US07790686B2

An aqueous injectable solution of an LHRH antagonist, such as Cetrorelix, in an organic, pharmaceutically acceptable acid, such as gluconic acid.
US07790684B2

Methods for inhibiting osteoclastogenesis by administering a soluble RANK polypeptide are disclosed. Such methods can be used to treat a variety of different cancers, including bone cancer, multiple myeloma, melanoma, breast cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, hematologic cancers, head and neck cancer and renal cancer.
US07790680B2

The invention relates to a stable solid pharmaceutical composition comprising factor VIII. Such a composition is devoid of amino acids and comprises: (a) factor VIII; (b) a surfactant; (c) calcium chloride; (d) sucrose; (e) sodium chloride; (f) trisodium citrate; and (g) a buffer devoid of amino acids; and has a pH from 6 to 8 prior to lyophilization and after reconstitution in water for injection. The invention also relates to the liquid pharmaceutical composition obtainable after dilution of said stable solid pharmaceutical composition with sterile water optionally containing sodium chloride.
US07790673B2

A method of treating amyloidoses by administering an effective amount of a cystatin C composition. A method of preventing and inhibiting Aβ oligomerization by administering an effective amount of a cystatin C composition. A composition for inhibiting Aβ oligomerization including an effective amount of a cystatin C composition. A method of diagnosing disease by assaying for a biomarker comprising a cystatin C complex. A biomarker for disease including a cystatin C complex.
US07790668B2

6-Methoxy-2,6-dimethyloctanal, a method of its production and fragrance compositions comprising it.
US07790665B2

Disclosed are highly concentrated aqueous soil release polyester formulations containing 50 to 90 percent by weight of soil release polyester and 0.1 to 40 percent by weight of a polycarboxylic acid or a polycarboxylate. Adding these highly concentrated polycarboxylic acids or polycarboxylates makes it possible to produce highly concentrated soil release polyester formulations which are stable while being provided with low viscosity.
US07790664B2

A method of making a liquid ADW detergent composition comprising the successive steps of: a) forming a solution premix comprising: i) water; ii) an alkali metal carbonate; iii) a dispersant polymer; and b) adding an alkali metal silicate to said solution premix wherein said composition comprises a low-foaming nonionic surfactant and wherein said composition is substantially free of a phosphate builder.
US07790662B2

One aspect of the invention relates to a laundry detergent product comprising (a) a package comprising (1) a container; and (2) a closure; (b) a fluid laundry detergent pourable at ambient storage temperature and comprising at least one material copourable from the package with the fluid laundry detergent, wherein the material is selected from: (1) a detergent-copourable perfume composition; (2) a fabric care additive; (3) a laundry-specific detersive additive; (4) an enzyme; (5) a volatile malodorous compound; and (6) any combination thereof; (c) a headspace; and (d) a detergent-non-copourable perfume composition. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods for making or assembling the fluid laundry detergent package.
US07790658B2

A PTFE-based composite material includes a PTFE major phase filled with a metal oxide minor phase. The major phase is intermixed with the metal oxide minor phase, wherein the minor phase includes a plurality of irregularly shaped metal oxide nanoparticles. The irregularly shaped nanoparticles provide substantial reductions in steady state wear rate over otherwise similar nanocomposites. The metal oxide can comprise aluminum oxide.
US07790653B2

The present invention relates to a method for removing arsenic in arsenic contaminated water, especially for small drinking water systems such as those used in individual homes, rural areas, and small communities, by simply contacting arsenic-contaminated water with an arsenic removal medium. The present invention also relates to the composition of the arsenic removal medium, which comprises particles of calcium carbonate minerals and magnesium carbonate aggregates.
US07790641B2

The invention provides a sheet material comprising bicomponent filaments having first and second polymer components that are arranged in substantially distinct zones within the filaments, with the first polymer component formed of a relatively lower melting polymer and the second component formed of a relatively higher melting polymer. The filaments of the nonwoven fabric layer are densely arranged and compacted against one another to form smooth, substantially nonporous opposite outer surfaces, and the nonwoven fabric layer are calendered such that the lower melting sheath polymer is fused to the contacting surface portions of adjacent filaments to impart strength and coherency to the nonwoven fabric layer. The sheet material has excellent breathability and liquid barrier properties and may be useful in house wrap, medical garments, and envelope applications.
US07790632B2

This invention includes methods of forming a phosphorus doped silicon dioxide comprising layers, and methods of forming trench isolation in the fabrication of integrated circuitry. In one implementation, a method of forming a phosphorus doped silicon dioxide comprising layer includes positioning a substrate within a deposition chamber. First and second vapor phase reactants are introduced in alternate and temporally separated pulses to the substrate within the chamber in a plurality of deposition cycles under conditions effective to deposit a phosphorus doped silicon dioxide comprising layer on the substrate. One of the first and second vapor phase reactants is PO(OR)3 where R is hydrocarbyl, and an other of the first and second vapor phase reactants is Si(OR)3OH where R is hydrocarbyl.
US07790629B2

A method of depositing oxide materials on a substrate is provided. A deposition chamber holds the substrate, where the substrate is at a specified temperature, and the chamber has a chamber pressure and wall temperature. A precursor molecule containing a cation material atom is provided to the chamber, where the precursor has a line temperature and a source temperature. An oxidant is provided to the chamber, where the oxidant has a source flow rate. Water is provided to the chamber, where the water has a source temperature. By alternating precursor pulses, the water and the oxidant are integrated with purges of the chamber to provide low contamination levels and high growth rates of oxide material on the substrate, where the pulses and the purge have durations and flow rates. A repeatable growth cycle includes pulsing the precursor, purging the chamber, pulsing the water, pulsing the oxidant, and purging the chamber.
US07790627B2

