US07692298B2
A two-dimensional carrier is generated in the vicinity of an interface that is a hetero interface between a semiconductor layer and a semiconductor layer. Two concave portions are formed so as to extend from a primary surface as far as the interface. An electrode that is made of metal and provides a Schottky junction with the semiconductor layers is formed on a bottom surface and a side surface of the concave portion. An electrode that is made from metal and provides a low resistance contact with the semiconductor layers and is also in low resistance contact therewith is formed on the bottom surface and side surface of the concave portion. As a result, a semiconductor device is provided in which contact resistance between the electrodes and the semiconductor layers is reduced and high frequency characteristics are improved.
US07692286B1
A method of forming an electronic component package includes: forming electrically conductive traces for connecting first selected bond pads of a plurality of bond pads on a first surface of an electronic component to corresponding bonding locations formed on a second surface of the electronic component; coupling the first surface of the electronic component to a first surface of a lower dielectric strip; coupling the second surface of the electronic component to a first surface of an upper dielectric strip; forming lower via apertures through the lower dielectric strip to expose second selected bond pads of the plurality of bond pads on the first surface of the electronic component; forming upper via apertures through the upper dielectric strip to expose the bonding locations on the second surface of the electronic component; filling the lower and upper via apertures with an electrically conductive material to form lower and upper vias electrically coupled to the first and second selected bond pads of the plurality of bond pads on the first surface of the electronic component.
US07692284B2
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to fabricate a package substrate. The package substrate includes top substrate layers, an array capacitor, and bottom substrate layers. The top substrate layers embed micro-vias. The micro-vias have a micro-via area and provide electrical connections between the top substrate layers. The array capacitor structure is placed in contact with the micro-via area. The array capacitor structure is electrically connected to the micro-vias. The bottom substrate layers are formed on the array capacitor structure.
US07692280B2
A portable object connectable package for an electronic device comprises: semiconductor die package, having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a connector body mechanically supported by the semiconductor die package. The bottom surface includes a plurality of connection elements for connecting to a printed circuit board. The connector body includes a plurality of resilient electrical connecting elements extending over the top surface for contacting with a portable object PO having a contacting area. The portable object connectable package is arranged to be coupled to a portable object positioner for removably positioning the contacting area of the portable object in contact with the plurality of resilient electrical connecting elements when the portable object is present in the portable object positioner.
US07692272B2
A non-volatile memory element comprises a bottom electrode 12; a top electrode 15; and a recording layer 13 containing phase change material and a block layer 14 that can block phase change of the recording layer 13, provided between the bottom electrode 12 and the top electrode 15. The block layer 14 is constituted of material having an electrical resistance that is higher than that of material constituting the recording layer 13. The block layer 14 suppresses the radiation of heat towards the top electrode 15 and greatly limits the phase change region when a write current is applied. The result is a high heating efficiency. The top electrode 15 itself can be used to constitute a bit line, or a separate bit line can be provided.
US07692270B2
A ferroelectric varactor suitable for capacitive shunt switching is disclosed. High resistivity silicon with a SiO2 layer and a patterned metallic layer deposited on top is used as the substrate. A ferroelectric thin-film layer deposited on the substrate is used for the implementation of the varactor. A top metal electrode is deposited on the ferroelectric thin-film layer forming a CPW transmission line. By using the capacitance formed by the large area ground conductors in the top metal electrode and bottom metallic layer, a series connection of the ferroelectric varactor with the large capacitor defined by the ground conductors is created. The large capacitor acts as a short to ground, eliminating the need for vias. The concept of switching ON and OFF state is based on the dielectric tunability of the ferroelectric thin-films. At 0 V, the varactor has the highest capacitance value, resulting in the signal to be shunted to ground, thus isolating the output from the input. This results in the OFF state of the switch. By applying a small voltage to the center conductor of the CPW, the varactor's capacitance can be reduced allowing the signal to be transmitted through resulting in the ON state of the device. Such a varactor shunt switch eliminates majority of problems plaguing the RF MEMS shunt switches.
US07692266B2
An integrated circuit and fabrication method are presented. The integrated circuit includes a capacitor containing a base electrode, a covering electrode, and a dielectric between the base and covering electrodes. The dielectric contains an oxide of a material contained in the base electrode, which may be produced by anodic oxidation. A peripheral edge of the dielectric is uncovered by the covering electrode. A base layer on the capacitor includes a cutout adjacent to the dielectric. During fabrication, the base layer protects the material of the base electrode that is to be anodically oxidized from chemicals, and also protects the surrounding regions from anodic oxidation. A precision resistor may be fabricated simultaneously with the capacitor.
US07692261B2
An optical sensor element includes: an n-type semiconductor region formed on a substrate; an i-type semiconductor region which is formed on the substrate between the p-type semiconductor region and the n-type semiconductor region and which is lower in impurity concentration than the p-type semiconductor region and the n-type semiconductor region; an anode electrode formed on the insulation film and connected to the p-type semiconductor region; and a cathode electrode formed on the insulation film and connected to the n-type semiconductor region. A reverse bias voltage Vb is applied when detecting the photocurrent, the reverse bias voltage Vb satisfying a following relation. V1
US07692260B2
A light shielding film, an insulating layer, a planarizing layer, and a color filter are formed consecutively on a semiconductor substrate having plural photodiodes in a matrix arrangement. A transparent conductive film is formed on the color filter, and micro-lenses are formed directly on the conductive film such that they reside above each photodiode. Static charges on a surface of each micro-lens are discharged to the conductive film, and static charge buildup on the micro-lenses is therefore prevented.
US07692258B2
A photosensitive device for enabling high speed detection of electromagnetic radiation. The device includes recessed electrodes for providing a generally homogeneous electric field in an active region. Carriers generated in the active region are detected using the recessed electrodes.
US07692256B2
A method for manufacturing a wafer scale package including at least one substrate having replicated optical elements. The method uses two substrates, at least one of which is pre-shaped and has at least one recess in its front surface. Optical elements are replicated on a first substrate by causing a replication tool to abut the first substrate. The second substrate is then attached to the first substrate in an abutting relationship in such a way that the optical element is contained in a cavity formed by the recess in one of the substrates in combination with the other substrate. Thereby, a well defined axial distance between the optical elements and the second substrate is achieved. Consequently, a well defined axial distance between the optical elements and any other objects attached to the second substrate, e.g. further optical elements, image capturing devices, light sources, is also established.
US07692255B2
Disclosed herein are an electrode layer for capacitors, a method of manufacturing the electrode layer, a unit sensor using the electrode layer, and a tactile sensor using the unit sensor. The electrode layer comprises a polymer substrate, an electrode formed on the polymer substrate, and a signal transmission line formed on the polymer substrate such that the signal transmission line is connected to the electrode. The unit sensor comprises upper and lower electrode layers, which are identical to the above-described electrode, and a spacer layer made of polymer. According to the present invention, the sensor can be easily manufactured while the sensor has high flexibility and easy extensionabilty.
US07692251B2
Disclosed herein is a transistor for a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. According to the present invention, a novel transistor structure combining a plane channel transistor and a fin-type channel transistor formed on the semiconductor substrate is provided to secure a sufficient channel width as compared to that of the plane channel transistor, thereby satisfying drive current regulated for the transistor.
US07692250B2
Methods of forming a semiconductor structure having FinFET's and planar devices, such as MOSFET's, on a common substrate by a damascene approach, and semiconductor structures formed by the methods. A semiconductor fin of the FinFET is formed on a substrate with damascene processing in which the fin growth may be interrupted to implant ions that are subsequently transformed into a region that electrically isolates the fin from the substrate. The isolation region is self-aligned with the fin because the mask used to form the damascene-body fin also serves as an implantation mask for the implanted ions. The fin may be supported by the patterned layer during processing that forms the FinFET and, more specifically, the gate of the FinFET. The electrical isolation surrounding the FinFET may also be supplied by a self-aligned process that recesses the substrate about the FinFET and at least partially fills the recess with a dielectric material.
US07692245B2
In a thin film transistor and a flat panel display device having the same, cross-talk is minimized. The flat panel display device includes a substrate, a first thin film transistor, a second thin film transistor, and a display element. The first thin film transistor includes: a first gate electrode formed on the substrate; a first electrode insulated from the first gate electrode; a second electrode insulated from the first gate electrode and surrounding the first electrode in the same plane; and a first semiconductor layer insulated from the first gate electrode and contacting the first electrode and the second electrode. The second thin film transistor includes: a second gate electrode formed on the substrate and electrically connected to one of the first electrode and the second electrode; a third electrode insulated from the second gate electrode; a fourth electrode insulated from the second gate electrode and surrounding the third electrode in the same plane; and a second semiconductor layer insulated from the second gate electrode and contacting the third electrode and the fourth electrode.
US07692237B2
Provided is a highly reliable multi-bit memory cell capable of miniaturization including: a semiconductor substrate with a channel formed therein; diffusion layers arranged at two sides of the channel, for serving as source/drain; an insulating film arranged on a part of the channel; a trap film made of an insulating material having an electron trapping characteristic, arranged on the semiconductor substrate, the diffusion layers and the insulating film, and including trap regions each capable of trapping electrons in at least areas in contact with the semiconductor substrate at two sides of the insulating film; and a gate electrode arranged on the trap film. The trap regions are also formed on side surfaces of the insulating film, and the trap film has a structure in which the trap film is bent upward from the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the trap regions due to the insulating film.
US07692233B2
A technology capable of improving a charge retention characteristic of a nonvolatile memory is provided. In a memory cell in which an interlayer insulating film formed of an ONO film obtained by laminating a lower silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, and an upper silicon oxide film is formed between a floating gate formed of a polycrystalline silicon film and a control gate formed of a polycrystalline silicon film, the upper silicon oxide film is formed through LPCVD and is then nitrided through a remote plasma process, thereby introducing nitrogen of, for example, 5 to 6 atom % into the upper surface portion of the upper silicon oxide film.
US07692231B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a mask pattern over a semiconductor substrate to define a channel region. A portion of the semiconductor substrate is etched using the mask pattern as an etching mask to form a first pillar. A spacer is formed over a sidewall of the mask pattern and the first pillar. A portion of the semiconductor substrate exposed between the first pillars is etched using the spacer and the mask pattern as an etching mask to form a second pillar elongated from the first pillar. A portion of the second pillar is selectively etched to form a third pillar. The spacer and the mask pattern are removed. An impurity is implanted into an upper part of the first pillar and the semiconductor substrate between the third pillars to form a source/drain region. A surrounding gate is formed over an outside of the third pillar.
US07692225B2
Disclosed are a CMOS image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The CMOS image sensor includes a photodiode area and a floating diffusion area formed on a semiconductor substrate, a transistor formed on the semiconductor substrate between the photodiode area and the floating diffusion area, an isolation layer formed below the transistor, and a channel area formed between the transistor and the isolation layer.
US07692204B2
A radiation-emitting semiconductor component with a semiconductor body, including a first principal surface (5), a second principal surface (9) and a semiconductor layer sequence (4) with an electromagnetic radiation generating active zone (7), in which the semiconductor layer sequence (4) is disposed between the first and the second principal surfaces (5, 9), a first current spreading layer (3) is disposed on the first principal surface (5) and electrically conductively connected to the semiconductor layer sequence (4), and a second current spreading layer (10) is disposed on the second principal surface (9) and electrically conductively connected to the semiconductor layer sequence (4).
US07692201B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device. The light-emitting device comprises a first conductive clad layer, an active layer, and a second conductive clad layer sequentially formed on a substrate. In the light-emitting device, the substrate has one or more side patterns formed on an upper surface thereof while being joined to one or more edges of the upper surface. The side patterns consist of protrusions or depressions so as to scatter or diffract light to an upper portion or a lower portion of the light-emitting device.
US07692200B2
A nitride semiconductor light-emitting device wherein a substrate or nitride semiconductor layer has a defect concentration region and a low defect density region other than the defect concentration region. A portion including the defect concentration region of the nitride semiconductor layer or substrate has a trench region deeper than the low defect density region. Thus by digging the trench in the defect concentration region, the growth detection is uniformized, and the surface planarity is improved. The uniformity of the characteristic in the wafer surface leads to improvement of the yield.
US07692194B2
A semiconductor device having a novel structure by which the operating characteristics and reliability are improved and a manufacturing method thereof. An island-shaped semiconductor layer provided over a substrate, including a channel formation region provided between a pair of impurity regions; a first insulating layer provided so as to be in contact with the side surface of the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode provided over the channel formation region so as to get across the semiconductor layer; and a second insulating layer provided between the channel formation region and the gate electrode are included. The semiconductor layer is locally thinned, the channel formation region is provided in the thinned region, and the second insulating layer covers the first insulating layer provided on the side surface of the semiconductor layer at least in the region which overlaps with the gate electrode.
US07692185B2
An organic thin film transistor that can reduce contact resistance between source and drain electrodes and an organic semiconductor layer and can be readily manufactured, a flat panel display apparatus utilizing the organic thin film transistor, and a method of manufacturing the organic thin film transistor. The organic thin film transistor includes: a substrate; a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the gate insulating film; a conductive polymer layer disposed to cover at least a portion of each of source and drain electrodes; a hydrophobic material layer disposed on the substrate and the source and drain electrodes except regions where the conductive polymer layer are formed; an organic semiconductor layer electrically connected to the source and drain electrodes; a gate insulating film disposed to cover the organic semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating film.
US07692182B2
Group III nitride based light emitting devices and methods of fabricating Group III nitride based light emitting devices are provided. The emitting devices include an n-type Group III nitride layer, a Group III nitride based active region on the n-type Group III nitride layer and comprising at least one quantum well structure, a Group III nitride layer including indium on the active region, a p-type Group III nitride layer including aluminum on the Group III nitride layer including indium, a first contact on the n-type Group III nitride layer and a second contact on the p-type Group III nitride layer. The Group III nitride layer including indium may also include aluminum.
US07692180B2
Quantum dots are positioned within a layered composite film to produce a plurality of real-time programmable dopants within the film. Charge carriers are driven into the quantum dots by energy in connected control paths. The charge carriers are trapped in the quantum dots through quantum confinement, such that the charge carriers form artificial atoms, which serve as dopants for the surrounding materials. The atomic number of each artificial atom is adjusted through precise variations in the voltage across the quantum dot that confines it. The change in atomic number alters the doping characteristics of the artificial atoms. The layered composite film is also configured as a shift register.
US07692176B2
Phase-changeable memory devices include a lower electrode electrically connected to an impurity region of a transistor in a substrate and a programming layer pattern including a first phase-changeable material on the lower electrode. An adiabatic layer pattern including a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first phase-changeable material is on the programming layer pattern and an upper electrode is on the adiabatic layer pattern.
US07692168B2
The present invention improves the accuracy of therapy by checking in real time whether an spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) width agrees with a desired width during irradiation with a beam. The device for outputting a charged particle beam includes a charged particle beam generator 1 including a synchrotron 4; a range modulation device such as a range modulation wheel (RMW) 28 which forms a Bragg peak of an ion beam extracted from this charged particle beam generator 1; an irradiation device 16 which is located in the direction of ion beam propagation of this RMW device 28 and includes a dose monitor 31 for detecting a dose of the ion beam; and an SOBP width calculation device 73 which calculates ion beam Bragg peak formed by the RMW device 28 based on a detection value of the dose monitor 31.
US07692161B2
A computed radiography plate including a substrate is provided. The computed radiography plate also includes at least one phosphor layer disposed above the substrate. The computed radiography plate also includes a protective layer disposed above the phosphor layer. The computed radiography plate further includes multiple patterns inscribed within at least one of the phosphor layer, the protective layer or the substrate.
US07692158B2
A charged beam drawing apparatus deflects, by an electrostatic deflector, a charged beam generated from a charged beam source, and applies the charged beam to a desired position on a sample to draw a pattern. The electrostatic deflector includes a plurality of deflecting electrodes arranged symmetrically with respect to a point around an optical axis of the charged beam, a ground external cylinder which is disposed coaxially with the optical axis and which is provided to enclose the deflecting electrodes, a resistive film provided on an inner surface of the ground external cylinder, and a conductive film provided on a surface of the resistive film. A capacitance is formed between the deflecting electrodes and the conductive film, and a resistance is formed between the ground conductor and the conductive film.
US07692147B2
The present invention generally provides a terahertz (THz) imaging system that includes a source for generating radiation (e.g., a quantum cascade laser) having one or more frequencies in a range of about 0.1 THz to about 10 THz, and a two-dimensional detector array comprising a plurality of radiation detecting elements that are capable of detecting radiation in that frequency range. An optical system directs radiation from the source to an object to be imaged. The detector array detects at least a portion of the radiation transmitted through the object (or reflected by the object) so as to form a THz image of that object.
US07692142B2
A dual ion trap mass analyzer includes adjacently positioned first and second two-dimensional ion traps respectively maintained at relatively high and low pressures. Functions favoring high pressure (cooling and fragmentation) may be performed in the first trap, and functions favoring low pressure (isolation and analytical scanning) may be performed in the second trap. Ions may be transferred between the first and second trap through a plate lens having a small aperture that presents a pumping restriction and allows different pressures to be maintained in the two traps. The differential-pressure environment of the dual ion trap mass analyzer facilitates the use of high-resolution analytical scan modes without sacrificing ion capture and fragmentation efficiencies.
US07692140B1
In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and a second tool joint adapted to connect to adjacent tool string components, and a central bore adapted to pass drilling mud between the joints. A sleeve circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve is rigidly attached to the outer surface at first and second sleeve ends and forming at least three stabilizer blades. A nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector are disposed within a gap formed between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the tubular body.
US07692137B2
A photographing section photographs a photographing object, a light-projector projects a light spot parallel to or approximately parallel to an optical axis of the photographing section onto the photographing object, and a detector detects, from an image of the photographing object photographed by the photographing section, a light spot from the light-projector reflected by the photographing object on the basis of an arrangement position of the light-projector relative to the photographing section. A reflected light spot of light projected onto a detection object can be detected with certainty, and erroneous detection of the reflected light spot, in particular, erroneous detection due to disturbance light, can be prevented at a low cost, without an increase in size of the apparatus.
US07692129B2
The present invention provides a solid-state imaging apparatus and the like which is able to support an optical system whose incident angle is wide. Each pixel is 2.25 μm square in size, and includes a distributed index lens (1), a color filter (for example, for green) (2), an Al interconnections (3), a signal transmitting unit (4), a planarized layer (5), a light-receiving device (Si photodiodes) (6), and an Si substrate (7). The two-stage concentric circle structure of the distributed index lens is formed by SiO2 (n=2) with the film thickness 1.2 μm (“grey color”), the film thickness 0.8 μm (“dots pattern”) and the film thickness of 0 μm (“without pattern: white color”), and the medium surrounding the distributed index lens (1)is air (n=1).
US07692122B2
A ceramic heat conductor support disc for supporting an electrical heating element for electrically heated furnace installations. The support disc has a center aperture lying parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating element, and one or more apertures located between the center aperture and the periphery of the disc. The disc is provided with one or more elongated openings running from the periphery to one of the apertures or to the center aperture, wherein each elongated opening penetrates the entire thickness of the disc.
US07692119B2
In the first buffering area provided between the inlet of the furnace and the heating chamber, the ambient gas is blown to the printed circuit board from the lower side of the carrier device, while the ambient gas is sucked in the upper side of the carrier device, thus the outside air is prevented from infiltrating and the ambient gas is prevented from flowing out. Furthermore, the flux is prevented from being attached to the printed circuit board, by installing the flux dropping prevention mechanism in the suction port of the ambient gas.
US07692115B2
Disclosed is a laser processing device. The laser processing device includes a laser beam source irradiating a laser beam, and a laser processing head. The laser processing head includes a transmitting window through which the laser beam passes, an aperture formed in a bottom of the laser head and allowing the laser beam to pass through via the transmitting window, an introducing hole introducing a gas into the laser processing head, and an exhausting hole discharging a gas in the laser processing head to outside. The laser processing head further includes a air hole introducing the gas to the periphery of the laser irradiating area, an air hole allowing to discharge the ambient gas of the laser irradiating area, and a masking shield having an opening placed between the transmitting window and the aperture, and an aerating portion communicated with the introducing hole and exhausting hole.
US07692110B2
A tilt switch comprises an insulating housing, a cover covering the opening of the housing, three terminals fixed at the bottom of the housing and an electrically conductive ball movably received in the housing to on/off the switch by contacting/leaving said terminals. Three terminals are located at each vertex position of a triangle such that one terminal having a polarity opposite to the other two terminals and a protruding length longer than those of the other two terminals, allowing elevation difference to exist between them.
US07692096B2
An electromagnetically shielded cable includes a shell having an end portion and a shield embedded in the end portion of the shell. A method of forming the electromagnetically shielded cable is also provided. The method includes the steps of inserting the end portion of the shield into a mold, and embedding the end portion of the shield in the shell. In one embodiment, the shell includes a connector extending from the shell and through an opening defined by the shield for embedding the shield in the shell. In another embodiment, the shield is embedded directly in the end portion of the shell.
US07692089B2
An electronic keyboard instrument is assembled on a frame member. A keyboard has a plurality of keys pivotably supported by the frame member. A lower case is formed integrally with or separately from the frame member under the keyboard. An electroacoustic transducer is accommodated in a space between the keyboard and a bottom plate of the lower case, and outputs an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave outputted from the electroacoustic transducer is radiated outwardly through sound passages configured as gaps in the frame member and gaps between the plurality of the keys.
US07692088B2
The present invention is directed to a waveform synthesizer apparatus that synthesizes a waveform of a musical sound based on musical performance event information. In particular, a music synthesizer includes an overlap detector that detects whether a first and second musical sound overlap, and a sound length meter that determines a sound length of the first musical sound. If the first and second musical sounds overlap, the synthesizer instantly terminates synthesizing of the first sound and starts synthesizing the second sound, provided the length of the first sound does not exceed a predetermined length. If the first and second sounds do not overlap, synthesis of the first sound is terminated, and the synthesis of the second sound is initiated, if it is determined that the length of rest between the two sounds does not exceed a predetermined length, and that the first sound does not exceed a predetermined length.
US07692087B2
Compressed waveform data structure is proposed which is suited for segmentation of a plurality of samples of compressed waveform data into a plurality of frames and subsequent storage of each of the frames. The number of bits per sample of the compressed waveform data is variable between the frames, but uniform, i.e. the same among all of the samples, within each of the frames. Each of the frames has a same data storage size. Each of the frames includes, in a predetermined layout, an auxiliary information area for storing auxiliary information that includes compression-related information to be used for decompressing the compressed waveform data, and a data area for storing a plurality of samples of the compressed waveform data of the frame with each of the samples comprising a same number of bits. Thus, respective start positions of the frames and compressed waveform data in a memory can be fixed at predetermined positions common to the frames, so that readout control can be performed with ease.
US07692079B2
A stringed musical instrument employs springs and/or one or more hanging masses to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring and/or mass is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring and/or mass is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts due to environmental factors or passage of time.
US07692077B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV646435. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV646435, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV646435 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV646435 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV646435.
US07692066B2
According to the present invention, a gene cluster encoding various kinds of prenyl transferase of Hevea brasiliensis is obtained, and the nucleotide sequences of these genes are determined. The prenyl transferases are involved in the biosynthesis of isoprene backbone of natural rubber. Therefore, improvement of productivity of rubber can be expected, by transforming plants by the gene cluster obtained in the present invention.
US07692065B2
Clusters of plant genes that are regulated in response to one or more stress conditions are provided, as are isolated plant stress-regulated genes, including portions thereof comprising a coding sequence or a regulatory element, and to consensus sequences comprising a plant stress-regulated regulatory element. In addition, a recombinant polynucleotide, which includes a plant stress-regulated gene, or functional portion thereof, operatively linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence, is provided, as are transgenic plants, which contain a plant stress-regulated gene or functional portion thereof that was introduced into a progenitor cell of the plant. Also provided are methods of using a plant stress-regulated gene to confer upon a plant a selective advantage to a stress condition, methods of identifying an agent that modulates the activity of a plant stress-regulated regulatory element, and methods of determining whether a plant has been exposed to a stress.
US07692063B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for producing a nucleic acid or protein in transgenic sprouted seedlings or sprouted seedlings engineered to transiently express a nucleic acid or protein of interest. The sprouted seedlings of the invention are grown in a contained, regulatable environment, wherein expression of a pharmaceutically active protein is controlled by an exogenously inducible promoter or a viral promoter. The sprouted seedlings may be eaten live or preferably harvested live to preserve the maximal biological activity of the nucleic acid or protein.
US07692055B2
Dialkylbenzenes are transalkylated in the presence of benzene and solid catalyst. The transalkylation product is subjected to distillation to provide a lower-boiling, benzene-containing fraction which is fed to a transalkylation reactor as at least a portion of the benzene. Thus, high benzene to dialkylbenzene molar ratios can be economically maintained in order to enhance catalyst stability.
US07692054B2
Continuous processes for monoalkylating aromatic compound with an aliphatic feedstock comprising aliphatic olefin of 8 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule are effected using at least 3 reaction zones in series, each containing solid alkylation catalyst with effluent cooling between reaction zones, each of which reaction zones is supplied a portion of the fresh aliphatic feedstock, such that the Reaction Zone Delta T in each reaction zone is less than about 15° C. The overall aromatic compound to olefin molar ratio is less than about 20:1. The alkylation product has desirable linearity and low amounts of dimers, dealkylated compounds and diaryl compounds even though a low aromatic compound to olefin molar ratio is used.
US07692049B2
A hydrocarbon composition comprises at least 90 wt. % of C9 to C20 non-normal olefins, non-normal saturates or combinations thereof based on the weight of the hydrocarbon composition, at least 2 wt. % and not greater than 25 wt. % of C9 hydrocarbons based on the weight of the hydrocarbon composition, and less than 15 wt. % of C17+ hydrocarbons based on the weight of the hydrocarbon composition, wherein said hydrocarbon composition has a specific gravity at 15° C. of at least 0.730 and less than 0.775. The composition is produced by oligomerization of at least one C3 to C8 olefin and an olefinic recycle stream containing no more than 10 wt. % of C10+ non-normal olefins. The composition is useful in producing fuel blends, such as jet fuel and diesel fuel.
US07692047B2
The present invention relates to an improved process for the selective alkylation of phenols using heteropolyacid catalyst supported onto zirconia under mild conditions. The process is economically viable since the catalyst regenerated after the initial reaction on further use gives the product in high yield.
US07692043B2
In a synthesis of a borazine compound by a reaction of an alkali boron hydride represented by ABH4 (A represents lithium atom, sodium atom or potassium atom) and an amine salt represented by (RNH3)nX (R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, X represents a sulfate group or a halogen atom, and n is 1 or 2), or b) diborane (B2H6) and an amine represented by RNH2 (R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group), a water content of raw material is controlled below a prescribed value; mixed solvents containing solvents each having a prescribed boiling point are used as a solvent for reaction; or a raw material is gradually fed to a reactor in a reaction. Or, a borazine compound is subjected to distillation purification treatment and filtration treatment. By such a method, a high purity of borazine compound can be produced safely and in a high yield.
US07692040B2
A process for the production of acetic acid by carbonylating methanol and/or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide in at least one carbonylation reaction zone containing a liquid reaction composition comprising an iridium carbonylation catalyst, methyl iodide co-catalyst, a finite concentration of water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, at least one promoter selected from ruthenium, osmium and rhenium and at least one catalyst system stabiliser selected from indium, cadmium, mercury, gallium and zinc and wherein the molar ratio of iridium:promoter:stabiliser in the liquid reaction composition is maintained in the range 1:(>2 to 15):(0.25 to 12).
US07692029B2
A star-shaped oligothiophene-arylene derivative in which an oligothiophene having p-type semiconductor characteristics is bonded to an arylene having n-type semiconductor characteristics positioned in the central moiety of the molecule and forms a star shape with the arylene, thereby simultaneously exhibiting both p-type and n-type semiconductor characteristics. Further, an organic thin film transistor using the oligothiophene-arylene derivative. The star-shaped oligothiophene-arylene derivative can be spin-coated at room temperature, leading to the fabrication of organic thin film transistors simultaneously satisfying the requirements of high charge carrier mobility and low off-state leakage current.
US07692026B2
Disclosed is a pyrrolotriazole compound represented by the following formula (I) and having an organic compound incorporated into crystals thereof or a pyrrolotriazole compound represented by the following formula (II) and having an alcohol incorporated into crystals thereof.
US07692018B2
A process for producing a high purity 3,5-dihydroxy6-heptenoic acid derivative by controlling the content of impurities such as denatured substances, is provided. When a 3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic acid derivative is produced by a process which comprises a step of contacting the 3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic acid derivative of the formula (1) wherein R is a C1-4 alkyl group, with a C1-4 lower alcohol-containing solvent, an alcohol containing solvent having its content of an oxidizing substance lowered, is used to at most 0.05 molar equivalent to a 3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic acid derivative, to suppress impurities contained in the 3,5-dihydroxy-6heptenoic acid derivative.
US07692016B2
The present invention provides an improved process for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives. More particularly the present invention provides an improved and economical process for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives by the reaction of aniline/substituted anilines using two different catalysts, ferric chloride and zinc chloride in a one-pot set up reaction.
US07692011B2
The present invention relates to neurologically active 8-hydroxy- or 8-mercapto-quinazolinones. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of these compounds and their use as pharmaceutical or veterinary agents, in particular for the treatment of neurological conditions, more specifically neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease.
US07692009B2
Provided are rosuvastatin degradation products and their use as a reference standard (including reference marker) for analysis of rosuvastatin.
US07692005B2
The present invention relates to organic molecules capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation.
US07692001B2
A catalyst and method for the hydrogenolysis of carbohydrates is disclosed. The catalyst comprises nickel metal on an alumina-silica support. Optionally, the catalyst may be promoted with noble metals selected from the group consisting of copper, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, platinum, gold, silver, and combinations thereof. The method involves reacting hydrogen gas with a carbohydrate in a polar solvent in the presence of a fixed bed of catalyst.
US07691998B2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for Nup62.
US07691993B2
The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.
