US07683242B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH338885. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH338885, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH338885 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH338885.
US07683231B2
A catalyst system capable of supporting combustion beyond the fuel rich limit of flammability comprising a catalytic component, a first support and a second support and wherein the catalytic component is present on both the first and the second support, and a process for the production of an olefin, said process comprising passing a mixture of a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas over said catalyst system to produce said olefin. The first support and the second support must differ in at least one of the following aspects: support material, support type and/or structural dimension.
US07683230B2
The specification discloses a process for the production of olefins including ethylene, propylene and butenes from methyl bromide. In a chemical reaction methyl bromide is dehydrobrominated to the olefin and hydrogen bromide. The reaction is carried out at elevated temperatures, preferably in the range of 300° C. to 500° C. A catalyst comprising a zeolite may be used.
US07683223B2
Method for purifying hydrogen chloride gas containing aromatic organic compounds, comprising at least one step of contacting the said hydrogen chloride with a scrubbing agent containing 1,2-dichlorethane.
US07683213B2
The invention relates to a method for the production of acrylic acid from propane, in which a gas mixture comprising propane, water vapour and, optionally, an inert gas and/or molecular oxygen is passed over a catalyst, comprising a crystalline catalyst phase of formula (I) or (I′) TeaMolVbNbcOx (I) Sba Mol VbOy (I′), associated with a crystalline catalyst phase for activating the propane.
US07683199B2
A fluorine-containing polyether phosphonic acid ester compound represented by the following general formula: (R2O)(R1O)P(O)(CH2)aCF(CF3)[OCF2CF(CF3)]bO(CF2)CO[CF(CF3)CF2O]dCF(CF3)(CH2)eP(O)(OR3)(OR4) (where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, aralkyl groups, or any of the foregoing groups substituted with halogen atoms, and subscripts a, b, c, d, and e are in conditions of 2≦a+e≦8, b+d≦28, and 1≦c≦10, and subscripts b and d may be 0). The fluorine-containing polyether phosphonic acid ester compound is produced by reaction of a fluorine-containing polyether dialkyl halide represented by the following general formula: X(CH2)aCF(CF3)[OCF2CF(CF3)]bO(CF2)cO[CF(CF3)CF2O]dCF(CF3)(CH2)eX (X: Cl, Br or I)with a phosphite compound represented by the following general formula: (R1O)(R2O)P(OR) and/or (R3O)(R4O)P(OR) (R: a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group).
US07683195B2
It is an object to provide a novel material that can quickly form metal silver even at a low temperature of approximately 210° C. or less. This serves as a metal silver forming material that includes a silver β-ketocarboxylate. By heating this forming material, it is possible to form metal silver quickly even at a low temperature of approximately 210° C. or less. Examples of the silver β-ketocarboxylate include silver isobutyrylacetate, silver benzoylacetate, silver acetoacetate, silver propionylacetate, silver α-methylacetoacetate, and silver α-ethylacetoacetate.
US07683189B2
There is provided a method for producing aminobenzopyran compound, which results in little wastes, has no influence on reactors and necessitates a simple work-up procedure. Concretely, it is a method for producing aminobenzopyran compound of formula (2) characterized by reducing a nitro group on 2,2-dimethyl 2H-1-benzopyran compound of formula (1) with hydrazine in the presence of a metal catalyst.
US07683170B2
Methods for manufacturing 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]-carbonyloxy-camptothecin are described comprising I. reacting a mixture of 1-chlorocarbonyl-4-piperidinopiperidine hydrochloride and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin in a polar aprotic solvent with a base in the presence of catalytic amounts of a N-containing cyclic organic compound having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and optionally in the presence of a water binding agent in an amount which effectively binds any water present in the above reactants and solvents; or II. reacting: (a) 7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin in a polar aprotic solvent with phosgene, trichlormethyl-chloroformate, bis(trichloromethyl)carbonate or a alternative to phosgene and a base in the presence of catalytic amounts of a N-containing cyclic organic compound having 3 to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) subsequently with piperidinopiperidine and an amine base.
US07683162B2
The present invention provides a process of preparing a crystalline azithromycin monohydrate. The process involves dissolving azithromycin in a solution containing ethanol, adding the dissolved azithromycin into water to precipitate the crystals, isolating and drying the precipitate to a water content of about 5% (w/w) to about 7% (w/w). The resulting azithromycin monohydrate is stable, exhibiting less than 2% degradation, and non-hydroscopic.
US07683161B2
Spinetoram is selectively produced in excellent yields by hydrogenating a mixture of 3′-O-ethyl spinosyn J and 3′-O-ethyl spinosyn L in a water miscible organic solvent using hydrogen gas and a heterogeneous catalyst.
US07683158B2
The invention is a proteinaceous construct comprising a Factor VIII molecule having at least a portion of the B domain intact, which is conjugated to a water-soluble polymer such as polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 Daltons. The construct has a biological activity of at least 80% of the biological activity of native Factor VIII, and the in vivo half-life of the construct is increased by at least 1.5 fold as compared to the in vivo half-life of native factor FVIII.
US07683153B2
Acyl-ethyleneurea terminated compounds based on the reaction of ethyleneurea with dibasic acids or methyl esters of dibasic acids or cyclic anhydrides are useful as modifying agents, cure accelerators and blocking agents with tertiary amine catalysts for epoxy resins. As epoxy modifiers, they react with epoxy resins at 120 degrees C. without a catalyst to produce modified epoxies having increased viscosity and increased reactivity and solvent power. When combined with a suitable tertiary amine catalyst, they are useful as cure accelerators at a low cure temperature of about 80 degrees C. When combined with a tertiary amine, they form complexes which provide superior latency of the epoxy-hardener mixture at 20 degrees C. Heat-curable epoxy-based compositions treated with the materials of the invention and processes whereby the various novel compositions of the invention are made, are also described.
US07683137B2
Polyethylene modified by using radical initiators such as oxygen and peroxides sometimes has a yellow color which may be reduced or eliminated by incorporating additives such as polyethylene glycol, and/or neutralizing species such as alkali metal stearates, particularly calcium stearate, and zinc oxide.
US07683135B2
The present invention provides an ethylene-vinyl alcohol based copolymer (EVOH) having fundamentally improved thermal stability. The EVOH is characterized in that the proportion of ethylene units (III) is from 20 to 60 mole % with respect to the total (III+IV+V) of ethylene units (III), vinyl alcohol units (IV), and vinyl ester units (V), and the proportion of the total (I+II) of carboxylic acids units (I) and lactone ring units (II) in copolymer terminals with respect to the total (III+IV+V) is 0.12 mole % or less. The EVOH can be obtained by, for example, contacting a reducing agent with an ethylene-vinyl ester based copolymer before saponification and/or EVOH after saponification.
US07683133B2
Disclosed is a bearing material of a medical implant, which is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite. The composite comprises, for example, UHMWPE and a polyethylene copolymer having a polymer backbone and pendant hydrophilic groups or pendant surface active agents that are attached to the polymer backbone. Also disclosed are methods for preparing bearing materials. The bearing material has one or more advantageous properties including reduced immune response, reduced wear, and/or increased lubrication.
US07683131B2
The invention relates to a moulding composition, comprising a) 50 to 99.9% by weight of a matrix composed of a thermoplastic polymer and b) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of a matting agent in the form of a (meth)acrylate copolymer dispersed in the matrix, characterized in that the matting agent is a (meth)acrylate copolymer which has been prepared from the following monomers, b1) from 50 to 95% by weight of methyl methacrylate b2) from 5 to 50% by weight of C1-C6-alkyl acrylates b3) from 0.01 to less than 0.5% by weight of a crosslinking monomer and/or graft-linking agent having two or more ethylenically unsaturated radicals capable of free-radical polymerization, b4) from 0 to 20% by weight of one or more other, non-crosslinking ethylenically unsaturated monomers capable of free-radical polymerization, where the entirety of the constituents b1) and b2) and, where appropriate, b3) and/or b4) gives 100% by weight, and the glass transition temperature Tmg of the matting agent is at least 20° C.
US07683120B2
The present invention provides a composition comprising (i) a particulate solid; (ii) an organic medium; and (iii) a salt of a hydrocarbyl-substituted acrylating agent. The invention further provides for the use of the composition in various applications including paints, inks or mill bases.
US07683117B2
A resin composition includes an aliphatic polyester; a second polymer compound other than the aliphatic polyester; and an organic phosphoric acid compound that has a phosphorus content of about 20% by mass or more.
US07683111B2
A functionalized elastomer defined by the formula where π includes a polymer chain, θ includes a group 14 element, R1 and R2 each independently include hydrogen, a monovalent organic group, or a polymer chain, R3 and R4 each independently include a divalent organic group or a covalent bond, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 each independently include a monovalent organic group or a hydrogen atom.
US07683107B2
The present invention provides a method for the deposition of an ink jet printable composition, to a substrate comprising: depositing an ink composition on a substrate by ink jet printing; wherein said composition comprises: (a) functional material; (b) organic polymer comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone; dispersed in (c) dispersion vehicle selected from organic solvent, water, or mixtures thereof; and wherein the viscosity of said composition is between 5 mPa·s to 50 mPa·s at a temperature of 25 to 35° C.
US07683094B2
An 8-azaprostaglandin represented by formula (I) (wherein all symbols have the same meanings as described in the specification), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a cyclodextrin clathrate thereof. Since the compound represented by formula (I) binds to EP2 subtype among PGE receptor strongly, it is useful for preventive and/or treatment for immune diseases, allergic diseases, neuronal cell death, dysmenorrhea, premature birth, abortion, baldness, retinal neuropathy such as glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, arthritis, pulmonary injury, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatic injury, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, shock, nephritis, renal failure, circulatory diseases, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, hemophagocytosis syndrome, macrophage activation syndrome, still disease, Kawasaki Disease, burn, systemic granuloma, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, hypercytokinemia at dialysis, multiple organ failure, or bone diseases etc.
US07683088B2
This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF-α or combinations thereof.
US07683085B2
This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, TNF- or combinations thereof.
US07683078B2
The present invention relates to sulfonamide derivatives of formula (I) notably for use as pharmaceutically active compounds, as well as to pharmaceutical formulations containing such sulfonamide derivatives. Said sulfonamide derivatives are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, said sulfonamide derivatives are efficient modulators of the JNK pathway, they are in particular efficient and selective inhibitors of JNK2 and -3. The present invention is furthermore related to novel sulfonamide derivatives as well as to methods of their preparation. Formula (I) IAr1 is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group; X is O or S, preferably O; Ar2 a substituted or unsubstituted arylene or heteroarylene group; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a C1-C6-alkyl group.
US07683075B2
The present invention relates to novel isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid amides having α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonistic activity, their preparation, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US07683063B2
A compound of formula: wherein Ar1, Ar2, V, X, R3, R4, and m are as disclosed herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (a “Cyclo(hetero)alkenyl Compound”); compositions comprising an effective amount of a Cyclo(hetero)alkenyl Compound; and methods for treating or preventing, e.g., pain, UI, an ulcer, IBD, or IBS in an animal, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Cyclo(hetero)alkenyl Compound are disclosed herein.
US07683062B2
Disclosed are a novel crystalline form of 7-chloro-N,N,5-trimethyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyridazino[4,5-b]indole-1-acetamide, processes of preparing said crystalline form of 7-chloro-N,N,5-trimethyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyridazino[4,5-b]indole-1-acetamide, compositions comprising said form in admixture with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and uses for the same.
US07683050B2
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the treatment of patients with cephalotaxines, for example, homoharringtonine. The invention is also directed to improvements in the purity, manufacturing process, formulation and administration of homoharringtonine for the treatment of cancer and other aberrant cellular diseases. The invention also provides methods and compositions for antiparasitic, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial treatments.
US07683048B2
Polymorphic crystal forms of 3-methylthiophene-2-carboxylic acid (6S,9R,10S,11S,13S,16R, 17R)-9-chloro-6-fluoro-11-hydroxy-17-methoxycarbonyl-10,13,16-trimethyl-3-oxo-6,7,8,9,10, 11,12,13,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-3H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl ester. The crystal forms possess anti-inflammatory activity and have very good stability. Methods for preparing the crystal forms are also described.
US07683047B2
The present invention includes methods for preventing endometrial hyperplasia associated with estrogen therapy through the administration of a progestin agent. The methods presented may include starting the administration of a progestin agent at a high dose, and then lowering the dose.
US07683043B2
Membrane permeable prodrugs of creatine phosphate analogs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising membrane permeable prodrugs of creatine phosphate analogs, and methods of treating diseases such as ischemia, heart failure, and neurodegenerative disorders comprising administering prodrugs of creatine phosphate analogs, or pharmaceutical compositions thereof are disclosed.
US07683037B2
The present invention relates to methods for myocardial imaging by administering at least one 2-adenosine N-pyrazole, 2-adenosine C-pyrazole or a combination thereof A2A adenosine receptor agonist to a human undergoing myocardial imaging. The invention also relates to methods of producing coronary vasodilation without significant peripheral vasodilation by administering at least one 2-adenosine N-pyrazole, 2-adenosine C-pyrazole or a combination thereof adenosine A2A adenosine receptor agonist to a human.
US07683035B1
The present invention relates to a method of stabilizing and/or isolating nucleic acids, wherein a biological sample containing nucleic acids is contacted with a cationic compound. The invention also relates to said cationic compound per se and to the use of said cationic compound in stabilizing and/or isolating nucleic acids. Furthermore, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, diagnostic compositions, and to compositions used in research, which include cationic compounds or a complex being formed upon contact of said cationic compound with a nucleic acid.
US07683034B2
The invention relates to a process for the-inhibition of the DNA synthesis necessary for the proliferation of human sebaceous cells (sebocytes) by the isolated or joint effect of inhibitors of alanyl aminopeptidase (APN) and dipetidyl peptidase IV (DP IV) expressed by these cells. The DNA synthesis (proliferation) of human sebaceous cells is inhibited by the administration of the inhibitors of APN and/or of DP IV depending on the dose. Our invention shows that, for a therapy and for a prevention of dermatological diseases with sebaceous hyperproliferation and modified conditions of differentiation, the application of inhibitors of the above-mentioned enzymes and of corresponding pharmaceutical preparations and dosage forms thereof is suitable.
US07683027B2
Provided are methods of administering glucagon so as to reduce the risk of hypoglycemic unawareness. Also provided are methods of returning hypoglycemic awareness to a subject.
US07683021B2
Various methods for selectively etching metal-containing materials (such as, for example, metal nitrides, which can include, for example, titanium nitride) relative to one or more of silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and doped silicon oxides in high aspect ratio structures with high etch rates. The etching can utilize hydrogen peroxide in combination with ozone, ammonium hydroxide, tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and/or a persulfate. The invention can also utilize ozone in combination with hydrogen peroxide, and/or in combination with one or more of ammonium hydroxide, tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide and a persulfate. The invention can also utilize ozone, hydrogen peroxide and HCl, with or without persulfate. The invention can also utilize hydrogen peroxide and a phosphate, either alone, or in combination with a persulfate.
US07683016B2
The inventive composition comprises compatible combinations of methyl esters of fatty acids or triglycerides and polar non-chlorine extreme pressure additives, the composition being either (a) a working strength straight oil, (b) a soluble oil concentrate dilutable to a working strength soluble oil, the composition when at working strength effectively lubricating metal parts during high performance metalworking, and providing environmental and safety advantages.
US07683015B2
A method of improving the rust inhibition of a lubricating oil by incorporating a solubility improver having an aniline point less than 10° C. A method of improving the rust inhibition of a lubricating oil by incorporating a solubility improver to enable the lubricating oil to meet the requirements of the MIL-PRF-17331J specification. A method of improving the rust inhibition of a lubricating oil by incorporating a solubility improver, a mixture of mono and diacid amine phosphate salts, and a alkenyl succinic compound into the lubricating oil.
US07683011B2
A process to prepare a stable solution of a borozirconate complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting zirconium complex with a first alkanolamine, then glycerol and water, then with a solution of a boron compound and a second alkanolamine. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the subterranean formation.
US07683007B2
Provided herein are catalysts useful in reductive amination, which include nickel, copper, zirconium and/or chromium, oxygen, and tin. The presence of the tin increases the selectivity of the catalyst in reductive aminations over the catalysts of the prior art.
US07683006B2
A method for transforming at least a part of the catalyst precursor hematite into x-carbide (Fe5C2) and ε′-carbide (FeC2.2) without a large amount of fines generation. This method slows the transformation of the hematite to iron carbides by reducing the partial pressure of the synthesis gas by inert gas dilution. The activation time is about three to about five hours.
US07682986B2
A method for etching an ultra high aspect ratio feature in a dielectric layer through a carbon based mask is provided. The dielectric layer is selectively etched with respect to the carbon based mask, wherein the selective etching provides a net deposition of a fluorocarbon based polymer on the carbon based mask. The selective etch is stopped. The fluorocarbon polymer is selectively removed with respect to the carbon based mask, so that the carbon based mask remains, using a trimming. The selectively removing the fluorocarbon polymer is stopped. The dielectric layer is again selectively etched with respect to the carbon based mask, wherein the second selectively etching provides a net deposition of a fluorocarbon based polymer on the carbon based mask.
US07682983B2
A manufacturing method of an electronic device, includes the steps of: implanting P (phosphorous) ions into a substrate semiconductor region made of Si or SiGe by using a resist as a mask; ashing the resist while it is heated in a vacuum environment; and taking out the substrate, the substrate being ashing processed so that a temperature of the substrate is equal to or less than 130° C.
US07682981B2
The present invention is a method of applying a topographical surface to a part such as a substrate without the need for low temperature softening of that part while retaining high aspect ratios and densely packed features in that topography. A substrate, selected for its ability to be processed at a given desired temperature, has a layer of material applied to its surface. This layer is selected, among other reasons, for its ability to be molded. Typically, it is expected that the substrate will be able to withstand the higher temperatures of semiconductor post-processing whereas the applied layer will be moldable at low temperatures. This combination enables low cost embossing of a topography into this surface layer. The present invention comprises means to transfer this topography from the low temperature material into the higher temperature substrate. In addition, the present invention comprises a means to scale the aspect ratio of the features of that topography when it is transferred into the substrate material. Since the sidewall angle must be opened enough to permit demolding of the master form from the substrate after molding, some very vertical sidewall angles may not be possible during a molding-demolding operation. The present invention is a means to achieve steeper sidewall angles on features in a substrate where those features are applied by way of a molding process.
US07682968B2
A method for forming germano-silicide contacts atop a Ge-containing layer that is more resistant to etching than are conventional silicide contacts that are formed from a pure metal is provided. The method of the present invention includes first providing a structure which comprises a plurality of gate regions located atop a Ge-containing substrate having source/drain regions therein. After this step of the present invention, a Si-containing metal layer is formed atop the said Ge-containing substrate. In areas that are exposed, the Ge-containing substrate is in contact with the Si-containing metal layer. Annealing is then performed to form a germano-silicide compound in the regions in which the Si-containing metal layer and the Ge-containing substrate are in contact; and thereafter, any unreacted Si-containing metal layer is removed from the structure using a selective etch process. In some embodiments, an additional annealing step can follow the removal step. The method of the present invention provides a structure having a germano-silicide contact layer atop a Ge-containing substrate, wherein the germano-silicide contact layer contains more Si than the underlying Ge-containing substrate.
US07682961B2
In a first aspect, a method comprises depositing a first metal containing layer into a trench structure, which contacts a metalized area of a semiconductor structure. The method further includes patterning at least one opening in a resist to the first metal containing layer. The opening should be in alignment with the trench structure. At least a pad metal containing layer is formed within the at least one opening (preferably by electroplating processes). The resist and the first metal layer underlying the resist are then etched (with the second metal layer acting as a mask, in embodiments). The method includes flowing solder material within the trench and on pad metal containing layer after the etching process. The structure is a controlled collapse chip connection (C4) structure comprising at least one electroplated metal layer formed in a resist pattern to form at least one ball limiting metallurgical layer. The structure further includes an underlying metal layer devoid of undercuts.
US07682960B2
A wafer structure and a method for fabricating the same are provided. First, a wafer having a pad and a first protection layer with a first opening is provided. Next, a second protection layer with a second opening is formed on the first protection layer. Part of the pad and the first protection layer are exposed from the openings. The edges of the openings construct a step structure. Following that, an adhesion layer is formed on the pad, the step structure and the second protection layer. Afterwards, a photo-resist layer with a third opening is formed on the adhesion layer. Then, a barrier layer is electroplated onto part of the adhesion layer. Further, a wetting layer is formed on the barrier layer, and then the photo-resist layer and part of the adhesion layer exposed outside the barrier layer are removed. Finally, a solder layer is printed onto the wetting layer.
US07682959B2
A solder bump is formed on a high-topography, electroplated copper pad integrating a first and second passivation layer. A sacrifice layer is deposited over the second passivation layer. The sacrifice layer is lithographically patterned. A via is etched in the sacrifice layer. A solder bump is formed in the via. A portion of the sacrifice layer is removed using the solder bump as a mask. A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an input/output (I/O) pad disposed over the substrate, a first passivation layer disposed over a portion of the I/O pad, a first conductive layer disposed over the first passivation layer, a second passivation layer disposed over the first conductive layer, a sacrifice layer disposed over the second passivation layer, the sacrifice layer having a via, and a solder bump formed in the via, the solder bump used as a mask to remove a portion of the sacrifice layer.
US07682952B2
A structure and method of forming same, comprising a low threading density alloy graded layer, deposited according to a deposition temperature profile in correspondence with increasing alloy composition. In one embodiment, a first substantially relaxed alloy graded layer is deposited while varying a deposition temperature according to a first temperature profile. A second substantially relaxed alloy graded layer is deposited over the first graded layer while varying a deposition temperature according to a second temperature profile. Preferably, the minimum signed rate of change of the second temperature profile is less than the maximum signed rate of change of the first temperature profile.