A method of manufacturing a metal compound thin film is disclosed. The method may include forming a first metal compound layer on a substrate by atomic layer deposition, performing annealing on the first metal compound layer in an atmosphere containing a nitrogen compound gas, thereby diffusing nitrogen into the first metal compound layer, and forming a second metal compound layer on the first metal compound layer by atomic layer deposition.
US07790620B2

A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes: forming device isolation layers on a substrate; sequentially forming an anti-reflective coating layer and a photoresist layer on the substrate; patterning the anti-reflective coating layer and the photoresist layer to expose substrate regions in which active regions of a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor will be formed; and recessing the exposed substrate regions in a predetermined thickness.
US07790619B2

A method for fabricating a semiconductor device including forming a gate insulation layer, a conductive layer for a gate electrode, and an insulation layer for a gate hard mask over a substrate, selectively etching the insulation layer for a gate hard mask and the conductive layer for a gate electrode to expose a first region of the substrate, thereby forming an initial gate line, forming a first insulation layer for an insulation over a resultant structure where the initial gate line is formed, performing a planarization process until the insulation layer for a gate hard mask is exposed, and selectively etching the insulation layer for a gate hard mask and the conductive layer for a gate electrode to expose a second region of the substrate, the second region being not overlapped with the first region, thereby forming a final gate line having a line width smaller than the initial gate line.
US07790618B2

An aqueous solution is useful for selective removal in the presence of a low-k dielectric. The aqueous solution comprises by weight percent 0 to 25 oxidizer; 0.00002 to 5 multi-component surfactant, the multi-component surfactant having a hydrophobic tail, a nonionic hydrophilic portion and an anionic hydrophilic portion, the hydrophobic tail having 6 to 30 carbon atoms and the nonionic hydrophilic portion having 10 to 300 carbon atoms; 0 to 15 inhibitor for a nonferrous metal; 0 to 50 abrasive; 0 to 20 complexing agent for a nonferrous metal; and water.
US07790611B2

A method for forming a conductive structure of sub-lithographic dimension suitable for FEOL and BEOL semiconductor fabrication applications. The method includes forming a topographic feature of silicon-containing material on a substrate; forming a dielectric cap on the topographic feature; applying a mask structure to expose a pattern on a sidewall of the topographic feature, the exposed pattern corresponding to a conductive structure to be formed; depositing a metal at the exposed portions of the sidewall and forming one or more metal silicide conductive structures at the exposed sidewall portions; removing the dielectric cap layer; and removing the silicon-containing topographic feature. The result is the formation of one or more metal silicide conductor structures formed for a single lithographically defined feature. In example embodiments, the formed metal silicide conductive structures have a high aspect ratio, e.g., ranging from 1:1 to 20:1 (height to width dimension).
US07790598B2

According to some embodiments, a method, apparatus, and system are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes providing solder resist material on a surface of a substrate, applying mask material on top of the solder resist material, reflowing solder located in an opening formed through both the solder resist material and the mask material, and removing the mask material after the reflowing of the solder.
US07790597B2

A method used during the formation of a semiconductor device assembly can include contacting an end of a conductive bump (which can be a pillar, ball, pad, post, stud, or lead as well as other types of bumps) with a conductive powder such as a solder powder to adhere the conductive powder to the end of the bump. The powder can be flowed, for example by heating, to distribute it across the end of the bump. The flowed powder can be placed in contact with a conductive pad of a receiving substrate and can then be reflowed to facilitate electrical connection between the bump and the conductive pad.
US07790589B2

A method of fabricating high-voltage semiconductor devices, the semiconductor devices and a mask for implanting dopants in a semiconductor are described.
US07790586B2

An impurity region is formed in a surface of a substrate by exposing the substrate to a plasma generated from a gas containing an impurity in a vacuum chamber. In this process, a plasma doping condition is set with respect to a dose of the impurity to be introduced into the substrate so that a first one of doses in a central portion and in a peripheral portion of the substrate is greater than a second one of the doses during an initial period of doping, with the second dose becoming greater than the first dose thereafter.
US07790573B2

A process for producing an SOI substrate includes the steps of forming an oxide film on at least the front surface of a first silicon substrate, implanting hydrogen ion from the surface of the first silicon substrate and thereby forming an ion implantation area in the inside of the first silicon substrate, laminating a second silicon substrate onto the first silicon substrate via the oxide film and thereby forming a laminated body of the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate bonded with each other, and heating the laminated body at a predetermined temperature and thereby separating the first silicon substrate at the ion implantation area and thereby obtaining an SOI substrate wherein a thin film SOI layer is formed on the second silicon substrate via the oxide film. The first silicon substrate is formed by slicing an ingot free of an agglomerate of vacancy type point defects and an agglomerate of interstitial silicon type point defects grown by a CZ method in an inorganic atmosphere including hydrogen. The layer transferred wafer separated from the SOI layer is used again as the first silicon substrate.
US07790571B2

A method of manufacturing an SOQ substrate and an SOQ substrate manufactured by the same are disclosed. In the method, hydrogen ions are implanted to a surface of a single crystal Si substrate through an oxide film to uniformly form an ion implanted layer at a predetermined depth from the surface of the single crystal Si substrate, and a bonding surface of the substrate undergoes a plasma treatment or an ozone treatment. An external shock is applied onto the single crystal Si substrate and quartz substrate, which are bonded together, to mechanically delaminate a silicon film from a single crystal silicon bulk. In this way, the SOQ film is formed on the quartz substrate through the oxide film. To further smooth the SOQ film surface, hydrogen heat treatment is performed at a temperature of 1000° C. or less below a quartz glass transition point.
US07790569B2

