.
US07700086B2	Internal clamp for surgical procedures One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of occluding a vascular site in a mammal, comprising the step of introducing into the vasculature of a mammal at or proximal to a surgical site, a composition comprising at least one optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer, wherein said inverse thermosensitive polymer gels in said vasculature, thereby temporarily occluding a vascular site of said mammal, wherein said temporarily occluded vasculature site is kept in a substantially cylindrical shape.
US07700085B2	Method for treating symptoms of diabetes The present invention provides a method for treating symptoms of diabetes in a diabetic subject which comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which inhibits binding of advanced glycation endproducts to any receptor for advanced glycation endproducts so as to treat chronic symptoms of diabetes in the subject.
US07700082B2	Silylated polyurethane-urea compositions for use in cosmetic applications A composition in the form of an aqueous dispersion used in cosmetic applications is provided. The composition comprises at least one polyurethane-urea polymer that is functionalized with at least one hydrolyzed or hydrolyzable silyl group. When the composition is used in hair care, it does not have a reshapable effect.
US07700081B2	Foaming compositions for hair care The invention concerns a foaming composition for washing and treating hair and/or scalp essentially characterised in that it contains in an aqueous medium: at least an active principle selected among corticoids and retinoids; at least an anionic surfactant; at least an amphoteric surfactant; and a pro-penetrating agent.
US07700064B2	Carbon fiber A carbon fiber having a total content of Li, Na, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni and Co metal elements of no more than 50 ppm and a fiber diameter of 0.001 to 2 μm and not branched and a assembly of a plurality of the carbon fibers.
US07700051B2	Apparatus and method of treating exhaust gas An exhaust gas treating apparatus 1 includes; a case body 2 and a plasma producing means 3 capable of producing plasma inside the case body 2 and treats the substances to be treated contained in the exhaust gas by the plasma producing means 3. The plasma producing means 3 has one or more each of a pulse electrode 4 and a ground electrode 5 that are oppositely disposed in the case body 2 and has a pulse power source 6 capable of feeding a pulse current to the pulse electrode 4 by switching frequency and/or voltage for different values at predetermined time intervals. The substances to be treated contained in the exhaust gas can selectively be treated by switching frequency and/or voltage value for different values at predetermined time intervals so that plasma of a kind adequate for the substances to be treated contained in an exhaust gas is produced between the pulse electrode 4 and the ground electrode 5.
US07700044B2	Chemical vapor sensor A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is measured, and sufficient sensitivity is provided to passively detect a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. The sensor can be situated in an inconspicuous vehicle cabin location and operate independently without requiring active involvement by a driver. A vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectible level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, in comparison to conventional chemical sensors, the sensitivity of detection of ethanol vapor is increased by a factor of about 1,000. Further, a single channel of infrared detection is utilized avoiding spurious infrared absorption and making the chemical vapor sensor less costly to implement.
US07700033B2	Block copolymer elastomer catheter balloons Balloons for medical devices, particularly balloon angioplasty catheters, which have hybrid compliance curves in which growth rate slows at higher pressures are made from block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers.
US07700031B2	Mold for injection molding and molding method using the same A mold for injection molding and a molding method using the same, in which multiple gates are provided to a curved runner, thereby easily molding a product having a complicated shape and a large width, and in which a plurality of curved runners are provided, thereby easily ejecting forms that are filled in the runners. The mold includes first and second molds defining a mold cavity, a first gate disposed at a first position of the mold cavity, a second gate disposed at a second position of the mold cavity spaced apart from the first position, a first curved runner provided to the second mold so as to be connected to the first gate, and a second curved runner provided to the second mold so as to be connected to the second gate. The first and second curved runners have inlets that are connected with each other, and cross-sectional areas that are gradually reduced from the inlets to the first and second gates.
US07700025B2	Microporous polyolefin film A microporous polyolefin film which comprises 5 to 95 wt. % polyethylene (A) having a viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) of 2,000,000 or higher, a first-melting-peak signal height as determined by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) of 3.0 mW/mg or higher, a specific surface area of 0.7 m2/g or larger, and an average particle diameter of 1 to 150 μm and 95 to 5 wt. % polyethylene (B) having an Mw of 10,000 to 200,000, excluding 10,000 and 200,000, wherein the ratio of the Mv of the compound (A) to that of the compound (B), (A)/(B), is 10 or higher, the film as a whole has a molecular weight of 300,000 to 1,500,000, and the film has a fuse temperature of 120 to 140° C., a breaking temperature of 150° C. or higher, and a ratio of the piercing strength at 25° C. to the piercing strength at 140° C. of from 0.01 to 0.25.
US07700023B2	Method for producing an environment protective foamed thermoplastic resin polymer A method for producing an environment protective foamed thermoplastic resin polymer comprises using an extruder with a helical rod to be driven to rotate. The extruder has a feeding section, a melting section, a mixing section and a heating-shaping section formed therein. The method includes a plurality of steps, in which thermoplastic resin is heated, melted in the melting section and moved into the mixing section, and hollow expansion balls are fed into the extruder to be evenly mixed with the melted thermoplastic resin. Then the hollow expansion balls are slightly heated and inflated, and moved into the heating-shaping section, and then the balls are heated at foaming temperature, foamed and inflated. After being injected through a nozzle, the melted thermoplastic resin and the hollow balls become a foamed thermoplastic resin polymer with a preset thickness and shape.
US07700007B2	Anisotropic conductive film forming composition Disclosed herein is an anisotropic conductive film forming composition, including at least one polymer comprising a polymer containing a silane group; at least one polymerizable compound; and a plurality of conductive particles. The at least one polymer may include an elastomeric polymer and a filler polymer, at least one of which contains a silane group. The at least one polymerizable compound may include a cross-linking agent and/or a polymerization reaction enhancer. The cross-linking agent may also have a silane group. In addition, the film forming composition may include a solvent. The film forming composition is advantageous in that the resulting anisotropic conductive film exhibits enhanced peel and adhesive strength and low electrical contact resistance.
US07700003B2	Composition, article, and method A method is provided that includes heating a powder to a temperature that is below the melting point of the scintillator composition but is sufficiently high to form a coherent mass. The powder includes a scintillator composition. The coherent mass is polycrystalline and has a pulse height resolution that is less than 20 percent at 662 kilo electron volts; a light yield of more than 5000 photons per milli electron volt; or both a pulse height resolution that is less than 20 percent at 662 kilo electron volts and a light yield of more than 5000 photons per milli electron. A sintered body is provided also.
US07700002B2	Illumination system comprising a radiation source and fluorescent material The invention concerns an illumination system comprising a radiation source and a fluorescent material comprising at least one phosphor capable of absorbing part of the light emitted by the radiation source and emitting light of a wavelength different from that of the absorbed light; wherein said at least one phosphor is a yellow to red-emitting europium(II) activated halogeno-oxonitridosilicate of the general formula EaxSiyN2/3X+4/3y:EuzOaXb, wherein 1≦x≦2; 3≦y≦7; 0.001≦z≦0.09, 0.005
US07699998B2	Method of substantially uniformly etching non-homogeneous substrates A method of substantially uniformly etching oxides from non-homogeneous substrates is provided. The method utilizes a substantially non-aqueous etchant including an organic solvent and a fluorine-containing compound. The fluorine containing compound may include HF, HF:NH4F, (NH4)HF2, or TMAF:HF and mixtures thereof. The etchant may be applied to chemically non-homogeneous layers such as shallow trench isolation fill oxide layers, or to layers having a non-homogeneous composition or density at different depths within the layers, such as spin-on-glass or spin-on-dielectric films.
US07699995B2	Water treatment method A method for treating water in a closed cooling system, having a pH of at least 7 and a temperature of at least 25° C., by adding a composition comprising 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; wherein the composition is substantially free of non-aqueous solvents, volatile organic compounds and halogenated biocides; and wherein 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is present in an amount sufficient to produce in the water a 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one concentration from 15 ppm to 500 ppm.
US07699983B2	Swimming pool skimmer comprising two independent pieces fixed to one another orientably A swimming pool skimmer which has two independent pieces, a first piece and a second piece, fixed to one another orientably. The first piece forms a first guide tunnel for water in the swimming pool and has a first axis of symmetry in its longitudinal direction. The second piece has a body with a cylindrical wall and has a second axis of symmetry in its longitudinal direction. The first and second pieces are suitable for being fixed to one another in several possible angular positions in which the inclination, between the first and second axes at the level of the first and second pieces, varies from 90° to 90°+α max when the first axis, at the level of the first piece, has an inclination varying from the horizontal to an angle α max below the horizontal, the second axis being vertical.
US07699982B2	Apparatus, system and method for remediation of contamination An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
US07699976B2	Upflow bioreactor with septum and pressure release mechanism An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes means for releasing pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In one configuration, the septum includes a releasable portion having an open position and a closed position. The releasable portion is configured to move to the open position in response to pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In the open position fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is increased. Alternatively the lower chamber can include a pressure release line that is selectively actuated by pressure buildup. The pressure release mechanism can prevent the bioreactor from plugging and/or prevent catastrophic damage to the bioreactor caused by high pressures.
US07699975B2	Method and system of heating a fluid catalytic cracking unit for overall CO2 reduction In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method of heating a FCC unit having a regenerator and a reactor for over CO2 reduction is provided. The method comprises compressing syngas to define compressed syngas. CO2 is separated from the compressed syngas to provide a first stream of gas comprising CO2. The first stream of gas is expanded with a second stream of gas comprising O2 to define a feed gas. The feed gas and an injected hydrocarbon feed are introduced to the regenerator having spent catalyst from the reactor. The regenerator is at gasification conditions to burn the injected hydrocarbon feed and coke from the spent catalyst producing the syngas and heat for operating the reactor at reaction temperatures.
US07699963B2	Internal cooling of electrolytic smelting cell An electrolytic cell for the production of metal by electrolytic reduction of a metal bearing material dissolved in a molten salt bath, the cell including a shell, and a lining on the interior of the shell, the lining including a bottom cathode lining and a side wall lining including a plurality of fluid ducts positioned against the interior surface of the shell for conducting fluid there through, the fluid ducts extending along the sides of the shell, and communicating with pump means to flow fluid through the fluid ducts.
US07699962B2	Processes utilizing extractive distillation The invention relates to methods for separating mixture components such as reactor effluent components. In particular, the invention relates to the use of an extractive agent such as a hydrocarbon in an extractive distillation process to separate monomers such as a C4-C7 isoolefins such as isobutylene from mixtures such as reactor effluents including one or more hydrofluorocarbon(s) (HFC).
US07699958B2	Method for improving separation of carbohydrates from wood pulping and wood or biomass hydrolysis liquors A method for separating carbohydrates from pulping liquors includes the steps of providing a wood pulping or wood or biomass hydrolysis pulping liquor having lignin therein, and mixing the liquor with an acid or a gas which forms an acid upon contact with water to initiate precipitation of carbohydrate to begin formation of a precipitate. During precipitation, at least one long chain carboxylated carbohydrate and at least one cationic polymer, such as a polyamine or polyimine are added, wherein the precipitate aggregates into larger precipitate structures. Carbohydrate gel precipitates are then selectively removed from the larger precipitate structures. The method process yields both a carbohydrate precipitate and a high purity lignin.
US07699957B2	Plasma processing apparatus Disclosed is a plasma processing apparatus, in which parasitic plasma is not generated in a transfer chamber. The plasma processing apparatus has a load lock chamber, a transfer chamber, a processing chamber, and gate valves installed between the chambers for transferring a substrate and opening and closing openings of the chambers. Each of the gate valves includes a valve housing provided between the chambers such that the valve housing contacts side surfaces of the chambers by interposing sealing members therebetween, and forming a designated closed space therein; a valve including a sealing plate contacting an inner surface of the valve housing on the side of the processing chamber, and a back plate contacting the inner surface of the valve housing on the side of the transfer chamber; a valve driving unit connected to the valve for moving the valve in the vertical direction; and a ground member formed on the surface of the valve for electrically connecting the valve and the valve housing when the valve contacts the inner surface of the valve housing.
US07699956B2	Method and a machine for making a cell structure The invention relates to a method for making a cellular structure (1) comprising a plurality of elements (2), in which method a first plurality of elements (2) is provided that form a first row (3) of elements, and that furthermore a second plurality of elements (2) is provided that form a second row (4) of elements (2). The second row (4) is parallel to the first row (3) but displaced in phase in relation to this. An adhesive is applied to the elements (2) in at least one of the two rows (3, 4) and at least one of the two rows (3, 4) is brought closer to the other, so that the two rows are brought together and thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive. The invention also relates to a machine for executing the method according to the invention.
US07699952B2	Method and device for positioning bead wires Method and apparatus for positioning bead cores during a building of a radial tire carcass in a tire-building machine. The method includes positioning first and second bead cores on respective first and second core-centering devices, on a first side of a carcass drum and centering the first and second bead cores. Further, the method includes grasping, with a second core-setting device, the second bead core and transporting the second core-setting device and the second bead core to a second side of the carcass drum. Additionally, the method includes grasping, with a first core-setting device, the first bead core; and setting the first and second bead cores onto the tire carcass by the first and second core-setting devices.
US07699945B2	Substrate treatment method and film forming method, film forming apparatus, and computer program There is provided a substrate treatment method performed on a substrate before forming a Cu film on a surface of a base material of the substrate. In the substrate treatment method, a substrate on which a Cu film is to be formed is prepared; and a specific treatment is performed on the substrate so that a crystalline orientation of the surface of the base material of the substrate has a small lattice mismatch with the Cu film.
US07699941B2	Polymeric surface treatment compositions Treated articles with improved water sheeting and soap scum repellency result from forming hydroscopic films on the surfaces of hydrophobic polymeric substrates treated with compositions, kits and methods that employ water-soluble or water-dispersible copolymers having: (i) a first monomer that is capable of forming a cationic charge on protonation; (ii) a second monomer that is acidic and that is capable of forming an anionic charge in the compositions; (iii) optionally, a third monomer having an uncharged hydrophilic group; and (iv) optionally, a fourth monomer that is hydrophobic. Treated articles exhibit a Water Sheeting Index of greater than 6. Treated articles may further exhibit improved soap scum repellency behavior compared to untreated articles.
US07699939B2	Substrate cleaning method A substrate cleaning method including rotating a substrate at least for a period, supplying a liquid to the front surface of the substrate and cleaning the substrate, and drying the substrate is provided. Said drying of the substrate includes: reducing a rotational speed of the substrate to a first rotational speed lower than a rotational speed for cleaning the substrate; starting to move a liquid supply position from approximately the center of the substrate towards a peripheral portion when the rotational speed of the substrate is reduced down to the first rotational speed; stopping liquid supply when the second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed is reached; increasing the rotational speed from the second rotational speed; and supplying a gas towards the substrate while rotating the substrate at a higher rotational speed than the second rotational speed.
US07699936B2	Composition and method for surface treatment of oxidized metal The present invention provides an electrically conductive element for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell having low electrical contact resistance and high corrosion resistance. The conductive element comprises a corrosion susceptible metal substrate with a surface, which is preferably treated to activate the surface (i.e. to remove a passivation layer of oxides from the surface) with an acidic treatment solution. The treated surface is then overlaid with an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant, protective coating to protect the substrate re-forming a passivation layer while exposed to the corrosive environment of the fuel cell. The present invention also provides methods of preparing an electrically conductive element to have low electrical contact resistance and high corrosion resistance.
US07699931B2	Solidification and hardening accelerator for hydraulic binding agents and method for the production thereof A setting and curing accelerator for hydraulic binders comprises: Al2(SO4)3 aluminum sulfate, Al(OH)3 aluminum hydroxide and mineral acid in aqueous solution.The setting and curing accelerator preferably comprises: 10-50% of Al2(SO4)3 aluminum sulfate, 5-30% of Al(OH)3 aluminum hydroxide, 0.5-10% of a mineral acid in aqueous solution.
US07699930B2	Apparatus and method for feeding materials to a cement mill A flow enhanced calcium sulfate product includes a calcium sulfate source material, such as a flue gas desulphurization by-product, is pre-blended with a granular feedstock exhibiting good cementitious properties. The flow enhanced calcium sulfate is fed to a cement mill where it is combined with clinker during a finishing grinding process for portland cement. The flow enhanced calcium sulfate exhibits good flowability without changing the properties of the cement.
US07699929B2	Lightweight concrete compositions A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.
US07699927B2	SiO2 coated pearlescent pigments The invention relates to pearlescent pigments comprising platelet-shaped substrate, comprising metal oxide, and protective layer, said metal oxide having a refractive index of more than 1.8, where the protective layer is composed of an organic chemically surface modified SiO2 layer, the organic chemical surface modification being applied on the SiO2 layer. The invention further relates to a process for preparing these pearlescent pigments and to their use.
US07699924B2	Aqueous ink, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit and ink jet recording apparatus Provided herein is an aqueous ink, which is excellent in both image density and fixing ability irrespective of the kind of a recording medium even when the volume of an ink droplet is small and has such excellent properties that white stripes are not caused even when high-speed recording is conducted. The aqueous ink comprises at least water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a water-insoluble coloring material, a surfactant and a poor medium for the water-insoluble coloring material and/or a salt. The dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 50 milliseconds determined by a maximum bubble pressure method is higher than 47 mN/m, and the dynamic surface tension at a lifetime of 5,000 milliseconds determined by the maximum bubble pressure method is 38 mN/m or lower.
US07699919B2	Ink composition, recording method and recorded image utilizing the same, ink set and ink head An ink composition is prepared in such a manner that a difference between a dynamic surface tension (mN/m) measured by a maximum bubble pressure method at a temperature of 24 to 26° C. and a static surface tension (mN/m) is within a range from 0 to 7 (mN/m). The ink composition is stored in an ink tank of an ink head, and is supplied from the ink tank to an ink chamber having a discharge port, and a voltage is applied to partitions formed by a piezoelectric material to apply a pressure by the partitions to the ink composition stored in the ink chamber, whereby a liquid droplet of the ink composition is discharged from the discharge port and the liquid droplet is deposited on a recording material to record an image.
US07699912B2	Air-cleaner The air-cleaner includes a housing. The air-cleaner includes a filter element located in the housing to filter air taken into the housing. The air-cleaner includes an adsorption element for adsorbing vaporized fuel flowing into the housing. The housing includes first and second housing components having open ends put on each other. The filter element is held between the first and second housing components, separating the housing into a clean side and a dust side. The adsorption element includes a frame at the periphery; and an adsorption portion located inside the frame. One of the first and second housing components as the clean side has an inner side back in the open end, the inner side having a mounting portion having the adsorption element mounted thereto. The mounting portion includes the adsorption element; and a support member placed thereon.
US07699907B2	Apparatus and methods for gas separation Methods and systems for producing hydrogen are provided. In one embodiment, a method of producing hydrogen comprises reacting a feed source with steam to produce a gas mixture containing hydrogen and a residue gas; introducing the gas mixture into a purification unit; adsorbing the residue gas; and discharging at least a portion of the hydrogen. The method further comprises depressurizing the purification unit; discharging at least a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization; recycling the residue gas to the feed source; and discharging the residue gas remaining in the purification unit. In another embodiment, the method includes discharging a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization such that the residue gas discharged has a higher hydrocarbon content than the secondary product remaining in the purification unit.
