US07897708B2

An aqueous dispersion includes a self-crosslinking alkylolacrylamide containing interpolymer, the interpolymer being prepared in an emulsion polymerization medium by way of interpolymerizing in the medium: (a) acrylamide monomer; (b) N—C2 to C10 alkylolacrylamide monomer, wherein the molar ratio of acrylamide:N—C2 to C10 alkylolacrylamide interpolymerized is at least 0.5; and (c) at least one or more additional ethylenically unsaturated monomers added to the medium in an amount of from about 80 weight % to about 98 weight % based on the dry weight of monomer interpolymerized in the medium. The dispersions are particularly useful as binders for fibrous webs.
US07897705B2

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for producing an olefin polymer, which can produce an olefin polymer having a higher molecular weight by lowering hydrogen concentration efficiently in polymerizing an olefin in the presence of hydrogen by use of a gas phase reaction vessel. There is provided a process for producing an olefin polymer comprising the steps of: using a gas phase reaction vessel; polymerizing an olefin by use of a catalyst for olefin polymerization in the presence of hydrogen; and adding a hydrogenation catalyst to a bed portion in the gas phase reaction vessel.
US07897694B2

Golf ball components, such as cores, intermediate layers, and covers, formed with compositions including polyacrylate elastomers cured with peroxide systems, amine-based systems, or a combination thereof.
US07897673B2

The invention concerns flexible high thermomechanical stress-resistant and fire retardant halogen-free thermoplastic compositions, comprising a polyamide block-graft copolymer consisting of a trunk and on average at least one polyamide graft, wherein the grafts are bound to the trunk by the residues of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a function capable of reacting with a polyamide at the amine-terminal, the unsaturated monomer residues (X) being bound on the trunk by grafting or copolymerization from the double bond thereof. The invention is characterized in that the compositions comprise a mixture: 50 to 70 wt. % of polyamide block copolymer, 25 to 35 wt. % of a flame-retardant agent selected among ammonium phosphates, phosphinates, pyrophosphates, and polyphosphates, about 2 wt. % of zeolite, or hydrotalcitemolecular sieves. Said compositions are particularly useful for making electric cables, electric components, for molding electrotechnical housings, or for making coating layers or thermal protection sleeves for fluid transfer lines in the automotive industry.
US07897665B2

Provided is a tire rubber composition blended with an antioxidant that is derived from a raw material other than petroleum resources, the tire rubber composition being capable of achieving an oxidation resistance equal to or higher than a conventional level and of improving forming processability and a low hysteresis loss property. The tire rubber composition includes a blend of: 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber; 5 to 130 parts by weight of an inorganic filler; and 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of a tea extract containing a catechin.
US07897664B2

The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a component comprising at least one elastomer containing olefinic unsaturation; and compound of formula I wherein: R1, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, or substituted or unsubstituted oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms; R2 is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, or is absent; R7 is substituted or unsubstituted oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or halogen; R9, R10, R11 and R12 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, nitro or substituted or unsubstituted oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms; and X is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen.
US07897654B2

In one aspect, the invention relates to silicone prepolymer compositions comprising a silicone prepolymer and a solvent. A soluble silicone prepolymer can be provided having increased average silicon content, thereby attaining a desired oxygen permeability. A solvent can be provided with a desired balance between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity by selection and modification of the solvent molecular structure, resulting in molded polymer films and articles that exhibit minimal or nonexistent eye irritation and exhibit highly transparent products. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US07897649B2

An improved, economical alternative method to supply steam and methane to a steam methane reformer (SMR) is accomplished by a combination of procedures, wherein product gas from a steam hydro-gasification reactor (SHR) is used as the feedstock for the SMR by removing impurities from the product stream from the SHR with a gas cleanup unit that operates substantially at process pressures and at a temperature above the boiling point of water at the process pressure, is located between the SHR and SMR.
US07897647B2

Activated polymeric bicine derivatives such as as well as conjugates made therewith are disclosed. Methods of making and using the bicine derivatives are also disclosed.
US07897643B2

The present disclosure relates to compounds having the general Formula (I) with the definitions of R1, R2, R3, and R4 as provided herein, and/or salts thereof. The disclosure also relates to the use of such compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and for the modulation of γ-secretase activity.
US07897638B2

Inventors have developed a chromophore (nitrodibenzylfuranyl, or NBDF) for ultra efficient uncaging of a caged substrate (e.g., an organic molecule such as, for example, an amino acid, a biological molecules, such as, for example, second messengers inside cells). Photolysis of a NBDF derivative of EGTA (i.e. caged calcium) is about 50 times more efficient than others calcium cages (the quantum yield of photolysis is 0.6 and the extinction coefficient is 18,400. NDBF-EGTA has a 2-photon cross section of about 0.3-0.6 GM).
US07897637B2

Described herein are flavonoids (e.g., 5-desoxy flavones and/or 5-desoxy flavonols, including without limitation fisetin and its derivatives) that activate ERK and induce CREB phosphorylation in neuronal cultures, facilitate long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices and enhance object recognition in vivo. Methods of using these flavonoids, for instance, for enhancing memory are described.
US07897634B2

This invention relates to compounds of the formulas (1), (2) and (3) having pharmacological activity, to compositions containing these compounds, and to methods of treatment employing the compounds and compositions.
US07897633B2

The present invention relates to novel inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase and combinations thereof for the treatment of neuronal disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease, Down Syndrome, Parkinson disease, Chorea Huntington, pathogenic psychotic conditions, schizophrenia, impaired food intake, sleep-wakefulness, impaired homeostatic regulation of energy metabolism, impaired autonomic function, impaired hormonal balance, impaired regulation, body fluids, hypertension, fever, sleep dysregulation, anorexia, anxiety related disorders including depression, seizures including epilepsy, drug withdrawal and alcoholism, neurodegenerative disorders including cognitive dysfunction and dementia.
US07897627B2

The present invention relates to compounds of formula wherein Ar, Het, R1 and n are as defined herein and to pharmaceutically suitable acid addition salts, optically pure enantiomers, racemates or diastereomeric mixtures thereof. Compounds of formula I are orexin receptor antagonists and are useful in the treatment of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, parasomnia, jet lag syndrome, circadian rhythms disorder and sleep disorders associated with neurological diseases.
US07897626B2

The present invention relates to 2-substituted thiazole-4-carboxamide derivatives of the formula (I), the use thereof as medicament for the treatment of various disorders, and processes for the preparation thereof
US07897625B2

The invention relates to carbamoylbenzotriazole derivatives of general formula (I), which are defined as cited in the description, to their pharmaceutically applicable salts and to their use as medicaments.
US07897622B2

Compounds of formula I: wherein X, R2, R3, R5 and R6 are defined herein, are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase.
US07897614B2

A novel preventive and/or therapeutic medicament for a constipation predominant IBS which contains as the active ingredient a thieno[3,2-b]pyridinecarboxamide derivative represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group and A represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of 1-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonyl group 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octyl group, and the N-oxides thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a solvate or hydrate thereof.
US07897613B2

The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of the platelet aggregation inhibitor (+)-(S)-methyl-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-(6,7-dihydro-4H-thieno[3,2-c]pyrid-5-yl)acetate, clopidogrel (1), in the form of hydrogen bromide salts, identified as polymorph forms 1, 2 and 3. The present invention further relates to processes for preparing such forms, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such forms, and uses for such forms and compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions may be used, in particular, for inhibiting platelet aggregation or for treating, preventing or managing thrombosis, atherothrombosis, an atherothrombotic event, ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, or unstable angina. The present invention also relates to methods of treating said disorders. Formula (1).
US07897595B2

The present invention relates to pyridoazepine derivatives that act as 5-HT ligands, e.g., 5-HT2 C. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and to methods of treatment using the compounds.
US07897592B2

The invention encompasses a series bicyclic pyrimidinone compounds of Formula I which inhibit HIV integrase and prevent viral integration into human DNA. This action makes the compounds useful for treating HIV infection and AIDS. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating those infected with HIV.
US07897590B2

Methods to elevate progenitor and stem cell counts in animal subjects using compounds which bind to the chemokine receptor CXCR4 are disclosed. Preferred embodiments of such compounds are of the formula Z-linker-Z′  (1) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein Z is a cyclic polyamine containing 9-32 ring members of which 3-8 are nitrogen atoms, said nitrogen atoms separated from each other by at least 2 carbon atoms, and wherein said heterocycle may optionally contain additional heteroatoms besides nitrogen and/or may be fused to an additional ring system; or Z is of the formula wherein A comprises a monocyclic or bicyclic fused ring system containing at least one N and B is H or an organic moiety of 1-20 atoms, Z′ may be embodied in a form as defined by Z above, or alternatively may be of the formula —N(R)—(CR2)n—X wherein each R is independently H or straight, branched or cyclic alkyl (1-6C), n is 1 or 2, and X is an aromatic ring, including heteroaromatic rings, or is a mercaptan; “linker” represents a bond, alkylene (1-6C) or may comprise aryl, fused aryl, oxygen atoms contained in an alkylene chain, or may contain keto groups or nitrogen or sulfur atoms.
US07897586B2

A stable anaesthetic composition is described which is particularly suitable for use in cats and dogs. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of an anaesthetically effective amount of a water soluble cyclodextrin or a cyclodextrin derivative complex of alfaxalone and a buffer, excluding phosphate buffer pH 7.0, 0.1M mixed as defined in the British Pharmacopoeia 1998, such that the pH of the solution is from 6.0-8.0.
US07897585B1

The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one anti-hemophilic factor or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability in oral drug delivery.
US07897581B2

The present invention relates, at least in part, to methods and compositions for treating and diagnosing disorders associated with neovascularization, and methods for identifying targets and compositions used in treating and diagnosing such disorders.
US07897579B2

The invention relates to the use of a compound comprising D-mannoheptulose and/or perseitol for producing a drug for treating and/or preventing diseases related to the modification of an innate and/or acquired immunity by increasing the production of antimicrobial peptides, preferably hBD-2 without inducing inflammatory reactions, irritation or intolerance. Said compound can also comprise a peptidic avocado extract and/or a peptidic lupin extract.
US07897578B2

The present invention relates to peptides with anti-proliferative activity, of sequence SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2 or SEQ ID No. 3.
US07897577B2

The present invention is directed to a reconstituted surfactant containing a lipid carrier, a polypeptide analog of the native surfactant protein SP-C, and a polypeptide comprising a sequence comprised of repeated units where each unit contains between 3 and 8 hydrophobic amino acid residues and one basic amino acid residue. The invention is also directed to the pharmaceutical compositions thereof and to its use for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of RDS and other respiratory disorders.
US07897575B2

The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating or preventing vascular dementia in a mammal comprising mucosal administration of an amount of E-selectin polypeptide sufficient to induce bystander immune tolerance in the mammal. Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions useful for treating or preventing vascular dementia.
US07897574B2

The invention is concerned with the use of a peptide comprising the N-terminal sequence Gly-His-Arg-Pro-Leu-Asp-Lys-Lys-Arg-Glu-Glu-Ala-Pro-Ser-Leu-Arg-Pro-Ala- Pro-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Gly-Gly-Gly-Tyr-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 1) or any allelic variant or derivative of said peptide possessing the biological property of matching the inducible VE-cadherin binding motif on the Bβ-chain (i.e. Bβ15-42) of human fibrin for the preparation of a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of shock, more specifically of hemorrhagic shock.
US07897573B2

The present invention encompasses peptides that selectively activate the VPAC2 receptor and are useful in the treatment of diabetes.
US07897568B2

Synthetic peptides containing an ankyrin repeat-like motif or portion thereof and mimetics thereof which interact with synuclein-gamma (SNCG) and reduce SNCG-mediated resistance of SNCG-expressing cancer cells to treatment with anticancer drugs or inhibit tumorigenesis and cancer cell proliferation are provided. Compositions containing these peptides, portions thereof or mimetics thereof are also provided. Methods for use of these peptides or portions thereof, compositions, and mimetics thereof in potentiating efficacy of anticancer drugs, in particular microtubule inhibitors and hormonal cancer therapies, and in treating cancer are also provided.
US07897564B2

A carrier matrix may be delivered to a target position within a patient in a minimally invasive manner by first cutting a collagen sponge sheet into a plurality of relatively small pieces. These pieces are sized so that, when wet, they are capable of flowing through a cannula and/or reduced-diameter syringe tip. The pieces are placed into a syringe and wetted, say with a morphogenic solution, and optionally mixed with a bulking material, which is similarly sized to fit through the cannula. The thoroughly mixed and wetted product forms a viscous aggregate which may then be injected into the patient at the target site.
US07897562B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel means for stably and surely inducing cell apoptosis using the c-myc gene as a target. The present invention relates to an apoptosis-inducing agent containing a protein that interacts with an FBP protein or a polynucleotide encoding the protein as an active ingredient and a method for inducing apoptosis, which comprises a step of causing the apoptosis-inducing agent to come into contact with cells.
US07897553B2

A polymeric biguanide composition comprising less than 18 mol % of terminal amine groups as measured by 13C NMR. The polymeric biguanide composition also is characterized by a relative increase in the molar concentration of terminal guanidine groups or terminal cyanoguanidino groups. The invention is also directed to ophthalmic compositions comprising the polymeric biguanide compositions. The polymeric biguanide compositions can be used as an antimicrobial component in an ophthalmic lens care solution, or as a preservative to in a pharmaceutical composition or other health care product.
US07897551B2

There is provided lubricants for power transmission which exhibit not only a high coefficient of traction but also a high flash point. The lubricants for power transmission according to the present invention contains an alicyclic alcohol carboxylic diester compound represented by the general formula (1): R1—CO—O—(X1)m—Z—(X2)n—O—CO—R2  (1) wherein Z is a cycloalkylene group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R1 and R2 are each independently a chain hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms; X1 and X2 are each independently a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and m and n are respectively an integer of 0 or 1.
US07897549B2

An additive for imparting antiwear properties to a lubricant composition is based on a combination of (1) an organo borate ester composition and (2) one or more sulfur- or phosphorus-containing compounds or a non-sulfur molybdenum compound. The sulfur- or phosphorus-containing compounds are dithiocarbamate, bisdithiocarbamate, 1,3,4-diathiazole, phosphorodithioate, phosphorodithioate esters, and the molybdenum compound is prepared by reacting (a) about 1.0 mole of fatty oil having 12 or more carbon atoms, (b) about 1.0 to 2.5 moles diethanolamine and (c) a molybdenum source.
US07897545B2

Additives that may be useful in preventing fluid loss in certain subterranean formations and associated methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise: providing a low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer; and introducing the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
US07897544B2

The invention discloses a compounded hydrocarbon oil which comprises a base hydrocarbon oil, preferably a mixture of paraffinic hydrocarbons, propylene carbonate, and a liquid fatty acid containing at least 12 carbon atoms per molecule, preferably tall oil fatty acid. The volume ratio of propylene carbonate to liquid fatty acid is from about 3.5 to 1 to about 7 to 1. Preferably the concentration of propylene carbonate is from about 0.002 gal/gal oil to about 0.0057 gal/gal oil and the concentration of the liquid fatty acid is from about 0.0003 gal/gal oil to about 0.0015 gal/gal oil. The invention further comprises a method of compounding the compounded hydrocarbon oil and an oil base drilling fluid prepared from the compounded hydrocarbon oil. Preferably the compounded hydrocarbon oil is characterized by an increase in the low shear rate viscosity of the oil of at least 5,000 centipoise or mixing 7.5 lb/bbl of an organoclay therein.
US07897543B2

The invention relates to novel spiroketal-substituted cyclic ketoenols of the formula (I) in which A, B, Q1, Q2, D, G, W, X, Y, and Z are as defined above, to processes and intermediates for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or microbicides and/or herbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, spiroketal-substituted cyclic ketoenols and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound.
US07897536B2

The present invention relates to a nanocapsule-type structure having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 nm, said nanocapsule-type structure comprising an aqueous solution of a metal compound encapsulated in the inside thereof. Preferably, the nanocapsule-type structure is such that the nanocapsule structure is formed by self-organization of a surfactant in an organic solvent. This nanocapsule structure is in a nanometer size, and high in dispersibility even in a high-concentration region in an organic solvent, and does not undergo aggregation, and it is useful as a catalyst for a CVD method.
US07897524B2

A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device including: determining pattern dependency of a radiation factor of an element forming surface of one wafer having a predetermined pattern formed on the wafer; determining a heating surface of the wafer, based on the pattern dependency of the radiation factor; holding the one wafer having the determined heating surface and another wafer having a determined heating surface, spaced at a predetermined distance in such a manner that non-heating surfaces of the one wafer and the another wafer oppose to each other; and heating the each heating surface of the one wafer and the another wafer.
US07897521B2

Disclosed is a low dielectric constant plasma polymerized thin film using linear organic/inorganic precursors and a method of manufacturing the low dielectric constant plasma polymerized thin film through plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and annealing using an RTA apparatus. The low dielectric constant plasma polymerized thin film is effective for the preparation of multilayered metal thin films having a thin film structure with very high thermal stability, a low dielectric constant, and superior mechanical properties.
US07897519B2

Disclosed is a composition for preparing an organic insulator, including an organic silane material, having a vinyl group, an acetylene group or an acryl group as a functional group for participating in a crosslinking reaction, a crosslinking agent, and a solvent for dissolving the above components. The organic insulator of example embodiments may be provided in the form of a solid insulating film, which may increase charge mobility while decreasing the threshold voltage and operating voltage of OTFTs, and which also may generate relatively slight hysteresis.
US07897518B2

According to the present invention, when a nitridation process by plasma generated by a microwave is applied to a substrate with an oxide film having been formed thereon to form an oxynitride film, the microwave is intermittently supplied. By the intermittent supply of the microwave, ion bombardment is reduced in accordance with a decrease in electron temperature, and a diffusion velocity of nitride species in the oxide film lowers, which as a result makes it possible to prevent nitrogen from concentrating in a substrate-side interface of an oxynitride film to increase the nitrogen concentration therein. Consequently, it is possible to improve quality of the oxynitride film, resulting in a reduced leakage current, an improved operating speed, and improved NBTI resistance.
US07897513B2

The present application is directed to a method for forming a metal silicide layer. The method comprises providing a substrate comprising silicon and depositing a metal layer on the substrate. The metal layer is annealed within a first temperature range and for a first dwell time of about 10 milliseconds or less to react at least a portion of the metal with the silicon to form a silicide. An unreacted portion of the metal is removed from the substrate. The silicide is annealed within a second temperature range for a second dwell time of about 10 milliseconds or less.
US07897504B2

A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, in which a lifting phenomenon can be prevented from occurring in forming an amorphous carbon film on an etched layer having tensile stress. According to the invention, since a compression stress on the etched layer or the amorphous carbon film can be reduced or a compression stress film is formed between the etched layer or the amorphous carbon film to prevent a lifting phenomenon from occurring and thus another pattern can be formed to fabricate a highly integrated semiconductor device.
US07897500B2

A plurality of spaced-apart conductor structures is formed on a semiconductor substrate, each of the conductor structures including a conductive layer. Insulating spacers are formed on sidewalls of the conductor structures. An interlayer-insulating film that fills gaps between adjacent ones of the insulating spacers is formed. Portions of the interlayer-insulating layer are removed to expose upper surfaces of the conductive layers. Respective epilayers are grown on the respective exposed upper surfaces of the conductive layers and respective metal silicide layers are formed from the respective epilayers.
US07897492B2

A method is disclosed for forming a layer of a wide bandgap material in a non-wide bandgap material. The method comprises providing a substrate of a non-wide bandgap material and converting a layer of the non-wide bandgap material into a layer of a wide bandgap material. An improved component such as wide bandgap semiconductor device may be formed within the wide bandgap material through a further conversion process.
US07897489B2

A method of selectively attaching a capping agent to an H-passivated Si or Ge surface is disclosed. The method includes providing the H-passivated Si or Ge surface, the H-passivated Si or Ge surface including a set of covalently bonded Si or Ge atoms and a set of surface substitutional atoms, wherein the set of surface substitutional atoms includes at least one of boron atoms, aluminum atoms, gallium atoms, indium atoms, tin atoms, lead atoms, phosphorus atoms, arsenic atoms, sulfur atoms, and bismuth atoms. The method also includes exposing the set of surface functional atoms to a set of capping agents, each capping agent of the set of capping agents having a set of functional groups bonded to a pair of carbon atoms, wherein the pair of carbon atoms includes at least one pi orbital bond, and further wherein a covalent bond is formed between at least some surface substitutional atoms of the set of surface substitutional atoms and at least some capping agents of the set of capping agents.
US07897488B2

A wafer dividing method for dividing a wafer having a film on the front side thereof. The wafer dividing method includes a modified layer forming step of applying a laser beam having a transmission wavelength to the substrate of the wafer from the front side thereof along the streets so that a focal point of the laser beam is set inside the substrate, thereby forming a modified layer in the substrate along each street, a film dividing step of applying a laser beam having an absorption wavelength to the film from the front side of the wafer along each street to thereby form a laser processed groove for dividing the film along each street, a back grinding step of grinding the back side of the substrate of the wafer to thereby reduce the thickness of the wafer to a predetermined thickness, a wafer supporting step of attaching the wafer to a dicing tape supported to an annular frame, and a wafer breaking step of applying an external force to the wafer by expanding the dicing tape to thereby break the wafer along each street.
US07897485B2

Methods for processing semiconductor wafers are described herein. One embodiment includes removing portions of a first side of the semiconductor wafer to form a number of trenches of a particular depth in rows and columns. The method further includes forming a passivation layer on side walls of the number of trenches. The method also includes cutting a second side of the semiconductor wafer in rows and columns aligned with the number of trenches such that the semiconductor wafer singulates into a number of dice.
US07897478B2

A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming shallow trench isolation structures in a semiconductor device layer. The shallow trench isolation structures are U- or O- shaped enclosing field regions formed of the semiconductor device layer which is doped and/or silicided to be conducting. The semiconductor device may include an extended drain region or drift region and a drain region. An insulated gate may be provided over the body region. A source region may be shaped to have a deep source region and a shallow source region. A contact region of the same conductivity type as the body may be provided adjacent to the deep source region. The body extends under the shallow source region to contact the contact region.
US07897475B2

A method of forming a semiconductor device, includes forming a lower electrode including a metal and a nitrogen on a semiconductor substrate, irradiating a reducing gas to a surface of the lower electrode, and irradiating a gas containing silicon to the surface of the lower electrode to form a projection containing silicide by reacting the metal with the silicon in an island shape on the surface of the lower electrode. Then, a capacitor film is formed on the lower electrode and the projection, and an upper electrode is formed on the capacitor film.
US07897467B2

After silicon oxide film (9) is formed on the surface of a semiconductor substrate (1), the silicon oxide film (9) in a region in which a gate insulation film having a small effective thickness is formed is removed using diluted HF and after that, high dielectric constant insulation film (10) is formed on the semiconductor substrate (1). Consequently, two kinds of gate insulation films, namely, a gate insulation film (12) comprised of stacked film of high dielectric constant insulation film (10) and silicon oxide film (9) and gate insulation film (11) comprised of the high dielectric constant insulation film (10) are formed on the semiconductor substrate (1).
US07897465B2

A semiconductor device fabricated in the semiconductor substrate includes a FinFET transistor having opposed source and drain pillars, and a fin interposed between the source and drain pillars. A cavity is formed in the semiconductor substrate extending at least partially between the fin and the semiconductor substrate. The cavity may be formed within a shallow trench isolation structure, and it may also extend at least partially between the semiconductor substrate and one or both of the pillars. The cavities increase the impedance between the semiconductor substrate and the fin and/or pillars to decrease the sub-threshold leakage of the FinFET transistor.
US07897455B2

A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate containing silicon, the first insulating film having a first dielectric constant and constituting a part of a tunnel insulating film, forming a floating gate electrode film on the first insulating film, the floating gate electrode film being formed of a semiconductor film containing silicon, patterning the floating gate electrode film, the first insulating film, and the semiconductor substrate to form a first structure having a first side surface, exposing the first structure to an atmosphere containing an oxidizing agent, oxidizing that part of the floating gate electrode film which corresponds to a boundary between the first insulating film and the floating gate electrode film using the oxidizing agent, to form a second insulating film having a second dielectric constant smaller than the first dielectric constant and constituting a part of the tunnel insulating film.
US07897447B2

A method for reducing defects at an interface between a amorphized, recrystallized cleaved wafer layer and an unamorphized cleaved wafer layer can comprise an anneal and an exposure to hydrochloric acid. The anneal and acid exposure can be performed within an epitaxial reactor chamber to minimize wafer transport.
US07897444B2

A strained (tensile or compressive) semiconductor-on-insulator material is provided in which a single semiconductor wafer and a separation by ion implantation of oxygen process are used. The separation by ion implantation of oxygen process, which includes oxygen ion implantation and annealing creates, a buried oxide layer within the material that is located beneath the strained semiconductor layer. In some embodiments, a graded semiconductor buffer layer is located beneath the buried oxide layer, while in other a doped semiconductor layer including Si doped with at least one of B or C is located beneath the buried oxide layer.
US07897434B2

A method of fabricating solar cell chips. The method includes creating an integrated circuit chip process route for fabricating integrated circuit chips using integrated circuit wafers in an integrated circuit fabrication facility; creating a solar cell process route for fabricating solar cells using solar cell wafers in the integrated circuit fabrication facility; releasing integrated circuit chip wafers and solar cell wafers into tool queues of tools of the an integrated circuit fabrication facility; and processing the solar cell wafers on at least some tools of the integrated circuit fabrication facility used to process the integrated circuit wafers. Also the process used to fabricate the solar cell chips.
US07897420B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for fabricating a semiconductor light-emitting diode (LED) device by forming an n-doped gallium nitride (n-GaN) layer on the LED device and roughening the surface of the n-GaN layer to extract light from an interior of the LED device.
US07897419B2

A method for fabricating a plurality of LED chips comprises providing a plurality of LEDs and forming a plurality of spacers each of which is on at least one of the LEDs. Coating the LEDs with a conversion material, each of the spacers reducing the amount of conversion material over its one of the LEDs. This reduction causes the plurality of LED chips to emit a wavelength of light in response to an electrical signal that is within a standard deviation of a target wavelength. LEDs, LED chips and LED chip wafers are fabricated using the method according to the present invention. One embodiment of an LED chip wafer according to the present invention comprises a plurality of LEDs on a wafer and a plurality of a spacers, each of which is on a respective one of the LEDs. A conversion material at least partially covers the LEDs and spacers, with at least some light from the LEDs passing through the conversion material and is converted. The spacers cause the LED chips to emit light having a wavelength within a standard deviation compared to the similar LED chips without the spacers where at least some of the LED chips emit light a wavelength of light outside the standard deviation.
US07897414B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device has forming a ferroelectric film over a substrate, placing the substrate having the ferroelectric film in a chamber substantially held in vacuum, introducing oxygen and an inert gas into the chamber, annealing the ferroelectric film in the chamber, and containing oxygen and the inert gas while the chamber is maintained sealed.
US07897413B2

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the steps of: forming a ferroelectric film on a first conductive film by a sol-gel method; forming a first conductive metal oxide film on the ferroelectric film; carrying out a first annealing on the first conductive metal oxide film; forming a second conductive metal oxide film on the first conductive metal oxide film, so that the first and second conductive films serve as a second conductive film; and forming a capacitor by patterning the first conductive film, the ferroelectric film and the second conductive film. In the step of forming the first conductive metal oxide film, ferroelectric characteristics are adjusted with a flow rate ratio of oxygen by utilizing the fact that the ferroelectric characteristics of the ferroelectric film improve as the flow rate ratio of oxygen in a sputtering gas increases.
US07897410B2

Reducing chemical contaminants is increasingly important for maintaining competitive production costs during fabrication of electronic devices. There is currently no production floor capability for mapping chemical contaminants across an electronic device substrate on a routine basis. A scanning surface chemical analyzer for mapping the distributions of a variety of chemicals on substrates is disclosed. The analyzer includes an array of sensors, each of which detects a single chemical or narrow range of chemicals, a scanning mechanism to provide a mapping capability, an electrical signal analyzer to collect and analyze signals from the array of sensors and generate reports of chemical distributions, and an optical desorption mechanism to amplify detection. A preferred embodiment includes an array of miniature quadrupole mass spectrometers in the sensor array. Scanning modes include whole substrate mapping, region sampling, and spot sampling of known defect sites.
US07897407B2

A set of polymer particles stained with at least two fluorescent dyes is presented. At least 16 subsets of particles can be resolved on the basis of variable emission from the at least two fluorescent dyes where emission from at least one dye derives from a fluorescent dye covalently attached to the particle surface. All particles in the set of polymer particles can bind a uniform amount of a capture reagent. A method for the preparation of the set of polymer particles as well as a kit including the set of polymer particles is also presented as well as methods and uses of the set of polymer particles.
US07897400B2

This invention relates to a test for detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis or TB) infection in a patient or subject, specifically a diagnostic test, including a breath test, whereby patients are provided a small dose of an isotopically labeled TB drug, Isoniazid (INH) orally or directly to the lungs of the patient or subject. If TB is present, a TB enzyme mycobacterial peroxidase KatG oxidizes the INH; and KatG specific metabolites, in particular, isotopically labeled nitric oxide (NO), nitrites, nitrates, carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide converted from carbon monoxide of INH cleavage are measured. Other embodiments relate to a diagnostic breath test for detecting TB utilizing isotopically labeled urea (preferably, carbon-13 labeled urea), alone or in combination with isotopically labeled isoniazid (preferably, nitrogen-15 labeled isoniazid), wherein M. tuberculosis organism, if present in the patient or subject's lungs (or other tissues), will metabolize the isotopically labeled urea to isotopically labeled carbon dioxide (CO2) such that a determination of the residence of M. tuberculosis, including residence of an isoniazid resistant strain of M. tuberculosis, may be made.
US07897397B2