The invention relates to a method for producing semiconductor substrates by bonding. The aim of said method is to reduce the non-usable edge region on the bonded wafer component and to improve the edge geometry of the wafer composite. This is achieved by a method for joining two semiconductor wafers using a semiconductor wafer bonding process. The surfaces of the two semiconductor wafers that are to be bonded are provided with a border or edge geometry that has a special short front-end facet. After the bonding process, one of the two wafers is ablated to obtain an edge region that is as devoid as possible of defects and a usable wafer surface that is as large as possible.
US07790565B2

Methods and apparatus for producing a semiconductor on glass (SiOG) structure include: subjecting an implantation surface of a donor semiconductor wafer to an ion implantation process to create an exfoliation layer in the donor semiconductor wafer; bonding the implantation surface of the exfoliation layer to a glass substrate using electrolysis; separating the exfoliation layer from the donor semiconductor wafer, thereby exposing at least one cleaved surface; and subjecting the at least one cleaved surface to a wet etching process.
US07790551B2

A transistor having a recess gate structure and a method for fabricating the same. The transistor includes a gate insulating layer formed on the inner walls of first trenches formed in a semiconductor substrate; a gate conductive layer formed on the gate insulating layer for partially filling the first trenches; gate electrodes formed on the gate conductive layer for completely filling the first trenches, and surrounded by the gate conductive layer; channel regions formed in the semiconductor substrate along the first trenches; and source/drain regions formed in a shallow portion of the semiconductor substrate.
US07790550B2

A trench transistor having a semiconductor body, in which a trench structure and an electrode structure embedded in the trench structure is disclosed. The electrode structure is electrically insulated from the semiconductor body by an insulation structure. The electrode structure has a gate electrode structure and a field electrode structure arranged below the gate electrode structure and electrically insulated from the latter. There is provided between the gate electrode structure and the field electrode structure a shielding structure for reducing the capacitive coupling between the gate electrode structure and the field electrode structure.
US07790542B2

Stress enhanced transistor devices and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, a transistor device comprises: a gate conductor disposed above a semiconductor substrate between a pair of dielectric spacers, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises a channel region underneath the gate conductor and recessed regions on opposite sides of the channel region, wherein the recessed regions undercut the dielectric spacers to form undercut areas of the channel region; and epitaxial source and drain regions disposed in the recessed regions of the semiconductor substrate and extending laterally underneath the dielectric spacers into the undercut areas of the channel region.
US07790540B2

A low k stress liner, which replaces conventional stress liners in CMOS devices, is provided. In one embodiment, a compressive, low k stress liner is provided which can improve the hole mobility in pFET devices. UV exposure of this compressive, low k material results in changing the polarity of the low k stress liner from compressive to tensile. The use of such a tensile, low k stress liner improves electron mobility in nFET devices.
US07790538B2

A structure and method of fabrication for PFET devices in a compressively strained Ge layer is disclosed. The fabrication method of such devices is compatible with standard CMOS technology and it is fully scalable. The processing includes selective epitaxial depositions of an over 50% Ge content buffer layer, a pure Ge layer, and a SiGe top layer. Fabricated buried channel PMOS devices hosted in the compressively strained Ge layer show superior device characteristics relative to similar Si devices.
US07790522B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor material having two crystal orientations. The semiconductor material forms an active area of the device. A device channel is formed on the two crystal orientations, which include a first region formed in a first crystal orientation surface of the semiconductor material, and a second region formed in a second crystal orientation surface of the semiconductor material wherein the first crystal orientation surface forms an angle with the second crystal orientation surface and the device channel covers at least an intersection of the angle.
US07790520B2

An embodiment of a process for manufacturing a semiconductor power device envisages the steps of: providing a body made of semiconductor material having a first top surface; forming an active region with a first type of conductivity in the proximity of the first top surface and inside an active portion of the body; and forming an edge-termination structure. The edge-termination structure is formed by: a ring region having the first type of conductivity and a first doping level, set within a peripheral edge portion of the body and electrically connected to the active region; and a guard region, having the first type of conductivity and a second doping level, higher than the first doping level, set in the proximity of the first top surface and connecting the active region to the ring region. The process further envisages the steps of: forming a surface layer having the first type of conductivity on the first top surface, also at the peripheral edge portion, in contact with the guard region; and etching the surface layer in order to remove it above the edge portion in such a manner that the etch terminates inside the guard region.
US07790516B2

A method of manufacturing at least one NAND-coupled semiconductor component is disclosed. A layer structure is formed on or above a semiconductor substrate. The layer structure is patterned to expose at least one region to be doped. The exposed region is doped and annealed. The patterned layer structure is at least partially removed. Replacing material is formed in the region in which the patterned layer structure has been removed, thereby forming the at least one NAND-coupled semiconductor component.
US07790510B1

A metal lid for packaging semiconductor chips is stamped to form a sloped sidewall with a set-back from the edge of a package substrate. After the metal lid is placed over the semiconductor chip, molding compound is formed around portions of the exposed perimeter of the package substrate and against the sloped sidewall of the lid. The molding compound securely attaches the lid to the package substrate, providing improved reliability to the lid-substrate joint. The lightweight lid also increases standoff when a solder ball-grid array is used to connect the packaged IC to a printed wiring board, improving the reliability of the ball-grid array connections.
US07790507B2