US07682946B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for forming a material on a substrate during an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, such as a plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD) process. In one embodiment, a method is provided which includes flowing at least one process gas through at least one conduit to form a circular gas flow pattern, exposing a substrate to the circular gas flow pattern, sequentially pulsing at least one chemical precursor into the process gas and igniting a plasma from the process gas to deposit a material on the substrate. In one example, the circular gas flow pattern has circular geometry of a vortex, a helix, a spiral, or a derivative thereof. Materials that may be deposited by the method include ruthenium, tantalum, tantalum nitride, tungsten or tungsten nitride. Other embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus configured to form the material during the PE-ALD process.
US07682944B2
A substrate comprising a trench lateral epitaxial overgrowth structure including a trench cavity, wherein the trench cavity includes a growth-blocking layer or patterned material supportive of a coalescent Pendeo layer thereon, on at least a portion of an inside surface of the trench. Such substrate is suitable for carrying out lateral epitaxial overgrowth to form a bridged lateral overgrowth formation overlying the trench cavity. The bridged lateral overgrowth formation provides a substrate surface on which epitaxial layers can be grown in the fabrication of microelectronic devices such as laser diodes, high electron mobility transistors, ultraviolet light emitting diodes, and other devices in which low dislocation density is critical. The epitaxial substrate structures of the invention can be formed without the necessity for deep trenches, such as are required in conventional Pendeo epitaxial overgrowth structures.
US07682942B2
A method creates pillar structures on a semiconductor wafer and includes the steps of providing a layer of semiconductor. A layer of photoresist is applied over the layer of semiconductor. The layer of photoresist is exposed with an initial pattern of light to effect the layer of photoresist. The photoresist layer is then etched away to provide a photoresist pattern to create the pillar structures. The photoresist pattern is processed in the layer of photoresist after the step of exposing the layer of photoresist and prior to the step of etching to reduce the dimensions of the photoresist pattern in the layer of photoresist.
US07682941B2
An integrated circuit having devices fabricated in both SOI regions and bulk regions, wherein the regions are connected by a trench filled with epitaxially deposited material. The filled trench provides a continuous semiconductor surface joining the SOI and bulk regions. The SOI and bulk regions may have the same or different crystal orientations. The present integrated circuit is made by forming a substrate with SOI and bulk regions separated by an embedded sidewall spacer (made of dielectric). The sidewall spacer is etched, forming a trench that is subsequently filled with epitaxial material. After planarizing, the substrate has SOI and bulk regions with a continuous semiconductor surface. A butted P-N junction and silicide layer can provide electrical connection between the SOI and bulk regions.
US07682935B2
A process is described to enable the manufacture of a thinned (<50 μm semiconductor die) which can employ the use of standard equipment for the manufacture of the wafer and the packaging of the die singulated from the wafer. A standard thickness wafer (350 μm) first has junctions formed in its upper surface, but the surface is not yet metallized and patterned. A rigid front plate is connected to the upper surface by a removable adhesive and the wafer is back ground to its final thickness, for example, less than 50 μm. A back metal and a thick conductive backing plate are then fixed to the back metal. The rigid front plate is then removed and the front surface of the wafer is metallized and patterned. Die singulated from the wafer carry the thick permanent conductive backing plate and may be conventionally packaged as prior art 350 μm die. The wafer can initially be partially diced.
US07682923B2
A method of forming a metal trench pattern in a thin-film device includes a step of depositing an electrode film on a substrate or on a base layer, a step of forming a resist pattern layer having a trench forming portion used to make a trench pattern, on the deposited electrode film, a step of forming a metal layer for filling spaces in the trench forming portion and for covering the trench forming portion, by performing plating through the formed resist pattern layer using the deposited electrode film as an electrode, a step of planarizing at least a top surface of the formed metal layer until the trench forming portion of the resist pattern layer is at least exposed, and a step of removing the exposed trench forming portion of the resist pattern layer.
US07682906B2
A method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory device includes forming a tunnel isolation layer forming a tunnel isolation layer on a substrate, forming a conductive pattern on the tunnel isolation layer, forming a lower silicon oxide layer on the conductive pattern, treating a surface portion of the lower silicon oxide layer with a nitridation treatment to form a first silicon oxynitride layer on the lower silicon oxide layer, forming a metal oxide layer on the first silicon oxynitride layer, forming an upper silicon oxide layer on the metal oxide layer, and forming a conductive layer on the upper silicon oxide layer.
US07682900B2
The invention relates to a method of fabricating a flash memory device. According to the method, select transistors and memory cells are formed on, and junctions are formed in a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate between a select transistor and an adjacent memory cell are over etched using a hard mask pattern. Accordingly, migration of electrons can be prohibited and program disturbance characteristics can be improved. Further, a void is formed between the memory cells. Accordingly, an interference phenomenon between the memory cells can be reduced and, therefore, the reliability of a flash memory device can be improved.
US07682899B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising a first insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer formed on the first insulating film, a second insulating film formed on the charge storage layer, and a control electrode formed on the second insulating film, wherein forming the second insulating film comprises forming an insulating film containing silicon using source gas not containing chlorine, and forming an insulating film containing oxygen and a metal element on the insulating film containing silicon.
US07682897B2
A process for fabricating a dynamic random access memory is provided. In this fabrication process, the steps of forming the silicon layer, and performing the ion implantation process and the removing process are repeated at least twice and the oxidation process is performed once to form an oxidation spacer that is larger than the landing area for a bit line contact in the prior art. Therefore, when defining a bit line contact opening, a larger process window is fabricated to prevent the occurrence of a short between the bit line contact and the gate of a transistor due to misalignment.
US07682894B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a flash memory device. The method includes forming a gate oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a floating gate including protrusions and depressions on its surface by patterning polysilicon deposited on the gate oxide layer, depositing a dielectric layer on the floating gate and the gate oxide layer, and forming a control gate by patterning polysilicon deposited on the dielectric layer.
US07682891B2
Described herein are metal gate electrode stacks including a low resistance metal cap in contact with a metal carbonitride diffusion barrier layer, wherein the metal carbonitride diffusion barrier layer is tuned to a particular work function to also serve as a work function metal for a pMOS transistor. In an embodiment, the work function-tuned metal carbonitride diffusion barrier prohibits a low resistance metal cap layer of the gate electrode stack from migrating into the MOS junction. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the work function of the metal carbonitride barrier film is modulated to be p-type with a pre-selected work function by altering a nitrogen concentration in the film.
US07682873B2
A semiconductor multi-package module having stacked second and first packages, each package including a die attached to a substrate, in which the first and second package substrates are interconnected by wire bonding, and in which the first package is a flip chip ball grid array package in a die-down configuration. Also, a method for making a semiconductor multi-package module, by providing a first package including a first package substrate and having a die-down flip chip configuration, affixing a second package including a second package substrate an upper surface of the first package, and forming z-interconnects between the first and second package substrates.
US07682865B2
The subject invention comprises the realization of a superlattice photodiode with polyimide surface passivation. Effective surface passivation of type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes with cutoff wavelengths in the long-wavelength infrared is presented. A stable passivation layer, the electrical properties of which do not change as a function of the ambient environment, nor time, can be realized by a solvent-based surface preparation, vacuum desorption, and the application of an insulating polyimide layer.
US07682863B2
A Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes a red photodiode formed in an first epitaxial layer, an isolation layer formed with a contact region left in a partial area of the red photodiode, a green photodiode formed in a surface of the isolation layer, a contact formed in the contact region at a predetermined spatial distance from the green photodiode, a second epitaxial layer formed on the first epitaxial layer in which the green photodiode is formed, a plurality of plugs formed in the second epitaxial layer and electrically connected to the green photodiode and the contact, a device isolation film formed in a surface of the second epitaxial layer, a blue photodiode formed in a surface of the second epitaxial layer above the green photodiode, and a well region formed in the second epitaxial layer inside the plug.
US07682861B2
The present invention relates to measuring devices used in measuring physical quantities, such as acceleration, angular acceleration, or angular velocity, and, more precisely, to micromechanical motion sensors. The area, in the wafer plane, of a motion sensor component according to the present invention is smaller than the area of the motion sensor component having been dice cut and turned by 90°. Correspondingly, the height of the motion sensor component according to the present invention, the component having been turned by 90°, is smaller, in the direction of the joint, than the thickness of the wafer stack formed by the joined wafers. The object of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a micromechanical motion sensor, and to provide a micromechanical motion sensor suitable, in particular, for use in small micromechanical motion sensor solutions.
US07682858B2
A wafer processing method for dividing a wafer having function elements in area sectioned by dividing lines formed on the front surface in a lattice pattern into individual chips along the dividing lines, comprising a deteriorated layer forming step for forming a deteriorated layer on the side of the back surface of a position at a distance corresponding to the final thickness of the chip from the front surface of the wafer by applying a laser beam capable of passing through the wafer along the dividing lines from the back surface of the wafer; a dividing step for dividing the wafer into individual chips along the dividing lines by applying external force to the wafer in which the deteriorated layer has been formed along the dividing lines; and a back surface grinding step for grinding the back surface of the wafer divided into individual chips to the final thickness of the chip.
US07682851B2
An organic light emitting display and a manufacturing method thereof include an improved encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer of the organic light emitting display includes an organic layer uniformly covering bank portions and light emitting areas on a substrate; and an inorganic layer formed thicker on the light emitting areas than on the bank portions. In the organic light emitting display, the inorganic layer is thick on the light emitting area in which a sealing ability is required and the bank portion is thin in order to provide flexibility. Therefore, the encapsulation layer can be formed more easily compared to an encapsulation layer on a device in which the organic layer and inorganic layer are alternately formed at least 10 times.
US07682850B2
A white light LED for use in backlighting or otherwise illuminating an LCD is described where the white light LED comprises a blue LED over which is affixed a preformed red phosphor platelet and a preformed green phosphor platelet. In one embodiment, to form a platelet, a controlled amount of phosphor powder is placed in a mold and heated under pressure to sinter the grains together. The platelet can be made very smooth on all surfaces. A UV LED may also be used in conjunction with red, green, and blue phosphor plates. The LED dies vary in color and brightness and are binned in accordance with their light output characteristics. Phosphor plates with different characteristics are matched to the binned LEDs to create white light LEDs with a consistent white point for use in backlights for liquid crystal displays.
US07682838B2
Magnetic nanoparticles and methods for their use in detecting biological molecules are disclosed. The magnetic nanoparticles can be attached to nucleic acid molecules, which are then captured by a complementary sequence attached to a detector, such as a spin valve detector or a magnetic tunnel junction detector. The detection of the bound magnetic nanoparticle can be achieved with high specificity and sensitivity.
US07682835B2
A system and a method of the interaction and preservation of two or more reagents used in a chemical reaction is described, in which the reagents are put in contact one with another only when a buffer (A) carrying a sample to be treated with said reagents breaks a partition barrier (4, 14) placed between two containers belonging to a device comprising a first upper container (2, 12) and a second lower container (3, 13) of a test tube (1), the bottom wall of the first container (2, 12) forming said partition barrier (4, 14) able to be perforated by the buffer (A) carrying the sample to be treated.
US07682832B1
Gas flow is controlled to a feed gas consuming device depending on whether a contaminant gas is present. In one embodiment, hydrogen gas flow from a hydrogen gas generator to a hydrogen consuming device, such as a fuel cell, gas chromatograph or a flame ionization detector, is terminated when there is chemical contaminant breakthrough in the hydrogen gas flow. The apparatus relates to the use of a sensor for detecting a predetermined concentration of a chemical contaminant such as ammonia. In one embodiment the apparatus terminates the gas flow when a concentration of ammonia in the gas flow corresponds to a breakthrough (e.g., approximately in the range of 2.0% or greater). The apparatus prevents the ammonia-contaminated hydrogen from disabling such a hydrogen consuming device that would have otherwise received the contaminated gas flow. The apparatus terminates such a hydrogen contaminated gas flow by exposing a breakthrough detection material to the gas flow, wherein this material is substantially only reactive to concentrations of a predetermined contaminant (e.g., ammonia) for terminating the gas flow when such concentrations are indicative of a breakthrough of the contaminant. For instance, such a material may undergo a readily discernible change when in the presence of at least a predetermined concentration of the contaminant corresponding to a breakthrough. Such a discernible change in the breakthrough detection material may be, e.g., one or more of: a change in volume, density, opacity, color and/or electrical conductivity or potential. The 20 detection material may be used in series with other substances that chemically and physically capture impurities in the gas flow until the detection material reacts, stopping the flow of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device.
US07682830B2
A product shelf life monitoring system comprises a label substrate bearing upon a limited portion of its area an active indicator composition responsive to varying temperature over time to effect a visible change in color density or the like. The susceptibility of the indicator composition to similarly respond to incidence of vagrant ultraviolet light is ameliorated by application of an area of ultraviolet light absorbent composition in register above the indicator composition and extending at most only slightly beyond the periphery of the area of indicator composition. In this manner, the remaining area of the label is preserved for ultraviolet light responsive implementations, and only a minimal, economical amount of ultraviolet light absorbent composition is expended.
US07682827B2
The present invention provides a method for microelectronic positioning bioparticles, which utilizes dielectric and non-contact electrical force of cell themselves associated with multi-phase electrical signals to attain uniformity of distribution of the bioparticles and positioning thereof within micro-areas in a cell culture system. The obstacle of system geometrical structure is eliminated so as to simplify the system layout and programmably change cells' positions. The present method is suitable for treating cell array in a large quantity. The present method utilizes electrical control for the cells. The clamping of the cells can be removed at any time. It is very advantageous for collection and redistribution of cell products.
US07682823B1
The present invention provides novel bioreactor systems, adapted to provide continuous batch incubation of microbes, especially bacteria. The bioreactor bags are preloaded with dry, inert microbes prior to being shipped to the user. Multiple sterile, preloaded, disposable bioreactor bags are used in a self-contained housing. The bags are automatically incubated in the housing and dispensed, preferably into an irrigation system. The system will provide serial batch production of useful microbes for a week or more, without further supervision or intervention.Methods of manufacture, methods of use, methods of sales, and methods of farming are also provided.
US07682817B2
A microfluidic assay device for determining the presence or absence of an analyte within a fluid test sample is provided. The present invention provides a technique for achieving continuous flow in a microfluidic device by using at least one input channel, an analysis zone, and a plurality of wicking channels disposed about the perimeter of the analysis zone. In one embodiment, for example, the wicking channels extend radially from the analysis zone. As a result of the particular configuration of the microfluidic device, an assay may performed in a “single step” without the need for active forces, such as a pressure source, electrokinetic force, etc., to induce flow of the fluid test sample through the device. Likewise, flow rate is controlled so that the dwell time of the fluid test sample within the analysis zone is long enough to allow for the desired reactions and/or detection.
US07682814B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing lactic acid with high concentration and high yield using Lactobacillus paracasei CJLA0310 KCCM-10542 that is separated and identified from Kimchi. Lactic acid is a very important organic acid with a wide range of applications including food additive such as food preservative, condiment or acidifier, and industrial fields such as cosmetics, chemistry, metals, electronics, fabrics, dyeing textiles, and pharmaceutical industries. Particularly, lactic acid is an essential ingredient of polylactic acid, one of biodegradable plastics to replace recalcitrant non-biodegradable plastics which are main causes of environmental contamination.
US07682811B2
Clostridium phytofermentans cells (American Type Culture Collection 700394T) and all other strains of the species can ferment materials such as biomass into useful products and coproducts, such as ethanol, hydrogen and organic acids. Compositions that include Clostridium phytofermentans are also disclosed.
US07682810B2
Ear corn is picked from corn fields by ear corn harvesters and transported to a central shelling station associated with an ethanol manufacturing facility. Shelled corn from the central shelling station is processed into ethanol at the ethanol manufacturing facility, and corn cobs from the central shelling station are burned to provide process heat for the ethanol manufacturing process. Energy is conserved and costs are reduced during the picking and shelling of the car corn and by the burning of cobs for process heat.
US07682805B2
The invention relates to the use of Reelin as a marker for diagnosing psychiatric conditions. The disclosed tools and techniques can facilitate the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism.
US07682800B2
The invention provides monoclonal antibodies and other binding agents to human cytochrome P450 2C19 having advantageous properties, including capacity substantially to inhibit enzyme activity of human cytochrome P450 2C19 and lack of specific binding to other human cytochrome P450s. The binding agents of the invention are useful inter alia in methods for screening drugs for metabolism by cytochrome P450 2C19, and in methods of measuring P450 2C19 levels in individuals relative to P450 2C19 levels in a control population.
US07682794B2
The present application is in the field of sialic acid chemistry, metabolism and antigenicity. More particularly, the present invention relates to the detection and analysis of the non-human sialic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) in bio-logical materials, such as food and clinical specimens. Such detection and analysis is facilitated by the use of Neu5Gc specific antibodies. The present invention also relates to the detection of anti Neu5Gc antibodies in clinical samples, as well as the production of anti-Neu5Gc specific antibodies.
US07682793B2
A process for the preparation of active receptor and receptor complex fractions from cell lines expressing cell surface receptors which comprises applying ultrasonication to provide said expression to the cells in an aqueous (detergent free or substantially detergent free) composition.
US07682790B2
The present invention relates to new compositions for isolating and/or stabilizing nucleic acids in materials of biological origin. The compositions comprise as an essential ingredient a cationic compound of general formula Y+R1R2R3R4X− wherein Y may represent nitrogen or phosphorus R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently of one another may represent a branched or unbranched C1-C20-alkyl group and/or a C6-C20-aryl group as well as a C6-C26-aralkyl group and X− may represent an anion of an inorganic or organic, mono- or polybasic acid.
US07682787B2
The present invention uncovers that mutations in GALNT3 gene encoding UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (GalNAc-T3) cause familial tumoral calcinosis (FTC). Methods and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating disorders associated with abnormal phosphate metabolism are provided. Specifically, inducers of GalNAc-T3 can be used to treat hyperphosphatemia related disorders such as FTC, and on the other hand, inhibitors of GalNAc-T3 can be used to treat disorders associated with hypophosphatemia, such as hypophosphatemic rickets.
US07682786B1
A method for specifically determining the presence of a target by contacting said target in the presence of other targets with a probe capable of binding to said target to form a complex of said target with said probe, wherein the contacting is performed in the presence of a compound enhancing the specificity of said binding or the complex formed is contacted with a compound enhancing the specificity of said binding. This method opens the way to a better discrimination between related nucleic acid sequences in diagnostic assays.
US07682781B2
A method of screening a candidate compound for susceptibility to biliary excretion. The method includes the steps of providing a culture of hepatocytes, the culture having at least one bile canaliculus; exposing a candidate compound to the culture; and determining an amount of candidate compound in the at least one bile canaliculus, the amount of candidate compound in the at least one bile canaliculus indicating the susceptibility of the candidate compound to biliary excretion. Optionally, the culture of hepatocytes is a long-term culture in a sandwich configuration. The method is particularly applicable to the screening of multiple candidate compounds in a single effort.
US07682780B2
An industrial X-ray photosensitive material including at least one silver halide emulsion layer on both sides of a transparent support, wherein the silver halide emulsion layer contains tabular silver halide particles having an average particle thickness of less than 0.2 μm and an aspect ratio of more than 8, a core of the particles which is a core having a volume of 1% or more and less than 3% of a particle volume does not contain Ir or Rh, and a shell of the particles which is a shell having a volume of 97% or more and less than 99% of a particle volume contains at least Ir or Rh. An industrial X-ray photosensitive material having rapid processing suitability, as well as high sensitivity and high contrast is provided.
US07682779B2
A manufacturing method of a liquid discharge head having therein liquid discharge ports and liquid flow passageways communicated with the discharge ports, includes: providing, by depositing, on a substrate, lamination of first and second material layers containing first and second positive type photosensitive resins, respectively, first material layer containing a light absorber absorbing a light in a specific wavelength range to which first positive type photosensitive resin is photosensitive, second positive type photosensitive resin able to be photosensitive to the light in specific wavelength range; exposing second material layer to light in specific wavelength range thereby forming a pattern made of material of second material layer; exposing first material layer to light in specific wavelength range thereby forming a pattern made of first material layer; forming a coating layer covering obtained patterns formed on substrate; forming discharge ports in coating layer; and removing patterns to eventually obtain flow passageways.
US07682777B2
A method for producing a polymer structure on a patterning region of a substrate surface includes the steps of depositing an adhesion layer having a first polymer material onto the substrate surface, patterning the adhesion layer such that the first polymer material of the adhesion layer is removed in a first region and the first polymer material of the adhesion layer remains in a second region including the patterning region, depositing a polymer layer of a second polymer material onto the substrate surface and the adhesion layer and patterning the polymer layer such that the polymer structure forms in the second region.
US07682776B2
A laser sensitive lithographic printing plate comprises an electrochemically grained, anodized, hydrophilically treated aluminum substrate with a reflection optical density of 0.30 or higher; a free radical polymerizable photosensitive layer; and a water soluble or dispersible overcoat. The photosensitive layer comprises a polymeric binder, a free radical polymerizable monomer, a free radical initiator, and a sensitizing dye. Such dark aluminum substrate in combination with the hydrophilic treatment allows both clean background and good printing durability. Such plate can be exposed with a suitable laser at lower dosage to cause hardening in the exposed areas. The exposed plate can be developed with a regular liquid developer or with ink and/or fountain solution.
US07682771B2
In one aspect, the invention provides a fluorochemical composition comprising a mixture of: a fluorochemical selected from the formula: wherein RF is a fluorinated group having the formula: Rf—W—, wherein Rf is a perfluoroalkyl or perfluoropolyether group and W is a divalent linking group; PI is a monovalent pendant organic moiety comprising benzophenone, substituted benzophenone, acetophenone, or substituted acetophenone groups; R is H, CH3, or F; Rh is lower alkyl selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl-containing alkyl groups having from 4 to about 8 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl groups having from 3 to about 8 carbon atoms, all optionally containing catenated O or N atoms; m is at least 2; n is at least 1; q is zero or greater; and a hydrofluoroether.