The present invention provides a regeneration promoter for regenerating tissue with the use of somatic stem cells. The invention also provides a cell fusion promoter comprising ATP or its metabolite which is safely usable in vivo, a method of producing fused cells in the presence of ATP or its metabolite and a related pharmaceutical composition for regenerating or improving the function of a tissue or an organ in a subject suffering from dysfunction or hypofunction due to injury or denaturation.
US07897393B2

Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from the bacterial microorganisms Shewanella japonica and Shewanella olleyana, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.
US07897391B2

Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from the bacterial microorganisms Shewanella japonica and Shewanella olleyana, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.
US07897379B2

A device for minimizing the formation of bubbles or foam in cell culture is disclosed. The device has a manifold which directs the inflow of cells and cell culture media into a cell culture vessel so as to allow for displaced air or gas to vent from the cell culture vessel without mixing with the incoming cell culture media, thereby preventing the mixing of air and cell culture media and minimizing the formation of bubbles or foam inside the cell culture vessel.
US07897377B2

The present invention relates to the field of cell and tissue culture. In particular, the invention provides a novel device for organotypic culture. The device comprises a medium conduit having one open end and one end closed by a porous membrane fused across it; and a frame holding the medium conduit in a substantially vertical orientation; wherein the medium conduit is adapted to permit retention by capillarity of a sufficient volume of liquid culture medium in the medium conduit to contact the surface of the porous membrane and thus supply nutrients to cells that may be grown on the porous membrane. The device may further comprise a cell suspension conduit having one end open and one end closed by the surface of said porous membrane contralateral to the surface of said porous membrane sealed to said medium conduit; wherein said frame holds the medium conduit and the cell suspension conduit in a substantially vertical orientation.
US07897376B2

The present invention provides lysis reagents, containers, methods and kits relating to the extraction or the extraction and isolation of a cellular component from a host cell. More specifically, the invention provides combinations of zwitterionic compounds that may be employed to aide in the extraction or the extraction and isolation of a cellular component from a host cell.
US07897373B2

The present invention relates to a recombinant process for the production of truncated or mutated dextransucrases while conserving the enzymatic activity or their specificity in the synthesis of the α-1,6 bonds. The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences of truncated or mutated dextransucrases, vectors containing the nucleic acid sequences and host cells transformed by sequences encoding truncated or mutated dextransucrases. In another aspect, the invention concerns a method for producing, in a recombinant manner, truncated or mutated dextransucrases which conserve their enzymatic activity or which conserve their specificity in the synthesis of α-1,6 bonds and can produce, from saccharose, dextrans with high molar mass and modified rheological properties compared with the properties of dextran obtained with the native enzyme and isomalto-oligosaccharides with a controlled molar mass and dextrans. The dextrans and isomalto-oligosaccharides of the invention can be used namely as texturing agents or as prebiotics.
US07897370B2

The present invention relates to a protein derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which has an activity of hydroxylating a compound represented by the formula (I-a): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or an alkali metal, and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a ring-closed lactone form thereof; a DNA encoding the protein; and a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA.
US07897366B2

The present invention relates to a method for simultaneously surface expressing a target protein using a cofactor and an enzyme regenerating the cofactor on the cell surface. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a microorganism capable of simultaneously surface expressing a target protein using a cofactor to transform a biochemical material at a high efficiency and an enzyme generating the cofactor without adding an expensive cofactor in a large amount.
US07897365B2

The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a microbial culture to an antibiotic. The method employs a substance derived from a bacterial species with sensitivity to the antibiotic. Such bacterial species include the same species used in the culture or a different species.
US07897363B2

The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for an activity in an isolated organ, e.g., eye, from a teleost, e.g., zebrafish. Methods of isolating eyes from zebrafish are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in a model of ocular disease or disorder are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye and for screening the agent for cell death and/or toxic activity in the eye or other organ or tissue are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents for an activity in isolated eyes of zebrafish in multi-well plates.
US07897360B2

A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor is provided. The lateral flow assay device utilizes a molecular substrate to facilitate the detection of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor via detection of the substrate and/or a product formed in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction of the substrate. In one embodiment, for example, upon contacting a molecular substrate, an enzyme catalyzes a reaction with the molecular substrate and forms a product. The lateral flow assay device also includes a detectable substance that may generate a detectable signal for determining the presence or amount of enzyme in a test sample. For example, the detectable substance may be directly or indirectly attached to a specific binding member that has affinity for the product. Following the enzyme catalyzed reaction, the product may bind the detectable substance which may, in turn, generate the detectable signal. The signal exhibited by the substance may then be used to indicate the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor within the test sample.
US07897354B2

The invention relates to novel kinase peptides and antibodies, as well as nucleic acids related to them. The peptides, antibodies and the nucleic acids are useful for the detection, staging and monitoring of the progression of a kinase-mediated disease, as well as for determining or monitoring the efficacy of treatment.
US07897351B2

The invention relates to methods of inhibiting proliferation or growth of tumor cells and/or inducing cell death in cancer cells. This invention relates to the use of antibodies, hybridomas and pharmaceutical compositions containing same, for inhibiting growth or proliferation and inducing death in epithelial, colon, lung, breast and ovarian tumor cells or other cells which express MUC1 proteins.
US07897341B2

The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; (b) expressing the genetic elements to produce their respective gene products within the microcapsules; (c) sorting the genetic elements which produce the gene product having the desired activity using a change in the optical properties of the genetic elements. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.
US07897335B2

This invention relates to non-radioactive markers that facilitate the detection and analysis of nascent proteins translated within cellular or cell-free translation systems. Nascent proteins containing these markers can be rapidly and efficiently detected, isolated and analyzed without the handling and disposal problems associated with radioactive reagents. Preferred markers are dipyrrometheneboron difluoride (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes.
US07897332B2

The present invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies which may be used in the detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These antibodies exhibit an unusually high degree of sensitivity, a remarkably broad range of specificity, and bind to novel shared, non-cross-reactive epitopes. In particular, the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention may be utilized to detect HIV-1 antigen and HIV-2 core antigen in a patient sample.
US07897330B2

Methods for characterizing a biochemical reaction and analysis of reaction products by establishing continuously variable concentration gradients of one or more reagents of the biochemical reaction are provided. Methods for determining mechanism of inhibition or activation, potency of inhibition or activation, or both of an enzyme inhibitor or activator, respectively, are also provided. The continuously variable concentration gradients can be established in a microfluidic chip.
US07897328B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing antibody mediated graft rejection and blood typing.
US07897321B2

A monomer, which is represented by General Formula I: wherein, each of R1 and R3 is either —H group or —CH3 group, and R1 and R3 are identical or different to each other; R2 is either a phenyl group or an adamanthyl group; and Q1 is a C1-4 perfluoroalkyl group.
US07897314B1

A photoconductor containing an optional supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, a charge transport layer or layers, and an overcoating layer containing a crosslinked mixture of a POSS component, a melamine polymer, and a charge transport like a hole transport compound.
US07897312B2

A photoreceptor for electrophotography is disclosed. Thickness of the under coat layer is 6-15 μm, thickness of the charge transport layer is 5-15 μm, and coefficient of working function of the under coat layer α is not more than 0.8.
US07897306B2

An embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed below. A bank substrate comprising: a substrate and a bank on the substrate, wherein a surface energy of the bank is 30 to 45 mJ/m2. Further, colored pixels are present between zones of the bank, and the difference of height within a pixel of the colored pixels is 0.3 μm or less. The colored pixels comprise colored inks, and a viscosity of the colored inks is 50 mPa·s or less.
US07897304B2

A color filter of the present invention includes a substrate having light transmissivity, a color layer provided on the lower surface of the substrate and including a plurality of color pattern layers, each transmitting visible light of different color, and a phase difference control layer including a plurality of phase difference pattern layers and optically isotropic layers and provided on the lower surface of the color layer, wherein a color differentiation region includes a color pattern layer and a phase difference pattern layer and an optically isotropic layer that are provided on the lower surface of the color pattern layer is formed for each color of the color pattern layer, and the thickness of the phase difference pattern layer and the thickness of the color pattern layer are respectively different for each color differentiation region.
US07897300B2

A scale mask comprises a U-shaped source mask region, a drain mask region with an end extending into the source mask region, and a U-shaped light-blocking bar arranged between the source mask region and the drain mask region. Slits are formed between the source mask region and the light-blocking bar and between the light-blocking bar and the drain mask region, respectively, and first compensating regions are provided at inner sides of ends of the source mask region.
US07897292B2

Fuel cells having an efficient means of thermal insulation such that all of the components requiring high temperature operation are contained within a single housing and whereby such thermal insulation is disposed exterior to such housing.
US07897283B2

To provide a nonaqueous secondary battery ensuring that a charge-discharge irreversible capacity at an initial cycle is sufficiently small even when an active material layer comprising a negative electrode active material on a current collector is increased in a density for obtaining a high capacity.This object is attained by a graphite composite particle for a nonaqueous secondary battery, which satisfies the requirements (1) and (2): (1) DL/DS is more than 1 and 2 or less, wherein DL μm means a volume-based median size measured by a laser diffraction/scattering-type particle size distribution measuring apparatus, and DS μm means an average circle-equivalent particle size which is determined from a measured area S of particles each having a contour not overlapped with a contour of another particle in a SEM; and (2) a Raman R value is 0.04 or more and 0.14 or less, wherein the Raman R value means an intensity ratio IB/IA between an intensity IA of a maximum peak of 1580 cm−1 around and an intensity IB of a maximum peak of 1360 cm−1 around in a Raman spectrum.
US07897282B2

An AA alkaline battery according to the present invention includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator; an alkaline electrolyte; and a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode contains zinc, indium, and bismuth. The weight of zinc is 4.0 g or more, and the total weight of indium and bismuth is 450 ppm or less with respect to the weight of zinc. The negative electrode current collector contains copper. Tin is provided on at least part of the surface of the negative electrode current collector.
US07897278B2

A battery module includes a top cover and a bottom cover affixed together to accommodate a battery set, which has conducting terminals positioned in respective bottom side holes of the bottom cover for the contact of respective metal contacts of a battery charger or power hand tool. A movable member is sleeved onto the battery set inside the bottom cover and held in a first position by spring members to block side holes of the bottom cover and movable from the first position to a second position to open the side holes of the bottom cover for ventilation to dissipate heat upon insertion of the battery module in a battery charger for charging.
US07897273B2

An appliance transparency, such as an oven transparency, includes at least one substrate and a coating deposited over at least a portion of the substrate. The coating includes at least one metal layer, such as a metallic silver layer. The metal layer can have a thickness in the range of 80 Å to 100 Å and optionally or the coating can have a protective coating deposited thereon.
US07897268B2

According to the present invention, a structure made of yttrium oxide is formed on a surface of a substrate comprises yttrium oxide polycrystals as a main component, a boundary layer made of hyaline does not substantially exist on a boundary face between crystals which form the structure, and both a cubic system and a monoclinic system exist in the crystal system of the yttrium oxide polycrystals. With this, it is possible to adjust the hardness of the structure made of yttrium oxide formed on a surface of a substrate to be larger than that of an yttrium oxide sintered body.
US07897263B2

A wire-grid metal sheet includes a grid portion defined by a plurality of spaced strip-shaped longitudinal members extending longitudinally and cross members extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal members. A wire grid is made by attaching the wire-grid metal sheet to a frame. The cross members are arranged at intervals at least about five times greater than those of the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members and the cross members may define a lattice pattern. Alternatively, the longitudinal members or the cross members may be arranged in a staggered manner.
US07897257B2

The present invention relates to magnetic beads suitable for, for example, isolation of proteins, cells, and viruses and also for diagnostic applications and cell cultivation. The magnetic beads are composite beads with an inner core of metal particles, which are coated with an inert synthetic polymer and these are then enclosed in a hydrophilic porous polymer, preferably agarose. This provides porous biocompatible beads without metal leakage. The beads may be used for cell cultivation or for chromatography. When the beads are used for chromatography the agarose layer is preferably provided with ligands having affinity for selected biomolecules.
US07897256B2

Surface-modified, doped, pyrogenically produced oxides surface-modified with one or several compounds from the following groups: a) Organosilanes of the type (RO)3Si(CnH2n+1), (RO)3Si(CnH2n−1) b) R′x(RO)ySi(CnH2n+1), (RO)3Si(CnH2n+1) c) X3Si(CnH2n+1), X3Si(CnH2n−1) d) X2(R′)Si(CnH2n+1), X2(R′)Si(CnH2n−1) e) X(R′)2Si(CnH2n+1), X(R′)2Si(CnH2n−1) f) (RO)3Si(CH2)m—R′, g) (R″)x(RO)ySi(CH2)m—R′, h) X3Si(CH2)m—R′, i) (R)X2Si(CH2)m—R′, j) (R)2XSi(CH2)m—R′, k) Silazanes of the type l) Cyclic polysiloxanes, m) Polysiloxanes or silicone oils.
US07897254B2

A composition for use in a fiber modified layer, comprising an aggregate material, a binder, and a plurality of fibers, wherein each fiber has a length of greater than 0.25 inches. Also provided is a method of selecting a fiber modified layer for applying on an existing surface, comprising the steps of: providing a binder mixture having an effective amount of an aggregate material, a binder, and a plurality of fibers, wherein each of the plurality of fibers has a length greater than 0.25 inches; applying the binder mixture to a selected surface to form a fiber modified proposed layer; testing the fiber modified proposed layer for fatigue or crack resistant properties; and selecting the binder mixture for application on the existing surface for performance if the fiber modified proposed layer has fatigue or crack resistant properties.
US07897253B2

The invention relates to a piece comprised in part or in full of a pigmented ceramic in which the pigment is comprised of nanoparticles based on a metal from column IB of the periodic table of the elements or of an alkaline metal, or an alloy of both, coated with a layer of silica, the silica being crystalline silica, particularly cristobalite or tridymite. The ceramic is preferably zirconia or alumina. The nanoparticle silica is crystallized, for example, by a thermal treatment in air or under inert gas at temperatures of between 900° C. and 1400° C. The piece is made by sintering a nanoparticle/ceramic mixture in air or under inert gas at temperatures of between 900° C. and 1250° C.
US07897243B2

A surface shape and physical properties required for a structure having an antireflection performance of light and an improved performance of light permeability have been found, particularly the structure having surface scratch resistance is provided, a composition capable of forming the structure having such a particular structure and physical properties is provided, and further a composition which can easily form the structure which is excellent in antireflection performance of light and an improved performance of light permeability and has a large aspect ratio is provided. That is, the present invention is the structure having convex parts with an average height of 100 nm or more and 1000 nm or less or concave parts with an average depth of 100 nm or more and 1000 nm or less on its surface wherein the convex parts or the concave parts are present at an average cycle of 100 nm or more and 400 nm or less in at least one direction, characterized in that the structure is obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic polymerizable composition by light irradiation, electron beam irradiation and/or heating and a storage elastic modulus at 180° C. or above is 0.5 GPa or more.
US07897239B2

Described herein are composites that are composed of a plurality of plies with a stiffening grid intimately embedded within the composite. The composite structures have the improved buckling performance characteristics of known isogrid and orthogrid composite structures and yet have a significantly higher damage tolerance that permits such structures to be used in the formation of aircraft and spacecraft designs. Also described herein are methods for making the composites.
US07897235B1

A flame retardant panel apparatus, and method, utilize a flame retardant panel, having an exterior and an interior face thereof, with the panel including a panel structure having a primary core encapsulated within a panel frame of reinforced phenolic material, and a layer of flame retardant material attached to the panel structure and extending outwardly therefrom to at least partially define an exterior face of the flame retardant panel. The flame retardant panel is suitable for use in mass transit conveyances, such as subway cars, high speed cars, rail cars, buses, rapid response vehicles, marine vessels, and elevators.
US07897212B2

The invention relates to the marking of a material (18) with identifier marks (16), the material thus marked, and verification of the genuineness of a product on the basis of the marks. In accordance with the invention, an optical brightener is incorporated in the material (18), and marking is performed by reducing the brightness of the material at a selected location by directing local heating to this location, the mark (16) thus produced appearing with a darker shade than its environment in ultraviolet light (20). The marking is based on partial or complete destruction of the brightening effect of the optical brightener under heating. The invention is suitable for providing e.g. coated paper and board containing an optical brightener with identifier marks for preventing falsifications.
US07897206B2

A method of manufacturing an optical data storage medium, comprising at least one substrate (11) and a plurality of layers deposited on the substrate (11) is described. The medium includes at least one of a transparent spacer layer and transparent cover layer (12). The layer (12) is provided by applying a liquid onto the rotating substrate (11) and rotating the substrate (11) further in order to spread out the liquid into a layer substantially uniformly between an inner radius ri and an outer radius ro, and solidifying the liquid layer (12) by means of exposure to UV radiation. After applying the liquid onto the rotating substrate the liquid layer (12) is heated by heating means (14) in such a way that the temperature rise of the liquid layer (12) at ri has a value dTri, while the temperature rise of the liquid layer (12) between ri and ro gradually increases, and the temperature rise of the liquid layer (12) at ro has a value dTro>dTri. In this way the spacer layer or cover layer has a variation in thickness smaller than +/−1 μm, measured over the information storage area. Further a medium manufactured using said method and an apparatus for performing the method are described.
US07897205B2

A film forming method is characterized in that the method is provided with a step of introducing a processing gas including inorganic silane gas into a processing chamber, in which a mounting table composed of ceramics including a metal oxide is arranged, and precoating an inner wall of the processing chamber including a surface of the mounting table with a silicon-containing nonmetal thin film; a step of mounting a substrate to be processed on the mounting table precoated with the nonmetal thin film; and a step of introducing a processing gas including organic silane gas into the processing chamber, and forming a silicon-containing nonmetal thin film on a surface of the substrate mounted on the mounting table.
US07897199B2

A method for plating a FPCB base board, comprising the steps of: providing a FPCB base board comprising a sprocket region; and placing an insulation shielding plate spatially opposite to the sprocket region of the FPCB base board to limit a thickness of a plating layer formed on the sprocket region of the FPCB base board.
US07897194B2

A composition of cold pressed botanic oils exhibiting antioxidant activity. The composition is a combination of at least two oils, which can be black cumin oil, black raspberry oil, red raspberry oil, pomegranate oil, pumpkin oil, or sesame, flax, chardonnay grape seed oil or any other fruit, herb, vegetable, grain or nut oil. The composition exhibits total antioxidant activity greater than the sum of the weighted average of the antioxidant activities of the individual oils. A method of producing a composition of botanic oils exhibiting antioxidant activity, comprising extracting oil in an oxygen deprived environment from fruits and vegetables and combining the extracted oils. The composition exhibits total antioxidant activity greater than the sum of the weighted average of the antioxidant activities of the individual oils.
US07897188B2

Baking apparatus for baking edible products located on a conveying surface and preferably traveling along a conveyor track, comprising a number of electric infrared radiators arranged above the conveyor track. The infrared radiators each comprise at least one spiral filament having a gastight, infrared radiation-transmitting, breakable casing, in particular a glass casing. The baking apparatus further comprises monitoring means for monitoring breakage of the casings of the infrared radiators. The invention also relates to a method for baking an edible product by means of an electric infrared radiator having a breakable casing.
US07897175B2

A dosage form comprises (1) a solid amorphous dispersion comprising a cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitor and an acidic concentration-enhancing polymer and (2) an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The solid amorphous dispersion and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor are combined in the dosage form so that the solid amorphous dispersion and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor are substantially separate from one another in the dosage form.
US07897166B1

A method for preparing controllably biodegradable silica fibres which includes spinning the fibres from a silica sol of controlled viscosity, controllably biodegradable silica fibres prepared according to the method, methods for controlling the biodegradability of the fibres, the use of controllably biodegradable fibres as sustained and/or controlled release delivery devices for biologically active agents, and pharmaceutical preparations containing such devices.
US07897164B2

Compositions for nucleus pulposus regeneration is provided. Such composition may comprise a scaffolding material and a pore creating agent dispersed within the scaffolding material. The pore creating agent is removed from the scaffolding material in vivo, after the composition is administered to a patient. The pore creating agent may include an active agent, such as a growth factor, which may be released as the pore creating agent is being gradually removed from the scaffolding material. In addition, removal of the pore creating agent results in a porous scaffold for cells capable of regeneration of nucleus pulposus, either existing in situ or delivered separately, to attach to for further proliferation and regeneration.
US07897161B2

An external medicine for treating dermatitis wherein an adrenocortical steroid is included by a cyclodextrin; and 0.025 to 0.5% by weight of the adrenocortical steroid, 0.2 to 30% by weight of the cyclodextrin, and 0.5 to 55% by weight of dextran or pullulan are dissolved in an aqueous solution containing polysaccharide; and 0.5 to 55% by weight of xyloglucan, trehalose, laminaran, krestin, and pectin are blended. Grape sugar, mutan, lentinan, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are comprised in the medicine. The medicine has a higher cure effect on atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris.
US07897157B2

Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.
US07897156B2

The invention concerns the use of a virus to increase the number of dendritic cells or their precursor cells in an immunocompromised animal, including a human. The virus is preferably a Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara which is capable of infecting the cells of a neonatal or prenatal animal, including a human, but not capable of being replicated to infectious progeny virus in the neonatal or prenatal animal, including a human.
US07897155B2

Mosaic VLPs of viral capsid proteins from different virus types are described, as are methods of making the same. Specifically, a diploid yeast strain that coexpresses the L1 and L2 capsid proteins of both HPV-6 and HPV-16 as mosaic VLPs is described. The mosaic VLPs induced the production of conformational antibodies against both L1 proteins upon administration to mice.
US07897151B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of antigenic peptides derived from the Fc portion of the epsilon heavy chain of an IgE molecule as vaccines for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders. In particular, the invention provides compositions, methods for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders comprising an immunogenic amount of one or more antigenic peptides derived from the CH3 domain or junction of Ch-3/CH4 domain of an IgE molecule and methods for the evaluation of IgE mediated allergies in dogs.
US07897149B2

Novel fully human anti-VAP-1 antibodies and fragments thereof are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding anti-VAP-1 antibodies or fragments thereof, as well as expression vectors and host cells incorporating these nucleic acids for the recombinant expression of anti-VAP-1 antibodies are also given. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising said antibodies and therapeutic uses thereof are also disclosed.
US07897147B2

Methods for preventing or treating a premenstrual disorder by peripheral administration of a botulinum toxin. The botulinum toxin can be administered to or to the vicinity of a trigeminal sensory nerve, thereby preventing or treating one or more of the symptoms of a premenstrual disorder.
US07897146B2

The use of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in the treatment of tumour by extratumoural administration of HSV, and the use of HSV in treatment of tumour by combination therapy with a pharmaceutical wherein the HSV and/or pharmaceutical is administered at an extratumoural location, is disclosed.
US07897143B2

Provided is a hair cleansing composition containing (A) an amphipathic amide lipid, (B) an anionic surfactant and (C) an organic or inorganic acid, or a salt thereof, and having a pH of from 1 to 4.5 when diluted with water to 20 times the weight. The hair cleansing composition of the present invention has advantages including protecting hair from physical or chemical stimulation and preventing split ends or breakage of hair without impairing the cleansing ability and feeling upon use, imparting hair with a pleasant feeling to the touch and moisture retention properties such as natural smoothness, moist feeling, and suppleness which healthy hair inherently possesses, and has excellent stability.
US07897140B2

Novel tetrapyrollic water soluble photosensitizing and imaging compounds and the methods of treating and imaging hyperproliferative tissue, e.g. tumors and hypervacularized tissue such as found in macular degeneration. Broadly, the compounds are tetrapyrollic photosensitizer compounds where the tetrapyrollic compound is a chlorin, bacteriochlorin, porphyrin, pyropheophorbide, purpurinimide, or bacteriopurpurinimide having 3 to 6 —CH2CONHphenylCH2CH(N(CH2COOH)2))(CH2N(CH2COOH)(CH2CH2N(CH2COOH)2)) groups or esters thereof or complexes thereof with gadolinium(III).
US07897136B2

A method is described for the manufacture of hydrotalcites by using at least one compound of a bivalent metal (Component A) and at least one compound of a trivalent metal (Component B), wherein at least one of these components is not used in the form of a solution, characterized in that a) at least one of the Components A and/or B which is not used in the form of a solution, shortly before or during mixing of the components, and/or b) the mixture containing the Components A and B is subjected to intensive grinding until an average particle size (D50) in the range of approx. 0.1 to 5 μm is obtained, and optionally, after aging treatment or hydrothermal treatment, the resulting hydrotalcite product is separated, dried, and optionally calcinated. The hydrotalcite precursors and/or fine-particle crystalline hydrotalcites which can be obtained by using the method in accordance with this present invention may be used in particular as catalysts or catalyst carriers or as nanocomposite filling agents or co-stabilizers in a polymer matrix.
US07897134B1

A system (100) for calcining natural gypsum, synthetic gypsum (112) or a combination thereof, the system including: a mill (114) for grinding and drying natural gypsum, synthetic gypsum (112) or a combination thereof, to produce dried gypsum (116); a flash calciner (118) for calcining the dried gypsum to produce an exhaust gas (130) and calcined gypsum (128); and a mechanism (134) for transporting at least a portion of the exhaust gas (130) produced by the flash calciner (118) to an air heater (126) that supplies hot gas (126a) to the flash calciner (118).
US07897130B2

A process for obtaining a synthesis gas (GS) at a predetermined high pressure corresponding to the ammonia synthesis pressure, in which there are hydrogen and nitrogen in a 3/1 molar ratio, comprising the steps of feeding a continuous flow of natural gas to a primary reforming step (RP) with steam and to a subsequent secondary reforming step (RS) with excess air obtaining a gaseous flow (GF) comprises hydrogen, excess nitrogen with respect to said molar ratio, undesired substances such as impurities and inerts and subjects said gaseous flow to a purification step comprising cryogenic rectification in a separator unit (S) obtaining a continuous flow of synthesis gas (GS) comprising hydrogen and nitrogen in a 3/1 molar ratio, and to a subsequent compression step up to a pressure value required for ammonia synthesis.
US07897129B2

The present invention discloses new methods for synthesizing ammonia borane (NH3BH3, or AB). Ammonium borohydride (NH4BH4) is formed from the reaction of borohydride salts and ammonium salts in liquid ammonia. Ammonium borohydride is decomposed in an ether-based solvent that yields AB at a near quantitative yield. The AB product shows promise as a chemical hydrogen storage material for fuel cell powered applications.
US07897121B1

A fluid reactor for facilitating mixing and/or chemical reaction and including an elongated cylindrical flow chamber having a first for receiving a flow of a first fluid, a second flow inlet through which a relatively low mass flow of a second fluid may be admitted to the chamber; and a cone-pi element disposed downstream of the second flow inlet and having an upstream conical portion with a leading apex generally facing the first flow inlet, an intervening cylindrical portion, and a downstream conical portion with a trailing apex generally facing the flow outlet, the cone-pi element being operable to produce cavitation and/or vortical flow within the flow stream to effectuate mixing and/or chemical interaction of the first fluid and the second fluid, and to deliver a mixed and/or reacted fluid from the flow outlet. The reactor may also include a catalytic component disposed within the chamber between the cone-pi element and the flow outlet for further influencing the interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid prior to its exit through the flow outlet.
US07897120B2

A charging device for a tube reactor has a plurality of metering chambers which can be filled with filling material, for example a catalytically coated carrier material. Each metering chamber is adjoined by a drop tube or some other filling device via which a tube of the filling device can be filled in each case. The metering chambers can each be filled via antechambers which are combined into one replaceable antechamber unit.
US07897119B2

A compact catalytic reactor defines a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately, the first flow channels being no more than 10 mm deep and providing flow paths for combustible reactants, and containing a catalyst structure (20) to catalyze combustion of the reactants, and having at least one inlet for at least one of the reactants. The first flow channel also includes an insert (40 or 60) adjacent to each inlet, this insert not being catalytic to the combustion reaction; the insert may define gaps which are narrower than the maximum gap size for preventing flame propagation.
US07897105B2

A pH indicator comprising a solid substrate coated at least partially by at least one layer of at least one substance, wherein said the and the substrate are having different colors and wherein the at least one substance is selected to dissolve or to decompose when exposed to predetermined pH values, thereby exposing said first color.
US07897101B2

A plant for the heat treatment of metallic elements (E) includes: at least a chamber (3) for containing the metallic elements (E) having at least one access opening (A1); a heater (4) of the chamber (3), operating on the chamber (3) for bringing the same at a predetermined temperature; a conveyor (15), connected with a respective actuator and acting on the metallic elements (E) for transferring these latter at the exiting and/or entering with respect to the chamber (3). The conveyor (15) has been positioned outside the chamber (15) during the functioning of the plant (1).
US07897100B2