US07699903B2	Porous ceramic body and method for production thereof The present invention relates to a method for production of a porous ceramic body and a corresponding porous ceramic body which can find application, in particular, as filter, or filter membrane in cross-flow filtration. According to the method of the invention, a bimodal ceramic powder mixture is moulded to give a moulded body, which is subsequently recrystallised by conditioning at high temperature, such that the fine particles melt and link the large particles firmly together by deposition thereon, such that, in defined regions (2,3), a porous ceramic body with a homogeneous structure of almost uniform particle size and pore size is formed, whereby the pores provide an interconnected, open, three-dimensional network.
US07699899B2	Method for insulative film for capacitor components The present subject matter includes an apparatus including a capacitor stack, including at least one substantially planar anode layer arranged in stacked alignment adjacent at least one substantially planar cathode layer, with at least one separator layer disposed therebetween. In this embodiment, the present subject matter includes at least one conformed film at least partially enveloping the capacitor stack in a bound state and adapted to electrically isolate the capacitor stack.
US07699895B2	Multi-formed collagenous biomaterial medical device The invention involves a submucosa tissue that has the capability of being shape formed or shape configured. The submucosa involves a purified form of submucosa tissue. Optionally, the submucosa can be packaged in such a manner to permit sterility or maintain sterility of the submucosa.
US07699894B2	Nucleus pulposus trial device and technique A nucleus pulposus trial device for assessing the size, shape and location of a disc space.
US07699886B2	Implantable tubular device An implantable tubular device is formed as a substantially tubular body and has a deformable portion formed on a peripheral surface thereof, with the deformable portion forming a predetermined angle with respect to an axial direction of the implantable tubular device. The implantable tubular device includes a plurality of wavy annular members each formed of a wavy element and arranged in an axial direction of the implantable tubular device; and connection portions each connecting the wavy annular members to each other in the axial direction of the implantable tubular device. Each of the wavy annular members has a deformable portion 11 formed on a bent portion thereof not connected to the other wavy annular members in such a way that the deformable portion crosses the wavy annular member.
US07699880B2	Bone fixation system and bone screws having anti-back out feature The system includes a plate with a screw hole and a bone screw wherein the screw and plate cooperate such that the screw is inhibited from back out from the plate after inserted into bone. Described embodiments include a pawl, with and without ratchet, an interfering clip about the screw head, and a snap-fit engagement between the screw and screw hole. The screw hole is preferably provided with openings at at least one of two diametric sides which provide dynamic compression functionality and access under the screw for an instrument to facilitate screw release.
US07699878B2	Method for locking an artificial facet between two vertebral bodies A bone screw (1) is used for locking an articular facet between the superior and inferior articular processes of two vertebral bodies and is provided with a threaded shaft (2), a screw head (3) and a central axis (4). The screw head (3) is further provided with a number of grooves (5) on the periphery of the screw head (3) which run essentially parallel to said central axis (4).
US07699871B2	Surgical instrument A surgical instrument for applying a fastener to tissue. The fastener includes a male component including a base having a hole, a needle receivable in the hole, and a female component including a base and a recess for receiving the needle. The instrument includes a shaft, a first jaw pivotally mounted on the shaft including a receiver for holding the base one component, and a second jaw statically mounted on the shaft including a receiver for releasably holding the base the other component. The first jaw is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first and/or second jaw includes a channel for slideably receiving a needle. The instrument includes a mechanism for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions and an ejector for driving the needle through the hole in the male component, through tissue and into the recess of the female component.
US07699864B2	Expandable medical access device An access device comprises a thin-walled sheath that is insertable into a patient through a small surgically created incision. The incision may be created using a cutdown or a percutaneous method such as that known as the Seldinger technique. Once inserted and advanced to the target surgical site, the sheath is selectively, and controllably, expanded to a desired diameter. The thin wall of the sheath is fabricated from a rectangular piece of material such as metal or plastic with two cut edges. The rectangular piece of metal or plastic is rolled tightly to create the small diameter configuration that is inserted into the patient. A cam or control member is affixed to the innermost edge of the rectangular piece of metal or plastic. The control member extends to the proximal most portion of the sheath. By rotating the control member, the operator causes the thin wall piece of rolled material to unfurl into a larger or smaller diameter, depending on the direction of rotation. A mechanical lock at the distal end of the sheath permits the control member to be selectively constrained from rotation and thus lock the sheath diameter in place.
US07699860B2	Surgical clip A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed therein. Moreover, each leg member has an inner tissue-contacting surface and an outer compression-receiving surface, both of which include features to provide a more secure ligation of the vessel or duct. A method of ligating vessels is also provided.
US07699849B2	Diskectomy instrument with disposable blade head A diskectomy instrument includes a blade housing assembly having a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The second portion is fixedly attached to a probe body, and the first portion is releasably connectable to the second portion. At least one blade opening is provided, and at least one blade is movably mounted at least partially within the blade housing for movement through the at least one blade opening between an extended position and a retracted position. A drive stem is movably mounted for linear movement within the probe body and is operatively connected to an actuator. The drive stem engages the at least one blade to move the blade between the extended position and the retracted position. A removal tool is provided to permit the first housing portion to be removed from the second housing portion.
US07699846B2	Surgical instrument and method A surgical instrument comprises a hollow tube (18) having a cutting window (16) at the distal end portion. An inner tube (15) is disposed within the tube (18) and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A cutting tool (17) is located at the distal end of the tube (15), and is positioned adjacent to the cutting window (16). An outer tube (14) is provided over the tube (18). A motor (5) is provided for rotating the inner tube (15), and saline is fed to the cutting window (16) via a passageway (25) between the tubes (15) and (18). The inner tube (15) has a central lumen (24) through which tissue cut by the cutting tool (17) is removed under the action of a source of suction (12). The outer surface of the tube (18) is covered with an electrically insulating layer (22) and coagulating RF signals are supplied between the tube (18) and the outer tube (14) so as to coagulate tissue at the cutting window (16). A weakened portion (43) of the outer tube (14) ensures that when the outer tube (14) and hollow tube (18) are bent to form a curved portion (42), the relative positioning of the respective distal ends of the tubes (14) and (18) is maintained.
US07699839B2	Thermally conductive surgical probe A surgical process for freezing or cauterizing infected tissue, by inserting a transparent sleeve through a small slit in the flesh of a patient and wherein the inserted end of the sleeve is provided with a cone-shaped tip. Monitoring of the sleeve and probe insertion and location of the infected area is achieved by video camera. After removing the solid and rigid probe, a fiber optic tube is inserted into the sleeve whereby ambient light is conducted through the tube. A carbon rod is inserted through the fiber optic tube having its pointed end in contact with the infected area. The carbon rod is connected to a source of cold or heat. In a cold application, the infected area is frozen so when the carbon rod is removed and replaced by a suction device, the frozen area can be fragmented and the particles removed.
US07699829B2	Catheter with sensor tip and method of use of same An apparatus and method for catheter-based sensing and injection at a target site within a patient's body. An injection catheter is equipped with electrodes at its distal end which contact the surface of a target site, such as an AV node of the heart. Electrical signals detected at the target site by the electrodes are fed via leads to the proximal end of the catheter, where they are received by a monitor, such as an EKG monitor. If the electrical signals satisfy predetermined criteria, a needle within the catheter is extended into the target site, and a therapeutic agent is injected into the target site.
US07699826B2	Article having a continuous thermoplastic coating This invention relates to a non-contact coating method for producing a continuous coating and articles constructed therefrom. This invention further relates to a method for producing a textile material with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer and to a method for producing a moisture-absorbing article of hygiene which has such a barrier layer. This invention particularly relates to a textile material and hygienic disposable articles comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier layer produced from said coating method. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition used in the method for producing the barrier layer exhibits certain rheological characteristics.
US07699825B2	Flexible absorbent article with improved body fit An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which are substantially free of cellulosic fibers. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N and an acquisition rate on the third gush of less than about 170 seconds and/or on the fourth gush of less than about 190 seconds.
US07699824B2	Adapter, lid and connector for ostomy bags The invention relates to an adapter attached to a human or animal body at a stoma, a detachable lid on the adapter, and a connector for connecting an ostomy bag to the adapter. The adapter includes a protruding section extending from the stoma, and a member for mounting a detachable lid onto the end of the protruding section. The adapter and lid are arranged such that the lid can be slid onto and off the adapter in a direction relatively perpendicular to the axis of the protruding section of the adapter. The connector is arranged to connect the ostomy bag to the adapter and to slide the lid off the adapter. In this way, there is no risk of odors or waste leaking from the adapter or the ostomy bag while the bag is being connected to the adapter.
US07699821B2	Multi-functional port A subcutaneous port includes an elongated port corpus having a proximal end defining a septum receiving opening angled in relation to a longitudinal axis of said port corpus, a substantially cylindrical body, and a substantially frustoconical conus having an outlet opening provided at a distal end thereof. The cylindrical body defines a chamber along at least a portion of a length thereof and the cylindrical body and frustoconical conus collectively define a passage to permit passage of fluid between the chamber and the outlet opening. A septum is retained in the septum receiving opening by a septum retainer. A catheter is connected to the port corpus passage.
US07699807B2	Device and method for insertion of a cannula of an infusion device A device for inserting a cannula of a subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient. For example, some devices automatically retract a needle used to introduce the cannula of a subcutaneous infusion device into the subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient. The device can include a housing with an internal cavity, as well as a needle coupled to the housing. The needle can be coupled to a cannula of a subcutaneous infusion device. A member can move the needle. Upon full introduction of the needle and associated cannula of the subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient, the member is automatically actuated to move the needle into the internal cavity of the housing into the retracted state while leaving the cannula of the subcutaneous infusion device in the subcutaneous layer of skin of the patient.
US07699806B2	Medical fluid therapy flow balancing and synchronization method and apparatus A medical fluid therapy method includes: (a) establishing a communication link between a kidney dialysis/blood treatment machine and at least one remote pump controller; (b) using the link to synchronize operation of at least one pump housed integrally with the machine with at least one pump located remotely from the machine; (c) enabling an operator to enter a net fluid transfer amount; and (d) controlling the pumps to at least substantially achieve the entered amount.
US07699799B2	Ultrasonic material removal system for cardiopulmonary bypass and other applications Devices, systems, and methods manipulate target materials within fluids, and may be useful for removing microbubbles and other materials from blood. Ultrasound or acoustic filtering waves may be directed across a flow of blood, and differences in density between the target microbubbles and the blood may enhance separation by driving the lighter matter upward for removal from the blood stream. A disposable acoustically transmissive conduit can replaceably engage an ultrasound transmitter to facilitate sterilization. Exemplary conduits have elongate lumen cross-sections and an axial path resembling a portion of a Mobius strip.
US07699797B2	Flexible support with rotary device for tensioning thereof A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.
US07699792B2	Catheter guide wire especially for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty A catheter guide wire, especially for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, comprises an elongated wire shaft of a flexible material having a proximal and a distal end and disposed on the wire shaft at least one radiopaque, sleeve-like marker adjacent to the distal end. The at least one marker is disposed on a core section of the wire shaft, said core section being widened in its diameter relative to the diameter of the adjoining shaft sections.
US07699791B2	Method and apparatus for improving success rate of blood yield from a fingerstick Blood samples can be collected without substantial contamination from ambient air, such that the blood sample may be analyzed accurately for gaseous components such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. An embodiment of the device has integrated actuation, lancing, and sample acquisition components, which in some embodiments are miniatuized and/or disposable.
US07699788B2	Noninvasive effective lung volume estimation Methods for noninvasively measuring, or estimating, functional residual capacity or effective lung volume include obtaining carbon dioxide and flow measurements at or near the mouth of a subject. Such measurements are obtained during baseline breathing and during and shortly after inducement of a change in the subject's effective ventilation. The obtained measurements are evaluated to determine the amount of time required for exhaled carbon dioxide levels to return to normal—effectively an evaluation of carbon dioxide “washout” from the subject's lungs. Conversely, carbon dioxide and flow measurements may be evaluated to determine the amount of time it takes carbon dioxide to “wash in,” or reach peak levels within, the lungs of the subject following the change in the subject's effective ventilation. Apparatus for effective such methods are also disclosed.
US07699783B2	Method for imaging and treating a breast A method for imaging and treating a breast of a patient includes: disposing the breast into a bath of medium; physically securing the breast and maintaining the breast in a repeatable position and in a repeatable shape with respect to a chest wall of the patient; scanning the breast with ultrasound signals from transducer arrays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast and to locate a position of a tumor or a lesion in the breast with respect to the three-dimensional image; and further treating the tumor or the lesion of the breast while maintaining the position and the shape of the breast with respect to the chest wall of the patient as during scanning.
US07699779B2	Ultrasonic treatment equipment Ultrasonic treatment equipment is provided which repeats therapeutic ultrasound exposure while measuring a degree of vessel constriction on a therapeutic ultrasound exposure basis. This equipment includes: a therapeutic ultrasonic transducer 2 which exposes a blood vessel of an affected part to a focused therapeutic ultrasonic wave for a specified period of exposure time; an imaging ultrasonic probe 3 which images an ultrasound tomographic image of the affected part; a display unit 24 which displays the ultrasound tomographic image; means 21 for detecting a blood flow signal from a signal received by the imaging ultrasonic probe and determining the blood flow velocity of the blood vessels of the affected part; means 21 for calculating a rate of change in blood flow velocity during the exposure to the therapeutic ultrasonic wave or before and after the exposure to the therapeutic ultrasonic wave; and means 23 for controlling exposure conditions of the therapeutic ultrasonic wave on the basis of the rate of change in blood flow velocity, and thereby controlling the therapeutic ultrasonic transducer.
US07699778B2	Ultrasound cardiac stimulator An ultrasound cardiac stimulation system comprising: a spatially selective ultrasound source comprising at least one ultrasound transducer located outside the circulatory system; and a controller; where the controller generates an electrical response in the heart by directing the ultrasound source to transmit a high enough power level of ultrasound to one or more locations in the heart.
US07699775B2	Methods for estimating analyte-related signals, microprocessors comprising programming to control performance of the methods, and analyte monitoring devices employing the methods The present invention relates to methods to increase the number of analyte-related signals used to provide analyte measurement values, e.g., when two or more analyte-related signals are used to obtain a single analyte measurement value a “rolling” value based on the two or more signals can be employed. In another aspect, interpolation and/or extrapolation methods are used to estimate unusable, missing or error-associated analyte-related signals. Further, interpolation and extrapolation of values are employed in another aspect of the invention that reduces the incident of failed calibrations. Further, the invention relates to methods, which employ gradients and/or predictive algorithms, to provide an alert related to analyte values exceeding predetermined thresholds. The invention includes the above-described methods, one or more microprocessors programmed to execute the methods, one or more microprocessors programmed to execute the methods and control at least one sensing and/or sampling device, and monitoring systems employing the methods described herein.
US07699774B1	Access platform for internal mammary dissection An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.
US07699772B2	Visual means of an endoscope A visual means of an endoscope comprising at least one optical system or composite optical system arranged at a front area of the endoscope. The at least one optical system or the at least one composite optical system realizes an aperture angle of more than 180° and is arranged such that the field of vision thereof reaches both beyond the normal to the direction of movement and beyond the longitudinal axis of the endoscope pointing ahead.
US07699770B2	Device for non-invasive measurement of fluid pressure in an adjustable restriction device A restriction system, such as an adjustable gastric band, for forming a restriction in a patient and non-invasively communicating pressure data regarding the restriction to an external monitor. The system includes a restriction device for implantation in a patient to form a restriction. The system further includes an implanted port connected to the restriction device. The port contains a working fluid for affecting the size of the restriction. The system further includes a pressure sensing system in communication with the working fluid for measuring the pressure of the working fluid and transmitting pressure measurement data to an external monitor.
US07699766B2	Decanting centrifuge with vibration isolation A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.
US07699764B2	Fixing roller Disclosed is a fixing roller which comprises a core 16, a porous material layer 22 disposed in surrounding relation to an outer peripheral surface of the core 16, and a thin-walled metal sleeve 26 covering an outer peripheral surface of the porous material layer 22. The porous material layer 22 comprises a closed cell-type silicone elastomer. The present invention provides a fixing roller capable of ensuring enhanced durability and maintaining a usable state over long periods under the condition of being actually driven and rotated.
US07699758B1	Bi-directional exercise machine with different resistances in different directions An exercise apparatus includes a frame and handles mounted on the frame and moveable by a user in opposite directions. The handles are coupled to a transmission so that movement of the handles by a user create rotational movement of a transmission input, movement of the handles in one direction creating rotational movement of the transmission input in one direction and movement of the handles in the opposite direction creating rotational movement of the transmission input in the opposite direction. The transmission couples the transmission input to a resistance means, such as an eddy current resistance device, in a manner to provide a different resistance to rotation of the transmission input depending upon the direction of rotation of the transmission input. Thus, the resistance to rotational movement of the transmission input in one rotational direction is greater than it is in the opposite rotational direction. This coupling can be accomplished by converting rotational movement of the transmission input in opposite directions into an output having only one direction of rotation and coupling the output to a single resistance element, or the transmission can couple a shaft that rotates in opposite directions to two resistance elements so that rotation in one direction is resisted by one resistance element and rotation in the opposite direction is resisted by the other resistance element.
US07699757B2	Apparatus, system and method for carrying out protocol-based isometric exercise regimen An apparatus, system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort. The system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.
US07699752B1	Exercise activity recording system A multiple exercise activity recording system in which each piece of equipment, exercise movement exercise area, fitness activity or biometric in a facility where exercises are preformed is assigned to an exercise identification module. Each exercise identification module is linked or coupled to a terminal with a display and a manual input device. Each user is assigned a personal identification device that is presented or inputted into the terminal before or after the exercise equipment or exercise area is used. After exercising, the user activates the exercise identification module assigned to the exercise equipment or to the exercise area. Upon activation, one or more sub-routines automatically run in the terminal. Prompts presented on the display then request user input of information pertinent to the exercise activity. The inputted information may be stored in the terminal or immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local or remote server.
US07699744B2	Multi-speed automatic transmission for private cars or commercial vehicles A multi-speed automatic transmission for private cars or commercial vehicles includes input and output shafts, two power paths, a double planetary gear train, first and second brakes. The first power path has a first speed ratio and includes first and second clutches. The second power path has a second speed ratio, which is greater than the first speed ratio and in the same direction, with third and fourth clutches. The transmission has eight forward and two reverse speeds and is highly flexible. In one embodiment, the transmission is reduced to six forward and one reverse speed without the second clutch. In another embodiment, the input and output shafts are aligned and the ratios are supplied respectively by a planetary gear train and a direct drive. In another embodiment, the input and output shafts are parallel and the ratios are supplied respectively by two parallel gear trains including constant mesh gears.