Semiconductor device assembly die attach apparatus and methods are disclosed for improvements in attaching a semiconductor die to a die pad. Preferred methods of the invention include steps for positioning a semiconductor die on a bearing surface of a collet and retaining the die on the bearing surface of the collet using a vacuum force. A pushing force is also exerted on the die adjacent to the applied vacuum force. The pushing force opposes flexion of the die in the direction of the vacuum force. In further steps, the die is placed on a die pad, and die attach adhesive is interposed between the die and the die pad. A preferred method includes applying a pushing force to bow the central region of the die toward the die pad. In a preferred apparatus of the invention, a collet has a body including a bearing surface for receiving a die and a vacuum for holding it. A chamber encompassed by the bearing surface is adapted for applying the force of expelled gas against a die borne on the bearing surface. The collet is configured for holding a die surface against the bearing surface and for simultaneously pushing outward on the center region of the die so held.
US07790501B2

Various semiconductor chip passivation structures and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes applying a polymeric passivation layer to a side of a semiconductor chip. The side of the semiconductor chip includes plural conductor pads. Plural openings are formed in the polymeric passivation layer to expose the plural conductor pads. Plural conductor structures are formed on the plural conductor pads.
US07790499B2

A disclosed observation apparatus for observing a void generated in an underfill resin upon mounting a body to be mounted on a substrate via the underfill resin in flip-chip mounting includes: a mounting unit mounting the body to be mounted on the substrate; and an observation unit observing behavior of the underfill resin while the mounting unit is mounting the body to be mounted on the substrate.
US07790495B2

An optoelectronic device comprises a photodetector feature, an interfacial layer disposed above at least a portion of the photodetector feature, and a vertical contact disposed on at least a portion of the interfacial layer. The photodetector feature comprises germanium and is operative to convert a light signal into an electrical signal. The interfacial layer comprises nickel. Finally, the vertical contact is operative to transmit the electrical signal from the photodetector feature.
US07790491B1

A method includes forming a release layer of a semiconductor device being fabricated, where the release layer has a trapezoidal shape. The method also includes forming a cantilever, which has a cantilever arm formed over the release layer. The method further includes removing at least part of the release layer from under the cantilever arm. The release layer could be formed using a photo-resist material. The photo-resist material can be patterned by exposing the photo-resist material using multiple exposures. A first exposure could expose a portion of the photo-resist material, where the exposed portion has substantially vertical sides. A second exposure could give the exposed portion of the photo-resist material slanted sides. A wet etch could be performed to remove the release layer from under the cantilever arm.
US07790490B2

The invention concerns a manufacturing process, and the related micromachined capacitive ultra-acoustic transducer, that uses commercial silicon wafer 8 already covered on at least one or, more preferably, on both faces by an upper layer 9 and by a lower layer 9′ of silicon nitride deposited with low pressure chemical vapour deposition technique, or deposition LPCVD deposition. One of the two layers 9 or 9′ of silicon nitride, of optimal quality, covering the wafer 8 is used as emitting membrane of the transducer. As a consequence, the micro-cell array 6 forming the CMUT transducer is grown onto one of the two layers of silicon nitride, i.e. it is grown at the back of the transducer with a sequence of steps that is reversed with respect to the classical technology.
US07790483B2

To provide a manufacturing method of a thin film transistor and a display device with fewer masks than a conventional method. A thin film transistor is manufactured by including the steps of: forming a first conductive film, an insulating film, a semiconductor film, an impurity semiconductor film, and a second conductive film to be stacked; forming a resist mask including three regions with different thicknesses; performing first etching to form a thin-film stack body; performing second etching in which side-etching is performed on the thin-film stack body to form a gate electrode layer; and recessing the resist mask to form a semiconductor layer and a source and drain electrode layer. A resist mask including three regions with different thicknesses can be formed using a four-tone photomask, for example.
US07790478B2

In remote plasma cleaning, it is difficult to locally excite a plasma because the condition is not suitable for plasma excitation different from that at the time of film formation and a method using light has a problem of fogginess of a detection window that cannot be avoided in a CVD process and is not suitable for a mass production process. In order to solve these problems, the outline of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device in which a step of depositing a desired film by exciting a reaction gas using a plasma in a reaction chamber and a step of introducing a cleaning gas excited in a remote plasma excitation chamber into the reaction chamber and performing remote plasma cleaning of the reaction chamber in an atmosphere without plasma excitation are repeated, wherein a local plasma is generated in the reaction chamber or a vacuum system for evacuating the reaction chamber by a plasma excitation system of capacitively coupled type and the end point of the remote plasma cleaning is detected by monitoring the electrical characteristic of the plasma.
US07790476B2

A method for fabricating a ferroelectric memory device, including terminating a surface of the interlayer insulation film and a surface of the contact plug with an OH group; forming a layer containing Si, oxygen and a CH group on the surface of the interlayer insulation film and the contact hole terminated with the OH group by coating a Si compound containing a Si atom and a CH group in a molecule thereof; converting the layer containing Si, oxygen and the CH group to a layer containing nitrogen at a surface thereof, by substituting the CH group in the layer containing Si, oxygen and the CH group at least at a surface part thereof with nitrogen atoms; and forming a layer showing self-orientation on the surface containing nitrogen.
US07790468B2

A test object receptacle, capable of measuring a test object in a wide range of concentrations with good accuracy and within a short time, contains a plurality of fine protruding portions inside grooves. The test object receptacle can fix antigens, antibodies and test objects faster than without the protruding portions. Furthermore, the protruding portions are so formed that the surface area thereof increases gradually to the downstream with respect to the movement direction of the test object in the grooves, the detection intensity (intensity of color development) of the test object is not saturated downstream of the grooves even when the test object has a high concentration. For this reason, the test object can be detected within a short time and the measurements can be conducted within a wide concentration range.
US07790466B1

Methods for analyzing mixtures of polysaccharides, for example heparin such as unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin are described. In some instances, the mixtures are analyzed using fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC), e.g., strong anion exchange HPLC.
US07790462B2