US07691989B2
Methods for producing membrane-spanning polypeptides in high yields, with native conformation, and/or in soluble form include solubilizing in non-ionic or zwitterionic detergents, as well as use of promoters and expression vectors for expressing high yields of membrane-spanning polypeptides in bacterial cells. Mutated promoters provide tight control of membrane-spanning polypeptides in bacterial cell hosts.
US07691987B2
The invention relates to a novel oocyst sporocyst protein (EtOs22) belonging to the parasite of the species Eimeria tenella and to the polynucleotide encoding this protein, to vectors which contain this polynucleotide, to cells which are transformed with these vectors, to antibodies which are directed against the protein, to vaccines which comprise the polynucleotide, the protein, or fragments thereof, the abovementioned vectors or antibodies directed against the protein, and to the use of polynucleotide or of polypeptide for finding active compounds for treating an infection with Eimeria and active compounds which are suitable for the therapy of an infection with Eimeria.
US07691980B2
This invention relates to the use of mixed mode chromatography for purification of at least one intact non-aggregated antibody from a mixture containing intact non-aggregated antibodies and undesirable materials, including fragmented or aggregated antibodies, host cell proteins, DNA, endotoxin, and/or virus. This invention further relates to the integration of such a method into a multi-step procedure with other fractionation methods for purification of antibodies suitable for in vivo applications.
US07691966B2
The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the interaction between HIF-1 peptide and VBC protein using fluorescence polarization, more precisely, a method for quantitative analysis of formation of HIF-1-VBC protein complex which is composed of the steps of 1) preparing a fluorescent probe by attaching a fluorescein to hydroxyproline containing HIF-1 peptide; 2) reacting the fluorescent probe with VBC protein; and 3) measuring the fluorescence polarization of the above reactant and then comparing the fluorescence polarization with that of the fluorescent probe itself to investigate the changes of fluorescence polarization; a method for screening an inhibitor of the binding of HIF-1 peptide and VBC protein using the above method; and a method for analyzing the activity of prolyl hydroxylase using the above method. The method of the present invention enables simple analysis of the interaction between HIF-1 peptide and VBC protein by observing changes of fluorescence polarization and thus, it can be effectively used for high-speed screening using a well plate.
US07691959B1
The present invention generally relates to a moisture curable composition in the form of a hot melt. The inventive compositions contain hydrolyzable silyl groups connected to a polymer which is capable of crosslinking when exposed to moisture.
US07691951B2
Disclosed is a method of making reduced VOC polymers and coating compositions containing such polymers. Provided is a mixture (I) comprising a reactant mixture (a) of polymerizable components and a nonvolatile solvent (bnv) that (i) is not a crystalline solid at 25° C., (ii) is nonvolatile, (iii) comprises at least one functional group (F1) and (iv) is a fluid solid. Reactant mixture (a) is polymerized to provide a polymer (a′). The at least one functional group (F1) of nonvolatile solvent (bnv) is reacted with one or more reactants (e) to obtain a nonvolatile solvent (b′nv) comprising at least two functional groups (F2). Obtained is a mixture (II) comprising polymer (a′) in nonvolatile solvent (b′nv) comprising at least two functional groups (F2). The at least one functional group (F1) is substantially nonreactive: (1) with the components of reactive mixture (a), (2) under the polymerization conditions which polymerize reactant mixture (a), and (3) with polymer (a′).
US07691940B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous polyurethane resin in which stable emulsion is formed, the balance between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity is controlled and an obtained film has desired permeability and good stability, a method for producing the aqueous polyurethane resin, and a film obtained from the aqueous polyurethane resin. The aqueous polyurethane resin of the present invention includes a plurality of polyurethane resins obtained by reacting macropolyol, polyisocyanate, and a chain extender, and each of the aqueous polyurethane resins contains the macropolyols which are different from one another, and each of the aqueous polyurethane resins is chemically bonded partially to one another through the chain extender. By casting or coating the aqueous polyurethane resin, the film is obtained.
US07691938B2
The invention relates to a silyl ester copolymer solution having a solids content of at least 55 weight percent and a viscosity of less than 20 poise at 25° C., comprising a silyl ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of less than 20,000. The invention further relates to coating compositions comprising a silyl ester copolymer and to substrates and structures having a cured coating prepared from such a coating composition.
US07691935B2
A process for producing an aqueous emulsion of a polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 20,000 or higher, characterized in that a styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer or/and an ester of a styrene/maleic acid copolymer is used as a polymer dispersant.
US07691925B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition in which electrification of a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet can be prevented upon peeling, and staining property on an adherend can be reduced, and an antistatic pressure-sensitive sheet and surface protecting film using this. There is provided a pressure-sensitive composition comprising an ionic liquid and a polymer having a glass transition temperature Tg of 0° C. or lower as a base polymer.
US07691923B2
Curable wood particle composites curable by the Michael addition reaction in the presence of strong base catalyst are disclosed, along with a method for making those curable wood particle composites. Cured wood particle composites are also disclosed, along with a method of making those cured wood particle composites.
US07691914B2
The invention relates to polyurethane foams comprising oligomeric polyols. In embodiments of the invention, the polyurethane foams comprise the reaction product of: (a) a polyisocyanate; and (b) an active-hydrogen containing composition comprising an oligomeric polyol having a hydroxyl number of about 45 to about 65 mg KOH/g, a number average hydroxyl functionality (Fn) of less than about 2.7, and about 40% weight or greater oligomers. The polyurethane foams of the invention may be slabstock foams or molded foams. Also disclosed are low odor polyols and polyurethane compositions.
US07691908B2
A crude oil simulant is disclosed that is an emulsion of an organic continuous phase, an aqueous dispersed phase, and an emulsifier. To enhance the biodegradability rate of the simulant various strains of bacteria can be added to the aqueous phase. Nutrients can be added to the aqueous phase to increase activity of the bacteria. The components of the simulant of the invention can be mixed under high shear conditions such as 1,000-12,000 reciprocal minutes. The emulsion based oil simulants can be prepared on-site and can be readily tailored to simulant a wide variety of crude oils under various conditions.
US07691880B2
A methylphenidate solution and associated methods of administration and production, which includes methylphenidate and at least one organic acid dissolved in a solvent system, where the solvent system includes at least one non-aqueous solvent. The solvent system may include water. The non-aqueous solvent can include, but is not limited to polyols and glycols and associated mixtures thereof. Pharmaceutical additives such as flavorings, colorants, buffers, preservatives and mixtures thereof may be optionally added to the methylphenidate solution.
US07691879B2
The present invention relates to compounds having the structure (I) useful as potassium channel inhibitors to treat cardiac arrhythmias, and the like.
US07691878B2
The invention provides heteroarylene substituted 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, A, and m are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US07691874B2
The present application discloses a pharmaceutical composition for treating Parkinson's disease and psychotropic intoxication/abusive potential, which contains a morphinan compound.
US07691872B2
The present invention provides methods and formulations for optimizing the anti-cancer and anti-HIV activities of a camptothecin drug, including camptothecin and its related analogs including 9-aminocamptothecin and 9-nitrocamptothecin. The invention involves methodologies and formulations that limit human serum albumin-mediated reduction of the anti-cancer and anti-HIV effects of the camptothecins, and the methods and formulations provide combination therapies in which binding of the camptothecin agent to human serum albumin can be modulated by the administration of a competing agent that also binds human serum albumin. Reduced camptothecin drug binding to human serum albumin can result in elevated camptothecin free drug levels and thus improve the effectiveness of treatment regimens involving these drugs. Further agents such as methotrexate and AZT can also be used in cancer and HIV-positive patients employing camptothecin drugs.
US07691857B2
Muscarinic agonists of the formula (I) with M1 selectivity which are useful as agents for stimulating the cognitive functions of the brain.
US07691855B2
The invention relates to phenyl-[4-(3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-pyrimidin-2-yl]-amine derivatives and to processes for the preparation thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives and to the use of such derivatives—alone or in combination with one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds—for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment especially of a proliferative disease, such as a tumor.
US07691854B2
The invention relates to novel dihydropyridine derivatives, of Formula (I) processes for their preparation, and their use in medicaments, especially for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction and heart failure development.
US07691851B2
The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical agents containing a heterocyclic moiety, and in particular, to heterocyclic metalloprotease inhibiting compounds. More particularly, the present invention provides a new class of heterocyclic MMP-13 inhibiting compounds with a modified benzoxazine moiety, that exhibit an increased potency and selectivity in relation to currently known MMP-13 inhibitors.
US07691844B2
The invention is directed to nonpeptide substituted benzodiazepines of Formula I, wherein A, X, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, a and b are as described in the specification, which are useful as vasopressin receptor antagonists for treating conditions associated with vasopressin receptor activity such as those involving increased vascular resistance and cardiac insufficiency. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula I and methods of treating conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac insufficiency, coronary vasospasm, cardiac ischemia, liver cirrhosis, renal vasospasm, renal failure, cerebral edema and ischemia, stroke, thrombosis, or water retention are also disclosed.
US07691829B2
The composition and method for healing tissues is a medicinal composition for facilitating the growth, protection and healing of tissues and cells in animals and humans. The composition is formulated as a either a powder, gel, paste, film, fluid injectable, rehydratable freeze-dried paste or sponge, sprayable solution, topically applied patch with adhesive and reservoir system, an intermediate for coatables such as films and bandages, a matrix for membranes, or as a matrix of flexible polymer(s), or delivered as either an orally ingestible liquid, tablet or capsule. The main ingredient of the formulated compositions is hydrolyzed collagen, which can be combined with polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid or salts thereof, or a glucosamine salt, and mixtures thereof. The composition may be formulated as an aqueous eye drop solution.
US07691828B2
Provided is a fecal condition improving composition containing (a) a compound selected from the group consisting of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid, esters thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, (b) a water-soluble and hardlyfermentable dietary fiber, and (c) a water-soluble and fermentable dietary fiber.The composition of the present invention is useful as a food or beverage, or a pharmaceutical for improving the fecal condition of humans or animals, more specifically, inhibiting intestinal clamping due to imbalance of the autonomic nervous system caused by psychological stress or dietary change, suppressing abdominal pain or discomfort, improving the fecal condition, and ameliorating constipation.
US07691824B2
The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a gene from the JC Virus (JC virus genome), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of a gene from the JC Virus. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by JC virus expression and the expression of a gene from the JC Virus using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of a gene from the JC Virus in a cell.
US07691823B2
Inhibition of RIP140 increases glucose transport. Compounds that inhibit RIP140 expression or activity are useful for treating disorders associated with aberrant glucose transport (e.g., diabetes), treating obesity, increasing metabolism (e.g., fatty acid metabolism), and increasing brown fat.
US07691819B2
Phthalazinediones that function as intracellular redox modulators are useful in treating cells in various disease states where intracellular redox status is impaired. By buffering aberrant redox states, phthalazinediones enable cellular processes essential for survival and augment medical treatments. The phthalazinediones of the invention can modulate functions related to cell growth, differentiation, activity, or death, to correct aberrations and restore homeostasis, and can serve as adjunctive therapy in treating various disease conditions.
US07691813B2
Provided are lactam-cyclized peptide CXCR4 antagonists useful in the treatment of cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, and HIV infection.
US07691811B2
Methods and compositions for enhancing the activity and/or duration of action of loteprednol etabonate and other soft anti-inflammatory steroids of the haloalkyl 17α-alkoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-cn-3-one-17β-carboxylate type and the corresponding Δ1,4-compounds are described. The enhancing agents have the formula: wherein Z1 is carbonyl, β-hydroxymethylene or methylene; R2 is H, —OH or —OCOR3 wherein R3 is C1-5 alkyl; Y is —OH, —SH or —OCOR4 wherein R4 is C1-5 alkyl, cyclopentylethyl or diethylaminoethyl; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2-linkage is saturated or unsaturated. Ophthalmic administration in the treatment of dry eye is specifically targeted.
US07691797B2
The present invention relates to acrylic block copolymers synthesized by a controlled radical process, and their use as thickeners in oil-based compositions. The acrylic copolymers are especially useful as viscosity index improvers in lubricating oil.
US07691794B2
Disclosed herein are reaction products of an acidic organic compound, a boron compound, and an alkoxylated amine and/or alkoxylated amide. Also disclosed are lubricating oil compositions and fuel compositions containing the reaction products.
US07691790B2
The present invention includes a cost effective custom-designed blend of organic chemicals to stimulate oil production. The invention includes a chemical composition for use in drilling operations for oil recovery and the method of using the chemical composition. The chemical composition includes an ammonia compound, an alcohol, and aqueous carrier solution. The aqueous carrier solution is of sufficient volume such that it is operable to fully dissolve the ammonia compound and alcohol in the aqueous carrier solution.
US07691785B2
Compounds of the formula I in which the substituents are as defined in claim 1 are suitable for use as herbicides.
US07691784B2
A main object of the present invention is to provide a receptor layer forming resin which makes it possible to obtain a receptor layer for a thermal transfer image receptor sheet having excellent dyeing property. The present invention achieves the above object by providing a receptor layer forming polyurethane resin for a thermal transfer image receptor sheet obtained by copolymerizing: a high molecular weight polyol having a number average molecular weight of 1000 or higher (A); an organic isocyanate (B); and according to need, a polyol compound having a number average molecular weight of 500 or lower (C), wherein the receptor layer forming polyurethane resin for a thermal transfer image receptor sheet meets the following requirements (1) to (4): (1) the resin has at least two glass transition temperatures; (2) at least one of the glass transition temperatures is between −200 to 0° C., and at least one is between 20 to 100° C.; (3) the high molecular weight polyol (A) is a mixture comprising; an aromatic polyester polyol containing metallic base sulfonate (A-1); and a polyol other than said (A-1) (A-2); and (4) the ratio of (A-2) in the high molecular weight polyol (A) is 20 mass percent or higher.
US07691772B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a catalyst comprising the steps of: producing a metal salt solution containing salts of one or more metals; dispersing the metal salt solution, an organic matter and a porous carrier made of one or more metal oxides in a solvent to form a composite complex comprising one or more metal ions having 10 to 50,000 atoms, the organic matter bonded to the metal ions, and simultaneously make the composite complex carried on the porous carrier; and calcining the carrier having the composite complex carried thereon. The method may further comprise a step of reducing the metal ions on the porous carrier by reducing the carrier, after the step of making the composite complex carried on the carrier.
US07691770B2
A method of making an electrode structure is provided. The method includes disposing an electrocatalytic material on an electrode, applying heat to the electrocatalytic material to form a volatile oxide of the electrocatalytic material, and applying a voltage to the electrode to reduce the volatile oxide to provide a number of nano-sized electrocatalytic particles on or proximate to a triple phase boundary, where the number of nano-sized electrocatalytic particles is greater on or proximate to the triple phase boundary than in an area that is not on or proximate to the triple phase boundary, and where the triple phase boundary is disposed on the electrode.
US07691768B2
A process for the preparation and modification of additives, with a zeolite base and a high silica alumina ratio (SAR) like the ZSM-5, to increase the yield of propene and LPG in low severity FCC operations, that seeks to maximize the production of medium-distillates with low aromaticity and to minimize molecular cracking in the LCO range. The additives involved guarantee an increase in light olefin yields without altering the yield or the quality of the LCO produced. The innovative process includes surprising actions from rare earths (RE) on the active sites of zeolite, that at once partially block their pores and, in this way, make molecular cracking in the medium-distillate range difficult, which preferably occur at low reaction temperatures and keeps the remaining sites quite active. These sites are sufficiently active to crack smaller molecules in the gasoline range, guaranteeing an overall increase in light olefins and allowing the additive involved to be used industrially in operations to maximize medium-distillates in an FCC unit. This new additive may be obtained by modifying any commercial ZSM-5 zeolite additive.
US07691767B2
Provided are a catalyst which inhibits light paraffins form being produced in catalytic cracking of heavy hydrocarbons and which effectively produces olefins and a process in which the above catalyst is used to produce olefins from heavy hydrocarbons at a high yield. The catalyst is a catalytic cracking catalyst for catalytically cracking a hydrocarbon raw material, comprising (A) pentasil type zeolite modified with a rare earth element and zirconium and (B) faujasite type zeolite, and the process is a production process for olefin and a fuel oil, comprising bringing a heavy oil containing 50 mass % or more of a hydrocarbon fraction having a boiling point of 180° C. or higher into contact with the catalyst described above to crack it.
US07691761B2
Provided is thermosetting urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin binder formulation modified with a thickener. The formulation preferably has a viscosity in the range of from 3 to 10 cP and a surface tension of from 35 to 50 mN/m, and is preferably prepared from a binder composition exhibiting a viscosity of from 175 to 250 cP.
US07691760B2
A wipe is provided that includes a first wiping member bonded to a backing member along valleys, whereby the wiping member includes a plurality of discrete peaks, and an adhesive is provided, in one embodiment, in the valleys and not on the peaks.
US07691741B2
A method of forming a bit line of a semiconductor device wherein an etch-stop nitride film, a trench oxide film and a hard mask nitride film are formed on a semiconductor substrate. The hard mask nitride film and the trench oxide film are etched to a limited etch thickness of a photo mask. The remaining trench oxide film is etched using the hard mask nitride film as a mask, thus forming a trench. The etch-stop nitride film and the hard mask nitride film are etched on condition that an oxide film has a high selectivity with respect to a nitride film. Accordingly, the loss of a top surface of the trench oxide film can be minimized and a bit line can be formed to have a uniform height. In accordance with the invention, bit line resistance and capacitance variation can be reduced and the reliability of a device can be improved.
US07691728B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method can produce semiconductor light emitting/detecting devices that have high connective strength and high luminous energy by increasing contact areas of electrodes thereof and decreasing enclosed areas of electrodes thereof. A wafer is provided with a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor epitaxial layer. A plurality of substrate concave portions and epitaxial layer concave portions are formed on the semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor epitaxial layer, respectively. Substrate electrodes and epitaxial layer electrodes are formed in the substrate concave portions and the epitaxial layer concave portions. A substrate surface electrode and an epitaxial layer surface electrode can be formed on the semiconductor substrate and the substrate electrodes and the semiconductor epitaxial layer and the epitaxial layer electrodes, respectively. The wafer can be diced at a location that includes both the substrate electrodes and the epitaxial layer electrodes, and can then be separated to provide the device(s).
US07691726B2
The present disclosure describes microfeature workpieces, microelectronic component packages, and methods of forming microelectronic components and microelectronic component packages. In one particular example, a microelectronic component package includes a substrate and a microelectronic component that has a first surface with a surface area greater than that of a second surface. A cementitious material, e.g., a die attach paste, may attach the second surface of the microelectronic component to a mounting surface of the substrate, with the cementitious material extending outwardly beyond a perimeter of the second surface and covering a surface area of the mounting surface that is no greater than the surface area of the first surface. Such a microelectronic component package may be formed with a smaller footprint or, alternatively, may include a microelectronic component having larger dimensions in a microelectronic component package of the same size.
US07691724B2
A method for manufacturing an SOI substrate, including the steps of implanting hydrogen ions from a main surface of a single-crystal silicon substrate having an interstitial oxygen concentration which is equal to or below 1×1018 cm−3; performing an activation treatment with respect to the main surface of at least one of a transparent insulative substrate and the silicon substrate; bonding the main surface of the transparent insulative substrate to the main surface of the silicon substrate at a room temperature; performing a heat treatment with respect to the bonded substrate at a temperature falling within the range of 350° C. to 550° C. and having a cooling rate after the heat treatment that is equal to or below 5° C./minute; and mechanically delaminating a silicon thin film from the silicon substrate to form a silicon film on the main surface of the transparent insulative substrate.
US07691718B2
In general, in one aspect, a method includes forming a semiconductor substrate having an N+ diffusion region, a shallow trench isolation (STI) region adjacent to the N+ diffusion region, and a blocked salicide poly resistor (BSR) region over the STI region. An oxide layer is over the substrate. A nitride layer is formed over the oxide layer and is annealed. A resist layer is patterned on the annealed nitride layer, wherein the resist layer covers a portion of the BSR region. The annealed nitride layer is etched using the resist layer as a pattern. The resist layer is removed and the oxide layer is etched using the annealed nitride layer as a pattern. Germanium pre-amorphization is implanted into the substrate, wherein the oxide and the annealed nitride layers protect a portion of the BSR region from the implanting.
US07691717B2
A polysilicon containing resistor includes: (1) a p dopant selected from the group consisting of boron and boron difluoride; and (2) an n dopant selected from the group consisting of arsenic and phosphorus. Each of the p dopant and the n dopant has a dopant concentration from about 1e18 to about 1e21 dopant atoms per cubic centimeter. A method for forming the polysilicon resistor uses corresponding implant doses from about 1e14 to about 1e16 dopant ions per square centimeter. The p dopant and the n dopant may be provided simultaneously or sequentially. The method provides certain polysilicon resistors with a sheet resistance percentage standard deviation of less than about 1.5%, for a polysilicon resistor having a sheet resistance from about 100 to about 5000 ohms per square.
US07691711B2
A method of forming a vertical MOSFET device includes forming a first trench within a semiconductor layer of a first polarity, the first trench generally defining a well region of a second polarity opposite the first polarity; growing a first epitaxial well layer of the second polarity over the original semiconductor layer; growing a second epitaxial source contact layer of the first polarity over the well layer; forming a second trench through the source contact layer and at least a portion of the well layer; growing a third epitaxial layer of the second polarity over the source contact layer; and planarizing at least the first and second epitaxial layers so as to expose an upper surface of the original semiconductor layer, wherein a top surface of the third epitaxial layer is substantially coplanar with a top surface of the source contact layer prior to ohmic contact formation.
US07691710B2
A select gate structure for a non-volatile storage system include a select gate and a coupling electrode which are independently drivable. The coupling electrode is adjacent to a word line in a NAND string and has a voltage applied which reduces gate induced drain lowering (GIDL) program disturb of an adjacent unselected non-volatile storage element. In particular, an elevated voltage can be applied to the coupling electrode when the adjacent word line is used for programming. A reduced voltage is applied when a non-adjacent word line is used for programming. The voltage can also be set based on other programming criterion. The select gate is provided by a first conductive region while the coupling electrode is provided by a second conductive region formed over, and isolated from, the first conductive region.
US07691706B2
Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device. In embodiments, the method may include forming a gate dielectric layer on an active region of a semiconductor substrate defined by an isolation region to form a gate conductive layer pattern, etching the isolation region of the semiconductor substrate where the gate conductive layer pattern is formed, to form an isolation trench, forming a polyoxide layer on the gate conductive layer pattern and a sidewall oxide layer in the trench by carrying out an oxidation process, forming a spacer nitride layer on the polyoxide layer and a liner nitride layer on the sidewall oxide layer by carrying out a nitride layer forming process, and then forming a dielectric layer on an entire surface of the resultant structure to fill the trench.
US07691701B1
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of forming gate stacks for field-effect-transistors. The method includes forming a metal-containing layer directly on a first titanium-nitride (TiN) layer, the first TiN layer covering areas of a semiconductor substrate designated for first and second types of field-effect-transistors; forming a capping layer of a second TiN layer on top of the metal-containing layer; patterning the second TiN layer and the metal-containing layer to cover only a first portion of the first TiN layer, the first portion of the first TiN layer covering an area designated for the first type of field-effect-transistors; etching away a second portion of the first TiN layer exposed by the patterning while protecting the first portion of the first TiN layer, from the etching, through covering with at least a portion of thickness of the patterned metal-containing layer; and forming a third TiN layer covering an areas of the semiconductor substrate designated for the second type of field-effect-transistors.
US07691695B2
The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) consisting of a substrate (11) and a semiconductor body (2) comprising a strip-shaped semiconductor region (3,3A,3B) of silicon in which a field effect transistor is formed, wherein a source region (4) of a first conductivity type, a channel region (33) of a second conductivity type opposed to the first, and a drain region (5) of the first conductivity type are arranged in succession, successively, seen in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped semiconductor region (3,3A,3B), and wherein the channel region (33) is provided with a gate dielectric (6), on which a first gate electrode (7) is present on a first vertical side of the strip-shaped semiconductor region (3,3A,3B), which gate electrode (7) is provided with a first connection region (7A), and on which a second gate electrode (8) is present on a second vertical side of the strip-shaped semiconductor region (3,3A,3B) positioned opposite the first vertical side, which second gate electrode (8) is provided with a second connection region (8A). According to the invention the first and second gate electrodes (7,8) completely fill the space on either side of the strip-shaped semiconductor region (3,3A,3B) over the width of the connection regions (7A,8A). In a preferred embodiment the gate electrodes (7,8) each border a horizontal side of the strip-shaped semiconductor region (3,3A,3B). The device (10) according to the invention is very compact, suitable for the sub 45 nm domain and easy to manufacture.
US07691685B2
In the present circumstances, a film formation method of using spin coating in a manufacturing process is heavily used. As increasing the substrate size in future, the film formation method of using spin coating becomes at a disadvantage in mass production since a mechanism for rotating a large substrate becomes large, and there is many loss of material solution or waste liquid. According to the present invention, in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, a microscopic wiring pattern can be realized by delivering selectively photosensitive conductive material solution by droplet discharging, exposing selectively to laser light or the like, and developing. The present invention can reduce drastically costs since a patterning process can be shortened and an amount of material in a process of forming a conductive pattern can be reduced. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to manufacture a large substrate.
US07691684B2
A method of forming an antifuse forms a material layer and then patterns the material layer into a fin. The center portion of the fin is converted into a substantially non-conductive region and the end portions of the fin into conductors. The process of converting the center portion of the fin into an insulator allows a process of heating the fin above a predetermined temperature to convert the insulator into a conductor. Thus, the fin-type structure that can be selectively converted from an insulator into a permanent conductor using a heating process.
US07691681B2
A flip chip lead frame package includes a die and a lead frame having a die paddle and leads, and has interconnection between the active site of the die and the die paddle. Also, methods for making the package are disclosed.
US07691674B1
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a first lead, having a first body and a first tip, and a paddle, having a protrusion at a side of the paddle, with the first body adjacent to the protrusion; forming a second lead having a second body and a second tip adjacent to the paddle; attaching a device, having a device active side, to the paddle and adjacent to the protrusion; mounting a component, having a component active side, to the device with the component active side facing the device active side and between the second body and the first tip; connecting the component and the second body; and forming an encapsulation covering the device, and partially covering the paddle, the component, the first lead, and the second lead.
US07691670B2
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to techniques which avoid the problems of deformation in the shape of a solder connection in a flip chip package, resulting from solder reflow. In one embodiment, a solder-repellent surface is created adjacent to the solder to constrain the reflow and thereby maintain the vertical profile of the solder. Examples of such a solder-repellent surface include an oxide (such as Brown Oxide) of the lead frame, or a tape (such as Kapton) which is used as a dam bar to control/constrain the solder flow on the leads prior to the encapsulation step. In another embodiment, the solder connection may be formed from at least two components. The first component may reflow at high temperatures to provide the necessary adhesion between solder ball and the die, with the second component reflowing at a lower temperature to provide the necessary adhesion between the solder ball and the leads. An example of such multi-component connections include a first high temperature reflow solder ball paired with a second low temperature reflow solder. Another example includes a solder ball with a hard core (such as Cu, stainless steel, or a plastic material stable at high temperatures) coated with a lower temperature reflow material.
US07691666B2
A thin film transistor comprises a zinc-oxide-containing semiconductor material. Such transistors can further comprise spaced apart first and second contact means or electrodes in contact with said material. Further disclosed is a process for fabricating a thin film transistor device, wherein the substrate temperature is no more than 300° C. during fabrication.
US07691665B2
The present invention relates to a process for reducing the mobility of an semiconductor (OSC) layer in an electronic device, which has a semiconducting channel area, in specific areas outside said channel area by applying an oxidzing agent to the OSC layer.
US07691663B2
A method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor includes: preparing a semiconductor substrate incorporating therein a p-type epitaxial layer by epitaxially growing up an upper portion of the semiconductor substrate; forming a pixel array in one predetermined location of the semiconductor substrate, the pixel array having a plurality of transistors and a photodiode therein, wherein each transistor employs a gate insulator with a thickness ranging from 40 Å to 90 Å; and forming a logic circuit in the other predetermined location of the semiconductor substrate, the logic circuit having at least one transistor, wherein the transistor employs a gate insulator with a thickness ranging from 5 Å to 40 Å.
US07691656B2
A semiconductor component has a plurality of GaN-based layers, which are preferably used to generate radiation, produced in a fabrication process. In the process, the plurality of GaN-based layers are applied to a composite substrate that includes a substrate body and an interlayer. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate body is similar to or preferably greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the GaN-based layers, and the GaN-based layers are deposited on the interlayer. The interlayer and the substrate body are preferably joined by a wafer bonding process.
US07691640B2
A biochemical marker for the diagnosis of a central nervous system leukodystrophic genetic disorder, e.g., Childhood Onset Ataxia and Central Nervous System Hypomyelination (CACH)/Vanishing White Matter Disease (VWM) has been discovered herein. Such a marker has been found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of such patients. A two dimensional gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry or image analysis of stained transferrin isoforms approach revealed that patients with CACH/VWM have a pronounced deficiency of the basic asialo form of the transferrin compared to the amounts of asialotransferrin normally present in CSF from healthy controls or other CNS disorders. The acidic sialotransferrin isoform is not reduced in these disorders. The transferrin isoform abnormality described in the CSF of patients with CACH/VWM is unique and may be used as a clinical diagnostic biomarker. The rapid (48 hr) and efficient diagnosis of this disorder described herein will have great clinical utility.
US07691638B2
The present invention is directed to methods for determining electron transfer rates in systems involving metalloproteins. Metalloprotein/substrate electron transfer rates as well as metalloprotein self exchange rates may be modeled. Such electron transfer rates are useful in smart drug design and enzyme engineering.
US07691636B2
A flow cytometer subsystems monitors a particle sensing zone within a fluid transport chamber for the presence of a particle (e.g., blood cell) traveling therethrough, and produces an output pulse, whose width is representative of the trajectory and thereby the length of time that the particle is within the particle sensing zone as it travels through the fluid transport chamber. This output pulse is then processed in accordance with geometry parameters of successive time delay zones of the particle fluid transport chamber through which the particle passes, in order to derive a composite time delay between the sensing of the particle to the time at which a fluid droplet containing the particle will break off from the carrier fluid. The composite time delay is employed to accurately establish the time at which the particle is controllably charged as the particle breaks off from the carrier fluid.