US07699743B2	Multi-step transmission The 8-gear multi-step transmission comprises a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), four planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), eight rotary shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and five shift elements (A, B, C, D, E). An internal gear (HO1) of the first planetary gearset (RS1) and the drive input shaft (AN) are connected to one another as the first shaft (1). A carrier (ST4) of the fourth gearset (RS4) and the drive output shaft (AB) are connected to one another as the second shaft (2). A sun gear (SO2) of the second gearset (RS2), and a sun gear (SO3) of the third gearset (RS3) are connected to one another as the third shaft (3). An internal gear (HO2) of the second gearset (RS2) forms the fourth shaft (4). An internal gear (HO3) of the third gearset (RS3) forms the fifth shaft (5). A carrier (ST2) of the second gearset (RS2) and an internal gear (HO4) of the fourth gearset (RS4) are connected to one another as the sixth shaft (6). A sun gear (SO1) of the first gearset (RS1) and a sun gear (SO4) of the fourth gearset (RS4) are connected to one another as the seventh shaft (7). A carrier (ST1) of the first gearset (RS1) and a carrier (ST3) of the third gearset (RS3) are connected to one another as the eighth shaft (8).
US07699734B2	Drive belt removal apparatus in confined spaces An apparatus and method are disclosed for efficiently removing a belt from a drive assembly of an agricultural implement in which a flywheel and a header framework cooperatively define a gap therebetween which is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the belt and thereby prevent the belt from being simply passed through the gap and removed from the remaining components of the drive assembly. A radially inwardly extending notch in the periphery of the flywheel is configured and dimensioned to allow a portion of the belt to be received within the notch. The notched flywheel, with the portion of the belt received in the notch, is rotatable such that the portion of the belt is moveable past the gap to thereby permit the belt to be removed from the remaining components of the drive assembly in the distal direction without requiring the removal of either the flywheel or the framework.
US07699728B2	Variable speed transmission A variable speed transmission of the continuously variable type. The transmission includes an input pulley having primary and secondary sheaves and an output pulley having primary and secondary sheaves. The primary and secondary sheaves of the input pulley are mounted on a first axle shaft carried by an actuator plate and the primary and secondary sheaves of the output pulley are carried on a second axle shaft carried by the actuator plate. The input shaft of the transmission carries pin mounted roller bearings which are received in skewed slots in an actuator sleeve so that the actuator sleeve is moved axially along the input shaft in response to variations in torque loading. The actuator plate is annular and includes a central circumferential groove receiving pin mounted roller bearings carried by the actuator sleeve so that the actuator plate, and the axle shafts carried thereby, undergoes the same axial movement as the actuator sleeve in response to variations in torque loading. One sheave of each pulley is fixedly mounted on the respective axle shaft and the other sheave is slidably and rotatably mounted on the shaft. The mounting of the pulleys on the respective axle shafts is such that axial movement of the actuator plate has the effect of moving the sheaves of one pulley apart and simultaneously moving the sheaves of the other pulley together whereby to cause the entrained drive belt to move radially outwardly relative to the sheaves of one pulley while moving radially inwardly with respect to the sheaves of the other pulley whereby to change the drive ratio of the transmission.
US07699727B2	Game ball having a thin cover and method of making same A game ball is formed by molding a carcass in the final shape of the ball, spraying a mold surface with cover material, inserting the carcass into the mold, and molding the cover material onto the carcass.
US07699725B2	Layered composite material bat A layered composite bat is designed to include fiber angles of orientation that are layered and progressive. The bat includes a multi-layered composite material configuration wherein progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, the unidirectional fiber angle of orientation within each layer increases from an angle substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bat to an angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bat. In progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, there also exists at least one instance where subsequent positive angles of orientation are separated by or vary by about 15 degrees. The bat may include multiple walls. Each wall contains layers that progress from a low angle to a high angle in 15-degree increments.
US07699723B2	Weighted stick practice aid A weighted stick practice aid is provided for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head neck portion, a head ball stop portion, head sidewalls, and a head lip. The weighted stick practice aid comprises a flexible padded weight donut comprising a horizontal donut portion including a first engagement end, a second engagement end, and a weighted interior center portion. The weighted interior center portion includes a plurality of weighted particulates contained within. A head engagement portion extends from the second engagement end and includes a donut loop hole formed within. The horizontal donut portion is configured to wrap around the lacrosse stick and form a primary catch by engaging the first engagement end to the second engagement end. The head engagement portion is configured to extend to sit within the head ball stop portion. An anchor assembly comprises an arched rigid anchor element including an anchor outer portion having an outer width, an anchor inner portion having an inner width, and an anchor middle portion having a middle width smaller than said outer width or said inner width to form a pair of anchor connector grooves. An elastic anchor loop is secured to the arched rigid anchor element (through center) and is configured to be positioned between the lacrosse stick and the horizontal donut portion prior to the primary catch formation such that the elastic anchor loop protrudes through an upper donut edge and the arched rigid anchor element protrudes through a lower donut edge. The elastic anchor loop is configured to pass through the donut hole loop and be brought down to engage the anchor grooves to form a secondary catch.
US07699722B1	Adjustable height golf tee A tee portion and a height regulating portion cooperate to form a height adjustable golf tee where the user may readily and easily adjust placement of the height regulating portion relative to a placement zone along the tee portion and lock the height regulating portion at a desired location defined by the user. The height regulating portion is locked onto the tee portion during assembly where it may not inadvertently become separated during use, transport or storage. The height regulating portion is easily transferred between an adjustment position and a locking position utilizing a simple toggle like action. The height adjustable golf tee provides for a golf ball to be retained consistently at a user defined elevation above the ground during play of the game of golf.
US07699708B2	Shaft coupling mechanism for electric power steering apparatus A shaft coupling mechanism 1 for an electric power steering apparatus includes a coupling base body 3 coupled to a rotating shaft 2; a coupling base body 5 coupled to a steering shaft 4 serving as a rotating shaft; and a pair of rotation transmitting members 6 and 7 which are disposed between the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 by means of both coupling base bodies 3 and 5 and transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 to the steering shaft 4.
US07699696B2	Gaming device with wild activation symbols and wild termination symbols A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol.
US07699687B2	Compact electric sanding machine The present invention particularly relates to a hand-held sanding machine with an outer housing (1), a tool shaft (2) and a brushless electric drive motor. In the present invention, the rotor of the drive motor is fastened to the tool shaft (2) of the sanding machine, and the stator (6) is positioned in the outer housing (1). The present invention also relates to a control method for an electric sanding machine.
US07699686B2	Method for polishing and aluminum-zinc hot-dip coating The present invention is directed to a method of polishing a minimum spangle aluminum-zinc alloy hot-dip coating applied to sheet steel to provide a polished hot-dip coating having a continuous, consistent surface appearance suitable for use in an unpainted condition.
US07699685B1	Method and apparatus for grinding a workpiece A method and apparatus for_cutting a profile in a workpiece, such as a turbine disk, without cracking the parent material which includes providing a grinding wheel having a ceramic grinding surface formed with an optimized grain material and grain spacing to produce large chips that are easily removed from the workpiece, applying the grinding wheel to the workpiece at a predetermined material removal rate, and increasing the material removal rate when the burning point is recognized at the surface of the workpiece by the grinding action of the grinding wheel, and delivering coolant/lubricant to the workpiece during the grinding operation.
US07699682B1	Exercise and play advocate device A hoop-rolling device is used by children and adults for fitness and recreation. An illustrative embodiment includes a hoop and a shaft, with a generally square-shaped ring retaining the hoop, which is used to propel and control the hoop. The ring defines a small aperture permitting selective insertion and removal of the hoop. The shaft also includes a curved handle. The device is constructed of rigid materials to allow for extended play on a variety of solid surfaces.
US07699668B2	Plug-in module A plug-in module for mounting on a mounting device is provided, the plug-in module including a housing with a rear mounting face and plug regions on the front face. At least one additional plug region is formed between the front face and the rear mounting face on the housing.
US07699665B1	Audio plug connector An audio plug connector includes a substantially pillared insulating body defining a fixing portion at one end thereof, a plurality of terminals formed in the insulating body, and a housing having a lower housing and an upper housing mated with each other to define a cylindrical receiving space therebetween for receiving the one end of the insulating body therein. The fixing portion defines at least one fixing hole passing therethrough. A portion of an inner surface of the lower housing protrudes corresponding to the fixing hole to form at least one locating portion inserted in the corresponding fixing hole. A portion of an inner surface of the upper housing protrudes corresponding to the locating portion to form at least one propping projection which defines a locating hole. A free end of the locating portion is further inserted in the corresponding locating hole.
US07699656B1	Lamp holder having a wire clamp A lamp holder for holding a lamp and supplying power into the lamp includes a pair of pins for connecting with a power supply, a pair of electric leads for connecting with the lamp, a wire clamp, and a base for accommodating the wire clamp and securing the pair of pins. The wire clamp comprises an upper wire clamp and a lower wire clamp, a pair of pinholes is defined in the upper wire clamp, and another pair of pinholes is defined in the lower wire clamp, a groove connected with each pinhole for accommodating a tail end of each electric lead is defined in the upper wire clamp, and a through opening corresponding to each groove is defined in the lower wire clamp. When the pair of electric leads passes through the pair of through openings and reaches the pair of grooves, and the pair of pins passes through the pair of pinholes, then each electric lead and each pin are electrically connected.
US07699655B2	Electrical connector having a shielding shell An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (2), a plurality of terminals (3) received in the insulative housing (2) and a shielding shell (4) covering the insulative housing. The insulative housing (2) includes a mating opening (24) extending along a longitudinal direction and a pair of grooves (231) extending with an angle to the mating opening and opening to an exterior. The shielding shell is provided with two shielding shell (41), (42) attached to an outer periphery of the insulative housing (2), which their ends are received and retained in the grooves (231).
US07699652B2	Electrical coaxial connector An electrical coaxial connector comprising a body made of insulator to be put on a circuit board, a signal-joining contacting conductor held by the body, and a grounding contacting conductor formed into a cylindrical shape and held also by the body for surrounding the signal-joining contacting conductor on the circuit board, wherein the grounding contacting conductor has an arm portion extending toward the circuit board from one of ring-shaped ends of the grounding contacting conductor, which is more distant from the circuit board than the other, a grounding terminal portion is formed at an end of the arm portion to be soldered to a ground-potential terminal provided on the circuit board, and each of the grounding contacting conductor and the arm portion is resilient.
US07699649B2	Electrical connecting module The invention relates to an electrical connecting module comprising at least one connector strip for electrically connecting wires and/or cables. The connector strip has at least one catch element and a rigid front panel. This front panel has at least one opening through which the connector strip can be partially inserted and which is cut open in the area of the catch element. The connector strip rests against the face of the front panel via a stopping edge. A securing element can be locked from the rear side of the front panel by the connector strip. This securing element is situated between the catch element and the front panel, and the closed contour of the securing element forms a stopping face on the rear side of the front panel. The securing element has an at least partially elastic design whereby being elastic in the area of the catch element. The invention also relates to a securing element suitable for the electrical connecting module.
US07699634B2	High power electrical connector for a laminated heater An electrical connector has a non-conductive outer housing and a spring-loaded conductive assembly mounted within. The non-conductive outer housing has a longitudinal axis along which the spring-loaded conductive assembly is allowed to move over a limited range, in either direction. The conductive assembly includes a conductive contact pad and an conductive elongated shaft which are mated together within the non-conductive outer housing. A spring mounted along the contact shaft and in abutment therewith biases the contact shaft in a direction away from the contact base. When the electrical connector is employed in a chamber lid of a chamber lid assembly having an integrated laminated heater, such as for use in conjunction with a wafer processing chamber, the spring biases a lower surface of the contact shaft against the heater.
US07699633B2	Positioning structure for USB connector An exemplary positioning structure is used for a USB connector assembled with an electronic device including a main body. The positioning structure includes a through hole defined in the main body, and a guiding portion configured on a periphery of an inner sidewall of the through hole.
US07699626B2	Electrical connector provided with terminals constructed to simplify the assembly thereof An electrical connector (1) includes an insulative housing (2) defining a mating face (200) thereof. First and second terminals (3, 4) have the same-length received section (30, 40) in the respective passageways, and a leg section (31, 41), wherein the received section (40) of the second terminal (4) extends much closer to the mating face (200) than that of the first terminal (3). The leg section (41) of the second terminal (4) has a transition section (411), and a tailing section (410) located with a same distance away from the mating face (200) with that of the first terminal (3). This configuration of the first terminals (3) and the second terminals (4) can be set on a same carrier tape (6) to be assembled onto the insulative housing (2) in a common working procedure, which will reduce the operation time and manufacturing costs.
US07699625B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a connector body (10) having a front end (11) and a rear end (12), a plurality of passageways (13) extending from the front end towards the rear end, and terminals (20) within the passageways. The terminal includes an extension section (26) extending a distance away from the rear end of the connector body. A supporting member (15) is disposed adjacent the rear end for supporting at least a portion of the extension section. Thus, the arrangement of the supporting member will prevent the free extension sections of the prior art from being deflected or damaged.
US07699621B2	Electrical card connector with contacts having preload portions An electrical card connector comprising an insulative housing 4 and a plurality of contacts 5 which received in the insulative housing, each contact 5 includes a retention portion 51, an elastic portion 52 which extends from one end of the retention portion 51, a contact portion 53 which connects with the elastic portion 52, a preload portion 54 which extends from the end of the contact portion 53 and a soldering portion 55, wherein the contact 5 further includes a connect portion 56 which extends from the soldering portion 55 and a block portion 57 which extends from the end of the connect portion 56.
US07699617B2	Modular interconnect apparatus The present application provides a modular interconnect apparatus. In one embodiment, the interconnect apparatus includes a frame; and a plurality of coaxial modules connected to the frame, wherein each of the plurality of coaxial modules comprises: a signal contact having a middle portion, a first end and a second end; a first ring shaped ground contact surrounding the first end of the signal contact, wherein the first end of the signal contact is coaxial with the first ring shaped ground contact; a second ring shaped ground contact surrounding the second end of the signal contact, wherein the second end of the signal contact is coaxial with the second ring shaped ground contact; and a housing that houses at least a portion of signal contact and ground contacts.
US07699602B2	Glassware mold lubrication burner A burner for depositing carbon soot on a glassware mold includes a burner nozzle having an annular array of individual gas outlet ports, a fuel passage within the nozzle connected to a first plurality of the outlet ports and an oxidant passage in the nozzle connected to a second plurality of the outlet ports. The first plurality of outlet ports individually alternate with the second plurality of outlet ports around the annular array such that the array presents alternate fuel and oxidant outlet ports around the array. An ignition electrode is disposed on the burner nozzle within the annular array of outlet ports for igniting fuel and oxidant emerging from the outlet ports. The ignition electrode preferably is in the form of an elongated ignition electrode rod telescopically surrounded by an insulator and centered on the burner nozzle within the annular array of outlet ports, and a ground electrode telescopically surrounding the insulator. The ground electrode preferably is part of the burner nozzle and is electrically connected to a burner mounting block on which the burner nozzle is mounted.
US07699599B2	Rotating machine with rotating column for electricity and fluid supply The inventive carousel-type rotating machine includes a rotating frame bearing several work stations, a power and fluid supply rotating column which is coaxial to the axis of the rotating frame and incorporates a rotatable electric collector connected to a fixed power source for supplying power to the work stations and a rotatable fluid connection connected to a fixed fluid source for supplying fluid to the work stations, wherein the rotatable fluid connection is disposed on the top of the rotating column above the rotatable electric collector, thereby having the reduced diameter of the part thereof rotatable at reduced linear speeds between the fixed and rotatable parts thereof.
US07699595B2	Method and apparatus for molding a laminated trim component without use of slip frame An apparatus for producing a molded product from a sheet-form raw material blank has first and second mold tools that each respectively include a respective inner core mold and a respective outer edge mold laterally adjacent thereto. Drive elements drive the outer edge molds relative to a machine frame, and drive the inner core molds relative to the outer edge molds. A molding process involves closing the outer edge molds to hold an edge rim of the material blank while allowing slippage thereof, and then closing the inner core molds to three-dimensionally deform and mold a central portion of the material blank while pulling required additional material by slippage through the outer edge molds. A separate slip frame is not used. The edge rim held by the outer edge molds remains as a permanent mounting rim or flange of the finished molded product. Edge waste is minimized.
US07699581B2	Run-in coating for gas turbines and method for producing same A run-in coating is for gas turbines. The run-in coating is used for sealing a radial gap between a housing of the gas turbine and rotating rotor blades of same, the run-in coating being applied onto the housing. The run-in coating is made of an intermetallic titanium-aluminum material.
US07699578B2	Method and device for forming bundles of stackable objects A method for forming bundles from stackable objects includes supplying the stackable objects with a first conveying apparatus from above to a shaft of a stacking device to form bundles of the stackable objects inside the shaft of the stacking device. The bundles are transported from a lower section of the shaft of the stacking device with a second conveying apparatus.
US07699576B2	Tire lifting and mounting tool The present invention, a tire mounting device, is a lifting and transporting device for the facilitating the removing and replacing of a tire. The tire mounting device comprises a cross assembly, handle assembly, left fork assembly, and right fork assembly. The handle assembly is perpendicularly rigidly attached to the cross assembly. The left fork assembly and right fork assembly are rigidly attached to opposing ends of cross assembly which extends horizontally. An obtuse angle is disposed in an intermediate position with each fork assembly. Tire supports the underside of each fork assembly to allow for the transporting the tire upon the tire mounting device.
US07699574B2	Work-piece processing system A transfer system for use with a tool for processing a work-piece at low or vacuum pressure such as an ion implanter for implanting silicon wafers. An enclosure defines a low pressure region for processing of work-pieces placed at a work-piece processing station within the low pressure region. A two tier multiple work-piece isolation load lock transfers work-pieces from a higher pressure region to the lower pressure for processing and back to said higher pressure subsequent to said processing. A first robot transfers work-pieces within the low pressure region from the load locks to a processing station within the low pressure region. Multiple other robots positioned outside the low pressure region transfers work-pieces to and from the two tier work-piece isolation load locks from a source of said work-pieces prior to processing and to a destination of said work-pieces after said processing.
US07699565B2	Radius endmill A radius endmill has a peripheral cutting edge, a bottom cutting edge, and a rounded corner cutting edges whose ridge line is defined by a circular arc having a given radius as measured in a side view of the endmill that is parallel to the axis. The rounded corner cutting edge is located in a corner portion of the endmill in which the outer peripheral and the axial end intersect each other such that the peripheral cutting edge and the bottom cutting edge are connected to each other through the rounded corner cutting edge. The bottom cutting edge has a radially inner end lying at the axis, and a radially outer end at which the bottom cutting edge is connected to the rounded corner cutting edge. The bottom cutting edge is curved such that its ridge line is defined by a circular arc as seen in a plan view of the endmill that is perpendicular to the axis.
US07699562B2	Liner assembly for a sand trap A liner assembly (322) for a sand trap (10) includes a retainer layer (329) that is positioned between a base (18) of the sand trap (10) and a filling material (16) within a cavity (13) of the sand trap (10). The retainer layer (329) is covered by the filling material (16) so that the retainer layer (329) is substantially unexposed. The retainer layer (329) includes a plurality of spaced apart projections (330) that can be formed from plastic, such as synthetic turf material. In certain embodiments, the filling material (16) fills the spaces between the projections (330). The retainer layer (329) can be substantially water impermeable and can cover at least approximately a majority of the surface area of the cavity (13). The retainer layer (329) can be positioned within the cavity at an angle (328) that is at least 10 degrees relative to the horizontal (300).