The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous production of steel using metal charge material (8) that is preheated in an upper part of a melting vessel (2), is then melted in a lower part (9) of the melting vessel l(2) with fossil fuels (23) and the molten material (16) is continuously discharged into a treatment vessel (3) in which the desired steel quality is adjusted while gases (22) are introduced into the melting vessel (2) from the exterior to afterburn the melting exhaust gases (13). The aim of the invention is to improve the aforementioned afterburn step while at the same time reducing oxidation of the iron-containing charge materials. For this purpose, the process gases (13) are step-wise afterburned when ascending in the melting vessel (2) by introducing the afterburn gases (22) into the interior of the charge material column by way of an interior shaft (5) that projects into the material column and in whose walls (20) inlet openings (21) for the gases (22) are disposed and form afterburn planes (E1, E2) arranged one on top of the other. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method.
US07897085B2

The invention relates to a process for preparing a multicoloured poured cosmetic product, particularly a process for obtaining a multicoloured lipstick, gloss or cosmetic product for the eye contour area, as well as the products obtained by means of this process.
US07897084B2

In a manufacturing method of a valve unit, which includes a valve having a rotatable shaft that is rotatably supported by a housing through a bearing to open and close a fluid passage defined in the housing, the housing and the valve are simultaneously molded in a mold assembly. The bearing is installed between the housing and the rotatable shaft during execution of the molding of the housing and the valve.
US07897081B2

Methods for coextruding a predetermined initial melt stream through at least one profiled die having a nonlinear inlet opening and an outlet opening. The die insert is positioned so as to cause redistribution of at least a portion of the melt stream. The nonlinear melt stream formed at the nonlinear inlet opening converges within the die insert into a substantially more linear or rectangular melt stream at the die insert outlet opening. At the die insert outlet opening at least one or more regions of the melt stream vary in properties or material clue to the redistribution of the melt stream in the die insert. Articles extruded using the coextrusion methods are also described.
US07897078B2

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a stretched mechanical fastening web laminate (1) comprising a thermoplastic web layer (13) having two major surfaces, one of the major surfaces bearing a multitude of male fastening elements (14) suitable for engagement with a corresponding female fastening material, and on its other major surface a fibrous web layer (11), said method comprising the steps of (i) providing the fibrous web layer (11) having an initial basis weight, (ii) passing the fibrous web layer (11) through a nip formed by two rolls (101), (103), one of them having cavities (120) that are the negatives of a plurality of male fastening elements (14), introducing a molten thermoplastic resin into the cavities (120) in excess of an amount that would fill the cavities (120) which excess forms the thermoplastic web layer (13), allowing the resin to at least partially solidify and stripping of a precursor web laminate (10) thus formed comprising the fibrous web layer (11) and the thermoplastic web layer (13) bearing a plurality of male fastening elements (14), from the cylindrical roll (103) having cavities (120) whereby the thermoplastic web layer (13) has an initial thickness and an initial hook density, and (iii) stretching the precursor web laminate (10) monoaxially or biaxially thereby decreasing the basis weight of the fibrous web layer (11) and the thickness of the thermoplastic web layer (13) from their respective initial values to provide a stretched mechanical fastening laminate (1) having a basis weight of less than 100 g·m−2.
US07897076B2

A method to produce a conductive transfer roller, and the transfer roller. The method to produce the conductive transfer roller includes adding and mixing a conductive substance, an ionic conductive agent, a vulcanizing agent, and a blowing agent and at least one of elastic materials selected from a group consisting of EPMD (ethylene propylene) rubber, NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene) rubber, ECO (epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide) rubber, and CR (chloroprene rubber), extruding the compound, blowing the extruded material by passing it through a continuous mobile foaming device, pressing the foam onto a shaft and applying a secondary curing, and grinding the foam to a desired thickness.
US07897074B2

A liquefier assembly comprising a liquefier tube, where the liquefier tube comprises a sidewall having an inlet opening configured to receive a filament strand, an outlet opening, and a port disposed through the sidewall at a location between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, the port being configured to provide access for a filament drive mechanism to engage with the received filament strand. The liquefier assembly further comprises a heat transfer component configured to generate a thermal gradient along a longitudinal length of the sidewall between the port and the outlet opening.
US07897067B2

A transparent conductive film of low resistivity excelling in transparency and etching properties; a sputtering target as its raw material; an amorphous transparent electrode substrate having the transparent conductive film superimposed on a substrate; and a process for producing the same. In particular, an amorphous transparent conductive film comprising at least indium oxide and zinc oxide, which contains at least one third metal selected from among Re, Nb, W, Mo and Zr and satisfies the formulae: 0.75≦[In]/([In]+[Zn])≦0.95 (1) 1.0×10−4≦[M]/([In]+[Zn]+[M])≦1.0×10−2 (2) wherein [In][Zn] and [M] represent the atomicity of In, atomicity of Zn and atomicity of third metal, respectively. This amorphous transparent conductive film exhibits amorphism ensuring excellent etching processability and exhibits low specific resistance and high mobility.
US07897052B2

A method for removing arsenite and arsenate from water is provided. The method comprises reacting the water with cupric oxide (CuO) particles for a predetermined time and filtering the reacted water. A system for removing arsenite and arsenate from liquids is also provided.
US07897046B2

The invention comprises a fluid filter for separating contaminants from a liquid. The filter comprises a cylindrical body, a retainer, and a ring. The cylindrical body comprises an aperture disposed therethrough, a filter material for filtering the contaminants from the liquid, and an end cap portion. The retainer is coupled to the end cap portion, and the ring is disposed at least partially between the end cap portion and the retainer. A method for constructing such a filter is also disclosed.
US07897045B2

Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.
US07897044B2

The present invention relates to a fluidic separation device comprising: at least one microchannel (2; 66) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), the microchannel having a cross-section that presents a width measured along a first transverse axis (Y) and a thickness measured along a second transverse axis (Z) perpendicular to the first, the width being greater than the thickness, the microchannel including, along the second transverse axis, bottom and top walls (3 and 4); at least first, second, and third inlets (7, 8, and 9) in fluidic communication with the microchannel (2), the second inlet (8) being disposed on the second transverse axis (Z) between the first and third inlets (7 and 9); and at least first and third transverse separation walls (10 and 11) respectively separating the first and second inlets and the second and third inlets, the first and second separation walls (10; 11) being arranged in such a manner that the second inlet (8) is separated from each of said bottom and top walls (3 and 4) by a non-zero distance measured along the second transverse axis (Z), the second inlet (8) being, in particular, adjacent to at least one of the separation walls.
US07897041B2

An apparatus for aerobic biological treatment of waste water and the like includes a tank configured to retain waste water therein, and a wheel rotatably mounted in the tank. The wheel includes a plurality of chambers arranged in axial succession about the circumference of the wheel. The chambers include openings which are oriented generally upwardly and emerge from the waste water adjacent a top dead center position of the wheel and are oriented generally downwardly and submerged in the waste water adjacent a bottom dead center position of the wheel. An air drive mechanism rotates the wheel, and an air pipe communicates with the air drive mechanism, and is disposed generally below the wheel, and is configured to release air bubbles therefrom after the bottom dead center position. A plurality of bubble connectors are connected with and protrude radially outwardly from the wheel at locations preceding the openings, and are shaped to guide the bubbles from the air pipe through the openings into the chambers.
US07897038B2

A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as filter housing. In certain applications, the treatment is also applied to the filter media holder, depending on the application. Filter media having at least two distinct surface property modifications are provided in liquid filtration applications to enhance the performance of a filtration system, reduce the cost of the system, provided a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid holdup volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications.
US07897034B2

An aviation gasoline (Avgas) formulation free from tetraethyl lead (TEL) for piston driven aircraft is described, the formulation comprising, in volume percent, between 0 and 65.2 base alkylate, between 0 and 50 super-alkylate, between 0 and 25 toluene, between 2 and 10 of a toluidine isomer blend, between 0 and 5 ethyl alcohol, between 0 and 25 C5 cut and between 0 and 10 triptane. The formulations are prepared by admixing the components, with the order of mixing being from the denser to the less dense, except in the case of the toluidine isomer blend, which in spite of being the denser product is the latest to be added to the other streams in order to by-pass homogenization problems.
US07897022B2

A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode endplates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the endplates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.
US07897021B2

Described are novel systems for electrodeposition of paint on counter-electrodes, and membrane electrode assemblies for incorporation into such systems. In certain embodiments of the invention, electrode enclosures such as C-shaped or box-shaped enclosures include membranes sealed to secondary structural members by bonding. In other embodiments, membrane electrode cells having bumpers are mounted within paint baths in a manner wherein the bumpers are forcibly biased against the exterior wall of the bath, thereby stabilizing the position of the cells. In still further embodiments, tubular electrode cells are provided with internal valves allowing the release of liquid trapped within the tubular electrodes into the membrane shell. In this manner, removal of the electrodes for maintenance, replacement or other purposes is facilitated.
US07897011B2

The invention relates to a high quality paperboard comprising at least two plies, a first ply having good surface properties and strength, and a second ply for providing the paperboard with bulk wherein the second ply comprises hardwood CTMP. This paperboard has an internal strength and a bending resistance that is comparable with conventional high quality paperboard based on softwood CTMP. The invention also relates to products manufactured of the paperboard.
US07896999B2

A continuous, fully automated and highly productive system for the production of open core elements utilizes a fluting method and related apparatus effective for providing large pitch flutes for the input webs used in forming the core elements. A wide variety of core elements can be produced for uses ranging from large light weight building panels to small light weight packing elements.
US07896996B2

In the producing method of the pneumatic tire, a step in which a wide rubber ribbon having a width of 60 to 110 mm is wound in a circumferential direction to form annular bodies is repeated a plurality of times, an inner liner member in which the annular bodies are continuously provided in a widthwise direction is formed, and the inner liner member is disposed on a tire inner peripheral surface as an inner liner layer of a pneumatic tire.
US07896994B2

A method for assembling at least two rigid thermoplastic material based parts. The two parts are superposed to have at least one interface zone, wherein at least one of the two parts includes one or plural energy directors, protruding, situated in the interface zone. At least one excited ultrasonic source is brought into contact with one of the two parts, the ultrasonic source applying a compression effort to the two parts in a region of the interface zone located opposite the ultrasonic source. The ultrasonic source is continuously displaced at the interface zone to form a continuous welded joint by fusion of the thermoplastic material in the region positioned opposite the ultrasonic source. Such a method may find particular application for assembly of stratified parts.
US07896993B2

The method of building and transferring a tread belt structure on a portable and collapsible building drum 10 mounted coaxially on a building machine 100 with a rotatable shaft 120 is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming the annular tread belt 4 on the building drum 10, transferring the building drum 10 with the tread belt 4 from the rotatable shaft 120 onto a pivoting transfer device 200, pivoting the transfer device 200 about 90° rendering the tread belt 4 and axis of the building drum 10 perpendicular to a horizontal plane, collapsing the building drum 10, separating the annular tread belt 4 from the building drum 10, removing the tread belt 4, expanding the tire building drum 10, pivoting the building drum 10 into coaxial alignment with the rotatable shaft 120, moving the building drum 10 onto the shaft 120. The tread belt 4 has one or more elastomeric components applied while hot and the equipment provides means for weighing the tread belt 4.
US07896990B1

Nanotubular structures of high energy materials are used in high energy compositions, such as propellants.
US07896983B2

In a method of manufacturing a hollow stabilizer, a pipe compressing step of compressing an electroseamed pipe in a temperature range of a hot state or a warm state so as to make a rate of a thickness with respect to an outer diameter between 18 and 35% is performed, and a forming step of forming the compressed electroseamed pipe in a stabilizer shape in a cold state is executed. Next, a step of applying a heat treatment to a half-finished stabilizer is performed, a shot peening step of impacting a shot on the half-finished stabilizer is performed, and a step of coating the half-finished stabilizer is performed.
US07896978B2

A reservoir cleaning, treating and/or stimulation system allows the operator to control the speed and pressure of delivery of the treating fluid into the reservoir and remove or dissolve sediment particles settled in the reservoir or the reservoir formation. The system uses a thermal heater capable of heating the treating fluid from ambient temperature to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A charge pump mounted on an intake side of the heater forces the treating fluid through the heater, while the treating fluid passes through the tubing of the heater. The heated treating fluid is channeled to a discharge pump on an outlet side of the heater, where the treating fluid is pressurized to a value sufficient to overcome the pressure existing within the reservoir and cause displacement or dissolution of the sediment in the reservoir. A flow meter mounted between the heater and the charge pump regulates the volume of the treating fluid being admitted into the heater. A plurality of sensors and gauges strategically mounted within the system ensure safe operation of the system in the field. The system is mounted on a portable skid that can be delivered to the field and removed upon completion of the cleaning, treating and/or reservoir stimulation operation.
US07896964B2

The invention provides a cementitious composition for oilfield application comprising an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group. Also a method to retard cementitious composition for oilfield application is disclosed, the method comprising the unique double step of adding an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and adding copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group.
US07896962B2

A slurry coating composition is described, which is very useful for enriching the surface region of a metal-based substrate with aluminum. The composition includes colloidal silica and particles of an aluminum-based powder, and is substantially free of hexavalent chromium. The slurry may include colloidal silica and an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Alternatively, the slurry includes colloidal silica, aluminum or aluminum-silicon, and an organic stabilizer such as glycerol. The slurry exhibits good thermal and chemical stability for extended periods of time, making it very useful for industrial applications. Related methods and articles are also described.
US07896961B2

The invention concerns a powdery product, of the type known as dry spray, for protecting centrifuge casting molds of cast iron pipes, comprising the usual components for this type of use, as well as an adjuvant for improving the flowability characteristics of said product when it is being deposited and make them less dependent on its physical or physico-chemical characteristics. Said adjuvant can be in particular silicone oil, potassium siliconate or micro-silica of density less than 0.1 g/cm3, as well as a mixture in any proportions of one or more of those.
US07896960B2

A method of protecting wood through enhanced penetration of wood preservatives includes providing a solution including (a) at least one amine oxide, (b) at least one organic wood preservative and (c) a buffering agent. The solution preferably has a pH of about 7 to 10. The solution is applied to the surface of the wood after which, with or without intervening storage, the materials are activated to effect enhanced penetration of the organic wood preservative into the wood. One may effect application at a solution temperature of about 30 to 75° C. and preferably about 50 to 60° C. to effect activation at a higher temperature and high relative humidity. In a preferred practice, the wood may be heated before and/or after application of the solution. The solution is also disclosed as a product.
US07896956B2

A filter regeneration apparatus of a coal gasification system having a filter for capturing char (unburned matter) present in exhaust gas at an exhaust gas passage communicating with exhaust gas source including a coal gasification furnace, fills the filter container with inactive gas having oxygen concentration of less than 5 vol. % and heat the filter to a target temperature of 400 to 450° C. and feed ashing gas having oxygen concentration of 5 to 15 vol. %, thereby ashing char in the filter. This method and apparatus achieve ashing of char in a safe manner and shortens the time of regenerating the filter by controlling the oxygen concentration in the ashing gas and the filter temperature constantly to reach preset target values.
US07896955B2

Disclosed is a process for removing coarse solids and fine solids from a gas, which includes wetting the coarse solids and fine solids in a first chamber thereby separating the coarse solids and fine solids from the gas. The first chamber also contains liquid to cool the coarse solids and the fine solids. The coarse solids and fine solids are routed to a liquid-filled second chamber where the coarse solids settle to the bottom. The liquid in the second chamber, still containing the fine solids is flushed into a third chamber where the fine solids are separated from the liquid. The separated fine solids and coarse solids are then routed to a fourth chamber.
US07896946B1

An inertial gas-liquid impactor separator and method is provided, including multiple stages and multiple variable flow controllers.
US07896943B2

A preformed insulation mat is provided for use between the inner and outer end cone housing of a pollution control device. The preformed insulation includes a frustum-shaped mat. The mat is formed of primarily heat moldable, silica based glass fibers containing Al2O3 and is molded at a selected temperature and for a selected time duration to heat set the fibers, whereby the frustum-shaped mat is seamless and self-supporting, requiring no shape no shape retaining elements or chemical binders.
US07896937B2

A low-profile vapor-liquid separator, such as a steam-water separator is described having an inlet opening for receiving a flow of a vapor-liquid mixture and an outlet opening for exhausting the flow of a vapor-liquid mixture after removal of the liquid. A passageway that extending longitudinally between the inlet opening and the outlet opening has a plurality of spinner blades that rotate the liquid to a slot in the wall for removal. The separator has an unobstructed passageway with few slots that increases rotation and centrifugal separation. Due to its efficiency it may be made much smaller than predecessor separators.
US07896936B2

A filter cleaning mechanism for a cylindrical filter within a filter box of a surface maintenance machine having a shaker plate engaging a top end of the filter and having vibrations induced via a motor and eccentric mass combination. In one example, the motor and eccentric mass are mounted to a hinged cover plate via a vibration isolating connection. A pair of slot structures may limit movement of the filter to a generally vertical direction relative to ground.
US07896934B2

A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.
US07896925B2

Hip prosthesis, comprising a first prosthetic body reproducing an acetabular cup and a second prosthetic body reproducing a femoral head and apt to work coupled to the first prosthetic body, wherein the prosthetic bodies have low debris production and different wettability (θ) (FIG. 20A).
US07896923B2

A knee implantation system for replacing a portion of a knee joint includes an unicondyler tibial implant configured to replace a portion of a tibia that includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a body portion that includes an articulating surface for replacing only a single superior articulating surface of the tibia. The second member has a textured surface. The second member is removably connected to the body portion and the textured surface is disposed about opposite the articulating surface.
US07896917B2

An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an ACL replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod co-operates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a pair of drill points to form a pair of tunnels transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill points are guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill points as the transverse tunnels are formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the second drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over up to the first drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The first drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place. Finally, the two free ends of the soft tissue replacement are affixed to the bone completing the implantation of a soft tissue replacement.
US07896915B2

A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.
US07896903B2

A prosthesis for facet joints of the spinal column includes a bearing piece and a guide rod. The bearing piece includes a pressure plate that is configured for resting on an articular surface of the vertebra and, on the opposite side, a bearing insert which has an articular surface configured for interacting with an articular surface of an adjacent vertebra. The guide rod is secured on the bearing piece by means of a pivot joint. The bearing forces are transmitted to the vertebra via the pressure plate. In this way, the guide rod can have a narrow configuration, such that a slit excavated in the vertebra for receiving the guide rod can also be made narrow to permit a simple and reliable implantation technique which at the same time is gentle on the bone substance.
US07896889B2

This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens.
US07896888B2

An introducer system for introducing a plurality of wire guides into a vessel of a patient includes first and second wire guides, and a catheter. The first wire guide has a curved proximal end, and a distal end sufficiently flexible for passage through the vessel to a target site for the procedure. The catheter has proximal and distal open ends, and a lumen extending therebetween. At least the distal end of the catheter has sufficient flexibility for passage over the first wire guide to the target site, and has an inwardly curved portion between the proximal and distal open ends. The catheter further has a side port proximally positioned along the inwardly curved portion. The side port is sized and arranged such that the curve of the first wire guide proximal end is passable therethrough when the catheter is passed over the first wire guide. The second wire guide is sized for passage through the lumen when the first wire guide is positioned in the lumen. The second wire guide has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the first wire guide.
US07896880B2

Percutaneous tissue removal apparatus comprises a flexible drill shaft, a cutting tip mounted on the shaft for placement adjacent a tissue mass for cutting the tissue, means for transmitting motion to the shaft to move the cutting tip against the tissue to cut tissue fragments from the tissue, and means for removing the tissue fragments along the shaft by suction to a location outside the tissue mass while cutting. The apparatus may include means for collecting one or more selected components of the harvested tissue fragments for implantation of the fragments preferably into the body of the patient from whom they were removed. Where the tissue to be cut is bone, a cutting tip is preferably made of a polymeric material which is softer than the cortical portion of the bone, although the cutting tip may be made of a ceramic or a composite material. A second flexible shaft may be provided either within or about the flexible drill shaft. The harvested tissue fragments may be implanted in the donor patient's body.
US07896876B2

A high-frequency incision instrument for an endoscope is provided with an electrically insulative flexible sheath constituted of a distal tube disposed at a tip portion thereof and a proximal tube disposed on a proximal side such that one is loosely inserted into the other so as to rotate around an axial line thereof, a high-frequency electrode exposed along a lateral surface of the distal tube and connected to a conductive operating wire extending throughout inside the distal tube and the proximal tube, so that a high-frequency current is supplied to the high-frequency electrode through the operating wire, and so that rotating the operating wire at a proximal end portion of the proximal tube around an axial line causes the distal tube to rotate around the axial line with respect to the proximal tube, thus to change an orientation of the high-frequency electrode.
US07896873B2

The present invention relates to an electrode catheter for defibrillation, mapping or ablation of cardiac tissue. Said catheter comprises a terminal (40) on the proximal end of the electrode catheter and one or more sensing and/or treatment electrodes (14, 16) that are situated on or in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrode catheter, in addition to at least one electric conductor (44, 62), which is used to electrically connect a respective sensing or treatment electrode to the terminal. The electric conductor (44, 62) is composed of carbon and the electrode catheter is configured to be suitable for us as part of magnetic resonance tomography and for connection to electrophysiotherapy equipment. Said catheter comprises at least one defibrillation electrode, or at least one sensing electrode (14, 16) for the recording and evaluation of cardiac tissue potentials, or at least one treatment electrode (14) for delivering high-frequency currents for ablation purposes.
US07896870B2

A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber and have an RF electrode at its distal end. The electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled in combination with an RF treatment regimen to enhance the lesion size, speed or placement of multi-lesion or single lesion cycles. In one embodiment a microwave energy source operates to extend beyond the thermal conduction depth, or penetrate the ice ball and be absorbed in tissue beyond an ice boundary, thus extending a dimension of treatment. Also, the cooling and application of RF energy can be controlled to position the ablation region away from the surface contacted by the electrode thereby leaving surface tissue unharmed while ablating at depth or to provide an ablation band of greater uniformity with increasing depth.
US07896869B2

A system for managing medical instrument use during a surgical procedure may comprise a number of medical instruments, a display device configured to display any of the number of medical instruments, a microphone for transmitting voice commands identifying different ones of the number of medical instruments, and a controller. The controller is responsive to the voice commands to control the display device to display corresponding ones of the number of medical instruments.
US07896863B2

Positive displacement fluid lock ports for use in combination with an indwelling catheter and a syringe during a flushing/locking procedure are provided. The fluid lock port includes a housing having a distal and a proximal end; a resilient conduit supported within the housing, wherein the conduit defines a lumen therethrough; and at least one biasing member supported in the housing and being operatively associatable with the resilient conduit. The at least one biasing member has a first condition restrained from deforming the resilient conduit and a second condition operatively engaged with the resilient conduit to at least partially occlude the lumen of the resilient conduit.
US07896859B2

The present invention provides an enteral feeding set comprising tubing adapted for fluid flow therethrough and further adapted to be engaged by a pump unit, a valve mechanism in direct communication with said tubing, said valve mechanism being adapted to be engaged by said pump unit, and a feeding set indicator for permitting identification of the functional configuration of said administration feeding set by said pump unit, characterized in that said tubing comprises at least two inlet tubes on an upstream side of said valve mechanism and a single outlet tube on a downstream side thereof and wherein said inlet tubes each include a connector for connecting said tube to a supply of fluid at a connection end thereof, each of said connectors being of like form but visually distinguishable for indicating to a user which supply of fluid each connector should be attached thereto.
US07896856B2

A wound insert or wound packing for preventing wound closure is provided. Such packing may be used alone or in regular bandages or in vacuum bandages or in irrigation bandages. Some illustrative wound inserts are configured for placement within an undermined portion or a tunneled portion of a wound.
US07896854B2

A method of treating areas of the body utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to mix different materials together as to create a therapeutic combination is disclosed. The materials are mixed by passing them through an ultrasound horn vibrating in resonance, having an internal chamber. As the materials pass through the internal chamber, ultrasonic vibrations emanating from and/or echoing off the various walls of the chamber mix the materials into a potentially therapeutic combination. Ultrasonic vibrations emanating from the radiation surface of the horn may be used to spray the created therapeutic combination onto the area of the body to be treated.
US07896841B2

An injection device that self-administers a painless vaccine injections. The injection device (10) can be secured to the patient's skin via a separable base portion (12) of the housing of the device, which can be separated from the device when removing the housing and syringe assemblies for disposal. The injection device can provide a method for substantial amount of time performing the injection procedure, that is relatively simple and inexpensive to perform and operate, and that provides a relatively high degree of safety for both the medical personnel and for the patient. The injection device is configured for easy handling, and is manually-powered by the use of the hand or fingers of the medical technician. The device can also comprise a plurality of vaccine syringes at the same time with a single device.
US07896838B2

The invention is an apparatus comprising of a syringe, a plunger and a circuit for the purpose of activating a light source to illuminate a target area for application of the contents of the syringe in low-light or no-light situations.
US07896827B2

A knee brace having a frame with separate proximal and distal portions extending across an anterior side of the brace. The brace also includes a ventilated spacer element connected to the frame, and generally corresponding in size to the proximal and distal frame portions. The spacer element has a compressible core and a frictional feature disposed over the core. The frictional feature is arranged to prevent rotation of the brace on a leg of a wearer of the brace.
US07896786B1

A portable modular exercise apparatus for multiple users is separable into multiple components by pin connections. The modularity of the versatile exercise device enables numerous types of exercises by multiple users simultaneously. The apparatus comprises two upright support towers, a base with base pads under each support tower, an overhead crossbeam and a supplemental sliding push up cross bar, a number of resistance bands which attach to the apparatus for the purpose of resistance training, and a carrying bag to contain and transport all of the components. Pin connections allow the device to easily be assembled and taken apart without tools.
US07896778B1

A sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device which can be employed both wet and dry. A user can traverse the device which includes a surface which can be inclined as a durable low friction sheeting material. The user can be supported by a wide variety of vehicles including sports boards and clothing apparel which, in turn, have a durable low friction layer for contacting the sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device for entertainment and in order to enhance gymnastic and board skills.
US07896773B2

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches. The transmission provides a plurality of speed ratios.
US07896759B2

A training mat for teaching controlled directional hitting of a ball. The mat consisting of a home plate zone, a plurality of equally spaced pitching lanes defined by a plurality of lines extending longitudinally through home plate. The pitching lanes including at least an inside lane defining the ball path of an inside pitch and at least an outside lane defining the ball path of an outside pitch. Each lane having a predetermined ball contact location defined by a marking indicia s the respective lane. The ball contact locations being configured and arranged to facilitate hitting of a baseball to a predetermined field location.
US07896746B2

A gaming device support stand is height adjustable, permitting the position of a gaming device positioned thereon to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the support stand comprises a support platform for supporting a gaming device, the support platform movable relative to a base member. A lifting mechanism is used to move the support platform. The lifting mechanism may comprise one or more guide members and one or more force generating mechanisms. A controller may receive player input regarding a desired position of the gaming device. The controller may activate the lift mechanism, thus effectuating movement of the support stand.
US07896744B2

The on-line game site comprises a question engine coupled with a plurality of terminals controlled by respective players, for sending predefined questions to the players and for receiving answers to said questions from the players. The site allocates prizes to the players as a function of the answers it receives, where appropriate. The activity of the site is measured by a traffic index representative of the number of players that have played the game during a given time interval. The method comprises: a) displaying, together with the questions sent to players, advertising insertions paid for on the basis of a given rate; b) evaluating receipts associated with said paid-for advertising insertions; c) setting up an endowment for sharing amongst a plurality of prizes for allocation over a given period of time, the endowment being a function of the level of said receipts; d) on detecting an increase in the traffic index above a given threshold, correspondingly increasing said tariff for the advertising insertions; e) on detecting an increase in said receipts above another given threshold, correspondingly increasing said endowment; and f) continuing and developing the activity by reiterating above steps d) and e).
US07896737B2

Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. In one embodiment, the gaming device allows the player to designate a position in the array for a next spin of the virtual reels. After the next spin, the symbol in that designated position becomes a scatter symbol. A scatter symbol is a symbol whose significance applies whether it occurs on a certain pay line or not. A certain number of scatter symbols in the array causes an award to be granted to the player. The scatter symbols may have other special award features, such as a providing an award multiplier or initiating a bonus game.
US07896727B2

A robotic machining tool employing an endless machining belt is disclosed. The tool includes a front pulley and a rear pulley which guide the machining belt, a drive unit which turns the rear pulley, a spindle about which the front pulley is free to rotate, and two wheels which flank the front pulley and are mounted idly on the spindle of the front pulley. The two wheels have an outside diameter greater than that of the front pulley in order to roll over a surface to be machined and in order to define a machining distance between the machining belt guided around the front pulley and the surface to be machined.
US07896726B1

A method and apparatus for removing a coating having an irregular surface configuration that includes mapping the irregular surface configuration, and using the mapping determination in controlling the operation of an abrasive water jet to provide increased material removal rates at the higher points in the irregular surface and decreased material removal rates at the lower points, and thereby even out the surface configuration of the coating. The method and apparatus also includes using a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of an element that is unique to a layer of a coating, and using the detection determination in controlling the operation of the abrasive water jet to stop material removal of the coating when the detection device determines there is an absence of the unique element.
US07896719B2