US07682768B2
A process for producing a polymerized toner, comprising the step of polymerizing a polymerizable monomer composition containing a polymerizable monomer and a colorant in the presence of a polymerization initiator in an aqueous dispersion medium to form colored polymer particles, the process comprising the steps of mixing the polymerizable monomer with the colorant to prepare a polymerizable monomer mixture having an initial viscosity of 10 to 3,000 mPa·s or 0.3 to 1 mPa·s as measured at 25° C. by a Brookfield type viscometer, and then feeding the polymerizable monomer mixture to a media type dispersing machine to finely disperse the colorant by the media type dispersing machine, thereby preparing a dispersed polymerizable monomer mixture having a viscosity after the dispersion, the ratio of increase in viscosity of which is 1.0 to 10 times or 100 to 2,000 times as high as the initial viscosity.
US07682767B2
Provided can be easily producible toner containing polyester resin particles, exhibiting excellent fixability and fine line reproduction, in which high quality images can stably be formed for a long duration, the toner manufacturing method, and the image forming method. Also disclosed is a manufacturing method of toner possessing the steps of conducting a polymerization process for acquiring polyester resin particles via condensation-polymerization of carboxylic acid and alcohol employing oil droplets after forming the oil droplets including a polymerizable composite containing at least one kind of carboxylic acid with divalence or more and at least one kind of alcohol with divalence or more in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant including a compound having a long chain hydrocarbon group and acidic group, and conducting a coagulation process for acquiring toner particles by coagulating at least the polyester particles in the aqueous medium.
US07682762B2
Processes for making photosensitive organic pigments for use in imaging members, specifically processes for making photosensitive phthalocyanine pigments having a specific nanocrystal form. Embodiments include a copper phthalocyanine nanocrystal with good charge generation for use in the formulation of a charge generating layer and narrow particle size distribution.
US07682757B2
A pattern layout for forming an integrated circuit includes a first device pattern, a second device pattern, and an auxiliary pattern. The first device pattern includes a line and a space alternately arrayed on a fixed pitch having regular intervals in a first direction. The second device pattern is disposed on the fixed pitch and separated from the first device pattern in the first direction. The second device pattern has a pattern width an odd-number times larger than the regular intervals of the fixed pitch, wherein the odd-number is set to be three or more. The auxiliary pattern is disposed on the fixed pitch and within the second device pattern and configured not to be resolved by light exposure.
US07682756B2
The invention is directed to a pattern on a mask. The pattern comprises a main dense pattern, a first anti-aberration pattern and a second anti-aberration pattern. The main dense pattern comprises a first outmost sub-pattern and a second outmost sub-pattern, wherein the first outmost sub-pattern and the second pattern are not adjacent to each other. The first anti-aberration pattern is located adjacent to the first outmost sub-pattern with a first distance. The second anti-aberration pattern is located adjacent to the second outmost sub-pattern with a second distance, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different from each other.
US07682752B2
A battery in which the relative positions of a cathode, an anode and a separator are maintained with high precision is provided. A cathode and an anode face each other with a polymer electrolyte including a polymer and a separator in between. In each of the cathode and the anode, an active material layer is disposed on a current collector. Exposed regions where the active material layers are not disposed on the current collectors and the separator are adhered to each other with the polymer electrolyte in between. Thereby, even under a high-temperature environment, the heat shrinkage of the separator can be prevented, and heat generation due to the generation of a short-circuit current can be prevented.
US07682749B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery uses, as its positive electrode or negative electrode, an electrode containing an active material and a conductive agent, the active material being made of a mixture of a molybdenum dioxide and a lithium titanium oxide in a weight ratio (molybdenum dioxide: lithium titanium oxide) of from 90:10 to 50:50, and the conductive agent containing graphitized vapor grown carbon fiber and massive graphite. The massive graphite has an average particle size of 10 μm or greater.
US07682744B2
A lithium secondary battery having high capacity and good charge-discharge cycle performance is provided. The lithium secondary battery includes a negative electrode (2) containing silicon as a negative electrode active material, a positive electrode (1) containing a positive electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material is a lithium-transition metal composite oxide including a layered structure represented by the chemical formula LiaNixMnyCozO2, where a, x, y, and z satisfy the expressions: 0≦a≦1.3, x+y+z=1, 0
US07682742B2
A battery capable of improving cycle characteristics is provided. An anode contains Si as an element. Where the Li insertion amount per unit area when the anode is fully charged is A, the Li amount capable of being electronically inserted per unit area of the anode is B, and the maximum utilization ratio C % is (A/B)×100, the maximum utilization ratio C % is in the range from 35% to 85%. The surface roughness Ra value of the anode current collector is 0.2 μm or more.
US07682733B2
A monolithically integrated lithium thin film battery (10) provides increased areal capacity on a single level (without stacking of multiple cells). The Lithium thin film battery (10) comprises a substrate (12) having a surface (13) textured to comprise a plurality of openings (16) having sides (15) angled between 10 and 80 degrees to the surface (13). A current collector (18) and a cathode (22) are formed on the substrate (12) and within the openings (16). An electrolyte (24) comprising lithium phosphorous oxynitride is formed by physical vapor deposition on the cathode (22), thereby providing a layer on the surface of the cathode (22) and within the openings (16) of the cathode having substantially the same thickness. An anode (26) and a capping layer (28) are then formed on the electrolyte (24).
US07682726B2
The invention relates to a device for locking electrical devices (2) with battery packs (4) for power supply, in which the electrical devices (2) have one movable locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) and the battery packs (4) have at least two recesses (24, 26), and upon locking, the recesses (24, 26) are located one after the other in the direction of a relative motion between the electrical device (2) and the battery pack (4), and after locking, the locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) engages one of the recesses (24, 26). It is provided that the recesses (24, 26) are differently shaped or of different dimensions or are offset transversely to the direction of motion; and that in different combinations of electrical devices (2) and battery packs (4), the shape, dimensions and/or offset of the recesses (24, 26) are each adapted to the shape, dimensions or position of the locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) in such a way that the locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) engages either only the front recess (24) or only the rear recess (26) or successively the front recess and then the rear recess (24, 26, respectively).
US07682720B2
A technique for determining whether a cooling fluid pump used for pumping a cooling fluid through a fuel cell stack has failed. The technique includes measuring the temperature of the cooling fluid at the output from the stack and/or measuring the cathode exhaust gas temperature as close as possible to the cathode outlet of the stack. The measured temperature is compared to a temperature that would be expected under the current operating conditions of the fuel cell system in a controller. If the difference between the measuring temperature and the expected temperature is large enough, then the controller provides a warning signal of pump failure, and also possibly reduces the stack outlet power.
US07682718B2
Fuel processing and fuel cell systems with feedstock delivery systems that are designed to deliver a mixed component feed stream to a hydrogen-producing region for the production of hydrogen gas therefrom and to selectively deliver the feed stream to a heating assembly for use as a combustible fuel stream for heating at least the hydrogen-producing region. The feed stream contains water and a carbon-containing feedstock, and may contain at least 31 vol % water. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system may be adapted to mix the components of the feed stream at a determined mix ratio and to deliver this feed stream to the fuel processor(s). The fuel processing system may also include one or more fuel cell stacks that are adapted to produce an electric current from the product hydrogen stream produced by the fuel processing system.
US07682716B2
A method for operating a direct methanol fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a fuel cell main body having a fuel electrode and an air electrode disposed in opposing positions on either side of an electrolyte film. In this method, an aqueous methanol solution is supplied directly to the fuel electrode. A quantity of the aqueous methanol solution supplied is controlled in accordance with an electric current value drawn from the fuel cell main body so as to minimize a quantity of unused methanol within a discharge fluid discharged from the fuel electrode.
US07682712B2
A data/information storage and retrieval medium comprises: (a) a substrate having a layer stack thereon, the layer stack including an outer surface and comprising at least one magnetic or magneto-optical (“MO”) recording layer; and (b) a thin film or layer of a lubricant on the outer surface of the layer stack and comprised of a derivatized perfluoropolyether-based material including at least one generally linear perfluoropolyether chain and at least one phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer moiety attached to at least one end of at least one the chain.
US07682704B2
A metal injection-molding feedstock is heated and plasticized. Supercritical carbon dioxide is injected into the feedstock to form micropores when the pressure is reduced and a parts mold is filled. The micropores are retained when the green parts are debindered and sintered.
US07682701B2
The composition for forming silica based coating of the invention comprises siloxane resin such as an alkoxysilane as component (a), a solvent such as an alcohol capable of dissolving the siloxane resin as component (b), an ammonium salt, etc. as component (c) and a thermal decomposing/volatile compound as component (d), wherein the stress of the coating obtained by heat treatment at 150° C./3 min is 10 MPa and the specific permittivity of the silica based coating obtained by final curing is less than 3.0. The composition for forming silica based coating according to the invention can form a silica based coating having low permittivity, excellent adhesion and sufficient mechanical strength.
US07682689B2
Disclosed is a successively biaxially stretched film obtained by successive biaxial stretching method comprising extruding a melt of a β-crystal nucleating agent-containing polypropylene-based resin composition from a T-die, cooling the extruded resin on a chill roll, and stretching the resulting web sheet longitudinally and then transversely, wherein the longitudinally stretched sheet is made to have a degree of β-crystal orientation of less than 0.3 by the following method (I) and/or (II), optionally subjected to annealing treatment, and transversely stretched: method (I): melting the polypropylene-based resin composition containing needle crystals of a specific β-crystal nucleating agent at a temperature not lower than m.p. of the polypropylene-based resin and lower than dissolution temperature of the β-crystal nucleating agent in the polypropylene-based resin melt, and extruding the melt from the T-die at the same temperature, method (II): adjusting neck-in ratio during longitudinal stretching to 25 to 55%. The porous polypropylene film has good breakage resistance during manufacture, excellent thickness uniformity, high porosity and air-permeability, and is useful for battery separators.
US07682682B2
The object of this invention is a stiffener stop in particular for a primary structural panel of the “skin+stiffener” type for aircraft, said stop consisting of an initial slope connected to the normal height of the stiffener and a final slope, wherein at least one interval having a slope nearly equal to zero with respect to the plane of the base skin in the stop area is inserted between the two aforesaid slopes.
US07682674B2
The present invention relates to a composition, which is useful for producing coatings for metal sheet substrates of metal cans for storing and/or transporting food or beverages or a lid thereof, and which comprises the following components: (a) 30 to 90 wt. % of a polyvinylchloride-(PVC)-polymer, (b) 7 to 25 wt. % of an acrylic resin, (c) 3 to 40 wt. % of a crosslinking agent, which is produced from phenol, para-tert.-butylphenol, xylenol or a mixture thereof, and formaldehyde, (d) 0 to 8 wt. % additive, (e) 0 to 50 wt. % pigment and (f) a solvent-component, where all weight percentages are on the basis of the total dry weight of the coating composition (without solvents) and the composition is substantially free of bisphenol-A-diglycidyl-ether (“BADGE”) and also substantially free of bisphenol-A-resins. The composition provides metal can coatings that have suitable flexibility, scratch resistance, adherence and sterilization resistance when processed in contact with food. The coatings are suitable for three-piece cans as well as deep-drawn metal cans. In particular they are, however, useful for lids that are to be torn open due to their extraordinary flexibility and sterilization resistance.
US07682670B2
A molecular beam source for use in thin-film accumulation, which enables the adjustment of the volume of a molecular beam, which is discharged per hour by using a needle valve, to be constant irrespective of a decrease in a thin-film element-forming material remaining within a crucible, contains heaters 32 and 42 for heating the thin-film element-forming materials “a” and “b” within crucibles 31 and 41, and valves 33 and 43 for adjusting the volumes to be discharged of molecules of the thin-film element forming materials “a” and “b”, which are generated within the crucibles 31 and 41. It further contains a controller for adjusting the opening of the valves 33 and 43 by servomotors 36 and 46 through feeding back information relating to the volumes of the molecular beams, which are obtained from film-thickness meters 16 and 26 for detecting the volume of molecular beams discharged towards the film-forming surface, a heating electric power source for supplying an electric power to heaters 32 and 42, and a controller for adjusting the electric power to be supplied to the heating electric power source depending upon the information relating to the volume of the molecular sources and information relating to the opening of the valves.
US07682667B2
An adhesion strength of spray coating comparable to that obtained in a conventional combination of blast treatment and gas flame spraying can be realized even if roughening is conducted with the use of simple tools by performing in advance such a roughening treatment that the average roughness (Ra) of the surface of the thermal spray subject falls within the range of 2 to 10 μm with the use of a grinding tool, and thereafter carrying out thermal spraying under such conditions that the average area of each of molten particles when molten particles of a thermal spray material have stuck to the surface of thermal spray subject falls within the range of 10000 to 100000 μm2. In the roughening by grinding tools, a large-scale apparatus is not needed as different from the blast treatment, and portable small tools can be used in overhead location work at field repair. The scattering of powder resulting from grinding is slight so that the danger of environmental pollution is low.
US07682666B2
Method of preparing single-layer or multilayer color and/or effect films comprising a color and/or effect layer, by (1) continuously applying a component amount of a basecoat material (A) by means of a directed application technique to a carrier, the applicator (1) and the carrier being in relative motion with respect to one another, to construct a portion of the color and/or effect layer, (2) at least once, continuously applying the remainder of the basecoat material (A) and/or a basecoat material (B), which is different than the basecoat (A), to the component layer (1) formed by an application technique (2) which in the resulting component layer (2) induces no arrangement of the pigments in a preferential direction, the applicator (2) and the carrier being in relative motion with respect to one another, to further or fully construct the color and/or effect layer, and (3) drying or partly or fully curing the color and/or effect layer.
US07682660B2
A method of fabricating an organic film is provided. A non-reactive carrier gas is used to transport an organic vapor. The organic vapor is ejected through a nozzle block onto a cooled substrate, to form a patterned organic film. A device for carrying out the method is also provided. The device includes a source of organic vapors, a source of carrier gas and a vacuum chamber. A heated nozzle block attached to the source of organic vapors and the source of carrier gas has at least one nozzle adapted to eject carrier gas and organic vapors onto a cooled substrate disposed within the vacuum chamber.
US07682657B2
The present invention provides for sequential chemical vapor deposition by employing a reactor operated at low pressure, a pump to remove excess reactants, and a line to introduce gas into the reactor through a valve. A first reactant forms a monolayer on the part to be coated, while the second reactant passes through a radical generator which partially decomposes or activates the second reactant into a gaseous radical before it impinges on the monolayer. This second reactant does not necessarily form a monolayer but is available to react with the monolayer. A pump removes the excess second reactant and reaction products completing the process cycle. The process cycle can be repeated to grow the desired thickness of film.
US07682655B1
A method and apparatus for remotely installing a monolithic liner in a conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main component body including electromagnetic actuators, pneumatic cylinders, linear actuators relays, solenoids, ion generator, attachment points for tethers, umbilical, cameras and diameter specific guides and a reciprocation head attached thereto. The longitudinally traversing reciprocation head incorporates a fluid driven rotary turbine motor assembly communicating with shaft and self cleaning dissipation device integrating both conical and inverted cone surfaces. Also included on the reciprocating assembly is an impingement block for the efficient mixing of products and a termination mechanism for the precise remote control of product flow. Additionally, the assembly provides the ion generator to direct a stream of negatively charged air flow to the shaft and the diffusion device to effectively prohibit excess material accumulation.
US07682652B2
The present invention relates to a method of surface treatment, a method for forming circuit lines, a printed circuit board formed thereby, and an apparatus for forming circuit lines on a substrate, wherein fine circuit lines are formed simply, rapidly, and economically. The method for forming circuit lines of the present invention comprises: (a) selectively applying a surface treatment solution which includes an alkali metal compound on a base film in accordance with circuit patterns by a discharging method; (b) applying a conductive ink which includes metal nanoparticles in accordance with the surface-treated circuit pattern; and (c) curing the base film on which the conductive ink is applied under a reduction atmosphere lines.
US07682651B2
A method for manufacturing a display device, having hollows containing fine particles, for displaying an image using the fine particles includes a step of packing a dispersion in the hollows, the dispersion containing the fine particles, a dispersion medium, and a precursor, dissolved or dispersed in the dispersion medium, for forming a sealing layer; a step of providing a support layer on partitions; a step of coating a face of the support layer and end portions of the partitions with the sealing layer precursor by allowing the face of the support layer and the end portions of the partitions to adsorb the sealing layer precursor, the face of the support layer and the end portions of the partitions being in contact with the dispersion; and a step of forming the sealing layer by subjecting the resulting sealing layer precursor to at least one of polymerization and cross-linking.
US07682650B1
An improved process for the creation or formation of nanocrystalline layers on substrates' surfaces is provided. The process involves “prescuffing” the surface of a substrate such as a metal by allowing friction to occur on the surface by a load-bearing entity making rubbing contact and moving along and on the substrate's surface. The “prescuffing” action is terminated when the coefficient of friction between the surface and the noise is rising significantly. Often, the significant rise in the coefficient of friction is signaled by a change in pitch of the scuffing action sound emanating from the buffeted surface. The “prescuffing” gives rise to a harder and smoother surface which withstands better any inadequate lubrication that may take place when the “prescuffed” surface is contacted by other surfaces.
US07682637B2
A product made by a process which results in compositions enriched in total phenols includes purification steps not involving the addition of bisulfite ions. The enriched compositions are characterized as containing monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric phenols, total phenol concentration >12% and exhibiting in vitro COX-2 inhibitory activity enhanced by a factor of at least 2.5 over a standard aspirin dose of 660 μg/mL.
US07682636B2
A novel formulation is provided that serves to inhibit the inflammatory response in animals. The formulation comprises, as a first component an effective amount of a curcuminoid species and an effective amount of a second component selected from the group consisting of an alpha-acid species or a beta-acid species or derivatives thereof. The composition provides synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in response to physical or chemical injury or abnormal immune stimulation due to a biological agent or unknown etiology.
US07682635B2
A composition comprises an aqueous dispersion of particles (p) of mean hydrodynamic diameter between 50 and 5000 nm. The particles contain (A) polymers based on cyclodextrin units, comprising on average at least four cyclodextrin units within their structure; and (B) macromolecules of polysaccharides comprising groups G capable of forming inclusion complexes with the cyclodextrins present in the structure of the polymers (A), with an average number of groups G per polysaccharide macromolecule at least equal to three. The compounds (A) and (B) are water-soluble in the isolated state. A method is also provided which relates to the preparation of these compositions, as well as their use in order to achieve the encapsulation of compounds such as active substances.
US07682632B2
Disclosed is an oral dosage form comprising (i) an opioid agonist in releasable form and (ii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is substantially not released when the dosage form is administered intact.
US07682621B2
There is provided a cosmetic gel. The gel has a multiplicity of colored fibers; one or more gellants; a film former different than the gellant if need for the gel to dry to a smooth film; and one or more liquid vehicles. The gel is substantially translucent, preferably transparent, and has a viscosity of about 100,000 cps to about 300,000 cps. The colored fibers are dispersed within the gel. The cosmetic gel dries to a dry, smooth film upon topical application. There is also a method for imparting color to the skin, hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
US07682613B2
Methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of seizures and epilepsy. It is shown herein that leukocyte recruitment plays a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Treatment with an agent that inhibits leukocyte recruitment has therapeutic and preventative effects in blocking recurrent seizures and epilepsy.
US07682606B2
Methods are described for producing reduced, methylated, biologically active forms of folate, including 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (i.e. 5-methyltetrahydropteroylglutamic acid), 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, 10-formyltetrahydrofolate and tetrahydrofolate. Edible mushroom-producing fungi are cultivated to enhance the uptake of pteroylmonoglutamate (synthetic folate) into edible portions of the plants. The mushroom-producing fungi reduce and methylate the pteroylmonoglutamates into activated folates. The cultivated mycelia or mushrooms of the mushroom-producing fungi are harvested, and may be consumed directly or processed into oral dosage formats (capsules, tablets, softgels, powders, gel packets, liquids, nutritional bars, beverages) for use as functional foods or nutritional supplements.
US07682603B2
The instant invention concerns compositions comprising polymersomes, visible or near infrared emissive agents, and optionally a targeting moiety associated with a surface of the polymersome. The invention also relates to use of these compositions in the treatment of disease and in imaging methodology.
US07682589B2
Method for industrial manufacture of pure MgCO3 comprising providing an olivine containing species of rock, to comminute the olivine containing species of rock to increase its surface, to contact the comminuted olivine containing species of rock with water and CO2. The process is conducted in at least two steps, namely a first step (R1) at a first pH where a dissolving reacting as represented the equation: Mg2SiO4(S)+4H+=2Mg2++SiO2(aq)+2H2O, takes place. Then a precipitation takes place in the second step (R2) at a higher pH as represented by the equations: Mg2++HCO3−=MgCO3(S)+H+, and Mg2++CO32−=MgCO3(S), the presence of HCO3− and H+ ions mainly provided by the reaction between CO2 and water.
US07682585B2
Nitrogen and aluminum and fluxing agents (Al2O3, SiO2, CaO and MgO) are added to molten silicon to create an oxy-nitride slag that acts as a sink for dissolved boron and phosphorus. The nitrogen can be added by bubbling nitrogen gas through the molten silicon; the aluminum can be added as aluminum metal or as Al2O3. Normally, the silicon must initially be deoxidized to allow the boron and phosphorus refining reactions to occur. The process may be followed by oxidative refining, SiC settling, the Silgrain process and directional solidification to remove other impurities and produce silicon suitable for use in solar cells. In an alternative version of the process, the molten silicon is passed through a particulate bed formed of a nitrogen-containing compound and an aluminum-containing compound.
US07682584B2
Method of preparing cerium carbonate powder by mixing a cerium precursor solution with a carbonate precursor solution and subjecting the mixture solution to a precipitation reaction, wherein the concentration of cerium in the cerium precursor solution ranges from 1M to 10M, the molar concentration ratio of the cerium precursor to the carbonate precursor ranges from 1:1 to 1:7, and the cerium precursor solution contains at least one additive selected from the group consisting of carbonate compounds, acrylic compounds, and sulfate ion-containing compounds. The cerium carbonate powder has an orthorhombic crystal structure, a particle size of 0.05 to 1 μm, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 5. Moreover, disclosed are cerium oxide powder prepared from said cerium carbonate powder as a precursor, a preparation method thereof, and a CMP slurry containing said cerium oxide powder as an abrasive.