US07699548B2	Ink sheet cartridge An ink sheet cartridge, requiring no adhesive, capable of inhibiting the number of components from increase is obtained. This ink sheet cartridge comprises first and second case portions storing an ink sheet as well as a first hook portion and a first hook engaging portion integrally provided on the first and second case portions respectively. Either the first case portion or the second case portion is so slid as to engage the first hook portion with the first hook engaging portion, thereby fixing the first and second case portions to each other.
US07699547B2	Compact camera module A compact camera module mainly includes an image sensor chip, a module case and a lens module. The image sensor chip has an active surface, a back surface and a plurality of side surfaces, wherein a sensor region is formed in the active surface. A plurality of lateral contact fingers is formed on the side surfaces. The image sensor chip is plugged in a cave of the module case, a plurality of electrically contact components disposed on inside walls of the cave electrically connect the lateral contacting fingers. The lens module is mounted on the module case to seal the image sensor chip. Because the electrically contact components can replace the bonding wires to electrically connect the lateral contacting fingers, the compact camera module can be reworked and tiny.
US07699543B2	Camera function actuator An actuator for use with a camera may include a wire and a first member coupled to the wire. The actuator may also include a second member coupled to the first member and a power source to supply power to the wire. When power is supplied to the wire, the wire may exert a force on the first member to move the first member and the second member and perform a function associated with the camera.
US07699540B2	Optical fiber reinforcement processing apparatus and optical fiber reinforcement processing method An optical fiber reinforcement processing apparatus and reinforcement processing method are provided where it is not necessary to dispose a temperature detecting device such as a thermistor, and a heating control in which the detected temperature is not varied, the power consumption is low, and which is accurate is enabled.An optical fiber reinforcement processing apparatus in which a fusion-spliced portion of an optical fiber is covered by a heat-shrinkable reinforcing sleeve to perform reinforcement has: heating controlling means for performing a heating control on a heater which heats the reinforcing sleeve; and temperature detecting means for detecting a heating temperature of the heater on the basis of a change of the resistance of the heater. The heating control and the temperature detection are performed by controlling time periods of turning on/off a power supply to the heater. The temperature detection is performed by detecting a voltage change Eo of the midpoint of a bridge circuit in which a series circuit of a first fixed resistor R1 and a heater resistor RX, and a series circuit of a second fixed resistor R2 and a third fixed resistor R3 are connected in parallel.
US07699539B2	Connector for plastic optical fiber A plastic optical fiber connector includes an optical fiber connector having a plate body formed therein. On the plate body, a focusing hole is formed, the focusing hole having a holding portion extending outwardly from a side thereof. With provision of the plate body, two reception spaces are formed in the optical fiber connector, with one of which having a seat body on which an optical transceiver is provided therein, wherein a transceiver terminal of the optical transceiver is bonded to the focusing hole on the plate body. Further, a wire seat is sleeved within the optical fiber connector so that the holding portion is allowed to be placed into an optical fiber guiding hole of the wire seat.
US07699529B2	Fluid dynamic bearing having pressure-generating surface patterns A fluid dynamic bearing system having pressure-generating asymmetric surface patterns, having at least two bearing parts that are rotatable with respect to each other and form a bearing gap filled with a bearing fluid between associated bearing surfaces. The surface patterns are disposed on at least one bearing surface so that hydrodynamic pressure is generated within the bearing gap when the bearing parts rotate with respect to each other. Each surface pattern comprises at least three sections, each section generating a pumping action in a defined direction, and the pumping actions of adjacent sections being substantially aligned in opposite directions. Due to the special geometry of the surface patterns, tolerances in the geometry of the bearing gap have a less significant effect on the pre-defined pumping direction.
US07699523B2	Radiation image photographing apparatus Radiation image photographing apparatus equipped with radiation source irradiating subject with radiation, detector holding part holding radiation image detector that detects radiation that is emitted from radiation source and is transmitted through subject, subject table that is arranged between the radiation source and detector holding part and holds subject, and with holding device that holds the radiation source, the subject table and the detector holding part so that phase contrast image may be generated, wherein an edge portion of the subject table is protruded toward the opposite side of the holding device beyond the edge portion of the detector holding part.
US07699521B2	Automated binary processing of thermographic sequence data A method for processing thermographic data is disclosed including thermally disturbing a sample collecting, as a function of time, thermal data from said sample, converting the collected data using a 2nd derivative function, and transforming the converted data using at least one Boolean operation.
US07699520B2	Micro heat flux sensor array Provided is a micro heat flux sensor array having reduced heat resistance. A micro heat flux sensor array may include a substrate, a plurality of first sensors formed on a first side of the substrate, and a plurality of second sensors formed on a second side of the substrate. Each of the plurality of first and second sensors may include a first wiring pattern layer of a first conductive material, a second wiring pattern layer of a second conductive material contacting the first wiring pattern layer, and an insulating layer in contact with the first and second wiring patterns.
US07699519B2	Alcohol-solvent extraction system The invention relates to a method and apparatus to carry out the method for extracting petroleum distillate products from alcohol. The inventive method capitalizes on the discovered property that petroleum distillates, such as xylene and limonene, can be dissociated from their tight molecular interaction with alcohol by their higher affinity for water. The method also capitalizes on the discovered property that limonene, in the presence of water, forms terpin hydrate, forming particles that can be removed by filtration. Other, non-limonene petroleum distillates, once dissociated from alcohol, can be removed by distillation.
US07699512B2	Vehicle fitting with light guide A fitting, especially a roof liner for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is provided with a flat light source having a plate-shaped light guide which radiates light in the direction of the visible side of the fitting. The front surface of the plate-shaped light guide protrudes at least partially above the flat side of the interior fitting opposite the visible side and actively cooperates with a source of illumination.
US07699510B2	Vehicle interior lamp A bracket for securing a light source to a lamp housing is provided. The lamp housing has a heat-discharge opening at a position corresponding to the light source. The bracket has a wall portion arranged between the light source and an edge of the heat-discharge opening.
US07699506B2	Silent moving head projector Moving head projector comprising a base, to which base a yoke is rotationally connected, to which yoke a head is rotationally connected, the head having a light source partly inside a reflector that forms a light beam which passes through a light forming arrangement located on at least one rotating disc formed member that is rotated by at least a first motor, and at least one lens through which the light beam passes before leaving the projector. The light forming arrangement is exchangeable via an opening in the head of the projector located radially outward of the at least one rotating disc formed member for providing direct access thereto during operation of the projector, the projector having a cover for closing and exposing said opening, opening of the cover switching the projector from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation.
US07699503B2	Light control film and backlight unit using the same A light control film enabling improvement in front luminance, having appropriate light diffusing property and free from problems of interference pattern, glare etc. is provided.A light control film 10 having a rough surface as one surface and a substantially smooth surface as the other surface is constituted so that total light transmission of the film for lights entered from the smooth surface should be not more than 65%, total light transmission of the film for lights entered from the rough surface should be not less than 80%, as measured according to the measurement method defined in JIS K7361-1:1997, and a value obtained by subtracting the total light transmission for smooth surface incidence from the total light transmission for rough surface incidence should be not less than 30%.
US07699495B2	Inflatable light stick An inflatable light stick includes an inflatable bag body, an inflation inlet provided at a first end of the bag body, and a light emitting circuit provided in the bag body at a second end thereof. The light emitting circuit includes a controller, which has a front end extended into the bag body, and a rear end outward projected from the bag body to serve as a power-on control. Air can be blown via the inflation inlet to inflate the bag body, and the controller can be pulled to supply power from batteries to the light-emitting diode, making the inflated bag body firm and upright while showing colorful lights, and suitable for use as an eye-catching light stick for waving to create joyful and exciting atmosphere and achieve enhanced entertaining effect.
US07699490B2	Light-emitting structure for generating an annular illumination effect A light-emitting structure for generating an annular illumination effect includes a light-guiding module, a cover module, and a first light-emitting module. The light-guiding module has a hollow light-guiding body and a reflecting layer formed on an inner surface of the hollow light-guiding body. The cover module has a first cover body disposed on one end side of the hollow light-guiding body and a second cover body disposed on the other opposite end side of the hollow light-guiding body. The first light-emitting module has a plurality of first light-emitting elements disposed between the hollow light-guiding body and the first cover body. Therefore, first light beams generated by the first light-emitting elements are projected onto the hollow light-guiding body, and the first light beams are guided by the hollow light-guiding body and are reflected by the reflecting layer in order to make the hollow light-guiding body generate the annular illumination effect.
US07699487B2	Telescopic light base for coupling to diverse plant containers A telescopic light base couples decorative light fixtures to a flower pot or other similar container. The decorative light fixture may then be used to illuminate the contents of the pot. The telescopic light base has a ground-engaging pad upon which the pot rests. The weight of the pot then serves to anchor the telescopic light base in place. A telescopic pole support of variable length is coupled at a first end to the ground-engaging pad. At an end of the telescopic pole support distal to the ground-engaging pad, a pot upper rim retention arm is provided which operatively passes within the pot sidewalls. Adjacent to the pot upper rim retention arm is a lamppost connector. The telescopic pole support may be contracted to capture a pot between the ground-engaging pad and pot upper rim retention arm, and then later expanded and separated from the pot.
US07699481B2	Method of wiring lighting fixtures to achieve uniform voltage drop This invention is directed toward a method for wiring lighting systems, primarily low voltage, landscape lighting systems. The inventive method operates to equalize voltage drop across such lighting systems. The inventive method involves running a home run wire from a power source or transformer to a wiring hub. Two or more light fixtures having equal length wire leads are connected to the home run wire in the wiring hub. Each of the light fixtures are then arranged in the landscape lighting system around the wiring hub. Uniform voltage drop is achieved through the creation of equal distances between multiple light fixtures and a common power source. The common home run wire and equal length wire leads results is an equal distance from a common power source to each light fixture in the configuration.
US07699474B2	Two light source type projector A projector includes a lighting device having two light source devices each having an ellipsoidal reflector disposed such that the ellipsoidal reflectors face each other, a reflection system that reflects illumination lights emitted from the two light source devices substantially in the same direction, an electro-optic modulating device that modulates the light released from the lighting device according to image information; and a projection system that projects light modulated by the electro-optic modulating device. The two light source devices are disposed such that the respective light source optical axes of the two light source devices are substantially perpendicular to the projection optical axis of the projection system. The reflection system is constructed such that the center axes of the respective illumination lights emitted from the two light source devices and entering a converging lens are inclined toward the illumination optical axis of the lighting device by a predetermined angle.
US07699464B2	Hydrodynamically operated multifocal contact lens This invention details a contact lens that uses a reservoir of fluid compressed by the lower lid to dynamically shift the refractive power of the lens. This creates a lens that has a plurality of focal points depending on the position of gaze. This can be accomplished through using fluid pressure to dynamically change the optical power in the visual axis of the eye.
US07699463B2	Eyewear with adjustable retention strap Eyewear includes a frame having a first side and a second side. The eyewear additionally includes a continuous strap. The continuous strap includes a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the first side of the frame. The continuous strap includes a first side and a second side. The second side has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes one of a hook material and a loop material. The second portion includes the other of the hook material and loop material. The continuous strap passes through the opening proximate the second side of the frame and doubles over such that the hook material cooperatively engages the loop material.
US07699457B2	Recording ink, ink cartridge, ink record, inkjet recording apparatus, and inkjet recording method The recording ink having a water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a colorant, and at least one fluorochemical surfactant selected from the following Structural Formulae (1) to (3). Structural Formula (1): where, Rf is a fluorine-containing group; and m, n, and p are integers in the Structural Formula (1). Structural Formula (2): where, Rf is a fluorine-containing group; X is a cationic group; Y is an anionic group; and q is an integer in the Structural Formula (2). Structural Formula (3): where, Rf is a fluorine-containing group; X is a cationic group; Y is an anionic group; and q is an integer in the Structural Formula (3).
US07699446B2	Ink refill unit with incremental millilitre ink ejection for print cartridge An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The ejector assembly is configured so that the amount of the printing fluid ejected from the reservoir by the ejector assembly is between 6 ml and 50 ml per increment.
US07699444B2	Liquid droplet-jetting apparatus and method for producing liquid droplet-jetting apparatus A channel unit has a first individual ink channel including a first nozzle and a first pressure chamber, and a second individual ink channel including a second nozzle and a second pressure chamber. The channels have a mutually identical channel structure. A piezoelectric actuator, in which a vibration plate, a piezoelectric layer, and a pair of electrodes are stacked, is arranged on the upper surface of the channel unit. A portion of the piezoelectric layer facing the first pressure chamber is thinner than a portion facing the second pressure chamber. Accordingly, a liquid droplet-jetting apparatus is provided, in which the channel structure is simple, and the volumes of liquid droplets jetted from the first nozzle and the second nozzle respectively are different from each other.
US07699439B2	Droplet ejection head and droplet ejection apparatus A droplet ejection head includes: a first laminate having plural nozzles; a second laminate bonded to the first laminate and internally having plural pressure generating chambers communicating with the plurality of nozzles; plural piezoelectric devices having individual electrodes and common electrodes, the plural piezoelectric devices being provided in the second laminate correspondingly to the plural pressure generating chambers, the plural piezoelectric devices changing volumes of the plural pressure generating chambers in accordance with driving signal supplied to the individual electrodes so that fluid reserved in the pressure generating chambers is ejected as droplet from the nozzles; a first wiring board connected to the individual electrodes and supplying the driving signal to the individual electrodes; and a second wiring board connected to the common electrodes in common.
US07699427B2	Detection of a print recording material reservoir Control circuit 30 determines whether or not all ink cartridges CA1 through CA6 are attached in the home position based on cartridge out signals COO. Control circuit 30 carries out communication with memory devices 21 through 26 and determines the presence or absence of communication malfunctions. When a communication malfunction develops in one of memory devices 21 through 26, control circuit 30 determines if a communication malfunction is caused by ink cartridge 30 being detached and identifies detached ink cartridge CA using identifying information. When all of ink cartridges CA1 through CA6 are attached, control circuit 30 determines which of memory devices 21 through 26 has developed a communication malfunction and identifies ink cartridge CA in which a communication malfunction has developed using identifying information.
US07699426B2	Image processing method and ink jet printing apparatus An ink jet printing apparatus for performing maintenance ejection onto a printed image makes it possible to obtain a favorable printing image by rendering maintenance ejection ink dots inconspicuous. Pixel position comparison is performed between an objective pixel and data in a pixel position at the same address to detect whether image data is present at the same address. When the image data is not present in the same position, comparison operation is performed on a subsequent objective pixel. When the image data is present in the same position, processing with an image processing mask is performed on the image data in a print buffer. The image data in the print buffer is combined with the maintenance ejection data to generate image printing data. This image processing makes it possible to thin out dots from the image data and to render the maintenance ejection ink dots inconspicuous.
US07699422B2	Universal inkjet printer device and methods A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.
US07699421B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus of the invention includes a distance obtaining unit that obtains a distance between the nozzle of the head and a medium to which the liquid is ejected. The driving signal is a periodical signal including a first pulse-wave capable of ejecting a drop of the liquid having a predetermined volume at a relatively low speed, and a second pulse-wave capable of ejecting a drop of the liquid having the predetermined volume at a relatively high speed, the predetermined volume corresponding to a predetermined level data. The driving-pulse generator is adapted to generate, when the selected level data is the predetermined level data: a driving-pulse including only the first pulse-wave when a distance obtained by the distance obtaining unit is not less than a predetermined value; and a driving-pulse including only the second pulse-wave when the distance is less than the predetermined value.
US07699420B2	Voltage control device, voltage control method, and liquid injection device A voltage control device for a liquid injection head corrects a voltage supplied to the liquid injection head.
US07699414B1	Drawer cover to prevent jams A cover for a drawer to prevent objects placed therein from obstructing the movement of the drawer when it is opened or closed. The cover has a guard member in the form of a sheet with a flange member secured on one end there of. The flange member in conjunction with at least one fastener secures the cover to the drawer back. The at least one fastener may be a screw, bolt, or other similar fastener. The flange member may be provided with a number of apertures that corresponds to the number of fasteners. The at least one fastener may be a hook and loop fastener commonly known as Velcro®. The hook and loop fastener allows the user to install and remove the cover without the use of tools.
US07699410B2	Method and device for controlling a wheel brake of a motor vehicle Method and device for controlling an automotive wheel brake, in which in a predefined operating situation, for example at a standstill, the braking force or brake pressure built up, and/or the dynamics of change, are limited. Two pressure control circuits are connected so that the pressure on the two respective wheel brakes is regulated by a pressure control circuit. A wheel brake is completely released in the predefined operating situation.
US07699407B2	Industrial truck A working machine, such as an industrial truck, having a spring-loaded brake having a braking position and a release position and controlled by a brake valve producing a brake-release pressure. The brake valve is operatively connected to a service brake input device, such as a brake pedal, and can be acted upon in the direction of a reduction in the brake-release pressure arising at the spring-loaded brake when the service brake input device is actuated. It being possible, on actuation, for the service brake input device to be operatively connected to a pre-stressed spring device, which is operatively connected to the brake valve and can be acted upon in the direction of an increase in the spring force on increasing actuation of the service brake input device.
US07699401B2	Apparatus and method for attaching seat belt components An anchor for securing seat belt component to a vehicle includes a latch member for securing a tongue portion of the component within a housing. The latch member is movable between a first position wherein a protrusion on the latch member engages the tongue and a second position wherein the protrusion is displaced for releasing the tongue. A biasing member provides a biasing force to maintain the latch in the first position. The housing includes a latch-access area for allowing the latch member to be engaged for manually forcing the latch member to the second position to allow the tongue portion to be removed, so that the anchor does not have a release button.
US07699399B2	Seat apparatus A seat apparatus includes a seat back capable of being used as a table at a surface thereof, a seat back driving device moving the seat back between a seating position and a table position, a controlling portion controlling the seat back driving device, and the controlling portion including an operating portion at which the user executes a certain operation, wherein, when the user executes the certain operation, the controlling portion controls the seat back to move in a first direction that is opposite to a second direction to which the seat back is moved most recently.
US07699392B2	Bicycle saddle A bicycle saddle includes a frame and a padding placed over the frame. The padding includes a leading edge, a trailing edge and a recessed supporting surface defined therein for receiving an elastic element. The elastic element includes leading and trailing edge portions for receiving the leading and trailing edges of the padding respectively. The elastic element further includes two side edges extending longitudinally between the leading and trailing edge portions exposed from the recessed supporting surface so that when the bicycle saddle is subject to a force of weight transmitted from a rider, the elastic element can extend transversely to the longitudinal direction between leading and trailing edge portions thereof without confinement.
US07699388B2	Seating installation concealable under the floor A seating installation, which is concealable under the floor. The seats are mounted in articulated manner, with the possibility of swiveling between a lowered, cleared-away position and a raised position of use, on pillars which are fixed to the base floor. A number of flaps are mounted in articulated manner on the same pillars forming a raised access floor under which the seats may be concealed in the lowered position.