US07691635B2
The present invention relates to a temperature-stable labeling reagent of formula (0): in which: R1 represents H or an alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl group, R2 represents a detectable marker or at least two detectable markers interlinked by at least one multimeric structure, L is a linker arm comprising a linear chain of at least two covalent bonds and n is an integer equal to 0 or 1, R3 and R4 represent, independently of one another: H, NO2, Cl, Br, F, I, R2-(L)n-Y—X—, OR, SR, NR2, R, NHCOR, CONHR, COOR, —CO—NH—(CH2)3—(O—CH2—CH2)3—CH2—NH—R2, —CO—NH—(CH2)3—(O—CH2—CH2)4—CH2—NH—R2 with R=alkyl or aryl, A is a linker arm comprising at least one covalent double bond enabling the conjugation of the diazo function with the aromatic ring and u is an integer between 0 and 2, preferably 0 or 1, —Y—X— represents —CONH—, —NHCO—, —CH2O—, —CH2S—, —Z— represents —NH—, —NHCO—, —CONH— or —O—, m is an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 1 and 3, and p is an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 1 and 3. The present invention also describes a method for the synthesis of said labels and also applications for the labeling of biological molecules, in particular of nucleic acids, with a labeling reagent bearing the diazomethyl function.The invention is particularly suitable for use in the field of diagnostics.
US07691627B2
The invention provides recombinant human CAR (coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor) polypeptides which bind adenovirus. Specifically, polypeptides corresponding to adenovirus binding domain D1 and the entire extracellular domain of human CAR protein comprising D1 and D2 are provided. In another aspect, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding these domains and expression vectors for producing the domains and bacterial cells containing such vectors. The invention also includes an isolated fusion protein comprised of the D1 polypeptide fused to a polypeptide which facilitates folding of D1 when expressed in bacteria. The functional D1 domain finds application in a therapeutic method for treating a patient infected with a CAR D1-binding virus, and also in a method for identifying an antiviral compound which interferes with viral attachment. The invention also provides a method for specifically targeting a cell for infection by a virus which binds to D1.
US07691626B2
A self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use in which a cell culture may be stored frozen for an extended period, then thawed, incubated and grown in a closed system without additional processing or added constituents. The apparatus and method readily lend themselves to automated handling and analysis by MEMS devices, and find particular application in micro gravity and/or high radiation environments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.
US07691622B2
An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.
US07691617B2
The present invention relates to an acid-stable alpha amylase (asAA) derived from a strain of Aspergillus kawachi, which has granular starch hydrolyzing (GSH) activity, the heterologous expression of the asAA having GSH activity in filamentous fungal host cells and enzyme compositions including the same which optionally include glucoamylase.
US07691612B2
The invention provides recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors containing B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US07691611B2
The invention relates to a process for the production of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), and to a composition comprising IL-18BP characterized by a specific glycosylation pattern.
US07691609B2
A modified Family 11 xylanase enzyme comprising a sequence that introduces a functional consensus glycosylation site is provided. Non-limiting examples of introduced glycosylation sites include mutation of the amino acid at position 34, 131, 180, 182, or a combination thereof, to an asparagine. The indicated amino acid position in the Family 11 xylanase is determined from sequence alignment of the xylanase of interest with that of a Trichoderma reesei xylanase II amino acid sequence. The introduced consensus glycosylation site facilitates increased expression efficiency of the modified xylanase when compared to the expression efficiency of a corresponding xylanase from which the modified xylanase was derived, using similar host strains and growth conditions.
US07691606B2
GDNFRα, GDNFRα extracellular domain (ECD), GDNFRα variants, chimeric GDNFRα (e.g., GDNFRα immunoadhesin), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing antibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for these molecules are described, including methods to modulate cell activity and survival by response to GDNFRα-ligands, for example GDNF, by providing GDNFRα to the cell. Also provided are methods for using GDNFRα, GDNF, or agonists thereof, separately or in complex, to treat kidney diseases.
US07691604B1
The invention relates generally to novel genes expressed in normal but not neurogenin-1-deficient animals. The invention relates specifically to a novel family of G protein-coupled receptors and a novel family of two-transmembrane segment proteins that are expressed in dorsal root ganglia, and a method of screening for genes specifically expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons.
US07691602B1
The present invention is directed to methods and systems for rapidly identifying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and the like that may be present in an agricultural specimen. The methods of the present invention provide a process for rapidly and accurately identifying infectious or pathogenic microorganisms without the need for culturing. In addition, the methods of the present invention provide processes for assaying harvested agricultural crops for the presence of statistically significant quantities of microorganisms.
US07691597B2
The invention provides a method for measuring the protease activity of a transglutaminase-containing product comprising: mixing an aqueous solution (sample solution) of a transglutaminase-containing product and an aqueous solution of dimethylcasein in a prescribed ratio of transglutaminase activity to quantity of dimethylcasein, allowing the mixture to stand under prescribed conditions to cause a degradation reaction by protease to progress, adding an acid, filtering, and measuring the concentration of the protein in the filtrate. The invention is particularly useful for transglutaminase formulation for binding application and transglutaminase formulation for Surimi product.
US07691595B2
Methods for quantitatively measuring the amount of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods involve providing a solid phase apparatus comprising a membrane having an application point, a sample capture zone, and a control capture zone, where the sample capture region is between the application point and the control capture zone; and providing a sample collection apparatus comprising a population of analyte binding particles or a population of analyte coated particles. In the assays, a fluid sample is introduced into the sample collection apparatus, and the resultant mixture is applied to the application point of the membrane. The fluid allows transport components of the assay by capillary action to and through the sample capture zone and subsequently to and through the control capture zone. The amount of analyte in the fluid sample is related (e.g., either directly or inversely) to a corrected particle amount, which can be determined, for example, as a ratio of the amount of particles in the sample capture zone and the amount of particles in the control capture zone.
US07691587B2
The present invention provides BoNT/B peptides, BoNT/B peptide compositions, tolerogizing compositions, immune response inducing compositions, as well as methods of determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of treating immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of reducing anti-botulinum toxin antibodies in an individual and methods of inducing a BoNT/B immune response an individual.
US07691585B2
The present invention provides polypeptides and compositions comprising amino acid residues 23 to 108 of SEQ ID NO: 2, polypeptides and compositions comprising amino acid residues 28 to 108 of SEQ ID NO: 2, including affinity tags and the like, useful for stimulating gastrointestinal contractility, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and treating gastroparesis.
US07691582B2
The present invention relates to methods for screening and modulating the bioavailability of extracellular secretory vimentin. In particular, the present invention provides inhibitors and activators of secretory vimentin including antibodies, small interfering RNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides. The present invention thus provides novel drug targets for enhanced anti-microbial response, and methods of using such modulators to beneficially alter the pathophysiologic effects of secretory vimentin.
US07691581B2
The present invention relates to a carrier for diagnostics and/or follow-up of a Treponema infection and to a diagnostic method using said carrier. According to the invention a carrier is provided for diagnostics and/or follow-up of a Treponema infection, said carrier comprising at least one immobilized cardiolipin and at least one immobilized Treponema-specific antigen. Furthermore, a method is provided for diagnostics and/or follow-up using the carrier.
US07691580B2
Systems, methods and kits that utilize uniquely coded microparticles for performing protein assays are provided. The uniquely coded microparticles are used as a substrate for reverse protein delivery into cells. The microparticles and methods offer the possibility of studying the biological functions of either a single protein of interest in multiple cell types per assay or multiple proteins in a single cell type.
US07691578B2
The present invention relates to therapeutic compositions for treating or preventing obesity and obesity-related disorders in a subject. The present invention also relates to the use of PGC-1 expression levels to determine the safe dosage range for known or putative respiration uncoupling agents for use as anti-obesity therapeutics. The present invention further relates to methods for identifying new compounds that have respiration uncoupling activity.
US07691577B2
The present invention provides SELF protein having controlling effects on growth and differentiation of undifferentiated cells, wherein the protein contains a novel EGF-like repeat sequence, SELF gene encoding the same, a recombinant vector and a transformed cell containing the SELF gene, a method for treatment or prophylaxis with SELF protein or a recombinant expression vector containing SELF gene, SELF promoter, a recombinant vector and a transformed cell containing SELF promoter, and a screening method using the transformed cell containing SELF promoter.
US07691571B2
The invention provides methods to detect Bordetella pertussis and/or Bordetella parapertussis in a biological sample. Primers and probes for the differential detection of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting B. pertussis and/or B. parapertussis are further provided by the invention.
US07691569B2
Methods of diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection, in a patient by detecting the expression level of one or more genes in a patient, are described. Diagnostic oligonucleotides for diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection and kits or systems containing the same are also described.
US07691559B2
A method of performing immersion lithography on a semiconductor wafer is provided. The method includes providing a layer of resist onto a surface of the semiconductor wafer. Next, an edge-bead removal process spins the wafer at a speed greater than 1000 revolutions per minute and dispenses solvent through a nozzle while the wafer is spinning. Then, the resist layer is exposed using an immersion lithography exposure system.
US07691553B2
A kneaded material obtained by heating and melt-kneading a toner composition and a water-based medium containing water are put into a container of a granulating apparatus, and heated by a heater while agitating, to disperse the kneaded material into the water-based medium in its softened state. A temperature at which a loss tangent value of the kneaded material reaches a predetermined loss tangent value A, specifically, 0.5 or more and less than 5.0, is inputted to a granulating temperature input section as a setting granulating temperature T1. The heater is then controlled by a control section so that a granulating temperature as a temperature of the water-based medium measured by a thermometer reaches the setting granulating temperature T1 inputted to the input section. Accordingly, the granulating temperature as a temperature of the water-based medium, and thus a temperature of the kneaded material in the water-based medium is adjusted to T1.
US07691547B2
A reticle includes an image area having one or more electrically conductive portions susceptible to damage by an electric field and an electric field sensor feature, the sensor feature adapted to be at least as susceptible to being altered by the electric field as the electrically conductive portions of the image area, the sensor feature being located in a position which is more readily viewable to show alteration than the electrically conductive portions of the image area.
US07691538B2
In a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to an embodiment of the invention, a nonaqueous electrolyte contains: a tertiary carboxylate ester represented by the following general formula (1) in an amount of a range of 3% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less based on the total mass of the nonaqueous solvent: where R1, R2, R3, R4 represent a (C1 to 4) alkyl group, respectively, and one or more acid anhydride selected from succinic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, and glycolic anhydride in an amount of a range of 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less based on the total mass of the nonaqueous electrolyte. By containing such a constitution, in other words, by containing a nonaqueous solvent capable of stabilizing the coating film of the negative electrode, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which not only can satisfactory cycle performance and retention characteristics be obtained, but also the overcharging performance is largely improved, can be provided.
US07691526B2
A spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from devices including but not limited to batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the leaks and spills from spreading. The system not only detects leaks, but also indicates whether a leak has occurred. The system can communicate with personnel or devices to raise an alarm or cause corrective measures to occur. The spill containment system includes a battery rack inside a battery rack cabinet having a door. To open the door and gain access to the batteries, one of the rigid containment rails is removed such that the exposed flexible corrosion-resistant liner may be flexed to permit the opening and closing of the door.
US07691521B2
A solid oxide fuel cell comprising a solid oxide electrolyte layer, a cathode layer on a cathode side of the electrolyte layer and an anode layer on an anode side of the electrolyte layer, and wherein a hydrocarbon reforming layer is also disposed on the anode side of the electrolyte layer, said hydrocarbon reforming layer having a composition different from that of the anode layer and comprising a catalyst for promoting a hydrocarbon steam reforming reaction and a component, or a precursor of such a component for alleviating carbon deposition on the hydrocarbon reforming layer.
US07691516B2
A fuel cell system optimizing the ratio of width of a channel to a width of a rib forming a passage for supplying fuel and air, the ratio of width thereof to a height of a channel, and the number of passages, thereby improving the fuel diffusing performance and reducing a pressure drop therein is provided. The fuel cell system includes at least one stack for generating electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, a fuel supply portion for supplying fuel to the stack, and an oxygen supply portion for supplying oxygen to the stack. The stack is formed into a stacked configuration having a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies separated by separators. The separators have ribs which closely contact the adjacent membrane electrode assemblies and form channels through which the oxygen and hydrogen flow. The ratio of the width of a channel to the height of the same is between about 0.6 and about 0.8.
US07691515B2
A process for making an ion-conducting polymer comprises cross-linking polymers having functional groups such as alkyne groups and azide groups. An example ion-conducting polymer has cross-links including nitrogen-containing heterocycles formed by the reaction between the functional groups, such as 1,2,3-triazole groups formed by a cycloaddition reaction between alkyne and azide groups. The ion-conducting polymer may be used in an ion-electrolyte membrane. Examples include a proton-electrolyte membrane useful for fuel cells.
US07691513B2
A proton conductor comprises a base material, an acidic substance and a basic substance, wherein the acidic substance has protons; at least part of the protons are dissociated by the basic substance; and at least one of the acidic and basic substances is immobilized on a surface of the base material. At least part of the acidic substance and/or at least part of the basic substance may be a polymer. A powder or a porous body having pores or through-holes can be used as the base material. An organic compound having a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part in the molecule can be used as the at least one of the acidic and basic substances.
US07691512B2
A condenser condenses an unused exhaust gas exhausted from a fuel cell and recovers water, condensation-capacity detection means always monitors the condensation capacity of the condenser, control means controls an output of heat-transport-medium circulation means, stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell in heat-using means when a sufficient condensation capacity is left, and stops the heat-transport-medium circulation means to complete exhaust-heat recovery when the condensation capacity lowers. Moreover, a fuel cell, a cooling pipe through which a first heating medium of carrying the heat of the fuel cell circulates, a cooling-water pump of circulating the first heating medium, and a fuel-cell-temperature detector of detecting the temperature of the fuel cell are used to operate a cooling-water pump until the temperature detected by the fuel-cell-temperature detector becomes a predetermine threshold value or less even after supply of a fuel and an oxidant to the fuel cell is stopped.
US07691507B2
A combination fuel cell and hydrogen or oxygen pump includes an electrochemical cell comprising an anode inlet for receiving fuel, an anode outlet for exhausting fuel, a cathode inlet for receiving oxidant, a cathode outlet for exhausting oxidant, and first and second electrical connectors. A controller is operable for applying an electrical load to the electrochemical cell for generating electricity, and for applying an electrical potential to the electrochemical cell for purifying hydrogen or purifying oxygen. Methods and infrastructure systems are also disclosed.
US07691500B2
Embodiments of the present invention help to provide an excellent perpendicular recording medium of high medium signal-to-noise (S/N) and with suppressed blurring in writing. According to one embodiment, a perpendicular recording layer is provided by way of a negative magnetic strain soft-magnetic underlayer above a substrate applied with texturing in the circumferential direction. The soft-magnetic underlayer has a first soft magnetic layer, a second soft magnetic layer and a nonmagnetic magnetic layer formed between the first soft magnetic layer and the second soft magnetic layer in which the first soft magnetic layer and the second soft magnetic layer are antiferromagnetically coupled to each other and the easy magnetization axis is directed in the radial direction.
US07691496B2
Disclosed herein is a cutting tool having high toughness and abrasion resistance, in which a coated cutting tool including a cemented carbide substrate, a cermet substrate or a ceramic substrate coated with a hard coating film by means of chemical vapor deposition, moderate temperature-chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition, and/or a cemented carbide cutting tool, a cermet cutting tool or a ceramic cutting tool are subjected to wet blasting using 10-300 μm sized particles to decrease residual tensile stress or increase residual compressive stress, thereby improving toughness, and also, reducing surface roughness of the cutting tool, thus remarkably increasing chipping resistance and flaking resistance.
US07691493B2
A main chain-type or side chain-type polymeric compound having a structure wherein at least one metal complex segment having a plurality ligands is introduced into a main chain or a side chain is provided. In the case where the polymeric compound is the main chain-type polymeric compound, the metal complex segment has at least one ligand constituting a polymer main chain of the polymeric compound and having a carbon atom and oxygen atom bonded to a metal atom. On the other hand, in the case where the polymeric compound is the side chain-type polymeric compound, a polymer main chain thereof has a conjugated structure, preferably a conjugated double bond. A ligand for the polymeric compound includes a chain or cyclic ligand, of which a bidentate ligand having an organic cyclic structure is preferred, and the ligand has at least one carbon atom or oxygen atom and is bonded to a center metal atom, preferably iridium, via the carbon atom or oxygen atom. In a case of forming a luminescence layer by using the polymeric compound as a luminescent material, a resultant organic luminescence device is less liable to cause a concentration extinction and is a high-luminescence efficiency device excellent in stability.
US07691489B2
An aluminum alloy, a clad or unclad material for a brazed product containing the alloy as a core, and a method for producing the material, wherein the material is used for manufacturing the brazed product from the alloy.
US07691484B2
Coating compositions are disclosed that include a film-forming resin, a colorant, a long chain alkyl group containing polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated compound, and a diluent. Also disclosed are substrates at least partially coated with such compositions, substrates at least partially coated with a multi-layer composite coating comprising at least one coating layer deposited from such compositions, and methods for improving the adhesion of a multi-layer composite coating system to a porous substrate.
US07691481B2
A composite article includes an acrylic layer, a UV-cured layer formed from a UV-curable composition, and a polyurethane backing layer. A method of forming the composite article includes applying the UV-curable composition to the acrylic layer such that the composition is between the acrylic layer and the polyurethane backing layer to enhance bonding between these layers. The UV-curable composition includes at least one monomer which is an ethylenically unsaturated methacrylate monomer, an ethylenically unsaturated acrylate monomer, or both. The at least one monomer has a hydroxy functional group. The monomer is compatible with the acrylic layer and the hydroxy functional group of the monomer is reactive with a polyisocyanate from the polyurethane backing layer. The UV-curable composition also includes a curing initiator that is reactive with the monomer. Upon exposure of the UV-curable composition to UV electromagnetic radiation, the curing initiator enables the composition to cure to the acrylic layer.
US07691476B2
The invention provides a durable, lubricious coating for a medical article that can be prepared from a first polymer that is synthetic, soluble in a polar liquid, and having first reactive groups, and a second polymer that is synthetic, hydrophilic, and that includes second reactive groups. The first reactive groups and a portion of the second reactive groups react to bond the first polymer to the second polymer. A portion of the second reactive groups remains unbonded which, upon neutralization, provide lubricious properties to the coating. In some aspects the coating is formed using a crosslinking agent having latent reactive groups. The coatings provide particularly long dry out times and are very useful for catheterization processes. In addition, the coatings can be subject to sterilization with ethylene oxide and retain very good durable and lubricious properties.
US07691473B2
The present invention relates to a fiber-reinforced composite material and a method for manufacturing the same, and also relates to a transparent multilayered sheet, a circuit board, and an optical waveguide.
US07691471B2
The present invention is directed to the use polycyclic diamines. These diamines, when polymerized with dianhydrides, and optionally other non-polycyclic diamines are used to form new polyamic acids. The polyamic acids can be imidized to form a new class of useful polyimide resins and polyimide films, particularly in electronics type applications.
US07691469B2
A ceramic multilayer substrate exhibiting reduced pealing and breakage of an internal conductor disposed between a ceramic layer serving as a base member and a ceramic layer for restricting shrinkage includes a first ceramic layer 11, a second ceramic layer 12 laminated so as to come into contact with a principal surface of the first ceramic layer 11, and an internal conductor 13 disposed between the first ceramic layer 11 and the second ceramic layer 12, a phosphorus component layer 16a is disposed in the first ceramic layer 11 with a concentration gradient in which the concentration decreases in a direction away from the internal conductor 13.
US07691465B2
Drop cloth systems include drop cloths having edge supports extending along two opposite edges of the drop cloths for preventing folding of the opposite edges along which the edge supports extend. Extending between the edge supports is at least one spring strip having the property of being substantially straight when unwound to maintain the drop cloths substantially spread out on the surface area to be protected. Also the spring strips have the property of being windable to permit the drop cloths to be rolled up from one of the opposite edges along which the edge supports extend for easy storage and transportation when not in use.
US07691459B2
An inorganic fine particle-containing composition comprising a silylation-treated inorganic oxide fine particle, which comprises 1.4 or more silyl groups per a surface area of 1 nm2 of the inorganic oxide fine particle.
US07691457B2
A liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that includes two components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (1), and the second component is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (2): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, an alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons and an alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; R3 is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, an alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, an alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons and an alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; Z1 is selected from the group consisting of a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy and methyleneoxy; X1 and X2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine and chlorine; and s is 0 or 1.
US07691455B2
The instant invention relates to dielectrically positive liquid crystalline media comprising a dielectrically positive component, component A, comprising a dielectrically positive compound of formula I wherein the parameters have the meaning given in the specification, and optionally a second dielectrically positive component, component B, comprising one or more dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of more than 3 and optionally a dielectric neutral component, component C, as well as to liquid crystal displays comprising these media, especially to active matrix displays and in particular to TN and to IPS displays.
US07691447B2
A container made of a porous material and coated with precious metal nanoparticles is disclosed. The method of making it includes: adding precious metal nanoparticles and intermedium particles to a solution; maintaining the solution at a first temperature; heating a container body made of a porous material at a second temperature; and immersing the container body in the solution wherein the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature causes the precious metal nanoparticles and intermedium particles to permeate into the pores of the container body. The resultant container has precious metal nanoparticles not only attached to its surface but also within its pores.
US07691445B2
A method of using a film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process includes removing by a cleaning gas a by-product film deposited on an inner surface of a reaction chamber of the film formation apparatus, and then chemically planarizing the inner surface of the reaction chamber by a planarizing gas. The inner surface contains as a main component quartz or silicon carbide. The removing is performed while supplying the cleaning gas into the reaction chamber, and setting the reaction chamber at a first temperature and first pressure to activate the cleaning gas. The planarizing is performed while supplying the planarizing gas into the reaction chamber, and setting the reaction chamber at a second temperature and second pressure to activate the planarizing gas. The planarizing gas contains fluorine gas and hydrogen gas.
US07691438B2
A method for producing enzyme granulates, the resulting enzyme granulates, and their use in formulations, e.g., for animal feed, food, washing means, rinsing means, and/or for pharmaceutical purposes and the like. The enzyme granulates show, in particular, a high relative percentage of active enzymes, certain grain sizes, good storage stability, especially small roundness factor, and/or low residual moisture percentage as well as preferably additional specific properties. According to the invention, the enzyme granulates are produced by linking the thermal conditions in the spray zone and the temperature conditions in the remaining region of the fluidized bed. In the process according to the invention, this is achieved in that the supply of heated processing gas is realized for drying exclusively in the injection region. The reliable supply of particles in the injection region is realized through the special geometrical shape of the apparatus under the use of gravity. Through the addition of inert particles as nuclei material for cores, the absolute content of enzyme activity of the enzyme granulate can be controlled.
US07691437B2
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising the steps of: (i) providing an essentially solvent-free mixture comprising one or more free radically polymerizable monomers having one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one free-radical polymerization initiator, (ii) partially polymerizing said mixture to provide a partially polymerized mixture exhibiting a Brookfield viscosity of between 1,000 and 125,000 mPa·s at 20° C. and a degree of conversion of monomers to polymer of between 30-60 wt. % with respect to the initial mass of the monomers prior to polymerization, (iii) adding one or more free-radical radiation polymerization initiators to the partially polymerized mixture to provide a radiation-curable precursor, (iv) applying the radiation-curable precursor to a substrate, and (v) further polymerizing the radiation-curable precursor by subjecting it to actinic irradiation to provide said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
US07691436B2
Elastomeric film-like products such as natural latex gloves are coated with novel lubricity compositions and compositions which protect the skin of the wearer from certain undesirable medical conditions. In powder-free gloves, the coating composition comprises colloidal oatmeal enhanced water, beta glucan solution, and/or colloidal oatmeal gel, optionally in combination with one or more other starch components. Colloidal oatmeal enhanced water, and methods of making the colloidal oatmeal enhanced water, are also disclosed. In addition, beta glucan solution, and methods of making the beta glucan solution, are also disclosed. Furthermore, colloidal oatmeal gel, and methods of making the colloidal oatmeal gel, are also disclosed. A liquid referred to herein as Polycoat may also be made by mixing one or more of colloidal oatmeal enhanced water, beta glucan solution, and colloidal oatmeal gel, and the resulting liquid may be applied to elastomeric articles such as gloves.
US07691428B2
A mono-, di-, and triglyceride emulsifier composition is provided that is obtained by the interesterification or glycerolysis of triglycerides with glycerol. The diglyceride portion w/w is at least about 65% to about 80%, and most preferably from about 70% to about 80% (HiDi). The high diglyceride emulsifier is useful in preparing a trans free shortening from a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil for use in bakery goods, which then have a significantly lower saturated fat content and a substantially higher polyunsaturated level than heretofore available when a conventional mono- and diglyceride emulsifier is used in the goods. A preferred shortening that is predominantly in stable beta prime crystalline form is prepared by mixing on a weight to weight basis from about 10% to about 30%, and preferably about 15% to 20%, of the HiDi composition, with the remainder being non-hydrogenated soybean oil.
US07691422B2
The present invention relates to oral pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions for the treatment of cellulite containing Vitis vinifera extracts, Centella asiatica triterpenes and dimeric Ginkgo biloba flavonoids, in the free form or complexed with phospholipids.
US07691414B2
Membrane proteins are difficult to express in recombinant form, purify, and characterize, at least in part due to their hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic properties. Membrane scaffold proteins (MSP) assemble with target membrane or other hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic proteins or membrane fragments to form soluble nanoscale particles which preserve their native structure and function; they are improved over liposomes and detergent micelles. In the presence of phospholipid, MSPs form nanoscopic phospholipid bilayer disks, with the MSP stabilizing the particle at the perimeter of the bilayer domain. The particle bilayer structure allows manipulation of incorporated proteins in solution or on solid supports, including for use with such surface-sensitive techniques as scanning probe microscopy or surface plasmon resonance. The nanoscale particles facilitate pharmaceutical and biological research, structure/function correlation, structure determination, bioseparation, and drug discovery.
US07691406B2
A composition of matter comprising a capsule or tablet, sized and designed for oral ingestion by a human, containing the 3R-3′R stercoisorner of zeaxanthin. The 3R-3′R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin constitutes at least about 90 percent of all zeaxanthin, while S-S and S-R stereoisomers constitute less than about 10 percent of all zeaxanthin in the capsule or tablet. The capsule or tablet contains a sufficient quantity of the 3R-3′R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin to cause a detectable increase in zeaxanthin concentration in retinal tissue, or at least about 0.5 milligrams. It can be concentrated into an oily fluid or prepared in a microencapsulated granular formulation. The zeaxanthin can also be added to various types of foods, such as margarine, dairy products, syrup, cookie dough, and meat preparations. When consumed, the zeaxanthin can help treat and prevent eye diseases including macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss.
US07691400B2
A medical device having a drug-eluting coating that includes a pharmaceutical compound or, more generally, a therapeutic material housed within pores of a zeolite carrier. The zeolite carrier has an open porous structure with reservoirs for holding the therapeutic material. The therapeutic material loaded zeolites may be suspended or dispersed within a bioerodible polymer matrix to provide controlled delivery of the therapeutic material. Zeolite drug carriers may have enhanced or optimally engineered pore sizes for a particular therapeutic material and release profile. Along with a therapeutic material, reservoirs of a zeolite drug delivery system may include a release agent. The release agent may be used to entrap the therapeutic material until such time as a triggering condition is met that prompts the release agent to activate and thereby release the therapeutic material from the zeolite reservoir.
US07691397B2
Compositions may include long-chain organic molecules obtained from natural oils, particularly plant, bean, seed and nut oils, and their derivatives can be provided with increased oxygen stability by their combination with mixtures of particular classes of antioxidants, particularly combinations of at least one synthetic free-radical terminating antioxidant. The stabilization combination is particularly effective in combination with long-chain oils having less than 5% methylene interrupted unsaturation and free-radical terminating antioxidants present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5% or more by weight of the long-chain oils. The long-chain oil may include a natural oil or wax, such as Macadamia oil and its derivatives, Moringa oil and its derivatives, Babassu oil and its derivatives, Meadowfoam oil and its derivatives, and High Oleic Sunflower oil.
US07691395B2
The invention provides BASB119 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB119 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.
US07691391B2
The present invention relates to monoparamunity inducers based on paramunizing viruses or viral components of a myxomavirus strain from rabbits with typically generalizing disease, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as medicaments for the regulatory optimization of the paramunizing activities for the prophylaxis and therapy of various dysfunctions in humans and animals.
US07691390B2
The present invention is directed to an isolated polypeptide containing SEQ ID NO: 1 or an immunogenic fragment thereof. Also disclosed is an isolated nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide or containing a sequence at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3. Within the scope of this invention are related expression vectors, host cells, and antibodies. Also disclosed are methods of producing the polypeptide, diagnosing coronavirus infection, and identifying a test compound for treating coronavirus infection.
US07691374B2
The present invention provides a method for enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents for therapy of cancer including tumors and other angiogenesis-associated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The method comprises the steps of administering to an individual in need of treatment, a combination of an anti-endoglin antibody and a chemotherapeutic agent. The anti-endoglin antibody and the chemotherapeutic agent may be administered sequentially or concurrently.
US07691367B2
The present invention provides branched polyalkylene glycols useful as a chemically modifying agent for physiologically active polypeptides, wherein two single-chain polyalkylene glycols are linked to a group having a cyclic structure other than a plane structure, and wherein a group having reactivity with an amino acid side chain, an N-terminal amino group or a C-terminal carboxyl group in a polypeptide or a group convertible into the group having reactivity is linked to the group having a structure other than a plane structure.
US07691365B2
The present application discloses a method of treating a disease that is treatable by therapeutic angiogenesis comprising administering to a needy subject an effective amount of a chimeric coiled coil molecule comprising a coiled-coil domain linked to a receptor binding domain of a ligand.