US07682577B2
A simple catalytic device that is easily installed into vehicles, small engines, and industrial exhaust stacks is provided. The simple catalytic device has a ridged and stable backbone structure that withstands expected mechanical forces. In one example, the backbone is a highly gas permeable mesh or screen. A fibrous material is disposed on the backbone, with a catalytic material coating applied to the fibrous material. The catalytic device is constructed to be installable in an exhaust path, where it provides a catalytic conversion for non-particulate matter.
US07682574B2
The present invention relates to a thermal reactor apparatus used to treat industrial effluent fluids, for example waste effluent produced in semiconductor and liquid crystal display manufacturing processes. Specifically, the present invention relates to improved monitoring and control features for the thermal reactor apparatus, including a flame sensing device, an intrinsically safe flammable gas sensing device, and a sequential mode of operation having built-in safety redundancy. The improved monitoring and control features ensure the safe and efficient abatement of waste effluent within the thermal reactor apparatus.
US07682568B2
A pipette including a cylinder part having a cylinder and a tip part, which includes a tip channel connected to the cylinder and a movable piston tightly fit within the cylinder for aspirating liquid into and removing liquid from the tip container attached to the cylinder. In the pipette at least the tip part is made of an elastic material, such as rubber. The tip container can thus be easily and reliably fixed to and removed from the tip container.
US07682565B2
A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.
US07682564B2
The present invention relates to a benzene detecting element capable of detecting benzene selectively and highly sensitively, and a preparation process thereof. The benzene detecting element of the present invention is a mesoporous silicate for detecting benzene selectively and highly sensitively in atmospheric air, and the detecting element has a nanosized fine pore having a highly ordered periodic fine pore structure, and the wall of the nanosized fine pore has a sub-nanosized fine pore. The nanosized fine pore has a pore size of from 0.15 nm to 50 nm in radius, the sub-nanosized fine pore has a pore size of from 0.05 to 0.5 nm in radius, and at least the sub-nanosized fine pore among the fine pores is modified with an organosilicon functional group having a phenyl group, or a silanol group. The present invention also relates to a preparation process of the detecting element.
US07682550B2
In a method of compression molding thermoplastic material, a compression gap is set between half-molds of a mold having fixed and movable platens for respective attachment of the half-molds. After setting the compression gap, the mold is closed and the platens are locked by moving locking elements into respective receiving elements. Injection of plasticized material then commences into a cavity formed between the half-molds when the mold is closed. The mold then opens as a result of pressure generated by the injected plasticized material until a distance between the half-molds corresponds to the compression gap. Subsequently, the mold undergoes a closing movement through application of a clamping force, thereby compressing the plasticized material.
US07682549B2
An apparatus for producing decorative elements (43), in particular for vehicles, includes a first mould plate (10); a second mould plate (20), which is movable relative to the first mould plate, such that the apparatus may be brought into an open and a closed position. The second mould plate includes a frame (21) and an exchangeable shaping core (22, 23) movable relative to the frame; and a clamp (30), which is arranged and movable in such a way that the entire circumferential zone (44) of a workpiece (40) is fixed to the frame (21) of the second mould plate (20) by the clamp. An associated method is also disclosed.
US07682548B2
To provide injection molded articles that are formed from plant-derived materials as main components and have heat resistance and high crystallization rates.The injection molded article of the present invention includes a resin composition containing: (A) a lactic acid based resin; and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin, wherein the resin composition contains the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and the lactic acid based resin (A) has a resin composition ratio of L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=100:0 to 97:3, or L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=0:100 to 3:97.
US07682543B2
A method for manufacturing a weighted mounting platform, the method including: of a first injection moldable material, injection molding a substantially rigid body structure further comprising a substantially central hub with a plurality of legs projecting therefrom and an enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs distal from the hub; of a second injection moldable material, injection molding a flexible skin covering at least a portion of the body structure between each enlarged mass and the central hub; and subsequent to the injection molding a flexible skin, freeing the enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs for motion relative to the central hub.
US07682532B2
A process of dosing a starting material (SM) for optical lenses, into a female mold half (2), comprises the steps of: positioning a dosing tip (1) at a start position (P2) above the female mold half (2) and close to the edge of or laterally outside that portion (20) defining the lens-shaping surface, creating a continuous flow of starting material (SM) through the dosing tip (1) into the female mold half (2), moving the dosing tip (1) from the start position (P2) towards an end position (P3) in the region of the center of the female mold half (2) once the starting material (SM) has contacted the surface (21) of the female mold half (2) with the dosing tip (1) being in the start position (P2), wherein the continuous flow of starting material (SM) through the dosing tip (1) and the movement of the dosing tip (1) from the start position (P2) to its end position (P3) are controlled such, that a continuous bead (B) of starting material (SM) is deposited on the surface (21) of the female mold half (2) and that the essential part of the overall volume of starting material (SM) dosed into the female mold half (2) is deposited within the female mold half (2) with the dosing tip (1) being in the end position (P3).
US07682531B2
A method of manufacturing an optical member by mixing isocyanate terminal prepolymer component (A) and aromatic diamine component (B), and immediately after mixing, casting a mixture into a casting mold to obtain a molded article. A method of manufacturing a plastic lens by mixing said components (A) and (B), immediately after mixing, casting a mixture into a casting mold and polymerizing it to obtain a molded article. A gasket for molding plastic lenses comprised of a cylindrical member. A casting mold for molding plastic lenses using this gasket and a monomer casting jig.
US07682525B2
A phosphor material composition for producing blue phosphor by the excitation of UV light and a method for making the same. The phosphor material is an alkaline-earth silicates compound with a chemical formula of A2-xSiO4:Cex. A includes one or more elements selected from the collection of Ba, Sr and Ca alkaline-earth metals. The host is A2-xSiO4 and the activator is Ce3+. The characteristic of this invention is the blue phosphor material with a high luminescence intensity that can be excited by UV light. In addition, the material in this invention is easy and fast to prepare in a large amount, and the material itself has advantage such as color purity and thermal stability, so as to have a high industrial value.
US07682520B2
There is disclosed herein a composition and method for removing a sulphur compound or carbon dioxide from a substance and methods for its use, said composition comprising a metal at between about 0.5 to 25 percent by weight, a base at between about 1 to 99 percent by volume, a chelating agent at between about 0.1 to 50 percent by weight and water.
US07682514B2
A method for oxidizing an organic material includes the steps of (a) forming a preoxidation mixture comprising the organic material and water, and (b) causing the preoxidation mixture to react with a liquid oxidizer in a continuous flow reactor supercritical conditions for water, including a pressure of at least 3206 psia and a temperature of at least 705° F., to form a post-oxidation mixture containing condensible material and non-condensible material, wherein substantially all of the organic material has been oxidized.
US07682511B2
A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.
US07682509B2
A buoyant material trap having a treatment tank with a base wall and a vertically-extending sidewall, a feed pipe to introduce fluid at a first location in the tank, and an exit pipe to remove at least a portion of the fluid from a second location in the tank. One or more wall structures form a circuitous passage between the first location and the second location. The wall structures are open at the top and substantially prevent fluid from passing below the passage, but allow buoyant material to rise above the passage. The walls may extend to the bottom of the tank to prevent fluid from passing beneath them, and may be removably installed in the tank to facilitate cleaning. An overflow chamber may be provided to receive buoyant material. The sidewall may have a spout and be adapted to empty the tank by tilting.
US07682508B2
Base for an internal combustion engine filter cartridge, intended to receive s a filter cartridge (3) provided with apertures for the entry of the oil to be filtered and for the exit of the filtered oil, in a respective upwardly facing matching engagement seat (2) provided with oil feed and discharge. channels to be connected to the matching channels of said cartridge, with said seat—there being peripherally associated a salient enveloping element (33) with which it forms an oil spill protection compartment, from the bottom of which there extends a recovery conduit (6) connected to a collection site and intercepted by a check valve (66), the closed or open state of which depends on whether the cartridge and seat are mutually engaged or disengaged respectively.
US07682507B2
A filter element is removably positionable within a filter housing defining a filter chamber for said filter element. The filter housing comprises a standpipe extending within the filter chamber. The filter element includes a tubular filter media circumscribing the standpipe, a first end cap supporting the filter media at one end thereof, a second end cap longitudinally spaced from the first end cap and supporting the filter media at the opposite end thereof, and a center tube extending between the first and second end caps. The center tube has at least one inlet opening therethrough at a first end thereof adjacent to the first end cap and a standpipe opening therethrough at a second end thereof adjacent to the second end cap. The second end cap has at least one intake opening therethrough radially spaced from the standpipe opening in the center tube.
US07682503B1
An improved and more efficient design for an air driven algae filtration system is achieved because there are no moving parts other than an air pump, and the air is used twice. After using air to circulate water through a filtration unit, the air, still under pressure, is separated from the water. The air is then plumbed to other apparatuses or used for cooling. This allows the filter to be utilized using less electricity. The water is de-gassed before reaching the algae filter. Therefore, no splash guard is necessary to prevent water from splashing the lights. With no splash guard, lower wattage lights can be used to illuminate the algae. This also increases the efficiency of this system. This filter also lends itself to maintaining a reef aquarium.
US07682500B2
A process for the conversion of a feedstock containing light cycle oil and vacuum gas oil to produce naphtha boiling range hydrocarbons and a higher boiling range hydrocarbonaceous stream having a reduced concentration of sulfur.
US07682487B2
A paper sizing composition, comprising at least one first sizing component dispersed in water, the said sizing component being prepared of a reaction product of a maleic anhydride and a fatty acid component, and an aluminium component. The fatty acid component comprises an alkyl ester of one or more fatty acids selected from a vegetable oil based fatty acid mixture. The particle size of the particles in said first sizing component has been reduced so that in the dispersion at least 50% of the particles are <2.5 μm, at least 75% of the particles are <4 μm and at least 90% of the particles are <5 μm, preferably so that at least 50% of the particles are <2 μm, at least 75% of the particles are <3 μm and at least 90% of the particles are <4 μm.
US07682483B2
A vacuum processing chamber and method of using a vacuum processing chamber are described and which includes a chamber defined by a chamber body, and wherein the chamber body defines an internal cavity; first and second electrodes are mounted in the internal cavity as defined by the chamber body; an RF generator is provided, and which produces single or multiple frequencies and which is electrically coupled to at least one of the first or second electrodes, and which are operable, when energized, to produce a plasma within the internal cavity of the chamber body; and an adjustable component borne by the chamber body, and which is fabricated, at least in part, from a dielectric material, and which selectively adjusts the equivalent dielectric constant which exists between the chamber body and the first electrode.
US07682473B2
A method for forming a finished implant prosthesis which comprises: (a) providing an unforged alloy consisting essentially of Ti(x %)Al(y %)Nb wherein x is between about 45 to 54% by atoms, y is between about 15 to 25% by atoms and the balance is niobium; (b) forging the alloy at an elevated temperature below a melting point of the alloy in a shape which is an implant preform; and (c) machining the implant preform to provide a machined implant; and (d) finishing the exposed surfaces of the implant so as to provide the exposed surfaces with a finish which provides biocompatibility, to thereby form the implant prosthesis.
US07682465B2
A dishwasher includes a tub defining a washing chamber within which is arranged a dishrack having provided thereon an adjustable tine row assembly. The dishrack includes a base portion formed by a first plurality of spaced support members, and a second plurality of spaced support members that extend generally perpendicularly to the first plurality of spaced support members. The first and second plurality of spaced support members form a lattice work that defines the base portion. The tine row assembly includes a first tine row element, a second tine row element and a slider element that interconnects the first and second tine row elements with at least one of the first plurality of spaced support members. In this manner, the first and second tine row elements are selectively shiftable along the base portion providing a consumer with a greater degree of flexibility when loading/arranging dishware on the dishrack.
US07682463B2
After the resist stripping liquid is supplied to the surface of the substrate which is being rotated at a first rotational speed, the rotational speed of the substrate is reduced from the first rotational speed to a second rotational speed with the supply of the resist stripping liquid to the surface of the substrate continued, thereby forming a liquid film by a mount of the resist stripping liquid on the surface of the substrate and then, maintaining a state where the liquid film is formed.
US07682460B2
The method for cleaning chemical process and hydrocarbon processing apparatuses is performed by establishing a closed flow circulation loop, under specific operating conditions and in the presence of hydrocarbon-based fluids. The cleaning method is monitored by performing chemical/physical analysis. After cleaning the apparatus(es) can be immediately inserted back into the process. An optional degassing step can also be performed, in case the apparatus(es) has to be disassembled for inspection of maintenance.
US07682459B1
A cleaning device for cleaning a drive chain has a shaft, a motor for rotatably mounting the shaft, and a mounting element for mounting the motor such that the shaft is generally horizontal. A sprocket is mounted on the shaft with a wing nut such that the sprocket rotates with the shaft. The sprocket has teeth for engaging the drive chain. The cleaning device is adapted to be mounted over a container of a cleaning fluid for cleaning the drive chain.
US07682456B2
A substrate treatment method is disclosed, which can effectively reduce the amount of charges accumulated on a substrate due to treatment of the substrate with a water-containing liquid. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a water-containing liquid to a substrate held generally horizontally by a substrate holding/rotating mechanism while rotating the substrate at a first rotation speed; and removing charges from the substrate after the water supplying step by performing a puddle process for a predetermined period by retaining a liquid film of a predetermined liquid on a surface of the substrate held generally horizontally by the substrate holding/rotating mechanism with the substrate being rotated at a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed or kept in a non-rotating state without further supplying the predetermined liquid to the liquid film.
US07682455B2
To make possible a tightly packed, essentially horizontal storage of wafers (40), in which a simplified access to each of these wafers (40) is possible, a device is provided having a plurality of superimposed storage elements (10). The storage elements (10) have device features (16) for depositing the wafers (40). The storage elements (10) have projections (14) for lifting, whereby a specific storage element (10a) as well as all storage elements (10) arranged above this specific storage element (10a) can be lifted by a predetermined first height for producing a contact gap. The projections (14) can also be used to lift the storage element (10b) arranged below the said storage element (10a) by a predetermined second height for producing a freedom of access.
US07682449B2
Disclosed herein are heterostructure semiconductor nanowires. The heterostructure semiconductor nanowires comprise semiconductor nanocrystal seeds and semiconductor nanocrystal wires grown in a selected direction from the surface of the semiconductor nanocrystal seeds wherein the semiconductor nanocrystal seeds have a composition different from that of the semiconductor nanocrystal wires. Further disclosed is a method for producing the heterostructure semiconductor nanowires.
US07682443B2
An organic-pigment aqueous dispersion, containing a pigment at a concentration of 6 to 30 mass %, and having a haze of 0.3 to 10%, as determined by enclosing the dispersion in a transparent glass cell of optical distance 0.2 mm and analyzing with integrating-sphere photoelectric photometry; and a colored coating composition using the same.
US07682440B2
A drying agent particularly suited for facilitating the drying of inks and paints includes a cobalt drier that is more than six percent cobalt by weight, and no more than fourteen percent cobalt by weight. In particular, the cobalt drier is twelve percent cobalt by weight. The drying agent can also include a manganese drier, tung oil, a water-activated drier, a two-way drier, and a lithographic overprint varnish. All ingredients can be present in the mixture at a concentration of one part by weight. The drying agent can be used with a variety of printing stock substrates, and may be used at significantly higher concentrations than prior art drying agents.
US07682435B2
The present invention relates to an oil-based pigmented ink composition containing at least a pigment, a polymer compound and an organic solvent, which contains, as the organic solvent, methoxybutyl acetate in an amount of 20 to 90% by weight based on the entire ink composition; and particularly to the above oil-based pigmented ink composition, which contains, as the other organic solvent, a nitrogen-containing and/or oxygen-containing heterocyclic compound in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight based on the entire ink composition and/or a (poly)alkylene glycol derivative in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight based on the entire ink composition; and to the above oil-based pigmented ink composition, which has a flash point of 61° C. or higher, a viscosity of 2.0 to 6.5 cp at 25° C., and a surface tension of 20 to 40 mN/m at 25° C.
US07682434B2
The present invention provides a pigment ink formulation containing a wax emulsion is disclosed. The wax emulsion comprises a specific wax and surfactant combination. In particular, the wax comprises a linear polyethylene wax and the surfactant is an alkyl ether carboxylate. The wax emulsion can be made by any process for preparing emulsions used by those skilled in the art such as typical homogenization methods. Applicants have discovered that such a wax emulsion can not only improve the scratch resistance of pigmented ink, but also improve other handling problems such as scuff and smear.
US07682430B2
The invention concerns a device which is used to separate gas or liquid from microfluidic flow-through systems. The gas or liquid separation is achieved independently of the spatial orientation of the device. In addition the invention concerns a microfluidic flow-through system in which a device according to the invention enables bubble-free fluid transport.
US07682429B2
A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers.
US07682424B2
A system employing a regenerable zinc-oxide based sorbent to remove one or more contaminants from an incoming gas stream. The contaminant-depleted gas stream can then be used for any subsequent application, while at least a portion of the contaminant-laden sorbent can be regenerated via a step-wise regeneration process. In one embodiment, sorbent regenerated via the step-wise regeneration process can comprise less sorbent-damaging compounds than traditional sorbents exposed to conventional regeneration processes.
US07682423B2
Zinc oxide-based sorbents, and processes for preparing and using them are provided. The sorbents are preferably used to remove one or more reduced sulfur species from gas streams. The sorbents comprise an active zinc component, optionally in combination with one or more promoter components and/or one or more substantially inert components. The active zinc component is a two phase material, consisting essentially of a zinc oxide (ZnO) phase and a zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) phase. Each of the two phases is characterized by a relatively small crystallite size of typically less than about 500 Angstroms. Preferably the sorbents are prepared by converting a precursor mixture, comprising a precipitated zinc oxide precursor and a precipitated aluminum oxide precursor, to the two-phase, active zinc oxide containing component.
US07682406B2
The invention relates to novel dyes of the formula (1) in which D represents a phenyl or naphthalene residue which is substituted by one or two sulphonic Acid or carboxylic acid groups and, optionally, by one or two groups selected from C1-C4alkyl, hydroxyl and nitro, each R1 and R2, independently, represent hydrogen or, a C1-C4alkyl group, R′1 represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4hydroxyalkyl, R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl or phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two groups selected from C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, —NH2, nitro, —SO3M and —CO2M and M represents hydrogen, an alkaline or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or ammonium that is mono-, di-, tri- or tetrasubstituted by C1-C4alkyl or C2-C4hydroxyalkyl or a polyglycolammonium cation and also known dyes of formula (5), in which D′ represents a phenyl or naphthalene residue which is substituted by one or two sulphonic acid or carboxylic acid groups and, optionally, by one or two groups selected from C1-C4alkyl and C1-C4alkoxy and R3 and M are as defined above, and their mixtures suitable for shading white paper, a process for shading, a process for the preparation of the novel dyes and white paper which has been treated with such shading components.
US07682402B2
The present invention relates to an aqueous composition for bleaching keratin fibers, and in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, having a viscosity of less than 2×103 poises and comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, hydrogen peroxide and at least 20% by volume of suitably selected inert particles, to a bleaching process using this composition, and also to the use of this composition for bleaching keratin fibers. The composition in accordance with the invention makes it possible rapidly to obtain substantial lightening of keratin fibers, while at the same time limiting the degradation of the keratin fibers and the skin irritation.
US07682396B2
The present invention relates to an intervertebral disk prosthesis comprising at least three parts including a first plate, referred to as the upper plate (1), a second plate, referred to as the lower plate (2), and a core (3), the upper surface of the core (3) being in contact with at least part (10) of the lower surface of the upper plate (1) and the lower surface of the core (3) being in contact with at least part of the upper surface of the lower plate (2), and the lower plate (1) being movable at least with respect to the core (3), characterised in that there are cooperation means between the lower to plate (2) and the core (3), so as to limit or eliminate translation movements of the core (3) with respect to the lower plate (2) along an axis substantially parallel to the lower plate (2), and to limit or eliminate rotation movements of the core (3) with respect to the lower plate (2), around an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower plate (2), the planes passing through the upper (1) is and lower (2) plates forming a substantially constant angle.
US07682389B2
There is provided an artificial cardiac or heart valve, more particularly a flexible leaflet heart valve used to replace natural aortic or pulmonary valves of the heart in which the leaflet geometry is defined by a parabolic function and a method of manufacturing said artificial cardiac valves. In addition, there is provided leaflets which have geometry defined by a parabolic function.
US07682385B2
Method and apparatus implementing and using techniques for controlling flow in a body lumen, including use of an implantable medical device. The device includes a membrane implantable in a body lumen and invertibly deformable between a first position and a second position. The membrane is invertible in response to the direction of fluid flow through the lumen and can be deformable by fluid flow in the body lumen.
US07682382B2
The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen. The prosthesis includes a biocompatible elongate intraluminal liner in the form of a graft, with a biocompatible adhesive being disposed on an exterior surface of the graft. The adhesive is active in an intraluminal environment so as to bond the exterior surface of the graft to an intraluminal surface of said body lumen, such as the interior of a blood vessel.
US07682379B2
The device for performing osteosynthesis includes a fixation element, such as a bone plate having a bottom surface designed to bear against the bone, a top surface, and at least one through hole extending from the bottom surface to the top surface, the though hole having a central axis and configured and dimensioned to receive a multiaxially pivotal insert or bushing for a bone screw. A bushing insertable into the through hole, includes a central bore designed to receive a bone screw, the central bore having a longitudinal axis, and a peripheral outer surface designed to be in contact with the through hole. The bushing is configured and dimensioned to be radially compressible and radially expansible, and the cross section of the through hole, which is orthogonal to the central axis, is non-circular. The cross section of the bushing that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis has a shape that corresponds substantially to the cross section of the through hole of the bone plate. When placed in the through hole, the bushing is rotationally fixed relative to its longitudinal axis, but remains pivotally adjustable within the through hole relative to the bone plate.
US07682377B2
The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.
US07682366B2
An ultrasonic lithotripter comprising a first transmission probe which has a hollow portion in the form of a through hole and transmits ultrasonic vibration and a superfine second transmission probe which can be passed through the hollow portion of the first transmission probe. An object of manipulation is held by means of the second transmission probe as it is manipulated by means of the first transmission probe.