US07699387B2	Shading device for vehicle roofs with transparent element The present invention consists of a concealment device for vehicle roofs with a transparent element comprising a group of technical solutions in the blocking means which enable unblocking and smooth opening and closing movements without losing efficiency in respect of retention. It is characterized by the use in the rail of an elastomeric body with a distortion capacity such that when the braking brake shoe attempts to advance a front of elastomeric material forms in front and a traction zone forms behind, checking the advance. The device also incorporates blocking means which make use of an appropriately configured lever which multiplies the release force of the retention brake shoes applied by means of a wire or similar, by power obtained from the handle device.
US07699384B2	Subframe for a chassis frame of a utility vehicle A subframe for a utility vehicle, which is fitted on a chassis frame of the vehicle includes angle profiles which, in the assembled state, form a stable subframe. A plurality of diagonal crosses which are composed of an upper partial cross and a lower partial cross can be arranged between the longitudinal members.
US07699376B2	Vehicle entertainment system with retaining mechanism A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. A retaining mechanism is provided maintaining the video system adjacent the headliner and the cradle when the video system is in its storage position.
US07699373B2	Bed extension assembly A bed extension assembly for a vehicle includes a bed assembly having a bed floor, sidewalls disposed along sides of the bed floor and a split tailgate assembly disposed adjacent a rearward edge of the bed floor between the sidewalls. The split tailgate assembly includes a first door pivotally secured to one of the sidewalls and a second door pivotally secured to another of the sidewalls. A bed extender member is movably secured to the bed assembly for movement between a stowed position beneath the bed floor and in an extended position protruding rearwardly from the bed assembly.
US07699370B2	Rear console box A rear console box in accordance with the present invention is for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, seat rows on the floor, and an aisle between the seat rows. The rear console box is disposed in the aisle. The rear console box includes a console box body, a hinge configured to connect the console box body with respect to the floor and thereby allow the console box body to pivot between a horizontal position and a raised position. The horizontal position is in the aisle and is substantially horizontal relative to the floor. The raised position is outside the aisle and in front of the aisle. The rear console box also includes a support member configured to extend between the console box body and the floor. The support member supports the console box body and thereby holds the raised position of the console box body.
US07699366B2	Vehicle door lock A door latching mechanism of a vehicle door lock engages with a striker fixed to a vehicle body to close a door. An outside handle on the door is operated. Operating force is transmitted via a rod to an intermediate lever below a windowpane in the door and transmitted via a Bowden cable to an operating mechanism. The force is transmitted from the operating mechanism to the door latching mechanism to release the engagement from the latching mechanism to allow the door to open.
US07699364B2	Housing of foldable device An exemplary housing of a foldable device includes a first cover, a second cover, a knob, a latching member, and an elastic member. The first cover includes a first latching portion. The second cover includes a fixing portion. The latching member includes a second latching portion configured for engaging with the first latching portion. The knob is rotatably positioned on the second cover. At least a portion of the knob is exposed out of the second cover. The knob connects with the latching member. The elastic member connects to the latching member. The knob is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a first circular direction and the elastic member is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a second circular direction opposite to the first circular direction.
US07699363B2	Sliding door for a motor vehicle A sliding door for a motor vehicle which is movable in a sliding motion into an opened and a closed position is provided with a main lock arrangement by which the sliding door can be fixed in the closed position, and an auxiliary lock arrangement which supplements the holding force of the main lock arrangement when the sliding door is in the closed position. In an improvement over conventional sliding door arrangements of this type, the auxiliary lock arrangement is used not only for supplementing the main lock arrangement when fixing the sliding door in the closed position, but also for fixing the door in the opened position.
US07699359B2	Clamping assembly and a hydraulic coupler comprising it A clamping assembly for a coupler comprises at least one clamping module which includes a clamping jaw (12) that is designed for connecting the coupler to a complementary means device and an actuating system that comprises a device of the screw/nut type which is driven by a motor. The actuating system is connected directly to the clamping jaw, and the clamping jaw is swivel-mounted to a support about a point that is fixed relative to the coupler.
US07699347B2	Method and apparatus for a shared crumple zone A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
US07699337B2	Liquid silicone rubber coating agent composition and curtain air bag Provided is a liquid silicone rubber coating agent composition, including: (A) an organopolysiloxane containing at least one alkenyl group bonded to a silicon atom within each molecule, (B) a straight-chain organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing a single silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom only at each molecular chain terminal, with a viscosity at 25° C. within a range from 0.001 to 1.0 Pa·s, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing at least three silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms within each molecule, with a viscosity at 25° C. within a range from 0.001 to 10 Pa·s, (D) an addition reaction catalyst, (E) a finely powdered silica with a BET specific surface area of at least 50 m2/g, and (F) an adhesion imparting agent. Also provided is a curtain air bag with a rubber coating layer formed by curing this composition. The coating agent composition is useful for a curtain air bag that is capable of suppressing leakage of the inflator gas and exhibits excellent sustainability of the inflation period, and is also useful in the production of such an air bag.
US07699335B2	Trailer coupling In order for a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between an operating position and a rest position and has a coupling ball, also comprising a vehicle-mounted pivot-bearing unit, in which the pivot-bearing body is accommodated such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and further comprising a rotation-blocking device which can be driven by a drive, to be improved such that it can absorb, in constructional terms, the highest possible load moments, it is proposed that the rotation-blocking device has at least one rotation-blocking body, that the rotation-blocking body can be engaged with, and disengaged from, a holder by movement in a guide direction, that there is provided an actuating body which has a pressure-exerting surface and the movement of which allows the at least one rotation-blocking body to be moved and acted on, and that the drive is an actuating drive by means of which the actuating body can be moved between at least one rotation-blocking position and a freewheeling position.
US07699317B2	Hierarchical, multi-dimensional, strategy board game apparatus and playing method A hierarchical, multi-dimensional, strategy board game apparatus includes game boards having game spaces, posts for supporting the board members, and game pieces including a static piece, a pawn-like piece, a first promotion piece, and a second promotion piece. In playing the game, a base board is designated, along with a riser space, a promotion space, and a return space. Each player starts with a designated number of pieces, and takes turns to move their pieces in prescribed ways via the designated spaces as available. The players thereby attempt to attain higher levels for their pieces with respect to the boards, with means for promotion and demotion of the pieces and an in-hand ability to return them to play via the return space. The pieces may thus gain expanded movement capabilities for capturing other players' pieces and, ultimately, the static piece to win the game.
US07699316B2	Gaming system with multiple game apparatus and method of use A gaming system having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, at least one prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a plurality of prize object displays located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, a plurality of game apparatus associated with the prize object displays, and a controller configured to select a prize object and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in at least one prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object displays include a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display. In addition, a method for operating a multi-apparatus gaming system by providing the prize object displays inside of the display object container of the aforementioned gaming system is disclosed.
US07699312B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same A sheet conveying apparatus has a pair of conveying rotary members for conveying a sheet, an openable and closable conveying guide for guiding the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying rotary members, a conveying path, which is disposed on a downstream side of the conveying guide, on which the sheet guide passes, a discharging portion on which the sheet having passed on the conveying path and discharged is stacked, and an obstructing member for obstructing the entrance of the conveying path. In a state in which the conveying guide is closed, the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying rotary members is guided to the conveying path by the conveying guide. In a state in which the conveying guide is closed, the obstructing member is retracted from the entrance of the conveying path, and in a state in which the conveying guide is opened, the obstructing member obstructs the entrance of the conveying path.
US07699310B2	Post-processing apparatus and image forming system provided therewith A paper pressing unit is composed of two cylindrical paper pressing portions, connecting members to which the paper pressing portions are each connected, and rotational shafts protruding outward from the central parts of the connecting members along the longer sides thereof, and is rotatably supported between frames provided inside the apparatus and disposed in the width direction of the processing tray (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2). The paper pressing portions are disposed in such a way that a surface of a circular cylinder whose cylindrical axis corresponds to a line passing through the rotational shafts is divided thereby into equal parts (into two equal parts). The paper pressing portions travel on the same orbit as the paper pressing unit rotates.
US07699299B2	Gripping jig for assembling, assembling device, and producing method of assembled body A gripping jig for assembling applies a force to a molded body in a direction perpendicular to an assembling direction. When an assembling load is applied to the molded body, the force is adjustable with an adjustment screw such that the molded body is guided to move in the assembling direction. Since the force is applied from a direction different from the assembling direction, the molded body can move in the assembling direction, and as the force is adjustable, application of the assembling load to the molded body and movement of the molded body can be adjusted. Since a plurality of molded bodies are fixed and assembled respectively, when there are variations in size of the molded bodies, if an excessive assembling load is applied, each molded body is guided to move, so that more uniform assembling load is applied to the plurality of molded bodies.
US07699294B2	Charge forming device with idle and open throttle choke control A charge forming device may include a body having a fuel and air mixing passage, a throttle valve and choke valve moveable between first and second positions to control at least in part the fluid flow in the fuel and air mixing passage, and throttle and choke control members associated with the throttle and choke valves, respectively. The choke control member may also be associated with an engine starting system so that the choke valve is moved to its second position upon actuation of the starting system. The choke control member is selectively associated with the throttle control member to hold the choke control member in a position spaced from its first position. In this manner, the throttle valve and choke valve may be automatically positioned in a desired position for starting of the engine upon actuation of the engine starting system.
US07699293B2	Guardrail An impact head for a guardrail includes cable routing means adapted to form a convoluted path through which a cable can be threaded. The convoluted path that the cables must follow through the impact head of the invention restricts movement of the cable through the head, thereby providing sufficient friction to slow down the movement of the impact head during a vehicle impact.
US07699292B2	Flange mounted load transition apparatus and method An apparatus which enables the user to transition the location of a load contained within vessels or cavities which are accessed by means of a manhole, manway, or other similar openings which provides for limiting peripheral interference, the establishment of a high center point in both horizontal and vertical applications, and limiting the weight and bulk of such an apparatus.
US07699291B2	Two-part back cap for a plug valve and plug valves incorporating same A two-part back cap for a plug valve includes a back cap seal body and a back cap retainer nut. The back cap retainer nut secures the back cap seal body within the plug valve and securely supports the back cap seal body. A gap between an outer periphery of the back cap retainer nut and the back cap seal body permits the back cap seal body to flex and expand with a plug valve body of the plug valve. This ensures that the back cap seals are not stressed and a longer service life results.
US07699290B2	Connection device for quickly connecting pneumatic hose A connecting device includes an inner tube having a plurality of elongate holes and a plurality of oval-shaped beads are movably engaged with the elongate holes. A plurality of openings are defined in an inner surface of the inner tube and communicate with the elongate holes respectively. A valve unit is movably located in the inner tube and includes a collar which removably closes the openings. An outer tube is movably mounted to an outer surface of the inner tube. An inlet member is connected to a first end of the inner tube. A part in short axis of each of the beads protrudes beyond the opening of the inner tube so as to provide a larger contact area with the head of hose when the head of hose is inserted into the inner tube to push the collar away from the openings.
US07699280B2	Fastening system and method using clips to fasten second component to first component A fastening system uses a plurality of clips for fastening a second component, e.g., a loud-speaker, to a first component, e.g., a vehicle door panel. The clips are mounted on the second component at pre-installation positions and are moved collectively from the pre-installation positions to installation positions at which the clips are retained by retaining elements projecting from the first component.
US07699278B2	Curtain rods and brackets Apparatus for hanging curtains from wall brackets includes a hollow cylindrical rod with a longitudinal slot in its wall through which an interior clamping member for each wall bracket may be inserted. The clamping member is secured to a respective bracket by one or more screws which extend from outside of the rod to the clamping member captured within the rod. C-shaped rings mounted on the rod have openings to allow passage of the rings along the rod without coming into contact with the brackets. Each ring has a downward extending projection, e.g., a tab, which can be apertured to receive a hook, clip or other fastener attached to the curtains.
US07699265B2	Aircraft ejection seat with movable headrest An ejection seat includes a headrest that, upon initiation of the ejection seat, moves forward to support the pilot's head in a tilted-forward position. By holding the crewmember's head in a tilted-forward position, windblast forces are controlled to prevent the helmet from pulling upward and backward on the crewmember's head. The headrest may include a pair of struts that extend forward around the sides of the crewmember's helmet to support the crewmember's head against flailing from the windblast. A flexible panel extending between the struts and the headrest panel may also be included to further support the crewmember's head against windblast flailing.
US07699262B2	Detachable hydrofoil trim tabs for use with seaplane floats for assisting with lower speed on-plane condition and stability during step turning/chine walk manuevers A hydrofoil trim tab for use with each of a pair of seaplane floats, each tab including a substantially planar shaped body secured to an inside facing location of each float such that a pair of tab bodies are arrayed in opposing and inwardly directed fashion relative to the floats. Each tab is further constructed as a two piece article, a first portion being either mechanically secured or welded to the surface of the float, with a second portion being releasably/breakaway attached to the first portion, such as by frangible fasteners engaging a slidably connection location between the portions. In this fashion, inadvertent breakage of a trim tab at the frangible location will prevent damage to the float.
US07699261B2	Small unmanned airborne vehicle airframe An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed for low-speed, low altitude, long endurance missions typical to UAVs of this size and class. The UAV structure is configured to be substantially impervious to small arms fire and to have a very small representative radar cross-section. The UAV is modular such that the main wings and tail wing assembly are quickly and easily, detached from the fuselage for ease of transport and to provide an airframe that is quickly and easily adapted to any particular mission.
US07699257B2	Dual bearing reel handle shaft structure A handle shaft support structure rotatably supports a handle shaft on a reel unit, and includes a boss portion, a roller type one-way clutch, and a pair of seal members. The boss portion is a cylindrical member that is detachably mounted to the reel unit. The one-way clutch includes an outer ring that is non-rotatably coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the boss portion, an inner ring that is arranged on the outer periphery of the handle shaft and is integrally rotatably coupled to the handle shaft, and rolling elements that are arranged between the outer and inner rings. The one-way clutch supports the handle shaft rotatably only in one direction. The pair of seal members are members that are arranged on the both sides of the one-way clutch to seal the one-way clutch.
US07699250B1	Media grinding mill A media grinding mill having a grinding chamber in the shape of a donut or torus within which at least one plow travels along a circular path typically creating one or more pressure regions between the plow and the grinding chamber walls that facilitates the grinding operation. Optional guide vanes positioned on the plows can further control the grinding process.
US07699247B2	Waste processing Disinfection of waste can be carried out by first cutting the waste into small pieces to expose surfaces in the waste and then simultaneously spraying the waste pieces with disinfectant and agitating them. The waste pieces are agitated by applying sufficient vacuum to suck the waste pieces through a processing system, the vacuum creating a wind inside the system that sweeps up the waste pieces, suspends them in air, and keeps them separate from one another, thereby exposing substantially all surfaces of the waste pieces to the sprayed disinfectant.
US07699235B2	RFID tag, RFID-tag antenna, RFID-tag antenna sheet, and method of manufacturing RFID tag A radio-frequency-identification tag antenna includes a film base, a plurality of antenna patterns for transmission and reception, which is formed in parallel on the film base, and a cut line that is formed on the film base between adjacent antenna patterns along the antenna patterns from an inside to an outer edge of the film base. A part of the film base on which the antenna patterns are formed is folded or bent in a predetermined direction using the cut line.
US07699229B2	Laptop based television remote control A laptop that interacts with a television system. At least one module may be adapted to receive a user input identifying a video selection. The at least one module may also be adapted to display video information corresponding to the video selection. The at least one module may further be adapted to transmit a control signal adapted to cause the display of video information corresponding to the video selection on the television system. The laptop may, for example, be adapted to receive television system setting information and provide for user control of various television system settings. Also for example, the laptop may be adapted to receive media guide information, present such information to a user, provide for user selection of a media element, and transmit a control signal adapted to cause delivery of the selected media element from a multimedia source to the television system.
US07699218B2	Method of converting virtual cash to cash and deducting from a mobile phone cash account The method of converting cash into virtual cash and loaded into a mobile phone cash account using telco's cash product services comprising the steps of: —customer going to outlet to convert cash into virtual cash using telco's product services; —customer filling up forms, showing identification; —frontliner of outlet verifying customer's identification; —frontliner accessing the device and keying command containing—customer's information, reference number of registration form, —customer's or 3rd party-recipient's mobile phone number and amount of cash to be converted to virtual cash and sends this to telco; —frontliner collecting cash to be converted to virtual cash and the service fee and issues receipt to the customer; —customer receiving SMs acknowledgment from telco that the cash has been converted to virtual cash and loaded in the recipient's mobile phone cash account; —frontliner's device receiving a message from telco (with format matching the device) of acknowledgement with confirmation number.
US07699217B1	Authentication with no physical identification document Physical products can be delivered to a recipient who does not have physical identification documents. The recipient (a) provides a password, a contact number and readily recallable information and (b) receives a first code and a telephone number. When the recipient wants to retrieve the physical product, the recipient calls an agent using the telephone number. The agent asks for the first code and authenticates the caller by asking questions related to the readily recallable information. If the agent is satisfied that the caller is the intended recipient, the agent sends a second code to the recipient using the contact number. The recipient can use the password and the second code to retrieve the physical product.
US07699204B2	Structure containing wound treatment material The present disclosure describes an anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular stapling apparatus; an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, the anvil plate defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein; and a wound treatment material disposed in each staple forming pocket of the anvil plate. The wound treatment material is at least one of an adhesive, a sealant, a hemostat and a medicament.
US07699201B2	Fastening tool with automatic feeding of wire-collated fasteners A fastening tool with a magazine assembly for holding and dispensing collated fasteners. The magazine assembly includes a canister and a door that is hingedly coupled to a nosepiece. The canister includes a stationary portion and a movable portion that may be moved relative to the stationary portion to permit access to an interior of the canister, e.g., for loading the fasteners into the canister. The door cannot be moved from a closed position to an open position and vice versa without first opening the canister. A method for loading a magazine is also provided.
US07699196B2	Property evidence bag A property and evidence bag comprising a deployable inner bag inside a pouch attached typically to the belt of an officer. The inner bag can be deployed and expands from its folded compact state inside the pouch. It is partially attached to the pouch and deploys by pulling a tab. Property and evidence can be placed in the inner bag and its opening can be secured using one hand by pulling on a draw string at its opening. This allows the officer to safely secure property and evidence found during an arrest while at the same time holding the arrestee at bay. After the arrestee is seated in the patrol car, the property and evidence found during the search of the arrestee's pockets can be itemized.
US07699188B2	Hybrid pressure vessel with separable jacket A pressure vessel is provided including an inner tank formed from a tank liner surrounded by a wound layer of composite filaments. A protective jacket is disposed on the inner tank that facilitates stacking and portability of the pressure vessel and helps to define an air passage for convective heat transfer between the hybrid tank and the environment.
US07699186B2	Collapsible structures Structures are provided that have an enclosed interior space that can be used to hold and contain water or other matter. The interior space is defined by an enclosing wall and a base that are both waterproof to prevent leakage of the water or matter contained in the interior space. None, one or more frame members can be provided as part of the enclosing wall and the base, or a frame member can be provided as part of a rim member. The frame members can be foldable to allow the resulting structure to be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.