Use of the present invention allows a crew member who has suffered a marine emergency, for example, fallen overboard or had to abandon ship, to survive for an extended period of time by providing the tools and equipment found in commercial survival systems yet does so at an economical cost. The system of the present invention includes a package that may be easily attached to a round buoy/life ring, horseshoe buoy, life vest or, alternatively, stored in a standalone manner. The system of the present invention has a number of features of more expensive survival systems including a life raft, both manual and electronic signaling equipment, basic survival tools including a water collector, knife and first aid kit, as well as other items not usually found in such systems. Additionally, the survival system of the present invention advantageously provides an attachment mechanism such that in adverse conditions the various components of the system are kept together.
US07896714B2

Disclosed herein is a submersible electrical set-screw connector. The submersible electrical set-screw connector includes a connector body section and a first sealing member. The connector body section includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is substantially perpendicular to the second opening. The first opening is adapted to receive a portion of an electrical conductor. The first sealing member is removably connected to the submersible electrical set-screw connector. The sealing member is adapted to receive the electrical conductor. The sealing member includes an outer cylindrical surface and an inner cylindrical surface. The outer cylindrical surface includes a first centerline axis. The inner cylindrical surface includes a second centerline axis. The first centerline axis is offset from the second centerline axis.
US07896712B2

An integral bonding attachment includes an insulated section of a conductive wire with an exposed, uninsulated section. A sleeve covers the insulated and uninsulated sections of the conductive wire, and the sleeve includes a flattened section encasing at least a portion of the uninsulated wire section to form a generally integral structure with the core of the conductive wire. At least one generally tubular section is positioned at an end of the flattened section to engage the insulated section of the conductive wire. An aperture may pass simultaneously through the inner core and flattened sleeve section for attaching the integral bonding attachment to a structure.
US07896704B2

Devices including strip connectors in measurement devices are provided. Also provided are systems, kits and methods.
US07896702B2

A compact power adapter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a compact power adapter is facilitated by improved approaches to construct and assemble the power adapter. According to one aspect, connectors can serve to electrically couple blades (or prongs) of a power adapter plug to a printed circuit board assembly internal to a housing for the power adapter. The connectors serve to couple AC power to the printed circuit board assembly where the AC power can be converted to DC power. The connectors also facilitate assembly of the power adapter in that reliable interconnections can be provided without wires, soldering or other custom assembly operations. In one embodiment, a base for a power adapter plug of a power adapter can include a metal base connected to a blade (or prong) of the power adapter plug. The metal base can provide mechanical support to the blade as well as electrical connectivity to an internal terminal for the power adapter plug. The internal terminals used by a power adapter plug of a power adapter can be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly using connectors, thereby facilitating interconnection with electrical components used by the power adapter.
US07896699B2

An interface connector makes the pitches between the contacts narrower and realizes miniaturization of the connector. This connector (100) has: a shield case (110) that includes a fitting slot (101) into which an electronic component inserted from an open side fits; a housing (120) that is covered by the shield case (110); and a plurality of contacts (140A and 140B). In the shield case (110), a plurality of contacts (140A and 140B) are disposed along the insertion direction in the housing (120) and contact point parts (141) are aligned in a row in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. Lead parts (144) of contacts (140A and 140B) which are adjacent in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, project from rear surface (104) of the connector (100), alternately in the directions orthogonal to the insertion direction and the direction in which the contact point parts are aligned in a row.
US07896697B2

A screen (60) for reducing the electromagnetic coupling between a first and a second adjacent pair (62, 64) of electrical connectors (52), which are arranged in a row of pairs of electrical connectors (52) in a connector block (10), contains a first electrically conducting surface (66) which is shaped for arrangement between the first and the second adjacent pair (62, 64) of electrical connectors (52); and two electrically conducting surfaces (68, 70) spaced apart, which are electrically coupled with corresponding sections of the first electrically conducting surface (66) and which stand up from these sections in the transverse direction, in a common direction, and form a three-sided screen for a pair of electrical connectors (52).
US07896692B2

A method of improving electrical isolation between a first circuit and a second circuit sharing a common substrate having an effective dielectric constant greater than that of air. The first and second circuits are spaced apart and separated from one another by an intermediate portion of the substrate. The method includes removing a portion of the intermediate portion to replace the portion removed with air thereby reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion. By reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion, electrical isolation between the first and second circuits is improved thereby reducing crosstalk between the first and second circuits. In particular implementations, the method may be used to reduce alien crosstalk between adjacent communication outlets in a patch panel.
US07896689B1

An electrical cable connector assembly includes a printed circuit board, a wire organizer comprising a body portion defining a plurality of through holes and a retention slot recessed from an outer surface thereof, and a cable including a plurality of wires protruding through the through holes of the wire organizer for being soldered to the corresponding conductive pads of the printed circuit board, respectively. The printed circuit board has an outer side edge, and a plurality of conductive pads arranged at opposite front and rear ends thereof. The wires The outer side edge of the printed circuit board is retained into the retention slot of the wire organizer for preventing the printed circuit board from moving relative to the wires.
US07896678B2

An electrical contact terminal used for an electrical connector, includes a planar vertical base portion (20) having a front main face and a pair of lateral side edges, a solder portion (21) extending downwardly from the base portion, a U-shaped resilient arm (29) connecting to one lateral side edge of the base portion. The U-shaped resilient arm has a pair of contact portions defining therebetween a slot extending along a direction parallel to the front main face for receiving a complementary pin.
US07896677B2

An electrical connector for receiving an IC package includes an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, a stiffener surrounding the insulative housing and a load plate pivotally connected to the stiffener and movable between an opened position and a closed position. The load plate has a shaft and an abutting portion. The stiffener has a connecting member comprising an insertion opening for the shaft, a cavity communicated with the insertion opening for rotation of the shaft, and a supporting portion engaging with the abutting portion to keep the load plate in the opened position with a predetermined angle.
US07896672B2

An electrical connector includes a housing having a cavity configured to receive a plug therein. Contacts are arranged within the cavity for mating with a plug. The contacts include shield interfaces. A metal strip is arranged within the cavity and is electrically connected to a ground. The shield interfaces of the contacts engaging the metal strip when no plug is loaded in the cavity, and the shield interfaces disengaging from the metal strip when the plug is loaded in the cavity.
US07896671B2

A mounting socket includes an insulating socket body provided with a subscriber identification module card insertion recess and a memory card insertion recess. A metal housing coupled to an upper surface of the socket body defines the subscriber identification module card insertion recess. A lower metal plate coupled to a lower surface of the socket body defines the memory card insertion recess. An integrated sensing switch electrically connects the metal housing to the lower metal plate. The integrated sensing switch electrically connects or electrically disconnects the metal housing and the lower metal plate during insertion of a subscriber identification module card into the subscriber identification module card insertion recess.
US07896660B2

An IC card includes a frame with a rectangular border open on one side, a printed circuit board equipping an electronic component, a plate-shaped connector, and one pair of conductive shell plates. The connector constitutes one side of the frame. The one pair of shell plates covers both faces of the frame and the connector. The connector has a housing, a plurality of male contacts arranged in parallel in the interior of the housing, and a short circuit terminal. The male contacts are such that one end portion is a connecting portion to an external terminal and another end portion is connected to the printed circuit board. The short circuit terminals are mounted on the housing such that one end portion is in contact with a predetermined male contact among the plurality of male contacts and another end portion is in contact with an inner wall of a shell plate.
US07896655B1

An electrical connector assembly includes a housing, a connector and a conductor. The housing extends from a mating interface to a back end along a longitudinal axis and from a top side to a mounting interface along a vertical axis. The connector is disposed at the mating interface and is configured to mate with a mating connector. The conductor extends from the electrical connector to the mounting interface to provide a conductive pathway between the mating connector and the circuit board. The conductor includes a mating portion oriented along the longitudinal axis and a mounting portion oriented along the vertical axis. One of the mating portion and the mounting portion includes a bifurcated end having opposing contact tips and the other of the mating portion and the mounting portion includes an interconnection end that is received between the contact tips to electrically couple the mating portion and the mounting portion.
US07896654B2

An electric connection structure includes a metal element (1) with an axle cavity and a metal element (2) with an axle head. The cross section edges of the hinge faces between the axle cavity and the axle head are in gradual spiral line type. As both the metal elements (1, 2) have larger corner, the hinge faces have larger space which will disappear when the metal elements rotate to be approximately horizontal, and the axle head and the axle cavity will attain compression force to be tightly combined in continuous rotation of the metal elements so as to have a large electric contact face, tight contact, non-loosen, and free maintenance.
US07896653B2

An ophthalmologic surgery simulation device is provided for realistic practice and training of ophthalmologic surgical procedures and techniques. The device includes a base, a stand extending upwardly from the base, a cup pivotally mounted on the stand, and a facial mask. A practice eye is retained in the cup by suction. The position of the cup relative to the eye sockets in the mask is adjustable, in a preferred embodiment. The cup and the eye are pivotal about at least two axes during surgical practice. The device can also be used for practicing other procedures on the eye.
US07896652B1

One embodiment of a device that provides a means of displaying pictures that represent activities, or steps within an activity, for the purpose of teaching a sequence, displaying expectations, and encouraging participation in new or existing routines. The device is comprised of a board (FIG. 1) that is capable of displaying visual cues in the form of picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) in a plurality of interior channels. The pictures can be viewed from the front of the board (FIG. 1) and are moved from a ‘To Do’ column (9) to an ‘All Done’ column (7) as tasks or steps within a sequence are completed. The board (FIG. 1) is constructed in such a fashion as to create interior channels that allow the unimpeded passage of picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) through the entire interior of the board (FIG. 1). The picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) that pass through the channels are of a size that is slightly smaller than the interior dimensions to allow them to be inserted, slid across, and removed from the board (FIG. 1). The frontal area of the board (FIG. 1) incorporates ‘frame like’ openings that allow the picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) to be slid across by using a finger pressed upon the surface of the card and applying slight pressure to move it across. The device is designed to be vastly versatile and capable of being used by many age groups and in many situations.
US07896647B2

Heating provided by a burner that combusts hydrocarbon fuel can be provided at a sequence of different heat transfer rates by adjusting the total oxygen concentration of oxidant streams fed to the burner. A burner with which the method can be practiced is also disclosed.
US07896636B2

A support apparatus of an injection-molding machine has a neural network that receives test molding data corresponding to molding conditions and a quality value obtained by measuring a non-defective molded article, and that determines a quality prediction function based on the received test molding data. A computer calculates a predicted value of the quality value using the quality prediction function. An input apparatus inputs into the neural network fixed values for the molding conditions except for a selected at least one of the molding conditions, and inputs a target value of the quality value. A graph generator generates a graphical relationship between the selected at least one molding condition and the predicted value. A graph correction unit corrects the graphical relationship generated by the graph generator on the basis of the target value. A display unit selectively displays the graphical relationship generated by the graph generator and the graphical relationship corrected by the graph correction unit.
US07896631B2

An oil supply groove 12 in communication with a pump room 2A is formed above a bearing 2B of a housing 2, and an open air groove 14 in communication with an atmospheric air is formed at a position rotated around the bearing 2B by 90° from the oil supply groove. In a shank 3B of a rotor 3, a branch passage 11a branching from an oil passage 11 formed in its axial direction to the diametrical direction of the shank, and an open air passage 13 formed in the direction perpendicular to the branch passage are formed.Then, the branch passage and the oil supply groove communicate with each other, at the same time, the open air passage and the open air groove are arranged to also communicate with each other, and when the oil passage and the oil supply groove communicate with each other as the rotor stops, then an atmospheric air flowing in from the open air passage eliminates a negative pressure in the pump room, thereby the lubricating oil is prevented from flowing into the pump room in large quantities.An amount of the lubricating oil flowing into pump room at stop of the rotor can be reduced to prevent the vane from being damaged and an amount of the lubricating oil consumed due to rotation of the rotor can be controlled.
US07896629B2

A scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll member having an orbiting end plate defining a discharge port and an orbiting spiral wrap extending from the orbiting end plate. The compressor also includes a non-orbiting scroll member having a non-orbiting end plate and a non-orbiting spiral wrap extending from the non-orbiting end plate. The non-orbiting spiral wrap is intermeshed with the orbiting spiral wrap. Furthermore, a bearing housing extends from the non-orbiting end plate opposite from the non-orbiting spiral wrap, and a drive member causes the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the non-orbiting scroll member whereby said spiral wraps create pockets of progressively changing volume between a suction pressure zone and a discharge pressure zone. The drive member extends through the bearing housing, the non-orbiting scroll member and the orbiting scroll member. Also, the scroll compressor includes a discharge valve for controlling fluid flow through the discharge port.
US07896617B1

A centrifugal pump having a turbine impeller having a plurality of curved vanes. The vanes curve from the inlet end to the outlet end in the direction of pumping rotation of the impeller, such that the leading wall of each vane re-directs a portion of the radial velocity of the fluid flowing through the passage to increase the total tangential velocity provided by the impeller. Each curved passage has cooperating inlet and outlet areas and a smooth curved shape to ensure that the radial velocity of the liquid does not decrease dramatically while flowing through the passage, while ensuring that any solid particulates and contaminants entering the impeller will pass therethrough.
US07896611B2

A cooling system includes a moving rotor system which in turn includes: a disk on which a plurality of heat conducting structures are distributed, the heat conducting structures having a cross section optimized for maximum surface area to footprint area; the heat conducting structures having a shape to optimize the heat transfer coefficient between the structures moving through the ambient fluid; and a mechanism for generating a mass fluid flow over the conducting structures so that the heat conducting structures are persistently cooled.
US07896608B2

A novel three-vaned, drag-type wind turbine, wherein air, when it exits a first vane, is split into two flow paths. A first path is directed to a second vane, while a second path is directed to a third vane. The air, then, impinges on a plurality of vanes wherein the momentum of the air is altered, thus providing the force needed to drive the wind turbine. In a first embodiment, a wind shield is used to deflect a portion of the wind from entering the wind turbine, this portion being in a region where the vanes are rotating into the wind. In second embodiment, the wind shield is not used.
US07896600B2

A method of forming a fastener that includes an axial centerline, a seating surface angled with respect to the axial centerline at an angle α and adapted to contact an angled seat of a bore, the smallest diameter of the seating surface being designated a seating diameter, and a threaded connecting portion for engaging a threaded portion of a bore, the threaded connecting portion including a point designated a proximal contact point, the distance from the seating diameter to the proximal contact point in the direction of the axial centerline being the clamped length of the fastener, the method including steps of determining a value for at least a first one of angle α, seating diameter D and clamped length L, solving the equation α=arctan(D/(2L)) to calculate at least a second one of angle α, seating diameter D and clamped length L, and forming a fastener based on the determined and calculated values. Also a fastener and fastener system based on the method.
US07896599B2

A composite metal male fastener is provided. The metal fastener includes an elongate hollow shell made of metal. The shell includes a threaded exterior for insertion or retraction from the threads of a female fastener. In addition, the shell element includes a central bore and a radially extending flange. The male fastener further includes a core element made of a composite material including plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber or the like. The core element fills the shell's central bore and extends from the shell to encapsulate the shell's flange to form a male fastener head.
US07896592B1

A device for securing a motorcycle to a surface such as a trailer bed includes a base assembly attached to the surface and including a base plate and a pair of eccentric pivot support brackets, a pin assembly, an eccentric pivot rotatably mounted to each of the eccentric pivot support brackets and having an aperture formed therein such that the height of the aperture is adjustable by rotating the eccentric pivot, and a pin bracket attached to a motorcycle. The motorcycle is secured to the surface by positioning the motorcycle with the attached pin bracket over the base assembly attached to the surface and using the pin assembly to connect the pin bracket to the apertures in the eccentric pivots. The rotatable eccentric pivots allow the device to be adjusted for use with motorcycles having various ride heights. Locking structures are provided for locking the rotational position of the eccentric pivots with respect to the eccentric pivot support brackets after such an adjustment is made.
US07896591B2

A tool holder assembly including a cutting tool, a tool holder, and an adapter. The cutting tool includes a fluid passage and an end portion. The tool holder includes a conduit and a bore adapted to receive the cutting tool. The adapter includes a tool receiving portion configured to engage the end portion and an internal fluid passage adapted to provide a fluid from the conduit to the fluid passage.
US07896590B2

A cutter is for driven engagement with an arbor having one of an extending member and a pair of set screws. The cutter includes a shank portion having a central axis and a cutting portion extending from the shank portion along the central axis. A retaining recess is formed in the shank portion for selectively receiving the extending member of the arbor when the arbor is configured to have the driving device. A pair of flats are each formed in the shank portion for engaging the set screws when the arbor is configured to have the set screws. One of the flats extends in a first plane and the other of the flats extends in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.
US07896582B2

A retaining wall or a counterfort retaining wall incorporates a vertical stem wall section, a base section having a toe, a heel, and a number of shallow piles at the bottom of the base section to improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall. To further improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall, an edge of the heel is slanted with a bevel or a batter with an angle to pick up more resisting load.
US07896580B2

A self drilling rock bolt incorporating a shaft and an anchoring device. A first end of the bolt has a drill tip to penetrate rock and a second end is adapted to be connected to a drilling apparatus to allow rotation of, and thrust to, the bolt. A circulation passage is provided to allow fluid to be passed to the drill tip and in one form a central passage is formed in the shaft to form part of this circulation passage. The anchoring device is operative to retain the bolt when located in a drilled hole and comprises a mandrel having one or more inclined external surface mounted to, or integrally formed with, the shaft and at least one expansion element overlaying the mandrel. The expansion element(s) is displaced radially outwardly on a predetermined relative movement between the mandrel and the element.
US07896577B2

A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.
US07896569B2

What is described is a joint arrangement for the articulated connection of two segments of a patient bed, with two joint parts (36, 38), each of which is connected rigidly to one of the segments and which are pivotable relative to one another about a common joint axis (64) by means of a shaft journal (46), the joint parts (36, 38) carrying, in each case on at least one of their faces confronting one another axially, blocking faces (60) intended for bearing against one another, and the joint parts (36, 38) being capable of being tensioned axially relative to one another by means of a tensioning mechanism (46, 54, 50), and the blocking faces (60) lying in each case at least approximately in a plane containing the joint axis (64).
US07896562B2

A method of supplying a developing solution is provided. The method includes supplying a developing solution onto a substrate from a first developing solution nozzle, so as to form a ribbon-like region on the surface of the substrate, while rotating the substrate about a vertical axis via a substrate holding part. The method further includes shifting a position of the ribbon-like region in which the developing solution is supplied. Developing solution is supplied from a second developing solution nozzle, so as to form a circular region on the central portion of the substrate or form a ribbon-like region shorter in length than the ribbon-like region of the developing solution supplied from the first developing nozzle. Simultaneously, the substrate is rotated about the vertical axis via the substrate holding part, thereby spreading the developing solution toward a peripheral portion of the substrate by centrifugal force.
US07896544B2

To provide a heat detector in which thermal responsiveness of a heat detecting unit such as a ceramic element is improved.A heat detector 1 includes a ceramic element 10 accommodated in a sensing-device main body, and measures a temperature in a monitoring area based on a dielectric constant of the ceramic element 10. The Curie point temperature of the ceramic element 10 is set in a predetermined sensitive temperature range.
US07896540B2

Disclosed herein is a system and method for adequately securing the currently available metal and plastic containers for paint and other fluids as well as other foreseeable containers in an automated fashion without crushing or damaging the containers, without using any special adapters for particular container types and without operator intervention. To avoid crushing a plastic container, the disclosed system and method takes advantage of the compressibility of these less rigid plastic containers. It has been found that a plastic paint container can be safely clamped in place without structural damage if the clamp plate travel after engagement with the top of the container is limited to a certain value, for example, about 5/16″. When the compression amount if limited or controlled, the plastic container will not move or will move very little during a three minute violent shake cycle. Some conventional containers are not readily compressible, such a metal cans, drums or the larger (five gal.) plastic buckets or pails. To address the issue of these containers being used with the same machine as the new plastic containers, an increase in current or voltage drawn by the clamping motor is monitored after initial contact with the top(s) of the container(s), and if the increase reaches a threshold value, the motion of the upper clamping plate is stopped and an appropriate holding force is maintained.
US07896534B2

A back light unit and a manufacturing method thereof capable of improving efficiency of a manufacturing process are disclosed. The back light unit includes a light source, a light guiding plate which uniformly transmits a light beam generated by the light source, and a cover portion which forms an external appearance and fixes the light guiding plate, wherein a resin material is charged between the light guiding plate and the cover portion to couple the light guiding plate and the cover portion.
US07896533B2

A motor vehicle headlight is provided having a basic light source, a swiveling device which is equipped for swiveling the basic light source about a basic swiveling angle, and an infrared radiation source which is coupled with the swiveling device such that, when the basic light source is swiveled by the swiveling device about a basic swiveling angle, the infrared radiation source is swiveled by the swiveling device about an infrared swiveling angle deviating from the basic swiveling angle.
US07896527B2

The invention discloses a light-emitting diode illuminating equipment including an illuminating apparatus and a replaceable shell. The replaceable shell is detachable to be engaged to the illuminating apparatus. The illuminating apparatus includes a heat-dissipating plate device, a plurality of diode light-emitting devices, a plurality of heat-conducting devices, and a hollow barrel. The hollow barrel is engaged to the heat-dissipating plate device to form a space for accommodating the diode light-emitting devices and the heat-conducting devices. Depending on different product designs, the replaceable shell is variously detachable to be engaged to the heat-dissipating plate device or the hollow barrel. Therefore, the appearance of the light-emitting diode illuminating equipment of the invention is beautified by the appearance design of the replaceable shell.
US07896523B2

The invention relates to a target illuminator (1) for night-vision technology, comprising a laser source (2), the radiation power of the laser source being at least 15 mW, in particular from 100 to 500 mW, and the laser source being formed for emission of radiation having a wavelength λ of from 700 nm to 1400 nm, and a second optical system (4) for the divergent emission of the radiation. Furthermore, the target illuminator (1) has a first optical system (3) arranged down-circuit of the laser source (2) and before the second optical system (4) and intended for increasing the beam cross-section before entry into the second optical system (4) to a diameter of at least 5 mm and for guiding the beam into the second optical system (4). The angle of divergence (10) of the emitted radiation can be varied in a defined manner, the variability being limited for ensuring a minimum divergence.
US07896510B2

A polarized light illumination device is described, which includes a light source, a polarizer, a reflector, and a polarized light converter. The light source generates light. The reflector is used for reflecting light generated by the light source towards the polarizer. The polarizer allows a first polarized light to pass through, and reflects a second polarized light. The polarized light converter reflects the light irradiated on the polarized light converter and performs a polarization conversion. A plane where the polarized light converter is located is substantially perpendicular to the polarizer.
US07896501B2

An optical engine includes a light source system for providing an incident light beam, a reflective light valve, a first case, a projection lens and a second case. The reflective light valve is disposed in the first case for receiving the incident light beam, reflecting and outputting an image light beam or a dumped light beam. The first case provides a first opening located in the light path of the dumped light beam. The projection lens is connected to the first case for receiving and projecting the image light beam to form an image. The second case intercommunicates with the first case via the first opening. The dumped light beam enters the second case through the first opening, and is reflected twice or more inside the second case. Moreover, the inner wall of the second case applies to absorb the energy of the dumped light beam.
US07896499B2

An image projection mechanism of a mobile phone has a light source section for image projection, a light modulator and a projection lens. The light source section has an LED device including an LED element having a luminous wavelength in a red color region, an LED element having a luminous wavelength in a green color region, and an LED element having a luminous wavelength in a blue color region, which are provided in one package, and a lens that converts light emitted from the LED device into substantially parallel rays. The three LED elements of the LED device are turned on and off sequentially, and the light modulator is operated synchronously with the sequential turning on-off of the LED elements, thereby projecting an image displayed on the light modulator as a multicolor image through the projection lens.
US07896498B2

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for separately detecting and measuring specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light following illumination of an eye by light. The apparatus and method of the present invention facilitates substantial separation of the diffusely reflected light from light specularly reflected from the eye after passing through one or more elements of the eye, for example, the cornea, lens, retinal vasculature, the nerve fibre layer and/or the photoreceptors. The collection of these separate streams of independent optical signals to appropriate detection systems provides specificity and accuracy in determination of optical properties of one or more elements of the eye.
US07896487B2

On a transferring surface of a transferring body, lyophilic areas arranged in a scanning direction and in a circumferential direction of the transferring body, and a liquid repellent area which surrounds the lyophilic areas are formed. In a circumferential area between one of the lyophilic areas and the liquid repellent area, a proportion of the liquid repellent area increases progressively at positions away from a center of the lyophilic area. An ink droplet which is jetted from a nozzle, and is adhered to the circumferential area moves toward the center of the lyophilic area till a center of the liquid droplet coincides with the center of the lyophilic area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a position shift in a final adhering position.
US07896485B2

This invention is an advance in coating chemistry, curing technology, related apparatus and the products made thereby. The invention encompasses a substrate bonded to a coating cured, at least in part, cationically by a light having a wavelength in a range of 100 nm to 1200 nm and intensity in a range of 0.0003 W/cm2/nm to 0.05 W/cm2/nm. Methods and systems for coating substrates and curing the coated products are encompassed. The invention encompasses apparatus and ink jet printers utilizing this curing technology. The invention also includes providing a “moving shadow” from ultraviolet light that is uniformly distributed over a print zone defined by a path of carriage motion illuminated by the light.
US07896483B2

An ink-jettable composition including a palladium aliphatic amine complex solvated in a liquid vehicle can be used in formation of electronic devices. The ink-jettable composition containing a palladium aliphatic amine complex can be jetted onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. A second composition can also be applied to the substrate using ink-jet printing or other printing techniques, wherein the second composition is applied onto at least a portion of the predetermined pattern. The second composition can include a reducing agent which is capable of reducing the palladium aliphatic amine complex to palladium metal, typically upon the application of heat. The described ink-jettable palladium complex compositions can be stable over a wide range of conditions and allow for the formation electronic devices on a variety of substrates.
US07896480B2

A liquid jet head includes a passage-forming substrate composed of a crystal substrate provided with pressure-generating chambers communicating with nozzle orifices and piezoelectric elements disposed on the passage-forming substrate and each composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric material layer, and an upper electrode to cause a change of pressure in the pressure-generating chamber. The piezoelectric material layer has a thickness of 5 μm or less and is made of a perovskite-type crystal and is configured such that the distance between an X-ray diffraction peak position derived from the (220) plane of the passage-forming substrate and an X-ray diffraction peak position derived from the (110) plane of the piezoelectric material layer is within a range of 2θ=16.262±0.1 degrees.
US07896479B2

A liquid jet head has a channel-forming substrate composed of a crystal substrate having a pressure-generating chamber linked to a nozzle opening as well as a piezoelectric element composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode and formed on the channel-forming substrate so that the pressure in the pressure-generating chamber can be changed, with the piezoelectric layer having a thickness equal to or smaller than 5 μm, made of a perovskite-type crystal, and formed so that the interval between the X-ray diffraction peak position derived from the (220) plane of the channel-forming substrate and the X-ray diffraction peak position derived from the (111) plane of the piezoelectric layer falls within the range 2θ=9.059±0.1°.
US07896470B2

An assembly includes a flexible electrical circuit and a housing having a support surface configured to receive the flexible electrical circuit. A plurality of three-dimensional impressions are symmetrically positioned across the support surface and extending below the support surface. The plurality of three-dimensional impressions are deformed when the flexible circuit is joined to the support surface.
US07896466B2

A smooth, uniform image is produced by minimizing the occurrence of satellites of secondary color and dispersing landing positions of the satellites as uniformly as possible. For this purpose, the printing operation performed so that satellites of the two inks (cyan and magenta ink, foe example) ejected toward the same pixel are separated and landed on opposite sides of the main dots on the same pixel. This makes the distribution of satellites uniform and makes individual satellites less noticeable, maintaining the uniformity of an image.
US07896452B2

A slide braking apparatus installed on a slide in a cabinet, and the slide sequentially installs a bottom rail, a middle rail and an inner rail. The braking apparatus is disposed between the middle rail and the inner rail. A hook and a control handle for controlling the hook to turn are installed on a surface of the inner rail corresponding to the middle rail. A guide bump is disposed on a surface of the middle rail. The front end of the guide bump has a guide plane for guiding the hook to turn, so that when the hook is turned back to resume its original position, the hook presses precisely at the rear end of the guide bump to limit the inner rail from sliding into the middle rail.
US07896443B2

A process for extracting ore from a vein (10) comprises drilling spaced-apart boreholes (16) directly in the vein (10). The boreholes (16) are enlarged using thermal fragmentation generally up to the boundaries between the vein and surrounding waste. A blasthole (18) is then drilled in the vein between the thermally enlarged boreholes (17) for placement of explosive. The explosive is fired to break the ore between the enlarged boreholes (17). The enlarged boreholes (17) act as weakening regions to direct the blasting effect and minimize dilution.
US07896440B2

An armrest for a chair includes an armrest support, a sleeve movably mounted on the armrest support, a support arm mounted on the sleeve, a locking member secured in the armrest support, and a lifting device mounted between the armrest support and the sleeve. Thus, when the drive lever of the lifting device is pressed upward, the movable shaft of the lifting device is unlocked from the locking member so that the movable shaft is movable in the locking member and the armrest support freely, and the sleeve is movable relative to the armrest support to adjust the height of the support arm.
US07896437B2

A rocker chair base assembly employs a set of unitary composite cam members to enable a user to engage in a rocking motion with a chair mounted over the assembly. Each cam member presents a rigid body with a set of laterally projecting sleeves. A first set of angle cross members serve to interconnect longitudinal rails on which the cam members reside, and a second set of angle cross members serve to interconnect adjacent cam members. Specifically, the laterally projecting sleeves of each cam member present a mating angle profile for slidably receiving therein and securely attaching with longitudinal end regions of the second set of angle cross members.
US07896433B2