US07682363B2
An acetabular impactor aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis having a central, female aperture. The impactor includes an impactor head, housing and a locking mechanism. The housing is attached to the impactor head, the housing enclosing a drive train having, at a far end, a prosthesis engaging thread, and at the opposite end, a handle which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end of the drive train has a latch device which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.
US07682362B2
The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for identifying landmarks on the anatomy of a human for reference in a surgical procedure. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a stylus body is provided with a spring member and stop with openings having different shaped portions so that when the stop is depressed it can free the stylus arm and allow rotation and/or translation and, when released, it can lock the stylus arm from rotating and/or translating.
US07682350B2
A disposable absorbent article has a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a topsheet, a backsheet attached to at least a portion of the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. A waist member is attached to a wearer-facing surface of the disposable absorbent article or between the topsheet and the backsheet adjacent to the front waist edge and the back waist edge. The waist member is unattached to an outer-facing surface of the disposable absorbent article. The waist member extends outward from the front waist edge and the back waist edge such that at least a region of the waist member is visible from a vantage point external to the disposable absorbent article, thereby providing the appearance of a finished front waist edge or the appearance of a finished back waist edge.
US07682349B2
Packaged garments having prefastened, refastenable seams oriented in a certain position can preserve fastener performance. Such refastenable seams are particularly suitable for side seams on pant-like disposable garments. Prior to or during packaging of the garment, the refastenable seams are prefastened and positioned such that any fastening components lie flat in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which front and back panels of the garment lie. When the garment is compressed and packaged, the fastening components remain flat and do not become creased or crushed.
US07682346B2
An enterostomy device for providing fluids and nutrients through a stoma formed through the abdominal wall of a patient is described. The enterostomy device, which may be configured as either a gastrostomy device or a jejunostomy device, comprises a low-profile retaining member which is configured to be unobtrusively positioned within the stomach or the intestine, and which is configured to provide sufficient surface area for contacting the stomach or intestine to prevent unintentional removal or release of the enterostomy device from the patient. The enterostomy device is also structured with a low-profile port hub for facilitating the inflation of the retaining member and feeding and venting through the stoma.
US07682333B2
A handpiece (20) for actuating a surgical cutting accessory (24). The handpiece has a housing (22) with a bore (46) through which a suction is drawn. A valve (50) regulates the suction flow. The valve (50), formed of metal, has an barrel (60), formed of rubber, that surrounds the rotating valve stem (56). The barrel defines a non-circular openings (96) through which there is suction flow. The openings are shaped to have small diameter sections (104) that initially come into registration with the suction bore when the stem is rotated to the open state. This ensures that, when the valve is open, there is only a relatively small surgeon-selected suction flow through the handpiece. The barrel is formed with ribs (94, 106) the serve as seals between the valve and the adjacent surface of the housing. A suction fitting (49) is rotatably fitted to the proximal end of the handpiece.
US07682329B2
A method and apparatus for red blood collection and filtration is provided wherein a red blood cell collection assembly provides for leukoreduction filtration concurrent with or soon after the red blood cell separation and collection procedure. Such procedures involve filtering the separated red blood cells in a diluted state after and/or prior to flushing the filter with storage solution. Storage solution may thus be passed through the leukoreduction filter before, with and/or after the RBCs have been filtered therethrough. The red blood cell collection, filtration and storage assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation disposable assembly, including, for example, a centrifuge vessel and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, passing the blood to the centrifuge vessel for separation of the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component.
US07682317B2
The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.
US07682312B2
One method for diagnosing a cardiovascular-related condition in a breathing person comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway. The valve system is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing blood circulation and blood pressure. Further, at least one physiological parameter is measured both prior to and while the person inhales and exhales through the valve system. The measured parameters are evaluated to confirm the initial diagnosis of a cardiovascular condition.
US07682310B2
A method for measuring intracranial pressure in an intracranial area filled with micro-bubbles formed by an injected contrast agent includes: (1) emitting an ultrasound signal having a bandwidth to the intracranial area, (2) receiving an echoed signal from a micro-bubble, (3) performing a spectral analysis on the echoed signal to extract a low-frequency response, which is close to a DC component, (4) calculating a resonant frequency of the micro-bubbles according to the bandwidth and strength of the low-frequency response, the bandwidth of the low-frequency response similar to the bandwidth of the ultrasound signal, (5) calculating a size of the micro-bubble according to the resonant frequency and a property of the contrast agent, and (6) calculating the intracranial pressure.
US07682306B2
A method of treating a patient comprises: introducing to a physiological locus of said patient a balloon formed from two vacuum thermoformed half-sections of a multilayer film a layer of sealing film and at least one layer of thermoplastic polymer film, wherein the vacuum thermoformed half-sections are bonded together; and the balloon includes an inflation element (such as a self-healing valve and/or an effervescent material) adapted to permit inflation of the balloon at the physiological locus with a fluid.
US07682296B2
An air spring is used as a resistance device in exercise equipment having a lever arm for exercising arms and legs. In one embodiment, the equipment can be adapted to be used as a stair stepper. In another, it can be adapted to be used on a table surface for exercising hands, wrists and forearms. In still another embodiment, it can incorporate a bike pedal assembly to simultaneously aerobically exercise the legs and arms. The equipment includes resistance level regulating components and a visual indicator using a gauge or similar device to monitor resistance levels.
US07682293B2
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates lateral climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Each pedal follows a separate elongate curve with lateral movement. As one pedal moves downward on the inside portion of one pedal curve, the other pedal moves sideways upward following the outer portion of the other pedal curve. A pair of cranks rotate in opposite directions when driven by the pedal movement. The orientation of the pedal curves is adjustable to exercise leg muscles differently. Arm exercise is coordinated with the foot pedal movements.
US07682291B2
A treadmill having a belt assembly allows a user to walk or run in any arbitrary direction. A flattened flexible toroid bladder injected with a lubricant, and stretched over a frame with rotating members. Separate power-driven mechanisms concurrently rotate the toroid belt around the major and minor axis to allow omni-directional user movement.
US07682290B2
A stationary exercise device with adjustable members for varying the stride path and the exercise intensity of a user.
US07682288B1
An exercise machine has foot supporting linkages that move a person's feet through respective left and right elliptical paths of motion that include a laterally directed component. Each linkage includes a crank that rotates about a crank axis, and a roller rotatably mounted on the crank for rotation about a roller axis that is skewed relative to the crank axis.
US07682285B2
A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and ratio shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshift events.
US07682277B2
A dual-drive transmission, comprising a front shaft, a back shaft, a rear axle housing having a pair of half shafts, a central propeller shaft, a hub, and an electromagnetic splined clutch; a forestage gear is disposed on the central propeller shaft, a drive gear engaged with the forestage gear is disposed on the front shaft, a pair of one-way transmission gears is disposed one on each end of the central propeller shaft, a final drive gear is disposed on the hub, a driven gear engaged with the forestage gear is disposed on one end of the back shaft, and the electromagnetic splined clutch is axially connected to the back shaft.
US07682276B2
A hydraulic control system that includes a solenoid valve for supplying a prescribed fluid pressure; and a relay valve for selectively switching a destination of the prescribed fluid pressure between a first destination part and a second destination part. The relay valve has an input port supplied with a normally produced fluid pressure and an output port that selectively communicates with the input port. The hydraulic control system further includes a fluid pressure switch, provided in the output port of the relay valve, that is activated when the input port communicates with the output port to allow the normally produced fluid pressure to be supplied to the output port.
US07682265B2
The present invention relates to a smart golf ball comprised of one or more mantle layers juxtaposed between an inner core and outer cover, where the core, the mantle layer(s), and/or the cover are further comprised of a ferrofluid, a magnetorheological fluid, an inverse magnetorheological fluid, and/or a magnetorheological elastomer, in any of its construction. These nano-engineered materials make possible a golf ball with heretofore-unprecedented levels of adaptive play.
US07682264B2
A golf club head structure includes a body portion, a hitting plate portion, and a club body combining portion. The body portion has a first junction surface forming a first hook angle therewith. The hitting plate portion has a hitting surface and a second junction surface with a buffer region spaced there-between. The second junction surface forms a second hook angle with the hitting plate portion, and butts against and attaches to the first junction surface on the same plane. The club body combining portion is provided for combining a club body. Therefore, a joint structure with a junction portion as a plane, capable of not being located on the surface of the club head and spaced by a buffer region with the hitting surface, is formed, which is applicable for solving the combination problem of the junction surface on the same plane that the casting is deformed.
US07682256B2
A composite shaft assembly may include a shaft body and a flange. The shaft body may include a filament and the flange may include an external surface having a plurality of lugs extending therefrom. A first and second of the plurality of lugs may have an axial spacing therebetween. The filament may be wound between the first and second lugs.
US07682253B2
A tripod type constant velocity joint including a hollow cylindrical housing fixed to the end of a first rotary shaft and formed with axially extending recessed grooves opened at one axial end and located at circumferentially trisectional positions on the inner peripheral surface, a tripod consisting of a boss fixed to the end of a second rotary shaft, and end-spherical trunnion journals radially projecting from circumferentially trisectional positions on the boss, and roller assemblies each consisting of an inner roller swingably fitted at the inner peripheral surface thereof on the spherical outer peripheral surface of the trunnion journal, and an outer roller supported for rotation and axial movement on the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller through needle rollers, wherein the outer rollers are received in the recessed grooves in the housing and are rollable axially of the housing.
US07682252B2
Before game data is arranged, a storage area for the game data in an internal memory is determined so that each game parameter is stored in a different storage area each time the game data is arranged. Then, arrangement information that directly or indirectly indicates the storage area for each game parameter is stored in a specified area of the internal memory. Then, the game data is loaded from an external storage medium to the determined storage area. Moreover, when a game parameter in the internal memory needs to be referred to or overwritten during the game process, the storage area for the game parameter is determined by referring to the arrangement information. Thus, it is possible to prevent general users from easily modifying the game data.
US07682248B2
The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.
US07682246B2
A gaming device including a free activation mode having a predetermined number of free activations wherein the probability of extending the free activation mode is increased by a triggering event which triggers an unlimited number of free activations. A termination event terminates the unlimited fee activations. A freezing event freezes the number of remaining free activations. A resetting event resets the number of remaining free activations. A locking event causes at least one symbol or at least one card to remain unchanged or lock during the unlimited free activations. The gaming device generates a plurality of symbols while not changing the locked symbol or re-deals the remaining cards an unlimited number of times until a termination event occurs.
US07682240B2
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment, the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.
US07682234B1
In a method for correlating airflow delivery devices with air conditioning (AC) units having actuators for varying flow rates of air supplied by the air movers, flow rates of air supplied through the airflow delivery devices at a plurality of settings of the actuators are determined. Coefficients that relate the flow rates of air supplied by the air movers to the flow rates of air supplied through the airflow delivery devices based upon the flow rates determined at the plurality of actuator settings is calculated and the airflow delivery devices are correlated with the air movers using the calculated coefficients.
US07682223B2
The invention concerns a device for the automatic loading of workpieces into a gear manufacturing machine, in particular a hard state finishing machine, by means of a swivel device arranged on the machine, where simultaneous with the machining process of a work piece blank (2) clamped on the work spindle (1) a finish machined work piece (2) on the transfer platform (8) located opposite the work spindle is de-oiled in a work piece loading lock, removed, and a fresh work piece blank fed in. The transfer platform (8) is designed as a centrifuge station.
US07682220B2
An apparatus (1) for removing a film layer on a glass plate includes: a movable base (5) which is movable in an X direction and a Y direction along a glass-plate placing surface (3); a moving means (6) for moving the movable base (5) in the X direction and the Y direction along the glass-plate placing surface (3); a movable base (7) provided on the movable base (5) in such a manner to be movable in a Z direction so as to be capable of moving toward or away from the glass-plate placing surface (3); a moving means (8) for moving the movable base (7) in the Z direction so as to cause the movable base (7) to move toward or away from the glass-plate placing surface (3); a grinding wheel (9) provided on the movable base (7) in such a manner as to be capable of being lifted or lowered with respect to the movable base (7); a resiliently pressing means (15) for resiliently pressing the grinding wheel (9) against a film layer (14); and a detecting means (17) for detecting the lifted or lowered position of the grinding wheel (9) with respect to the movable base (7).
US07682217B2
An internal rocking structure applied in eyeball of the puppet includes an outer casing made of a transparent material, an inner casing, and an elastic member; the inner casing being connected to the elastic member, which is connected to a bottom of the outer casing; a pattern of an eyeball being printed on where appropriately on the inner casing; upon shaking the rocking structure, the elastic member maintaining the inner casing in a rocking status for a given time to deliver amusing effects of a rocking eyeball and significantly increase bizarrely lovable effects when applied in a puppet or doll.
US07682210B2
An organic electroluminescent device is disclosed. The device can include a substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, a partition wall next to the first electrode, an organic luminescence media layer including an organic luminous layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode which is on the organic luminescence media layer and facing the first electrodes, wherein the partition wall comprises a first partition wall and a second partition wall, the first partition wall covers a part of the first electrode, and the second partition wall is located on an inner side of the first partition wall.
US07682207B2
An electrical contact carrier strip includes a main body, a plurality of electrical contacts integrally formed with and connected to the main body, and a plurality of support tabs extending from the main body. Each of the support tabs includes a stem connected to the main body and a free expanded base that is aligned with and wider than the stem. The support tabs provide a clearance gap in which at least portions of the plurality of electrical contacts reside. The plurality of support tabs support the portions of the plurality of electrical contacts over a plane in which distal ends of each of the free expanded bases of the support tabs reside.
US07682204B2
An electrical apparatus connected to a commercial power source includes: a case made of resin and housing a functional member; blades insert-molded in the case and each having an exposed part connected to the commercial power source and a resin facing part which is enclosed by the resin and all along an outer periphery of which a groove is formed; and elastic members each disposed between the resin and the resin facing part and having a fitting convex coming into close contact with the groove at the time of the insert molding.
US07682200B2
An electrical connector mounted on a mother PCB includes an insulative tongue portion and a number of contacts held in the insulative tongue portion. The contacts have four conductive contacts and at least one pair of differential contacts for transferring high speed signals. The conductive contacts are adapted for USB 2.0 protocol. The electrical connector further includes a transition module with one end connected to the contacts and the other end to be soldered to the mother PCB.
US07682198B1
A power adapter for an aircraft. The aircraft has an electrical system and an auxiliary electrical system disposed thereon, wherein the auxiliary electrical system is not integrated with the electrical system. The power adapter has a body portion, a first connector terminal disposed on the body portion for receiving electrical power from an external power source, a second connector terminal disposed on the body portion and electrically connected to the first connector terminal for supplying electrical power to the electrical system of the aircraft, and a third connector terminal electrically connected to the first connector terminal for supplying electrical power to the auxiliary electrical system.
US07682196B1
A cable connector adapted for connecting with cables includes a plug insulating housing. The plug insulating housing has a basic body and an inserting portion extending frontward from a front surface of the basic body. A peripheral dimension of the inserting portion is less than that of the basic body. A plurality of plug terminals are received in the inserting portion and the basic body and connected with the cables mounted to the plug insulating housing and extend out from the basic body opposite to the inserting portion. A plug shell coupled with the plug insulating housing includes a top shell and a bottom shell connected to the top shell by at least one connecting portion attached to the front surface of the basic body. Both opposite sides of the bottom shell extend upwards and bend inwards to form a buckling portion clasping the top shell, respectively.
US07682195B2
An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing defining a lengthwise slot, a plurality of terminals received in the insulative housing and extending into the lengthwise slot, a metal shell, and an EMI gasket. The metal shell comprises a body portion with a front insertion port and a detachable metal cover, the body portion defines a hollow to receive the insulative housing. The body portion comprises a top wall defining a through window and a bottom wall defining a through opening, the metal cover covers the window of the body portion, and the EMI gasket is located between the body portion and the metal board portion for suppressing electro magnetic interference.
US07682192B2
An electrical coupler includes a connector receptacle having multiple modules. The modules each include a pair of signal conductors and a ground plane or shield, held together by a dielectric module body. The shields are between the pairs of conductors in adjacent modules, and provide electrical shielding between the pairs of signal contacts of different modules. The signal conductors and the shields may be coupled to a board, such as a circuit board. The receptacle may be an angled receptacle, such as a right angle receptacle. The signal conductors of each pair in the receptacle may have a predetermined amount of skew, having different effective electrical lengths. This may allow signal paths through the receptacle and the board to have a combined electrical path that is substantially the same for the signal conductor pair of one of the modules.
US07682189B2
A dummy connector includes a main body including an opening into which a real connector is to be inserted, and a first holding portion and a second holding portion installed respectively on surfaces which face to each other in the opening, and for holding the real connector by sandwiching from a direction of height of the real connector.
US07682183B2
An electric junction box where a connector receiving section is provided in a case that receives an internal circuit, and where a connector that is connected to a wire harness terminal is fitted in the connector receiving section. In the electric junction box, a peripheral wall of the connector receiving section is of a square frame shape, a flexible section is formed by cutting the peripheral wall, a locking hole is formed in the flexible section, a locking claw is provided at the connector fitted in the connector receiving section, the claw being at a position that faces the locking hole of the flexible section. When the locking claw of the connector is inserted into and engaged with the locking hole of the flexible section, the connector is joined in a locking manner to the connector receiving section.
US07682162B2
A cable assembly comprises an insulative housing having a body portion and a mating portion extending forward from a front side of the body portion along a mating direction. The body portion forms a supporting portion protruding rearward and extending along a transversal direction thereof. A plurality of contacts are disposed in the insulative housing with front contacting sections exposed in the mating section and rear tails opposite to the front contacting sections. A printed circuit board stands within the supporting portion and electrically and mechanically connects with the tails of the contact. A cable connects with a free end of the printed circuit board and a cover is assembled onto the insulative housing to enclose said printed circuit board and the cable therein. The configuration of the cable assembly is compact and meets the low profile demand.
US07682159B2
An electrical connector for electrical connecting a camera module with a circuit board includes an insulative casing and a number of signal terminals. The insulative casing includes a bottom wall and a number of side walls. A receiving space is defined between the bottom wall and side walls for receiving the camera module. The bottom wall defines a receiving opening thereon. The signal terminals are fixed on the side walls and extending beyond the bottom wall configured for electrically connecting with the camera module and the circuit board. The present invention also relates to a camera device having the same.
US07682156B2
The aim of the invention is the reduction of the impairment in current transfer from the contact plate (112), forming part of the electrode support arm (11), to the contact block (12), interacting with the electrode, caused by deposits between the contact plate (112) and the contact block (12) due to erosion during the fusion operation. Said aim is achieved, whereby the contact block (12) which may be brought into planar contact against a partial region of the electrode (21), is provided with a medial passage (124), running to the support arm (11), for removal of at least the large part of the erosion, said passage having a continuation (111) in the support arm (11).
US07682150B2
A method for preparing a dental prosthesis based on electronically determined image and color/shade data of a patient's tooth is disclosed. The image data and the color/shade data are displayed on a display device in the dental office. The image data and color/shade data are transmitted to a computing device at a remote location over a data communication channel. A telephone communication is established between a dental professional in a location proximate to the dental office and a dental technician or ceramist in a location proximate to the remote location while the dental professional and the dental technician or ceramist are commonly viewing the image and color/shade data. The dental prosthesis is prepared at the remote location based on the electronically transmitted image and color/shade data. Color/shade data of the dental prosthesis is electronically determined and the dental prosthesis is selectively modified prior to installing the dental prosthesis in the patient.
US07682138B2
Disclosed herein is a micro fluid transferring system that comprises a micropump having a chamber, a first fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber, and a second fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber. This system is characterized in that at least one of the first and second fluid transferring portions comprises a pressure absorbing section for absorbing or alleviating a liquid vibrational pressure therein.
US07682129B2
The present invention provides a filtration device combined with self-priming pump in which a filter replacement work is easy and safe, and removal of air inside of a pump and priming are not necessary. And this filtration device is characterized to provide with a pump unit, which is a valveless-construction self-priming pump without a check valve, including a suction port, a suction chamber, an impeller, a self-priming chamber, a discharge port from an upstream of a channel to a downstream thereof in this order, the suction port and the discharge port being arranged above the level of the suction chamber and the impeller, and a self-priming chamber arranged above the level of the suction port and the discharge port; a filtration unit arranged on a channel between the self-priming chamber and the discharge port and above the level of the self-priming chamber; and a filter arranged inside of the filtration unit and above the level of residual liquid inside of the pump unit at the time of suspending of the pump unit.
US07682124B2
A tractor with a backhoe is disclosed. The backhoe is mounted to a rear portion of the tractor. The backhoe has a boom, an arm pivotally supported to a leading end of the boom, a bucket pivotally supported to a leading end of the arm, a boom cylinder for operating the boom, an arm cylinder for operating the arm and a bucket cylinder for operating the bucket. The tractor includes a frame attached to a rear portion of the tractor, a swing bracket supported to a rear portion of the frame to be pivotable about a vertical axis, a control valve unit having control valves for controlling the boom cylinder, the arm cylinder and the bucket cylinder and a hose unit for feeding pressure oil from the control valve unit to the boom cylinder, the arm cylinder and the bucket cylinder. The wing bracket includes a first opening open to the front side and a second opening open to the rear side. The control valve unit is disposed, in its plan view, on an extension line of the first opening and the second opening. The hose unit extends substantially linearly from the control valve unit through the first opening to the second opening.
US07682119B2
A screw includes a shank portion including a tapered bottom section having a tip, a head on top of the shank portion, and first and second helical threads. The first helical thread extends helically around the shank portion in a first direction between the tip and the head, and has a first end distal from the head, and a second end opposite to the first end. The second helical thread extends helically around the shank portion in a second direction between the first helical thread and the tip, and has a third end proximate to the second end of the first helical thread. The first and second directions are opposite to each other. A non-helical ridge extends around the shank portion between the first and second helical threads.