US07691364B2
Compounds selected from: where DRUG-OH, DRUG-COOH and DRUG-NH2 are biologically active compounds; each X is independently selected from —CH2COO-(glycolic acid moiety), —CH(CH3)COO-(lactic acid moiety), —CH2CH2OCH2COO-(dioxanone moiety), —CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COO-(caprolactone moiety), —(CH2)yCOO—, where y is 2-4 or 6-24 and —(CH2CH2O)zCH2COO—, where z is 2-24; each Y is independently selected from —COCH2O-(glycolic ester moiety), —COCH(CH3)O-(lactic ester moiety), —COCH2OCH2CH2O-(dioxanone ester moiety), —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O-(caprolactone ester moiety), —CO(CH2)mO—, where m is 2-4 or 6-24 and —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n-where n is between 2-24; R′ is hydrogen, benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched; and p is 1-6. Multi-functional compounds and drug dimers, oligomers and polymers are also disclosed.
US07691363B2
An active or functional organic compound is solubilized in a phenylethyl ester, e.g. an aryl carboxylic ester of 2-phenylethyl alcohol, as a solvent, cosolvent or additive, to form a composition thereof. Representative active or functional organic compounds include personal care products, e.g. sunscreens containing UVA/UVB absorbing compounds, such as avobenzone and benzophenone-3. Such compositions also show increased critical wavelength and UVA/UVB absorbance ratio performance properties.
US07691360B2
The present invention is concerned with a process and a plant for the production of sulphuric acid wherein a sulphur dioxide-containing feed gas is converted, at least in part, with oxygen in at least two contact stages of main contacts arranged in series, to generate sulphur trioxide, and wherein generated sulphur trioxide-containing gas is conducted to an absorber and converted therein to sulphuric acid. In order to be able to economically process feed gases of a sulphur dioxide content of between 13 and 66% by volume to sulphuric acid, using conventional catalysts, it is suggested to withdraw from a contact stage connected upstream of the last main contact stage, a partial stream of the sulphur dioxide- and sulphur trioxide-containing gas, to mix the said partial stream with the feed gas to generate a contact gas of a sulphur dioxide content of more than 13% by volume, and to return the same to the first contact stage.
US07691357B2
A by-product mixture produced when polycrystalline silicon is deposited on a base material in a CVD reactor is made to react with chlorine to form a tetrachlorosilane (STC) effluent in a chlorination reaction vessel, and the tetrachlorosilane (STC) distillate is made to react with hydrogen in a hydrogenation reaction vessel to be converted into trichlorosilane (TCS). In the chlorination step, poly-silane contained in the above described by-product mixture can be efficiently recycled as a raw material for producing the polycrystalline silicon, which can enhance a yield of the production process. In addition, in the chlorination step, methyl chlorosilanes having boiling points close to TCS are hyper-chlorinated to be converted into hyper-chlorinated methyl chlorosilanes having higher boiling points, which facilitates the hyper-chlorinated methyl chlorosilanes to be separated into high concentration, and reduces carbon contamination of the polycrystalline silicon.
US07691356B2
A by-product mixture produced in a process for producing polycrystalline silicon is made to react with chlorine to form tetrachlorosilane (STC) distillate in a chlorination reaction vessel, and the tetrachlorosilane (STC) distillate is made to react with hydrogen in a hydrogenation reaction vessel to be converted into trichlorosilane (TCS). In the chlorination step, methyl chlorosilanes having boiling points close to TCS are hyper-chlorinated to be converted into hyper-chlorinated methyl chlorosilanes having higher boiling points, which facilitates the hyper-chlorinated methyl chlorosilanes to be separated into high concentration, and inhibits carbon from contaminating the polycrystalline silicon. A donor/acceptor eliminator is provided in the circulation cycle for producing TCS, and accordingly there is no need to take out a by-product produced in the process for producing TCS to the outside of the system, which can highly purify the TCS.
US07691354B2
A process for producing an ElAPO molecular sieve with essentially pure CHA framework is disclosed. When El is silicon the process allows for a broad range of silicon content, and produces a catalyst with a high selectivity for the conversion of methanol to olefins.
US07691353B2
Low dielectric constant group II-VI compounds, such as zinc oxide, and fabrication methods are disclosed. Low dielectric constant insulator materials are fabricated by doping zinc oxide with at least one mole % p-type dopant ion. Low dielectric constant zinc oxide insulator materials are fabricated by doping zinc oxide with silicon having a concentration of at least 1017 atoms/cm3. Low dielectric zinc oxide insulator materials are fabricated by doping zinc oxide with a dopant ion having a concentration of at least about 1018 atoms/cm3, followed by heating to a temperature which converts the zinc oxide to an insulator. The temperature varies depending upon the choice of dopant. For arsenic, the temperature is at least about 450° C.; for antimony, the temperature is at least about 650° C. The dielectric constant of zinc oxide semiconductor is lowered by doping zinc oxide with a dopant ion at a concentration at least about 1018 to about 1019 atoms/cm3.
US07691349B2
An exhaust gas processing method using a device having an air preheater for preheating air for combustion in a combustion device by using an exhaust gas emitted from the combustion device; a gas-gas heater (GGH) heat recovery device composed of a heat transfer tube for recovering the heat of the exhaust gas to a heat medium; a dust collector; a wet-type desulfurization device; a gas-gas heater (GGH) re-heater composed of a heat transfer tube for heating the exhaust gas at its outlet by using the heat medium supplied from the gas-gas heater heat recovery device, which are installed in that order from the upstream to the downstream of an exhaust gas duct of the combustion device.
US07691346B2
A method is shown for raising the pH of a cyanide leach solution of the type used in a heap leaching mining operation. Lime slurry is mixed with a side stream of barren cyanide solution in a reactor vessel in order to remove carbonate hardness, to regenerate the hydroxide alkalinity and to raise the pH of the resulting recausticized leach solution. A portion of the calcium carbonate precipitate formed in the reactor vessel is retained in order to encourage further crystal growth. Overflow from the reactor vessel passes through one or more cyclone separation stages in order to remove particulate solids. A cyclone overflow stream is directed back to the process to upwardly adjust the pH of the bulk of the barren cyanide solution. A cyclone underflow stream is directed back to the reactor vessel to provide seed crystal nuclei for precipitate growth. Periodically, precipitate grains are drained from the bottom of the reactor vessel, water-washed to recover cyanide solution, and discharged as carbonate sand and lime grit.
US07691339B2
A particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine including a particulate trap, microwave-absorbing materials located in the particulate trap, and a NOx catalyst located in said particulate trap.
US07691331B2
A microfluidic flow device includes at least one flow channel flowing into a branch point, to which at least two branched channels are connected, and at least one linking channel interconnecting the two branched channels. The linking channel flows into each branched channel at a short-circuit point which is preferably located at less than half of the length of each branched channel.
US07691323B2
A rare-earth alloy ingot is produced by melting an alloy composed of 20-30 wt % of a rare-earth constituent which is Sm alone or at least 50 wt % Sm in combination with at least one other rare-earth element, 10-45 wt % of Fe, 1-10 wt % of Cu and 0.5-5 wt % of Zr, with the balance being Co, and quenching the molten alloy in a strip casting process. The strip-cast alloy ingot has a content of 1-200 μm size equiaxed crystal grains of at least 20 vol % and a thickness of 0.05-3 mm. Rare-earth sintered magnets made from such alloys exhibit excellent magnetic properties and can be manufactured under a broad optimal temperature range during sintering and solution treatment.
US07691320B2
The aim of the invention is to damp or suppress oscillations (≦back-attack≧ effect) in sidewall or base blowing converters, used in particular to produce carbon steel or stainless steel. To achieve this, the gas supply system (3) for the converter comprises an inflow restrictor device (7), which is positioned upstream of or associated with the jets (5) and which periodically reduces or interrupts the gas supply to the interior of the furnace.
US07691308B2
A piston stopper (2) made substantially of rubber has a piston section (8) enclosed in cap-like manner by an inert film (9) located adjacent to and facing the contents of a syringe or carpule cylinder (1). A non-vulcanized rubber sheet (7) is inserted into a form tool, together with an inert film (9). Under the effect of pressure and heat, an entire piston stopper contour is formed from the layered arrangement, extending to a flange (16) which protrudes laterally beyond the piston stopper (2) in the region of the separating plane of the form tool. A receiving cavity (6) for a piston rod is created in the piston section (8). The wall area of the sealing section (10) surrounding the receiving cavity (6) is forced into the receiving cavity (6). The piston stopper (2) is subsequently separated from the flange (16) in a blanking process, whereby a peripheral sealing area (13), directly adjacent to the edge of the inert film (9) enclosing the piston section (8), is formed in the sealing section (10).
US07691299B2
Disclosed are expanded polytetrafluoroethylene products, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene tubes, having high axial tear strength and a process for their production. Each expanded polytetrafluoroethylene product has a microstructure, which comprises fibrils and nodes interconnected with each other by the fibrils, and has an axial tear strength of not lower than 6,000 gf/mm as calculated in accordance with the following formula: L/[T×(V/100)] where L (gf) is an axial tear load, T (mm) is a wall thickness, and V (%) is a volume ratio of resin. The process for the production of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene product includes a high-speed extrusion step.
US07691294B2
The present invention relates to a variety of conductive ink compositions comprising a metal complex compound having a special structure and an additive and a method for preparing the same, more particularly to conductive ink compositions comprising a metal complex compound obtained by reacting a metal or metal compound with an ammonium carbamate- or ammonium carbonate-based compound and an additive and a method for preparing the same.
US07691288B2
The invention is directed to a process for making screen-printable getter composition comprising: (a) glass frit; and (b) pre-hydrated desiccant material; dispersed in (c) organic medium. The present invention further relates to a getter composition utilizing low-softening temperature glasses comprising, based on weight %, 1-50% SiO2, 0-80% B2O3, 0-90% Bi2O3, 0-90% PbO, 0-90% P2O5, 0-60% Li2O, 0-30% Al2O3, 0-10% K2O, 0-10% Na2O, and 0-30% MO where M is selected from Ba, Sr, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mg and mixtures thereof. The glasses described herein may contain several other oxide constituents that can substitute glass network-forming elements or modify glass structure.The desiccant material is pre-hydrated to reach its saturation level of moisture absorption. The process of pre-hydration can be done by exposing the desiccant in a normal temperature/humidity environment of for example, 25° C. and 50-60% RH. For 24 to 48 hours or up to the time when weight gain (due to moisture absorption) stops increasing. An accelerated hydration process in a chamber with higher than normal humidity level (i.e. 50% Relative Humidity) is also applicable to shorten the time of exposure to fully hydrate the desiccant material.
US07691284B2
Tunable variable emissivity materials, methods for fabricating tunable variable emissivity materials, and methods for controlling the temperature of a spacecraft using tunable variable emissivity materials have been provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a variable emissivity material has the formula M1(1−(x+y))M2xM3yMnO3, wherein M1 comprises lanthanum, praseodymium, scandium, yttrium, neodymium or samarium, M2 comprises an alkali earth metal, M3 comprises an alkali earth metal that is not M2, and x, y, and (x+y) are less than 1. The material has a critical temperature (Tc) in the range of about 270 to about 320K and a transition width is less than about 30K.
US07691278B2
An apparatus generating a plasma for removing fluorinated polymer from a substrate is disclosed. The embodiment includes a powered electrode assembly, including a powered electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a first wire mesh disposed between the powered electrode and the first dielectric layer. The embodiment also includes a grounded electrode assembly disposed opposite the powered electrode assembly so as to form a cavity wherein the plasma is generated, the first wire mesh being shielded from the plasma by the first dielectric layer when the plasma is present in the cavity, the cavity having an outlet at one end for providing the plasma to remove the fluorinated polymer.
US07691273B2
A method for clarifying a sludge, characterized in that a raw waste water is subjected to a solid-liquid separator and then to a primary filtration device, to separate it into a solid material and a liquid material, and the resultant liquid treated material is then treated by a process comprising an ozone treatment and a special light ray treatment.
US07691267B2
A bioreactor is for processing a fluid stream. The bioreactor may include a bioreaction chamber for receiving the fluid stream therethrough, a pair of spaced apart gas header assemblies within the bioreaction chamber for coupling to first and second gases, a first plurality of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the first gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber, and a second plurality of HFMs extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the second gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber.
US07691259B2
A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.
US07691251B2
Sharps are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the sharps with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize sharps and the biological waste on the sharps and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100° C. The oxidation process will be enhanced by the addition of reaction enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
US07691246B2
In one embodiment, a system comprises a filter and at least one electrodeionization (EDI) unit for chemical recovery. The filter is adapted to receive a fluid and to remove a selected chemical element or contaminant from the fluid. The EDI unit is coupled to the filter and adapted to recover a chemical element from the fluid and to separate the recovered chemical element from the fluid.
US07691245B2
A microfluidic device for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electrolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.
US07691244B2
This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for the mixing and pumping of relatively small volumes of fluid. Such devices utilize nonlinear electrokinetics as a primary mechanism for driving fluid flow. Methods of cellular analysis and high-throughput, multi-step product formation using, devices of this invention are described.
US07691231B2
Newsprint for offset printing having sufficient water absorption resistance to provide a clear printing image with less color registration problems upon offset printing is manufactured by coating base paper, to which aluminum sulfate (a 50% by weight Al2O3.14H2O product) is added at a ratio of less than 3.0% by weight upon paper making, with a surface treating agent mainly comprised of (A) a water-soluble macromolecular substance selected from starches, PVAs, polyacrylamides, and cellulose derivatives, (B) a copolymer obtained by the copolymerization of a styrene monomer and a cationic monomer, a water-soluble copolymer obtained by the copolymerization of a styrene monomer, a cat ionic monomer and a hydrophobic monomer, or a water-soluble copolymer obtained by treating one of these copolymers in which a tertiary amine-containing vinyl monomer is used as a cationic monomer, with a quaternizing agent.
US07691221B2
Method for gluing decorative stones (1) with a tapered off backside, in particular of faceted glass, onto leather (2), wherein in the fastening region of each stone (1) a recess (5) is punched out of the leather (2), which recess is smaller than the greatest diameter of the stone (1). The end of the recess (5) facing the stone (1) is expanded by stamping corresponding to the contour of the stone (1). The stone (1) is subsequently glued in the expansion (6) to the base layer (4) of the leather (2).
US07691210B2
A resist film removing method for removing a resist film disposed on a substrate and having a cured layer at a surface includes covering the surface of the resist film with a protection film; causing popping in the resist film covered with the protection film; denaturing the resist film and the protection film after causing popping, to be soluble in water; and performing purified water cleaning to remove from the substrate the resist film and the protection film denatured to be soluble in water.
US07691206B2
The invention is directed to a wafer cleaning process for being applied on a wafer after an etching process is performed on the wafer, wherein the wafer has a wafer center, a wafer radius and a wafer circumference. The wafer cleaning process comprises a step of dispensing a cleaning solution over the wafer by using a dispenser while the dispenser is moving back and forth along a swing path over the wafer around the wafer center, wherein the wafer center is projected to a midpoint of the swing path.
US07691201B2
A method of forming an assembly of isolated nanowires of at least one material within a matrix of another material is provided. The method comprises: providing a substrate; forming a catalyst array on a major surface of the substrate; growing an array of the nanowires corresponding with the catalyst array, the nanowires, each comprising at least one material; and forming a matrix of another material that fills in spaces between the nanowires. The method is useful for producing a variety of structures useful in a number of devices, such as photonic bandgap structures and quantum dot structures.
US07691200B2
Provided is a MgO single crystal for obtaining a magnesium oxide (MgO) single crystal deposition material which is prevented from splashing during the vapor deposition in, e.g., an electron beam deposition method without reducing the deposition rate, and for obtaining a MgO single crystal substrate which can form thereon, e.g., a superconductor thin film having excellent superconducting properties. A MgO single crystal having a calcium content of 150×10−6 to 1,000×10−6 kg/kg and a silicon content of 10×10−6 kg/kg or less, wherein the MgO single crystal has a variation of 30% or less in terms of a CV value in detected amounts of calcium fragment ions, as analyzed by TOF-SIMS with respect to the polished surface of the MgO single crystal. A MgO single crystal deposition material and a MgO single crystal substrate for forming a thin film obtained from the MgO single crystal.
US07691191B2
The present invention relates to a novel anthrapyridone compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof, and can provide a magenta coloring matter having a highly vivid hue suitable for inkjet recording, a high fastness to recorded matters, and an excellent storage stability; wherein R1 represents a benzyl group wherein the phenyl group of the benzyl group may be further substituted by a methyl group, a chlorine atom or a nitro group, 1-naphthylmethyl group or the like, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the like, respectively.
US07691190B2
A method is shown for retarding the reactivity of quicklime. The quicklime is contacted with an aqueous solution of a boron-containing compound after being calcined. The boron-containing solution can be sprayed on the quicklime as it moves past on a conveyor belt. The retarded quicklime can be used for various industrial purposes and is especially useful as a reactant in a glass making operation.
US07691182B1
Hydrogen production is provided via integrated closed-loop processing of landfill gas (LFG) and solid biomass feedstocks such as various agricultural wastes with minimal environmental impact. LFG is purified of harmful contaminants over a bed of activated charcoal (AC) and is catalytically reformed to synthesis gas, which is further processed to pure hydrogen via CO-shift and pressure-swing adsorption stages. Biomass is gasified in the presence of steam with production of a producer gas and AC. The producer gas is mixed with LFG and is processed to hydrogen as described above. High-surface area AC produced in the gasifier is used for the purification of both LFG and producer gas. An integrated processing of LFG and biomass offers a number of advantages such as a high overall energy efficiency, feedstock flexibility, substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and production of value-added product-biocarbon that can be used as a soil enhancer.
US07691179B2
A mechanism configured to interact with air, which has been sucked through a device that imparts turbulence to the air, causes a redistribution of components (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen) in the air so that when the air arrives at a location where the oxygen is to be consumed there is an enriched supply of oxygen available. The effects of a first stage of turbulence of the induced air is reduced, resulting in a higher density supply to the atomization point and to the combustion chamber, in the case of an internal combustion engine.
US07691173B2
The present invention includes consolidated hard materials, methods for producing them, and industrial drilling and cutting applications for them. A consolidated hard material may be produced using hard particles such as B4C or carbides or borides of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Hf, Ta, Zr, and Cr in combination with an iron-based, nickel-based, nickel and iron-based, iron and cobalt-based, aluminum-based, copper-based, magnesium-based, or titanium-based alloy for the binder material. Commercially pure elements such as aluminum, copper, magnesium, titanium, iron, or nickel may also be used for the binder material. The mixture of the hard particles and the binder material may be consolidated at a temperature below the liquidus temperature of the binder material using a technique such as rapid omnidirectional compaction (ROC), the CERACON® process, or hot isostatic pressing (HIP). After sintering, the consolidated hard material may be treated to alter its material properties.
US07691172B2
Provided is iron-based metal powder for powder metallurgy including a metallic soap containing at least one or more types selected from a group of Ag, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pd, Pt, Sn, Te and W having a higher standard oxidization potential than iron, and an iron sintered body having a rust prevention function, wherein at least one or more types of metallic soap selected from a group of Ag, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pd, Pt, Sn, Te and W having a higher standard oxidization potential than iron is added to iron-based metal powder for powder metallurgy, and sintering is performed thereto. As a result, obtained is mixed powder for powder metallurgy capable of improving the rust prevention effect easily without having to hardly change the conventional processes.
US07691170B2
A process and a device for treating and upgrading raw manure. The method and the device comprise steps which consist in promoting agglomeration of solid constituents of the manure and precipitating the agglomerated particles by using a sedimentation agent. More particularly, the sedimentation agent used is based on natural stone and/or industrial derivative dusts. Sedimentation of the agglomerated particles enables the solid phase and the liquid phase to be separately treated, leading eventually to the production of a solid fertilizer, a liquid fertilizer and water corresponding to environmental standards and capable of being released into the environment or simply recycled.
US07691167B2
A ceramic honeycomb filter comprising a sintered ceramic honeycomb body having porous partition walls defining flow paths, and plugs formed in predetermined flow paths for removing particulate matter from an exhaust gas passing through the porous partition walls, the sintered ceramic honeycomb body being formed by a cordierite-based ceramic material, at least part of the plugs comprising ceramic particles and an amorphous oxide matrix formed from colloidal oxide.
US07691160B2
In one embodiment, a fuel reformer can comprise: a mixing zone capable of mixing a fuel and an oxidant to form a fuel mixture and a reforming zone disposed downstream of the mixing zone. The reforming zone comprises a primary substrate and a secondary substrate. The primary substrate is disposed upstream of the secondary substrate and has a primary thermal mass that is greater than a secondary thermal mass of the secondary substrate. One embodiment of a method for operating a fuel reformer can comprise: mixing an oxidant and a fuel to form a fuel mixture, combusting the fuel mixture, heating the secondary substrate above its light-off temperature, changing an air to fuel ratio of the fuel mixture to a reforming mixture, producing an exotherm and a reformate at the secondary substrate, heating a primary substrate with the exotherm to above its light-off temperature, and producing a reformate.
US07691151B2
An implantable device for providing one-way flow of air through a lumen in a human lung to reduce the volume of air trapped in a diseased portion of the lung by occluding the lumen to prevent inhalation while permitting expiration out of the diseased portion. The implantable device is deployable in the lumen with a catheter. The device comprises an umbrella-shaped, one-way valve. The valve is collapsible for containment within a catheter and expandable in situ when deployed to occlude the lumen. The valve defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of metal struts, a resilient membrane, and a central post. The device further comprises an anchor for securing the implantable device within the lumen. The anchor comprises a tapered distal end for penetrating the wall of the lumen, and a planar member positioned to limit advancement of the anchor into the lumen. The implantable device further comprises a mechanism connecting the one-way valve to the anchor. The mechanism is disposed along the longitudinal axis when the device is collapsed. The mechanism is configured to permit the valve to be oriented at an angle to said anchor when deployed. Accordingly, the anchor can be positioned in a section of the lumen that is at an angle to a section of said lumen in which said one-way valve is positioned.
US07691147B2
An intervertebral implant comprising a lower implant part, having a central axis and an apposition section, designed to rest against the covering surface of the adjacent lower vertebra and an upper implant part comprising a bore with an internal thread, a central axis and an apposition section, designed to rest against the covering surface of the adjacent upper vertebra. Specifically, the lower and upper implant parts are secured in relation to each other against rotation about the central axis and a threaded screw with an external thread is guided in the upper implant part and connected to the lower implant part, the external thread cooperating with the internal thread. The lower and upper implant parts, and the threaded screw lie coaxially along their common central axis, the threaded screw being connected to the lower implant part so that it is axially fixed but able to rotate.
US07691145B2
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses.
US07691142B2
A stent (1) is a vascular prosthesis for a constricted body vessel. The stent (1) includes a tubular support frame (2) of ring segments (3) arranged in axial succession and formed by struts (5, 6) which in initial state are joined continuously in a wave-like manner. Adjacent ring segments (3) are linked by differently long connectors (9, 10) with U-shaped compensating sections (11, 12). All connectors (9, 10) point in the same circumferential direction (U). Moreover, differently long connectors (9, 10) alternate in circumferential direction (U) as well as in longitudinal stent axis (L).
US07691141B2
A method of making an tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.
US07691139B2
A tubular prosthesis delivery system has an inner tubular member having a distal end including a prosthesis-carrying portion and a proximal end intended to remain outside the patient. An outer tubular member has a distal end spaced from the prosthesis-carrying portion of the inner member. A coupling member couples the inner and outer tubular members to each other in fixed relationship generally at a location intended to remain outside the patient. An intermediate tubular member located between the inner and outer tubular members has a distal end adapted to cover the tubular prosthesis and a proximal end that projects proximally beyond the proximal ends of both the inner and outer tubular members. The proximally projecting end of the intermediate tubular member is longitudinally movable with respect to the coupled inner and outer tubular members by a distance sufficient to retract the intermediate tubular member distal end from any position covering the prosthesis carried by the inner member.
US07691132B2
A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
US07691120B2
A device for provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The device has an elongate body that has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first slot segment, and a second slot segment that is angled relative to said first slot segment. The elongate body defines a passage for accessing the surgical location with surgical instruments. The elongate body has a contracted configuration for insertion into the patient and an expanded configuration for providing access to the surgical location. The cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location of the elongate body is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location of the elongate body. A movable tab is configured to extend into the second slot segment when the elongate body is in the expanded configuration to retain the elongate body in the expanded configuration.
US07691119B2
An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least three radially-spaced struts, each strut connecting the proximal end to the distal end and having one or more bends that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made of a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation or the balloon.
US07691113B2
A surgical instrument for applying an anastomotic ring device comprises a handle connected to an anastomotic ring deployment mechanism by a shaft. The shaft has at least one torsion member that is capable of communicating a torsional actuating force from the handle to the ring deployment mechanism. The ring deployment mechanism is configured to actuate in response to torsional actuating force communicated from the torsion member. A threaded shaft or rod may be positioned in the ring deployment mechanism to effect actuation of the ring deployment mechanism in response to torsion.
US07691105B2
A method of treating a fractured vertebral body by using a) a plurality of reinforcement rods combined with the b) a bone growth agent, wherein the reinforcement rods act to mechanically join disparate bone fragments across the fracture planes, thereby stabilizing the fracture site, and the bone growth agent promotes the growth of new bone across the fracture planes, thereby permanently replacing the fracture site with new bone.
US07691104B2
An endoscopic treatment tool is provided which includes: a grasping portion that has a first shoulder portion and second shoulder portion; a current-carrying portion that protrudes out from a distal end of each of the first and second shoulder portions; a pivot portion that is disposed in the distal end of the first shoulder portion so as to protrude in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the first shoulder portion, the distal end of the pivot portion being provided with an insulating portion; a wire that is connected to the grasping portion; a sheath which has a tubular shape, and into which the wire and grasping portion are inserted; a main body to which the sheath is fixed; and a sliding portion which is disposed to move in the longitudinal direction of the main body in a sliding manner, and to which the wire is connected.
US07691098B2
The present invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use in a robotic surgical system to perform a surgical operation. The robotic surgical tool includes a wrist mechanism disposed near the distal end of a shaft which connects with an end effector. The wrist mechanism includes a distal member configured to support the end effector, and a plurality of rods extending generally along an axial direction within the shaft and movable generally along this axial direction to adjust the orientation of the distal member with respect to the shaft. Advancement or retraction of a first rod generally along the axial direction tips the base through a first angle. The addition of a second angle allows the distal member to direct the end effector in essentially a compound angle. The robotic surgical tool may also include provisions for roll movement.
US07691097B2
The foot switch includes a pedal, an output command signal generating section generating, when the pedal is operated, an output command signal commanding an apparatus main body having a function of producing active output to produce active output, a communication section performing communication with the apparatus main body, a transmit power adjusting section adjusting transmit power of the output command signal in the communication section, and a storage battery supplying electric power to the output command signal generating section, the communication section and the transmit power adjusting section. The transmit power adjusting section adjusts the transmit power on the basis of a signal indicative of receiving-condition of the output command signal in the apparatus main body, the signal transmitted from the apparatus main body and received by the communication section.
US07691096B2
A medical connector for connecting medical tubing to a catheter includes a connector body and a height compensating foot. The connector body has a catheter leg adapted to connect to the catheter, a medical tubing leg adapted to connect to the medical tubing, and an angular bend intermediate the legs. The height compensating foot is attached to the catheter leg and extends outwardly therefrom at an angle to prevent the connector from rocking and tubing from overhanging a patient's knuckles when connected to the catheter inserted in a patient.
US07691095B2
The present invention is a handle for controlling the deflection of a distal end of a catheter body. The catheter body includes first and second deflection wires that extend through the catheter body from the distal end of the catheter body. The handle comprises a slide base, an adjustment knob, a first slide and a second slide. The slide base includes a first end, a second end, and a slide compartment longitudinally extending through at least a portion of the slide base. The adjustment knob is rotateably connected to the first end of the slide base and includes a hole extending through the knob, wherein at least a portion of an inner diameter of the hole includes an internal right thread and an internal left thread. The first slide is located in the slide compartment, is adapted to be coupled to the first deflection wire, and includes an external right thread. The second slide is located in the slide compartment, is adapted to be coupled to the second deflection wire, and includes an external left thread. The internal threads of the knob engage the threads of the slides. Consequently, in operation, rotation of the adjustment knob causes the slides to displace in opposite directions within the slide compartment and the distal end of the catheter body to deflect accordingly.
US07691091B1
A urine drainage bag cover covers and hides the contents of a urine drainage bag, but is easily manipulated, so that the fluid level in the urine drainage bag may be easily ascertained by attendants.
US07691082B2
Medical devices, for example, those that have balloons, and methods of making the devices are described. For example, in some embodiments, a medical device includes an elongated shaft, and an inflatable balloon carried by the shaft. The balloon includes a first recessed channel, a second recessed channel, a third recessed channel, and a fourth recessed channel, wherein the first recessed channel is spaced from the second recessed channel by a first distance, the third recessed channel is spaced from the fourth recessed channel by the first distance, and the second recessed channel is spaced from the third recessed channel by a second distance different than the first distance.
US07691073B2
A base section supports a revolution section. The revolution section supports a tilting section. The tilting section supports a seat section. The seat section includes a seat, a seat back and a step. The seat back has a restraining section. The restraining section includes an occipital region retainer and a temple retainer. Subject is seated with its occipital region and temples restrained by the restraining section. The head of subject is tilted on one side down from a head's horizontal plane in the Reid stereotaxic coordinate system to place one of left and right othlith organs within the head's horizontal plane. In this tilted position, different liner acceleration stimuli are applied to left and right otolith organs, respectively, for independent function tests of the left and right otolith organs.
US07691061B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer housed in a catheter for sending an ultrasonic wave to a blood vessel and receiving a reflected signal from the blood vessel, an A/D converter for converting the received reflected signal into a digital signal, a data averaging processor for storing lines or frames of digital data represented by the digital signal and adding the stored lines or frames of the digital data to average the reflected signal, a demodulating/logarithmic converting processor for demodulating the averaged reflected signal, an image constructor for constructing an image in a radial scan B mode from the demodulated signal, and a display unit for displaying the constructed image in the radial scan B mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus plots a cross-sectional vascular image with a reduced ultrasonic echo reflected from blood cells, the image clearly displaying the boundary between the blood vessel wall and the blood vessel lumen.