This reaction vessel support is of the type comprising at least one supporting plate (46, 48) designed to take one or more reaction vessels, and mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (R).In one aspect of the invention, the support comprises at least one control member (94, 96) comprising releasable means (100) of coupling to a movable actuating element (40) of an actuator (10), in such a way as to enable the control member (94, 96) to be moved by the actuator (10), with the control member (94, 96) and the supporting plate (46, 48) being connected together in such a way that a movement of the control member (94, 96) by the actuator (10) is able to bring about a rotation of the supporting plate (46, 84) about the axis of rotation (R) in at least one direction of rotation.Of particular application to supports for microassay plates comprising wells laid out in a matrix arrangement.
US07790455B2

A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.
US07790443B2

A bioreactor with substance injection capability. In one embodiment, the bioreactor includes a first substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface and edges. The bioreactor further includes a second substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, defining a cavity with a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is located therebetween the first surface and the second surface. The first surface of the first substrate is received by the second surface of the second substrate to cover the cavity so as to form a chamber for receiving cells and a liquid medium. A port is formed in the second substrate between the bottom surface and the first surface of the second substrate. As formed, the port is in fluid communication with the chamber to allow a stream of substance to be introduced into the chamber. The stream of substance is controlled so as to provide a gradient, or a concentration gradient of the substance, to the chamber. The stream of substance includes a substance affecting the growth of cells such as chemokine.
US07790441B2

The present invention provides a kit employed for polymerase chain reaction. The kit has a cavity and a flow channel on a substrate. The flow channel is separated from the cavity by at least a barrier formed along the cavity. Such a structure allows the cavity to be filled with a sample solution even in minute quantities. At the same time, the structure can provide a sample solution with a rapid temperature-control. The structure can therefore contribute to accelerated polymerase chain reaction.
US07790440B2

Provided are a sensing switch and a sensing method using the same. The sensing switch includes: a substrate; a supporter on the substrate; a sensing plate that is connected to a side of the supporter and is in parallel with the substrate by a predetermined distance; a receptor binding region on an upper surface of an end portion of the sensing plate; an electric or magnetic field generation device that induces deflection of the sensing plate when a receptor bound to the receptor binding region is selectively bound to an electrically or magnetically active ligand; and a pair of switching electrodes that are separated by a predetermined distance and is connected when the sensing plate contacts the substrate due to the deflection of the sensing plate. A target material need not be labelled, a signal processing of a fluorescent or electrical detection signal using an analysis apparatus is not required, and a signal can be directly decoded by confirming whether a current flows through the switch.
US07790439B2

In a biosensor having a developing layer for developing a sample solution, including a reagent part immobilized to a portion of the developing layer and a marked reagent part which is held in a dry state by a portion of the developing layer, and is dissolvable by developing the sample solution, and qualitatively or quantitatively analyzing an analyte in the sample solution by measuring the amount of the marker reagent bound to the reagent immobilization part; wherein plural reagent immobilization parts exist, and the respective reagent immobilization parts have different affinities for the analyte in the sample solution or the marker reagent, whereby a prozone phenomenon can be detected. Further, a biosensor with a high precision of measurement, which has a wider dynamic range for the concentration of the analyte in the sample solution, can be provided. Thereby, a highly accurate and precise biosensor which can detect a prozone phenomenon even when the range of the concentration of the analyte in the sample solution is wide, and has a wide measurement dynamic range can be provided.
US07790437B2

An organ transportation device includes a fluid-tight organ container and structure within the organ container for engaging an organ within the organ container. A base assembly is provided, and structure for rotating the organ engaging structure and the organ relative to the base assembly. The base assembly can have a motor and a battery to provide for rotation of the organ container during shipping.
US07790436B2

A process for preparing optically active (1S)-3-chloro-1-(2-thienyl)propan-1-ol of the formula I by, in a medium comprising 3-chloro-1-(2-thienyl)propan-1-one of the formula II reducing this compound to the compound of the formula I by means of an alcohol dehydrogenase from the Thermoanaerobacter genus, and isolating the product formed in substantially enantiomerically pure form.
US07790429B2

A process for the preparation of short-chain alkyl esters of fatty acids, preferably fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) in solvent-free system is disclosed. In particular, the process comprises (a) providing a fatty acid source, (b) stepwise adding a short-chain free alcohol, preferably methanol, or any other alcohol donor, to said fatty acid source in the presence of a lipase preparation and (c) allowing the reaction to proceed under suitable conditions, until said fatty acid source triglycerides are converted to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The lipase preparation comprises at least two lipases. The two lipases being separately or jointly immobilized on a suitable support and wherein at least one of the lipases has increased affinity for partial glycerides and at least one of the lipases is sn-1,3 positional specific.
US07790421B2

Described herein are methods and reagents for the ligation of a peptide acceptor to an RNA, as well as the RNA-peptide acceptor products.
US07790418B2

Methods for isothermal amplification of nucleic acid by the means of a solid support are disclosed. These methods are useful for applications needing high throughput, in particular nucleic acid sequencing.
US07790417B2

The present invention relates to a method for the production of a stable biodegradable, high water absorbable γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) hydrogel by directly cross-linking (A) a γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), a γ-polyglutamate, or a mixture thereof, and optionally a polysaccharide containing a carboxylic and/or carboxylate group, an amino acid, or a mixture thereof; and/or (B) a microbial culture broth containing a γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), a γ-polyglutamate, or a mixture thereof, and optionally a polysaccharide containing a carboxylic and/or carboxylate group, an amino acid, or a mixture thereof, with a cross-linker comprising a compound having three or more functional groups or a mixture of a compound having three or more functional groups and a compound having two functional groups, wherein each of the functional groups can react with a carboxylic group (—COOH), carboxylate group (—COO−), aldehyde group (—CHO), hydroxyl (—OH), carbonyl group (—CO), sulfone group (—SO2), amino group (—NH2) or nitro group (—NO2), or a mixture thereof. The present invention further relates to a stable biodegradable, high water absorbable γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) hydrogel and its uses.
US07790416B2