A seating arrangement for a motor vehicle having at least one front vehicle seat and at least one rear vehicle seat in which the front vehicle seat has a backrest provided at a backrest frame as a unit which can be attached at least indirectly on the backside of the seat back and receives the headrest. A display screen or monitor can be mounted in that frame in a field or space specifically provided for that unit.
US07896430B2

The present invention relates to a vehicle roof with a roof opening (12) and with a roof section (10) having a roof tip (16) pointing to the front of the vehicle (14) and a roof end (18) pointing to the rear of the vehicle (12). The roof section (10) can be moved along guide tracks (23), which run on both sides of the roof opening, out of a closed position, which closes the roof opening (2), into an open position, which at least partially opens up the roof opening. In order to optimize the vehicle roof to the effect that, in the partially open position and/or during the opening movement while under way, only very low travelling noises, if any at all, are produced and the highest requirements with regard to the sealing in the closed position are met, the opening movement from the closed position of the roof section begins with a movement of the roof end (18) into a lowered position below the roof opening (2).
US07896421B2

A floor structure of a four wheeled utility vehicle by which a passenger can quickly and simply maintain a proper riding posture in the case of a swing and an inclination of the vehicle. A cabin housing an operating portion of a vehicle and a passenger seat is provided between front wheels and rear wheels, and a floor constituted by a floor plate is provided in a lower end portion of the cabin. The floor plate is provided with a foot pressing surface against which a passenger can press a bottom surface of the passenger's foot. Preferably, the foot pressing surface is inclined so as to ascend in a forward direction of the vehicle.
US07896405B2

A connector includes an outer melt-bonding projection 2 integrally formed with a projecting end 10a of a flange 10 of a base member 1, and an inner melt-bonding member 3 having an upper side 30 unified to a lower surface 10g of the flange 10 of the base member 1 and configured to have an outer lateral side 31 unified to an inner lateral side 20 of the outer melt-bonding projection 2. The outer melt-bonding projection 2 is formed of a first synthetic resin, which is melt-bondable to an outer layer Ta of a fuel tank T, the base member 1 is formed of a second synthetic resin difficult to pass a gas produced from fuel therethrough and adaptable to the first synthetic resin, and the inner melt-bonding member 3 is formed of the first synthetic resin.
US07896393B2

An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.
US07896391B2

Seating positioning determining based on wireless signals. The seat positioning may include assessing seating location within a vehicle or other environment. The seat positioning may be used with various vehicle system to control their operation based on the seat positioning. The seat positioning inquiry may also include additional information, such as but not limited to seat identification information and seat safety system information.
US07896384B2

A modular stroller includes at least one mechanisms integrated into the stroller configured to be coupled to another stroller.
US07896376B2

The wheelchair comprises a seat and two main wheels connected by an axle. A support device, comprising an exchangeable intermediate element consisting of an elastomer element located in the lacuna provided by the spiral turns of a spring, is detachably fixed at one of its end to a chassis of the seat and at its other end to the axle through a center part attached to the middle part of the axle. The center part is arranged to receive the rear ends of the two left and right main frame tubes of the wheelchair.
US07896364B1

A roller wheel assembly includes a support member, a bearing-based rotatable coupling, and a wheeled support structure having two rollably coupled, spaced, and axially aligned roller wheels. The support member includes a first upper portion, and a second downwardly angled portion, with the downwardly angled portion having a through-bore proximate to a lower end. The wheeled support structure is rotatably coupled to the downwardly angled portion of the support member such that a side-to-side tilting of the upper portion of the support member, with respect to a ground surface, provides an enhanced and sharp turning capability. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.
US07896357B2

A universal tool shank can include an elongate body having first and second portions. The first portion can include at least one flat thereon for engagement with a recess in a first tool. The second portion can include at least one protrusion extending radially outwardly therefrom for engagement with a recess in a second tool. The first and second portions can be disposed axially apart from one another.
US07896353B2

A large diameter seal having a band of elastic material on its outer diameter to insure a complete and effective sealing in the counterbore and a method for manufacturing this large diameter seal having elastomeric material on its outer diameter.
US07896349B2

A hook and ring game apparatus and method includes a hook device having a mounting portion with a longitudinal axis substantially transverse to a surface. The hook device further including an arcuate portion extending from the mounting portion forming a sweep of about one-hundred and eighty degrees terminating in a cantilever beam having an acute angle to the surface. Further included is a ring assembly having a tether with a first end portion freely suspended from a selected position in an overhead support and a second end portion adjacent to a ring being operational to freely swing a pendulum type of movement relative to the overhead support. The ring and hook are operational to form a chance element to removably engage one another as the ring moves through the arc path potentially contacting with the hook, with either the ring removably engaging the hook or not engaging the hook.
US07896345B2

A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A playing area with one or more holes that allow game pieces to fall through the playing area into a mechanism that collects the game pieces until the weight of the pieces is greater than the counter weight and allowing the rocker arm to rotate and dispense the game pieces into the receiving mechanism or reward the player a prize by another method.
US07896337B2

An image forming apparatus includes an external gear to which a rotating force of a resist gear is transmitted, a ratchet for transmitting a rotating force from the external gear to a paper feed roller or releasing the transmission, and a ratchet arm having a claw engaged with the ratchet to transmit a rotation of the external gear, thereby rotating the paper feed roller, and a claw engaged with a slit provided on a boss of the paper feed roller to turn the paper feed roller toward a rotation start position and removing the claw from the ratchet to stop the paper feed roller, and the boss is provided with an offset bottom peripheral surface to be moved with the claw entering to stop the rotation of the paper feed roller when a resist sensor detects a tip of a recording paper.
US07896335B2

A scanner system for use with a paper handing system includes a scanner having a media feed path and which detects the physical characteristic data of documents transported along said feed path for scanning by said scanner. A paper handling subsystem is provided having a least one actuator coupled to control a mechanism adjustable to settings to adjust the subsystem to be set to process media having different physical characteristics.
US07896334B2

A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a sheet aligning device that increases, when the number of sheets conveyed thereto exceeds a predetermined number, the number of times of an aligning operation of the sheet aligning device, which aligns the sheets conveyed thereto, to be larger than the number of times of the aligning operation at the number of sheets equal to or smaller than this predetermined number.
US07896329B2

A sheet punching and embossing machine includes revolving gripper cars with which a gripping margin of a sheet is grasped by grippers disposed on the gripper car so as to move the sheet through the machine, a punching station in which the gripping margin can be separated from the sheet, a delivery station in which the gripping margin can be further separated from the sheet, and an ejection station in which the gripping margin can be ejected from the gripper. The ejection station includes a blower which directs a current of air at the gripping margin.
US07896324B2

The transfer car 1 includes: a pair of guide posts 3, 4 erected on diagonal corner portions of a base 2 formed nearly in a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan; a pair of lifting and lowering support bodies 5, 6 supported by these guide posts 3, 4 and lifted and lowered; a lateral bridging member 7 laterally bridging the pair of lifting and lowering support bodies 5, 6; a turn table 8 mounted on a lower side in a center in a longitudinal direction of the lateral bridging member 7 and having a turning part 8B turned around a vertical axis 8C with respect to a fixed portion 8A; and a hanger 9 having a top end portion coupled to the turning part 8B of the turn table 8 and hanging a vehicle body A placed on receiving parts 9B, 9B mounted on a bottom end portion.
US07896322B2

A clamping and/or spreading tool including a push or pull rod, comprises at least one lock blocking displacement of the push or pull contrary to the clamping and/or spreading direction by it being canted by at least one biasing mechanism, such as a spring, relative to the push or pull rod, and a releasing mechanism which when actuated cancels the blocking effect of the lock such that the biasing mechanism and the releasing mechanism functionally engage the lock at least at opposite sides of the push or pull rod.
US07896317B2

A deployment system and associated products utilize a magazine for holding and dispensing the products. The products may have any of a number of internal and external trusses that may be in tension and/or compression for rigidifying the product in selected directions. Thus the product may be shaped to fit a predetermined contour. The magazine may be supported on a deployment vehicle for ease of deployment of the product.
US07896315B2

A control and regulation arrangement for protection of a conveyor or other hoisting or crane device that assures a safe reaction to overloading. A brake apparatus is provided that acts on the conveyor under control of an overload sensor. If the load approaches a predetermined threshold, a signal is emitted from the overload sensor and transmitted to a speed sensor that limits the conveyor speed. Simultaneously the control transmits a signal to the brake apparatus to actuate and stop the conveyor. Upon receipt of a subsequent signal that a load relief state is to be established, the control brakes the conveyor in accord with the speed signal such that the object in transport moves toward a safe position at a constant speed. A conveyor with multiple hoisting devices may include duplicate control and regulation arrangements for each hoisting device.
US07896304B1

A support system for an outboard motor uses mounts which are configured and positioned to result in an elastic center point being located closely to a roll axis of the outboard motor which is generally vertical and extends through a center of gravity of the outboard motor. The mounts are positioned so that lines which are perpendicular to their respective center lines intersect at an angle which can be generally equal to 90 degrees. The mounts are positioned in non-interfering relationship with the exhaust components of the outboard motor and its oil sump.
US07896303B2

A container holder includes a holder body, a supporting member, an actuator, and a switch. The supporting member is disposed movably to the holder body. The holder body demarcates an accommodation space for accommodating or holding a container therein partially. The actuator includes a first actuating unit, being made of a ferromagnet, and a second actuating unit, being made of an electromagnet. Moreover, one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the holder body, and the other one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the supporting member. The switch turns on and off the actuator's second actuating unit to have the electromagnet produce and lose an electromagnetic force. The resulting electromagnetic force moves the supporting member to come in and/or come out of the holder body's accommodation space.
US07896293B2

The process improves the maneuverability of an aircraft during the approach to landing and then flare-out phases, the aircraft being equipped with air brakes. According to the process, the air brakes are put in a first deployed position during the approach phase, and as a function of a representative parameter of a given altitude and in case of a steep angle approach, they are actuated to transition to a second more retracted position than the first position so as to achieve a flare-out allowing to essentially maintain the same angle of incidence, corresponding in case of a steep angle approach to achieve a flare-out with habitual exterior piloting references during the flare-out phase.
US07896292B2

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided simplified systems and methods for catalytically deactivating, removing, or reducing the levels of reactive component(s) from the vapor phase of fuel storage tanks. The simple apparatus described herein can be utilized to replace complex systems on the market. Simply stated, in one embodiment of the invention, the vapor phase from the fuel tank is passed over a catalytic bed operated at appropriate temperatures to allow the reaction between free oxygen and the fuel vapor by oxidation of the fuel vapor, thus deactivating reactive component(s) in the gas phase.
US07896288B2

A roll steering method subdivides the direction of an aircraft control surface into two elements and, during a roll control operation using ailerons, steers an upper element of the control surface in the roll direction and a lower element in the opposite direction.
US07896287B2

A light weight, split torque, geared power transmission having a reduced number of gears and useful for, e.g., transmitting power from an engine to the main rotor of a rotorcraft, includes a ring gear having a pair of oppositely facing angular bevel gears respectively formed on opposite sides of a medial plane thereof, and a first pinion having an elongated drive shaft extending through the medial plane of the ring gear and disposed at an oblique angle relative thereto. The first pinion includes a pair of cylindrical gears mounted coaxially on the drive shaft and respectively disposed in conjugate meshing engagement with respective ones of the bevel gears of the ring gear. An elongated annular output shaft made of a strong, light weight composite material is coupled to a circumferential periphery of the ring gear.
US07896285B2

A dispenser for dispensing sheet product from a supply to a user is disclosed. The dispenser includes a feed device for dispensing a length of sheet product, an energy storage device in operable communication with the feed device, and a user interface in operable communication with the energy storage device. The user interface is biased in a first direction to a rest position by the energy storage device and is responsive to energy from the user to move in a second direction opposite the first direction and transfer energy to the energy storage device. The energy storage device is in operable connection with the feed device and applies the transferred energy to generate motion of the user interface in the first direction toward the rest position to actuate the feed device and dispense the sheet product.
US07896283B2

An arrangement for winding up at least two material webs, in particular film webs, having at least two receiving devices, for the rotatable mounting of at least one winding core each. The receiving devices are transferable between a winding position for winding up at least one material web on the winding core, and a removal or loading position, respectively, for removing at least one winding core which has finished being wound up, or for feeding at least one empty winding core. At least two winding cores are coaxially arranged in the receiving device for simultaneously winding up the material webs on separate winding cores, the winding cores each being rotatably mounted in two bearing sites adjacent to the respective winding core. The receiving device has at least three carrying arms, one winding core each being mounted between two carrying arms.
US07896282B2

A method for feeding a yarn (F) under constant tension to a yarn processing point of a textile machine (T) distant from spool (2) or equivalent support from which the yarn (F) unwinds, the tension of said yarn (F) being controlled in proximity to the spool (2) such that this parameter is monitored and controlled immediately after the yarn (F) has been unwound from the spool (2), the yarn (F) fed to the textile machine (T) cooperating, before reaching said processing point on the machine (T), with a series of thread guide elements (8) which modify the tension of the regulated tension. A second tension control is effected in proximity to the textile machine (T), said control being used for further adjustment of the tension of the yarn (F) in proximity to the spool (2) to hence regulate the tension of the yarn (F) entering the machine (T) to a predetermined constant value.
US07896277B2

A fishing reel including a spool shaft extending through a reel frame with a handle crank attached thereto with a non-rotating spool collar and spool positioned about the spool shaft, and a rod mount connected to the reel frame pivotable 90 degrees from a first position with respect to the reel frame to a second position. When the rod mount is in the first position, and the handle crank is rotated, the spool oscillates in and out with respect to the reel frame and the spool rotates about the spool collar in a manner such that fishing line positioned on the line guide is spooled onto the spool when being reeled in, and when the rod mount is in the second position, the spool is generally parallel to the rod mount to allow line to be cast out from the spool.
US07896271B2

Medication is disposed of by rending the medication, including medicaments stored in blister packs and transdermal patches, and aggregating the riven medication with a disposal medium that is suitable for burial or incineration. Burial or incineration of the aggregated disposal medium and the riven medication reduces the likelihood of water contamination.
US07896270B2

A hogger and reducing apparatus and considers issues associated with fibrous other materials clogging screening apertures A paddle arrangement having an open framework rotates relative to the screening apertures provided on a drum. Either or both the paddle arrangement and drum may rotate, the resultant action increasing agitation of raw material (being reduced in size by a reducing means) in the vicinity of the screening apertures and also providing a wiping type effect to help clear material from within the apertures.
US07896268B2

A disc type wood chipper that utilizes a high percentage of the energy required for chipping but not substantially utilized in the material size reduction within the machine to produce chips of a small enough size such that the chips produced can be turned into wood flour or wood pellets with the expenditure of very little additional energy.
US07896258B2

A system and apparatus for controlling the delivery of fluid from a reservoir, in relation to the ground speed of the vehicle delivering the fluid. Including a system where a hydraulic pump and motor are the components to drive the delivery of the fluid from the reservoir. The hydraulic motor is controlled to vary the output of the fluid pump based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) program. Where an operator selects the desired density of fluid to be pumped, the PLC controls fluid pump flow by controlling the hydraulic motor speed based on the vehicle ground speed.
US07896242B2

A system and method for providing digital receipts for purchase transactions are provided. The method includes the steps receiving information for a first credit card account for executing a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; charging an amount of the transaction to the first credit card account; and transmitting a receipt to a predetermined location of the customer. The predetermined location may be an e-mail address of the customer or a server residing on the network. By receiving digital receipts, a customer or end-user will be able to digitally store these receipts and view or print the receipts out when necessary. Furthermore, the customer will be able to manage the receipts with conventional software packages.
US07896229B2

A system and methods for facilitating the automatic distribution of acquired images within a medical facility. Apparatus capable of displaying digital images within two or more operatories is provided. Apparatus capable of scanning scannable image media is also provided, to read an encoded identifier and a captured image from each of the scannable image media. The encoded identifier of any given scannable image medium is associated with one operatory of the medical facility. Apparatus capable of transmitting a read image to the apparatus capable of displaying digital images within a particular operatory in dependence on the read associated identifier is further provided.
US07896224B2

A method for raising a demagnetization temperature of a permanent magnet is disclosed. The method provides a ferromagnetic arrangement around the magnet to increase demagnetization thresholds for the duration of soldering, or any other process requiring high temperatures. Using the method disclosed, it is possible to apply high levels of heat directly to permanent magnets without demagnetization, and more particularly to create permanent magnetic assemblies fit for any environment.
US07896223B2

Solder bumps formed on an electrode portion of a semiconductor chip are recently miniaturized, and when printing by using solder balls, the solder balls are also miniaturized. Therefore, it is required to print solder balls for printing with accuracy.Instead of a conventional squeegee, a solder ball loading member including a plurality of semi-spiral wire rods is provided at a print head portion for printing solder balls, and by pressing the solder ball loading member to a mask surface with a predetermined pressing force, turning forces of the solder balls are added by spaces formed by the wire rods. Accordingly, the solder balls are moderately dispersed, and are squeezed into an opening portion of the mask.
US07896215B2

Described is a full-thickness resection system which includes a control unit coupled to a proximal end of a flexible endoscope. The control unit remains outside of a body when the stapling head is in an operative position within a body lumen. The control unit includes (i) an anvil actuator coupled to an anvil in the stapling head, actuation of the anvil actuator moves the anvil axially relative to a stapling mechanism in the stapling head to compress a folded full-thickness portion of lumenal tissue between the anvil and the stapling mechanism. In addition, the control unit includes (ii) a stapler actuator coupled to the stapling mechanism in the stapling head, actuation of the stapler actuator causing the stapling mechanism to drive staples through the folded lumenal tissue against the anvil. Also, the control unit includes (iii) a tissue cutter actuator coupled to a tissue cutter in the stapling head, actuation of the tissue cutter actuator causing the tissue cutter to resect portions of the folded lumenal tissue.
US07896214B2

A surgical including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position capturing the tissue between the first jaw member and second jaw member.
US07896212B2

A gas combustion type coil nailer is provided with (a) a main body (1) which is provided with combustion chamber; (b) a head part (3) which is disposed on the front surface of this; and (c) a magazine 4 which is disposed on the bottom surface of the head part (3) so that it can be attached and detached easily. A coil shaped nail connecting body is loaded onto the magazine (4). The head part (3) is provided with (d) a guide tube (35) through which the rod (17) and the nail n pass; and (e) with a feed motor (47). The nail connecting body N is fed to the guide tube (35) by a feed gear which is driven by the feed motor (47). Power is supplied to the feed motor (47) from a battery. The rod (17) is driven and the nail is fed by separate motive forces so that the nail can be fed reliably without adversely affecting the accuracy and reliability of the driving capacity of the rod (17).
US07896210B2

A fastener actuation system for driving fasteners into a work surface separated a significant distance from a user, the system comprising a fastener actuation tool coupled to a pole assembly, the assembly including a lockout mechanism. The tool may have a firing pin assembly configured such that depression of the barrel assembly against the work surface loads a firing pin into a ready-to-fire position. In addition, the tool may have a trigger sleeve slidable within the tool housing and having a ramp surface such that forward motion of the trigger sleeve may cause a trigger sear to move along the ramp surface until a point where the sear disengages and the firing pin fires. Moreover, the trigger sleeve may operationally engage an advance lever for automatically engaging cartridges. Additionally, the tool system may comprise a pole assembly having a secondary mechanism such as an external sleeve for firing the tool.
US07896205B1

A carrier is in a generally three dimensional trapezoid-like configuration. The carrier has a closed square lower bottom. The carrier has an open square upper top. The carrier has four planar trapezoidal side walls.
US07896203B2

A dispensing apparatus capable of being detachably coupled to a container for dispensing liquid from the container is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus includes a central unit, a pump, a release valve assembly, a pipe, and a nozzle. The central unit is configured to detachably couple with an opening of the container containing the liquid. The pump is configured at a first end portion of the central unit. The pump is operable to generate pressure within the container. The release valve assembly is configured in the central unit. The release valve assembly is capable of controlling a flow of the liquid from the container and dispensing the liquid. The pipe is attached to the release valve assembly. The pipe is capable of carrying the liquid to be dispensed. The nozzle is configured at a second end portion of the central unit and is capable of dispensing the liquid from the pipe.
US07896201B2

A dispensing device (11) for dispensing one-component or multi-component masses contained in vessels has a piston rod (21) and a forward feed mechanism (31). The forward feed mechanism (31) has a first clamping lever (32) and a second clamping lever (42) each of which is arranged on the piston rod (21) so as to be axially displaceable and swivelable in longitudinal direction (L) of the dispensing device (11). At least two spring elements (33, 43) act upon the clamping levers (32, 42). The device (11) further includes forward feed means for actuating the first clamping lever (32) and the second clamping lever (42) and having a first forward-feed element (34) cooperating with the first clamping lever (32) and a second forward-feed element (34) cooperating with the second clamping lever (42).
US07896199B2

A portable, liquid-dispensing bag that has a bag within one or more bags. A fitment portal aligns openings in the one or more inner bags and outer the outer bag, which in at least one embodiment accommodates a tap. A variety of arrangements and variations are possible, including having a re-sealable opening in both the inner bag or bags and a re-sealable opening in the outer bag. A gas vent can be added to either the inner or outer bags. It is contemplated that a drinkable liquid is stored in an inner bag, and ice or cold water is stored in the outer bag to keep the drinking fluid cold.
US07896185B2

A molded plastic container, such as a five gallon pail, that includes a lid and main body that are selectively attachable to each other without a resilient gasket. The main body of the plastic container includes a flexible sealing finger formed along the top rim of the main body. The flexible sealing finger is received within a sealing chamber formed as part of the rim. The sealing chamber is defined by a gland seal such that when the lid is attached to the main body, both the flexible finger and the gland seal can deflect to create multiple sealing points between the flexible sealing finger and the sealing chamber. A latch ring is formed on the outer surface of the main body and engages a locking tab formed on the lid to hold the flexible finger in the sealing chamber.
US07896177B1

A versatile support system, kit and methods of construction are disclosed. The support system comprises rail members, corner members and shelf brackets with each of the shelf brackets having an opening configured to selectively receive a fastener to couple a back portion of the shelf brackets to a surface of an outer portion of the rail members. The corner members have multiple arms selectively received and secured within an open inner region of a portion of each rail member. The versatile support system has improved load bearing capability and provides numerous load bearing structures with ease of construction.
US07896176B2

A convertible back bar is provided. In one embodiment, a convertible back bar comprises a mirror, a body configured to support the mirror, a shelf, and a billiard ball storage tray. The shelf and the billiard ball storage tray are interchangibly attachable to upper and lower ends of the body. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.
US07896173B2

A supporting device for exhibiting golf clubs enabling the easy dismounting and storing of the golf clubs from and onto the supporting device. The supporting device includes hook member and a connection member. When the clubs are hooked to the hook members, the clubs are always arranged in a specified direction at all times, and the supporting device for exhibition can be minimized in size and manufactured at low cost. The hook members are configured to let a user hang the clubs from the user's side. Also, the connection parts between the heads and the shafts of the clubs can be observed from the user's side and so as to support the heads and the shafts so that, when the clubs are suspended from the hook members, the clubs do not come out of the opening parts of the hook members.
US07896172B1

A compactable display is presented using a compactable pusher system constructed from folded sheet material using an elastic band as a biasing element. A unique polygon construction is described for generating increased tension on an elastic band as the polygon is compressed to generate forward biasing of objects in the compactable display. Construction and assembly of the unit is described with a two part construction that is held together by the elastic band using easily accessible connection points for quick assembly with additional access apertures provided for removal of the elastic band for easy disassembly of the display.
US07896170B2

The present invention relates to a flow divider promoting separation, the flow divider comprising an inlet, at least one dividing fin, and two or more outlets. According to the present invention a pipeline leading to the inlet is sufficiently long to promote at least a degree of separation of a fluid that is carried through the pipeline and that initially is mixed, the lighter constituents flowing through a top section of the pipeline, and the heavier constituents flowing through a bottom section of the pipeline, wherein the at least one dividing fin is/are arranged either vertically and/or horizontally in order to divide the flow into two or more smaller flow streams downstream of the flow divider.
US07896166B2

A compact filter element in which the end faces of a plurality of nonwoven filter layers (3) are fixedly integrated into a cover (4) and in which the oncoming flow of fluid to be filtered is deflected in the cover (4) in such a way that the fluid flows respectively into every second or alternating area between two adjacent nonwoven filter layers (3) and flows through the nonwoven filter layers (3) into the intervening spaces between the spaces between filter layers in to which it initially flows, from which intervening spaces it exits the filter element.
US07896161B2

A child-resistant and senior-friendly carded package for storing and dispensing tablets and like items is provided. The carded package assembly has a integral pair of opposed flaps. One flap carries the tablets or like items, and the other provides a booklet-style cover foldable between a position covering the tablets or like items and a position exposing the tablets or like items. The carded package is made from a first card bonded to a separate second card with a blister card captured therebetween. The first card has a flap including at least three panels folded together with each of the at least three panels including cut out openings or perforations defining punch outs. The second card has a flap having cut out openings. The blister card is sandwiched between the at least three panel flap of the first card and the flap of the second card having openings. A method of assembling the package is also provided.
US07896155B2

The invention relates to a capsule closure, the cap of which comprises a receptacle (2) that is formed on the interior of the lid and that fits into the interior of a corresponding nipple part (3). An associated film-sealed container capsule (8) can be locked into the interior of the receptacle (2), with the film facing downwards (9), so that the sealing film (9) lies against the inner diameter of the cap (1). A circular shoulder that projects inwards (10) is configured in the interior of the nipple part (3) below the inserted container capsule (8). Several fixed and/or displaceable piercing and/or cutting elements (12) are formed on the inner edge (11) of said shoulder (10). A tamper-evident strip (15) is supported on a shoulder (17) that projects radially outwards below the lower cap edge of the attached cap (1). Once said strip has been removed, the cap (1) can be pushed down onto the nipple part (3), causing the piercing and/or cutting elements (12) to cut open the film (9). The section (14) of the nipple part (3) that lies below the shoulder (10) can be configured as a collar or flange.
US07896154B2

A beverage can having a primary fluid volume and a segregated secondary tipping container. The secondary tipping container is sealed prior to opening the beverage can so that its contents do not mix with the contents of the primary container. The beverage can has a lid with a conventional pull-tab and downward-opening hatch. The secondary tipping container is preferably attached to the underside of the lid. The tipping container has an open mouth which is preferably sealed against the underside. When the pull-tab is actuated, the hatch descends and detaches a portion of the tipping container from the lid so that the tipping container then pivots downward and spills its contents into the primary container.
US07896146B2

A clutch assembly which incorporates brushless motor technology to engage a clutch pack to cause two shafts to rotate in unison. The clutch actuation assembly includes a clutch apply member, a base plate disposed about an axis, a cam plate disposed about the axis, and at least one cam, operably associated with the base plate and the cam plate. At least one load transferring member operably associated with the at least one cam, as well as an actuator for providing relative rotation between the cam plate and the base plate about the axis, causing the at least one load transferring member to move with respect to the at least one cam, and the cam plate to translate along the axis actuating said clutch apply member.
US07896131B2

A portable worker support bracket for releasable engagement of a work surface such as a truss member or other construction member.
US07896129B2

Provided is a sub-muffler which needs no heat resistant material such as SUS, and which can keep its durability and sound absorbing performance even when the sub-muffler is exposed to various corrosive components in the exhaust gas. At the same time, accomplished is a low-cost manufacture, which is a challenge that sub-mufflers and sound absorbing materials commonly face. Disclosed is a sub-muffler in which a perforated exhaust pipe is arranged, and caps and an out pipe are arranged outside the perforated pipe. Sound absorbing materials are filled in the space between the perforated exhaust pipe, and the caps and the out pipe. The sub-muffler is characterized in that, among the sound absorbing materials, at least part of the sound absorbing material of the perforated pipe side is a basalt fiber for high temperature.
US07896125B2

A hydraulic steering device for vehicles, especially construction machines, with which is simple and robust mechanically and can be precisely controlled, without possessing the disadvantages of the current state of the art. A hydraulic swivelling motor for producing the steering motion, which is connected to a variable flow rate pump with reversal of its direction of delivery.
US07896123B2

A vehicle includes a first transaxle incorporating a first hydraulic motor for driving a first axle, a pair of second transaxles incorporating respective second hydraulic motors for driving respective second axles, and a pump housing separated from the first transaxle and the pair of second transaxles. The pump housing incorporates a hydraulic pump. The first hydraulic motor and the pair of second hydraulic motors are fluidly connected in series to the hydraulic pump. The second hydraulic motors are fluidly connected in parallel to the hydraulic pump.
US07896120B2

A small-sized vehicle (SSV) capable of inhibiting a differential unit from becoming large in a vertical direction includes an engine, a rear output shaft portion arranged to extend rearwardly of the engine and serving to transmit a driving force of the engine rearward, an intermediate shaft portion rotated by the rear output shaft portion and extended in a vehicle width direction, a rear-wheel differential unit rotated by the intermediate shaft portion and serving for differential movements of a pair of rear-wheel axle shafts connected to a pair of rear wheels.
US07896118B2