US07691054B2
An endoscope system comprises an endoscope, a treatment instrument cartridge, an advancing and retracting device, a controlling device, and an operation instructing device. The endoscope includes a treatment instrument channel in an inserting portion. The treatment instrument cartridge includes a treatment instrument and a storage case. The treatment instrument includes a treatment instrument inserting portion having an elasticity which is inserted through the treatment instrument channel, a treatment section at the tip end thereof, and an operating portion at the base end thereof. The storage case includes an inserting portion storing section into which the treatment instrument inserting portion is wound, an extension port from which the tip end of the wound treatment instrument inserting portion is extended, and a holding section for holding the base end of the treatment instrument inserting portion or the operating portion. The advancing and retracting device has a driving power source and is provided between the treatment instrument inserting channel and the extension port. The controlling device is electrically connected to the driving power source and controls an operation of the driving power source. An operation instructing device issues an instruction on an operation of the driving power source to the controlling device.
US07691050B2
Devices and methods relating to percutaneous and hiatal approaches for treating urinary incontinence are provided herein. In particular, guide member placement devices, sling application catheters, tissue dissectors/dilators, sling application devices and a sling application system, tissue expanders, grasping devices, and balloon catheters are disclosed herein. Methods for using the preceding devices to stabilize the bladder neck or the urethral floor in order to maintain or improve urinary incontinence are also disclosed.
US07691045B2
A machine and method for the continuous folding of sheet material into difference three-dimensional patterns is featured. The innovative machine and method folds sheet material by force converging the sheet to a final stage that imparts a final fold or pattern. Unique programming allows for the change of convergence sequencing and change of materials.
US07691040B1
A grip-handle for coupling to a resistance force provided by exercise equipment. The handle includes a hollow, generally-cylindrical hand hold. A flexion cable is fixed to opposed ends of a central shaft that is coaxial with the hand hold with a pulley guide member having a hook for engaging the equipment cable located therebetween. Generally-planar, circular side members having notched peripheries are fixed to the ends of the hand hold. The diameters of the side members exceed that of the hand hold to maintain the cable in position and removed from the hand of a user during the full range of wrist motion provided by the grip-handle during exercise.
US07691037B1
An exercise and muscle toning apparatus includes a first inflated spherical balloon adapted to hold a predetermined volume of air for providing resilient support, a second inflated spherical balloon adapted to hold a predetermined volume of air for providing resilient support, and a contoured chair adjustably and removably positioned on the first and second spherical balloons in such a manner that a back portion of the contoured chair conforms to a curvilinear circumference of the first spherical balloon while a seat portion of the contoured chair conforms to a curvilinear circumference of the second spherical balloon. The exercise and muscle training apparatus further includes hook and loop fasteners and a mechanism for preventing the first and second spherical balloons from separating beyond a maximum spatial distance.
US07691027B2
In a powertrain that includes wheels for driving a vehicle, a crankshaft, a machine driveably connected to the crankshaft and able to operate alternately as an electric motor and electric generator, a transmission including an input clutch driveably connected to the crankshaft and an output driveably connected to the wheels, a method for controlling idle speed including producing a desired magnitude of input clutch torque capacity, producing a desired wheel torque, using an error represented by a difference between a desired crankshaft idle speed and a current crankshaft speed to determine a desired change in torque produced by the machine, using the magnitude of input clutch torque capacity and the desired change in torque produced by the machine to determine a desired magnitude machine torque, and using the machine to produce said desired magnitude of machine torque.
US07691017B2
A hydraulic tensioner comprising a piston slidably inserted in a piston bore of a housing having rack teeth on an outer circumference thereof, a piston spring biasing the piston in a protruding direction, a pawl member having teeth engageable with the rack teeth of the piston to permit protruding movement of the piston but to block reverse movement of the piston provided in a pawl hole of the housing, and a pawl spring in a pawl spring hole of a generally elliptical cross-section that biases the pawl member in an engaging direction of the teeth of the pawl member with the rack teeth of the piston. A long axis of the generally elliptical cross-sectional shape of the pawl spring is oriented toward an axial direction of the piston. Wire portions of the pawl spring substantially follow the long axis that contacts an upper surface of the pawl member.
US07691010B2
A golf ball 2 has a core, a mid layer and a cover. This mid layer comprises 10 parts by weight or greater and 70 parts by weight or less of a thermoplastic elastomer containing a styrene block having a material hardness of less than 10, and 30 parts by weight or greater and 90 parts by weight or less of an ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer based ionomer resin having a material hardness of 50 or greater and 70 or less. Hardness of this mid layer is less than 40, and the thickness is equal to or less than 1.2 mm. This golf ball 2 has seven kinds of dimples (A to G), each having a different diameter. When all the dimples are arranged in decreasing order of the diameter Di, ratio (Dx/Dn) of the mean diameter Dx of the dimples ranking in the top 10% to the mean diameter Dn of the dimples ranking in the bottom 10% is equal to or greater than 1.30. Standard deviation η of diameters of all the dimples is equal to or less than 0.52.
US07691007B2
This invention provides a plurality of grooves formed on a face of the golf club head. Each of a pair of side surfaces of each of the grooves has a first surface leading to the face and a second surface leading to the first surface in the depth direction of the groove. A first angle between the first surfaces of each of said pair of the side surfaces is larger than a second angle between the second surfaces of each of the said pair of the side surfaces. Edges of the groove are rounded. A width W (mm) of the groove measured including the rounded edges, a width Ws (mm) between the grooves adjacent one another, a width Wr (mm) of the groove measured based on the 30 degrees measurement rule and a cross section area S (mm2) of the groove satisfy the following expressions; W/Ws×100≧40(%), S/(Ws×0.5)×100≧70(%).
US07691005B2
Golf ball 2 of the present invention has a group 4 of multiple marks which are visible at one view. This group 4 of marks includes a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and an inclined mark k which appears to be inclined with respect to this target mark t. The inclined mark k may be provided as a linear mark which appears to be inclined with respect to the target mark t. The group of marks may include a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and a side mark s provided on the side of this target mark t. This side mark s preferably has a dot shape. The group of marks may include a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and an accompanied mark h provided on the same great circle on which the target mark t is provided.
US07690988B2
A method is disclosed for controlling a character object in a virtual space by means of an information processing program. When a specific event occurs in the execution of the information processing program, a passing rate of time of the character object in the virtual space is changed, for example, by changing the rate at which the object is displaced in the virtual space as compared to a rate of change prior to the specific event. This method can be used, for example, to decrease a rate of displacement of only the object in the virtual space so that the object may be more easily manipulated.
US07690982B2
A gaming device having a free spin mode or sequence with terminators and anti-terminators. For each spin or activation of a plurality of reels in the free spin mode, the gaming device determines if at least one terminator symbol or at least one anti-terminator symbol is generated. If at least one terminator symbol is generated and at least one anti-terminator symbol is not previously retained, the free spin mode ends. If at least one terminator symbol is generated and at least one anti-terminator symbol is previously retained, the retained anti-terminator symbol is utilized to nullify the free spin ending effect of the terminator symbol and the free spin mode continues. If at least one anti-terminator symbol is generated, the free spin mode continues and the generated anti-terminator symbol is retained or accumulated until a terminator symbol is subsequently generated on another spin or activation of the reels. The free spin mode continues until at least one terminator symbol is generated and there are no retained anti-terminator symbols to nullify the effect of the generated terminator symbol.
US07690973B2
A harvesting machine including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels, at least one grain separating section, a plurality of cross augers and a grain moving device. The plurality of ground engaging wheels support the frame. The at least one grain separating section is supported by the frame. The plurality of cross augers are positioned to receive grain from the at least one grain separating section. The plurality of cross augers each have an end. The grain moving device is associated with each of the plurality of cross augers proximate to the end of the plurality of cross augers.
US07690967B2
In a grinding machine, a bed 10 has secured thereon a work head 11 which rotatably supports a work spindle 12 for supporting a workpiece W and mounts thereon a slide base 15 reciprocatively movable in a Z-direction parallel to the axis of the work spindle, and a wheel head 16 carrying a rotating grinding wheel 17 is reciprocatively movable on the slide base in an X-direction intersecting with the Z-direction. A measuring device 25 for measuring the dimension of the workpiece ground with the grinding wheel is mounted on an extreme end of a support arm 21 secured to the slide base to extend in the X-direction, through an actuator device 23 which is operable for moving the measuring device between a measuring position for engagement with the workpiece and a parked position for disengagement therefrom. The support arm passes over the workpiece, or passes through a space between the bed and the workpiece, or passes through the inside of the bed.
US07690961B2
A fluorine-containing precoating is formed to cover a phosphor particle by, for example, a physical vapor deposition of a fluoride. Then, a fluorine-containing coating covering the phosphor particle is formed by supplying fluorine into the precoating. This obtained phosphor particle with the coating is applied in the form of a paste to a substrate on each electrode between two adjacent ribs to form a phosphor layer including phosphor particles between the ribs on the substrate. The substrate is positioned with respect to another substrate having electrodes thereon to form discharge spaces between the substrates. The discharge spaces are filled with a discharge gas to produce a plasma display panel.
US07690944B2
A connector assembly, for electrically connecting electrical cables 7 to a test head 4, comprises a plurality of types of cable side connectors 8 respectively attached to one end of the electrical cable 7; and a intermediate connector 6 to which the plurality of types of cable side connectors 8 are connected in a detachable manner, and the intermediate connector 6 having a first engagement part 501 having a shape with which all types of cable side connectors 8 can be engaged and an output terminal 602 able to be engaged with a test head side connector 41 electrically connected to a pin electronics board of the test head 4.
US07690937B2
Electrical connectors and contacts for transmitting power are provided. One power contact embodiment includes a first plate that defines a first non-deflecting beam and a first deflectable beam, and a second plate that defines a second non-deflecting beam and a second deflectable beam. The first and second plates are positioned beside one another to form the power contact.
US07690933B1
An insulative body adapted to be deformed into contact with a plurality of loadbreak elbow connectors secured to a transformer or other electrical apparatus during repair or replacement, providing safe and secure access for a linesman. The body enshrouds a volume surrounding a plurality of loadbreak elbow connectors with a form-fitting structure adapted to deform into contact with the plurality of loadbreak elbow connectors when an external force is used to place the cover. Collar portions defining retaining structure are adapted to retain the cover in place until an external force is applied to remove the cover.
US07690928B2
The invention relates to a plug-in connector (10a, 10b) comprising at least one contact element (12a, 12b), extending in a longitudinal direction (14a, 14b) of the plug-in connector, which in the fitted condition of the plug-in connector (10a, 10b) on a printed circuit board (38a, 38b) extends at least approximately in parallel to the plane (40a, 40b) of the circuit board (38a, 38b). The plug-in connector (10a, 10b) according to the invention is characterized in that the contact slot/the contact pin (28a, 28b) of the contact element (12a, 12b) has a predefined transverse extension (32a, 32b) in at least approximately the longitudinal direction (14a, 14b) of the plug-in connector and that the plug-in direction (34a, 34b) of the contact slot/contact pin (28a, 28b) is oriented at least approximately vertically to the plane (40a, 40b) of the circuit board (38a, 38b). Accordingly, a mating plug-in connector (10a, 10b) engages the plug-in connector (10a, 10b) laterally as it is mounted.The plug-in connector (10a, 10b) according to the invention allows tolerances to be compensated between the printed circuit boards (38a, 38b) in the longitudinal direction (14a, 14b) of the plug-in connector, in the transverse direction (24a, 24b) of the plug-in connector and in the plug-in direction (34a, 34b). The plug-in connector according to the invention (10a, 10b) is suited especially for mezzanine applications.
US07690922B2
The present invention is to present an electrical connector of a connector assembly having a detachable flexible C-shaped clip and a visor-like ferruled docking cantilever with a lower semicircular cutout and an arched groove configured in front end thereof, wherein said flexible C-shaped clip, which is to be lodged in the arched groove, has a pair of jutted noses for being latched and gripped by a corresponding pair of dents at the docking cantilever and a pair of bent latching toes for running through a pair of corresponding bores on the PCB in securely stable manner.
US07690919B2
A dental modeling system for forming a dental model from a mold of at least a portion of a person's opposed upper and lower teeth. The modeling system includes dental articulator features that are integrated with opposing bases and dental model bases configured to receive removable tapered pins. The system also includes pin locators for improved alignment of teeth of the dental mold when creating the dental model. The pin locator can also include removable tapered pins for use in aligning with specific teeth of the dental mold.
US07690915B2
A second metal mold 15 has a through hole 31 that extends in the movement direction of the second metal mold 15. A first metal mold 14 has an internal threaded portion 34 that extends on a common line with the through hole 31 and has an opening at the surface of the first metal mold 14 facing the second metal mold 15. A bolt 39 formed by a shaft 37 and a head 38 is employed. The shaft 37 is passed through the through hole 31 in such a manner that the head 38 is arranged at the opposite side to the first metal mold 14 with respect to the second metal mold 15, and the distal end of the shaft 37 is located at the same side as the first metal mold 14 with respect to the second metal mold 15. When the second metal mold 15 is held in contact with the first metal mold 14, the bolt 39 is rotated by an electric motor 45 through the head 38. In this manner, an external thread 41, which is formed at the distal end of the shaft 37, is threaded to the internal threads 36 of the internal threaded portion 34. This presses the second metal mold 15 against the first metal mold 14.
US07690909B2
A stereolithography apparatus having a resin vat with resupply containers in one-way flow communication and a leveling container in two-way flow communication, an automatic offload cart to remove and replace build support platforms, an elevator assembly for supporting and releasably retaining a build platform removably attached to the stereolithography apparatus frame such that elevator forks supporting the build platform can be released into the vat and removed from the stereolithography apparatus with the vat, and a recoater assembly and recoater blade for mapping the resin surface in the vat and applying a fresh coating of resin to a cross-section being built in the vat.
US07690908B2
A system and method are presented in which a flow of plastic is extruded to obtain nano-sized features by forming multiple laminated flow streams, flowing in parallel through the system. Each of the parallel laminated flow streams are subjected to repeated steps in which the flows are divided, and overlapped to amplify the number of laminations. The parallel amplified laminated flows are rejoined to form a cumulated laminated output with nano-sized features.
US07690904B2
The invention concerns an installation for producing a nonwoven fabric comprising a spun bond lathe depositing a web of filaments on a first conveyor, the mat being consolidated on a first mobile element by entangling means. The invention is characterized in that it comprises means for passing, without any change in ratio, the mat of filaments on a first mobile element whereon the mat is consolidated by hydro-entangling means.
US07690901B2
A screw compressor rotor housing is surrounded by a cooling housing that forms an annular cooling chamber. The cooling chamber is interrupted at one point by a separating wall that connects the rotor housing to the cooling housing. Coolant is fed at an inlet opening and is directed at the bottom side of the separating wall by an entrance channel, is redirected, and flows around the rotor housing until it reaches the top side of the separating wall. The coolant is redirected and is withdrawn through an exit channel that runs upward to the outlet opening. A bleed opening in the wall of the entrance channel and a vent opening in the wall of the exit channel allow for a residual amount of air to remain in the cooling chamber when it is filled with coolant, and for a residual fluid to remain when it is emptied.
US07690900B2
A fluid pressurization unit compresses a fluid in response to natural wave action on a body of water such as an ocean. The unit comprises a floating component and a piston assembly. The floating component has sufficient buoyancy to float on water waves and has a compression chamber with an inlet valve biased to receive a fluid at an intake pressure. The piston assembly is slidable within the compression chamber and has a piston shaft and a hollow piston head attached to the piston shaft, which defines a piston reservoir therein with an inlet valve in communication with the compression chamber and biased to receive the fluid at an output pressure, and an outlet for discharging fluid pressurized to at least the output pressure from the pressurization unit. The piston assembly is fixable in place relative to the floating component such that relative movement between the floating component and piston assembly compresses fluid from the intake pressure to at least the output pressure.
US07690897B2
A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a system includes determining a trip value for a parameter, floating the trip value, and monitoring the operation of the pump. Monitoring the operation of the pump includes determining a value for the parameter, comparing the value to the trip value, and determining whether the comparison indicates a condition of the pump. The method of controlling the motor also includes controlling the motor to operate the pump based on the condition of the pump.
US07690895B2
A wind turbine includes a tower and a generator on the tower. The generator includes a rotor with at least one assembled blade. The assembled blade includes at least an inner piece, an outer piece, and a joint configured for assembly and disassembly of the inner piece and said outer piece. The outer piece is configured to provide passive load alleviation.
US07690888B2
The present invention provides a grill 10 for use in electrical equipment comprising a fan. The grill 10 comprises a substantially planar portion 90 that provides protection for (and indeed from) the blades of a fan and a handle 100 that provides means by which the grill may be held. The substantially planar portion 90 may comprise an opening 94 that facilitates stacking of a plurality of like grills 10.
US07690878B2
A ramp stored under the deck of a rail car may be extended using a load-bearing drive system for the loading of freight or equipment onto the rail car. The surface of the ramp may comprise a rail portion or similar structure to allow the loading of rail bound equipment, such as rail maintenance equipment, onto the deck of the rail car.
US07690871B2
A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver having a housing and a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom is provided. The chuck includes a generally cylindrical body member having a nose section and a tail section. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably positioned in one of a plurality of angularly disposed passageways in the body. Each jaw has a jaw face formed on one side thereof and threads formed on the opposite side thereof. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body in engagement with the jaw threads so that rotation of the nut moves the jaws axially within the passageways. A locking member, in a first axial position, is rotatable with respect to the driver housing. In a second axial position, it operatively engages the housing and the nut so that the locking member is rotationally held to the housing and the nut so that the nut is rotationally held to the housing. The locking member is axially reciprocal between the first axial position and the second axial position.
US07690870B2
To ensure that the support force which is dependent on the pressure of a support fluid is essentially the same also in the edge area of an article (9), especially sheets of (flat) glass, which is to be held or transported, as the support force in the middle area of the surface of the article (9), the device (1) as claimed in the invention on at least one support wall (3 or 5) provides for feed openings (21) to which drain openings (23) are directly assigned.
US07690866B2
An offshore oil-drilling rig comprising a deck mounted mobile on legs, each leg including a support base on the sea floor and a caisson open at its base and designed to penetrate into the sea floor. Each caisson is arranged inside the leg and is mobile along the axis of the leg between a retracted upper position and a projecting lower position at which it is anchored on the sea floor. The invention also concerns methods for installing such a rig on an oil-drilling site.
US07690852B2
There is provided an imaging apparatus on which an interchangeable lens is detachably mounted, which includes a mount unit to which the interchangeable lens is attached. In the imaging apparatus, the mount unit is provided with, on its periphery, a colored area having a specific color along an outer edge of said mount unit, and with respect to a specific interchangeable lens, which meets a predetermined requirement on adaptability to said imaging apparatus, among interchangeable lenses, a mount unit, which is connected to the mount unit of the imaging apparatus, of the specific interchangeable lens is provided with, on its periphery, a colored area having the same color as the specific color along an outer edge of the mount unit of the specific interchangeable lens.
US07690848B2
The invention relates to an optical fiber plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fiber plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
US07690843B2
Techniques for preventing an integrated circuit (IC) from overheating are described herein. According to one embodiment, an exemplary process includes detecting whether a temperature of an integrated circuit (IC) exceeds a threshold independent of an operating state of the IC, and removing at least a portion of a power from the IC if the temperature of the IC exceeds the threshold. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US07690842B2
Temperature-sensing compositions can include an inorganic material, such as a semiconductor nanocrystal. The nanocrystal can be a dependable and accurate indicator of temperature. The intensity of emission of the nanocrystal varies with temperature and can be highly sensitive to surface temperature. The nanocrystals can be processed with a binder to form a matrix, which can be varied by altering the chemical nature of the surface of the nanocrystal. A nanocrystal with a compatibilizing outer layer can be incorporated into a coating formulation and retain its temperature sensitive emissive properties.
US07690840B2
A method of remotely monitoring the radiant energy (6) emitted from a turbine component such as a turbine blade (1) having a low-reflective surface coating (3) which may be undergoing potential degradation is used to determine whether erosion, spallation, delamination, or the like, of the coating (3) is occurring.
US07690839B2
A thermal testing apparatuses for a server system (22) includes a heating module (16), at least one temperature sensor (191), a micro control unit (MCU) (192), a trigger controlling circuit (193) and a display module (20). The heating module heats airflow at an entry of the server system. The temperature sensor senses temperature at the entry of the server system, and outputs temperature signals. The MCU receives temperature signals and converts them to temperatures in degrees. The trigger controlling circuit is electrically connected to the MCU to receive a controlling signal, and controls turning the heating module on or off. The display module is electrically connected to the MCU for showing the temperatures in degrees.
US07690838B2
A thermal property measurement apparatus capable of directly measuring thermal conductivity distribution in a ROI within a target only by measuring the temperature distribution that already exists in the ROI without generating other temperature fields artificially. The thermal property measurement apparatus includes a temperature detector for measuring temperatures at plural positions in the ROI, a distance controller for controlling a distance between the temperature detector and the target, a scanner for changing a relative position therebetween, a stage for putting the object thereon, a recorder for recording measured temperature data, position data and time data, a determination unit for determining whether at least one of thermal conductive phenomena and convection phenomena is dealt with or not, a processor for calculating thermal conductivity distribution in the ROI from the recorded data and temporal changeable references of the thermal conductivity in the ROI, and a controller.
US07690835B2
A mixer system including a bowl for receiving a material to be mixed, a mixer body having a rotatable output component, and a hinge. The bowl is pivotable about the hinge relative to the mixer body such that the bowl can be pivoted between a loading/unloading position and a closed position relative the mixer body. The mixer may include a magnetic bowl detector and the bowl may include a magnet thereon.
US07690833B2
A heat exchanger is disclosed which includes an elongate fluid duct having a series of openings and an outer sleeve disposed outside and extending along the duct to cover the openings. A drive motor is provided for imparting relative motion between the duct and the sleeve so that the sleeve moves across the openings in the peripheral wall of the duct. A temperature control device which may include an outer jacket arranged about the sleeve to define a chamber for receiving a heat exchange fluid, an electric heating element for supplying current to the outer sleeve or duct to heat the outer sleeve or duct, a series of burners for heating the outer surface of the sleeve, or a heating element incorporated in one of the duct and sleeve.
US07690828B2
An illumination device comprising an LED (14) mounted on a rear of a PCB (12), and a light pipe (16) to direct light from the LED through an aperture (18) in the PCB to illuminate a legend (10) on the front of the PCB, the light pipe diffusing the light so as to prevent uneven illumination of the legend.
US07690826B2
Provided is an adaptive front light system (AFLS) for a vehicle. The AFLS comprising one or more light-emitting diode (LED) lamp units and a housing which accommodates the LED lamp units, wherein each of the LED lamp units comprises one or more LEDs as its light source and a reflector which reflects light emitted by the light source so that the reflected light can be directed forward, and said adaptive front light system is operable to form different beam patterns by selectively turning on or off the lamp units, and wherein one or more reflectors of the lamp units comprise a multi-face reflector including a plurality of cells having different curvature radiuses or focal points.
US07690817B2
An illumination device includes a base board, an insulator, a conductor, a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements and a light-transmissive sealing member. The base board includes a surface and projection portions. The projection portion is formed to become gradually thicker from its end toward the surface of the base board. The insulator is formed on the surface. The conductor is formed on the insulator. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are mounted on the projection portions. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are electrically connected to the conductor via connection members. The sealing member covers the insulator, the projection portions, the semiconductor light-emitting elements and the connection members.
US07690813B2
An LED illumination lamp device, including a polygonal-prism-shaped supporting member having a plurality of rectangular side surfaces, plate-like wing members configured to project outwardly from each of ridge lines formed by two adjacent rectangular side surfaces of the supporting member and having at least two opposing rectangular surfaces, and a plurality of LED elements disposed on the rectangular side surfaces of the supporting member and the rectangular surfaces of the wing members.
US07690808B2
Disclosed herein is a prefabricated light reflecting system having standardized reflectors to be mounted to corners of the ceiling of an elevator cage. Here, a required number of reflectors are successively connectable to correspond to the size of the elevator cage. The light reflecting system includes a corner reflector, a bulb mounting plate, and an end reflector. If necessary, one or more intermediate reflectors may be added.
US07690804B2
A backlight unit is presented that contains lamp support structures uniquely fitted to facilitate installation of lamps in a particular orientation. The backlight unit has tube light-emitting lamps, each of which is fitted to an asymmetric lamp holder. Lamp supports fixedly engage the asymmetric lamp holders fitted to the tube type light-emitting lamps. At least one of the lamp holders has an asymmetric hole. An outer case includes the supports to fix and support each lamp. At least one lamp has a treated surface that includes an optical sheet having a light transmittance lower than 100%.
US07690793B2
An illumination optical system includes a splitter that includes first and second beam splitters. The second beam splitter includes, on a light source side, a compression optical system for narrowing a width of an incident light and for emitting the incident light having the narrowed width, wherein the compression optical system includes, in order from the light source side to an image display element side, an optical element having a positive refractive power, and an optical element that has a negative refractive power and a concave surface at the image display element side.
US07690768B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of liquid ejecting portions arrayed in a flat region on a substrate. The liquid ejecting portions each include a liquid chamber that accommodates liquid to be ejected, a heater element arranged in the liquid chamber, the heater element generating bubbles in liquid in the liquid chamber when heated, and a nozzle for ejecting liquid in the liquid chamber in accordance with generation of bubbles by the heater element.
US07690767B2
A highly reliable, compact, and inexpensive ink jet recording head, includes a liquid discharge substrate having on a front surface side a discharge port for discharging a liquid, and having, on a back surface side, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to be discharged from the discharge port, and an electrode for transmitting and receiving a signal to drive energy generation means for discharging the liquid from the discharge port; a film-like electrical wiring member joined to the back surface of the liquid discharge substrate, the film-like electrical wiring member including a liquid supply hole communicating with the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate, and an electrical connection portion connected to the electrode; and a retaining member for retaining the liquid discharge substrate with the electrical wiring member interposed therebetween, the retaining member including a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate.
US07690759B2
A liquid container including: a containing portion, adapted to store liquid; a liquid outlet port, adapted to flow out the liquid from the containing portion therethrough; an outer wall, having a liquid supply opening for exposing the liquid outlet port to an outside, and covering a periphery of the liquid outlet port while the outer wall keeps a predetermined gap from an outer end of the liquid outlet port; and a first liquid absorption member, disposed at the predetermined gap so as to absorb the liquid.
US07690758B2
A head cleaning device that includes: an ink jet recording head including a nozzle plane formed with nozzles for ejecting ink; a positioning member capable of being brought into contact with an area outside the nozzle plane; and a cleaning roller capable of defining a minute gap between its roller plane and the nozzle plane and capable of rotating while facing the roller plane toward the nozzle plane.
US07690755B2
An image-forming apparatus having an inkjet type printer is configured to prevent ink from being wastefully consumed through a purge processing. Before next purge processing is executed, test printing is carried out. The user looks at the result of the test printing and inputs instruction indicating whether or not the next purge processing is to be executed. If the inputted instruction indicates that immediate purge processing is unnecessary, execution of the purge processing is prolonged. In this manner, a purge processing is not automatically executed but executed only when the test printing indicates that an ejection condition of ink is no good.
US07690747B2
The invention provides for an inkjet printer assembly. The assembly includes a cartridge having an integrated pagewidth printhead integrated circuit (IC), and a cradle configured to receive the cartridge such that the printhead IC is adjacent a media feed path. The assembly also includes a driven mechanism configured to maintain the printhead and to feed print media through the media feed path, as well as a controller operatively connected to the cartridge and configured to determine a performance characteristic of the cartridge and to control operation of said driven mechanism and printhead IC in response to the determined performance characteristic of the cartridge.
US07690746B2
A method for detecting a defect in an inkjet print head for printing a substantially clear ink includes including an ultraviolet or infrared sensitive material in the substantially clear ink, marking a test image on a substrate by jetting the substantially clear ink through one or more jets of the inkjet print head to be evaluated, exposing the test image to activating radiation having a wavelength to which the included ultraviolet or infrared sensitive material responds. During or following the exposing, the test image is evaluated with an image sensor, and whether the inkjet print head or any one of the one or more jets thereof being evaluated is defective is then determined based on the evaluation. A system for the method is also set forth.
US07690741B2
In one embodiment, a method for introducing ink into an ink cartridge includes introducing ink into an ink holding chamber through ink ejection nozzles and, simultaneously with introducing ink into the ink holding chamber through the ink ejection nozzles, introducing ink into the ink holding chamber through an opening other than the ink ejection nozzles or applying a negative pressure at a first opening to the ink holding chamber and applying a positive pressure at a second opening to the ink holding chamber. In another embodiment, a method includes performing a primary operation on an ink holding chamber by introducing ink into the ink holding chamber through ink ejection nozzles and performing a secondary operation on the ink holding chamber to increase the flow of ink to a distal part of the ink holding chamber relative to the flow of ink to a proximal part of the ink holding chamber.
US07690738B2
A dynamically changing track support for a tracked vehicle, includes a body with one or more track engaging wheels mounted for rotation to the body and extending above the top of the body and below the bottom of the body. At least two arms are provided. Each arm has a body engaging end and a track engaging end. The track engaging ends of the arm extends outwardly past the body. The body engaging end is pivotally secured to the body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. One or more track engaging wheels are mounted for concentric axial rotation about an axle positioned at the track engaging end of the each arm. Dynamically adjustment of the pivotal positioning of the arms relative to the body results in changes to track geometry while maintaining consistent tension.
US07690734B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for brake steering a tracked vehicle such as, for example, a military tank. More precisely, the present invention provides independent control of a left brake and a right brake to create a track speed differential and thereby turn the vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a controller, a plurality of circuit selector actuators operatively connected to the controller, and a plurality of brake apply actuators operatively connected to the controller. A plurality of valves are disposed in fluid communication with the plurality of circuit selector actuators. The left brake is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of brake apply actuators, and the right brake is in fluid communication with another of the plurality of brake apply actuators. The controller is configured to control the plurality of brake apply actuators to independently apply the left brake and the right brake such that the tracked vehicle can be turned in a desired manner.