The invention relates to a mutant strain of bacteria, which either lacks or contains mutant genes for several key metabolic enzymes, and which produces high amounts of succinic acid under anaerobic conditions.
US07790412B2

The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.
US07790410B2

Provided herein are techniques for screening materials for hemocompatibility. Hemocompatible materials may be advantageous when incorporated into devices that may come into direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids. Such techniques take advantage of conformational changes in fibrinogen when adsorbed onto certain materials. As a result of conformational changes, the fibrinogen has altered responsiveness to cleavage by thrombin. Accordingly, the products of thrombin cleavage of fibrinogen may be assessed to determine the hemocompatibility of a material.
US07790408B1

The use of screening assays based on the role of human stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (“hSCD1”) in human diseases, disorders or conditions relating to serum levels of triglyceride, VLDL, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, or production of secretions from mucous membranes, monounsaturated fatty acids, wax esters, and the like, is disclosed. Also disclosed are conventions useful in the prevention and/or treatment of such diseases.
US07790406B2

A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. Various applications for the biosensors are described, including cell-based assays for assessing the effect of drug compounds on cell function. A biosensor embodiment optimized for a luminescent response at two different wavelengths is also described. Such luminescent response could be produced by fluorescence (either native or from an attached fluorophore), phosphorescence, chemi-luminescence, or other luminescence technology. Two different luminescence technologies could be combined on the same biosensor chip.
US07790402B2

Biomarkers are disclosed that facilitate the mechanisms associated with central nervous system disease worsening or activity, specifically multiple sclerosis. Methods are also disclosed for identification of biomarkers associated with disease worsening or activity in multiple sclerosis.
US07790399B2

The present invention relates to a method for the production and the selection of human or chimæric or humanized antibodies or molecules that comprise the Fc region of human IgG, capable of modulating the activity of one or several particular Fc receptors, such as the triggering of inhibitory functions through the human type IIB receptors of IgG (FcgammaRIIB/CD32).
US07790386B2

The present invention relates to oligonucleotide sequences for amplification primers and detection probes and their use in nucleic acid amplification methods for the selective and specific detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in biological samples. The invention also provides oligonucleotide primer sets and primer/probe sets in the form of kits for the detection and diagnosis of gonococcal infection. The inventive oligonucleotide primers and probes can also be used in combination with other specific oligonucleotide primers and probe for the simultaneous detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and other target organisms, such as Chlamydia trachomatis.
US07790373B2

The present invention provides a material for separating an analyte from an undesired constituent, which material comprises a solid phase and a coating, wherein the solid phase is capable of binding the undesired constituent, and wherein the coating covers the exposed surface of the solid phase to an extent that any binding of the solid phase to the analyte is impeded. A method for preparing the material, and uses of the material for separating an analyte from an undesired constituent are also provided.
US07790372B2

Means for determining the presence of the risk of drug-induced granulocytopenia in a human is provided.A method for assessing the risk of drug-induced granulocytopenia, including detecting a polymorphism of the human insulin receptor substrate-2 gene of a subject, and determining the presence of the risk of drug-induced granulocytopenia of the subject by use of the genetic polymorphism as an index.
US07790362B2

A method is provided of determining whether an individual has reduced ability to form platelet thrombi. An ADP platelet activator and one or platelet inhibitors are provided. At least one of the platelet inhibitors is Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). An alternate signal transduction pathway is produced. A final concentration of ADP is 2 to 35 μM and a final concentration of PGE1 is 2 to 30 nM, preferably 20 to 25 nM.
US07790359B2

A method of forming an electrode on a semiconductor wafer by plating is disclosed that is able to reliably prevent leakage of a plating solution during the plating process. The plating method comprises the steps of forming a conductive layer on a semiconductor wafer; forming a negative resist layer on the conductive layer; exposing a center portion of the negative resist layer; exposing a peripheral region of the negative resist layer after the step of exposing the center portion of the negative resist layer; developing the exposed negative resist layer to form a predetermined plating pattern; and performing plating on the plating pattern.
US07790350B2

A self assembly step for the manufacture of an electronic component comprising, e.g., a semiconductor chip or semiconductor array or wafer comprises forming a block copolymer film placed on a random copolymer film substrate operatively associated with the electronic component and the block copolymer film wherein the surface energy of the random copolymer film is tailored by use of a photolithographic or chemical process prior to the self assembly step. By prior deterministic control over regional surface properties of the random copolymer film, domains of the block copolymer film form only in predefined areas. This approach offers simplified processing and a precise control of regions where domain formation occurs. Selective removal of some of the domains allows for further processing of the electronic component.
US07790349B2

A blanket for a printing roll is disclosed that includes an Si-based resin layer and an acrylate film formed on one surface of the Si-based resin layer, wherein the acrylate film prevents a volatile solvent from permeating into the blanket, to thereby prevent the blanket from being deformed.
US07790347B2

A three-dimensional shaped structure is prepared from a multi-photon reactive composition including: (a) at least one reactive species; (b) a multi-photon photoinitiator system; and (c) a plurality of substantially inorganic particles, wherein the particles have an average particle size of less than about 10 microns in diameter.
US07790343B2