A trolley is provided and includes at least one driven wheel and non-driven wheels. The at least one drive wheel may be moved to a position clear of the ground or to a position in which it contacts the ground with the adjacent non-driven wheels being raised off the ground. Movement between these two positions is effected by pivoting a sub-frame to which the driven wheel and the non-driven wheels are connected. During this movement, the region of the trolley above the driven wheel is first lowered and then raised slightly such that the end elevation of the support for a patient remains the same.
US07896115B2

A fuel cell vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a floor panel provided on the bottom of the vehicle body; a floor tunnel that is formed bulging upward in the center of the floor panel in the vehicle body width; a pair of front seats that are disposed on the floor panel, outside of the floor tunnel in the vehicle body width direction; center frames that support the floor tunnel, disposed at the center in the vehicle body width and extending along the vehicle body longitudinal direction; a sub-frame provided on the bottom of the floor panel and joined to the center frames; and a fuel cell stack mounted on the sub-frame and provided under the floor tunnel.
US07896109B2

A roller cone bit is provided that includes a companion ring positioned adjacent to the seal, wherein the companion ring is formed of a porous material that is compatible with the fluid lubricating the interface between the roller cone and the bearing pin.
US07896103B2

A tool housing which in one aspect includes a body defining a head portion with a handle portion depending therefrom to define a forward and/or a rear junction. A metal reinforcing member is configured to span along an inside surface of the body from the head portion to the handle portion such that the reinforcing member bridges either the forward or rear junction. In another aspect, the tool assembly comprises a tool housing body, a motor positioned within the tool body housing, a drive mechanism connected with the motor to define a unitary motor/drive mechanism assembly, and at least one elastic isolating member extending about a portion of the motor/drive mechanism assembly such that the motor/drive mechanism assembly is elastically isolated relative to the housing body.
US07896099B2

The object of the invention is to provide a drilling device which is compact and has good sliding properties. The object is achieved by an upper beam for use with a lower beam in a telescopic feeder for a drilling device for rock drilling. The upper beam extends along a longitudinal axis and has a generally U-shaped cross section comprising a bottom wall and a first and a second side wall. Each side wall has an inward surface and an outward surface. The upper beam comprises a cooperating member intended for sliding cooperation with the lower beam. The cooperating member comprises an attachment structure extending outwardly from each outward surface of each side wall. Each attachment structure is intended for fixed mounting of a crank block bracket, which crank block bracket faces the outward surface of each side wall.
US07896096B2

A hydraulic drilling machine has a metal chassis shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped, drilling resources located at the front of the chassis, a rotary motor to drive drilling rods, and a hydraulic circuit. An electrical circuit powers the various components of the drilling machine. The machine can be mounted on the arm of a hydraulic mini-digger and operate without an extra hydraulic unit.
US07896093B2

An apparatus to suppress a localized fire may include a pressurized tank of fire suppressant and a valve coupled to the tank. In case of a fire, a pneumatic fire sensor may open the valve to release the fire suppressant.
US07896089B2

A technique involves a packer formed as an expandable packer with an internal expandable bladder. The internal expandable bladder is surrounded with a plurality of packer slats oriented in a manner to enable expansion and contraction of the packer. Additional features are incorporated into the bladder and/or slats to facilitate repeated expansion and contraction of the packer while limiting leaks between wellbore regions and preventing extrusion of the bladder.
US07896085B2

A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.
US07896083B2

A stable vertical lift structure that raises pre-assembled equipment with flexibility in the positioning in relation to the well head location. The invention includes pre-assembled drilling and well-head equipment, such as a blow-out preventer and a stripper assembly supported by a vertical support structure, all of which is transported to the drilling site on a trailer assembly. The pivot point for the pre-assembled equipment is placed on a rail transport mounted on the trailer assembly, and the pivot point is laterally pushed to a locking point on the rail assembly before the pre-assembled equipment is vertically raised to its vertical alignment near the well head. After being raised to its vertical alignment position, the pre-assembled equipment can be placed over the well head at the drilling site. By positioning the pre-assembled equipment using the rail transport, there is flexibility in positioning the trailer relative to the well head and the vertical alignment operation can be conducted with stability.
US07896081B2

A tieback connector connects a tieback conduit from an offshore platform to a subsea wellhead assembly. The tieback connector has a mandrel that is connected to a string of tieback conduit and a sleeve and load ring that are carried by the mandrel. The load ring is radially expansible and has a conical portion with internal threads. The load ring has an external grooved profile that engages an internal grooved profile in the subsea assembly. The mandrel is rotatable relative to the sleeve while in its lower position, causing the load ring to further expand outward into engagement with the internal profile. A locking member is carried below the load ring on an exterior cam surface of the mandrel. The cam surface moves the locking member outward when the mandrel moves downward into engagement with an internal profile in the subsea assembly.
US07896080B1

This invention relates to enhancing hydrocarbon production from a subterranean formation via a well completed with a gravel pack. Gravel packs suffer plugging and damage over time from produced particles and other plugging materials brought into the pack as production continues. This invention relates to a chemical treatment for the gravel pack designed to remove damaging particulate matter from the pack via dissolution or displacement. Damaging material is forced sufficiently far into the producing reservoir to prevent its remigration back into the pack.
US07896072B2

Methods for designing and performing a treatment operation on a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided, in which the treatment operation includes the use of a treatment fluid comprising reactants for a chemical reaction. The methods generally include the step of obtaining wellbore temperature-profile information on the wellbore and obtaining kinetic or thermodynamic data for the chemical reaction, and combining the information to help design the treatment operation. Preferably, the methods include the use of a distributed temperature system (“DTS”) for gaining temperature-profile information for a wellbore.
US07896071B2

A method and apparatus, capable of being conveyed on wireline, for continuous downhole injection of foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s), comprising a reservoir and means for dispensing foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s) from the reservoir of such apparatus and into the surrounding wellbore environment.
US07896068B2

A product suitable for use in an oilfield environment is described, the product comprising: a first component; a first layer surrounding the first component, wherein the first layer is made of a protective material able to protect the first component from surrounding oilfield environment; a first susceptor, wherein the first susceptor is able to interacts with a magnetic field to generate heat.
US07896063B2

A fan blows air across a battery package, which includes battery modules in a holder. The holder includes fins, configured such that air contact areas of battery modules at an upstream part are smaller than those at a downstream part. The fins at the upstream part may be longer than those at the downstream part. Alternatively, fins at a first side of the battery modules may be longest at the upstream part. Fins at a second side may be shortest at the upstream part. An air channel between the fins and the battery modules narrows from the upstream part to the downstream part. The fins at the upstream part may be closer to corresponding battery modules than those at the downstream part. Each fin may define a substantially rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, each fin may have an inclined surface on an upstream side and/or a declined surface on a downstream side.
US07896062B2

A cooling system for a work vehicle is disclosed that includes first and second heat exchangers disposed one above the other to create two discrete flow paths. The upper heat exchanger is an engine water cooler and the lower heat exchanger may be an intercooler, an oil cooler or a refrigerant condenser. The lower heat exchanger is disposed forward of the upper heat exchanger. Additional heat exchangers may be positioned in front of the first and second heat exchangers to provide additional cooling. The first and second heat exchanger may be cross-flow heat exchangers conducting the fluid to be cooled laterally through the core of the heat exchanger.
US07896060B2

An apparatus and process are provided for casting liquid metals into molds in a casting furnace comprising a controlled environment melt chamber and a mold lock chamber. A mold is supplied to the controlled environment melt chamber for a pour, and removed from the same chamber via a mold lock chamber. A mold transport system moves the mold through the mold lock chamber. The mold transport system comprises a rotary screw drive, a cylinder screw drive, or hydraulic drive located external to the furnace. Alternatively the mold transport system comprises a rack and worm screw drive.
US07896058B2

A window roller blind that has a shade, the free end of which is connected to a pull rod. In order to guide movement of the pull rod during extension and retraction of the roller blind, a support rod is connected to pull rod by means of articulated connection.
US07896054B2

A machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles includes a supporting structure of a clamping and rotating device for clamping and rotating the wheel rim and an operating head for fitting/removing a tire onto/from the rim. The operating head has a removal tool associated with a first actuator and turnable between a first clamping position in which the tool is tilted towards the rotation axis of the rim, and a second entrainment position in which the tool extends along a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rim. The operating unit includes an arrangement for transforming the movement generated by a second actuator into the sideways movement of the operating head along a curved direction and near and away to a section of the annular flange of the rim.
US07896048B2

A chuck and a chuck system, and a method for processing a toroidal structure such as a tire carcass. The carcass includes an internal circumference and tapered ends. The chuck system comprises a plurality of chucks wherein each chuck includes a circumferential or substantially circumferential external surface and a plurality of friction reducing members positioned on the external surface. The friction reducing members are positioned to engage the internal circumference of the toroidal structure such as a tire. The method of processing a tire carcass includes positioning the tire carcass on fixed diameter chucks having friction reducing members on the external surface.
US07896042B2

A kit for forming mortises in door edges and door frames for flush-mounting door hinges, strike plates and latch plates is provided. The kit generally includes a template holder and a plurality of templates mountable to the template holder. The templates provide guides for various size hinges, strike plates or latch plates. The template holder includes an adjustment mechanism for easily adapting the template holder from doors having a first thickness to doors having a second thickness. The adjustment mechanisms include a rotatable cam and knob. The kit may optionally include an alignment schedule providing distances for locating the templates relative to a door end or a frame. Further, the templates may include tab engagement slots for engaging a tape measure.
US07896031B2

A modular insert and monolithic structure is disclosed where the inserts are embedded in a slot in the monolithic structure to allow MSM components to be mounted directly to the planar surface of the monolithic structure.
US07896026B2

A filter includes top and bottom support frames, and one or more middle support frames, which are arranged in such a manner that a second stepped area recessed by a predetermined depth from the outer circumferential surfaces of the top and bottom support frames is formed by the top and bottom support frames and the middle support frames. A pressure control valve of an electronically controllable power steering apparatus includes: a hollow valve body having a first stepped area with a predetermined depth, the first stepped area being formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body, where a supply port is formed; and the above-mentioned filter, the filter being fitted in the first stepped area of the valve body. The filter can minimize change of pressure at the filter area while assuring smooth supply of the hydraulic fluid, and can reduce the number of parts, the number of fabricating steps, and the material costs of such a pressure control valve.
US07896024B2

A sillcock for supplying varying amounts of water at various temperatures includes a backpressure relief valve for relieving backpressure in the sillcock. The sillcock includes a sillcock tube and a valve body attached to the sillcock tube. A cartridge assembly is provided in the valve body, and an actuation assembly extends through the sillcock tube. The actuation assembly cooperates with the cartridge assembly to control the volume and temperature of water exiting the sillcock according to the axial and rotational movements of a knob. The backpressure relief valve includes a deformable member operable to allow water to be expelled from the sillcock if backpressure is present.
US07896020B2

A process for reducing the restart pressure of streams selected from waxy crude oils, water-in-crude emulsions and dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates, at least partially structured. A mechanic disturbance is applied, in flow-stop conditions, on the streams, having: temperatures lower than the WAT (Wax Appearance Temperature) for the waxy crude oils and water-in-crude emulsions; temperatures lower than the forming temperatures of the hydrates and pressures higher than the forming pressure of the hydrates, for the dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates.
US07896012B1

A shoe washing device including a motor for driving a rotor onto which the shoes are directly mounted as by aligning the soles of the shoes parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The shoes are affixed onto the rotor by using a clip, strap, cage, or other attachment means. The shoes are then rotated within the wash compartment into which a wash fluid is introduced in a wash cycle and removed following a wash cycle. An integrated drying component may allow air drying of the shoes during a final spin cycle.
US07896011B2

A method of forming a filter for a smoking article which includes exposing cellulose acetate fibers to an electron beam process, wherein electron beam process deacetylates the cellulose acetate fibers to render the cellulose acetate fibers water-permeable; and forming a cellulose acetate rod from a tow of the cellulose acetate fibers. Filter plugs of the cellulose acetate fibers are water-permeable and allow discarded filtered smoking articles to rapidly degrade and expose the components to the environment.
US07896009B2

A balloon catheter is used in a closed-loop heat exchange system for manipulating the temperature of a patient. The balloon catheter is positioned in the stomach of the patient, and then expanded with a heat exchange fluid delivered through a lumen formed in the shaft of the catheter. The balloon catheter comes into contact with the wall of the stomach, and the stomach substantially conforms around the expanded balloon catheter. The heat exchange fluid is allowed to flow continuously into and out of the balloon catheter. Heat is exchanged between the balloon catheter and the stomach so as to controllably alter the temperature of at least a portion of the patient. Anti-shivering mechanisms and automatic control based on temperature feedback from the patient may be used in connection with the heat exchange system.
US07896007B2

The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and a viewing system. The mask portion is inflatable and can be inserted, when deflated, through a patient's mouth to a location near the patient's glottic opening. The mask portion also includes an epiglottis elevator bar and a distal end of the bar defines an aperture. The viewing system has a proximal end located outside the patient. The viewing system also has a distal end positioned so that light rays can pass from a portion of the patient's anatomy, through the aperture in the elevator bar, and into the distal end of the viewing system.
US07896006B2

A medicine ejection device is provided allowing a medicine with a desired droplet diameter to be inhaled at a constant rate. The medicine ejection device has a decision part at which the ejection operating conditions of a medicine ejection part for ejecting the medicine are decided in accordance with at least one of an open-air environment or a state of the medicine during use of the device. The device ejects the medicine according to the ejection operating conditions decided by the decision part.
US07896004B2

Disclosed is a tracheal intubation tube fixing device for securing an airway in the patient's respiratory tract and inducing the artificial respiration of a patient in the intensive care unit or under a general anesthesia operation. The device includes a body to surround the patient's face and mouth and including an airway securing block, a suction tube insertion opening, an intubation tube insertion hole and band fixing holes, a pivotal fixing member to fix an inserted intubation tube, a coupling structure to assure free entrance and exit of the pivotal fixing member into and out of the intubation insertion hole, a padding member attached to Velcro tapes of the body, and a holding member configured to closely surround the patient's rear neck and coupled to the body via the band fixing holes to prevent the body from being moved from a wearing position thereof.
US07895994B2

An ignition device for a plasma jet ignition plug is provided. A resistance for decreasing electric noises is not incorporated in a plasma jet ignition plug. A resistance of not less than 1KΩ and not more than 20KΩ is provided to a path from a spark discharge circuit to a center electrode, thus reducing the generation of electric noises at the time of trigger discharge. Along with the reduction of the generation of electric noises, a loss of energy at the time of plasma discharge can be reduced by setting an inner resistance provided to a line extending to the center electrode from a plasma discharge circuit to 1Ω or less. Accordingly, the plasma jet ignition plug can jet flame-shaped plasma sufficiently large for igniting an air-fuel mixture.
US07895990B2

A fuel injection system designed to determine a correction value for correcting the quantity of fuel sprayed from a fuel injector into an internal combustion engine. The fuel injection system instructs the fuel injector to inject the fuel into the engine a plurality of times cyclically to learn an injection characteristic unique to the fuel injector and changes an injection duration for which the fuel is to be sprayed in each of injection events to disperse the injection durations evenly around a target injection quantity, thereby enabling the correction value to be determined in a decreased number of injections of fuel for a decreased amount of time.
US07895988B2

A lock coupling between two mechanical components and presenting: at least one pair of coupling elements, each of which presents an “L”-shape and protrudes from a first mechanical component; and at least one pair of tracks, each of which is made through a second mechanical component, presents the shape of an arc of circumference, ends with a flared inlet opening, and is engaged in use by a coupling element; each track presents a dimension so as to prevent the axial removal of the coupling element along its entire length except for an inlet opening at which the coupling element can be axially removed.
US07895984B2

An intake passage is formed by connecting upper and lower cases 10, 20 of an intake manifold. The lower case 10 has a recessed portion 50 on an inner surface 17a. The recessed portion 50 has a deep surface 53 to which a negative pressure outlet port 42 opens, and an opening 51 is provided in an upper portion of the recessed portion 50. The upper case 20 has a projecting portion 60 extending further downwards towards the negative pressure outlet port 42 than mating surfaces 10a, 20a and projects into the recessed portion 50 through an opening 52. The projecting portion 60 is positioned above the negative pressure outlet port 42 and between the negative pressure outlet port 42 and the inner surface 17a. A lower end portion 63 of the projecting portion 60 is formed into an arc-like shape of which central portion 65 projects downwards.
US07895982B2

A method of refurbishing a camshaft (100) having at least one defective portion (202, 206) includes removing material from the at least one defective portion (202, 206) to create a neck region (302). An alignment feature (402) is introduced in the neck region (302) according to a previous orientation of the defective portion (202, 206). A blank (508) is installed around the neck region (302) and oriented with the alignment feature (402).
US07895975B2

A pet food bowl is provided with an integral protrusion that helps to prevent inadvertent aspiration of food by the animal. Particularly for dogs, some feeding behaviors are characterized by swallowing large amounts of food. The protrusion in the bowl separates the food into a peripheral channel within the bowl, and the dog therefore cannot simultaneously secure large amounts of food into its mouth. The protrusion is centrally oriented and extends from the base of the bowl, thereby causing the food to be uniformly distributed within the channel.
US07895968B2

A liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes: a liquid droplet ejection portion that ejects a liquid droplet containing a structure forming material onto a substrate; and drying means that dries the droplet on the substrate, thereby forming a structure made of the structure forming material. The drying means includes an energy outputting section that outputs energy onto the droplet on the substrate, thereby causing the structure forming material in the droplet to flow; and an energy profile controlling section controlling an energy profile of the energy output by the energy outputting section to be an energy profile that permits the structure forming material to flow such that the structure forming material is distributed in accordance with a structure profile of the structure to be formed. According to the liquid droplet ejection apparatus, a structure having a desired structure profile is obtained.
US07895965B2

The present invention provides a tray position indicator including at least one elongated member, at least bracket member and an indication means whereby the tray position indicator provides a mechanical means of indicating and alerting a driver of the position of a tray of a rear-dump haul truck to reduce the likelihood of a driver driving away without first lowering the tray.
US07895963B2

The invention relates to a flotation element for vessels, consisting of concrete comprising closed-cell expanded foam beads, such as polypropylene beads, which are coated with a flexible binder, such as polyurethane, whereby the unfilled inter-bead volumes do not exceed approximately 20% of the volume of the floatation element. Preferably, one such floatation element comprises a concrete core as indicated above, a polyurethane coating around the core and a bonding film, such as polyurethane, which is disposed between the core and the coating. The invention is suitable for the construction of vessel floats.
US07895959B1

Advanced steering system designs for marine vessels which incorporate non-linear tiller arms for rudder control, designed for creating different turning radii for discrete rudders. Differential tiller anus are utilized to create distinct angular displacement of the separate rudders in turning maneuvers, which enhance control and maneuverability of the marine vessels.
US07895956B2

A firebox apparatus is adapted for transport on a vehicle having a roll-off hoist mechanism by providing parallel guides on the underside of a supporting skid assembly of the firebox apparatus for engaging siderails of a tiltable roll-off track of the hoist mechanism, and by providing reinforced front and rear portions connecting parallel longitudinal skid members to maintain an opening at the bottom of the firebox apparatus yet make the firebox apparatus sufficiently sturdy to withstand loads encountered during loading an unloading from the transport vehicle. The firebox apparatus includes an air curtain system for limiting pollution resulting from incineration of waste. The present invention enables easy installation and removal of the firebox apparatus in crowded environments, such as urban environments, to cleanly burn waste.
US07895938B2

A method and apparatus using steam to sterilize liquid dispensers. This is achieved by injecting steam into a drained dispenser machine equipped with a cover having a safety valve that matches the top of the dispenser to provide sealing. The steam is generated by a steam generator physically integrated with the new liquid dispenser machine. The steam circulates through the fluid compartment of the liquid dispenser and continues through its conduits and exits at the taps which are held open by a stepped boss. The sanitizing period can be adjusted and controlled. After sterilizing the machine, the cap of the dispenser is removed and its taps are released in order to return the machine back to its normal operation.
US07895937B2

A piston assembly is disclosed herein. The piston assembly is integrally formed and unitary and is centered on a central longitudinal axis. The piston assembly includes a head with ring belt having a plurality of ring grooves. The piston assembly also includes first and second skirts, each having a top edge and a bottom edge being radially narrower than the top edge. The skirts also include first and second side edges. The piston assembly also includes first and second pin bosses spaced radially inward from the ring belt to define a short-pin support arrangement. The pin bosses include respective first and second pin bores axially aligned on a pin bore axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The piston assembly also includes a plurality of panels, each extending between one of the pin bosses and one of the skirts. Each of the panels include a top portion spaced closest to the head and bottom portion spaced furthest the head and a middle portion disposed substantially equally spaced from the top and bottom portions. Each of the panels twists along its length such that a ratio defined by a first distance between the top portion and a first plane perpendicular to the pin bore axis over a second distance between the bottom portion and the first plane increases along at least part of the length.
US07895933B2

A semi-automatic pistol is created by the modification of a fully automatic sub-machine gun Sa vz. 61. The semi-automatic pistol is constructed partly from original parts of the Sa vz. 61 sub-machine gun, i.e. barrel, receiver, trigger, trigger lever and pistol grip, partly from modified parts of Sa vz. 61 sub-machine gun, i.e. hammer, interrupter and bolt, and partly from newly manufactured parts, i.e. semi-automatic frame without a groove in the bridge for the release lever and openings in rear stop for retarder assembly and without rails for folding stock on the outside of the rear wall, and a new safety lever with holes and grooves in such a positions that only semi-automatic fire is possible in its forward position. Some parts of the Sa vz. 61 sub-machine gun are removed completely, i.e. original frame, original safety lever, release lever, folding stock and retarder group (bolt hook, weight, counterweight, spring). A method of converting an automatic sub-machine gun into a semi-automatic pistol is also described.
US07895928B2

A shear device is disclosed. The shear device includes a material guiding mechanism, a shear head including a shear blade disposed proximate the material guiding mechanism, and a linkage for translating a first movement of one of the shear head and the material guiding mechanism into a second movement of the other of the shear head and the material guiding mechanism. A method is also disclosed.
US07895925B2

A clamping device includes an elongated seat unit and a clamping lever unit which respectively have mated and mating jaw segments to clamp a to-be-clamped part of an instrument, grip and actuating segments confronting each other, and mount and fulcrum segments pivotally mounted such that, when the actuating segment is turned away from the grip segment, the mating and mated jaw segments are moved toward each other. A lengthwise extending beam is secured to the elongated seat unit, and is spaced apart from the grip segment. A tubular member has an inner peripheral retained surface displaceably engaged with the beam, and an outer rim surface configured to force the actuating segment to permit the mating jaw segment to clamp the to-be-clamped part with an increased friction force when the tubular member is displaced towards the mount segment.
US07895923B2

A wrench with a reinforced hollow handle includes a head portion, a hollow handle portion, and a neck portion between the head portion and the handle portion. The handle portion includes a front portion having a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of a rear portion and includes a necking portion between the front and rear portions having a wall thickness greater than the wall thickness of the rear portion and smaller than the wall thickness of the front portion. The handle portion further includes an open rear end defining a rear end opening at the rear portion thereof. Furthermore, in order to avoid depression of the handle portion resulting from a holding force, the handle portion is made having hardness above 30 HRC.
US07895918B2

The present invention pertains to an ergonomic steering wheel rim designed to promote a neutral position to the forearm, reducing stress and fatigue by discouraging fixed wrist positions, i.e., flexion and ulnar deviation. The steering wheel rim of the invention provides a more comfortable driving position, reduces injury associated with airbag deployment, and reduces stress on hands and wrists. The steering wheel rim has one or more hand grip portions that deviate from the XY plane away from the driver. The present invention further concerns steering wheels comprising the rim of the invention and vehicles comprising the steering wheel of the invention.
US07895910B2

The gearbox comprises a pair of coaxial input shafts, that is, an inner input shaft and an outer input shaft, a first, upper output shaft, a second, lower output shaft, and an intermediate shaft. A driven gearwheel for a fourth gear and a driven gearwheel for a reverse gear are idly mounted on the opposite ends of the upper output shaft, the driven gearwheel meshing with an intermediate gearwheel idly mounted on the intermediate shaft. A driven gearwheel for a sixth gear and a driven gearwheel for a first gear are idly mounted on opposite ends of the lower output shaft. A first driving gearwheel is drivingly connected for rotation with the outer input shaft at an end thereof and meshes both with the driven gearwheel for the fourth gear and with the third driven gearwheel for the sixth gear. A second driving gearwheel meshing with the driven gearwheel for the first gear and a third driving gearwheel meshing with the intermediate gearwheel are drivingly connected for rotation with the inner input shaft at the opposite end thereof. The third driving gearwheel, the driven gearwheel for the reverse gear and the intermediate gearwheel are straight gearwheels.
US07895908B2

The present invention related to a load detecting apparatus which comprises a hollow cylindrical strain body (11) provided with, on an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface thereof, at least one strain detecting element (16, 18, 19, 20); a first member (21) fixed to an one axial end of the strain body to close an opening, and a second member (24) fixed to an other axial end of the strain body. One of the second member and the first member receives a load in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the strain body, so that a shearing force is applied to the strain body.
US07895907B2

In a method for measuring the tensile stress of a running web, force sensors (7) are connected in the form of a Wheatstone bridge (11). An amplifier (18) amplifies a diagonal voltage (17) of the Wheatstone bridge (11). In order to be able to detect whether at least one of the force sensors (7) is defective, the Wheatstone bridge (11) can be loaded using at least one resistor (26) by means of at least one switch (24, 25). Comparing the measured values, with loading, with the measured values, without loading, determines whether the force sensors (7) of the Wheatstone bridge (11) are functional. Otherwise, an active error signal (28) is output.
US07895903B2

A method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided and includes at least one sensing device. The at least one sensing device includes a first sensor segment having a first segment polarity and being associated with a first outer portion of the pipe and a second sensor segment having a second segment polarity and being associated with a second outer portion of the pipe, wherein the first sensor segment and the second sensor segment generate sensor data responsive to the fluid flowing within the pipe. The apparatus further includes a processing device communicated with the at least one sensing device, wherein the processing device receives the sensor data and processes the sensor data to determine the at least one characteristic of the fluid.
US07895902B2

An electromagnetic flow meter has a pipe body 16 in which a measurement target fluid flows. The pipe body 16 includes: a measurement pipe 1 having a groove 3 whose cross-section is any of a semicircular shape, a rectangular shape, and a triangular shape formed on an inner surface in a circumferential direction; and a resin lining portion 10a formed on the inner surface of the measurement pipe.
US07895901B2

A pressing head structure (100) for testing key durability includes a pressing mechanism (10), a rubber head (40), a connecting mechanism (20) and a balance mechanism (30). The pressing mechanism includes a sliding rod (12) and a first spring (16). The first spring is placed over the sliding rod. The connecting mechanism connects the pressing mechanism and the rubber head. The balance mechanism is rotatably fixed to the connecting mechanism. The balance mechanism engages with the pressing mechanism. When the sliding rod moves down, the first spring and the balance mechanism together supply an unaltered resultant resistance in the moving direction of the sliding rod.
US07895899B2

A biomechanical system for testing a coupled joint is provided. The coupled joint has a fixed first end and a moving second end within the testing system. The testing system includes a servo actuation system operatively connected to the moving end. The system is able to impart at least four degrees of freedom to the moving end of the coupled joint. The testing system also includes a first force sensor disposed between the servo actuation system and the moving end of the coupled joint for sensing applied load, and a second force sensor disposed at the fixed end of the coupled joint for sensing transmitted load. The system also includes a controller for selectively directing input signals to the servo actuation system in order to apply selected forces and/or motions to the moving end of the coupled joint. The coupled joint may be a cervical spine specimen.
US07895890B2

The liquid depth sensing and identification system determines both the pressure head or depth, and therefore the quantity, of a liquid in a tank, as well as determining the characteristics of the liquid at the bottom of the probe. Two principles of operation are disclosed herein. The system may use a gas bubble collector about the outlet end of the purge tube, with the difference in height of the collector and purge tube mouths defining the very small difference in pressure head required to resolve the bubble emission characteristics produced in different liquids. Alternatively, the system incorporates a mass flow sensor capable of detecting minute changes in mass flow as bubbles are emitted from the purge tube in order to determine the type and characteristics of the liquid. The system operates using an open loop principle of operation, with no feedback provided to control the purge pump.
US07895885B2

Methods and systems for constructing microfabricated devices including a microknife and methods and devices for a three-dimensional microstructure constructed from a plurality of separable planar components using one or more microfabrication techniques and optionally using one or more interlock structures.
US07895884B2

Apparatus for remote inspection of fluid containers, e.g., portable tanks or fluid pipelines, includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a wireless signal to the remote central station upon detection of predetermined internal conditions, such as an out-of-range pressure condition of fluid contained within the volume of the container, or upon detection of predetermined external conditions, such as the lack of presence of the container in its installed position or the presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the container.
US07895879B2

The invention generally relates to atomic resolution imaging, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for calibrating an atomic resolution measurement tool. A sample holder for holding test samples used in measuring linearity of an atomic force microscope is provided. The holder includes a body having a top surface, and a plurality of inclined regions formed in the body and spaced apart along the top surface. Each of the inclined regions is structured and arranged to hold a test sample used to measure linearity of an atomic force microscope at one of a plurality of predefined angles.
US07895873B1