US07690730B2
A seat support structure for facilitating assembly of a frame support member. The seat support structure includes a seat support portion mounted on a seat rail of a vehicle, the seat support portion having an opening portion; a mount rubber having an engaging groove portion on an outer peripheral portion thereof, an insertion portion arranged closer to a distal end side than the engaging groove portion, and a through hole penetrating through the mount rubber. Upon mounting the seat, the insertion portion of the mount rubber is inserted into the opening portion of the seat support portion, the portion of the seat to be supported is inserted into the through hole, and the mount rubber is moved in the radial direction in an inside of the opening portion, and a portion of a groove wall of the engaging groove portion is brought into pressure contact with the opening portion.
US07690729B2
An adjustable chair headrest frame includes a headrest provided with a pivotal frame at the rear side. A support frame is pivotally assembled with the pivotal frame of the headrest, having its inner side formed with a recessed face having its outer periphery fixed with plural female-thread studs. An adjusting device is combined at the inside of the support frame, composed of a fit plate, plural stop blocks, a holding plate, springs and a back plate. A combining plate is threadably combined with the fit plate of the adjusting device and assembled at the rear side of a chair. By so designing, the headrest frame can be adjusted upward or downward, and the headrest can be adjusted and positioned at different angles.
US07690720B2
An energy-absorbing hood assembly for a vehicle includes upper, lower, and middle panels. The upper and lower panels respectively include first and second interface surfaces. The upper panel is preferably secured to an inner surface of an outer panel. The middle panel has opposing first and second surfaces defining an asymmetric waveform profile, preferably having a polygonal geometry. The middle panel member is secured to the first and second interface surfaces at preselected locations along the upper and lower surfaces, thereby defining a plurality of laterally oriented asymmetric channels. The asymmetric waveform profile is configured with distinct amplitudes and wavelengths along different regions of the hood assembly, each configured to provide different predetermined levels of absorption and attenuation of kinetic energy imparted to the hood assembly by objects upon impact therebetween. Ideally, the lower and middle panels are respectively configured to controllably fail at first and second predetermined crush loads.
US07690717B2
A retractable roof for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide from a closed position in the passenger area of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The roof also includes a rear cover structure including a rear shelf. The rear shelf can be automatically controlled between a rest position and an open position.
US07690714B2
A golf cart altered such that the occupants are protected against the effect of lightning strikes comprises an electrically conductive grid (23 & 23a) on the roof, preferably star shaped, connected electrically to electrically conductive down-conductors, preferably at least 6 in number, four of which may be the roof supports (16 & 24) and the other two (18) moveable to allow ease of access to the golf cart and each to be connected to a plurality of flexible electrically conductive members (26) so as to touch the ground, preferably via a metal chassis. The movable electrically conductive members are connected to at least one of the roof or the base construction by a bearing. The invention defines a protective electrically conductive cage enclosing the golf cart and surrounding its occupants with improved rigidity, safety and practicality.
US07690713B2
4-bar hinge technology is applied to forward hinged mounting of a conventional cab high cover on a pickup truck load bed, so that the cover moves clear of the vehicle cab when raised to provide improved loading access. The hinge system may be integrated with upper and/or lower rails intermediately attached to the cover and load bed rails used as mounting interfaces in fixed cover installations. Use of these interfaces alone for system attachment supports universal application to conventional matched cab high covers and load beds with minimal component variation between applications. Resulting component dimensions accommodate compact packaging, and therefore convenient, efficient shipping and storage of adaptation hardware. The system concept accommodates use of readily available hardware suited to processes and equipment already in use within affected industries, and facilitates capture of dimensions for optimal function within hinge and intermediate rail assemblies, thereby minimizing reliance upon installer skills.
US07690712B2
An antidazzle apparatus for movable bodies is capable of not hiding something a user wants to see while dimming sunlight. A transmissive display is disposed above ahead of a driver, and two dimmer portions are formed in the transmissive display. The dimmer portions are positioned on straight lines linking the driver's right and left eyes with the sun, respectively, and are set to sizes a bit larger than the sizes of the pupils. In this case, sunlight is dimmed by the dimmer portions. Nevertheless, lines of sight leading to an entity which is located much closer than the sun is and which the driver wants to see are not intercepted by the dimmer portions. This allows the driver to see the entity.
US07690704B2
An apparatus is provided which can be used to pry apart a first object, such as a hotel pan, from a second object, such as a chaffing dish, and to lift the first object off of or out of the second object. The apparatus may be comprised of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth portions, which may be plates, and which may be integrated together. The first, second, fourth, and sixth portions may be substantially straight, while the third and the fifth portions may be substantially semicircular. In one embodiment, first and second fingers are inserted through the third and fourth portions before using the apparatus to pry apart the first object from the second object.
US07690690B1
A daily display is associated with a text display, the daily display comprising a specific Gregorian calendar date, the text display comprising an abbreviated name of a text reference work wherein the text display is associated with the specific Gregorian calendar date to constitute a complete bibliographic citation.
US07690687B2
A trailer mounted crash attenuation system has an impact head assembly, a bursting tubular trailer frame member, and a breakaway axle assembly. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head assembly is urged forward bursting the tubular frame of the trailer. As the impact continues, the head assembly contacts an axle accelerator rod which results in the disengagement of the axle, trailer tire, and fenders from the trailer frame member. Impact energy is dissipated by the controlled deceleration of the vehicle as it moves forward through the attenuator system.
US07690686B2
A rear vehicle structure has an electrical system unit, two side members, two extension parts, two cross members, a rear seat and a cover. The electrical system unit includes first and second electrical system units. Each extension part extends rearwardly from one of the rearward ends of one of the side members. The cross members are located above rear suspension members of the vehicle. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to a top of at least one of the cross members. The rear seat is installed forward of the first electrical system unit. The second electrical system unit is located along a rearward surface of the rear seat. The cover is installed rearward of the second electrical system unit and has an upright panel that is oriented vertically to provide an enclosed space between a rearward surface of the second electrical system unit and the cover.
US07690677B2
In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a trim panel for concealing an air bag. The panel comprises a substrate and a cover over the substrate. The cover includes a cover skin. The panel also comprises a tear seam having at least a portion comprising a pattern of alternating residual wall thicknesses in the panel. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method for making a trim panel for concealing an air bag.
US07690672B2
Receivers are attached to motor vehicles to tow a variety of objects such as trailers. Due to the variety of makes and models of motor vehicles, several different sized receivers are required to fit most motor vehicles. The present receiver, however, provides adjustability in at least three directions. This adjustability means that one receiver can fit many different makes and models of vehicles.
US07690669B2
An adapter to facilitate attaching non-standard implements to a tractor equipped with a proprietary quick-connect hitch system. An elongated horizontal member, equipped with cylindrical end regions adapted for securing in hook regions of a quick-connect hitch system, carries a ball hitch or other similar universal hitch attachment mechanism. The novel adapter, therefore, allows attachment of implements having a ball hitch, a universal pin type hitch or other non-standard attachment mechanism to tractors equipped with quick-connect hitch systems. The novel adapter is rotatable around its major axis to allow two diverse hitches to be accommodated. For example, a ball-type hitch as well as another type connection my be selected by rotating the adapter 180° around its major axis.
US07690668B2
A powered vehicle is disclosed including a chassis and a plurality of wheels. At least one of the wheels is coupled to the chassis with an axle that is coupled to the chassis with a clip.
US07690666B2
A shock absorber includes a tube and a piston rod carrying a piston. The piston is configured for reciprocal movement within the tube. A floating piston, or other type of accumulator, is configured to move to accommodate fluid displaced due to successive portions of the piston rod entering the tube during compression of the shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a valve mechanism that utilizes the movement of the floating piston to move the valve between a first and second position, which preferably are open and closed positions.
US07690662B2
A strut type suspension device which contains a strut (7) whose upper end is supported on an insulator (3) mounted on a vehicle body (1), an upper seat (5) arranged on the lower face of the vehicle body with a bearing (4) interposed therebetween, a lower seat (8) fixed to said strut, and a compression coil spring (6) arranged around the strut between the upper seat and the lower seat, and which supports the vehicle body by means of the strut and is capable of turning about a kingpin axis, wherein the bearing is arranged in an inclined fashion such that the kingpin axis and the bearing central axis roughly coincide, so that no rotational moment is generated about the kingpin axis. Due to the above arrangement of the strut-type suspension device, the strain energy of the spring is unchanged irrespective of the rotation angle about the kingpin axis, even if the amount of the eccentricity varies, and thereby straight traveling stability is improved.
US07690658B2
A tool chuck may include a shaft supporting chuck jaws. The shaft may provide a first transmission power path for rotationally driving the chuck jaws. The shaft may have a through hole. A chuck actuating mechanism may be provided in the through hole. The chuck actuating mechanism may provide a second transmission power path for opening and closing the chuck jaws.
US07690657B2
A gasket for installation between components, that under operating conditions are subjected to temperature-dependent relative motions, in particular a cylinder head gasket for an internal combustion engine, built from multiple individual seal packets, of which a least one is assigned to each component and that at least under operating conditions a gliding relative motion is given solely between contact surfaces of the individual seal packets.
US07690644B2
A supply station for positioning enclosures on an enclosure-collating path of a mail-processing installation allows a simple conversion from operation for processing a stack of comparatively flexible, thin enclosures to operation for processing a stack of comparatively thick, essentially inflexible enclosures. The conversion is achieved using a magazine housing inside a supply station housing mounted so that it can be secured in two different pivot positions, whereby in one pivot position the lowermost enclosure of a stack of enclosures is bent using a vacuum arrangement in which the front end of the enclosure in the withdrawal direction can be gripped by a gripper, while in a second pivot position of the magazine housing, the front end in the withdrawal direction of a lowermost, comparatively thick and essentially inflexible enclosure is pushed by means of a pusher arrangement directly into the open claws of the gripper.
US07690637B2
A sheet processing apparatus of the invention includes a post-processing unit that applies post-processing to sheets supplied from an image forming apparatus, a conveying tool that guides the sheets subjected to the post-processing to a discharge port, a sheet discharge tray that receives the sheets discharged from the discharge port, and a control unit that controls an operation of the conveying tool and stops a discharge operation for new sheets, when a quantity of the sheets stacked on the sheet discharge tray reaches a full state set in advance. The sheet processing apparatus further includes a pressing unit that temporarily prevents movement of the sheet on the conveying tool, when a sheet is present on the conveying tool in the full state.
US07690632B2
A sheet bending apparatus and a sheet postprocessing apparatus are provided for improved alignment of recording sheets during center-folding. A center-folding unit mounted in a sheet postprocessing apparatus performs a center-folding processing to a stack of recording sheets aligned on their sides and placed in a sheet holding member. Side aligning is performed near a central portion in a sheet conveyance direction of the sheet holding member. The center-folding unit includes: two upper end aligning members positioned upstream in the sheet conveyance direction on the sheet holding member and movable equally in opposite width directions of the sheet holding member; and a pair of lower side end aligning members positioned on downstream in the sheet conveyance direction on the sheet holding member and are movable equally in opposite width directions of the sheet holding member and independently from the upper end aligning members.
US07690628B2
A fastener for anchoring fencing to a post. The fastener includes first and second separable and complementary sections, each section have an inner and outer surface, a middle web portion, opposed first and second sides extend from opposite edges of the middle web portion in a direction outwardly from the middle web portion, and opposed first and second ends. Male coupling members extend in a direction outward from one of the sides of the first section and the second section has female receiving spaces on one of the sided. Wherein the male coupling members being biasable for engagement with the spaces to detachably secure the sections together with the inner surfaces facing one another such that the inner surfaces define an axial passage that extends from the first to the second ends of the sections, whereby the passage permits the fencing and post to be clamped together between the sections.
US07690620B2
A height adjusting structure for a stand of a display device is provided. The stand includes a guide rail, base, supporting unit, and guide unit. The guide rail is fixedly installed to a rear surface of the display device. The base is supported on a horizontal surface. The supporting unit extends upward from the base. The guide unit is fixedly installed on the supporting unit, to be guided and moved along the guide rail. The height adjusting structure uses a minimum number of parts, is easy to assemble, is highly resistant to external shocks, is able to securely support a display device, operates quieter, and has improved operating reliability.
US07690619B2
An apparatus that provides for rotation about two axes orthogonal to each other includes a gimbal having two arms adjoining a portion that is mounted to a base for rotation about a first axis. A shaft defining a second axis orthogonal to the first pivotally couples a mounting plate to the arms. The mounting plate has an arcuate edge with first and second parallel grooves therein adapted to receiving a drive cable. A drive cable that is engaged with a drive pulley is aligned by at least one idler pulley with the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. The drive cable has opposing free ends that are received in the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. A motor is coupled to the drive pulley for controlling the drive cable travel, to accordingly rotate the mounting plate to provide for orientating a device in a desired direction.
US07690615B2
A gasket for a door mirror according to the present invention is constructed so that when the gasket is interposed and pressed between a mirror base of a door mirror and a mounting seat of a car body, a tip part of a seal lip is pushed against a seating surface of the mounting seat, so as to tilt and bow toward a circumferential portion of the gasket. Then the tip part of the seal lip is resiliently urged against the seating surface of the mounting seat because of its flexibility, so as to seal a clearance between a joint surface of the gasket and the mounting seat of the car body throughout the entire circumference.
US07690612B1
A one-piece slip-on accessory hanger includes an engaging and support portion, an extension portion, and an end portion, all of which are formed of a single length of an elongated rod member. The accessory hanger is formed by including a plurality of spaced bends, with each bend formed at a predetermined bend location, with a predetermined bend angle, and in a predetermined bend direction. The accessory hanger is specifically structured for being slipped over and securely engaging an upper portion of a support structure such as a PVC fence, without the need for any fastening devices. 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.
US07690604B2
A rudder pedal assembly exhibits sufficient ergonomic feel for a pilot, and is relatively small in overall size. The rudder pedal assembly includes a plurality of rails disposed non-parallel to each other within a common plane, and a rudder pedal. The rudder pedal is movably coupled to the plurality of rails and is configured to receive an input force in at least a first direction and a second direction. The rudder pedal is further configured, in response to the input force, to move along a path constrained by the plurality of rails in at least the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and within the common plane.
US07690603B2
A method to assist the piloting of an aircraft in a non-precision approach during a landing phase may include a series of successive steps that are carried out interactively and automatically. The steps include verifying, in accordance with respective standards of operation, conditions relating to the correct functioning of a plurality of equipment of the aircraft and to the integrity and precision of measurements of parameters used for implementing the non-precision approach, based on information from the plurality of equipment. On the basis of the verified conditions, an appropriate approach category is selected and presented on a display screen.
US07690599B2
An illuminating system, device, and method are provided to illuminate an in-flight refueling operation involving a first aircraft, serving as a tanker aircraft and carrying the illuminating system of the present invention, and a second aircraft, entering an in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide eye-safe, covert illumination suitable for illuminating the in-flight refueling position such that the second aircraft is illuminated upon entering the in-flight refueling position.
US07690598B1
An aircraft exhaust vent assembly for venting an exhaust gas through a window opening formed in an airplane fuselage. The aircraft exhaust vent assembly has an enclosure connected to the airplane fuselage and at least partially disposed within the window opening. An inlet is formed in the enclosure and connectable to an exhaust gas source for directing the exhaust gas into the enclosure. An outlet is formed in the enclosure for venting said exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage. An outlet flap is connected to the enclosure for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet flap substantially seals the outlet in the enclosure when the exhaust gas is not supplied to the enclosure. In the second position, the outlet flap does not seal the outlet in the enclosure to allow for venting of the exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage.
US07690596B2
An apparatus for launching and recovering a lighter-than-air aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes an envelope that is substantially filled before launch with a lift gas and a second gas. The lift gas and second gas are substantially separated in the envelope by a boundary layer of mixed gas, formed by the lift and second gases. The aircraft is supported by one or more masts as the lift gas is injected to achieve the required buoyancy for launch. The aircraft is then released and rises, for example, in an inclined orientation. As the aircraft climbs, the lift gas expands in the envelope, and the second gas is vented therefrom. During horizontal descent, air can be pumped into the envelope to maintain the envelope in a substantially filled configuration. The air and lift gas can be mixed to avoid sloshing and pooling.
US07690592B2
The invention provides an interlock system whereby operation of a domestic appliance such as a food processor containing an electric motor capable of driving a bladed or similar processing tool at relatively high speed is inhibited unless a vessel having a first or a second base configuration is securely mounted to the appliance so as to contain the tool; the vessel having a lid or cover intended to be in place for safe operation when the processing tool is driven by the motor. A vessel-supporting surface of the appliance carries several up-standing latches, each of which is formed with features capable of co-operating with vessels having either of the base configurations to temporarily latch either type of vessel operationally to the appliance. At least one of the latches is formed with first and second apertures allowing operational access for respective interlock actuators responsive to the lid or cover of a vessel being in place as intended, to an interlock switch whereby electrical current is permitted to flow to the motor only when a vessel having one or other of the different base configurations is latched to the appliance and the vessel is safely closed by its lid or cover.
US07690590B2
An electronically controlled journal loading system 20 for controlling and adjusting the amplitude of the load applied to a journal assembly 19 of a pulverizing mill 10. The journal loading system 20 includes a servomotor 44, resolver 134, vertical gearbox 42, coil spring assembly 40, controller 46 and a user interface 48. The journal loading system 20 provides electronic control and adjustment of the force applied to the journal assembly 19 to thereby increase or decrease the load that a grinding roll 18 imposes on the material being pulverized. In the mode of operation of the servo journal loading system 20, a desired load set point is selected via the user/operator interface 48. The servomotor 44 rotates a preload stud (or servo screw) 50 within the coiled spring assembly 40 in the appropriate direction via the gearbox 42. As the preload stud 50 turns, a bronze nut 100 and bushing 94 move axially along the stud to compress or decompress the spring 86. Based upon the linear movement of the preload stud 50 and the precalculated spring force of the spring 86, the load applied to the journal assembly 19 is displayed on the operator interface 48. Once the journal loading level is achieved the servomotor 44 can be turned off since the spring assembly 40 maintains the selected loading to the journal assembly 19.
US07690589B2
A method of separating at least one cluster of a plurality of clustered particles of a specified material. The method includes: initiating the wetting of at least a portion of the plurality of cluster particles; disaggregating at least a portion of the wetted plurality of cluster particles into a disaggregated material including a plurality of smaller clusters, discrete particles or any combination thereof; and stabilizing at least a portion of the disaggregated material by reducing, eliminating or replacing specified controlling attractive forces. A system and apparatus for separating at least one cluster of a plurality of clustered particles of a specified material are also disclosed.
US07690581B2
The present invention is a system and method for generating a barcode with a human readable interpretation (HRI), herein the barcode includes an application identifier. The characters are input as an input data set that is equivalent to the complete (HRI) with a special character immediately after the application identifier. Generating a barcode encoding data set for encoding the barcode is based on the input data set. Generating the barcode encoding data set includes interpreting the special character as a field separator between the application identifier and a data portion. Generating a data set for the human readable interpretation is based on the input data set and includes converting the special character to a symbol. Generating the barcode with the human readable interpretation includes combining the barcode encoding data set and the data set for the human readable interpretation.
US07690579B2
A wireless-enabled smart card reader receives an Answer to Reset (ATR) from a smart card and transmits the ATR using a wireless communication link to a computing device without waiting for an ATR request from the computing device. The computing device may cache the ATR and use it for subsequent communication sessions with the smart card.
US07690576B2
Handheld mobile communication devices according to the disclosure have a closed position, in which the display member of the device covers at least a portion of the keys of on the keypad member of the device, and an open position, in which the keys are accessible and the device is operated. When the display member is in the open position, it forms an ergonomically desirable angle (e.g., on the order of about 155°) relative to the keypad member. However, unlike clamshell-type cellular phones, the display member does not simply flip open about a conventional pivot joint. Rather, it moves from the closed position, where it is parallel and adjacent to the keypad member, to the open, angled position through a sliding/sweeping motion; through an eccentric, “up-and-over” rotational motion; or through a combination sliding/“up-and-over” motion.
US07690572B2
The invention relates to a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having in one embodiment a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.
US07690565B2
A method for locating a machine includes collecting machine data from a first machine over a communications network. The machine data for the first machine includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the first machine. The method also includes determining that the first machine is missing based on the collected machine data and receiving, from the first machine, over the communications network, a location message including location data reflecting a geographic location of the first machine. The method further includes sending a notification message to a first entity including data reflecting a status of the first machine and the location data, and sending a command to the first machine to control at least one operation of the first machine based on determining that the first machine is missing.
US07690559B2
An integrity checking system includes a tag programming device that generates a plurality of identifiers. Each identifier is associated with either a storage item or an item to be stored by the storage item. The programming device stores each of the identifiers in a plurality of readable tags, each readable tag being adapted to be attached to a corresponding item. A tag reading device reads the identifiers stored in the readable tags and, using only information from the read tags, provides information indicating whether any item supposed to be stored on the storage item is missing from the storage item. Also, methods for storing and reading the identifiers are disclosed along with storing additional information about the items in the tags, such as physical information like weight and/or volume of the items, and then using this information to determine whether any items have been altered.
US07690554B2
An anti-sifting polygonal carton stores granulated and powdered products. The carton starts as a single blank with four sections: a side, a front, a side, and a rear. The sides have a side panel with two flanking miter panels and two minor flaps. Each miter panel has two opposite miter flaps. The front has a front panel with a second major flap having a tear strip and an opposite second major lower flap having a crease. Separated from the front by a side, the rear has a rear panel having a miter tab opposite the side and a first major flap and an opposite first major lower flap. The fold lines continuous with the miter flaps and the miter tab are reinforced with tape or patches. The tear strip and top of the carton have a pattern of cuts to open and to reclose the carton.
US07690553B2
Residual tensile stresses can be mitigated through methods and systems provided by the present invention. Such a method can include securing a metal member (10) to a substrate and at least partially surrounding a portion of the metal member (10) with a cooling fluid (18). As a result, the cooled portion of the metal member (10) contracts a predetermined amount. Once cooled, the metal member may be fixed, preferably welded, to another metal member in a constrained relationship. As the portion of the metal member is returned to its original temperature, expansion of the metal member acts to mitigate residual tensile stresses in the metal assembly. Tensile stress in restrained members, cambering, and structural deformation can be readily controlled in an assembled structure.
US07690549B1
A purge arrangement for welding backup of a seam between two surfaces selected for welding together along respective runs which define the seam includes a ventilated tubeform and an adhesive tape attached for forming a seal across the back of the seam and sealing in the ventilated tubeform. The ventilated tubeform adapted for flooding with a purge gas by a source thereof. The adhesive tape's seal across the back of the seam traps the flood of the purge gas in the interspace between the tape and seam and ultimately flushes the as-yet un-welded portions of the seam with the purge gas.
US07690547B2
A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions.
US07690542B1
Provided is a carrying case that utilizes two straps, e.g., for looping over the top of a cellular telephone or similarly sized item. Attachment devices are located on the body of the carrying case, and in certain implementations often can provide flexibility in how the carrying case is configured and used.
US07690533B2
A container for dispensing liquids or gels, where the container includes a light module, a sound module, or both. When the contents of the container are dispensed by the user, light is automatically dispersed inside the container and into the contents to provide a desired visual effect for attraction of consumers to the product.
US07690524B2
A bottle includes a container and a closure device. The closure device includes a threaded cap for closing up the container, a slidable spout for opening and closing the fluid flow path from the container by means of two sealing elements on the spout, a vent check valve for permitting air to rapidly enter the container without passing through the spout and a multi-fold protective cover and, more particularly, to a two-fold protective cover for achieving the leak-proof by forcing the spout to a close position and closing up the vent check valve by a projection extended from the protective cover.
US07690515B2
The present invention is a container rack that locks down the containers to prevent shock and vibration damage to the containers. The device consists of a rack structure, a trombone means which is used to pull the containers forward, a lock down means to hold the containers in place and a closing means which is used to close the lock down means in place.
US07690513B1
Gravel log washer with groups of offset paddles wherein paddles within each group are further offset
A log washer apparatus having two longitudinal shafts. The shaft includes paddles arranged into groups. Some of the groups are aligned about the circumference of the shaft such that each of the paddles in the group extend outward from the shaft at the same circumferential location about the shaft. Some of the groups are offset such that paddles within the offset groups are offset with respect to the adjacent paddles so as to increase fluid flow in the log washer.
US07690488B2
A roller freewheel comprises an outer ring which is configured as a sheet metal part shaped without cutting and has a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface which is provided with clamping ramps, a plurality of clamping rollers which are sprung against the clamping ramps, and a cage which is arranged fixedly in terms of rotation in the outer ring, is configured as a sheet metal part shaped without cutting and to which springs are fastened which are provided for suspending the clamping rollers.
US07690486B2
A drive mechanism includes an electric motor, a rotor driven by the electric motor, and a worm screw driven by the rotor. The drive mechanism further includes a wheel driven by the worm screw, the wheel transmitting movement of the electric motor to a vehicle closure, and a clutch on the rotor connecting the worm screw to the electric motor or disconnecting the worm screw from the electric motor.
US07690484B2
A braking band with a remarkable capacity for improved cooling, for use in disk-brake disks, comprises two plates coaxial with an axis, facing one another, and spaced apart to form a space in which an air-flow takes place from the axis towards the outer side of the band, the plates having facing surfaces from which pillar-like elements extend, transversely, to connect the plates, the pillar-like elements being distributed in circular rings or rows concentric with the plates so as to be distributed uniformly in the space, those pillar-like elements which are disposed in inside rows of the braking band having rhombic cross-sections. The rhombic cross-sections of the pillar-like elements which are in inside rows of the band are symmetrical with respect to an axis transverse the direction of flow and each element for connection between the plates extends from one plate to the other whilst remaining within the space.
US07690482B2
A screw compressor (20) has a housing having first and second ports along a flow path. A male-lobed rotor has a first rotational axis. A female-lobed rotor has a second rotational axis and is enmeshed with the male-lobed rotor to define a compression path between suction and discharge locations along the flow path. The compressor has a compressor lubrication network having a lubricant outlet port (242) along a low pressure cusp (244). An unloading slide valve element (102) may be along a high pressure cusp (105).
US07690477B2
A vehicular steering system can suppress, even upon a change in a neutral position of a steering wheel, a right and left difference in the behavior of a vehicle by keeping neutral positions of steerable road wheels from the start of control. The system includes a steering mechanism that steers the steerable road wheels of the vehicle through the steering wheel and an auxiliary steering angle superposition mechanism. A steered angle of the steerable road wheels is detected as an absolute angle. The auxiliary steering angle superposition mechanism is controlled by a target auxiliary steering angle. An activation angle setting section sets, at the start of control, the initial values of a steering wheel angle and an auxiliary steering angle as an activation steering wheel angle and an activation auxiliary steering angle by the steered angle and a transmission characteristic between the steering wheel angle and the steered angle.
US07690454B2
A hybrid drive, in particular, for a motor vehicle, includes: an internal combustion engine and a transmission disposed on the output side of the internal combustion engine, which transmission is drivable by the internal combustion engine; and an electric motor associated with the transmission having an electrically driven rotor through which the transmission is additionally drivable. The transmission includes an input shaft that is driven by the internal combustion engine and runs in the longitudinal direction of the transmission, an output shaft to drive a machine disposed on the output side of the transmission, or drive wheels in the case of a vehicle, and a plurality of manually or automatically shiftable gear stages to set the various gear ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft. The electric motor at its longitudinal axis and/or rotational axis of its rotor is attached to the output shaft in parallel or essentially parallel fashion laterally externally to the transmission.
US07690449B2
A drive axle assembly is provided with a reduced part count and improved alignment. The assembly includes a drive axle housing with input and output shafts and an inter-axle differential that is driven by the input shaft. The inter-axle differential is drivingly coupled to the output shaft and divides power between first and second axles. The output shaft is a unitary member and defines a yoke at one end disposed outside of the drive axle housing and restrained against axial movement within the drive axle housing. A bearing set is disposed between the output shaft and the drive axle housing and includes first and second bearing cones and a unitary bearing cup. The bearing cup includes threads that engage corresponding threads in the drive axle housing.
US07690443B2
The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.
US07690437B2
A method of constructing a well comprising a borehole drilled through underground formations, comprises: positioning at least one device on the outside of the tubular string (e.g. a drill string or casing string), the device being operable to move between first and second configurations; positioning a tubular string in the borehole with the device positioned in the annular space between the tubular string and the borehole wall in its first configuration so as to interact with the tubular string and the borehole while allowing borehole fluid to flow along the annular space and around the device; and operating the device so as to move it from its first configuration to expand into its second configuration in which it substantially fills at least part of the annular space so as to inhibit flow of fluids along the borehole in the space. Apparatus comprises: a string of tubular members; at least one device positioned on the outside of the string, the device being operable to expand between: (i) a first configuration in which, when the tubular string is positioned in the borehole with the device located in the annular space between the tubular string and the borehole wall, interacts with the tubular string and the borehole while allowing borehole fluid to flow along the annular space and around the device; and (ii) a second configuration in which it substantially fills at least part of the annular space so as to prevent flow of fluids along the borehole in the space.
US07690435B2
An apparatus (100) and method for removably mounting a lubricator assembly (106) to a component of the wellhead stack. The component of the wellhead stack is an annular blowout preventer (BOP) (50). Tool and communication conduit lubrication and access to the wellbore without requiring activation of the packing element of the BOP (50).
US07690434B2
There is disclosed an offshore vessel mooring and riser inboarding system (12) for a vessel (10) such as an FPSO or FSO. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first mooring element (16) adapted to be located in an offshore environment (18); a riser (20) adapted to be coupled to the first mooring element; a connector assembly (22) 11 adapted to be mounted on the vessel, the connector assembly comprising a second mooring element (28); and a transfer line (32) adapted to be coupled to the riser; wherein the first and second mooring elements are adapted to be connected to facilitate coupling of the riser and the transfer line; and wherein the connector assembly is adapted to permit relative rotation between the vessel and the first mooring element about three mutually perpendicular axes of rotation. This facilitates weathervaning of the vessel relative to the first mooring element, as well as pitch, roll, heave and surge, under applied wind, wave and/or tidal forces.
US07690433B2
A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing, adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface.