A process includes developing toner images on a photoconductor, transferring to an intermediate transfer belt and a transferring-and-fixing roller. The toner images are transferred to and fixed to a paper simultaneously while the paper moves between the transferring-and-fixing roller and a pressure roller which is pressed against the transferring-and-fixing roller. After transfer process to the paper, residual toner particles remaining on the transferring-and-fixing roller are removed by a cleaning roller. In order to achieve a cleanability from the transferring-and-fixing roller and prevent the intermediate belt from becoming too high temperature, the elastic modulus of the toner particles measured when the toner particles are heated is greater than the elastic modulus of the toner particles when cooled in a temperature range where the glass transition temperature and 10° C. lower than the melting temperature of the toner particles.
US07790342B2

An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive body having improved electrophotographic characteristics such as sensitivity and residual potential and also having excellent durability. The present invention provides an electrophotographic photosensitive body having a layer containing at least one specific p-terphenyl compound and at least one polycarbonate resin represented by the general formula (I): in a mass ratio of the p-terphenyl compound to the polycarbonate resin within the range of 2:8 to 7:3.
US07790340B2

A photomask for integrated circuit production comprising a substrate, one or more layers and a detector for monitoring a process parameter of the integrated circuit production in combination with one or more of the following: communication circuitry for communicating with external equipment for the integrated circuit production, a computational processor for analyzing the monitored process parameter, and a data storage component. In addition, a method of integrated circuit production comprising the steps of providing a photomask in the integrated circuit production process and monitoring a process parameter of the integrated circuit production using the photomask, in combination with one or more following steps: analyzing the monitored process parameter using the photomask; communicating the monitored process parameter from the photomask to external equipment involved in the integrated circuit production; and storing the monitored process parameter in the photomask. For example, the photomask embodying aspects of the present invention may monitor and track the process parameter of a stepper during the integrated circuit production. The monitored data may be analyzed against the production information to determine possible adjustment or alteration to the integrated circuit production steps.
US07790334B2

A method for etching chromium and forming a photomask is provided. In one embodiment, a method for etching chromium includes providing a film stack in a processing chamber having a chromium layer, patterning a photoresist layer on the film stack, depositing a conformal protective layer on the patterned photoresist layer, etching the conformal protective layer to expose a chromium layer through the patterned photoresist layer, and etching the chromium layer. The methods for etching chromium of the present invention are particularly suitable for fabricating photomasks.
US07790329B2

A MEA-frame assembly is arranged in a mold for injection molding to form a first flow passage arranged so as to extend along the outer periphery of an electrode between the outer periphery of the electrode and the inner periphery of a frame, a second flow passage arranged so as to extend along an inner elastic member between the inner periphery and outer periphery of the frame and a plurality of connecting flow passages which communicate the first flow passage with the second flow passage. An elastic resin is injected into the first flow passage to fill the first flow passage with the elastic resin and to fill the second flow passage with the elastic resin through each of the communicating flow passages, thereby an elastic member which hermetically seals the space between the MEA-frame assembly and the separator is integrally formed.
US07790321B2

The present invention relates to electrical separators, especially for use in lithium high energy batteries, and to a process for making them.Separators for use in lithium high energy batteries have to have a very low weight and a very low thickness. It has been found that, surprisingly, such separators having a weight of less than 50 g/m2 and a thickness of less than 35 μm are preparable by applying a ceramic coating to a polymeric web less than 30 μm in thickness, these separators being very useful in lithium high energy batteries when pyrogenic oxides of the elements Al, Si and/or Zr are used as a particulate pore-forming component.
US07790315B2

The present invention pertains to composite cathodes suitable for use in an electrochemical cell, said cathodes comprising: (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, wherein said electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula —Sm—, wherein m is an integer equal to or greater than 3; and, (b) an electroactive transition metal chalcogenide composition, which encapsulates said electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, and which retards the transport of anionic reduction products of said electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, said electroactive transition metal chalcogenide composition comprising an electroactive transition metal chalcogenide having the formula MjYk(OR)l wherein: M is a transition metal; Y is the same or different at each occurrence and is oxygen, sulfur, or selenium; R is an organic group and is the same or different at each occurrence; j is an integer ranging from 1 to 12; k is a number ranging from 0 to 72; and l is a number ranging from 0 to 72; with the proviso that k and l cannot both be 0. The present invention also pertains to methods of making such composite cathodes, cells comprising such composite cathodes, and methods of making such cells.
US07790313B2

A secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes is provided. The secondary battery further comprises a case for containing the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly connected to the case. The cap assembly comprises positive and negative terminals electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, respectively. Lead connectors are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrode plates and the positive and negative terminals. A support is connected to each end of the electrode assembly and surrounds the lead connectors. The supports are adapted to fit between the electrode assembly and the case.
US07790307B2

A battery pack for reducing a memory effect is disclosed. The battery pack includes at least one or more battery cells. A battery cell with the smallest residual voltage is selected from battery cells each having a residual voltage greater than a minimum threshold voltage, and first charged. Power is supplied to a terminal from a battery cell having the smallest residual voltage among battery cells having the residual voltage greater than the minimum threshold voltage, thereby lengthening a life span of the battery pack.
US07790301B2

The present invention attempts to provide a hard coating which has excellent hardness and lubricity. Such attempt has been completed by providing a hard coating comprising (Al1-aVa)(C1-xNx) wherein 0.27≦a≦0.75, and 0.3≦X≦1, wherein a and X independently represent an atomic ratio.
US07790293B2

A process for finishing a wood or wooden board, in particular an MDF or HDF board, with an upper side and an underside. The process includes applying a sealing layer of melamine resin to the upper side of the board and printing a decoration onto the sealing layer. A protective layer is applied of melamine resin to the decoration and the board is pressed under the action of temperature until the protective layer and the sealing layer melt and bond to each other with the inclusion of the decoration printed on.
US07790289B2