In a method or system for simultaneously forging parts, a forging die is provided with a bottom part and a top part, the forging die having a first forging cavity, a second forging cavity surrounding the first forging cavity, and a connecting opening between the first forging cavity and the second forging cavity. A billet is placed in a lower portion of at least one of the first forging cavity, the second forging cavity, and the connecting opening, and then with a forging press, the forging die is closed so that the die bottom part and die upper part approach one another to cause material of the billet to spread throughout the first forging cavity, the connecting opening, and the second forging cavity. The forging die is opened and a resulting unified forging part is removed formed of a first forging part, a second forging part, and a connecting region. The first forging part and the second forging part are separated at the connecting region. Since the first and second parts are forged simultaneously and with a common material, they have similar characteristics.
US07895867B2

A lock driving mechanism for use in a lock has an inner driving member having an inner panel, and an outer driving member attached to the inner panel and having an outer panel. The inner panel has an inner surface from which a lock core driver extends and connects to a lock core assembly of the lock and an outer surface on which an inner driver and an outer driver are formed. The outer panel has an inner surface on which an inner limiting protrusion and an outer limiting protrusion are formed, and an outer surface from which a latch driver extends to connect with a latch bolt of the lock. When a key inserted into the lock core assembly rotates, the inner and outer driver rotate, synchronously push the inner and outer bump, respectively, to make the key and latch driver rotate smoothly to drive the latch bolt to lock or unlock a door.
US07895860B2

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided which include manifold configurations designed to promote mixing of vapor phase and liquid phase refrigerant. The manifolds contain flow mixers such as a helical tape, sectioned volumes, and partitions containing apertures. The flow mixers direct the flow of refrigerant within the manifold to promote a more homogenous distribution of fluid within the multichannel tubes.
US07895858B2

A modular refrigerating appliance comprising a first planar heat-insulating element and additional planar heat-insulating elements, which are joined to one another whereby being able to be detached from one another and which, when joined, form a housing of the refrigerating appliance. The modular refrigerating appliance also has a cooling circuit, which comprises an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, and which is mounted on the first planar heat-insulating element. At least the condenser is, at least in part, mechanically protected on its surface facing away from the first heat-insulating element solely by the construction of the first planar heat-insulating element.
US07895857B2

An indoor unit of an air conditioner wherein a pipe retaining member retaining auxiliary piping connected to a heat exchanger is disposed near both a lateral side and an underside of a mounting frame. The pipe retaining member is bent in an L-shape, and its short plate is exposed on the underside of the mounting frame. The pipe retaining member can be removed only by slightly separating a lower part of the mounting frame from a wall in the fixed state of the indoor unit to the wall. Since the heat exchanger can be separated from the mounting frame without disconnecting the auxiliary piping from communication piping, maintenance work such as washing of the heat exchanger is efficiently performed without requiring much time and effort for separating the auxiliary piping from the communication piping.
US07895840B2

A diffuser for diffusing the exhaust gas produced by an engine, said diffuser comprising a wall or walls defining sections of the diffuser, said diffuser comprising: an initial section which extends for substantially one third the length of the diffuser, at the entry to said initial section the shape factor of the boundary layer flow at the or each wall of the section being in the range 1.3 to 1.6, said initial section being configured so as to substantially linearly increase said shape factor so that at the exit of said initial section said shape factor is in the range 1.6 to 2.2; and a main section following the initial section and extending for the remaining length of the diffuser, said main section being configured so as to maintain said shape factor in the range 1.6 to 2.2 over the length of the main section.
US07895835B2

An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes: an exhaust heat recovery unit that produces motive power by recovering thermal energy from exhaust heat, wherein the produced motive power is combined with motive power produced by a heat engine and is output together therewith; an auxiliary that is driven by at least the exhaust heat recovery unit; and a power transmission-switching device that is provided between the heat engine and the exhaust heat recovery unit, the same power transmission-switching device being provided between the heat engine and the auxiliary, and that cuts off the connection between the heat engine and the exhaust heat recovery unit when there is no request to drive the heat engine. Thus, it becomes possible to effectively use the surplus motive power produced by the exhaust heat recovery unit when there is no request to drive the heat engine.
US07895832B2

An exhaust system for a motorcycle engine including a header having an upstream end adjacent a combustion chamber of the engine and having a downstream end opposite the upstream end. The exhaust system includes a catalytic converter positioned downstream of the combustion chamber and configured to improve the emissions quality of exhaust gases discharged from the combustion chamber. The exhaust system further includes a perforated section at least partially defining an exhaust passageway, the perforated section disposed adjacent the downstream end of the header. A resonator chamber is in fluid communication with the perforated section. The resonator chamber is configured to allow expansion of the exhaust gases in the exhaust passageway through the perforated section.
US07895826B2

An air fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can achieve control behavior with good stability and response that is appropriate for a delay in an oxygen storage operation of a catalyst, and can always keep the state of purification of the catalyst adequately. The apparatus includes an upstream oxygen sensor (13), a downstream oxygen sensor (15), a first air fuel ratio feedback control section (130) that adjusts an amount of fuel to be supplied so as to make an air fuel ratio in an upstream exhaust gas and an upstream target air fuel ratio (AFobj) coincide with each other, and a second air fuel ratio feedback control section (150) that operates the upstream target air fuel ratio (AFobj) in accordance with an air fuel ratio deviation between an air fuel ratio detected by the downstream oxygen sensor (15) and a downstream target air fuel ratio so as to make the detected air fuel ratio of said downstream oxygen sensor (15) and the downstream target air fuel ratio coincide with each other. The second air fuel ratio feedback control section (150) sets an integral gain of integral calculation to be larger in accordance with an increasing flow rate of the exhaust gas, and also sets a proportional gain of proportional calculation so as not to be changed with respect to a change in the flow rate of the exhaust gas.
US07895824B2

A secondary air supply system includes a supply passage, a valve, and a detecting unit. Secondary air is supplied to the upstream of a purification apparatus in an exhaust passage of an engine through the supply passage. The valve communicates and blocks the supply passage to be in open and close conditions. The detecting unit detects a detection object of secondary air in the upstream of the valve in the supply passage. A diagnosis apparatus for the secondary air supply system includes a diagnosis unit that obtains a detection result of the detecting unit in each of the open and close conditions of the valve for evaluating an abnormity of the secondary air supply system in accordance with the detection result. The diagnosis apparatus includes a reliability maintaining unit that determines the diagnosis operation of the diagnosis unit to be valid when the detecting operations in the open and close conditions are continuously performed.
US07895813B2

A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.
US07895812B2

A machine for raising planar articles (2), preferably made of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or plastics, in order to manufacture box-shaped or crate-shaped packaging. The machine comprises at least one main conveyor (16) for advancing the planar articles (2) one at a time and side forming means (8) for turning the side panels (5b) of the articles predominantly 90° upwards with respect to the bottom panel (4) of the article (2). Moreover, the machine is provided with transversely arranged end forming means (15) for turning the end panels (6a, 6b) of the articles substantially 90° upwards and optionally also turning the end portions (5b′, 5b″) of the side panels (5b) substantially 90° with respect to the remaining portion of the side panels. Finally, there are joining means (12, 20) for joining the side panels (5a, 5b) and the end panels (6a, 6b) of the articles. This provides a machine requiring less space than the known one but remaining very reliable.
US07895811B2

An apparatus for positioning and attaching a plurality of fitments to a film includes a guiding device for guiding a plurality of fitments; an attaching device for attaching the fitments to the film; a means for advancing the attached fitments and film; and an indexing device for indexing the fitments, the indexing device including a spring housing, a spring, and a fastener, the indexing device being configured such that when a first fitment has been attached to the film and then advances past the indexing device, the spring controllably releases the first fitment, and a second fitment is advanced into attaching position. A process and vertical form/fill/seal apparatus are also disclosed.
US07895804B2

Disclosed is a batten riser assembly that is used to install battens for tile roofs. The batten riser assembly can be used to prolong the life of tile roofs since it is made of waterproof materials. The batten riser assembly uses flexible strips that can be easily folded in a compact package and can be installed in a quick and easy manner. The batten riser assembly can be used in conjunction with a marker tape to speed installation. The batten riser assembly is designed to prevent the damming of water that penetrates the tile roof. The batten riser assembly provides a simple and easy way for installers to comply with building codes.
US07895796B2

A building element (10) comprises a substantially metallic, substantially planar core member (20) and a thermally insulating and water resistant sheathing member (30) either side of the core member. The core member is continuous along a substantial length of the building element and a void (40) is created between the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. At least one bridging member (50) is provided in the void and couples the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. A building system and method of construction are also disclosed.
US07895793B1

A downspout assembly includes a downspout, a downspout extension disposed in fluid communication with the downspout and a strainer basket seated in the downspout extension.
US07895788B1

A ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus includes an optical module adapted to provide visual feedback to a user to aim at an object. The ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus further includes a firing mechanism adapted to fire a projectile towards the object and a housing containing the firing mechanism. The ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle.
US07895787B1

A choke for use with a shotgun is provided. In accordance with one embodiment the choke has a body that defines a bore with a longitudinal axis therethrough. The body is configured for engagement with a shotgun, and the bore is positioned for traversal of a wad and shot therethrough and out of an end of the bore. The body has a circumference, an inner surface, and outer surface. The body defines at least one port for venting gas from the bore that extends from the inner surface to the outer surface. The shape of the port at the inner surface is asymmetrical.
US07895778B2

One media display system for a ski-lift chair includes a base and panels. Each panel forms a window for viewing printed media; the panels cooperate with each other and with the base member such that securing one of the panels to the base secures the other panels to the base. Another media display system has a base that forms a flange along one of its front and rear edges. A top panel has a groove to engage the flange, and forms one or more windows for viewing printed media. A connector fastens the top panel along the opposite edge of the base from the flange. Another media display system includes a base. A top panel that forms one or more windows for viewing printed media is hingedly attached to the base. Either the top panel or the base has a locking mechanism configured to engage the other.
US07895776B2

In a tag for identifying and marking animals, the tag associates a receiver button (1) by irreversible fitting of a finger (2). The button (1) includes a head (13) wherein is provided a cavity (8) for receiving a punch (3) of the finger (2). The head (13) is secured to a shell (5) retaining the punch (3) which is provided with an opening (6) for introducing the punch (3) inside the button (1). The axial wall (7) of the retaining shell (5) delimiting the opening (6) is radially deformable. A chamber (11) is arranged between the head (13) and the axial wall (7) for receiving the latter (7) deformed under the effect of the punch (3) passing through the opening (6).
US07895766B2

Linear guide unit, having a guide carriage (2) which is arranged such that it can be displaced longitudinally on a guide rail (1), and having a length measurement system, the measuring head (3) of which interacts with a measuring scale (4) which is arranged parallel to the guide rail (1), the measuring scale (4) being arranged in a hollow body which carries the measuring scale (4), is arranged at a spacing from the guide rail (1) and is mounted at its ends.
US07895761B2

A measurement method and a measuring device for use in measurement systems such as co-ordinate measurement machines and similar, where a position sensor is arranged to register its position in order to determine the form and dimensions of an object. The position sensor is supported by a support, the position and orientation of which are determined through calculation with the aid of data from at least one of accelerometers, GPS receivers and gyroscopes, and based on a known starting position.
US07895759B2

An electronic device includes resistor, a pointer, a measuring module, a calculating module, and a display module. The resistor has a reference point corresponding with a reference direction. The resistor defines a circle. The pointer has a pointing terminal contacting the resistor at a contacting point corresponding with a reference direction. The pointer is pivotablely mounted about a centre of the circle. The pointer is aligned with the magnetic field of the Earth, and the measuring module measures the voltage between the contacting point and the reference point. The calculating module calculates an angle between the current direction and the reference direction according to the voltage between the contacting point and the reference point of the resistor. The display module displays corresponding direction information according to the angle.
US07895758B2

A shape measuring apparatus for eyeglass element is configured to three-dimensionally measure an inner circumferential contour shape of an eyeglass element. The apparatus includes a holder which holds the eyeglass element; a measuring element which traces a shape of the eyeglass element; a driver for the measuring element; a position detector which detects a position of the measuring element; an arithmetic controller which processes positional data on the measuring element and controls the driver to slide the measuring element, a moving amount detector which detects a moving amount of the measuring element per unit time when the measuring element moves towards the eyeglass element; and a movement controller which controls the measuring element to move at a desirable speed which corresponds to the moving amount per unit time detected by the moving amount detector.
US07895751B2

A variable shim and valve seat assembly for applications in a solenoid actuated fuel injector includes a variable shim having a face, a valve seat having a top surface that interfaces with the face, and mating features integrated in the face of the variable shim and the top surface of the valve seat. The mating features provide axial displacement of the valve seat through rotation of the valve seat relative to the variable shim. The mating features may be ramped surfaces. The amount of seat displacement is dependent on the designed ramp angle, the number of ramps, and the degree of rotation. Once the desired valve stroke is set, the seat is welded to the injector body to achieve a leak free interface. Tight stroke setting tolerances can be achieved by applying an axial load to the seat during stroke setting and welding.
US07895750B2

A method of manufacturing an inkjet print head that includes an improved process of forming an ink feed hole, thereby enabling an increase in productivity and a favorable ink supply via the ink feed hole. The method includes preparing a substrate on which a heater to heat an ink is formed on the front side thereof, forming a flow passage formation layer on the front side of the substrate such that the flow passage formation layer defines an ink flow passage, forming a nozzle layer provided with a nozzle on the flow passage formation layer, forming a first protective layer such that the first protective layer covers the flow passage formation layer and the nozzle layer, applying a mask material used to etch the substrate to the rear side of the substrate, applying a second protective layer to the lateral side of the substrate to protect the lateral side of the substrate, and forming an ink feed hole on the substrate by wet etching. Tantalum (Ta) is used as the mask material. Parylene is used as the second protective layer.
US07895746B2

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade or a section of a wind turbine blade. The method includes, establishing a first part having a first wind turbine blade part in a first fixating unit, establishing a second part having a second wind turbine blade part in a second fixating unit, and positioning the first part in contact with, or in close proximity of, the second part. After this, a pressure below atmospheric pressure is established, forcing the first wind turbine blade part and the second wind turbine blade part against each other.The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade manufacturing facility, wind turbine blades as well as uses hereof.
US07895739B2

The invention relates to a device and a method for applying semiconductor chips (5) to a plurality of carriers (4), especially smart card modules or flexboards. According to the invention, an adhesive application device (1) is used to apply an adhesive to pre-defined positions on the carrier (4), a fitting device (2) is used to apply the semiconductor chips (5) to the positions on the carrier (4), and a hardening device (3) is used to harden the adhesive. The hardening device (3) and/or another device can be connected to a conveyor belt (6) for transporting the carrier (4) along the devices, by means of a clamping device (13, 14), and can be displaced in the transport direction at the speed of the conveyor belt (6), by means of a lifting device (15).
US07895736B2

A challenge to be met by the present invention is to provide an electronic component mounting apparatus and an electronic component mounting method that enable a reduction in the frequency of operation required with switching of a component type, to thus enhance productivity.In component mount operation for taking chips of component types A, B, and C out of a component supply portion by means of a single mount head and mounting the chips on two substrates held by a first lane and a second lane, when a subsequently-carried-in subsequent substrate has come to be able to undergo component mount operation before completion of processing pertaining to a preceding substrate mount process in which component mount operation is carried out on a previously-carried-in preceding substrate among a plurality of substrates, processing pertaining to a subsequent substrate mount process is started by taking, as mount start components, chips already serving as targets of component mount operation for the preceding substrate at this timing, and processing pertaining to the preceding substrate mount process during which mounting is not yet completed is continually carried out. Thereby, the frequency of operation required with switching of a component type, such as replacement of a nozzle, can be reduced.
US07895734B2

An assembly system includes an electronic component, a gripper, and a socket. The electronic component has sides and a top face, the top face has a top-face peripheral area and a top-face central area. The gripper has a gripper head, the gripper head being movable to an open and closed position. The gripper head has an extension configured to contact opposing sides of the electronic component when the gripper head is in the closed position, and a surface configured to contact the top-face peripheral area of the electronic component when the gripper head is in the closed position. The socket has a top peripheral surface. An insertion depth guide is associated with the gripper head and has a depth guide with a bottom surface configured to contact the top peripheral surface of the socket. A method for assembly is also included.
US07895722B2

The invention relates to a method for assembling a crash-active head support (1) of a vehicle seat, whereby the structure of the head support (1) is initially assembled from a rear and a front bearing shell and is then upholstered. The rear bearing shell (5) and the front bearing shell (11) are equipped with components (3, 15, 25, 31) and then the equipped bearing shells (5, 11) are rigidly connected together. An impact element (55) is coupled thereto thus forming a quadruple joint.
US07895720B2

Methods for fabricating robust films across a patterned underlying layer's edges or steps are disclosed. The novel methods diminish the negative effects of electrode steps or edges on the integrity of a membrane. Thus, the methods are particularly applicable to membrane release technology. The height of the step or edge is eliminated or reduced to increase the mechanical integrity of the film.
US07895717B2

A closing mechanism (1; 101; 201; 301) includes a plurality of closing elements (2; 102; 202; 302, 302a) such as hooks, mushroom heads or loops, and a flat carrier (3; 103; 203; 303). The closing elements (2; 102; 202; 302, 302a) protrude from at least one surface (4) of the carrier (3; 103; 203; 303). The closing mechanism (1; 101; 201; 301) has an illuminant (5; 105; 205; 305), at least in certain sections, which emits light when supplied with energy. The invention also relates to an associated production method.
US07895714B2

In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of fiber material which is supplied by means of a supply device to a fiber-sorting device, and a mechanical device is present which generates a combing action to remove non-clamped constituents such as short fibers, a clamping element is present. Downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers with clamping devices for the fiber bundles, and the device for generating a combing action is associated with a said roller, wherein for the suction of the supplied fiber bundles, at least one suction device is associated with the clamping devices in the region of the transfer of the fiber bundle from the supply device to the first roller and/or in the region of the transfer of the fiber material from the first roller to the second roller.
US07895710B2

A movable member (not shown) non-turnably connected to a second hinge member is arranged on the turning axial line of first and second hinge members such that the movable member is turnable and movable in the direction of the turning axial line. The movable member is biased toward the first hinge member by a coiled spring (not shown). A confronting surface of the first hinge member with respect to the movable member is provided with a pair of raised wall surfaces 11d, 11d extending in the direction of the turning axial line and end face cams 41 arranged between the pair of raised wall parts 11d, 11d, respectively. A confronting surface of the movable member with respect to the first hinge member is provided with a pair of abutment arm parts 42a for converting the biasing force of the coiled spring to a turn biasing force for turning the movable member by being press-contacted with the end face cam 41. A recess 11e is formed in a lower part of the raised wall surface 11d. A side surface of a lower side of this recess 11e is provided as a part of the end face cam 41.
US07895707B2

A height adjusting apparatus of a suction body for use in an upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The apparatus adjusts a distance between a rotary brush and a surface to be cleaned, and includes a lifting unit pivotably disposed to the suction body, and an actuating unit disposed in a modularized state at the rear of the suction body, so that a portion thereof is exposed to the outside from the suction body, and lifting or lowering the lifting unit as the portion thereof is repeatedly pushed by a user.
US07895706B2

A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a drivable agitator in the form of a brush bar, rotatably housed in a housing. A motor is arranged to drive a mechanism, such as cams arranged to adjust the position of the brush bar with respect to the housing. An electro-mechanical feedback arrangement, which may include an actuator, is arranged to bear against microswitches to control operation of the motor. Different faces of the actuator are arranged to act against different ones of the microswitches in accordance with different positions of the brush bar. The height of the brush bar is selectively controllable between the predetermined positions, such that the depth of penetration of the bristles of the brush bar may be optimized for different types of carpet.
US07895702B2

In order to ensure, when the drive (1) is in a non-operating state, a self-locking that counters a change in position of the wiper (5), an electronically implemented self-locking is provided. To this end, the controller (S) of the wiper system monitors the wiper (5) during the non-operating state of the drive (1) by evaluating the position sensor signals for a change in position and, in response to the position monitoring, activates the drive (1) in order to return the wiper (5) into a set position (U, P).
US07895699B2

An edgeless mop utilizing a relatively narrow diameter, knit tubular material to form the strands of a mop head wherein the tubular material incorporates an arrangement of elongate depressed channels and raised profile segments extending along its surface in the length direction. This construction increases the overall fluid retaining or sorbency capacity of the mop even while lowering the overall mass of the mop head.
US07895678B2

A helmet is provided that includes a shell, an eyeport formed in the shell, a shield on the shell movable between a closed position and an open position, and a lever assembly on the shell. The lever assembly includes a lever and a hub having at least one dowel. The lever assembly is rotatable about an axis of the hub between a home position, a shield cracking position, and a shield restraining position. A motion plate is on the shield and located to cover at least a portion of the hub when the shield is in its closed position. The motion plate is formed with a plurality of surfaces, where one of the surfaces is engaged by the dowel when the shield is closed and the lever assembly is rotated to the shield cracking position to cause the shield to be raised slightly from its closed position to a cracked position.
US07895677B1

A chin guard has a shell with a cup suitable for fitting upon a human chin and a resilient layer received within the cup of the shell. The resilient layer has a periphery overlying the outer peripheral edge of the shell. The resilient layer has an interior surface opposite the shell. The interior surface has bumps formed thereon and extending substantially over an entirety of the interior surface. A netting material is affixed to the resilient layer and extends around the bumps.
US07895675B2

A weighted belt is provided. The weighted belt comprises a belt body that defines a body pocket; a plurality of weights disposed within the body pocket; a first cinching end that extends from an end of the belt body; and, a second cinching end that extends from an opposite end of the belt body. The first and second cinching ends comprise a suitable dress-belt material disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the belt body sufficient to conceal at least partially the belt body when worn and viewed face on, and are configured for releasable engagement.
US07895674B2

A belt and garment fasten around a user's waist to support the garment at a selected waistline position. The belt has first and second arches with each arch having a front end a rear end fastened to the belt. The front end of each arch is located so it fastens to the belt adjacent the user's crotch during use. The rear end of each arch is located so it fastens to the belt at or before the hips of the user during use. Two first fasteners are connected to each of the arches adjacent a top of the arch. The garment has two second fasteners connected to a waistband of the garment. The second fasteners are located to releasably engage the first fasteners to fasten the arch to the garment so the arches hold the waistline of the garment above the belt. The garment covers the belt and arches. The garment is optionally connected to the belt by a third fastener located between the arches, along the user's back.
US07895670B2

A glove is provided to flex as the user clinches his fist. The glove is provided with expandable zones on both sides of the top portion of the glove. Two expandable zones are positioned over the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the one small finger and the index finger. A third expandable zone is positioned to overly the center axis of rotation of the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the long finger and the ring finger. Cooperating relationship between the three expandable zones allow for expansion of the glove, both longitudinally and laterally, over the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the hand.
US07895668B2

A nursing apron for a breastfeeding mother is disclosed. The apron comprises a blanket of sufficiently large size to wrap around an upper portion of the mother's torso, and fixing means arranged so as to retain the blanket around the mother's torso. The fixing means includes first fixing means attached to the blanket at a first end portion of the blanket, and second fixing means attached to the blanket at a second end portion of the blanket. The locations of the first and second fixing means is such that the first and second ends overlap to a sufficient degree during use that the mother's breasts are not exposed whilst the mother is breastfeeding a baby.
US07900257B2

Improved intrusion detection and/or tracking methods and systems are provided for use across various computing devices and networks. Certain methods, for example, form a substantially unique audit identifier during each authentication/logon process. One method includes identifying one or more substantially unique parameters that are associated with the authentication/logon process and encrypting them to form at least one audit identifier that can then be generated and logged by each device involved in the authentication/logon process. The resulting audit log file can then be audited along with similar audit log files from other devices to track a user across multiple platforms.
US07900253B2

Systems and methods for emulating credentials. In some cases, the systems include an access control module with an access credential reader that is operable to receive an access information from one access credential, and an access credential writer that is operable to provide at least a portion of the access information to another access credential. The written access credential is operable to receive the portion of the access information from the access credential writer. Upon receiving the information, the written access credential becomes operable to access an access point. Some systems and methods are related to access control, while other systems and methods are related to payment, access, and/or other transaction devices used in relation to credentials.
US07900236B2

A system for transmitting auxiliary data within a modulated video signal from a broadcast source to a hand-held device with a slot, the system comprising the broadcast source comprises means for transmitting auxiliary data to the slotted hand-held device via the modulated video signal; an interface device electronically coupled to the hand-held device via the slot and comprises a card microcontroller, a receiver electronically coupled to the card microcontroller for receiving the modulated video signal from the broadcast source, and circuitry electronically coupled to the card microcontroller and the receiver for demodulating the modulated video signal and reproducing the auxiliary data, and transferring the auxiliary data to the hand-held device via an interface protocol, and the hand-held device with the slot comprises a microcontroller for processing the signal auxiliary data received via the interface protocol from the interface device.
US07900234B2

A method of performing communication between an Internet protocol (IP) address allocation server and an apparatus including a cable card and a host device is disclosed. In the communication method, the host acquires identification information of the cable card and transmits a message including the identification information of the cable card to the IP address allocation server. The host receives an IP address for the cable card from the IP address allocation server and sends the received IP address for the cable card to the cable card. Accordingly, it is possible to acquire the IP addresses for the host and the cable card via one physical interface. In addition, it is possible to stabilize an overall system by efficiently operating the IP process according to an operation mode of the cable card.
US07900226B2

Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.
US07900225B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for presenting advertisements. In one aspect, audiovisual content is presented to a user. An indicator is presented together with the audiovisual content to the user. The indicator is associated with one or more tags. Input selecting the indicator is received from the user. An advertisement, associated with the indicator and dynamically selected based at least in part on one or more of the tags, is presented to the user.
US07900223B2

In a motor including a chucking device for detachably holding a disk, the chucking device has a center case to which a central opening of the disk is inserted; resilient members received within the center case; and claw members for holding the disk in place. Each of the claw members has a tip end portion, a disk holding surface positioned axially below the tip end portion for holding the disk in place, and a recessed sliding portion formed substantially at a circumferential center region of the disk holding surface, the sliding portion serving to guide movement of the claw member. Rest portions are formed in the center case to face the respective sliding portions, the rest portions serving to support the respective sliding portions by contacting therewith. The sliding portions are designed to make contact with the respective rest portions when the disk is mounted to the chucking device.
US07900213B2

The invention includes a generic, markup specified object descriptor for a modularized computing application. The invention can include an extension to a modular computing application and a markup parser coupled to the extension. The markup parser can be enabled to process a generic, markup specified descriptor for an object. The descriptor can include an object reference referring to the object, a class reference for the object reference, and one or more method references for the object reference. Each method reference can specify a name for a method defined for the object and at least one of a value attribute and a not value attribute. The markup parser can be enabled to process the descriptor to reflectively determine a type and state of the object and to compare the state with either or both of the value and not value attribute to determine whether an expected context exists for the object.
US07900201B1

Computer-implemented systems and methods for managing a deployment of a software application are disclosed. A method includes identifying problems with the deployment, each problem having a severity rating. For each identified problem, one or more associated remedies are identified, each remedy having a severity rating based on the severity rating of the problem with which the remedy is associated. The method further includes ranking the remedies based on the remedies' severity ratings. The remedies can be executed in order of rank. Also disclosed are systems and methods of preventing simultaneous execution of certain types of remedies, either on the deployment in general or on a set of components of the deployment. Also disclosed are methods for logging the results of executed remedies and their effect on deployment health.
US07900198B2

A method for extracting context information from an extraction module to create a minimized extraction module, creating a parameter profile from the context information, transmitting the minimized extraction module to a target device, receiving a value extracted from the target device by the minimized extraction module, and combining the value with at least a portion of the context information to create a user readable log statement. A system having an extraction element extracting context information from an extraction module to create a minimized extraction module, a creating element creating a parameter profile from the context information, a transmitting element transmitting the minimized extraction module to a target device, a receiving element receiving a value extracted from the target device by the minimized extraction module, and a combining element combining the value with at least a portion of the context information to create a user readable log statement.
US07900186B2

Application development tools and method for building multi-channel, multi-device and multi-modal applications, and in particular, to systems and methods for developing applications whereby a user can interact in parallel with the same information via a multiplicity of channels and user interfaces, while a unified, synchronized views of the information are presented across the various channels or devices deployed by the user to interact with the information. In a preferred embodiment, application frameworks and development tools are preferably based on a MVC (Model-View-Controller) design paradigm that is adapted to provide synchronized multi-modal interactions. Multi-channel authoring can be developed using a similar methodology.
US07900182B2

A method and system of designing an electronic circuit includes dividing a chip area of a design into a plurality of bins, identifying a candidate bin in the plurality of bins, and performing an area reduction on the candidate bin.
US07900179B2

A system and methods are disclosed to prioritize circuit nodes that interconnect the device components of an electronic device design for rerouting. The prioritized nodes can be used to focus effort on improving the quality of signal nodes in an efficient manner. Re-routable nodes are first identified by comparing the signal propagation time delay of each node in the design to an ideal propagation time delay of an ideal route of that node, and selecting the nodes that have a deviation from the ideal delay that exceeds a specified threshold. Once the set of re-routable nodes is identified, each node is then prioritized based on the propagation time delay of a complete path encompassing that node. These nodes can then be re-routed based upon their associated priority.
US07900177B2