US07682099B2
A indexable, lockable mechanism for a hand tool, and hand tools with such mechanism, the mechanism comprising a first member having a first splined orifice, a second member having an upper prong with a second splined orifice and a lower prong with a third splined orifice, and a splined pin assembly for insertion through said first, second and third orifices. The first member is positioned in a gap between the upper prong and the lower prong of the second member with the first splined orifice coaxially aligned with the second and third splined orifices of the second member. The splined pin assembly of either the first embodiment or the second embodiment is disposed in the three splined orifices and is axially movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The splined pin assembly is allows a user to move the splined pin axially in the first and second orifices between the locked position and the unlocked position.
US07682098B2
A liquid applicator having a collapsible liquid reservoir with an elongated outer chamber wall having a characteristic length, and a liquid delivery piston having a length substantially equal to the characteristic length, wherein the piston is telescopically received in the outer chamber wall, and an elongated intermediate chamber wall having a length substantially equal to the characteristic length and wherein the intermediate chamber wall is telescopically received in the outer chamber wall located circumferentially intermediate the piston and the outer chamber wall, wherein the liquid reservoir and piston may be telescopically expanded to either a fully expanded condition wherein the combined length of the liquid reservoir and piston is about three times the characteristic length or a partially expanded intermediate condition wherein the combined length of the liquid reservoir and piston is substantially less than half the length of the liquid reservoir and piston in the fully expanded condition.
US07682094B2
A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.
US07682092B2
A shutter assembly has an actuator for applying a whip action on a shutter wing for blocking or exposing an aperture. The shutter wing has a first blade fixedly connected to the actuator and a second blade movably connected to the first blade. When the shutter wing is in the closed position, the blades form a folded shape with a waist section large enough to cover the entire aperture. When the shutter wing is in the open position, the blades form an extended shape having a narrower waist section. The blades can be connected to each other by a hinge or a wire. Two shutter wings located on opposite sides of the aperture can be used to create a gap therebetween to control the exposure in a camera. As the shutter wings move from one side to another, the gap acts like a moving slit across the aperture.
US07682080B2
A soft sided insulated cooler bag has a base and side panels. The base includes a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcement or batten that serve to provide a relatively hard or stiff edge about which the bag can be panel folded over on itself. The upper edge of the bag has a length that is as great as half the periphery of the bottom panel. The bag can be collapsed to a flat position and then panel folded to a storage position. Retainers are provided to keep the bag in the storage position.
US07682075B2
A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a moving or stationary surface includes a main body portion and a probe head with thermocouple element, the probe head coupled to the main body portion such that the probe head reciprocates relative to the main body portion in a pulsed manner.
US07682069B2
A tracking device is incorporated into a watch. The tracking device appears as an ordinary watch, but cannot be removed by the individual wearing it. If necessary, the location of the tracking device can be determined by a central server and reported to the authorities or to the individual's family.
US07682066B2
The recycling apparatus of waste sulfuric acid for collecting waste sulfuric acid generated at a source site A, transporting it by a carrier B, and recycling it for reuse at a user site C, the recycling apparatus of waste sulfuric acid including a receiving tank for receiving virgin sulfuric acid (a) and waste sulfuric acid (b) having a concentration different from that of the virgin sulfuric acid, and including (1) a mixer alone, (2) a mixer and a concentration monitor, or a mixer and a cooler in combination, or (3) a mixer, a concentration monitor, and a cooler in combination.
US07682062B2
An illuminating device for backlighting flat displays, in particular displays for mobile applications, is provided. The illuminating device includes a light source and a light guiding member into which light emitted from the light source is coupled in and is coupled out therefrom at an exit surface. The exit surface has a surface structure including diffractive surface elements for light propagation, wherein all surface elements have a surface structure with a constant amplitude.
US07682059B2
A direct type back light includes a case holding a plurality of lamps. The lamps may be “U” shaped and have curves arranged at a centerline of the case to face each other with a gap there between. A reflecting plate is positioned below the plurality of lamps. A luminance control sheet is provided above the reflecting plate and below the lamps in several of, or all of, the gaps. The luminance control sheet may have a lower reflectivity or a higher reflectivity than the reflecting plate to remove a bright line or a dark line in the center of the display, respectively.
US07682035B2
A housing device for a hand-held power tool has at least one see-through region composed of a transparent plastic, and having an interior side configured as a carrier for an element selected from the group consisting of an information element, a signal element, and both; and also a hand-held power tool is provided with such a housing device.
US07682030B2
It is made possible to provide a deformable mirror apparatus which is deformable to a complicated shape (high-order shape). A deformable mirror apparatus includes: a substrate; a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate; a spacer fixed above the substrate, having a first opening passing through from a first face of the spacer facing to the substrate to a second face of the spacer facing opposite from the first face, surrounding the electrodes, and having a step on the second face; a drive part including a membrane part disposed so as to cover the step of the spacer and so as to be opposed to the electrodes, a casing part having an opening at a bottom face of which the membrane part is exposed and supporting the membrane part, and a reflection film provided on the membrane part; and a voltage generator configured to generate predetermined voltage patterns on the electrodes, respectively.
US07682029B2
An information handling system projector lamp door includes a thermal safety latch that secures the lamp cover panel if the temperature of the projector interior exceeds a safety limit associated with potential harm to an end user. A thermostatic spring expands at a predetermined temperature to interfere with movement of a latch so that the latch is locked to secure the cover panel in a closed position. Below the predetermined temperature, the thermostatic spring retracts to allow movement of the latch so that the cover panel is released to move to an open position. An override interfaces with the thermal safety latch to allow manual release of the cover panel by retracting the thermostatic spring.
US07682023B2
A method of determining and/or tracking the position of an eye, includes utilizing at least two wavelength components of a plural wavelength zone that traverses the limbus of the eye to obtain a profile of whiteness and/or redness across the zone, and identifying from the profile at least one predetermined reference position that indicates the position of the eye. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
US07682019B2
The invention provides contact lenses which have improved dynamic stabilization and that utilize one or more thin zones in the lens' periphery.
US07682018B2
A detachable adjustable electronics module may be removably or permanently connected to eyewear. The module may include electronics for processing audio and/or video signals. The module may be provided with an adjustable arm, for adjustably carrying a speaker. The module and/or the speaker may be adjusted relative to the wearer in any of the anterior-posterior direction, the inferior-superior direction and laterally. Rotation adjustments may also be accomplished. Eyewear may be provided with only a single module, on a single side, or with two modules, one on each side, such as to provide stereo audio or dual mono sound.
US07681999B2
An ink-jet printing head having a cavity unit, the cavity unit including a plurality of nozzles for ejecting an ink, a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the respective nozzles, a common manifold chamber for distributing the ink into the plurality of pressure chambers, and a flexible plate having the plurality of nozzles and including a wall portion which partly defines the common manifold chamber and which constitutes a damper portion, wherein the damper portion absorbs a pressure wave of the ink propagating from each selected one of the pressure chambers to the common manifold chamber, when the ink in each selected pressure chamber is pressurized to eject the ink from the corresponding nozzle.
US07681997B2
An inkjet recording apparatus comprises an inkjet recording head, an ink-testing unit having an ink-test chamber, a pressure-vibration generating unit that generates a pressure vibration in the ink-test chamber, a pressure-vibration detecting unit that detects the pressure vibration, an ink inlet that introduces ink into the ink-test chamber and an ink outlet through which ink is discharged from the ink-tester chamber. Failures of ink ejection can be prevented by detecting cavitation cores by the ink-test chamber and removing ink containing the cavitation cores from ink supplied to the inkjet recording head.
US07681976B2
An interface, to which a recording medium storing at least one first setting information item is removably attached to a printer. A storage stores hardware specification data. A reader reads out the at least one first setting information item from the recording medium attached to the interface. A register judges whether the at least one read out first setting information item matches with the hardware specification data, and registers the first setting information item which matches with the hardware specification data as at least one second setting information item. A selector selects one of the at least one second setting information item as a print condition.
US07681973B2
In manufacturing a long ink jet print head in which a plurality of chips are arranged, a decrease in yield resulting from inappropriate arrangement of the chips can be suppressed and high-quality images can be printed. An image corresponding to the joining portion between adjacent chips is printed by using, as overlapping nozzles, those of the nozzles located in the joining portion which are selected on the basis of the amount of misalignment between chips.
US07681972B2
A buffer circuit for shaping a waveform of a logic signal is arranged where a line for a logic circuit included in a recording-head substrate is divided into substantially equal portions, the line having an unignorable parasitic component due to its increased length. Therefore, the recording-head substrate, a recording head using the recording-head substrate, and a recording apparatus including the recording head are capable of minimizing the adverse effects of parasitic resistance and parasitic capacitance in lines even when the length of a heater array is increased.
US07681967B2
A printing fluid refill unit for a print engine, comprising an information storage element for storing information on the amount of printing fluid contained in the refill unit and for connecting with an information reader incorporated in the print engine for reading the information stored by the storage element when the refill unit is mounted to the print engine, wherein the information stored by the storage element enables the reader to control the refilling of the print engine with the printing fluid contained in the refill unit.
US07681966B2
A process including selecting an ink having a viscosity that varies continuously over a range of transfuse process temperatures; forming an image on a preliminary receiving surface or on a final receiving substrate with the selected ink; providing a final receiving substrate at a selected temperature optionally comprising modifying the temperature of the final receiving substrate to achieve a selected temperature; optionally passing the final receiving substrate through a nip; optionally exerting pressure on the final receiving substrate in the nip to transfer the ink image from the preliminary receiving surface to the final receiving substrate; optionally fusing the ink image onto the final receiving substrate at a transfuse temperature; and controlling the viscosity of the ink during printing to match a selected characteristic of the final receiving substrate; and preserving the ink image.
US07681963B2
A braking system for a lift truck performs all service braking using truck traction drive motors. Mechanical, spring applied, electrically released brakes are coupled to wheels on opposite sides of the truck with the mechanical brakes applying unequal braking forces to the wheels. The mechanical brakes perform park braking and, in the event an electrical system problem arises, backup braking as well that can be modulated by an operator of the truck regardless of the operating condition of the truck.
US07681958B1
A multi-piece wheel, which is assembled with multiple pieces of pre-made structural members, including an outer wheel ring, a central hub and multiple spokes. The outer wheel ring is comprised of a circular wall for affixing a tire on its inner surface and connecting spokes on its outer surface. The spokes are the wheel intermediate members which at their respective first and second end are connected to the respective outer wheel ring and the central hub. The central hub is a circular structure including a central bore and front circular arcuate surface, wherein multiple pockets are placed on the front surface for connecting the spoke second ends to the central hub. Various structural variations of the central hub and spokes regarding their connection are also disclosed, which results in various embodiments of the present invention.
US07681955B2
A locking apparatus includes a support bracket, a latch, a rotating member and a link unit. The support bracket is fastened to a headrest housing and has therein a locking slot, into which a striker of a seat back frame is removably inserted. The latch is coupled to the support bracket by a hinge and locks the striker, which is inserted into the locking slot of the support bracket, using rotation of the latch. The rotating member is coupled at a first end thereof to the support bracket by a hinge and is elastically coupled at a second end thereof to the latch, thus releasably locking the latch thereto. The link unit is coupled to the headrest housing by a hinge and is connected at one end thereof to the rotating member, such that the latch is released from the rotating member by pulling the rotating member.
US07681953B2
A vehicle occupant restraint system includes a seat base pivotally connected to a seat mounting point and seat back pivotally connecting to the seat base. The seat base pivot reside proximal to a forward edge of the seat base and the seat back pivot resides proximal to a rearward edge of the seat base. Each pivot includes a toothed rack, and an engaging member for locking the pivot. The teeth define a radius about the pivots. The engaging members are attached to the seat base and are actuated by levers attached to the seat base. A harness is attached to the seat to prevent injury of an occupant in the event of a unanticipated maneuver, crash, rough terrain, or turbulence. The restraint system comprises a robust mechanism to withstand crash loads and offer sufficient adjustment between sitting and standing positions to accommodate an occupant's duties.
US07681952B2
A chair having a base adapted to support the chair on a support surface, and a seat and backrest mounted on the base that includes a flexible backrest and a relatively simple tilt mechanism for tilting the backrest relative to the seat. The tilt mechanism includes a pair of dual cantilevered U-shaped springs mounted on opposite sides of the base and in communication with the backrest. The backrest is mounted to the tilt mechanism such that a rearward thrust applied by the user deflects an outer end of each U-shaped spring downwardly to enable rearward tilting of the backrest relative to the seat. Upon removal of the rearward thrust, the backrest elastically returns to its initial position under the biasing force of the U-shaped springs.
US07681951B2
A passenger compartment with first through fourth placement spaces that include first through fourth accommodation units, where the accommodation units are of a modular design. The first and second accommodation units are a first seat and a second seat which can both be changed between a sitting position and an essentially horizontal resting position. The first and second placement spaces are arranged in one placement plane facing each other. The third placement space is arranged beside the first placement space and the fourth placement space is arranged beside the second placement space. The arrangement includes a delimiting element arranged laterally beside the first and second placement spaces and extending to be perpendicular in relation to the placement plane. First and second couchette elements are affixable to the delimiting element such that passengers can be accommodated who are in positions lying down above the first and second placement spaces.
US07681942B2
The invention provides a fairing assembly (10) for a motorcycle (12) including an aerodynamic shield (11) and a mounting arrangement for mounting the shield (11) on a motorcycle (12). The shield (11) is operable between a stowed condition and an operative condition. In the operative condition, the shield (11) is positioned to reduce aerodynamic drag on a front wheel (13) of a motorcycle (12), such that, in use, the drag on the front wheel (13) is smaller when the shield (11) is in its operative condition than when the shield (11) is in its stowed position. The invention also extends to a motorcycle (12) having such an aerodynamic shield (11) mounted adjacent a front wheel (13) of the motorcycle (12). The invention further extends to a method of improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a motorcycle (12).
US07681933B2
Disclosed herein is a shovel. The shovel may include a handle and a pivotable bracket for securing the handle to the shovel blade. The handle may include a horizontal crossbar grip portion and two vertical grip portions generally perpendicular to at least one of the crossbar grip portion and a longitudinally extending portion of the handle extending to a blade of the shovel. The shovel is suitable for moving and removing a variety of materials, including snow.
US07681928B2
A pipe fitting is made of plastic, such as polysulphone PSU or polyphenylsulphone PPSU. At least one end of the pipe fitting (1) comprises an external thread (2) for connecting the pipe fitting (1) to a mounting element, such as a pipe or a mounting piece, e.g. a tap. The thread (2) comprises a ridge (3). Between the ridges (3) there is a continuous helical groove (4). On the bottom of the groove (4) between the ridges (3) of the thread (2) there are protrusions (5).
US07681919B2
A machine having a ground engaging element includes a first rigid metallic structure, a second metallic structure that is flexible with respect to the first rigid metallic structure, and a diffuser plate having a stress carrying region located between a first end and a second end. The first end has a rigid attachment to the first metallic structure, and the second end has a rigid attachment to the second metallic structure. The stress carrying region is flexible with respect to the attachments. A stress produced from a flexing of the second metallic structure relative to the first metallic structure is concentrated within the stress carrying region of the diffuser plate instead of at a weld location.
US07681917B2
Highly-deformable sealing strips integrating with fabric assemblies (principally of airbags) are detailed. The strips reduce gas leakage from occurring. They also function as mechanical reinforcements of the assemblies.
US07681915B2
A tube partitioning method that can manufacture an airtight tube with a reduced number of processes and thus a reduced manufacturing cost, and a gas generator using the tube. The tube partitioning method includes first and second processes partitioning or closing a hollow portion of a tube made of metal at a predetermined location using a partitioning plate, and a gas generator uses the tube. In the first process, the partitioning plate is inserted in the tube, with its surfaces oriented substantially vertically with respect to a longitudinal direction of the tube. In the second process, the partitioning plate is disposed at a predetermined location in the tube and the tube is crimped from its peripheral face at locations adjacent to the predetermined location, whereby the partitioning plate is bitten 0.1 mm or more into a wall of the tube from a peripheral edge face thereof to bring the tube and the partitioning plate into contact with each other.
US07681913B2
An air bag system includes an inflator operable to release inflation fluid, a cushion inflatable upon release of inflation fluid, and an air bag housing having a vent substantially surrounding the cushion. A first plate includes a first portion defining a first opening and a second portion defining a second opening. The first plate is movable from a first position, wherein the first opening is aligned with the vent, to a second position, wherein the second opening is aligned with the vent. A second plate including a first portion defining a first opening and a second portion defining a second opening may also be provided. The second plate is preferably movable from a first position, wherein the first opening is aligned with the vent, to a second position, wherein the second opening is aligned with the vent. The first and second plates preferably interact to define four distinct vent areas.
US07681912B2
A system for inhibiting deployment of an airbag includes a rollover sensor and a circuit that are enclosed in an enclosure. The enclosure is mounted on a surface that is at a predetermined potential. The circuit detects presence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted on the surface. The circuit detects absence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is dismounted from the surface. The circuit inhibits deployment of the airbag when absence of the predetermined potential is detected.
US07681902B2
A motor driven stand device for a motorcycle has motors for driving stands for self-sustaining a vehicle body in a parking state in which a rear wheel is lifted and in a stopping state in which the rear wheel is contacted with the ground. A stopping switch actuates the motor for self-sustaining the vehicle body in the stopping state. A parking switch gives an instruction to the motor for self-sustaining the vehicle body in the parking state. The stopping switch is arranged in a right handlebar grip. The parking switch is arranged in a stand step and/or a grab rail. An automatic stopping control unit rotates the stands by a predetermined amount in response to an on operation of the stopping switch in an automatic stopping mode and rotates the stands for the stopping state while an on operation of the stopping switch is maintained in a non-automatic stopping mode.
US07681894B2
A device for fitting seats and the like to the chassis of baby carriages includes at each side of the seat a respective anchoring mechanism for a direct anchoring at corresponding attachments provided at the chassis of the baby carriage. The anchoring mechanism is housed in a body inferiorly having a projection having a slanted edge adapted to shift a transverse pin slidably fitted in a box making up the attachment provided at the chassis when the aforementioned body is fitted to the box. The transverse pin is linked to a spring adapted to take said transverse pin back to its initial position when the action of the aforementioned projection having a slanted edge has ceased. A control is exteriorly fitted to the body housing the anchoring mechanism, the control being linked to said mechanism and when actuated releasing the anchored state.
US07681889B2
A seal device where, even if a fluid to be sealed is under high pressure, a seal surface of a seal ring is prevented from producing heat and the seal surface is prevented from wearing. The seal device has a first seal ring (5) having a first seal surface (5A) at an end surface and having, on the opposite side of the first seal surface (5A), a first pressing surface (5B) formed on an inclined surface: a first seal retainer (51) having a first inner periphery fixation surface (51A) facing the first pressing surface (5B); a first elastic seal ring (2) for pressing the first pressing surface (5B) in an axial direction by elastic force produced by sealed compression between the first pressing surface (5B) and the first inner periphery fixation surface (51A); a second seal ring (15) in tight contact with the first seal surface (5A) of the first seal ring (5) and having a second seal surface (15A) slidable relative to the first seal surface (5A); and a second seal retainer (61) in which the second seal ring (15) is sealedly held. The first pressing surface (5B) is formed as an inclined surface where the ratio H/L is in the range not exceeding 0.5, with H being the width in a radial direction, L the length in the axial direction of the first pressing surface (5B).
US07681887B2
The present invention discloses novel hangers for hanging shooting targets such as clay targets in place for shooting practice. In addition it relates to a target system which includes hangers of the invention in combination with a horizontal support and optional support stands designed to hang one or more targets during target practice.
US07681886B2
Shooting gallery devices and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting gallery includes a plurality of targets rotatably connected to a plurality of target connectors. The targets rotate between an extended position and a fallen position. The target and target connector assembly at least partially retains the targets in the extended position and/or prevents the targets from rotating from the extended position to the fallen position. Furthermore, the targets and target connector assemblies are configured to reset from the fallen position to the extended position without a rail guide or reset cam.
US07681863B1
An electromagnetic valve assembly for controlling the flow of a fluid in a sprinkler system. The electromagnetic valve includes a valve core including a plurality of orifices for a passage of fluid therethrough; a directional housing enclosing the valve core and enabling a controllable, lateral movement of the valve core from a closed position to an open position; a plurality of seals positioned within the directional housing to prevent leakage of the fluid; and a plurality of magnet cores attached adjacent to the directional housing, each magnet core including a wire winding for generating an electromagnetic field when actuated by means of an electrical current. When the generated electromagnetic field is applied to a first magnet core, the valve core slides laterally into the first magnet core to an open position enabling the flow of water through the orifices and an opening of the directional housing. When the generated electromagnetic field is applied to a second magnet core, the valve core slides laterally into the second magnet core to a closed position stopping the flow of water through the orifices and the opening of the directional housing.
US07681853B2
A ladder and equipment storage rack and method. In one form of the invention, a ladder and equipment rack is provided with mounts that connect to struts or other hanger devices to easily adapt to hold a ladder or other equipment. The storage rack can be used in vehicles, buildings or any other locations for storage.
US07681849B2
A spiral-wound tip is presented for use on a walking assistance device, a robotic arm or digit, or other device needing a slip-resistant point of contact with its environment. The tip is constructed by winding a sheet of rubber or other elastic material into a spiral plug. The plug can be mounted within a hole at the extremity of a device. Alternatively, the sheet can be wrapped around the exterior of the extremity. The lamina of the spiral-wound plug separate upon impact with an object, increasing the gripping power of the tip.
US07681836B2
The invention relates to an aircraft comprising a device, for example an optical device, for detection and/or measurement of atmospheric disturbances in the path of the aircraft. This measurement device is placed in the pressurized zone between the aircraft nose and the compartment of the landing gear. It comprises: a structure box (18) designed to resist pressurization forces, aerodynamic fairing (13).
US07681830B2
A film feeding device etc. in which, even if film rolls in which tapes are applied to joint between films of the rolls are used, an occurrence of a bag making failure caused by the tape is prevented. A film feeding mechanism (10A) has a receiving member (72) for holding the leading edge of a film (1B) of the standby side and a joining sealer (71) for joining films (1A, 1B). A tape (B) applied to the film (1A) on the use side is detected by a sensor (83), and according to the result of the detection, a cutter (81) cuts of the film (1A) at a portion on the downstream side of the tape. Then, the cut film (1A) and the film (1B) of the standby side are joined by the joining sealer (71), and the two films joined are sent as a long film.