US07699180B2	Computer rack and transport pallet method for packaging a computer rack A layout for packaging a computer rack comprises a transport pallet (2) and a computer rack; the computer rack being associable with casters extending vertically by a first distance relatively to a lower face of the rack. The computer rack is made integral with the pallet by two anchoring means distributed on the underside of the rack on either side of a vertical median plane (P1); the pallet includes two side modules and an intermediate supporting means separable from the remainder of the pallet and allowing the side modules to be connected. The side modules are removably attached to the anchoring means, so as to ensure that the computer rack is maintained in a horizontal position, and that the pallet is spaced away from the underside of the rack by a second distance (H2) smaller than said first distance.
US07699179B2	Retention device for filter screen A retention device for use with a filter apparatus having a main frame and an intermediate frame member, and a plurality of parallel filter elements in a filter zone being spaced one from another at a selected distance and forming a filter screen known as a harp screen, is disclosed. The filter screen is mounted to the main frame. The retention device includes a clamp disposed at an intermediate portion of the filter elements for clamping at least a clamped portion of the filter elements to the intermediate frame member, with the arrangement being such that a neutral region is provided adjacent or within the clamped portion of the filter elements, the neutral region being such that the filter elements may be manipulated within that region, and their relative spacing varied, within that region, without affecting spacing between filter elements outside the neutral region.
US07699177B2	Method and apparatus for washing sand A disclosed sand washing apparatus may be used for separating organic material from a mixture comprising sand and organic material. The apparatus may comprise: a wash chamber for accepting a mixture comprising sand and organic material, an agitator, a collection chamber, and a conveyor configured to transport sand away from the collection chamber. The disclosed method for recovering sand from a mixture comprising sand and organic material may comprise the steps of: introducing the mixture into a chamber, allowing organic material to ascend while allowing sand to descend, subjecting a portion of the descending sand to a turbulence that creates a lifting action, and recovering sand that has descended past the turbulence.
US07699154B2	Bill handling device A bill handling machine according to one embodiment of the invention is provided with a casing having a bill insertion slot provided on a front face of the casing to enable a bill to be inserted therein; a bill feeding device having a feeding belt wound at opposite ends around at least tension rollers provided on the upstream and downstream sides respectively along the bill insertion direction, and pinch rollers in contact with the tension rollers on the upstream and downstream sides, to feed the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot along the bill insertion direction. The distance between the pinch rollers in contact with the respective tension rollers on the upstream and downstream sides is set to be shorter than the distance between the tension rollers on the upstream and downstream sides.
US07699152B2	Device for discriminating valuable papers with low power consumption A device for discriminating valuable papers comprises a battery 1; a self-holding circuit 5 connected between battery 1 and drive controller 2 and capable of being switched between an active condition for supplying electric power to validation sensor 4 and drive controller 2 from battery 1 and an inactive condition for interrupting the power supply; a trigger element 6 for switching self-holding circuit 5 in the inactive condition to the active condition; and a shutoff circuit 7 having a control terminal connected to drive controller 2 for switching self-holding circuit 5 in the active condition to the inactive condition. Inactive condition of self-holding circuit 5 during the disuse period, saves electric power to extend service life and exchange cycle of battery 1.
US07699151B2	Clutch actuator, engine unit, and saddle type vehicle A clutch actuator comprises a clutch motor comprising motor shaft. The clutch actuator also comprises a worm shaft that is spline connected to the motor shaft. The rotary motion of the worm shaft 103 is transferred to a worm wheel 105, which is engaged with the worm shaft 103. The worm shaft 103 has a threaded portion 103c. The threaded portion 103c comprises multiple threads.
US07699148B2	Damping valve assembly with a progressive damping force characteristic Damping valve assembly includes a first damping valve, which, in a first operating range, opens as the flow velocity of the damping medium increases, where a second operating range with a progressive damping force characteristic is influenced by a throttle in conjunction with a control slide, which can be moved into a closed position. The control slide has a pressure-actuated surface, which, as a function of the flow velocity of the damping medium, acts in the closing direction on the control slide.
US07699142B1	Diagnostic system having user defined sequence logic map for a transportation device A diagnostic system for a transportation device includes an analyzer unit. The analyzer unit includes a user defined sequence logic map. The sequence logic map defines a sequence for a plurality of name inputs. The analyzer unit is configured to monitor the operating condition of the plurality of named inputs and compare the operating condition of the plurality of named inputs with the user defined sequence logic map. The analyzer unit communicates the comparison in a notification.
US07699140B2	Method and system for transporting a person between a plurality of fixed platforms A method and device to facilitate the transporting of a person between a plurality of fixed platforms provides a revenue generating activity for owners of nature directed resorts. In one embodiment, a first platform is proportionately higher than a second platform and is connected by a dynamic cable system that allows for cable height adjustments to address environmental and mechanical variables. The method and device provides for an individual to traverse a distance between a plurality of fixed, elevated platforms, while moving along a suspended cable at desired velocities and body positions.
US07699139B2	Diaphragm surround A surround for supporting a diaphragm used to create acoustic waves includes a rib section extending away from the diaphragm and a membrane section that is supported by the rib section. The membrane section has a thickness in a direction substantially normal to opposing top and bottom surfaces of the membrane section which is substantially thinner than a thickness of the rib section in a direction substantially normal to opposing top and bottom surfaces of the rib section. A restoring force returning the diaphragm to a home position is contributed to more due to deformation of the rib section than to deformation of the membrane section.
US07699137B2	Motor-driven steering controller and automobile anti-skid controller A motor-driven steering controller for controlling a steering wheel of a vehicle. The controller includes a steering torque controlling unit, a braking force estimating unit, a right and left braking force difference estimating unit and an assist steering torque providing unit. The steering torque controlling unit controls a steering torque on the steering wheel depending on a steering operation. The braking force estimating unit estimates braking forces to be imposed on wheels of the vehicle. The right and left braking force difference estimating unit estimates difference between the braking forces to be imposed on the right and left wheels each estimated by the braking forces estimating unit. The assist steering torque providing unit provides an assist steering torque for the steering torque controlling unit on the basis of the difference in braking force between right and left wheels estimated by the right and left braking force difference estimating unit.
US07699129B2	Method and system for alerting a driver that a motive power system is about to be activated An accelerator pedal provides feedback to a driver of a vehicle indicating that an engine is about to be started. This feedback is associated with a threshold position of the accelerator pedal. The threshold position may be fixed and a pedal mapping curve fit to pass through the threshold position. The threshold position may vary and depend on a minimum of the motive power capacity of a battery and an activation power threshold of the engine.
US07699122B2	Device for handling of pipes at a drill floor A device for handling and storage of drill string sections, and assembly or disassembly of a drill string on an installation especially intended for exploratory and/or production drilling for hydrocarbons, where: at least one set of individual, separate cooperating means of transport is arranged to move a drill string section or a single drill pipe length in synchronized motion; where a) a primary means of transport is provided with a first gripping device for releasably holding a lower end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; b) a secondary means of transport is provided with a first means of lateral support for releasably enclosing an upper end portion of the drill string section or drill pipe length; and c) each means of transport is displaceable along a substantially horizontal or vertical guideway.
US07699118B2	System and method for controlling an impact tool A system and method for determining the actual torque being applied by an impact tool to a shaft of a fastener is disclosed, wherein an equation having a set of parameters that represent the time-amplitude curve of the individual pulses produced by the impact tool are used to correlate the impact tool pulses and the residual torque in the fastener without requiring knowledge of the torque of the fastener joint.
US07699111B2	Float collar and method A float collar 10 includes a housing 12 and a generally sleeve-shaped elastomer 20. The lower plate 30 and an upper plate 32 are each supported on an elongate rod 22, and at least one of the plates is axially fixed relative to the tubular housing. The plate intended for exposure to fluid pressure includes a plurality of arcuate flow ports 34 for communication with the annulus between the tubular housing and the elastomer prior to swelling of the elastomer.
US07699110B2	Flow diverter tool assembly and methods of using same A flow diverter tool assembly is employed for flushing debris from a portion of the bore of a subsea production tree. The flow diverter tool assembly has a housing having a passageway there-through and a seal disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The seal contacts the inner wall surface of the bore of the production tree, dividing a lower portion of the bore below the seal from an upper portion of the bore above the seal. One or more outlets from the passageway through the exterior surface are disposed along the housing below the seal. A bypass device such as a slip-joint is disposed above the seal to facilitate removal of the flow diverter tool assembly from the bore of the production tree after its use.
US07699106B2	Method for reducing fluid loss during hydraulic fracturing or sand control treatment A low viscosity fluid for reducing fluid loss in a relatively low permeability formation has a viscosity of less that 10 CP and contains a low molecular weight viscosifying agent The aqueous medium may be fresh water, salt water, brine or slickwater. The invention has particular applicability when an ultra lightweight (ULW) proppant or sand control particulate is employed. The fluid may be used in reservoirs having a relative permeability less than 10 mD.
US07699105B2	Gravel/frac packing Methods, systems, and tools for provide for delivering a particulate-laden slurry to a subterranean portion of a well for operations including gravel packing and/or frac packing.
US07699104B2	Integrated system and method for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)-heavy oil production using low quality fuel and low quality water A process for producing steam for extracting heavy bitumen includes the steps of mixing carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, the fuel being crude oil, vacuum residue, Asphaltin, or coke with an oxidation gas, the gas being oxygen, oxygen enriched air or air-combusting the mixture under high pressure and high temperature and mixing low quality contaminated water containing organics and inorganic with the combusted mixture so as to control combustion temperature and to generate steam. The liquid phase is transferred to a gas phase so as to contain steam and carbon dioxide. The solids are separated from the gas phase. The super heated dry steam and gas mixture is ejected into an underground reservoir.
US07699096B2	Air conditioner for vehicle use The first cold air flow door 26 and the first hot air flow door 24 for adjusting the blowout air temperature are arranged in the first air passage, and the second cold air flow door 27 and the second hot air flow door 25 for adjusting the blowout air temperature are arranged in the second air passage. When a larger target air flow volume between the target air flow volume on the first air passage side and the target air flow volume on the second air passage side is selected so as to determine an air flow volume of the blower, in an air passage to which the smaller target air flow volume is applied, while the ratio of the cold air flow volume to the hot air flow volume is being maintained constant, the passage opening area is throttled by the cold air flow door and the hot air flow door.
US07699092B2	Metal-molding system and process for making foamed alloy Disclosed is: (i) a metal injection-molding system, (ii) a metal injection-molding system including a combining chamber, (iii) a metal injection-molding system including a first injection mechanism and a second injection mechanism, (iv) a metal injection-molding system including a first injection mechanism being co-operable with a second injection mechanism, (v) a mold of a metal injection-molding system, and (vi) a method of a metal injection-molding system.
US07699091B2	Awning system with snap-on functional components An improved staple-in fabric awning system is provided. The awing has a frame made of ribs with outwardly exposed longitudinally extending staple slots. A fabric canopy covers the frame and is tucked into and secured within the staple slots. A vinyl strip is configured to snap into the staple slots of the awning atop the canopy to span and hide the tucked in portions and cover the staples therein. The vinyl strip is covered at least on its exposed top portion with fabric that may visually blend into the fabric of the canopy or that may visually contrast with the fabric of the canopy. The system includes snap-in and snap-on plastic perimeter flanges and out rod flanges that are mounted on the perimeter ribs and out rods that form a grid on the underside of the awning. The plastic flanges form inwardly projecting lips around the openings of the underside grids that support egg crate ceiling panels to form an aesthetically pleasing underside ceiling of the awning.
US07699089B2	Power-operated folding door Two or more panels of a power-operated folding door are supported by a novel articulated arm assembly that ensures that the door closes tightly against a wall-mounted seal and easily opens. The articulated arm assembly includes a connector with two spaced-apart pivot points about which two adjoining arms of the assembly can rotate as the door opens and closes. The two pivot points allow the panels to readily fold up and store more compactly when the door is open. To provide an airtight seal where two leading panels come together at the center of the doorway, one or more control mechanisms coupled to the articulated arm assembly ensure that the leading panels overlap when the door is closed.
US07699084B2	System for fabricating corrugated board A system for fabricating a corrugated board sheet fabricated includes warp status information obtaining means (6, 6A-6H, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A-8H, 240a, 240b, 241a, 241b) for obtaining warp status information concerning status of the warp of the corrugated board sheet fabricated by a corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); running-state information obtaining means (5, 5A-5H) for obtaining running state information concerning a running state of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); control variable calculating means (4, 4A-4H) for calculating a control variable of a particular control factor that affects the warp of the corrugated board sheet and that is one among control factors used to control the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1) based on the warp status information of the corrugated board sheet and the running state information of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); and control means (5, 5A-5H) for controlling the particular control factor using the control variable calculated by the control variable calculating means (4, 4A-4H).
US07699083B1	Golf club head cover with magnetic closure A golf club head cover is provided with an essentially flexible, non-rigid material construction forming a cavity therein. An elongate opening is provided to the cavity, wherein the opening has a non-linear configuration when the opening is in either the open position, closed position, or both. A seam extends adjacent both edges of the opening forming piping edges next to the opening. A flexible magnetic strip is positioned within the entire length of each of the piping edges adjacent the opening. The flexible magnetic strips are a continuous flat or cylindrical strip that curve around the non-linear configuration of the opening. The strips having magnetic properties along the entire length of the strips.
US07699079B2	Bulk transport system A flexible bulk container capable of transporting a first material and introducing a second material for mixing therewithin is disclosed wherein 1) said container can comprise a component of a bulk transport system further comprising a container assembly, and 2) said container includes a body defining a cavity, at least one opening, at least one vent, and a material delivery system assembly wherein a) the body is flexible and capable of positioning within the container assembly, b) the opening provides communication with the cavity, and c) the material delivery system assembly comprises at least one manifold, a portion of which is positioned within the cavity of the flexible bulk container, and said manifold includes a shell, an interior region, an inlet accessible from outside of the cavity of the flexible bulk container and at least one passageway extending from the internal region, through the shell, to, in turn, place the interior of the manifold in communication with the cavity.
US07699077B2	Transport system for nanoparticles and method for the operation thereof A transport system for dry nanoparticles (18b). According to the invention, the nanoparticles (18b) are magnetized or electrically charged for transportation, a magnetic or electrical field is produced by a field generator (20a, 20) in the transport channel, and the nanoparticles (18b) migrate through the transport channel (12). The nanoparticles can be discharged through a discharge opening (13) which enables dosing to take place. In order to agglomerate the nanoparticles (18b) or to prevent attachment onto the inner wall (26), a coating (27) of the wall can be offset in oscillations by piezo electric actuators (28), the oscillations being transferred to the nanoparticles (18b). The dry nanoparticles can be handled in an advantageous manner due to the transport system, such that the dry nanoparticles need not be treated as a suspension.
US07699073B2	Soft start device for compressed air systems A soft start device for compressed air systems comprises a primary inlet at which compressed air at a primary pressure may be supplied, the primary inlet being connected with a secondary outlet able to be coupled with a load, by a valve circuit, at which compressed air is taken at the secondary pressure lower than or equal to the primary pressure, a principal valve placed between the primary and secondary outlet, said principal valve being able to be shunted by a bypass, a choke device being placed in the bypass, the principal valve and the choke device together with further valves of the valve circuit being connected together in a circuit and the valve circuit placed in a standard venting switching setting that the secondary outlet is vented.
US07699070B2	Shutoff valve apparatus and mass flow control device with built-in valve Shutoff valve apparatus comprising: a valve block having a valve chest on which gas collects temporarily, an inlet flow path which makes gas flow into a valve chest, an outlet flow path into which gas is made to flow out of a valve chest, a valve seat located in the inlet port of an inlet flow path, or the outlet port, a diaphragm valve element located in the opposed position of the valve seat and closes the valve port by contacting with the valve seat, pressing means for pressing diaphragm valve element, an actuator plate disposed at the opposite side of the valve chest so that the diaphragm valve element may be opposed, an operation chamber divided with the actuator plate, and an operation gas supply exhaust mechanism in which operation gas is made to supply or exhaust into the operation chamber.
US07699061B2	Multi-component filter providing multiple flavour enhancement A multi-component filter for a smoking article comprises: a mouth end segment; a first flavour release segment comprising plant leaf upstream of the mouth end segment; and a second flavour release segment comprising filtration material and a flavourant upstream of the first flavour release segment. The resistance to draw of the second flavour release segment is greater than the resistance to draw of the first flavour release segment and the resistance to draw of the second flavour release segment is greater than the resistance to draw of the mouth end segment. The multi-component filter preferably further comprises a rod end segment comprising filtration material upstream of the second flavour release segment, which has a lower resistance to draw than the second flavour release segment.
US07699060B2	Tactile feedback for indicating validity of communication link with an implantable medical device Implantable medical device telemetry is provided between an implantable medical device and an external communication device. The implantable medical device includes a device transmitter and/or a device receiver. The external communication device includes a moveable communication head including an antenna therein connected to at least one of an external transmitter and/or an external receiver for communication with the device transmitter and/or the device receiver of the implantable medical device. A user moves the moveable head apparatus relative to the implantable medical device. Tactile feedback is provided to the user via the moveable head apparatus upon movement of the moveable head apparatus to a position where valid telemetry can be performed.
US07699057B2	Methods for treating skin lesions Methods for diagnosing skin lesions are disclosed. Generally, the method include topically administering an IRM compound to a treatment area for a period of time and in an amount effective to cause a visible change in the appearance of a skin lesion including, in some cases, causing subclinical lesions to become visible. Suitable IRM compounds include agonists of one or more TLRs.
US07699051B2	Range hood A hood for a cook top is controlled preferably by an electronic controller through a touch keypad. The hood has front and side walls and attaches to a back wall. It has an internal cavity and structure to restrict airflow out of the hood. The structure also creates an air curtain. The curtain traps and moves heated air and effluents upwardly off of the cook top. At least one blower is located near the cook top for moving the air and effluents. The hood may also have at least one: filter, sensor, duct, lighting fixture, vent, display, and circuit board.
US07699050B2	Method of manufacturing (110) silicon wafer The present invention provides a method for slicing a silicon single crystal ingot having a plane direction (110) by a wire saw to manufacture a (110) silicon wafer, wherein slicing is performed in such a manner that each angle formed between a traveling direction of a wire in the wire saw and a [−112 ] direction and a [1-12] direction in the (110) silicon single crystal ingot or a direction crystallographically equivalent to the directions exceeds 30°. As a result, the method for manufacturing the (110) silicon wafer that can suppress occurrence of breaking at the time of slicing and improve a production yield ratio can be provided.
US07699049B2	Saw skid plate shield A saw skid plate shield including a shield plate body defining a leading edge and a trailing edge and a mechanism such as edge rails for attaching the shield plate body to the skid plate. Both the leading and trailing edges of the skid plate body are beveled and/or rounded to divert debris.
US07699045B1	Compound bow with high limb preload A compound archery bow having a riser and first and second limbs secured to and extending from opposite ends of the riser, each limb having an axle to support a wheel or cam; the limbs have a limb tip angle measured from an unstrung or unflexed limb position to a flexed position at brace height of at least 65° and preferably 75° or more. The bow has an axle-to-axle distance percentage change from an unstrung or unflexed condition to a brace condition of at least 20%. The limbs exhibit a limb tip angle percentage change from brace height to full draw condition of 25% or less of the total limb tip change from unflexed to full draw while the limb tip measured from an unstrung condition to a flexed condition at full draw is at least 80° and preferably 100° or more.