A method of placing a dummy pattern in a wiring region includes calculating a density of a wiring pattern in the wiring region and calculating a value of a length of a periphery of the wiring pattern. The dummy pattern is then set such that a total of the pattern density and the value of the length of the periphery of the wiring pattern and the dummy pattern in the wiring region falls within specified ranges in the wiring region.
US07900169B2

A method of calibrating a model of a lithographic process includes a plurality of test features each having different widths that vary from a resolvable feature width that is known to be resolvable by the lithographic process, to a width that is known not to be resolvable by the lithographic process. The test features and patterns are specifically designed to include features that approach or exceed the resolution of the lithographic process, and range from known resolvable patterns to patterns that are expected to fail to be resolved. The printed test patterns are inspected for printability and the extremum intensity values associated with neighboring printable and non-printable test patterns are used to determine a constant threshold value to be used in a resist process model.
US07900165B2

A computer-implemented method of determining an attribute of a circuit includes using a computationally expensive technique to simulate the attribute (such as timing delay or slew) of a portion of the circuit, at predetermined values of various parameters (e.g. nominal values of channel length or metal width), to obtain at least a first value of the attribute. The method also uses a computationally inexpensive technique to estimate the same attribute, thereby to obtain at least a second value which is less accurate than the first value. Then the computationally inexpensive technique is repeatedly used on other values of the parameter(s), to obtain a number of additional second values of the attribute. Applying to the additional second values, a function obtained by calibrating the at least one second value to the at least one first value, can yield calibrated estimates very quickly, which represent the attribute's variation relatively accurately.
US07900163B2

An approach for producing optimized integrated circuit designs that support sequential flow partial scan testing may be embedded within an integrated circuit electronic design device. Using the approach, an integrated circuit design may be analyzed to identify and remove scan-enabled memory elements, or scan elements, that are redundant. The redundant scan elements may be replaced with memory elements that do not support scan testing. Once the redundant scan elements are removed, the integrated circuit design my be optimized using automated techniques to reduce the area of the integrated circuit physical layout and to simplify/minimize routing connections between remaining features within the integrated circuit design. The described approach may achieve a reduced total area layout and complexity, an improved time/frequency response, and/or reduced power consumption and/or heat generation within the circuit design, without reducing the fault coverage achieve during testing.
US07900161B2

A data display apparatus includes: an extraction condition setting section that sets, based on an original data row where a plurality of data are arranged in a predetermined order, an extraction condition of extraction data that is to be displayed on a predetermined display section; and an extraction data display section that displays, out of an extraction data row where the extraction data extracted from the original data row based on the extraction condition are arranged in the predetermined order, the extraction data that are within a predetermined range in a predetermined display size on the display section.
US07900158B2

A display screen magnifier is controllable by a user to magnify selected portions of a desktop including windows open on the screen. A moveable magnifier frame is provided, within which a magnified image is presented. The magnified image corresponds to screen content located within a magnification region underlying the magnifier frame, magnified to a set level of magnification. In one embodiment, the magnification region is moveable relative to the magnifier frame, in relation to movement of the magnifier frame on the display screen. Such relative movement can be used to avoid a potentially disorienting edge condition that arises when a magnifier frame reaches an edge of the display screen and stops, while its associated magnification region continues to pan. In another embodiment, the cursor of a user input device is moveable across the screen display into and out of the magnification region. When the position of the cursor falls within the magnification region, the cursor appears within the magnified image presented within the magnifier frame. A related feature avoids the potentially disconcerting effect of cursor disappearance as a pointing device cursor passes into a “lens shadow” defined between the magnification region and the magnifier frame.
US07900154B2

The disclosure relates to a system and method of selecting a layout for a user interface for generation on a display of an electronic device. The method comprises the steps of: a) obtaining a representation of the interface; b) generating a plurality of parses of the interface; c) measuring the suitability of each parse; and d) choosing a parse with high suitability.
US07900153B2

Supply chain visualization and management are achieved using supply entity icons and inventory parameters overlaid on a zoomable map image. A user zooms in and zooms out to display multiple geographical areas and variably receives greater or less detail regarding supply parameters. A user may initiate a transfer of products between supply entities by manipulating icons on an output device to result in the generation and sending of business documents to relevant entities. A hypothetical mode allows a user to estimate the effects of potential product transfers on entities within the supply chain.
US07900148B1

An interface enables perception of information regarding e-mail communications. The interface includes an e-mail application user interface that enables perception of e-mail message information for one or more e-mails received by an e-mail participant and that enables active display of one or more of the received e-mails selected by the e-mail participant. The interface also includes a mechanism that determines a request for e-mail message information for one of the e-mails from within a desired e-mail message that is not actively displayed. The interface further includes an informational tool tip that provides a temporary perceivable indication to the e-mail participant of at least a portion of the requested information for the desired e-mail message while maintaining active display of the one or more selected e-mails.
US07900147B2

A system and method for supporting offline Web browsing. A user interests profile comprising content and attribute preferences of Web pages the user may be interested in is provided. Based on that user's profile, there is generated an interestingness values value for each of candidate Web pages. From a hoard request initiated by a user, received one or more Web pages are selected and downloaded based on their respective interestingness values. These Web pages are stored for later viewing by the user when offline. The candidate Web pages include base Web pages which are supplied by the user in the hoard request, and linked Web pages which are reachable from the base pages. Thus, an interestingness value may be computed as the interestingness of a hyperlink associated with a Web page reachable from a base Web page, the interestingness value of a hyperlink being based upon the similarity of a linked Web page to the base Web page and/or to that user's interests profile.
US07900146B2

An information processing apparatus, connectable to an information forming system having plural devices corresponding to plural processing stages including at least a printing stage and a bookbinding stage. Function information indicating abilities regarding plural function items of the plural devices are held, and a user interface for function selection is provided by displaying options based on contents of the function items of plural devices corresponding to one processing stage in accordance with the held function information. Then, available devices are narrowed down based on the selection of the options, and a device to be used in the processing stage is determined.
US07900141B2

The present invention provides an electronic terminal having a screen division display function, the terminal including a memory for storing at least one document file and a viewer program for opening and showing the contents of the document file; and a control unit for executing the viewer program to divide a page of the document file stored in the memory into a plurality of cell, display one of the divided cells in one area of a screen window and display one or more cells adjacent to the cell displayed in the one area of the screen window in other areas of the screen window. According to the present invention, movement among the divided cells can be easily implemented using the direction keys provided on the electronic terminal such that the number of movements of a cursor required for displaying the entire document can be drastically decreased even when a document is enlarged such that it may be recognized with the naked eye.
US07900139B2

In a case where a link associating a plurality of partial display areas with one another is not set, the partial display areas overlap with one another. There is a fear that appearance is deteriorated. In a case where a link for preventing overlap is set in the partial display areas that do not need to be associated with one another, the number of factors of dynamic change of layout increases. Thus, there is a fear that processing is complicated. A layout control apparatus determines whether partial display areas disposed on a document template overlap with each other. In a case where the layout control apparatus determines that there is possibility of overlap therebetween, the layout control apparatus creates a link for preventing the overlap.
US07900133B2

Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for organizing and selecting structures used to generate forms for capturing information as annotations made for a variety of different type data objects are provided. Some embodiments allow annotation structures to be associated with specific pairings of data object types and user roles via entries in a configuration file. When a user selects a set of one or more data objects for annotation, the configuration file may be accessed to determine a proper annotation structure for use in generating an annotation form based on the selected data objects and a role of the user.
US07900129B2

An apparatus for locking out a source synchronous strobe receiver, including a delay-locked loop (DLL) and receivers. The DLL receives a reference clock, and generates a select vector and an encoded select vector. The select vector is employed to select a delayed version of the reference clock that lags the reference clock by a prescribed number of cycles. The select vector is reduced by an amount and is gray encoded to indicate the lockout time. The receivers are each coupled to the delay-locked loop. Each of the receivers receives the encoded select vector and a corresponding strobe, and locks out reception of the corresponding strobe for the lockout time following transition of the corresponding strobe. The encoded select vector is employed by a gray code mux therein to determine the lockout time by selecting a delayed version of the corresponding strobe.
US07900120B2

A DRAM device includes an ECC generator/checker that generates ECC syndromes corresponding to items of data stored in the DRAM device. The DRAM device also includes an ECC controller that causes the ECC syndromes to be stored in the DRAM device. The ECC controller also causes a flag bit having a first value to be stored in the DRAM device when a corresponding ECC syndrome is stored. The ECC controller changes the flag bit to a second value whenever the corresponding data bits are modified, this indicating that the stored syndrome no longer corresponds to the stored data. In such case, the ECC controller causes a new ECC syndrome to be generated and stored, and the corresponding flag bit is reset to the first value. The flag bits may be checked in this manner during a reduced power refresh to ensure that the stored syndromes correspond to the stored data.
US07900119B2

One embodiment of the invention relates to a network communication device. The network communication device includes a network interface configured to receive an initial data stream. The network communication device also includes an interleaving redundancy encoder that comprises a memory unit arranged in N columns and D rows. The interleaving redundancy encoder is configured to calculate at least one redundancy byte based on a series of equally spaced, non-consecutive bytes in the initial data stream, where a number of bytes between equally spaced bytes is approximately equal to D−1. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.
US07900116B2

Data error often occurs during the process of data transmission or storage. Typically, a store-and-forward data switch uses the frame check sequence portion of a data frame to detect for error that occurred during transit to the switch. However, error could be introduced into the data frame when it is in the memory of the data switch. A network switch capable of single-error correction and double-error detection is provided to further protect the data frame while it is in the switch.
US07900115B2

A destination node in a data network for transmission of real-time data by a data telegram, the data telegram including an identification, data and a transfer status, is provided. The destination node includes a device for receiving a first data telegram, a device for storing the data of the first data telegram and an assigned timer value, a device for receiving a second data telegram and a device for replacing the stored data of the first data telegram, wherein the stored data of the first data telegram is replaced with data of the second data telegram. Further, a method and a non-transitory storage medium are provided.
US07900099B2

Methods and apparatus are provided. A common test-mode enable signal is received at two or more integrated circuit devices of an electronic system. A test mode of only an integrated circuit device of the two or more integrated circuit devices that was last to receive a valid command is enabled in response to the common test-mode enable signal.
US07900098B2

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system having an electromagnetic coupler probe to electromagnetically sample signals from a device under test or a link under test and a receiver, e.g., configured as an integrated circuit that is to receive the sampled electromagnetic signals from the probe and output digital signals corresponding thereto. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07900088B1

A method and apparatus for performing incremental file system checks is described which uses file system information to identify changes that have occurred to a file system between checkpoints. The set of changes can be represented by bitmaps and data structures which may be used by file system check utilities to identify potential errors and to remedy these errors if appropriate. Verifying only file system changes greatly reduces the processing overhead associated with typical backup and recovery mechanisms.
US07900068B2

A power supply and interface circuit assembly is used with a portable media player (PMP) to relay signals between the PMP and a peripheral device(s), such as a head-mounted display. A power supply in or attached to the assembly provides power to the circuitry, the PMP, and the peripheral device. The assembly is able to manage the charging and discharging of power to the PMP and the peripheral device and to manage multi-media signals between the PMP and the peripheral device to provide a complete, mobile interface assembly.
US07900062B2

Processing load on an executing device for conducting playback is high during the playback of contents since the executing device performs verification of the contents validity in parallel with the contents playback, and therefore the executing device has to be equipped with a highly efficient processor. The present invention reduces the processing load involved in the verification by using, for the verification, only a predetermined number of encrypted units selected randomly from multiple encrypted units constituting encrypted contents recorded on the DVD. In addition, the present invention is capable of improving the accuracy of detecting unauthorized contents to some extent by randomly selecting a predetermined number of encrypted units every time the verification is performed.
US07900060B2

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a trusted client includes a non-volatile memory programmed with an encrypted disk key. The encrypted disk key in the non-volatile memory is encrypted with a master key of a security processor. Accordingly, encrypted data received by the central processor from a disk's security logic is forwarded to a security processor along with the encrypted disk key. The security processor decrypts the encrypted disk key and then decrypts the encrypted data, utilizing the disk key. The disk key is never available to the central processing unit in the clear.
US07900051B2

A secure method and system of digital data transmission between a sender and a receiver, including a phase of receiver authentication by a symmetrical authentication key sharing algorithm with no transmission of the key, a phase of data watermarking by using the authentication key as the watermarking key, and a phase of transmission of the watermarked data.
US07900045B2

An apparatus (100) used by a plurality of devices to authenticate an accessory (120) is configured to operate with a device (110) of the plurality of devices. The accessory (120) applies an authentication algorithm to a key and a challenge (130) received from the device (110) and generates a response (132) thereto. A challenge and response memory (114) stores a subset of a set of challenges (232) and pre-computed responses (230). The enabling circuit transmits a challenge (130) to the accessory (120) and receives a received response (132) therefrom. The enabling circuit (112) also compares the received response (132) to the stored response (230) corresponding to the stored challenge (232) sent to the accessory (120). The enabling circuit (112) is configured to generate a normal operation enabling signal that enables normal operation of the device when the received response (132) matches the stored response and is configured not to generate the normal operation enabling signal when the received response (132) does not match the stored response.
US07900037B1

A disk drive is disclosed wherein during a first boot operation, first boot data is transmitted from a first plurality of data sectors to a host, and a first log identifying the first plurality of data sectors is maintained. During a second boot operation, second boot data is transmitted from a second plurality of data sectors to the host, and a second log identifying the second plurality of data sectors is maintained. During a third boot operation, data sectors identified by the first and/or second logs are pre-fetched into a cache.
US07900034B2

In a software partition (SWPAR) environment, a method, system and computer program product enables a SWPAR to be remotely booted, independent of the booting of the OS on the global system environment, using network file system (NFS) services and protocols. A request to mount a NFS, hosted by an external server into a SWPAR environment is transmitted. The NFS services are automatically transitioning to a first operating state that enables support for user-level NFS services without requiring the NFS services be active. The SWPAR is automatically booted and access to the SWPAR provided during operation of the NFS services in the first operating state. Once the SWPAR has completed booting, the NFS services is transitioned back to a normal operating state in which SWPAR operates as a standalone device providing its own user-level NFS services.
US07900031B2

A multiple, cooperating operating systems (OS) platform system with multi processors. Multiple operating systems, each of which may be of a different type or nature, can run on different partitions of the multi-processor platform and yet coexist and cooperate. A real time operating system (RTOS) executing on a processor can communicate with another OS executing on another processor via a portion of memory accessible by the RTOS and the OS by perform read and write operations.
US07900030B2

A method for determining a rebooting action of a computer system includes: a keyboard controller of the computer system detecting whether a signal representing a system stage transformation is transmitted from a south bridge chipset; determining whether a system status flag is set as “ON” when the signal representing the system stage transformation is received by the keyboard controller; setting a rebooting flag as “ON” and setting the system status flag as “OFF”; determining whether a system sleeping flag representing the computer system isn't activated is “ON” and determining whether the rebooting flag is set as “OFF” according to this determined result; detecting whether the signal representing the system stage transformation is transmitted from the south bridge chipset; determining whether the rebooting flag is set as “ON”; and determining whether the computer system executes the rebooting action according to a determined result of whether the rebooting flag is “ON”.
US07900025B2

Mechanisms for implementing a floating point only single instruction multiple data instruction set architecture are provided. A processor is provided that comprises an issue unit, an execution unit coupled to the issue unit, and a vector register file coupled to the execution unit. The execution unit has logic that implements a floating point (FP) only single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instruction set architecture (ISA). The floating point vector registers of the vector register file store both scalar and floating point values as vectors having a plurality of vector elements. The processor may be part of a data processing system.
US07900023B2

A technique to allow independent loads to be satisfied during high-latency instruction processing. Embodiments of the invention relate to a technique in which a storage structure is used to hold store operations in program order while independent load instructions are satisfied during a time in which a high-latency instruction is being processed. After the high-latency instruction is processed, the store operations can be restored in program order without searching the storage structure.
US07900013B2

A computer specifies the configuration of a first storage device by referencing first configuration information relating to the configuration of a first storage system including the first storage device, specifies one or more storage medium access performances corresponding to the first storage device by referencing the storage medium performance information, and calculates a first access performance index of the first storage device based on one or more specified storage medium access performances. The computer then references storage medium performance information and second configuration information relating to the configuration of a second storage system including a second storage device, and determines a second storage device having an access performance index that is at least equal to the calculated first access performance index.
US07900004B2

Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for converting backup copies of objects created using a first backup program to backup copies created using a second backup program. A plurality of backup copies of versions of an object are created using a first backup program, wherein the object has an object name. The first backup program is used to restore at least one of the backup copies to a restored version of the object having a name different from the object name. A second backup program is used to create a backup copy of each restored version of the object. A name of a designated object is assigned to each backup copy created using the second backup program. Metadata of each backup copy created using the second backup program is updated with metadata for the designated object.
US07899998B1

A conflict avoidance system is provided. The conflict avoidance system comprises a first data store provided at a first geographic location and a second data store at a second geographic location, where the first and second data stores are replications of one another. The conflict avoidance system also comprises a conflict avoidance module operable to receive a data store request from applications, wherein the conflict avoidance module communicates update data store requests to the first data store and communicates create data store requests and delete data store requests to the second data store.
US07899994B2

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for associating a first priority indicator with first data stored in a first entry of a cache memory to indicate a priority level of the first data, and updating a count value associated with the first priority indicator. The count value may then be used in determining an appropriate cache line for eviction. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07899990B2

Power conservation via DRAM access reduction is provided by a buffer/mini-cache selectively operable in a normal mode and a buffer mode. In the buffer mode, entered when CPUs begin operating in low-power states, non-cacheable accesses (such as generated by a DMA device) matching specified physical address ranges, or having specific characteristics of the accesses themselves, are processed by the buffer/mini-cache, instead of by a memory controller and DRAM. The buffer/mini-cache processing includes allocating lines when references miss, and returning cached data from the buffer/mini-cache when references hit. Lines are replaced in the buffer/mini-cache according to one of a plurality of replacement policies, including ceasing replacement when there are no available free lines. In the normal mode, entered when CPUs begin operating in high-power states, the buffer/mini-cache operates akin to a conventional cache and non-cacheable accesses are not processed therein.
US07899978B2

Memory architecture provides capabilities for high performance content search. The architecture creates an innovative memory derived using randomly accessible dynamic memory circuits that can be programmed with content search rules which are used by the memory to evaluate presented content for matching with the programmed rules. When the content being searched matches any of the rules programmed in the dynamic Programmable Intelligent Search Memory (PRISM) action(s) associated with the matched rule(s) are taken. Content search rules comprise of regular expressions which are converted to finite state automata and then programmed in dynamic PRISM for evaluating content with the search rules.
US07899972B2

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes switching between a first address space and a second address space, determining if the second address space exists in a list of address spaces; and maintaining entries of the first address space in a translation buffer after the switching. In such manner, overhead associated with such a context switch may be reduced.
US07899970B2

A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes a stationary base station functioning as a connectivity hub and a removable connectivity hub functioning by itself as a travel connectivity hub. The removable travel hub can be plugged into the stationary base station by connecting an upstream port of the removable hub to a downstream port of the base station. Thus, a user of the connectivity hub achieves the functionality of a full-featured connectivity base station as well as that of a small, easily transportable travel hub without having to purchase multiple units.
US07899968B2

An interface between USB devices employs isolation techniques to provide electrical isolation of a USB signal for transmission of the USB signal between the devices. Unidirectional isolator channels are utilized to transmit the USB signals, and a selection of an isolator channel operating in an intended direction is performed by either direction control logic or a USB hub function. Logic may be employed to detect a device attempting to initiate a USB signal. The logic operates to enable a transmitter on a receiving side and isolate the USB signal through an isolator channel operating in a transmission direction.
US07899967B2

A system for accessing a memory card is provided. The system includes a control unit having a control pin and a processor. The processor senses a card-insertion signal from a socket via the control pin for indicating whether the memory card has been inserted into the socket. The processor provides a power control signal via the control pin to supply an operating voltage to the memory card when the sensed card-insertion signal indicates that the memory card has been inserted into the socket. The processor detects whether a write protection function of the memory card is present via the control pin.
US07899960B2

A card controller receives data from a recording card via a socket. A read clock is transmitted in a main transmission wiring, and the data is transmitted in a data transmission wiring. The read clock is withdrawn from the card controller by an outgoing transmission wiring and retrieved into the card controller by an incoming transmission wiring. A transmission delay amount of the outgoing transmission wiring is equal to that of the main transmission wiring, and a transmission delay amount of the incoming transmission wiring is equal to that of the data transmission wiring. The card controller receives the data in synchronization with the read clock retrieved by the incoming transmission wiring.
US07899948B2

In an embodiment of the invention, an integrated interface apparatus for providing a serial differential data input for an integrated processor of a mobile radio terminal has a data reception apparatus having a physical layer which can be alternatively operated in a first operating mode according to a first interface standard or in a second operating mode according to a second interface standard, the first interface standard and the second interface standard not being compatible with one another with respect to the physical layer. In another embodiment of the invention, a method for operating an integrated interface apparatus is provided.
US07899947B2

A method and system of setting up a data link between medical appliances (M1-M6) and a computer system (1) in which for each of the medical appliances (M1-M6) at least one communication protocol (P1-P6) is stored together with the communication parameters (K1a, K1b, K1c . . . -K6a, K6b, K6c . . . ) assigned to this communication protocol (P1-P6). The method comprises the following steps: setting communication parameters (K1a, K1b, K1c . . . -K6a, K6b, K6c . . . ) of a communication protocol (P1-P6); receiving data from a medical appliance (M1-M6); checking whether the data received from the medical appliance (M1-M6) correspond to sample data which are characteristic for the communication protocol (P1-P6); repetition of steps a. to c. with other communication parameters (K1a, K1b, K1c . . . -K6a, K6b, K6c . . . ) of the communication protocol (P1-P6) if the data received from the medical appliance (M1-M6) do not correspond to the sample data and setting up a data link between the medical appliance (M1-M6) and the computer system (1) using the communication protocol (P1-P6) if the data received from the medical appliance (M1-M6) correspond to the sample data. In this way a reliable data link is automatically produced between the medical appliances (M1-M6) and the computer system (1).
US07899946B2

An analog/digital switching circuit for connecting a primary electronic device to a peripheral electronic device, including D+ and D− signal lines connected to a primary electronic device, a first analog/digital switch connected to the D+ signal line, for multiplexing an input D+ signal to an output USB data signal or audio left or right signal, the multiplexed signal feeding into a peripheral device connector for connecting the primary device to a peripheral electronic device, a second analog/digital switch connected to the D− signal line, for multiplexing an input D− signal to an output USB data signal or audio right or left signal, the multiplexed signal feeding into the peripheral device connector, a headset left signal line connected to the primary device and to the output audio left signal of the first analog/digital switch, a headset right signal line connected to the primary device and to the output audio right signal of the second analog/digital switch, a first USB signal line connected to a USB connector and to the output USB data signal of the first analog/digital switch, a second USB signal line connected to the USB connector and to the output USB data signal of the second analog/digital switch, and an amplifier that amplifies the output audio left signal and the output audio right signal at gain levels appropriate for (i) a headset connected to the primary device, (ii) a speaker connected to the peripheral device, and (iii) an earpiece connected to the peripheral device.
US07899945B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide an interface device and method for command processing for commands requiring data flow in both directions on a Fiber Channel or other data transport protocol exchange. The commands can include proprietary commands, SCSI linked commands or other commands known in the art. According to one embodiment, and interface device can assign a command a data flow direction indicator. When a reply to the command is received, the interface device can determine if the reply is expected or unexpected based on the data flow direction specified by the data flow direction indicator. If the reply is unexpected, the interface device can determine whether to process the reply. According to one embodiment, the data flow direction indicator can be the exchange identification.
US07899940B2

In a first aspect, a first method is provided for servicing commands. The first method includes the steps of (1) receiving a first command for servicing in a memory controller including a plurality of memory ports, wherein the first command is of a first priority; (2) receiving a second command for servicing in the memory controller, wherein the second command is of a second priority that is higher than the first priority; (3) determining whether the first and second commands will be serviced through the same memory port; and (4) if the first and second commands will not be serviced through the same memory port, servicing the first and second commands during the same time period. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07899935B2

A data synchronization system and method. The method includes that when a change happens in a source application, data is collected from a source application based on a target application subscribing the source application and collection data is transmitted to the target application or is directly inserted to target database. The system includes data collection unit and distribution unit. The present invention may realize synchronization on demand, simultaneously reduce greatly synchronous data quantity, decrease network load, and guarantee smoothness and stabilization of network. The present invention applies to data synchronization of enterprise internal/external data systems, telecommunication networks, etc.
US07899930B1

A standalone router is integrated into a multi-chassis router. Integrating the standalone router into a multi-chassis router requires replacing switch cards in the standalone router with multi-chassis switch cards. The multi-chassis switch cards forward packets to a central switch card chassis for routing within the multi-chassis router. By incrementally replacing standalone switch cards with multi-chassis switch cards in the standalone router, packet forwarding performance is maintained during the integration.
US07899925B2

Reliable byte stream transfer protocols play an important role in modern networks. The present invention implements such a protocol using credits for flow control and negative acknowledgements for reliable delivery. The credit mechanism uses credit transfer in installments and is immune to the losses or corruptions of intermediate credit installments. Negative acknowledgements are used to solicit the retransmission of data stream component. The present invention provides full compatibility at the programming interface with reliable byte transfer protocols, such as TCP, and also allows full interoperability among hosts running the aforesaid standard protocol or the protocol of the present invention.
US07899916B1

A system and method are disclosed for establishing a connection between a first endpoint participating in a first protocol and a second endpoint participating in a second protocol. Establishing a connection includes establishing a virtual service endpoint participating in the first protocol on a network device that is connected to the first endpoint and the second endpoint and forwarding to the second endpoint communication directed from the first endpoint to the virtual service endpoint.
US07899915B2

Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.
US07899912B2

Provides methods and apparatus for accessing and controlling services, such as home automation services, visually employing established wireless, cellular telecommunication technologies for voice communications. In example embodiments, users of personal portable devices connect to services over dial-up, wireless, cellular, circuit-switched voice telephone networks, receive and display listings of available services and use these listings to access and manipulate the services.
US07899907B2

A hosting center that is remote from a plurality of customer environments is provided so that users can interact with data from the user's selected customer environment. The data interaction includes bi-directional synchronization of data between that of the hosting center and that of the user's selected customer environment.
US07899903B2

One embodiment of the invention uses templates that define certain features of a given service type, wherein the features are common to all services of that service type. The template can be configured by a user to obtain a service definition for the given service. The service definition is passed to a programmability layer and provides enough information that the programmability layer can construct the various monitors, rules, classes and tasks required to monitor the given service without further customization by the user. In one embodiment, the user can also customize the service definition, a desired, in order to obtain additional monitoring.
US07899898B2

A system for managing system devices including a first managed system, which includes hardware, an operating system executing on the hardware, and an agent management object (AMO) executing on the operating system and configured to obtain first management information about the operating system and the hardware. The system also includes a second managed system, including a first proxy management object (PMO) configured to receive the first management information from the AMO, request second management information about the hardware from the first managed system, receive the second management information from the first managed system, normalize the first management information and the second management information to obtain first normalized management information, and populate a first proxy data model associated with the PMO using the first normalized management information, where the first normalized management information is used to manage the first managed system.
US07899895B2

Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein a plurality of nodes coupled over a network are maintained, wherein a first node of the plurality of nodes initially owns a plurality of storage objects accessible via the network. A second node preemptively takes ownership of a selected storage object of the plurality of storage objects, in response to the first node becoming unavailable, wherein other nodes of the plurality of nodes can request ownership of the selected storage object while the first node is unavailable. A determination is made that the first node that originally owned the selected storage object has become available after a period of unavailability. A determination is made of the current owner node of the selected storage object, wherein the current owner node is one of the second node and the other nodes. The selected storage object is updated at the first node by the current owner node of the selected storage object, prior to allowing the first node to act on or assume ownership of the selected storage object.
US07899894B2

In a networked data processing system, the updating of timing parameters is carried out via a process in which the detection of the loss of communications with the network is not immediately employed as an indication of parameter invalidity but rather the process employs a system specific delay which permits actions such as server or link recovery to occur without necessitating the declaration of timing parameter invalidity.
US07899893B2

A system for monitoring performance parameters relating to a user network interface (“UNI”) in a communication network is provided. The system comprises a message source parser module, a translator module, and a message recording module. The message source parser module is operative to examine an exception message sent by a network element in the communication network. The message source parser module is also operative to determine which network component the message relates to. The translator module is operative to determine if the message is related to one or more UNIs in the network. The message recording module is operative to post information from the message to one or more data records that correspond to the one or more UNIs identified by the translator module.
US07899890B2

A device associated with a network receives a fetch request from a managed node connected to the network, and provides, to the managed node, trigger information specifying one or more conditions under which the managed node is to be enabled and is to receive traffic from the network. The device also receives an operational state associated with the managed node based on the trigger information.
US07899884B2

In a method, a device and a computer program product for provision of image data such as thin slice image data and thick slice image data of a server to a client, the image data having been acquired by an imaging modality and being cached in a cache acting as a server; the image data are provided to the client by involving the client in data exchange with the server, and an information system that is likewise involved in data exchange with the server is always automatically informed about a current state of the cache, in particular about thin slice image data available in the cache. The client directly or indirectly accesses the image data of the cache for automatic provision of the image data.
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