US07690424B2
A formation engaging member for use in an open hole anchor (10) is described. The formation engaging member has at least one first open hole surface engaging element (20) for penetrating a surface of an open hole, and at least one second open hole surface engaging element (22) for fractionally interacting with a surface of the open hole to form an interference engagement. A method of anchoring to a formation surface of an open hole and an anchor are also described.
US07690415B2
A window covering lifting control apparatus includes a holding unit, a locating set and a pushbutton. The holding unit has a first spacer and a second spacer formed thereon that are spaced from each other. The spacers have two slots inclining downwards. The first spacer has a strut on one side to be coupled with a spring on an outer side. The locating set includes two gears, two locating rods, two locating heads and a spring assembly to hold the two gears between the spacers. The pushbutton is movably coupled on the strut of the holding unit to control movement of the two gears in the slots. The window lifting control apparatus can be installed in a lower elongated member to control retraction upward or extension downward of the window covering. The two gears of the locating set can engage with and latch a lift cord assembly to provide improved locating effect.
US07690414B2
A window assembly that includes a motorized window shade mechanism. The window assembly includes two reversible motors that are disposed in, and at the top of, the window assembly. The window assembly further includes an opaque shade and a translucent shade. Each shade is independently raised and lowered with the motors by a separate gear and belt system positioned at the sidewalls of the window assembly, which are coupled to each other by rotatable shafts journalled into the bottom of the window. Each gear and belt system is driven by one of the reversible motors.
US07690412B1
A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.
US07690407B2
Method and safety device for a breaking saw chain. The safety device includes a protective wall positioned in the vicinity of the drive gear drawing the saw chain that is capable of receiving the movement of the tail of the broken saw chain and guiding the broken saw chain and the tail into the desired direction. The protective wall is moved in phase with a guide bar to hold the protective wall in the correct location during sawing in relation to the saw chain.
US07690402B2
For tying wire material around a bale, a pair of end portions of the loop is held in a substantially mutually parallel orientation. An engaged section of at least one of the end portions is moved about a longitudinal axis of the other end portion of that pair, such that the pair of end portions is twisted into a wire twist between an engagement area and a portion of the loop extending about the bale. During twisting, wire material of at least one of the end portions slips through the engagement area towards the portion of the loop extending about the bale. An implement and twisters for use in such a method are also described.
US07690396B2
A flow control valve for medical liquid is disclosed. The valve has a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path therebetween. A plurality of flow restrictors are located in the flow path to define a plurality of flow streams of differing flow rates. A flow control member is disposed in the flow path, and has a plurality of discrete apertures in a first region or plane and at least one aperture in a second region or plane spaced apart from the first plane. The flow control member is rotationally movable and defines an annular gap and radial groove which provide fluid communication between the different planes and the outlet regardless of the orientation of the flow control member. The flow control member may be rotated between a first position in which one of the plurality of apertures in the first plane is in communication with one of the flow streams to define a first flow rate through the valve, and a second position in which one of the at least one aperture in the second plane is in communication with a different one of the flow streams to define a second flow rate through the valve different from the first flow rate.
US07690388B2
Novel hair holding devices having first and second pivotally connected body members including hair gripping portions, and methods for improving existing such hair holding devices, in which the improvement involves providing the first and second body members with at least one elastomeric member for biasing the first and second body members into a closed position and for conforming to gathered strands of a user's hair when the hair gripping portions come into contact with gathered strands of a user's hair.
US07690387B2
A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cyotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid.
US07690386B2
A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.
US07690384B2
A cigarette making apparatus comprises an application nozzle for applying a flavoring material to a wrapping-paper web supplied continuously to a wrapping machine, a pump for supplying the flavoring material to the application nozzle, and a pump control device for controlling the pump driving speed depending on the wrapping machine operating speed. The pump control device divides the wrapping machine operating speed into a plurality of speed regions and determines an approximation pump characteristic which approximates a relationship between the pump driving speed and the rate of discharge of the flavoring material from the pump in each of the speed regions, in advance, and determines the speed at which the pump should be driven, depending on the wrapping machine operating speed, according to the approximation pump characteristic. Consequently, the flavoring material is applied to the wrapping-paper web in an appropriate amount depending on the wrapping machine operating speed.
US07690379B2
A pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks, including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that monitors and determines relative air pressure between the internal space of a protection mask and the ambient environment to alert users of negative or threshold level air pressure, and in turn, to ensure safe operation of the protection masks. The pressure indicator, which is incorporated in the mask, alerts users when the air pressure in the mask reaches a critical level by transmitting optical signals, auditory signals, vibrational signals or a combination thereof that are detectable by the user. The optical signals are projected into the user's line of vision either directly or through a head-up display. The pressure indicator may cause the signal to indicate a safe and danger mode, or may cause the signal to indicate only during a danger mode.
US07690374B2
A gas radiation oven range including an outer case (10) which is formed with an upper side opened, having an internal space, a ceramic glass (20) which is covered and combined with an upper end of the outer case (10), a plurality of burner housings (300) which are combined to be contacted with a lower surface of the ceramic glass (20), forms an exhaust passage (F) with the lower surface of the ceramic glass (20), and is integrally combined with a plurality of ports with different sizes, a radiant burner (40) which is combined with a side surface of the respective burner housings (300), for generating a radiant wave, combusting mixed gas and a shared discharge unit which is positioned among the burner housings (300) and combined to be connected to respective exhaust passages (F) which are formed at a side portion of the burner housings (300).
US07690369B2
A fuel pressure controlling device for an engine is provided including a fuel injection device, an ignition device, a catalyst for removing pollutants from engine exhaust. A controller selects a combustion mode from at least a homogeneous combustion mode fuel is injected the intake stroke and the fuel is ignited before compression top dead center. The fuel injection device injects the fuel based on a target fuel pressure according to the selected combustion mode. The controller detects whether or not a request is present for raising the temperature of the catalyst. In the homogenous combustion mode, when a request is present, the target fuel pressure is set to a first target fuel pressure, and when a request is not present, the target fuel pressure is set to a second target fuel pressure, the second target fuel pressure being lower than the first target fuel pressure.
US07690363B2
A vapor fuel recovery system for fuel tanks is provided. The vapor recovery system comprises: a canister that captures vapor fuel expelled from the fuel tank; a vent valve that controls ventilation of vapor fuel from the fuel tank to the canister; and a vent bypass disposed between the canister and the vent valve that controls the flow of vapor fuel from the fuel tank to the on-board recovery canister when a fuel level in the fuel tank is full. The bypass includes a bypass valve and at least one orifice.
US07690350B2
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine with variable valve lift has the following steps: Determining the pressure in the intake manifold; predetermining the pressure in the intake manifold following a changeover of the valve lift; determining a selection criterion for a valve lift to be set; and setting that valve lift at which the higher pressure is reached in the intake manifold, unless the selection criterion requires the use of the valve lift at which the lower pressure is reached in the intake manifold.
US07690344B2
A vehicle includes a direct-start engine and a fuel rail with a threshold fuel pressure, a transmission having a threshold fluid pressure, and a fuel delivery system. The system has a controller, a motor having a shaft, and an integrated pump assembly including a high-pressure (HP) fuel pump and a low-pressure (LP) fluid pump each connected to the shaft. Threshold pressures are maintained during the predetermined engine state, which includes an engine idling and an engine cranking state. A method for providing stop-and-go functionality in a vehicle having a direct-start engine includes detecting a current engine state, rotating a motor shaft to energize a secondary HP fuel pump at a first threshold pressure during engine cranking, and rotating the shaft to energize an LP fluid pump at a second threshold pressure during engine idling and engine cranking. The secondary pumps can also be used when primary pumps are temporarily inoperable.
US07690341B2
An engine intake valve timing control apparatus includes a fuel injection control section, a valve open timing control section, and a valve timing change rate setting section. The fuel injection control section is configured to control a fuel injection quantity of fuel injected from a fuel injector into an intake port of an engine in accordance with an operating condition of the engine. The valve open timing control section is configured to control an open timing of an intake valve to a target open timing. The valve timing change rate setting section sets a change rate at which the open timing of the intake valve is changed from a current open timing to the target open timing when the target open timing is updated, the change rate being set using a parameter relating to a vaporization rate of the fuel adhered to the intake port.
US07690338B2
There is provided a method of starting an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber and an intake valve which opens during an intake stroke of an engine cycle to allow air to be inducted into the combustion chamber. The method comprises cranking the internal combustion engine with advanced closing timing and a reduced lift of the intake valve without combustion of air and fuel in the combustion chamber from a stroke of the engine cycle prior to a first intake stroke of the combustion chamber since an engine start request, starting combustion of air and fuel in the combustion chamber after the first intake stroke, and retarding closing timing of said intake valve from the advanced closing timing and increasing the valve lift after the combustion is started. Accordingly, air charge in the combustion chamber may increase properly conforming to the engine speed increase caused by the combustion. Therefore, the torque derived from the combustion of the charged and fuel may increase the engine speed moderately after the beginning of the combustion.
US07690333B2
A system is provided that draws heat from an open-loop engine cycle into a closed-loop working fluid circulatory system that utilizes computer-aided feedback mechanisms. The closed-loop working fluid draws engine heat from multiple sources: exhaust stack gases, the engine block, the engine transmission, and the engine headers and exhaust manifold near the valves. Heat exchangers are arranged in an ascending pattern according to the temperature of the heat at each heat generating location of the open-loop engine cycle. A wankel or similar type engine receives the heated working fluid and rotates a shaft connected to a generator to generate electricity. An electrolysis unit is powered by the generated electricity and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. A reformation unit receives fuel such as diesel and the generated hydrogen to reform the fuel prior to injection into the engine for combustion. Oxygen from hydrolysis is combined with ambient air to increase combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
US07690332B1
A humane weaning muzzle includes a snout cover, a snout strap and at least two halter straps. The snout cover preferably includes a matrix of straps and cross straps attached to each other. The adjustment strap is attached to snout cover. Each halter strap includes a strap material. One of a loop and hook fastener are formed on one end of the strap material. One of a hook and loop fastener are formed on substantially a middle of the strap material. The strap material is secured to the snout cover. One end of each halter strap is inserted under a halter and secured to substantially a middle of each halter strap. Each end of the adjustment strap is wrapped under the snout of the foal and secured to each other and tightened. The humane weaning muzzle allows the foal to eat hay, graze off the ground and drink water.
US07690327B2
A method of milking an animal involves admitting the animal into a milking box and expelling the animal from the milking box, the milking box comprising a connecting device, such as a robot arm, for automatically connecting a teat cup to a teat of the animal. The step of expelling the animal from the milking box is carried out using the robot arm. An installation for milking an animal is also described, the installation being provided with a milking box for the animal; a robot arm for automatically connecting a teat cup to a teat of the animal; and a device for expelling the animal from the milking box. The device for expelling the animal from the milking box comprises part of the robot arm.
US07690326B2
A system for controlling the coating width of an electrode plate, The system includes: a coating device which ejects a paste at a predetermined width from each of a plurality of slit nozzles toward a fed core substrate to form a coating layer on the surface of the core substrate; a gap controlling device which controls the gap between the slit nozzles of the coating device and the core substrate; a coating width measuring device which measures the width of the coating layer on the surface of the core substrate; and a controlling unit which controls the gap controlling device based on the results obtained by comparing the measured coating width with a predetermined coating width. In this system, the stripe-shaped coating layer is formed without using a masking tape, and the width of the coating layer is controlled with high accuracy.
US07690325B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method in which material is deposited upon a surface from an elongated beam having an aperture defined therein through which the material is moved by passive adsorption. The elongated beam can be substantially planar along substantially its entire length, can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the surface during deposition processes, and can have a length no greater than about 2 mm. In some embodiments, the aperture can be elongated, can extend from a material reservoir to a location short of the terminal end of the elongated beam or through the terminal end of the elongated beam, and can have a portion extending through the thickness of the elongated beam.
US07690311B1
A non-lethal projectile consisting of a solid capsule filled with a flowable payload. The solid capsule comprises a weakened area that ruptures upon impact with a target. The solid capsule also comprises an internal hydrodynamic structure. At the moment of impact, the internal hydrodynamic structure forces the radial movement of the flowable payload, from the center to the periphery, against the weakened area of the solid capsule, facilitating the rupture and reducing the pressure of projectile's point over target's surface.
US07690307B2
An apparatus to mechanically stem (plug) a borehole or blast hole to contain or confine the gases generated by explosives is provided, thus preventing the energy generated by explosives to be released to the atmosphere. An assembly of the mechanical stemming apparatus for mining blasting operations according to the present invention comprises 2 pieces, placed one over the other: a base piece (1) and a central piece (6), and additionally includes two lateral wedge pieces (8) and four supporting pivots (11). The mechanical stemming apparatus according to the present invention and the entire apparatus set form a cylindrical body with a diameter lower than the borehole diameter and a length directly proportional to the diameter and depth of the boreholes or blast holes.
US07690296B2
A method and associated apparatus designed to effectively twist and cut baling wire during the baling process. The apparatus includes a twister assembly that has a plurality of gear-driven twister heads. During the baling process the twister assembly extends from a slide housing so that the twister heads engage and twist adjacent strands of baling wire. The twister assembly then retracts back into the slide housing so that the twisted portion of the baling wire is cut by a cutting assembly attached to the slide housing.
US07690294B2
An improved system and methods useful for the cooking of one or more food items by the application of a non-ambient temperature developed within a temperature retentive element. The temperature retentive element can be sized and shaped to form a cooking box in which cooking at a temperature relative to the non-ambient temperature may proceed and from which the food item, when fully cooked, may be served.
US07690288B2
An electric pulse generator includes a driver having an outer surface, a receiver, and one or more piezoelectric elements disposed between and in electrical contact with the driver and the receiver. The electric pulse generator further includes an explosive material disposed on the outer surface of the driver. A method of making an electrical pulse generator includes providing one or more piezoelectric elements, a driver, a receiver, and an explosive material and operably associating the explosive material with an outer surface of the driver. The method further includes electrically coupling the one or more piezoelectric elements between the driver and the receiver.
US07690283B1
A motor mount assembly for a milling tool, in particular a clamshell lathe, wherein the motor mount assembly has a housing that is secured to a stationary ring of the lathe and a drive gear rotatably journaled in the housing and in operative contact with gearing on a rotatable ring of the lathe that carries a cutting tool. The drive gear is operatively axially supported internally by both the drive shaft of the motor as well as by a portion of the motor mount assembly housing in order to provide a durable, long wearing motor mount assembly.
US07690278B2
A step variable transmission for a motor vehicle has a plurality of forward gear stages and at least one reverse gear stage. The transmission comprising: a drive input shaft arrangement, a drive output shaft arrangement, and a plurality of wheel sets which have loose wheels and shift wheels, wherein the shift wheels are rotatably mounted on a shaft arrangement and can be rotationally fixedly connected to the associated shaft arrangement by means of respective shift clutches.
US07690270B1
Load-measuring transducers utilizing induced-voltage measurement techniques are described. The wiring patterns of such transducers can be configured with a plurality of moveable gauge portions to reduce errors encountered with eccentricities between the transducer gauges, and are preferably configured to reduce interference errors due to wiring patterns thereof.
US07690269B2
There is described a mass flow meter which operates on the Coriolis principle. A measuring tube is mounted in a chamber, which is provided with at least two openings for directing the medium to and from the respective end of the measuring tube. The mounting of the measuring tube is arranged between the two tube ends at an axial distance from them. It is preferably at an oscillation node of the first bending mode. The mounting arranged at an axial distance from the tube ends has the advantage that thermal expansions have virtually no influence on the internal mechanical stress conditions of the measuring tube, and consequently scarcely influence the measurement result. The mass flow meter can be used with particular advantage for gaseous media.
US07690264B2
Apparatus for applying bending load to an axle of an aircraft landing gear. The apparatus comprises a dummy wheel having a dummy wheel bearing; and a load tool having a convex outer surface which is configured to engage the dummy wheel when in use so as to bend the axle via the dummy wheel bearing. The dummy wheel is shaped to enable it to roll over the convex outer surface of the load tool as the axle bends. The load tool has a load tool bearing which permits the load tool to move as it bends the axle. One or more sensors are provided to sense the load applied to the axle; and one or more sensors are provided to sense the response of the axle to the applied load.
US07690259B2
Integrated ultrasonic inspection probes, systems, and methods for inspection of composite assemblies
Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which permit inspection of uniquely shaped structures such as fuselage frames and shear ties. Probes may be constructed from rapid prototyping. Inspection may be performed manually and may use a portable function support system for delivering fluid couplant, controlling transmit and receive functions of the inspection sensors, and delivering immediate visual analysis for an operator. Integrated ultrasonic inspection apparatus, systems, and methods facilitate fast and efficient custom inspection devices and inspecting otherwise difficult-to-inspect structures.
US07690257B2
In a method and a device for testing a weld seam (8), located on the inner surface of a reactor pressure vessel (2), by which the outer circumference of an instrumentation nozzle (4) leading into the interior of this reactor pressure vessel (2) is welded onto the reactor pressure vessel (2), an ultrasound test probe (20) with a linear ultrasound transducer array (30) is inserted into the instrumentation nozzle (4), which ultrasound transducer array (30) is parallel to the central axis (12) of the instrumentation nozzle (4) in terms of its longitudinal direction, and is used to couple a transmitted ultrasound signal (S) into the instrumentation nozzle (4) in the region of the weld seam (8) and to receive a reflected ultrasound signal (R).
US07690250B2
A method for measuring ocean surface currents using a long-range single station high frequency ground wave radar system includes the steps of forming a rectilinear grid based region, dividing the rectilinear grid into a plurality of sub-regions each having a uniform surface current flow therewithin, spanning each sub-region with a predetermined plurality of radial beam lines from the single radar station, dividing each radial beam line into a pre-selected plurality of radial sub-nodes, measuring radial surface current vector projection at each radial sub-node, inputting each radial surface current vector projection into a multiple regression model having two regressors, determining, with the multiple regression model, surface vector components along each of x and y axis, storing the surface vector components determined in step (g) to a database, and editing, with equation of continuity based algorithm, plurality of surface vector components stored in the database.
US07690243B2
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measurement of the thickness of thin layers by means of a measurement probe (11) which has a housing (14) which holds at least one sensor element (17) whose longitudinal axis lies in particular on a longitudinal axis (16) of the housing (14), in which at least during the measurement process, a gaseous medium is supplied to a supply opening (21) of the measurement probe (11) on a measurement surface (28), and is supplied via at least one connection channel (24), which is connected to the supply opening (21), to one or more outlet openings (26) which are provided on an end face (29), pointing towards the measurement surface (28), of the measurement probe (11), and in which at least one mass flow, which flows out of one or more outlet openings (26), of the gaseous medium is directed at the measurement surface (28), and in which the measurement probe (11) is held in a non-contacting manner with respect to the measurement surface (28) during the measurement process.
US07690242B2
A lighter device having a flow restrictor and associated methods for manufacturing and testing such lighter device and flow restrictor are described. The flow restrictor may be formed of a porous member to achieve a substantially fixed or varying flame height. The flow restrictor may be tested before or after assembly into a lighter housing by receiving a non-combustible fluid therethrough. The flow rate of the non-combustible fluid may be correlated to the flow rate of a combustible fluid through the flow restrictor to approximate the resultant flame height of a lighter incorporating the tested flow restrictor. The flow restrictor may also be tested by receiving a combustible fluid therethrough prior to assembling the flow restrictor into the lighter housing. In this manner, flow restrictors and corresponding lighter devices may be tested without introducing combustible fluids into such lighter devices prior to shipment. Also, a vacuum may be drawn on a fuel tank of the lighter prior to shipment.
US07690235B2
In a method of cooling and/or lubricating of rolls and/or rolling stock according to which a cooling medium is applied to the rolls from a plurality of nozzles/nozzle rows, on one hand, and for lubrication, on the other hand, base oil is applied to the rolling stock in front of a roll gap, wherein the nozzles/nozzle rows are adjusted separately and independent from each other the cooling medium is applied to the rolls separately from the base oil, and finally, the base oil without water as a base medium is applied directly to the rolling stock over an entire width thereof in a very small amount in comparison with a conventional amount.To this end, media separating means is arranged between the nozzles/nozzle rows for applying cooling medium to the rolls and the nozzles/nozzle rows for applying base oil to the rolling stock.
US07690228B2
A method, a system and a pelt board for the drying of the leather side of pelts from furred animals, in which the pelt board is a hollow distension element, the surface of which has an open structure. The leather side is dried by changing the air within the distension element. The distension element is lockable in a position in which it has a first circumference, and can also assume a position or be force controlled to a position in which it has a circumference which is smaller than the first, which results in a considerably easier removal of the pelt from the pelt board. A quicker, more uniform and more effective drying of the pelts is achieved, so that “black spots” on the leather side are avoided, and the pelt is fixed in its stretched position on the pelt board without the use of clips/staples.
US07690222B2
A glass gob distributor for delivering gobs of molten glass to sections of a glassware forming machine, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, includes at least one electric motor, a ball screw coupled to the electric motor and a carriage slidable on a carriage shaft and coupled to the ball screw. At least one gear rack is coupled to the carriage and at least one scoop is coupled to the gear rack for rotation around a scoop axis as a function of linear motion of the gear rack and the carriage. A pair of slides are slidably disposed on opposite sides of the carriage and are disconnected from the carriage. A pair of fluid cylinders are disposed adjacent to the slides. The fluid cylinders are responsive to an absence of power at the electric motor for pushing the centering slides toward each other to abut and slidably position the carriage on the carriage shaft, the gear rack and the at least one scoop at a home position. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, a plurality of scoops are coupled either to individual associated electric motors through associated gear racks, carriages and ball screws, or are coupled to a single electric motor through one or more gear racks, a single carriage and a single ball screw.
US07690216B2
Disclosed herein is an oil separator for air conditioners that is capable of separating oil from refrigerant. The oil separator comprises a shell having a cylindrical space defined therein, a refrigerant introduction pipe for introducing refrigerant into the shell, a refrigerant discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant out of the shell, and oil-drop growth accelerating member for accelerating growth of oil drops contained in the refrigerant flowing in the shell.
US07690214B2
A micro-spray cooling system for a plurality of heat sources includes an evaporator contacting the heat sources and comprising a plurality of actuators corresponding to the heat sources, a condenser connected to the evaporator, and at least one driving circuit connected to the actuators to drive some or all of the actuators sequentially according to a predetermined timing to cool the heat sources. The refrigerant in the evaporator is sprayed by the actuators to thermally contact the heat sources, evaporated by heat from the heat sources, condensed in the condenser and re-enters the evaporator.
US07690210B2
In an air-conditioner control unit, when pollen mode control is set by a vehicle occupant to perform the pollen mode control that can provide a defogging effect while maintaining the pollen removal effect, the opening of an air inlet door is forcibly set to an inside-air introduction mode (S330) when the following two conditions hold: ambient temperature Tam is higher than a threshold (5 to 6° C.) set in a low-temperature region (S320), and a compressor system is able to operate normally without causing an abnormal pressure (S330). If even one of these conditions does not hold, the opening of the air inlet door is not forcibly set to the inside-air introduction mode, and the air inlet door is operated as in normal control. In this way, in the pollen mode control, since the pollen removal effect in the inside-air introduction mode is enabled only when the ambient air is relatively high, the occurrence of windshield fogging can be suppressed.
US07690207B2
A crack-resistant floating collar mounting arrangement is provided comprising a collar mounted between spaced-apart mounting flanges, the flange being fixed to a dome from an outer surface unexposed to the hot combustor temperatures.
US07690206B2
A system for fastening the end of a gas turbine engine shaft engaged inside a sleeve supported by a bearing is disclosed. The system includes a nut that is screwed at one end inside the sleeve, and is connected by a split annular ring with the shaft at the other end.
US07690203B2
A gas turbine engine fuel nozzle assemblage (10) comprises a nozzle outer body (25) comprising a premixing section (23) and an interiorly disposed first fuel passageway (22) to supply fuel to the premixing section (23), and more interiorly a central channel (33) comprising an inlet (30) from an air supply, an aperture (19) at an upstream end to receive a lance (18), and a downstream-disposed annular bearing surface (21) adapted to slidingly engage the lance, the fuel nozzle assemblage adapted so that the lance may be alternatably selected as any interchangeable one of a gas lance, an oil lance, and a non-fueling dummy lance. Between the lance and the central channel (33) is formed a cooling fluid passageway (24) that is in fluid communication with the inlet (30) and one or more cooling fluid passageway exits (60). The interchangeability of the lances (18) is effective to provide a desired flexible functionality to said fuel nozzle assemblage. The architecture of the fuel nozzle assemblage (10) may be utilized for higher level architectures of benefit to gas turbine engine facilities.
US07690198B2
A drivetrain for use in a mobile vehicle is disclosed. The drivetrain may have a housing, a first hydraulic pump connected to the housing, and a second hydraulic pump connected to the housing. The second hydraulic pump may be in axial alignment with the first hydraulic pump. The drivetrain may also have a first motor fluidly connected to the first hydraulic pump, and a second motor fluidly connected to the second hydraulic pump. The first and second motors may have an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the axial alignment of the first and second hydraulic pumps.
US07690197B2
A hydraulic drive apparatus comprises a main pump for pumping hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic load, a charge pump for continuously pumping pressurized hydraulic fluid to the main pump, and a hydraulic fluid cooler. At least a portion to the hydraulic fluid pumped through the hydraulic load is returned under pressure to the charge pump and the charge pump pumps the pressurized hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic fluid cooler to the main pump.
US07690188B2
An engine combination for generating forces with a gas turbine engine generating force, and an internal combustion engine provided in the combination as an intermittent combustion engine generating force having an air intake, there being an air transfer duct connected from a compressor in the gas turbine engine to the air intake to transfer compressed air thereto.
US07690181B2
A method for operating a spinning machine with plural spinning stations (1), each case having a take-off roller device (6, 10, 14) for drawing a yarn (9) from a spinning device (2) and a sensor mechanism (26) for checking piecings. When starting a piecing, the theoretical conveying length of the yarn is determined based on the surface speed of the rollers (10, 14), until the piecing reaches the sensor mechanism (26). The deviation of the theoretical conveying length from a desired yarn length, corresponding to the spacing between the spinning device (2) and the sensor mechanism (26), is detected. The deviation is compared with a preadjustable limit value of the permissible deviation. If the limit value is passed, this indicates intolerable wear of the pressure roller (14) and produces a signal.
US07690180B2
A sewing thread comprising a first yarn that is a filament yarn made or a fire resistant polymer and a second yarn that is a synthetic and/or natural yarn. The sewing thread may also contain a third yarn that is a synthetic and/or natural yarn. The first, second, and third yarns each have a first twist in the same direction. The first, second, and third yarns are then combined to form the sewing thread using a second twist which is in the opposite direction of the first twist. No bonding agent is used in the sewable, fire resistant thread.
US07690168B2
A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.
US07690159B1
Relocatable personal and/or pet safety shelters for protecting occupants from dangerous conditions such as those from hurricanes and tornadoes. The shelters can include metal wall and ceiling panels of approximately 10 gage to approximately 12 gage thick and be able to withstand winds of up to approximately 250 miles per hour or greater, and be able to withstand a projectile such as 2 inch by 4 inch wood member shot at approximately 100 miles per hour from penetrating inside. The shelter can have a length of approximately 60 inches, a width of approximately 30 inches, a height of approximately 55 inches, with a total weight of up to approximately 940 pounds. The shelter can have fixed bench seats along opposite sides of the door from each other, and be attached in a fixed horizontal orientation above the floor by elongated L-shaped brackets that are attached to the walls be removable fasteners. The bench seats can also be attached by hinges so that the bench seats can have folded up positions adjacent to side walls and can fold down to horizontal positions to allow occupants to sit thereon. A fold down table can be included to fold down between the two bench seats when being used. A safety window such as plexiglass, can be formed in the door to allow the occupants to see outside environmental conditions. The shelter can be fastened to a concrete pad base, or driveway or concrete floor and the like, both inside and outside of a garage, a home, a trailer, and the like.
US07690153B2
An emergency door opening apparatus for use on an aerospace vehicle for moving a door of the vehicle from a closed position to an open position. The apparatus includes a fluid cylinder (16) and piston (18) operatively connected to the door and to the vehicle and a supply or gas generating chemicals (24) which, when ignited, are operable to rapidly generate and supply to the fluid cylinder (16) a sufficient amount of gas to move the fluid cylinder (16) and piston (18) to effect opening of the door.
US07690152B2
An opening and closing member control system includes a rotation sensing device, which outputs a pulse signal synchronously to a movement of a window glass, and a controller, which senses pinching of an object by an opening and closing member based on the pulse signal. The controller has leaning stored data Δωm based on the pulse signal. The controller computes a rotational speed difference Δω at a current position of the window glass based on the pulse signal while the window glass is driven in a closing direction. The controller computes a difference between the rotational speed difference Δω and leaning stored data Δωm in such a manner that the controller determines whether the pinching of the object based on a comparison between the difference and a pinching determining threshold value β.
US07690141B2
An animal tag comprising, a penetrating component (3) having two ear penetrating members (9) joined by a strip of intermediate material (13), a complementary component (15) having a locking portion (17) for each penetrating member, and ramp means (21) for each locking portion, wherein the arrangement is such that the ear penetrating members are designed to be passed through the ear (33) of an animal and to lock onto the locking portions to sandwich the ear in a gap (28) between the penetrating component and complementary component and the ramp means are arranged to co-operate with the skin penetrating members to vary the size of the gap whereby to provide a range of gap sizes to accommodate varying ear thicknesses and/or growth of the animal.
US07690138B2
In one aspect of the invention a trenching machine for degrading natural and man-made formations, comprising a plurality of roller assemblies exteriorly mounted to a trenching boom or wheel. The rollers comprising a plurality of pointed inserts radially arranged along the wheel's outer diameter. The inserts are adapted to degrade the formation when the boom or wheel is activated.
US07690137B2
A device for connecting a wear part to a support thereof on materials handling equipment for public works machines, comprises a key placed in an axial alignment with regard to an elastically deformable sleeve placed in part of an adapter. The key has a key foot and a key head on either side and opposite ends of a body. The key head is arranged with a part forming an off-centered seat. The key foot comprises an anchoring element for temporarily penetrating into the elastically deformable sleeve. Rotation of the key causes its misalignment with regard to its initial axis and the tight securing of the key, either in the sleeve by anchoring, or against metal parts of the tooth and of the adapter on differentiated support zones.