US07681826B2
One embodiment of the invention provides a chalk line device having a helical gear and an improved locking assembly. The locking assembly comprises a first lock member having a lock button. The locking assembly also comprises a second lock member including an opening to lockingly engage the first lock member and having a plurality of teeth at one end disposed adjacent one of the helical gears used in this embodiment. The second lock member engages with the helical gear in response to a movement of the lock button member.
US07681822B2
A single-pull reel which includes an upper cover, a bottom cover configured to engage with the upper cover, a cord-rotating disc, a clamping member provided on a top section of the cord-rotating disc, the bottom portion of the cord-rotating disc being provided with a sliding groove, a spiral spring having an inner end and an outer end, the inner end being engaged with the notch of the axle of the upper cover, a cord divided into a first section and a second section, a positioning ball mounted within the sliding groove of the cord-rotating disc thereby forming an engaged sliding movement, and the bottom cover having an inner face provided with a multi-functional rail in combination with the positioning ball to provide a clockwise and counterclockwise movement of the cord-rotating disc thereby causing the positioning ball to provide alternately a loosening and tightening operation of the cord.
US07681806B2
A passive vapor dispersing device which may be used for freshening or otherwise treating the air, characterized by both rapid and substantially linear delivery of volatizable fragrance or other materials. The device uses a packaged combination of liquid reservoir, wick and emanator which is assembled and shipped with the wick and emanator out of contact with each other, but is activated when the user opens the package and places the wick and emanator in contact. The housing for the device provides guide means for assisting the user in placing the wick and emanator in proper contact, and irreversible lock means for holding the components in contact and preventing access to the wick and emanator once activation has been achieved.
US07681805B2
A dripper adapted to be bonded to interior of an irrigation pipe during manufacture and to be associated with an outlet opening in said pipe. The dripper comprises an outwardly facing surface adapted for the bonding, an outlet area associated with the surface, and at least one bulge near the outlet area. The bulge defines an outermost portion of the surface at least during manufacture of the pipe, and is adapted to form, when the dripper is bonded to the pipe, a raised outlet region in the pipe associated with the bulge. The bulge and outlet area are designed so as to form the raised outlet region suitable for at least a part of the outlet opening to be formed therein and be defined by the material of the pipe.
US07681803B2
Disclosed is a device for taking showers at alternating temperatures. The device is used with a delivery pipe for one or several shower heads, a hot water pipe that is connected to the outlet of a thermostatic mixer, and a cold water pipe which is connected to a water pipe. The device includes a switching means regarding the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe. The switching means is provided with a first control means and a second control means, both of which can be moved into two positions in such a way that the second control means is in a first position when the first control means does not connect the delivery pipe to the cold water pipe while the second control means is in a second position when the first control means connects the delivery pipe to the cold water pipe.
US07681797B2
One type of code that cannot be decoded in a certain apparatus is converted into another type of code that can be decoded in the certain apparatus. More specifically, a first type of code in an image obtained by reading a sheet including the first type of code is decoded to obtain information. The information is encoded to form a second type of two-dimensional code.
US07681796B2
The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer program product for obtaining the location of, for example, a mobile device. An image of a target in a defined space is obtained, the target encoding data from which its location in the defined space may be determined. The position of a reference point in the image which represents the location of, for example, a mobile device, is determined relative to the target. The location of the mobile device in the defined paces is then determined by combining the location of the target in the defined space with an appropriately scaled version of the relative position of the reference point to the target in the image.
US07681789B2
Customized transactional cards are created in one of various ways. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card already having an encoded account number, create a customized design, and then apply the customized design to the blank transaction card such as by printing the design onto a label to be applied to the blank transactional card or directly onto the card. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card which has not yet been authorized with an account number, create a customized design, apply the customized design to the transactional card, and at some point send the transactional card to the card issuer where it can be authorized by having an account number applied to it and then returned to the card holder. The card holder may access a web site to create a customized design and then the card issuer creates the transactional card according to the customized design and sends the transactional card having an encoded account number to the card holder.
US07681787B2
A method for obtaining technical information of IC is disclosed. The method provides an IC, a computer, and a network terminal. The network terminal stores technical information of the IC. The IC includes a memory. The memory stores link information for obtaining the technical information. Connects the IC to the computer. The computer reads the link information from the memory of IC, and obtains the technical information from the network terminal according to the link information. Using this method, engineers can find the technical information of the IC conveniently and correctly.
US07681785B2
A stackable corrugated box made from a foldable blank comprising a base having two opposed first edges and second edges, wall portions extending from the first edges, side wall portions extending from the second edges. The wall portions comprise a first part connected to the base and a second part connected to the first part, provided with flaps. The first parts include crush and knife cut features capable of flexing outward. When the box is erected, the side wall portions are folded perpendicularly to the base and connected via the flaps to upwardly directed walls defined by the first and second parts also folded perpendicularly to the base. The upwardly directed walls are provided with projecting tabs, so that when the box is stacked on another similar box, the crush and knife cut features flex outward creating space for the tabs from the box placed below.
US07681783B2
A bag in box container package (10) has a recessed neck piece (14)—such as a discrete insert or part-integrated with box or bag—between inner bag liner (12) and outer box carton (11), to emulate a (rigid neck) jerrycan; with optional collapse fold, pull-out spout (33) and handle (34).
US07681776B2
A system includes a first module to store times and temperatures for phases in a profile to rework a populated printed circuit board (PCB) for a first integrated circuit (IC) on the PCB and a second module to store suggestions for modifying one or more of the times and the temperatures in the profile to generate a revised profile, the suggestions being associated with pass/fail indications determined from actual temperature information for the profile.
US07681775B2
A thermal insulation system is provided for a component of a bonding system, such as an optical system. The thermal insulation system comprises multiple insulation layers located between the component and a heat source. The multiple insulation layers comprise at least one layer of moving air injected into the layer and a cover layer enclosing the layer of moving air. The multiple insulation layers may further comprise a layer of static air.
US07681767B2
The vehicle storage box of the present invention provides significant advantages over conventional vehicle storage boxes. Featured in the present invention is a vehicle storage box that comprises a base structure; a lid, pivotally connected to the base structure, shaped to enclose the base structure; divider means, pivotally connected to the base structure, for dividing the storage box into two compartments for holding articles; divider coupling means, connected to the divider means and the lid, for releasably coupling the divider means to the lid; and lid coupling means, connected to the lid and the base structure, for releasably coupling the lid to the base structure, and having a first coupling position occurring when the lid is in an opened position. The lid coupling means also comprises a first and second lid actuator and a first and second lid latch wherein the first and second lid actuators are coupled together by a lid actuator connector for simultaneous operation of the first and second lid actuators. The divider coupling means further comprises a first and second divider actuator coupled to the lid and a first and second divider latch coupled to the divider means wherein the first and second divider actuators are coupled together by a divider actuator connector for simultaneous operation of the first and second divider actuators. The vehicle storage box according to the present invention also includes a single hinge connecting the base structure, the divider means and the lid, such that the lid and the divider means pivot around the same axis.
US07681766B2
An article carrying device is provided for balancing upon a single shoulder of a person. The device includes front and back extended end members having a plurality of clips provided along middle and distal portions of the ends members. The clips secure packages to the article carrying device such that when packages of equal weights are attached to both ends of the carrying device, the device balances upon the shoulder of the person and does not require human hand intervention to maintain its position. The article carrying device is interchangeable and can be employed on either shoulder of the person. A hinge mechanism can be provided at an apex of the device for permitting the collapse of said device for transport or storage when not is use.
US07681765B2
This patent discloses tools, methods and systems for dispensing soap. The tools, methods and systems include a draw-back chamber constructed around and in line with the fluid path between a spout assembly for delivering soap to a user and a pump mechanism for supplying the soap. The draw-back chamber contains port openings into the fluid path. When the pump mechanism is actuated to dispense soap, the draw back chamber is collapsed and soap within it is dispensed with the main dose of soap supplied by the pump mechanism. When the pump mechanism is allowed to return to its extended rest state, the draw-back chamber expands, drawing soap into it through the port opening to prevent soap from hanging and dripping at the end of the dispensing tube.
US07681761B2
Soft serve frozen food such as ice cream and frozen yogurt is pumped from a sanitary reservoir into a closed loop flow path that includes an emulsion barrel assembly that intimately mixes the ingredients in the food composition into a smooth consistency frozen food product. A dispensing head allows servings of soft serve food to be withdrawn from the closed loop. A clean-in-place system permits all critical parts of the machine that come in contact with food to be cleaned and sanitized without having to take the machine apart.
US07681754B1
A thermos (with or without a vacuum) with an improved beverage consumption apparatus which enables a liquid to be consumed directly from the thermos when a valve is pushed to the opened condition so that liquid can exit the interior of the thermos. Thermos also contains an improved larger easily locatable circumferential closing ring which facilitates closure of the container when the user is in a darkened area or driving a moving vehicle so that the consumer must have one hand on the steering wheel and is not necessarily looking at the thermos. The thermos also comprises an improved sealing cap to facilitate valve closure. The thermos also contains an improved valve sealing means to assure that even a tiny amount of liquid will not seep out of the thermos when the thermos is placed into a container such as a briefcase which contains written material and valuable electronic objects.
US07681741B2
Membranes comprising functional polyarylether having structural units of formula II are useful for hemodialysis and hemofiltration: wherein X is selected from Br, NR4R5, OOCR6, OR7, NR4COR5, NR4CONR5R6, NR4COOR5R6 and combinations thereof; R1, R2 and R3 are independently at each occurrence H, X, halo, cyano, nitro, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R4 and R5 are independently H, a C1-C10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; R6 is H, a C2-10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R7 is OCH2CH2(OCH2CH2)nOH or OOCCH2(OCH2CH2)nCH3; Q is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; Z is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, SO, SO2, CO, phenylphospinyl oxide, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; a, b, and c are independently 1 or 2; and m, n and p are independently 0 or 1.
US07681739B2
A filter device includes a filter housing (10), a filter inlet (12), a filter outlet (14), and a filter element (16). The filter element divides a filter area (18) into two partial areas (20, 22). One partial filter areas is conical in form with the cross-section of that partial area (20) being tapered from the filter inlet (12) to the filter outlet (14). The partial areas are separated from each other by the filter element. This arrangement results in an optimum residence time distribution inside the filter device at a uniform flow rate, which is particularly useful for highly viscous fluids such as polymer melts or similar.
US07681729B2
A system for displacing a sub-length of duct from a flexible container retaining a longitudinally compressed length of the duct in provided. A choker is disposed about the flexible container, and defines a radial constriction on the container sufficient to significant expansion of the retained longitudinally compressed duct between the choker and the closed end of the container.
US07681723B2
The carrier has a folded-panel central vertical support structure with a handle and a pair of trays or receptacles attached to the central support structure, and an optional auxiliary tray with a slotted bottom which can be fitted onto the central support panel. A folded side-wall structure can be unfolded to start the formation of the trays, and a plurality of folded flanges unfold to form a bottom for each receptacle. Dividers separate each receptacle into the three compartments to hold six beverage or other containers in the trays or receptacles. The carriers can be made from a single sheet and advertising printed entirely on one side to facilitate efficient fabrication at a moderate cost.
US07681713B2
An upstream side wheel includes grippers B which do not perform opening and closing operations for themselves, and a downstream side wheel includes grippers A each having an opening and closing mechanism, and in a delivery position in which both the wheels are adjacent to each other, a plastic bottle 1 is delivered from the gripper B to the gripper A. Here, if the upstream side wheel or the downstream side wheel abnormally stops, the grippers A are switched from a use state to a retreat state. Thereby, interference between plastic bottles gripped by the upstream side grippers and the grippers of the downstream side wheel is avoided. Even if one of the wheels abnormally stops, the other wheel can be continuously operated without increasing the equipment in size.
US07681704B2
An electromagnetic brake for an input shaft of a vehicle transmission is disclosed. The brake includes an armature separated from an electromagnetic coil pole face by a controlled air gap. A spring release feature ensures precise armature disengagement when the brake is deactivated. A wear compensation feature maintains uniformity of the air gap.
US07681703B2
The invention concerns a procedure and a control apparatus for the control of a drivetrain, which comprises at least one automatic clutch, at least one automatic shifting transmission, one control apparatus for the control of the at least one automatic clutch and of at least one automatic shifting transmission as well as at least two transmission idling positions in the drivetrain. In order to avoid dangerous situations, which could arise from an improper automatic input of a neutral position of a transmission and a thereto connected automatic closure of the clutch. The proposal is, that the control apparatus, by way of the shifting of an automatized shifting transmission into a neutral position, to at least two transmission idling positions, the neutral position is put into action.
US07681700B2
The energy absorber system is adapted to a motor vehicle having side rails. The system comprises a top absorber beam positioning in front of the side rails of the motor vehicle, a bottom absorber beam for being positioned beneath the top absorber beam, and at least two uprights providing a rigid connection between the top and bottom beams. The system also includes a rigid cross-member extending between the side rails and being secured directly to the side rails, the top beam being secured to bear against the cross-member.
US07681693B2
Method for performing an elevator rescue run in an emergency situation, the elevator comprising and elevator car, a counter weight, a rope suspending the car and the counterweight, a drive motor, an emergency brake for stopping the car in an emergency situation, and a motor drive unit for supplying drive power to and for controlling the drive motor, having the following rescue run sequence steps: (a) operating the motor drive unit in a zero speed demand mode for holding the car at its present position; (b) lifting the brake, while holding the car in the zero speed demand mode; (c) determining the preferred movement direction of the car based on the power data as obtained by the motor drive unit; and (d) performing the rescue run in the direction of the determined preferred movement direction.
US07681692B2
An elevator installation includes a drive unit moving a car and a counterweight in an elevator shaft. The drive unit has a drive motor and a brake coupled to a drive shaft and mounted on a crossbeam in the elevator shaft or on the shaft ceiling. The drive unit has two spaced-apart drive zones and the drive motor is arranged to the left or the right of the two drive zones with the brake on the same side or the opposite side of the drive zones.
US07681688B2
In a steering apparatus, a differential lock mechanism has a lock holder in which a plurality of groove portions are formed on an outer periphery thereof, and selectively allows and prohibits to generate a difference of steering amount in the rotational direction between an input shaft and an output shaft by selectively engaging and disengaging an engaging portion with respect to the groove portions. A rotation sensor detects the position in the rotational direction of the lock holder during one rotation of the lock holder and repeatedly detects the same sensor pattern being output a plurality of times. A variable transfer ratio unit ECU detects which groove portion, from among the plurality of groove portions, the engaging portion is engaged with using the sensor pattern output by the rotation sensor when a side portion of one of the groove portions is pressing against a side portion of the engaging portion.
US07681674B1
A system for positioning a transportable and relocatable equipment having at least four walking assemblies attached to transportable and relocatable equipment each walking assembly has a walking pad, roller tread for rolling the roller bearing surface, a lift assembly connected to the central collar, a rotatable motion gear assembly disposed around the lifting assembly, a motor for actuating the rotatable motion gear assembly, a pivoting collar disposed around the rod operated by a controlling means with a processor, a push pull travelling system for receiving fluid and extending a specified distance causing movement of the equipment in a first direction, and enabling the walking assemblies to raise, reorient, lower, and travel of the transportable and relocatable heavy equipment in a second direction using the treads.
US07681670B2
A two-cone drill bit with a hydraulic arrangement that can be used for one or more of the following: cleaning roller cones, impinging on a hole bottom, or inducing a helical flow field. A two-cone drill bit having a bit body formed from two leg sections and two spacing members; methods of manufacturing a two-cone drill bit; and methods of improving hydraulics of a two-cone drill bit are disclosed.
US07681667B2
Drilling apparatus, such as an underreamer comprises a generally cylindrical tubular body and two cutting blades pivotally mounted to the body and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Each cutting blade has a retracted position minimum gauge cutting portion and an extended position maximum gauge cutting portion, with the blades in the extended position the gauge cutting portions extending axially and being located in a transverse plane on or forward of the blade pivot axis.
US07681660B2
A method and a software product for positioning a drilling unit in a rock drilling rig, and a rock drilling rig. The drilling unit (5) included in the rock drilling rig (1) is manually displaced towards a starting point (14) of a hole (19) to be drilled next. A control unit (11) in the rock drilling rig (1) performs after the manual displacement (A) an automatic positioning (B) accurately to the starting point in order to initiate drilling.
US07681659B2
A control system is provided for use in a power tool. The control system includes: a rotational rate sensor having a resonating mass and a controller electrically connected to the rotational rate sensor. The rotational rate sensor detects lateral displacement of the resonating mass and generates a signal indicative of the detected lateral displacement, such that the lateral displacement is directly proportional to a rotational speed at which the power tool rotates about an axis of the rotary shaft. Based on the generated signal, the controller initiates a protective operation to avoid further undesirable rotation of the power tool. The controller may opt to reduce the torque applied to shaft to a non-zero value that enables the operator to regain control of the tool.
US07681655B2
A fire suppression system for a fryer is provided. The fire suppression system for the fryer may include a reservoir of fire suppression agent, piping connected to the reservoir, and one or more nozzles connected to the piping and configured to direct fire suppression agent into the fry vat when the lid is not in the fully open position (such as when the lid is in the closed/unlocked position). For example, when the lid is closed, a headspace may be created between the fry vat and an interior portion of the lid. When the lid is in the closed and unlocked position (creating an opening into the headspace for venting of the fry vat), the nozzle may be configured external to both the lid and the fry vat so that fire suppression agent is directed through the opening and into headspace of the fry vat.
US07681634B2
An apparatus is provided for cleaning a drill string of drilling mud during tripping, the apparatus being provided with a mass and a volume such that it is able to float on a surface of the drilling mud in the drill string during the tripping operation. The apparatus includes a wiper device which is bellows-shaped, and a weight which is fastened to the top of the wiper device.
US07681633B1
A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.
US07681631B2
A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.
US07681630B2
An HVAC system for work vehicle having an operator compartment for an operator is disclosed. The HVAC system includes a pressurizer blower and an air-conditioning system coupled to an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is configured to reduce the output of the pressurizer blower when the operator selects a high output from the air-conditioning system. The HVAC system is also configured to provide defog operation in both a manual mode and an automatic mode of operation. The HVAC system is configured to reset the defog operation when the vehicle ignition is turned off or turned back on. The HVAC system is also configured not to reset the defog operation when the operator switches rapidly between the automatic mode and the manual mode of operation.
US07681628B2
The present invention provides dynamic control of back gate bias on pull-up pFETs in a FinFET SRAM cell. A method according to the present invention includes providing a bias voltage to a back gate of at least one transistor in the SRAM cell, and dynamically controlling the bias voltage based on an operational mode (e.g., Read, Half-Select, Write, Standby) of the SRAM cell.
US07681627B2
A method is disclosed for molding a component with at least one microstructured functional element, which is configured intentionally with a defined structure, in relief, at a defined point on the surface of the component in order to specifically fulfill a function. The element has a characteristic dimension in the micrometer range in at least one spatial direction. The component is shaped from a substantially metallic material using a mould. At least one functional element is formed in a negative impression that is configured on the surface of the mould.
US07681613B2
A pneumatic tire and noise damper assembly comprises a pneumatic tire manufactured by vulcanization using an expandable bladder for molding an inner surface of the tire, the bladder with at least one vent groove extending on its outer surface, the inner surface of the tire being provided with at least one projecting stripe molded by the vent groove of the bladder, and a noise damper being attached to the inner surface of the tire and extending in the circumferential direction of the tire, wherein the projecting stripe comprises at least one first projecting stripe extending in an adhesion region to which the noise damper is attached, and the first projecting part has a height of from 0.2 to 1.0 mm, a width of from 0.4 to 1.6 mm and an virtual section area of from 0.08 to 1.00 mm2.
US07681611B2
A tire cavity resonance restricting device to be mounted on the inner surface of the tread portion facing to the cavity of a pneumatic tire. The tire cavity resonance restricting device includes a cross-sectional area changing member for changing the cross-sectional area of the cavity in tire meridian cross section, and an elastic fixing member in the form of a ring for fixing the cross-sectional area changing member to the inner surface of the tread portion. The elastic fixing member has an attachment portion to which the cross-sectional area changing member is attached and a non-attachment portion to which the cross-sectional area changing member is not attached. The non-attachment portion is greater in mass than the attachment portion.
US07681595B2
Provided are a microfluidic device and a microfluidic network formed by connecting such microfluidic devices. The microfluidic device can equalize the flow of multiple microfluids in a chamber in parallel to thereby have an equal flow rate when the microfluids transferred through different flow channels join in the chamber having a changing cross-sectional area. The microfluidic device includes: multiple flow channels formed between an upper substrate and a lower substrate to transfer the microfluids and including inlets for injecting the microfluids in one side and fluid stopping surfaces for stopping the flow of the microfluids in the other side; a pressure controlling flow channel for removing a pressure difference between the microfluids; a fluid converging part for converging the microfluids; and a chamber composed of hydrophilic surfaces and hydrophobic surfaces disposed alternately in a flow direction so that the microfluids join and flow in parallel and equal.
US07681583B2
A double-walled contained shear valve comprises of an inner housing forming a fuel flow path, and a containment housing surrounding the inner housing, either partially or wholly, to provide a secondary containment. An interstitial space is formed between the inner housing and the containment housing as a result, and may be placed under a vacuum or pressure level to monitor for leaks. A vacuum actuator coupled to the interstitial space automatically opens and closes the fuel flow path of the shear valve in response to the vacuum level in the interstitial space to prevent leaks to the environment. The shear valve may contain a flange for connection to internal fuel dispenser piping that either does or does not includes interstitial space orifices to couple the shear valve interstitial space to the fuel dispenser piping interstitial space to monitor the vacuum or pressure level in these interstitial spaces as one contiguous space.
US07681581B2
Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include particular baffle members or duct structures having an inlet proximal to an outer periphery of a workpiece and/or workpiece support.
US07681576B2
The preferred embodiments provide, e.g., a high quality flexible tracheostomy tube assembly including an outer tracheostomy cannula and a disposable, flexible inner cannula. In preferred embodiments, the product provides a single patient use, sterile device.