US07699042B2	Filtration device for use with a fuel vapor recovery system A filtration device for filtering air for use with a fuel vapor recovery system. According to one aspect, the device includes a housing defining a chamber having a rotational axis an upper end and a lower end, a cap closes the housing and includes at least one generally helical passageway helically extending generally toward the lower end of the chamber and includes at least one air inlet. According to another aspect, the device includes a non-circular filter element disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet.
US07699041B2	Fuel distribution tube for direct injection fuel rail assemblies A fuel distribution tube for a direct injection fuel rail assembly includes an elongate cylindrical conduit, a plurality of first scalloped features that receive fuel injector sockets formed in the conduit, and plurality of second scalloped features that receive mounting bosses formed in the conduit. The scalloped features are designed to closely match the outer radii of the injector sockets and the mounting bosses. The scalloped features provide necessary dimensional control to injector sockets and mounting bosses and fuel passage from the fuel distribution tube to the fuel injector sockets. The scalloped features enable a leak test of the braze joints of the fuel rail assembly. By providing a direct injection fuel rail assembly that includes the fuel distribution tube having scalloped features formed in the conduit, optimization of true position location of fuel injector sockets and improved braze joints are enabled.
US07699037B2	Diesel engine lubricated with fuel such as light oil A diesel engine includes a fuel supply passage via which fuel is supplied from a fuel tank to an oil pan through a supply pump, a lubrication-system fuel supply passage via which fuel is supplied from the oil pan to engine parts to be lubricated through a lubricating oil pump, and an injection-system fuel supply passage via which fuel is supplied from the oil pan to an injection system through an injection pump.
US07699016B2	Water sport towing method Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel which is fitted with a towing frame having spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel while coupling upper extremities of the supports with a bridging portion, to which a tow rope attachment point is fitted.
US07699012B2	Apparatus for plugging a seacock externally This invention is directed to an irregular in shape thru-hull fitting with specifically an internal seacock which is below the normal waterline of a marine vessel and this invention provides an exterior plug to stop leakage and/or allow for maintenance of the interior hull valve, piping, and/or associated tubing without necessitating the need to haul out the vessel. The seacock plug includes a flexible tubing assembly; o-ring flange assembly, flexible beveled gasket, and compression lead screw with T-handle that forms a watertight seal around the irregular interior shape hull fitting.
US07699010B2	Personal watercraft with deflector A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck disposed on the hull. The hull and sub-deck together form a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. An engine is disposed in the HSD assembly. A propulsion system is connected to the hull and operatively connected to the engine. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The deck has a pedestal. A straddle-type seat is disposed on the pedestal. A helm assembly is operatively connected to the propulsion system and disposed at least in part forwardly of the straddle-type seat. A deflector is disposed on the HSD assembly and extends outwardly therefrom. The deflector is disposed at least in part forwardly of a forward-most portion of the deck. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed.
US07699009B2	Seed singulator A seed singulator for use with a vacuum disk having a seed face and a shoulder. The seed singulator has a first member and a second member supported by biasing members. The first member has upper lobes disposed at a radius of curvature slightly less than the outside radius of a row of apertures on a seed plane of the vacuum disk. The seed member has lower lobes disposed at a radius of curvature slightly greater than the inside radius than the row of apradius. The biasing members permit the lobes to move with the seed plane and the shoulder as the vacuum disk rotates thereby maintaining their position with respect to the apertures.
US07699002B2	Method of forming a printed business card A card sheet including a top material having punched lines, the front side of the top material being printable. A carrier material of at least one polymer layer is directly applied as by extruding to the back side of the top material. The polymer has a stress-at-break in the range of 10 to 30 MPa and an elongation at break in the range of 10 to 120%. From the card sheet individual cards may be broken out to form high quality calling (business) cards, photograph cards, post cards or the like.
US07698999B2	Printing apparatus and device manufacturing method The printing apparatus, presented herein, comprises a patterning device having a curved member that supports a stamp on its surface. The curved member is adapted to roll over a substrate to be printed on to transfer the pattern onto the substrate. An illumination system directs light onto the region of the substrate that is being printed in order to set a layer of resist, which has been sprayed onto the substrate. The light is directed via a pattern that is made on the surface of the stamp, thereby transferring the pattern to the substrate.
US07698994B2	Fryer filtration arrangement with boil-out bypass A fryer unit includes a boil-out drain path that does not require boil-out fluid to pass through a pump.
US07698991B2	Spring-return, pneumatic actuator A spring-return, pneumatic actuator includes a casing having therein a cylinder chamber, a housing chamber and a spring chamber and equipped therein with a piston reciprocating by air supplied and discharged from an air supply and exhaust vent on a primary side of the pistons. A piston rod is joined to the piston, and a conversion mechanism is provided for converting a reciprocating motion of the piston into a rotary motion. A spring undergoes a snap action due to the reciprocating motion of the piston, and a communication space chamber is formed via a communication part to have a predetermined volume from a secondary side to the spring chamber. The cylinder chamber has the piston and the piston rod built-in, the housing chamber has the conversion mechanism built-in and the spring chamber has the spring built-in.
US07698990B2	Hydraulic linear actuating drive A hydraulic linear actuating drive includes a cylinder, a movable servo piston that can be pressure-loaded and that runs inside the cylinder, at least one piston rod attached to the servo piston, and at least one piston gasket having at least two sealing elements at a distance from each other. An intermediate sealing space is defined between the at least two sealing elements, an inner wall of the cylinder and an outer edge of the servo piston. The hydraulic linear actuating drive has at least one leakage channel that can move together with the servo piston. A first end of the channel opens into the intermediate sealing space and into a leakage fluid inlet opening located there, while the other, second end of the channel opens into a leakage fluid outlet opening arranged outside of the cylinder.
US07698988B2	Brake booster for a hand brake The invention relates to a brake booster intended to transmit handbrake commands. This booster essentially comprises a plunger (3) able to move axially under the command of the control rod (1). An enclosure (2) contains a working chamber (21) and a vacuum chamber (20) which are separated by a wall (22) able to move axially under the effect of the plunger (3) and/or of a difference in pressure between the vacuum chamber and the working chamber. A three-way valve (4) controlled by the plunger (3) allows the working chamber (21) to be connected either to the vacuum chamber or to atmospheric air. Finally, a bearing piece (17) controlled by the moving wall (22) allows the control rod (1) to be driven along.
US07698980B2	Sheet material dispenser A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll. The web sensors detection of a leading edge of the sheet material initiates a predetermined interval of sheet material advancement providing a proper placement of successive tear lines. Various approaches may be utilized to accommodate inadvertent sheet “tabbing” scenarios. The web sensors, together with the control circuitry, are also used to detect the depletion, or absence, of a working roll of sheet material, whereupon the control circuitry controls the powered transfer mechanism to automatically transfer the web feed supply from a depleted working roll to a reserve roll. The powered transfer mechanism may include a motor driven transfer bar, or provide motor driven release of a spring biased transfer bar. Another arrangement allows for ready release of a roll core, and drop of the same into an open dispenser cover for removal.
US07698976B2	Miter saw with improved safety system A miter saw is disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating.
US07698975B2	Table saw with cutting tool retraction system A table saw has a movable cutting tool for cutting a workpiece in a cutting region. The table saw includes a detection system to detect one or more conditions between a person and the cutting tool and a retraction system associated with the detection system. The retraction system retracts the cutting tool away from the cutting region independently of the motor and disengages the cutting tool from driving rotation with the motor upon detection of the one or more conditions by the detection system.
US07698972B2	Multi-angle tool handle A multi-angle tool handle includes a handle device including a compartment longitudinally formed therein, and a through-hole formed thereon and in communication with the compartment. An embedding portion is defined in the compartment. A interconnecting element is disposed in the compartment and includes a pivoting end formed on an end thereof and having an embedding portion. A locking device is installed in the through-hole and includes an embedded end defined on an end thereof. A connecting device is pivotally coupled to another end of the interconnecting element. The locking device is moveable between a first position and a second position so that the connecting device can be operated to pivot relative to the handle device or not.
US07698969B2	Nut runner mounting structure A nut runner mounting structure for supporting one or more nut runner spindles includes a spindle supporting base plate, and at least one support pillar extending in parallel with the spindles and secured at its forward end to the base plate and at its rear end to a mounting structure support. Each support pillar has a tube element provided with a forward end piece and a rear end piece, and a tension bolt engaging the rear end piece and the base plate to exert an axial clamping force on the tube element. The forward end piece is formed with sharp edged teeth for penetrating into and forming matching teeth in the tube element and the base plate for locking the tube element against rotation. Clamping units are attachable to the tube elements for carrying additional equipment and connecting the structure to a mounting structure support.
US07698964B2	Gear A gear having a thin-walled section formed on one end face among two end faces of a tooth in a tooth-width direction is provided. A portion of the thin-walled section is projected and formed so as to serve as an overhanging section. The overhanging section prevents backlash. A thickness T3 of the overhanging section, a thickness T2 of a tooth flank corresponding section, and a thickness T1 of a tooth crest corresponding section positioned therebetween satisfies the relation T1
US07698958B2	Differential pressure means for a gas meter arrangement, comprising an improved flow geometry A differential pressure system and a gas meter arrangement for precisely measuring a gas consumption by a gas meter is provided. A previously known gas meter is disposed in a bypass comprising a differential pressure system in the gas pipe for measuring a volumetric flow rate inside the gas pipe. The differential pressure system includes flow ducts having decreasing diameters as the radial position increases starting from a central axis of the differential pressure system. Examples of execution include inlet ports and/or outlet ports of the flow ducts which are provided with a specific countersink angle (α), and an equidistant, concentric arrangement of flow ducts on the cross-sectional area of the differential pressure system. This has the advantage of increasing the differential pressure at a low volume flow rate, reducing the differential pressure at a high volume flow rate, and generally creating an improved linearity across the entire measurement range between the volume flow rate in the bypass and the volume flow rate in the gas pipe, among other advantages.
US07698957B2	Vibration type measurement transducer A measurement transducer includes: At least one interconnected system formed by means of at least two components, especially components of metal. At least the first component of the interconnected system is, in such case, embodied as a composite, formed part composed of at least two materials, which differ from one another with respect to at least one physical and/or chemical property, especially a material density, melting temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion and/or modulus of elasticity, etc. As a result of using at least one composite component, the at least two components of the interconnected system can be bonded together lastingly and reliably, especially by means of welding, such being true especially also for the case in which the interconnected system is a bi-, or poly-, metal, interconnected system.
US07698952B2	Pressure sensing device At least one pair of capacitively coupled electrodes contained in a structure is used to sense the deflection of a diaphragm in a pressure or force sensor for measuring the pressure or force exerted on the diaphragm. Preferably the structure has properties (such as one or more of the following: dimensions, hardness, area and flexibility) that are substantially the same as those of a real substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer or flat panel display panel.
US07698946B2	System and method for ultrasonic detection and imaging Systems and Methods are disclosed for the detection and imaging of ultrasonic energy. Embodiments of the invention utilize an array of ultrasonic sensors where data from each of the sensors are processed by RMS-to-DC conversion. In addition, embodiments of the invention output a contour map based on detected ultrasonic energy and blend at least one feature of the contour map with a feature of a visible image so that a blended image can be displayed to an operator. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for repositioning an array of ultrasonic sensors with respect to target area or Unit Under Test (UUT) to facilitate a thorough and repeatable test.
US07698939B2	Thermistor-based fuel sensor A system for sensing a fuel level includes sensors that sense the fuel level and a voltage source that applies a constant voltage to the sensors for a predetermined time. The system includes a control module that measures outputs of the sensors at a beginning and at an end of the predetermined time. The control module determines a number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air based on the outputs and calculates the fuel level based on the number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air.
US07698931B2	Fuel pressure sensor diagnosing device and method A fuel pressure sensor diagnosing device for diagnosing a fuel pressure sensor for detecting pressure in a common rail in which a high-pressure fuel to be supplied to an engine is accumulated, the device comprising: fuel temperature detection for detecting fuel temperature; and failure determination, provided with the fuel temperature detection for detecting fuel temperature via subsequent to stopping of the engine, for obtaining a resting and stabilization time between when the pressure in the common rail drops and when the pressure stabilizes on the basis of this detected fuel temperature, detecting a stabilized fuel pressure via the fuel pressure sensor subsequent to lapse of the resting and stabilization time, and determining a failure of the fuel pressure sensor when the detected stabilized fuel pressure exceeds a predetermined upper limit threshold value or is less than a predetermined lower limit threshold value.
US07698929B2	High throughput screening methods for lubricating oil compositions A method for determining storage stability for a plurality of fluid lubricant samples of different lubricating oil compositions is provided. Each sample includes a combination of one or more base oils and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil additives or lubricating oil compositions containing such additives is generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.
US07698924B2	Member having a chamfered through hole and manufacturing method of the same A method of forming a chamfered through hole having a chamfered portion at each end thereof by: forming a prepared hole in a plate-like portion; forming a first chamfered portion by driving a first punch; forming a second chamfered portion by driving a second punch, which has a second tapered surface and a generally columnar central pressing portion protruding from the center of the second tapered surface and having an annular corner at a tip thereof, and thereby forming the second chamfered portion and a central recess recessed axially inward; and punching out an unnecessary portion protruding radially inward of the prepared hole by using a finishing punch having an outer diameter equal to or smaller than that of the corner of the central pressing portion. The punching out the unnecessary portion is performed by punching from the first chamfered portion toward the second chamfered portion using the finishing punch.
US07698923B2	Method of and device for exchanging sets of rolls A method of and an installation for exchange of roll sets (5, 6) contemplate provision of a number of separate transversely displaceable carriages (9, 10, 11), whereby individual worn-out working roll sets (6) are displaced along a single connection track (14) by a single locomotive (21) in a roll workshop (20), and a new working roll set (6a) is displaced back to an installation position, and wherein during formation of a gap (12) in front of a rolling mill stand (2, 3, 4), a withdrawn backup roll set (5) is transported by a crane in the roll workshop and back.
US07698919B2	Locking device Disclosed is a locking device which comprises a housing, and a cylinder device rotating within the housing, wherein the housing is provided with a protrusion therein to prevent the cylinder device from being rotated, and the cylinder device includes a motor, a cylinder receiving the motor, a tilting mechanism located at the front of the cylinder, having an upper portion tilted to be fixed to the protrusion of the housing by forward rotation of the motor and a recess released from the protrusion of the housing by reverse rotation of the motor, and a locking plate adapter fixed to the tilting mechanism, and a locking plate fixed to the adapter.
US07698914B2	Padlock A padlock includes a base, a combination controlled lock unit having a shaft passing through a top hole of the base into an accommodation chamber of the base, three combination wheels rotatably sleeved onto the shaft, and three retaining wheels sleeved onto the shaft and respectively engaged with the combination wheels, a driving member connected with the shaft, two shackles having bottom ends respectively connected to the base and top ends detachably engaged with each other, and a latch connected with the shaft so as to be driven to move between a locking position where a block portion of the latch stops at least pivotable one of the shackles from movement for ensuring engagement of the top ends of the shackles and a unlocking position where the block portion moves away from the pivotable shackle for allowing disengagement of the top ends of the shackles.
US07698913B2	Complex lock assembly The complex lock has a housing, a number core, a key cylinder and a number detector. The number core, the key cylinder and the number detector are located inside of the housing. The complex lock can be unlock by a key and unlock number. When the unlock numbers are missed or forgotten, the number detector is able to find the unlock number again so that the complex lock can be unlock by the unlock number again.
US07698909B2	Headband with tension indicator A headband having a low stretch segment sized to fit around a wearer's head, and an elastic segment being smaller than the low stretch segment, and having a free end and an attached end, where the elastic segment is attached at its attached end with the low stretch segment. The headband also includes a tab portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tab portion being connected with the free end of the elastic portion, the second end of the tab portion configured to form a closed loop with the low stretch segment, around the wearer's head. The headband also includes visual indicator configured for monitoring the extended position of elastic segment and optionally a stop portion that is configured to engage against the elastic segment to limit its stretch. When having a stop portion, the tab portion also includes an indicator portion between its first end and the stop portion such that the indicator portion when visible indicates that the headband needs re-tightening; and when the indicator portion is not visible it indicates an adequate level of tension corresponding with delivering a pressure in the range higher than the venous pressure and lower than the capillary pressure to the forehead of the wearer.
US07698908B2	Method of manufacturing a glass based material with defect removal A glass base material, which is a base material of an optical fiber, comprising: a core; and a clad surrounding the core; wherein: a rate of change in a relative-refractive-index-difference between the core and the clad in a longitudinal direction of the glass base material is substantially 6% or less.
US07698904B2	Control device for refrigeration or air conditioning systems The invention relates to a control unit for controlling the expansion valve of a refrigeration or air conditioning system, comprising a temperature sensor that is connected upstream of the expansion valve in the coolant circuit. If the control unit detects a decrease in temperature of the aforementioned temperature sensor, which is generally caused by the start of a defrosting process, it displaces the expansion valve into a static state, to protect said valve during the defrosting process.
US07698903B1	Energy efficient ventilation system The energy efficient ventilation system provides tempered air to an air to air heat exchanger, such as a heat pump. The system includes independent air intake sources from a tunnel, a structure, and the exterior of the structure that direct air to a control module. Regulators control the amount of air that enters the control module from the air intake sources. The control module mixes the intake air and distributes the tempered air to the structure and to the air to air heat exchanger.
US07698899B2	Apparatus, system and method for beverage forming A beverage forming apparatus, system and cooling method is disclosed. The beverage forming apparatus includes a container to contain a beverage, a detaching device to scrape frozen particles of the beverage from an inner surface of the container, a cooling medium to cool the beverage to a predetermined temperature, and a motor to provide a relative motion between the container and detaching device. The beverage forming and dispensing system includes an inlet hose to dispense a beverage into the system, a beverage forming apparatus to form the beverage with frozen microscopic particles of the beverage, a tap to dispense the beverage with the frozen microscopic particles of the beverage to a container, and a defrost apparatus to defrost the frozen microscopic particles of the beverage. The cooling method includes providing a beverage into a container, cooling the beverage to substantially a freezing temperature, detaching microscopic particles of frozen beverage from an inner surface of the container, mixing the microscopic particles of frozen beverage with the beverage, and dispensing the beverage with the microscopic particles.
US07698888B2	System and method for calculating loading of a diesel particulate filter by windowing inputs An algorithm (26) in an engine control system (14) develops data indicative of pressure across a DPF (20) as a function of time and data indicative of flow rate through the DPF as a function of time, calculates derivatives (32, 30) (38, 36) with respect to time of the data, processes the derivatives (44, 42, 50, 48, 56, 54, 58) to confirm validity of a calculation of particulate loading of the DPF (load_pf) when a result of processing the derivatives discloses the absence of transient conditions in the DPF that would prevent the calculation from being valid and to not confirm validity of a calculation of particulate loading of the DPF when a result of processing the derivatives discloses the presence of transient conditions in the DPF that would prevent the calculation from being valid.