US07690136B2
A tooth system for use in an earthmoving device, includes a tooth and an adapter onto which the tooth is mounted in a detachable fashion, the tooth including a longitudinally extending tooth web, a longitudinally extending tooth base and a longitudinally extending tooth head at a distance from the tooth base, the tooth base and tooth head also extending transversely with respect to the web. The adapter includes an adapter base intended to be fixed onto an earthmoving device, such as onto the teeth bars of a draghead, and an adapter head, a longitudinally extending undercut cavity being defined between the adapter base and the adapter head, wherein the tooth base is slidably fitted within the undercut cavity and wherein the adapter head is slidably fitted between the tooth base and the tooth head for mounting or dismounting the tooth with respect; to the front end of the adapter.
US07690126B2
A measuring tool for use particularly in carpentry combines the features of a square, a level and a bevel tool into a single device. The measuring tool includes a handle which supports a slide rule at one end and a pitch slide which can be adjustably positioned within the handle through the advancement and retraction of a thumb bolt into the handle. The thumb bolt may be advanced by either turning the thumb bolt and/or advancing the thumb bolt against a spring biased ratcheting mechanism. The thumb bolt may be retracted either by turning and/or by disengagement of the spring biased ratcheting mechanism.
US07690125B2
A construction layout device comprising a body having a front face, rear face and two side faces; at least one base plate fastened to the underside of said body and providing support therefor atop a worksurface; a handle fastened atop said body, said handle having one termination proximate to said front face and a second termination proximate to said rear face; a first protrusion fastened to either said front face or one of said side faces, said protrusion having a through bore, said through bore normal to said worksurface; and at least one adjustable pin inserted in said through bore for holding a chalk line or other layout means.
US07690118B2
A bar steel cutting tool in which a fixed blade body and a rotary blade body that is capable of rotating around a first shaft, by operating a handle, are provided at the front end of a tool base for shearing bar steel with concave blades formed on outer peripheries of the fixed blade body and the rotary blade body. The handle is so constructed that the front end of a proximal portion of the handle thereof is supported by a second shaft at a position above the tool base and equipped with an elongated hole extending obliquely backwards from the second shaft. The rotary blade body has an arm portion extending backwards, and forms branch portions which nip both the right and left sides of the proximal portion of the handle at the rear end thereof.
US07690117B2
In a shaving apparatus (1) with a housing (2) and with a short-hair cutting device (30) projecting out of housing (2) and with a long-hair cutting device (36, 37) projecting out of housing (2), a common carrying device (45) is provided for the cutting devices (30, 36, 37), wherein the carrying device (45) is adjustable for height relative to the housing (2), so that all the cutting devices (30, 36, 37) can be adjusted for height together, and wherein there is a drive connection to a motor (16) of the shaving apparatus (1) in each operating position of the cutting devices (30, 36, 37) and consequently all the cutting devices (30, 36, 37) are drivable in each operating position of the cutting devices (30, 36, 37).
US07690115B2
A method is provided for making a multi-fluid cartridge for holding multiple fluids in segregated containment localities. The cartridge body contains fluid supply paths in fluid flow communication with the containment localities. A nozzle plate is attached to a device side of each of a plurality of defined ejection head substrates on a semiconductor wafer. Each of the ejection head substrates has a fluid supply side and two or more fluid flow paths therein for supplying fluid from the supply side to the device side thereof. The fluid flow paths in the ejection head substrates have a flow path density of greater than about 1.0 flow paths per millimeter. The wafer is diced to provide a plurality of micro-fluid ejection device structures. A circuit device is attached to the device side of each of the substrates. An adhesive is stencil printed with a bond line density of at least about 1.2 mm−1 on the micro-fluid ejection device structures or on the cartridge body. At least one of the micro-fluid ejection device structures and attached circuit is adhesively bonded to the cartridge body for flow of fluid from the containment localities to the device side thereof.
US07690114B2
Disclosed is a tube made of a profile rolled metal product, in particular for use in heat exchangers, a rolled metal product and a method of producing the same. The tube includes a first wall and a second wall forming two opposing sides of the tube, and a plurality of reinforcing structures connecting the first and second walls and forming longitudinal passages between them. Each reinforcing structure is formed by a longitudinal ridge on the first wall projecting towards the second wall and a longitudinal ridge on the second wall protecting towards the first wall. The ridges are joined to each other at their sides.
US07690105B2
A method for conserving space in a circuit or on a printed circuit board by integrating a plurality of electronic components so that the plurality of electronic components collectively take up a smaller amount of space on a substrate than the plurality of electronic components would if the plurality of electronic components were not integrated.
US07690089B2
The reverse opening type slide fastener has a separable bottom end stop including upper and lower sliders, wherein a stopper for preventing the lower slider from slipping off is provided at the bottom end of a box pin. A first engaging portion is formed on an opposite side edge opposite to an insert pin of the box pin and a second engaging portion is formed on an opposite side edge opposite to the box pin of the insert pin to position the insert pin in a downward direction when the second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion. A projecting portion which makes contact with the inner face of the blade of the upper slider to suppress a free sliding of the upper slider, is formed on at least any one of front and rear side faces opposite to the inner face of the blade of the upper slider of the box pin.
US07690083B2
The description is directed to a snap fastening for fast mounting of fittings such as socket wrench latches, swivel lever latches, hinge parts in openings in a thin wall, comprising a head part which is to be arranged on one, outer side of the thin wall and which overlaps the outer rim of the opening, and a body part which proceeds from the head part and projects through the opening in the mounted position, and holding elements which project from the body part and are flexible in direction of its outer surface, the free end of these holding elements being provided with a first inclined surface (run-in bevel) such that the holding element is pushed back in a spring-loaded manner by the opening edge and with a second inclined surface (stop bevel) for supporting the body part without play on the rim or edge of the opening of the other, inner side of the thin wall, which second inclined surface is substantially perpendicular to the first inclined surface. According to the invention, the body part and holding element and spring are separate parts.
US07690080B1
An apparatus is disclosed having a first wedge having a first side and a second side oriented at some angle relative to the first side, and a second wedge glidably connected to the first wedge, having a first side and a second side oriented at some angle relative to the first side. The first wedge glides relative to the second wedge to stop the door before the door stop reaches a maximum length of travel.
US07690079B2
A head (10) for a suction cleaner is described. The head (10) including: a lower housing portion (12); an upper housing portion (14); and a rotatably mounted brush bar (26) mounted within the housing portions (12, 14). The upper housing portion (14) is pivotable relative to the lower housing portion (12) between a closed position for use and an open position in which the brush bar (26) is exposed from above and the front.
US07690075B2
A central vacuum cleaning system 3 has a central vacuum unit 17 with a motor 10, a motor compartment 19, and a vacuum chamber 25. The system 3 also has a control circuit 1 for controlling power to the motor 10, and one or more airborne contaminant sensors 15 for sensing contaminants within the system 3. The sensors 15 may be located in pipes 31 motor compartment 19, vacuum chamber 25 and hose handle 34. Vacuum air may be drawn through aperture 37 in wall valve 38.
US07690071B1
A plate for a brush apparatus for a street sweeper has an alignment hole which is used to align a brush segment for securing the brush segment to the plate. A clamp assembly moves downwardly to allow a used brush segment to be removed and moves upwardly to secure a brush segment to the plate. Rotation of a bolt, the head of which is on the top of the plate, moves the clamp assembly upwardly and downwardly. An alignment hole in the brush segment is aligned with the alignment hole in the plate. A pin on the clamp assembly extends into the alignment hole in the brush segment. Shelf elements on the bottom of the plate help hold brush segments.
US07690063B2
Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
US07690061B2
A method for controlling a laundering process includes determining a concentration of a detergent within a wash fluid during at least one cycle of an article laundering process, and dynamically adjusting at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined concentration of the detergent. An apparatus for controlling a laundering process includes a fluid chamber to contain a wash fluid, a sensor coupled to the fluid chamber to determine a detergent concentration within the wash fluid, and a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to dynamically adjust at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined detergent concentration.
US07690051B2
A harness type safety belt absorbs dropping shocks to a user who accidentally falls from an elevated position. If the user fails to apply a rope hook to a life line and falls from the elevated position, an air bag in a mounting body inflates to absorb the dropping shock to reduce the dropping impact applied to the user. If the user falls with the rope hook connected to the life line, the rope suspends the user. The body of the user is supported by a waist belt, shoulder belts and thigh belts. Therefore a tension applied by the rope to the body of the user is dispersed to each of the belts so the body of the user is stably supported.
US07690050B2
An apparatus to reduce the effect of coughing or sneezing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pad having a configuration that conforms to a general outline of a person's nose and mouth region. The pad includes a bottom having a first side and an opposing second side, an absorbent material disposed on the first side of the bottom to receive byproducts of a cough or a sneeze, and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom substantially upward and around the periphery of the bottom. The peripheral wall is configured to prevent escape of the byproducts from the pad.
US07694343B2
Techniques for implementing client compliancy in a network address translation (NAT) environment are disclosed. Network appliances (e.g., NAT hubs, routers, switches, and other NAT devices) actively cooperate with client compliance strategies by engaging in the compliance evaluation of the hosts connected to it, and interact with the up-stream compliance mechanism. As such, devices normally hidden behind a NAT device from the upstream network can participate in the compliance scheme in a more meaningful way.
US07694339B2
A method, system, apparatus, or computer program product is presented for morphing a honeypot system on a dynamic and configurable basis. The morphing honeypot emulates a variety of services while falsely presenting information about potential vulnerabilities within the system that supports the honeypot. The morphing honeypot has the ability to dynamically change its personality or displayed characteristics using a variety of algorithms and a database of known operating system and service vulnerabilities. The morphing honeypot's personality can be changed on a timed or scheduled basis, on the basis of activity that is generated by the presented honeypot personality, or on some other basis. The morphing honeypot can also be integrated with intrusion detection systems and other types of computer security incident recognition systems to correlate its personality with detected nefarious activities.
US07694333B2
A communication apparatus has a communication part and authenticates a communication partner by using a digital certificate, wherein the communication apparatus includes an authentication part carrying out authentication of the communication partner by using a common certificate, the common certificate being a digital certificate not including identification information of an apparatus, and an individualized certificate transmission part acquiring, in the case the authentication by the authentication part has been made successfully, individualized certificate and transmitting the individualized certificate to said communication partner, the individualized certificate being a digital certificate including identification information of the communication partner.
US07694326B2
When an algorithm bay is connected to a signal processing apparatus according to a first connection mode, a selector of the algorithm bay selects and sets a first function provided by a first function provider as the signal processing function of the signal processing apparatus. According to a second connection mode, the selector selects and sets a second function provided by a second function provider as the signal processing function Also, a first information provider of an algorithm bay may supply a signal indicating first information to a signal processor of a signal processing apparatus via a wired interface of the algorithm bay, a wired connection, and a wired interface of the signal processing apparatus. Similarly, a second information provider of the algorithm bay supplies a signal indicating second information for changing the signal processing function of the signal processor to the signal processor.
US07694325B2
The instant invention provides a system and method of broadcasting audio and visual information to a plurality of audio reproduction devices and visual display devices utilizing a plurality of control computers linked thereto by a communications network. The invention employs a plurality of pre-recorded digital audio files and corresponding visual representation thereof to allow a user to construct message sequences for broadcast with a minimum of system input. Furthermore, a user may specify a plurality of broadcast zones to broadcast audio and visual messages.
US07694319B1
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server.The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream.
US07694318B2
A television signal substitution system that replaces known video segments such as advertisements with selected replacement advertisements. Fingerprint data of known advertisements can be stored in a fingerprint database. When new fingerprint data is available, the fingerprint data can be automatically or manually transmitted to subscribers. Various techniques can be used to identify advertisements based on the fingerprint data.
US07694316B2
Embodiments of methods and systems for controlling access to information stored on memory or data storage devices are disclosed. In various embodiments, fluid-mediated modification of information or access to information is utilized. According to various embodiments, data storage devices designed for rotating access are described which include rotation-activated fluid control mechanisms.
US07694315B2
A programming model that takes general purpose APIs and machine-generates new programming models based on user defined schemas that provide the developer with data and view separation, and a way to communicate to the host application using the domain of the problem being solved. The system comprises a schema component that the developer uses to define a schema that includes one or more domain terms related to the problem to be solved, and a mapping component that uses the schema to search and map selected constructs from one or more generic host application APIs to the corresponding problem domain terms. Once the mapping is completed, a generating component generates a new API that is used by a host application to facilitate developing an application document using terms related to the domain of the problem to be solved.
US07694313B2
A system and a method are disclosed for a terminating device for a communications network which comprises an application program configured to utilize an availability status of a user; a communications interface configured to receive and/or transmit data and a presence engine. The presence engine is configured to provide the communications interface with data representative of an availability status of a user, and cause the communications interface to transmit the data directly to another terminating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the presence engine is configured to receive data representative of an availability status of the user directly from another terminating device, and make available data representative of the received availability status of a user to the application program.
US07694311B2
A method of detecting tasks performed by users wherein a single task is a sequence of web URLs invocation. Task patterns are detected in web logs to identify tasks performed by users and analyze task trends over time, across corporate divisions and geographies. A grammar-based framework is used to model and detect tasks from web log patterns. The framework has two components: a declarative unit—to generate a task grammar, and a processing unit—to detect tasks from access logs by generating a state machine for applying the task grammar to the tokens associated with the access records. By analyzing user tasks, rather than just URLs, useful business information can be extracted.
US07694310B2
A method for implementing Message Passing Interface (MPI-2) one-sided communication by using Low-level Applications Programming Interface (LAPI) active messaging capabilities, including providing at least three data transfer types, one of which is used to send a message with a message header greater than one packet where Data Gather and Scatter Programs (DGSP) are placed as part of the message header; allowing a multi-packet header by using a LAPI data transfer type; sending the DGSP and data as one message; reading the DSGP with a header handler; registering the DSGP with the LAPI to allow the LAPI to scatter the data to one or more memory locations; defining two sets of counters, one counter set for keeping track of a state of a prospective communication partner, and another counter set for recording activities of local and Remote Memory Access (RMA) operations; comparing local and remote counts of completed RMA operations to complete synchronization mechanisms; and creating a mpci_wait_loop function.
US07694307B2
One implementation provides a computer system for invoking execution of analytical tasks in sequence. In this implementation, the computer system is programmed to receive a request to execute an analytical task from a front-end software application, and determine that a first additional analytical task needs to be executed before the requested analytical task. The computer system is then programmed to invoke execution of the first additional analytical task on a first analytical engine. Using information generated from the execution of the first additional analytical task, the computer system is then programmed to invoke execution of the requested analytical task on a second analytical engine.
US07694302B1
The invention provides a method and system for scheduling tasks in an MP system, and provides parallel execution of those tasks while implicitly synchronizing access to resources used by that system. Tasks in the system are each assigned to a scheduling domain, thus associating those tasks with a set of resources controlled by that domain. A scheduler operating at each processor implicitly synchronizes those resources controlled by each domain, by scheduling only one task for each domain to execute concurrently in the system. Because each instance of the scheduler selects which task is next run independently of its processor, each domain can migrate from one processor to another; thus, each domain can have a task executing on any processor, so long as no domain has two tasks executing concurrently in the system. Thus, domains are not bound to any particular processor. Hence the method and system are symmetric.
US07694282B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for mapping breakpoints between Web based documents. Embodiments of the invention facilitate extracting corresponding client script blocks from different Web based documents to disassociate the client script blocks with their relative locations within the Web based documents. From the extracted client side script blocks, a position for mapping a breakpoint from one client side script block another client side script block can be determined. The breakpoint is then copied from the one client script block and inserted into the determined position in the other client script block. The client script blocks can then be re-associated with their relative locations in the Web based documents from which they were extracted.
US07694276B2
An asynchronous programming language that facilitates concurrent programming by utilizing futures, asynchronous calls, and joins on futures. For each of a client interface and a service interface of an asynchronous interface, respective models are automatically extracted. A behavioral contract is defined on the asynchronous interface. The client and service models are then passed to modular checking algorithm that checks to ensure that both the client and the service conform to the behavioral contract. The checking algorithm combines region-based type systems with model checking techniques to handle pointer aliasing in a sound manner.
US07694273B2
A system and method for automatically generating a data flow diagram in response to a first diagram. The first diagram may specify one or more states and one or more state transitions, wherein each state transition specifies a transition from a first state to a second state. A data flow diagram may be automatically generated from the first diagram. A hardware description may be generated from the data flow diagram. The hardware description may be usable to configure a programmable hardware element such as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The configured programmable hardware element may implement a hardware implementation of the data flow diagram.
US07694266B1
Methods and apparatus provide for automated synthesis of an integrated circuit whose voltage is varied during operation (also known as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling or DVFS). The automation may include estimating technology parameters from timing libraries, and determining a translation factor that can be used in estimating path delays for an arbitrary voltage from path delays at another voltage. The automation may also include estimating a relative difficulty to synthesize a design for meeting sets of timing constraints specified at different operating voltages and frequencies by assigning one of the constraints a common base value among all the sets, translating the other constraint to maintain equivalency of synthesis difficulty, comparing the resulting equivalent constraints to identify a hardest-to-synthesis constraint set, and using that constraint set as a goal for a first synthesis of the circuit.
US07694261B1
Disclosed are methods and mechanisms for implementing tessellation-based processing of an integrated circuit design. Tessellation based routing of objects on an integrated circuit layout can be performed by identifying a spacing rule for tessellating at least a portion of the integrated circuit layout, forming one or more plane figures in the tessellation having one or more edges compliant with the spacing rule, the edges of the one or more plane figures forming a contour derived from a shape of a blockage object, and identifying a routing path along at least part of the one or more edges. Packing and pushing of objects may be performed using this approach.
US07694256B1
A method for designing a system on a target device having restricted areas includes determining locations on the target device for all cells in the system by solving one or more equations. Partitioning of cells of a first classification type is performed. One or more equations are modified in response to the partitioning. Revised locations on the target device are determined for the cells by solving the modified one or more equations. The partitioning procedure takes into consideration the classification types of cells as well as restricted areas on the target device.
US07694251B2
Method and system for verifying power specifications of a low power design are disclosed. The method includes receiving a register-transfer level (RTL) netlist representation of the low power design, receiving a power specification file for describing power requirements of the low power design and verifying the power specification file in accordance with the RTL netlist representation of the low power design. The method further includes verifying completeness, compatibility, and consistency of power requirements for the low power design.
US07694226B2
A system for selecting, managing, sharing and displaying content data files in a manner that takes into account the contextual significance of said content data files to a narrative, an author(s) and an audience. A system that is able to place an absolute and relative value upon the significance of a media object is able to assist in stimulating the recollection of the author and audience, thus making every aspect more memorable and enhancing by improving the ease of use and the quality of the final result of the use of the system of this invention.
US07694224B2
Method, apparatus and signal bearing medium for processing multimedia data which improve server performance in rendering multimedia data. In one aspect, a method is provided for processing multimedia data without requiring utilization of the hard disk drive's data recovery procedure when soft or hard errors are encountered in connection with reading of the multimedia data from the hard disk drive. The method for processing multimedia data comprises: indexing the multimedia data to an i by j matrix; storing the i by j matrix in a data storage device utilizing odd/even index sequencing of the i by j matrix; retrieving data from the data storage device; and reconstructing the i by j matrix utilizing odd/even index sequencing of retrieved data.
US07694221B2
Described is a technology by which a piece of content is selected from among at least two pieces of content in response to a request to return content. The selection is based on an evaluation of current state data against the properties/characteristics of the content. For example, the state data may define a currently available size; each piece of content has associated size properties (e.g., height and width ranges) that can be matched in the selection process. In a layout system, a parent container may request content from a child container that is associated with the selection process. The selection process may, for example, evaluate the child's pieces of content in an evaluation order, with the first appropriate matching piece of content selected. If no content matches, a default piece of content, or a code that indicates that no content is to be shown, is returned.
US07694220B2
The present invention provides an information processing system, an information processor, a file concurrent editing method and a file concurrent editing program each of which improves the efficiency of editing works, which are concurrently carried out with respect to a shared file, by displaying a sectional region(s) of the shared file with a display layout according to editing purpose or according to each user individually. A shared text information edit processing section (i) places sectional regions A and B of shared text information at corresponding positions of a display section according to a display layout of local layout information and (ii) causes the display section to display, at the corresponding positions of the display section, text contents “Text-A” and “Text-B” corresponding respectively to the sectional regions A and B of text management tables of the shared text information.
US07694214B2
A multimodal, multilanguage mobile device which can be employed to enhance note taking and/or annotation of a document, and gaming. Input data types such as optical character recognition (OCR), speech, handwriting, and visual information (e.g., image and/or video), etc., can be fused to generate rich documents with a multidimensional level of data to provide an increased level of context over conventional documents. Such architecture can be utilized by students for homework management, as well as entertainment (e.g., gaming).
US07694212B2
A user's prior searching and browsing activities are recorded for subsequent use. A user may examine the user's prior searching and browsing activities in a number of different ways, including indications of the user's prior activities related to advertisements. A set of search results may be modified in accordance with the user's historical activities. The user's activities may be examined to identify a set of preferred locations. The user's set of activities may be shared with one or more other users. The set of preferred locations presented to the user may be enhanced to include the preferred locations of one or more other users. A user's browsing activities may be monitored from one or more different client devices or client application. A user's browsing volume may be graphically displayed.
US07694210B2
Methods and systems for modifying DOCSIS-based transmission paths for communication in higher frequency and/or wireless environments, such as wireless terrestrial communication systems and satellite communication systems. An inner turbo-code is combined with a DOCSIS based Reed-Solomon (“RS”) forward error correction (“FEC”) coding scheme, to produce a concatenated turbo-RS code (other FEC codes can be utilized). In phase and quadrature phase (“I-Q”) processing is utilized to enable relatively low cost up-converter implementations. The I-Q processing is preferably performed at baseband, essentially pre-compensating for analog variations in the transmit path. Power amplifier on/off control capable of controlling on/off RF power control of remote transmitters is modulated on a transmit cable to reduce the need for a separate cable.
US07694197B2
An electronic circuit comprises configurable cells driven by command signals to adopt either a standard mode of operation in which they are integrated into a logic circuit, or a test mode in which they provide information on this logic circuit. The circuit includes a spy circuit capable of detecting an abnormal excitation of certain of the conductors through which the command signals travel, thus preventing fraudulent extraction of data out of the configurable cells. The spy circuit includes a logic combination circuit and a state detection cell.
US07694192B2
A method (which can be computer implemented) for assisted remediation of at least one problem with a computer system includes the steps of obtaining data from the computer system, the data being indicative of the at least one problem; hypothesizing at least a first candidate remediation process for the problem from among a plurality of annotated remediation process descriptions, based at least in part on the data; associating at least a first attribute with the at least first candidate remediation process; and facilitating presentation of the at least first candidate remediation process with the associated attribute to a remediation agent.
US07694170B2
Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary match server of a financial exchange using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup match server, that mirrors operations in the primary match server, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary match server. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary match server and gates those inputs to the backup match server once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup match server are then compared with the outputs of the primary match server to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup match server to take over for the primary match server in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup match servers are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary match server need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary match server need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary match server to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary match server to the backup match server.
US07694165B2
Completely recovering data stored on a hard disk or other computer-readable media of a computing system from scratch in an automated manner. Recovery information and post-restore customization data are stored on the backup medium that stores the backup of the computer-readable media of the computing system (e.g., operating system, application programs, user data, application data, etc.). The computing system is rebooted into a recovery environment where a recovery script automates the recovery of the backup. The recovery information and post-restore customization data are applied to the offline, recovered backup to ensure continuity. The computing system is rebooted into the recovered backup.
US07694164B2
A method and device are provided to monitor clock control signals from a CPU core; and calculate a time period during a sampling interval that the CPU core was used to perform work based on the clock control signals.
US07694152B2
A memory controller utilizing a performance monitor to modulate the level of data security applied to the data being transferred to and from memory depending on the performance. The performance monitor tracks the response time for access to the memory over a defined time window. The response times are then compared to a predefined allowable response time. This comparison is done over a predefined window of time. When the actual response times exceed the allowable limits, the level of encryption is limited until performance parameters fall within the limits selected. The frequency with which the encryption mechanism is adjusted may also be predefined. Data transfers continue as the controller monitors system performance and controls the level of security applied to the data according to that performance data. The performance modulation can be different depending on what unit is accessing memory in multi-unit systems.
US07694150B1
Conventional matching approaches to virus detection are ineffective pending deployment of a signature to match a newly discovered virus. In contrast, a behavioral based (subject) approach addresses the so-called “day zero” problem of object matching approaches. An integrated approach combines the behavioral remedy against unknown transmissions with the signature matching of known harmful transmission to provide the reliability and stability of signature based approaches with the real time responsiveness of the behavioral approach. A behavior monitoring module analyzes actions via behavioral heuristics indicative of actions performed by known harmful transmissions. The behavioral monitoring correlates the actions performed to determine an undesirable object. A signature generator computes a realtime signature on the suspect object. The signature generator accumulates successive realtime signatures in this manner for comparison with subsequent incoming transmissions, thus combining the subject based behavioral aspects of virus detection with the deterministic aspects of the object approach.
US07694149B2
A method is provided for judging use permission of information on one or more terminal apparatuses which use content provided by a content provider and metadata provided by a metadata provider and supplementing the content, the method comprising: metadata use permission judgment judging use permission of the metadata based on usage control information regarding use control of the metadata; and using the metadata in the case where in said metadata use permission judgment, the use of the metadata is permitted. Specifically, the usage control information includes the first signer identification information which identifies the range of the provider of the metadata that can be used. The metadata includes a signature of the metadata provider identified in the first signer identification information, and the second signer identification information identifying the signer of the signature. And, said metadata use permission judgment judges the metadata use permission based on the metadata provider identified in said first signer identification information, said second signer identification information, and signature verification.
US07694143B2
A method of and system for collecting an electronic signature for an electronic record stored in a database. In one embodiment the method comprises automatically creating an electronic record from data stored in a plurality of different database tables in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event; storing an instance of the electronic record in a common repository of electronic records that provides an audit trail that cannot be altered or disabled by users of the system; executing a rule associated with the electronic record to determine whether an electronic signature is required to connote review and/or approval of the electronic record; and if execution of the rule results in a determination that an electronic signature is required, marking the instance of the electronic record as unsigned and initiating a request to collect the required electronic signature. In some embodiments the electronic record is stored as unstructured data in a character large object (CLOB) format and the unstructured data comprises a well-formed XML document stored within a column of a table stored in the database.
US07694142B2
A system for distributing digital content over a computer network (e.g., the Internet) uses certificates to establish a trust relationship between a content provider and a display device. The certificates identify the display device and the content provider as well as unique characteristics of the distribution. For example, the content provider may be a book publisher and the display device may be a printer/binder.
US07694132B2
A system for communication of a message in which the message intended for a third computer is first encrypted by a first computer and is sent to a second computer. The second computer, acting as an intermediary, + decrypts the message and re-encrypts the message before sending the message to the third computer which again decrypts the message.
US07694127B2
Methods, systems, and mediums for enabling clients to traverse firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) installations by using probe packets between servers and clients to communication the addresses modified by the NAT.
US07694124B2
A method for registering and initiating a pre-boot environment for enabling partitions. The method provides a basic input output system (CIOS) with an application program interface (API) that accesses a Logical Clock Address (LCA) sector number when a boot configuration flag is set, the LCA sector number stores an operating environment manager which then boots the information handling system to an appropriate partition.
US07694123B2
A computer system comprising a processor, a first storage coupled to the processor and comprising an operating system, and a second storage coupled to the processor. The processor is adapted to store a group of files pertaining to the operating system on the second storage prior to launching the operating system. The processor is capable of using the group of files to restore the operating system.
US07694112B2
A method for executing multiple computational primitives is provided in accordance with exemplary embodiments. A first computational unit and at least a second computational unit cooperate to execute multiple computational primitives. The first computational unit independently computes other computational primitives. By virtue of arbitration for shared source operand buses or shared result buses, availability of the first and second computational units needed to execute cooperatively the multiple computational primitives is assured by a process of reservation as used for a computational primitive executed on a dedicated computational unit.
US07694100B2
In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides determining if a management queue can be created, and if a management queue can be created, allocating virtually contiguous memory to a management queue associated with a device, registering the management queue, and creating a management queue context.
US07694096B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for implementing protected partitions in storage media. The apparatus includes a control module configured to communicate with a host and receive read/write commands for a storage device, and a protection module operating within the control module and configured to maintain a plurality of protection states for the partition and a plurality of allowable transitions between the protection states. The system includes the apparatus, a host device, and a storage device coupled with the host, the storage device including an enclosure having storage media and a control module. The method includes communicating with a host device and receiving read and write commands for a storage device having at least one partition, and maintaining a plurality of protection states for the partition and a plurality of allowable transitions between the protection states on a control module located within the storage device.
US07694087B2
Provided is a data storing system which holds only updated data by a snapshot action of a disk array subsystem. When there is generated a writing request to snapshot duplicate volumes as the duplicate data storing areas, unused pages for the requested amount is searched from a common logical-volume which is used in common as a real data storage area within the disk array subsystem, and address conversion of the page is performed. The result of the address conversion is held in a directory which is provided for each of the snapshot duplicate volumes. When making an access to the page thereinafter, the directory is always being referred to, and the address conversion is performed from the page of the snapshot duplicate volumes to the corresponding page of the common logical-volume.
US07694081B2
The invention aims at improving the scalability of a storage system using a switch with a small number of ports.A storage system includes a plurality of host connection control units 10 connected to host computers; a plurality of drive control units 12 connected to disk drives 13; and a plurality of 4 by 4 switching units 11 located between each of the host connection control units 10 and each of the drive control units 12, and switching a plurality of paths connecting each host connection control unit 10 and each drive control unit 12, wherein the plurality of 4 by 4 switching units 11 is arranged in multiple stages in the direction of information transmission and the 4 by 4 switching units 11 in each stage are connected so that only two paths are defined from a given host connection control unit 10 from among the host connection control units 10, to every drive control unit 12, and the two paths have no parts in common.