US07681572B2
Methods for administering medical gases include providing the medical gas in compressed gas cartridges containing an amount of the medical gas preferably corresponding substantially to a unit dose of the medical gas and providing a patient with access to the medical gas from the gas cartridge upon need therefor. Apparatus for administering medical gases also includes a housing, a cassette associated with the housing containing at least one compressed gas cartridge preferably containing at least an amount of the medical gas substantially as required for a single dose and a patient supply interface to provide the medical gas to the patient.
US07681564B2
An internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder, wherein in the cylinder there is a piston, which has a recess. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine has a cylinder head, which has the shape of a roof complementary to the roof-shaped geometry of the piston with a first and second side converging in the shape of a gable, with the piston and the cylinder head defining a top side and a bottom side of a combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine has an ignition device, which is arranged at least approximately in the center in the roof shape. The cylinder further has preferably two inlet valves, which are arranged in the first side, and also preferably two outlet valves, which are arranged in the second side. The recess extends past both sides, wherein the recess includes at the side approximately vertically descending sides and a base. The piston further has at least two, preferably four quench zones, which are at least partially separated from each other by valve pockets for valves.
US07681563B2
An ignition coil apparatus for an internal combustion engine can be produced at low cost with a simple structure, and can be inserted into a bent plug hole without impairing insertability thereof. The apparatus is provided with a high voltage tower (2b) that holds a high voltage terminal (8) in its interior, and a cylindrical plug boot (10) that has electrical insulation and flexibility and is attached at its one end to the high voltage tower (2b). The plug boot 10 is installed on a main body of the internal combustion engine by being inserted into the bent plug hole. The plug boot (10) has a thin wall part (10a) of a thin thickness formed at a location facing in opposition to a bent portion of the plug hole.
US07681561B2
A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine and a method of operating the fuel delivery system are provided. An example embodiment of the method includes: transferring at least some fuel from a first fuel storage region to a second fuel storage region via a pump during a first condition; draining at least some fuel from the second fuel storage region to the first storage fuel region via gravity during a second condition; and delivering fuel from the first fuel storage region to a first fuel injector of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and delivering fuel from the second fuel storage region to a second fuel injector of the cylinder.
US07681549B2
An oscillating piston engine comprises an internal combustion engine part having a housing part in which there are arranged a first and at least a second piston which can jointly revolve in the housing part about an axis of rotation fixed in relation to the housing and which, when revolving about the axis of rotation, perform reciprocating oscillating movements in opposition to one another about an axis of oscillation extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. The first piston has a first end face and the at least second piston has a second end face facing the first end face, the end faces delimiting a working chamber in the direction of oscillation of the pistons. The internal combustion engine part is adjoined in the direction of the axis of rotation by an electromotive part having at least one rotor which is arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation and which is arranged in a housing part adjoining the housing part of the internal combustion engine part.
US07681532B1
A carrier for an animal providing expanded and collapsed configurations. The carrier may include an inner shell and an outer shell with respective openings that are co-positioned when the carrier is in the collapsed configuration. A moving wall may effectively block one of the openings when the carrier is in the expanded configuration.
US07681524B1
An apparatus for the recreational use of pets, which is durable, lightweight, made with a versatile construction that has replaceable components, and is aesthetically appealing. Several aspects are comprised such as a structural frame support, sleeping platforms, a basket area for storing items, a litter box storage area, and an open floor storage area. Doors may be added to enclose the floor storage area. A scratch pad may be optionally mounted onto the frame.
US07681508B2
An after-air nozzle capable of reducing NOx and CO and a boiler equipped with such a nozzle are provided The after-air nozzle has a vena contracta such that an outside diameter of a flow passage diminishes towards the air-jetting port which supplies air to a boiler, and a changing apparatus changes a flow passage cross-sectional area of the vena contracta. A method of use of such an after-air nozzle and a boiler so equipped is also provided.
US07681495B2
A food processing device has a housing with a lid, a rotatable attachment (e.g., a basket or beater) in the housing and a drive mechanism in the lid for rotating the attachment to process food in the housing. The drive mechanism has a manual actuator and a gear train for transmitting a driving force from the actuator to rotate the attachment. The actuator lies on an outer surface of the lid and is movable along the lid surface in opposite directions between two positions to rotate the attachment in a single direction. A ratchet assembly in driving engagement with the gear train transmits a rotational drive in only a single direction. A braking mechanism for braking the attachment, includes a manual operator and two braking shoes for movement by the operator to brake the attachment by friction.
US07681491B2
A mixing head for producing heated milk in the form of a froth or water-milk mixture. The mixing head includes a steam feed, a milk inlet, a mixing area where the steam feed and milk inlet join and the steam and milk combine, an outlet nozzle for draining the resulting mixture from the mixing head, a rinsing medium supply, a milk supply and a transfer mechanism that provides relative movement between the milk inlet and the rinsing medium supply or the milk supply for selectively bringing the milk inlet into fluid connection with the rinsing medium supply or the milk supply, such that milk or a rinsing medium, as desired, can enter the mixing head at the milk inlet.
US07681490B2
The invention relates to a drive device for a piston pump of a braking system of a vehicle having at least one piston element displaced in the longitudinal direction in a housing between an upper dead center and a lower dead center by means of an eccentric device. The eccentric device comprises at least one cam-shaped eccentric element having a covering surface forming a control curve which is used to control the displacement of the piston element. A roller bearing device is arranged between the control curve of the eccentric element and the piston element, which has such an elasticity that the piston element can be controlled according the predefined contour of the control curve of the eccentric element.
US07681486B2
An arrangement in combination with an oscillating cylinder (1), whereby the arrangement includes a working valve (10) of cylinder (1) to transmit pressure medium into cylinder (1), impulse valves (5) by means of which, by working valve is controlled, control means (4), as discs, from movable piston rod (18) to cylinder (1) outside, which can be arranged to get in several different linear positions in contact with the control means impulse valves (5) in order to produce a stroke length set for the piston rod of the oscillation cylinder. In the arrangement the impulse valves are placed sideways outside control means (4) and the required impact to be achieved from the control means (to the impulse valves (5) is moved by means of special arms (13) moved from control means (4) as an opening/closing motion of the shut-off part of the impulse valves whereby the structural length of the oscillating cylinder can be achieved essentially shorter in the cylinder back end of control means (4), (5).
US07681479B2
A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine is disclosed. The machine includes a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving. The motion detection system may include a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, or an electrical sensor. The woodworking machine may take the form of a saw, the working portion may be a blade adapted to cut when spinning, and the dangerous condition may be a person contacting the blade.
US07681475B2
An automatic bottle opener using a mechanical system that automatically stops rotation of the worm screw only in anti-clockwise direction during the extraction stage. A rotation stopper having a one-way bearing for coupling the stopper to the worm screw allows the screw to rotate when displaced axially in one direction, but prevents such rotation when axially displaced in the opposite direction.
US07681473B2
The invention concerns a rotational movement transmission device comprising a flexible shaft and a casing inside which the shaft is housed, said casing being formed from a hollow body of plastic material whose internal diameter is arranged to allow the rotation of said shaft inside said casing, the wall of the body having a variable thickness so that at least part of the casing has an internal surface comprising corrugations extending longitudinally. The invention also concerns an adjustment system for a motor vehicle seat comprising such a transmission device.
US07681450B2
A method useful for evaluating the presence and/or the quality of the cement bond of a downhole tubular. The method involves measuring radial resonance modes of the tubular, and comparing those measured values to the unbound tubular resonant values of a calibration ring. For a well bonded tubular, the measured radial resonance should be greater than that of the unbound tubular calibration ring. In regions where a fluid, such as water surrounds the outside of the tubular, or the cement is otherwise not bonded to the outer surface of the tubular, the measured response should be less than the calibrated response. The calibration ring should have the same diameter, wall thickness, and be made of the same material as the tubular.
US07681437B2
A device for determining the viscosity of fluids. The device includes an injector, which has a piston and a hollow cylinder with a nozzle. The device further includes a cannula. The device also includes a forward-feed device with the aid of which the piston is displaceable at a uniform speed.
US07681433B2
By using a disc type resonator, a sensor detects a substance having a mass and the mass with high sensitivity. Moreover, it is preferable to detect a change in vibrations of a substance attached or adsorbed to an area having a vibration amplitude equal to or larger than a constant value. This disc type resonator can be fabricated by the MEMS technique by using single-crystal or polycrystalline Si as a structural material. To improve the attachment efficiency of molecules and the like to be detected, irregularity or a groove is preferably provided on the surface of the disc type resonator.
US07681420B2
A washing machine and a method of controlling the same are provided. The washing machine includes an exhaust port, a filter, and a nozzle. Humid air in a tub is exhausted through the exhaust port to the outside. The filter filters is provided to the exhaust port to filter lint. The nozzle sprays air to the filter. The lint filtered by the filter is automatically removed, so that use convenience safety is enhanced and dry efficiency of the washing machine is improved.
US07681418B2
A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.
US07681414B2
The present invention discloses improved methods and apparatus for forming sheet glass. In one embodiment, the invention introduces a counteracting force to the stresses on the forming structure in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming structure.
US07681407B2
A method and a device for detecting flash gas in a vapor-compression refrigeration or heat pump system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator interconnected by conduits providing a flow path for a refrigerant, by determining a first rate of heat flow of a heat exchange fluid flow across a heat exchanger of the system and a second rate of heat flow of the refrigerant across the heat exchanger, and using the rates of heat flow for establishing an energy balance from which a parameter for monitoring the refrigerant flow is derived, to thereby provide early detection of flash gas with a minimum number of false alarms.
US07681403B2
In a combustor section, having a forward sleeve is disposed to encircle a leading end of an impingement sleeve including first and second impingement sleeve parts abutted along a longitudinal junction thereof, a retainer member disposed to overlie the longitudinal junction. The retainer member is welded to the forward sleeve and/or to the impingement sleeve. The retainer member has first and second axial end edges disposed transverse to the longitudinal junction, and at least one of the axial end edges has a cutout defined therein and disposed to overlie the longitudinal junction.
US07681394B2
Improved transient response times are obtained while maintaining low emissions with a low pressure EGR system through methods for quickly obtaining a desired oxygen concentration for charge-air to be used for combustion. Under a first method, fuel quantity in the main combustion event is controlled in the combustion process to produce exhaust around a relatively constant target exhaust oxygen concentration value. By keeping the exhaust oxygen concentration levels at a relatively constant value, lag time in waiting for low pressure EGR valve adjustments during transients may be avoided, and the system's air handling response to meet transients may be paced solely by adjusting the mass of air to be supplied (i.e. boost response). Under a second method, a multiple-stage combustion process is utilized, in which fuel feed is controlled in a small, preliminary HCCI-type combustion event in order to produce a target oxygen concentration of charge-air to be used for the second, main combustion event. Under a third method, exhaust rebreathing is used to produce a target oxygen concentration of charge-air to be used for combustion.
US07681389B2
A suction air nozzle for a textile machine for storing a yarn length of a running yarn passing the nozzle opening. The nozzle has an elongate nozzle body, with a clear cross section having a narrower width in the region of its central longitudinal axis than in its tube-like edge regions. The nozzle further has an inlet opening, which has its largest width in the yarn running direction. The clear cross section of the nozzle body of the suction air nozzle increases from the inlet opening of the nozzle body in the axial direction to an end-side outlet opening.
US07681387B2
A corn head end fender is configured to tilt outwardly in a direction transverse to the direction of travel to provide access to a row unit covered by the end fender during normal operation.
US07681386B1
The invention provides a mechanical apparatus to assist cotton harvesters in suppressing in-row weed growth and/or feeding cotton into the row unit of the cotton harvester using a rotating weed reel. The weed reel comprises a frame assembly, a rotatable shaft coupled to the frame assembly, and protruding rods extending outwardly from the shaft so as to contact the ground between the in-row cotton plants and deflect weeds and debris out of a desired area.
US07681379B2
A packing member for packing an article, includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating medium; a non-return valve for passing the medium to the medium accommodating portion and stopping the medium away from the medium accommodating portion; an introducing portion for introducing the medium into the medium accommodating portion with the non-return valve from an outside of the packing member to balloon the medium accommodating portion; and a sealing region, disposed upstream of the non-return valve with respect to a direction of the introduction of the medium from the introducing portion toward the non-return valve, for sealing against the introduction of the medium to prevent leakage from the introducing portion to an outside of the packing member, the sealing region being sealed to keep the medium in the medium accommodating portion.
US07681377B2
A process for producing partitioned packages by which a first film is formed into an elongated inner tube and a second film is formed into an elongated outer tube surrounding the inner tube. Reactive components are filled into the inner and outer tubes as the tubes are formed to maintain the reactive components separate from each other. Only the outer tube is actively engaged to advance the tube longitudinally. Frictional forces from the advancing outer tube are applied to the component within the outer tube and, in turn, are applied to the inner tube thereby advancing the inner tube at a rate substantially the same as the outer tube.
US07681374B2
A method and device to form packing units (12) consisting of at least two packs (10, 11). To this end, the successively conveyed packs (10, 11) are tilted by 90° in the region of a turning line (20) in such a way that the associated packs (10, 11) are oriented towards each other in the correct relative position for the packing unit (12). Every second pack (11) is delayed during the turning process so that it can be oriented towards the associated pack (10).
US07681367B2
A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.
US07681355B2
A device for supporting a tree limb. The device includes a base having top and bottom surfaces for situating the device proximate to said tree limb. A telescoping pole having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends is provided, the first end being rotatably secured to the base. A coupling is included for varying the length of the telescoping pole. A support rod is affixed to the second end of the telescoping pole, the support rod being rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A U-shaped limb support member is fixedly appended to the support rod.
US07681353B2
In one aspect there is provided an erosion control medium formed from a blended mulch product which can be mixed with water and spray-applied to a ground surface to form the erosion control medium, comprising: about 75% to about 92% by weight ligno-cellulosic fibers; about 1% to about 10% by weight substantially straight synthetic fibers; and a tackifier; wherein the substantially straight synthetic fibers maintain their substantially straight form in the blended mulch product and the erosion control medium. Also provided are slurries in which the blended mulch product is mixed with water to produce the slurry, the slurry is spray-applied to a ground surface and the slurry dries on the ground surface to form an erosion control medium.
US07681344B2
A display mounted on a shopping cart handle allows shoppers to find information, to obtain coupons, to refer to in-store audio or video programs, and the like.
US07681340B2
An electronic control device is disclosed for controlling a plow. The control device includes a pendant control structured and arranged such that an operator of the plow is permitted to control the plow by operation of the pendant control. A plurality of switches is mounted on the pendant control for selective operation by the operator. At least one of the switches of the plurality of switches being a multi stage switch which permits the operator to activate to different current driven settings.
US07681338B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a roller assembly on an excavator for degrading natural and man-made formations has a plurality of pointed inserts disposed along its outer diameter. The inserts have a tip adapted to impact the formation and at least one of the tips has polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide segment. The diamond also has a substantially conical geometry with a 0.50 to 0.200 inch radius and a thickness greater that 100 inches at the apex. The diamond also has a volume that is 75 to 150 percent of a volume of a carbide substrate.
US07681331B2
Sandals with adjustable post assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a sandal can include a sole assembly and a first strap coupled to the sole assembly. The first strap is positioned to engage a forefoot area of a wearer's foot. The first strap includes an aperture proximate to an intermediate portion of the first strap. The sandal also includes an adjustable post assembly extending through the aperture. The post assembly includes a post portion coupled to the sole assembly and one or more flexible second straps projecting from the post portion and configured to be releasably coupled to the first strap. The first strap is movable along at least one of the post portion and the one or more flexible second straps to adjust the position of the first strap relative to the sole assembly for engagement with the wearer's foot.
US07681324B2
A prefabricated jig or tool (10) for use in positioning and aligning roof trusses (50) during frame construction includes a lateral brace portion (12) with a pair of downwardly-depending throat members (18.20), each adapted to releasably capture a truss component (e.g. constructed from 1½ inch nominal thickness lumber). The throat members are spaced apart on the lateral brace portion a distance equal to the desired truss spacing (e.g., 24 inches on center). Nailing holes (22) are provided in the brace portion above the throat members to enable temporary nailing of the tool to the truss component(s).
US07681321B2
An eyeglass frame shape measuring apparatus comprises: a frame holding unit which holds a eyeglass frame in a desired position; a rotary base; a feeler holding unit which comprises a support shaft to which a feeler for measurement is attached, a first arm for holding the support shaft, an elastic body for urging the first arm so that the support shaft is urged outward with respect to a rotation center axis of the rotary base, and a first arm holding unit for holding the first arm to enable the support shaft to be inclined with respect to the rotation center axis; a detecting unit which detects movement of the first arm; and an arithmetic unit which obtains a three-dimensional movement position of the feeler to obtain the three-dimensional shape of the rim, on the basis of rotation of the rotary base and results of detection of the detecting unit.
US07681315B2
A clamping tool for use with a power tool includes a housing mounted on a power tool. The housing includes at least one engaging portion. The locking pliers includes a retaining section with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is mounted on the at least one engaging portion for retain the locking pliers in a selectively, releasably, rotational relationship relative to the housing. An engaging section of the locking pliers is mounted relative to the retaining section and is selectively locked relative to the distal end of the retaining section for positioning an article therebetween. In two embodiments, after an article is locked in the locking pliers, the locking pliers can be rotated either away from or towards the housing to permit the power tool to come into engagement with an article.
US07681299B2
An article includes walls defining an insulating space therebetween and a vent forming an exit for gas molecules during evacuation of the space. A distance separating the walls is variable in a portion adjacent the vent such that gas molecules are directed towards the vent imparting a greater probability of molecule egress than ingress such that deeper vacuum is developed without requiring getter material. The variable-distance portion may be formed by converging walls. Alternatively, a portion of one of the walls may be formed such that a normal line at any location within that portion is directed substantially towards a vent opening in the other wall.
US07681296B2
A method and tool for producing a press joint connection, in which portions of the radial lateral walls of an opening of a die are configured as flexible displaceable segments, whereas other sections, when viewed from a periphery of the opening, remain rigidly connected to the die.
US07681293B2
A C-frame for use in association with a fastener setting machine, such as a rivet setting machine. The C-frame is configured such that it can be used as a suspended C-frame or as a pedestal mounted C-frame. Specifically, the C-frame is configured such that it can be easily mechanically mounted on and electrically connected to a pedestal. The pedestal has a docking mechanism and the C-frame has corresponding structure which mates with the docking station to mechanically mount the C-frame to the pedestal. In addition, the pedestal includes an electrical connector which connects to, or mates with, a corresponding electrical connector on the C-frame. Preferably, buttons are provided on both the C-frame and the pedestal and docking the C-frame on the pedestal works to effectively transfer control of the rivet setting machine from the buttons on the C-frame to the buttons on the pedestal.
US07681286B1
A machine for storing a strap with a bag attached to the fixed strap of a ratchet-buckle assembly.
US07681284B1
A hinge is disclosed having a first leaf, a second leaf and a pin. The first leaf has a first layer and a second layer. The first leaf also has at least two hollow first leaf knuckles that are unitary with both the first layer and the second layer. The second leaf has a first layer and a second layer. The second leaf also has at least two hollow second leaf knuckles that are unitary with both the first and second layer. The pin extends through each of the knuckles to hold the leaves together.
US07681276B2
The present invention is a device for cleaning surfaces comprising; a housing having a handle on one end and a cleaning head on the other end the cleaning head having an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge and a magnetic means. The magnetic means is removably attached to the cleaning head and provides a magnetic field to its lower surface. There is at least one attachment means provided on the upper surface or the perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over the lower surface of the cleaning head.
US07681275B2
The present invention relates to a dust cloth texture having fiber bundles or bundles of intermingled yarn for dusting formed on a cleaning side of a piece of nonwoven cloth by locally press-fusing. The dust cloth texture is characterized by that a plurality of press-fusing lines are formed on the dust cloth by successively splicing a plurality of closed geometric frames, whereby the lengths and directions of the fiber bundles or intermingled yarn extending outside the fusing frames are varied with the geometric shapes and line angles of the fusing lines, such that the freedom of distribution of the fibers or intermingled yarn is increased and the dusting effect is also optimized. Meanwhile, the fiber bundles or yarn inside the fusing frames are undulated to further enhance the cleaning effect of the dust cloth.
US07681265B2
A cellular cushion includes a base and a plurality of hollow cells coupled to the base. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a substantially planar lower surface and an opposite upper surface. The second layer includes a substantially planar lower surface and an opposite substantially planar upper surface. The hollow cells extend outwardly from the first layer upper surface within at least one region. Each of the cells within the first region are coupled together in flow communication. Each of the cells includes a hollow body portion and an outer surface. The cells are spaced across the base such that the cell outer surfaces cooperate to define a contoured seat configured to cradle a portion of a user. An outer surface of at least some of the cells is at least one of oriented obliquely with respect to the base.
US07681263B1
Modular pillow systems include one or two individual bolster component(s) and a traditional pillow component. When two bolster components are employed, the traditional pillow component is positioned between the two bolster components, and when one bolster component is employed, the traditional pillow component is positioned to one side of the bolster component. The density and diameter and/or size of the individual modular components may be selected based on the anatomical characteristics and/or comfort and support characteristics of the user. The bolster component(s) and the traditional pillow component may be contained in a shell or cover or conventional pillowcase sized and dimensioned to snugly fit around the bolster component(s) and traditional pillow component and hold the components together.
US07681256B2
A mask is described herein that uses correlated magnets which enable a person to easily secure and remove the mask to and from their head. Some examples of such a mask include a scuba mask, a welding mask, a fencing mask, a goalie mask, a paint mask, a paintball mask, a catcher's mask, a ski mask, a goalie mask, an oxygen mask, a surgical mask, a face shield, a filter mask, a theatrical mask, a costume mask, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.
US07681254B2
This invention relates to a sock, in particular to be used of sporting activities, comprising cushioning in the vicinity of the Achilles tendon. Said cushioning is formed by at least two spacer cushion pads (24,25), placed on either side of the Achilles tendon and running alongside the latter.