US07698883B2	Method for producing a multielectrode lead A wire wrapping device that includes a turntable assembly that is made up of a turntable and a driver adapted to rotate the turntable. Also, a set of payout carriers are mounted on the turntable, each payout carrier adapted to let out wire to be wrapped. A driver is adapted to turn each payout carrier relative to the turn table, the driver being user adjustable to turn each payout carrier by a selectable amount, per each complete rotation of the turntable.
US07698879B1	Inserter and method An insert with an upwardly projecting protuberance proximate one end is inserted into an open container. The open container is conveyed continuously in a downstream direction with a container conveyor with the container opening upwardly. The insert is held above the conveyor at an insertion station by supporting a downstream portion of the insert: the protuberance bearing end of the insert being the upstream end of the insert. A pusher finger is driven downwardly against an upstream portion of the insert at a downstream side of the protuberance in order to push the upstream portion of the insert downwardly into the container. The upstream portion of the insert is pushed against an inside surface of the container with the pusher finger while the container is conveyed underneath the insert. Simultaneously, the support is removed from the downstream portion of the insert. With the pusher finger abutting the downstream side of the protuberance, frictional engagement between the insert and the container is overcome as the container is conveyed underneath the insert. The pusher finger is retracted at the conclusion of the insertion operation.
US07698868B2	Floor panels with edge connectors Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07698856B2	Glass run for automobile A glass run mounted along an inner part of a door frame of a vehicle door to guide a window glass which moves up and down within the door frame. A main body portion of the glass run is provided with an exterior side wall, an interior side wall and a bottom wall, thereby formed into a shape having a substantially U-shaped cross section. An exterior seal lip and an interior seal lip are provided so as to extend into an inside of the substantially U-shaped cross section from distal portions of the exterior side wall and the interior side wall, respectively. The bottom wall has a bottom wall damping lip which is formed so as to be inclined inwardly from one of side end portions of an inner surface of the bottom wall. A space which is provided between an outer surface of the bottom wall portion and a door frame. A cushion material is provided in the space.
US07698851B1	Fishing rod with elastic sling bait launcher A fishing rod with elastic sling bait launcher utilizes potential energy stored in a pre-tensioned elastic cord to propel a fishing lure or bait attached to one end of a fishing line forward from the rod tip without requiring casting motion of the rod, the other end of the line unwinding from a reel attached to said handle. The sling launcher includes a U-shaped yoke which is secured to the rod shaft at adjustable distances forward of the handle and reel. The elastic sling has an elastic member consisting of an elongated length of elastic cord or a tension spring attached at opposite ends thereof to upper ends of a pair of laterally opposed, upwardly protruding yoke arms. A generally flat, horizontally disposed bait launcher plate attached to the center of the elastic member is pulled rearward to tension parallel segments of the elastic member, and is engaged with a pivotable bait launching mechanism by an anchor pin protruding upwards from a forward end of an anchor bar secured to the rod handle, which protrudes upwardly through apertures provided through a base plate of the bait launching mechanism, and a bait launcher tray support on top of the bait launcher base plate, and through an anchor hole through the bait launcher plate. A bait and attached line are pulled rearwards from the tip of the rod shaft towards the bait launcher plate, thus pulling line from a reel located on the underside of the rod handle, and through a plurality of line guide eyes located on the underside of the rod shaft. A bait hook is positioned in a groove provided in a front edge wall of the bait launcher plate, with the bait and attached line arranged in a rearwardly directed half loop on the upper surface of the bait launcher support tray. A rearwardly protruding trigger plate of the pivotable bait launcher mechanism rocker arm is depressed by a fisherman's thumb to launch a bait, thus pushing the bait launcher plate upwardly off an engagement with the anchor pin and thereby enabling tension in the sling to propel the bait and attached line forward.
US07698845B2	Double action model 1911 pistol A model 1911 semi automatic pistol having a receiver, a barrel, a breach slide and a firing mechanism. The barrel is coupled to the receiver. The breach slide coupled to the receiver. The firing mechanism is coupled to the receiver. The firing mechanism is adapted for double action operation. The firing mechanism has a hammer with a firing pin strike surface and an engagement surface enabling single action operation of the firing mechanism. The engagement surface is movable relative to the firing pin strike surface.
US07698841B1	Singing and animated birthday cake A versatile, animated cake decoration that can be used with a cake to celebrate various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the like. The cake decoration can be partially embedded in the upper surface of the cake so as to simulate a face that has moving eyes and a moving mouth. The apparatus includes a battery that powers a mechanism that moves the eyes and the mouth and also powers a sound generator that can play a number of different songs and greetings to fit the celebration. The apparatus is safe and is constructed from non-toxic materials so it can safely be used on food products such as cake.
US07698840B2	Full moon canvas Artists prefer to paint on canvas. Paintings previous to this invention, canvas paintings hung on flat walls because the have a flat back. This invention, a tubular canvas can not be place flat on a wall; it must either hang from the ceiling, set on flat pedestal so the viewer can walk around to see the painting in its entirety. With the Full Moon Canvas, the artist paints not on a flat canvas surface but a 360 degree round-tube-shaped, always curving, canvas of any height or circumference. Oil, acrylic or any art media can be applied. (To clarify only, visualize a drum where the sides are painted). It is constructed out of light weight wood. The flat top and bottom are exposed folded canvas from stretching the canvas. When the piece is finished, the flat ends are covered with smooth wood thus creating the frame.
US07698834B1	Shoe with interchangeable vamp and base Disclosed is a shoe system comprising an interchangeable shoe base and vamp. The shoe base has a rim piece on the outer edge of the shoe base that interlocks with a protruding lip on the outer edge of the vamp except in the toe area, where the rim piece and vamp abut one another rather than interlocking, allowing the interchangeable vamp to have a closed toe.
US07698833B2	Apparatus for hardening a sealant located between a pair bonded substrates of liquid crystal display device An apparatus for hardening a sealant on a substrate is disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus includes a chamber receiving at least a pair of bonded substrates, and at least one supporting unit supporting the bonded substrates, attached to inner side surfaces of the chamber, and having a substantially flat contact surface contacting the bonded substrates.
US07698827B2	Bevel setter A bevel setting tool having a rectangular plate, both sides of which are marked with reference indicia and a moveable fence that slides longitudinally on a stud that passes from the fence through a slot centrally located in the plate and into a locking knob. The fence and knob may be disassembled so that the fence can be positioned on either side of the plate.
US07698818B2	Method for assembling precision miniature bearings for minisystems and microsystems The aim of the invention is to obtain a cost-effective solution for providing a microsystem with bearings, which have sufficiently high precision and long-term stress resistance. The invention proposes a method for manufacturing, adapting or adjusting a bearing portion in a fluidal microcomponent (M) comprising a stator (30) and a rotor (40,2). Said rotor is rotatably supported on the at least one bearing portion (L10,L11) relative to said stator. Said rotor (40,2) is rotatably supported by a sleeve (10, 11) inserted into said stator (30), for forming said bearing portion, the at least one sleeve being inserted in said stator as a bearing sleeve and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface (10i, 10a; 11i, 11a). Before being inserted in said stator, said bearing sleeve (10, 11) is a separate bearing component comprising an inner surface (10i, 11i) as an inner bearing surface, which is mechanically micro-finished before being inserted into said stator (30). The outer surface (10a, 11a) of said bearing component (10, 11) is mechanically permanently connected with said stator (30).
US07698813B2	Method for fabricating conductive blind via of circuit substrate A method for fabricating a conductive blind via of a circuit substrate including the following steps is provided. First, the circuit substrate including a first dielectric layer, a patterned circuit layer and a second dielectric layer are provided. The patterned circuit layer including at least a capture pad is disposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. Next, a blind via exposing the capture pad is formed in the second dielectric layer. Then, an electroless plating process is performed to form an electroless copper layer on the capture pad and an inner wall of the blind via. Next, the electroless copper layer on the capture pad is removed. Finally, the blind via is filled with a conductive material to form the conductive blind via.
US07698802B2	Method for manufacturing a calibration device A method for manufacturing a calibration device for an active circuit on a chip, comprises: providing an active circuit that is capable of exhibiting a desired electrical characteristic; and providing a calibration mechanism on-chip with the active circuit. The calibration mechanism generates a control output and comprises a device under test (DUT) configured as a replica of at least one segment of the active circuit, and which generates a test output that causes finite adjustments to the control output, based on a comparison of the electrical characteristics exhibited by the DUT with a known electrical characteristic. The method further comprises: attaching to each control input terminal of the active circuit a corresponding control output from the calibration mechanism. The control output of the calibration mechanism dynamically adjusts control input applied to devices of the active circuit to force the active circuit to exhibit the desired electrical characteristic.
US07698801B2	Wire-processing device and method of operating such a wire-processing device In a wire-processing machine, by a linear movement away from a first holding unit, a gripper applies to a gripping unit a pull-out force in the longitudinal axis of the wire. The pull-out force that is exerted on the wire is measured by, for example, a force sensor that is arranged on the holding unit or by the motor current of the motor that causes the linear movement. The gripper and the gripping unit together make measurement of the pull-out force possible also for medium-sized and large wires without the gripper needing to be constructed stronger, or its dimensions, or the gripper-arm drive, needing to be changed.
US07698799B2	Method of attaching a clinch spacer to a panel A method of attaching a clinch spacer to a panel including forming a clinch spacer having a body portion including an axial bore, an annular flange portion surrounding the bore and an annular barrel portion integral and coaxially aligned with the flange portion having a diameter less than the flange portion including an end face having an outer lip extending at an angle radially outwardly and axially from the end face; forming an opening in the panel; and driving the barrel portion through the opening in the panel against a die member having a generally V-shaped annular projecting lip which is driven against a second face of the panel, deforming the panel radially inwardly against the outer surface of the barrel portion and deforming the outer annular lip radially outwardly and axially against the panel, forming a secure installation.
US07698798B2	Push-type rivetless nut plate and method and apparatus for installing same A rivetless nut plate has a nut, a holding bracket, a member and a nut retainer. The nut is provided with an aperture therethrough and is secured within a bracket portion of the holding bracket by the retainer but also is permitted limited movement within the bracket portion. The holding bracket further includes a tubular portion having inner and outer walls. The inner wall is tapered such that the member is positioned against the inner wall. Upon an axial force being applied to the member through the aperture of the nut, the member is pushed through the tubular portion from the first end to the second end in order to expand the inner wall and force the outer wall into engagement with the wall of the workpiece. A tool is provided to push the member through the tubular member and can be incorporated into either a manual or automatic process.
US07698796B1	Method of replacing a door closure A universal mounting plate for replacing a plurality of different door closers with a new door closer, the plate having a substantially flat rectangular body of a material thickness. A plurality of holes are formed through the material thickness and arranged in a plurality of patterns that correspond to the mounting hole patterns of a plurality of different door closers. The mounting plate can be attached to the door through existing mounting holes and the replacement closer attached to the mounting plate. The existing holes in the door are used to mount the plate and the plate is employed to mount the replacement closer, eliminating the need to drill new holes in the door and patching the old holes.
US07698792B1	Method of forming sheet metal casket A method of forming a sheet metal casket comprises providing a sheet metal casket shell having at least a portion of an end wall and at least a portion of a side wall and a round corner between the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall, and forming a generally planar corner oriented at about a 45° angle relative to the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall.
US07698791B2	Safety strap buckle, in particular for automotive child safety seats The buckle has a buckle body, and a lock mechanism for releasably locking two tongues insertable inside the buckle body in a longitudinal insertion direction; the lock mechanism includes a retaining rod movable, in a release direction perpendicular to the longitudinal insertion direction, between a lock position engaging retaining seats formed in the two tongues, and a release position disengaging the two tongues to permit expulsion of the tongues from the buckle body; the lock mechanism also includes a release button movable in the release direction to move the retaining rod into the release position; and the retaining rod is movable in the release direction independently of the release button, and is maintained in the lock position by a spring.
US07698789B2	Apparatus for holding towel Disclosed is a towel holding apparatus for providing a ready access to a towel by a user. The towel holding apparatus includes an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a clasping member capable of being detachably attached to an item of the user. Further, the attachment assembly includes a first connector detachably attached to the clasping member, and a first set of magnets removably engaged with the first connector. The towel holding apparatus further includes a holding assembly. The holding assembly includes a second set of magnets removably coupled to the first set of magnets of the attachment assembly. Further, the holding assembly includes a second connector removably engaged with the second set of magnets, and a holding member detachably attached to the second connector. The holding member is capable of removably holding the towel.
US07698788B2	Fastening clip with flexible tether A fastening clip with a flexible tether for use with a vehicle includes a first fastener attached to a component such as a vehicle body, and a second fastener attached to a removable component such as a vehicle trim panel. The first and second fasteners may be connected by generally rigid arms joined by an integral hinge and by at least one flexible tether capable of elongating and contracting. The hinged arms and tether provide multiple means to prevent the trim section from freely detaching from the vehicle body and becoming a projectile following deployment of an air bag from behind the trim panel. In addition, the rigid arms cause the trim panel to move in a controlled arc. A further aspect of the invention provides a tether that is capable of stretching to allow unimpeded air bag deployment followed by contracting to pull the trim panel back towards its original position on the vehicle body.
US07698787B2	Fastener A w-base fastener includes multiple legs that compress towards a common member, to which the legs are attached, during the installation through an opening of a structure. These legs then engage the backside of the structure to which the fastener is mounted to hold the fastener in a mounted position within the opening. The fastener also includes a head or similar structure that permits items to be mounted to the fastener. The w-base fastener described herein also includes opposite flex arm features for thermal expansion for assembling moldings to a panel. Embodiments of the invention are used to provide for the ease of assembly, proper fit, and functional retention of moldings to structural panels, while also providing for the thermal expansion of the moldings. Aspects of the invention may be advantageously employed on automotive body side moldings including doors, rockers, wheel flares and other areas.
US07698786B2	Door hinge pin for portable electronic device A door hinge pin (20) for a portable electronic device (900) is provided. The door hinge pin includes a lead pin portion (201), a first pin body portion (202), a second pin body portion (204), a third pin body portion (203), and a tail pin portion (205), which connect with each other in such described order. The lead pin portion and the tail pin portion are respectively positioned substantially vertical to the first pin body portion and the third pin body portion. The first pin body portion is located in parallel with the third pin body portion. The first connecting pin portion is unsymmetrical with the second connecting pin portion about a first reference line X1. The first reference line X1 is defined parallel to the first pin body portion and the third pin body portion and located therebetween. Distance spaced between the first reference line X1 and the first pin body portion is substantially the same as that spaced between the first reference line X1 and the third pin body portion.
US07698783B2	Hinge A hinge for a door is disclosed. The hinge comprises a receiver assembly having a slot, a door leaf having a retaining spring biased away from the door leaf, the door leaf being dimensioned for insertion into the slot and a retaining device associated with the receiver assembly for releasably engaging the retaining spring to releasably retain the door leaf in the slot.
US07698777B2	Vacuum cleaner A vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower, an electric blower controller for controlling the electric blower, an electric blower current detector for detecting at least a current flowing in the electric blower, and a dust chamber provided at an upstream of the electric blower, for collecting dust particles sucked by the electric blower. A predetermined level of a current is made to flow in the electric blower regardless of a dust particle amount in the dust chamber. Preferably, the vacuum cleaner further includes voltage detector for detecting a voltage of a power supply applied to the vacuum cleaner. More preferably, the vacuum cleaner further includes a frequency detector for detecting a frequency of a power supply applied to the vacuum cleaner.
US07698765B2	Patient support This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented or substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.
US07698763B2	Method for correcting deformational plagiocephaly and other cranial deformations A pillow is provided for the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. The pillow preferably has arms which define a void with varying diameters to facilitate holding an infant's head to cause reshaping of the posterior of the skull. An anchoring mechanism may also be included to hold the pillow in place.
US07698762B2	Space saver pillow system and method for making the same A space saver pillow system comprises a space saver pillow and a bag. The space saver pillow includes a fill and a covering surrounding and enclosing the fill. The fill of the space saver pillow is adapted to generally rebound back to its natural state after being compressed. The bag encloses the space saver pillow and an amount of air. The space saver pillow enclosed in the bag is compressed no more than about 80% of its original size.
US07698760B2	Hospital bed caster control system A patient support apparatus includes a base having a first side, a second side, a head end, and a foot end, a head end caster and a foot end caster coupled to the base on the first side near the respective head and foot ends, and a head end link and a foot end link located on the first side and operably associated with the respective head and foot end casters on the first side. The head and foot end links on the first side move longitudinally in opposite directions to brake the respective head and foot end casters on the first side.
US07698758B2	Fitted covering having diagonal elastic bands A fitted mattress covering for a mattress includes lower edge portions, which may be inverted J-shaped portions, mirror-image inverted J-shaped portions, portions that terminate at an end, or inverted U-shaped portions. The covering side and end portion lower edges may join one another to form a continuous lower edge of the covering. For the J-shaped portion, an elastic binding may be disposed under a downwards folded portion. The elastic binding may extend at least partially along the length of the lower edge of the covering. An elastic band may be disposed at each corner of the covering and extend diagonally across the associated corner and have opposite ends secured adjacent one of the side portions and adjacent one of the adjacent end portions, respectively. The bands may be secured in place by stitching and/or by supplementary securing means to ensure that the bands do not pull away from the covering.
US07698756B1	Simple and strong foldable bed A stronger foldable bed having a frame and a foldably soft cover attached thereto. The frame has two pairs of side bars each pivotally connected to a central link, a tilt leg pivotally connected to a free end of each side bar, three pairs of scissoring end or middle bars linking the two pairs of side bars, a pair of middle leg each containing a telescoping leg, a reinforcing bar each pivotally connected to one side bar and a sleeve covering on each tilt leg, and a journey limit formed on each tilt leg. The foldable bed is longitudinal stable, simple and strong, without sacrificing the easiness of operation of folding and expanding. The foldable bed has a tent attached thereto with the aid of slide fasteners.
US07698750B2	Bicycle helmet with reinforcement structure A bicycle helmet has a body with a concave inner surface configured to permit the helmet to fit a user's head. The helmet also includes a reinforcement structure having a plurality of separate frames interconnected with each other, at least one of the plurality of frames comprising a unidirectional filament, wherein the reinforcement structure engages the body.
US07698749B2	Total tie keep Apparatus for restraining a necktie; the necktie has a front portion, a rear portion and a label attached to a back side of the front portion of the necktie. The apparatus includes a material having upper, middle and lower button holes that connect with upper, middle and lower buttons on the shirt. A first tab and a second tab are attached to the material and form a first loop and a second loop with the material such that said rear portion of said necktie is inserted through the first loop or the second loop. The first tab is positioned below the upper button hole and above the middle button hole and the second tab is positioned below the middle button hole and above the lower button hole on the apparatus. A tied necktie secured to the collar of the shirt is attached to the apparatus by connecting a first button on the shirt to a first button hole on the material. The rear portion of the necktie is inserted through the first or second tab on the material. The apparatus and connected rear portion of the necktie are inserted through a label on a backside of the front portion the necktie. Then, the middle and lower button holes are connected to the middle and lower buttons on the users shirt.

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