The invention relates to a vapor-deposition material for the production of optical layers of medium refractive index which comprises aluminum oxide and gadolinium oxide, dysprosium oxide and/or ytterbium oxide, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof.
US07790287B2

A solid sheet comprising transparent polycarbonate matrix, particles of a transparent polymer and an antistatic agent is disclosed. Characterized in that the refractive index of said matrix differs from that of said polymer, the sheet is suitable in making diffuser plate in flat screens.
US07790276B2

The invention is directed to polyimide based adhesives having a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) equal to or below 50 ppm/° C. The adhesives of the present invention contain a polyimide base polymer present in the overall adhesive in an amount from 25 to 95 weight percent. The polyimide base polymer has a glass transition temperature (“Tg”) in a range of from about 150 to about 300° C. and typically has a coefficient of thermal expansion above 50 ppm/° C. The polyimide based adhesives of the invention also contain an aramid micro fiber filler in an amount from 5 to 75 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the polyimide based adhesive. The fiber filler can be used to lower CTE of the overall adhesive to match (or nearly match) the CTE of other materials like metal, silicon wafers, other polymers (including polyimide) and the like.
US07790274B2

A layered panel structure featuring a first layer formed of non-thermoformable material, having opposite faces, a thickness T as measured between its opposite faces, and an effective layer density d, and a second layer formed of thermoformable material having opposite faces, with one face in the second layer being thermally bonded to one face in the first layer, and with the second layer having a thickness t, as measured between its opposite faces which is smaller than T, and an effective layer density D which is greater than d. The thermal bond between the layers is formed, during thermoforming of the panel structure, by a melt and flow of resin contained in the thermoformable layer material.
US07790273B2

The present invention provides multilayered materials, such as films usable in particular in medical devices in the form of vascular grafts, biocompatible coverings, and/or inflatable bladders, prosthesis for the endoluminal treatment of aneurysms, particularly aortic aneurysms including both abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA's) and thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA's).
US07790259B2

A cut-free magnetic tape structure including an elongated tape-type soft magnetic substrate. The substrate has an upper releasable face and a lower adhesive face. A sprayed or painted coating is sprayed or painted on the releasable face. An adhesive layer is overlaid on the adhesive face. At least one of the two faces of the substrate is embossed with embossed textures. The embossed textures are one by one adjacently arranged on the face in an extending direction of the tape structure. The elongated tape can be wound into a roll for easy carriage. A user can apply an external force or shear force to the substrate along at least one embossed texture to tear apart the tape or tear off a segment of the embossed magnetic tape.
US07790258B2

Self-adhesive, flexible sealing tapes, comprising at least one flexible, self-adhesive core or at least one flexible, self-abhesive carrier layer provided with an envelope or two-sided coating consisting of a second adhesive system.
US07790251B2

The specification discloses a method for making a paper material having a reduced tendency to cut human skin. The method includes providing a papermaking furnish containing cellulosic fibers and from about 0.5 to about 5.0 wt % by weight dry basis expandable microspheres, forming a paperboard web from the papermaking furnish, drying the web, and calendaring the web to a caliper of from about 11.0 to about 18.0 mils and a density ranging from about 7.0 to about 12.0 lb/3000 ft2/mil. Papers formed according to the method and articles formed therefrom are also disclosed.
US07790250B2

The invention provides an inkjet recording medium, comprising a support and an ink receiving layer supported on the support. The ink receiving layer comprising a porous hydrophilic polymer.
US07790234B2

This disclosure relates generally to polymeric networks of fullerene compounds, to methods of preparing precursors for such networks, and to their subsequent use as low dielectric constant materials in microelectronic devices.
US07790226B2

A method of making carbon thin films comprises depositing a catalyst on a substrate, depositing a hydrocarbon in contact with the catalyst and pyrolyzing the hydrocarbon. A method of controlling a carbon thin film density comprises etching a cavity into a substrate, depositing a hydrocarbon into the cavity, and pyrolyzing the hydrocarbon while in the cavity to form a carbon thin film. Controlling a carbon thin film density is achieved by changing the volume of the cavity. Methods of making carbon containing patterned structures are also provided. Carbon thin films and carbon containing patterned structures can be used in NEMS, MEMS, liquid chromatography, and sensor devices.
US07790222B2

A method for producing a cable including at least one transmissive element, for example, an element transmitting electrical energy or optionally optical signals as well, and an expanded and cross-linked coating layer in a radially outer position with respect to the at least one transmissive element, the coating layer having a composition including an expandable and cross-linkable polymeric material. The method includes a) extruding the composition; b) forming a coating layer made of expandable and cross-linkable polymeric material with the composition thus extruded; c) expanding the coating layer made of expandable and cross-linkable polymeric material; and d) cross-linking the coating layer made of expandable and cross-linkable polymeric material. The expanding and cross-linking steps c) and d) are carried out by heating the coating layer made of expandable and cross-linkable polymeric material at atmospheric pressure by means of a suitable heating fluid. Savings in production time and costs are attained by the method.
US07790219B2

A method forms a plurality of pillars, the pillars arranged such that positions of the pillars control flow of a liquid, the plurality of pillars forming a fluidic template, the method dispenses the liquid into the fluidic template such that the liquid assumes a shape corresponding to the fluidic template, and dries the liquid to form at least a portion of a patterned structure. Another method forms a multi-layer printed structure by forming a plurality of pillars, the pillars arranged such that positions of the pillars control flow of a liquid, the plurality of pillars forming a fluidic template, dispensing a first liquid into a first region containing the pillars such that liquid spreads only in the first region, dispensing a second liquid into a second region such that liquid spreads in the second region and partially into the first region, forming an overlap region, an extent of the overlap region controlled by the positions of the pillars. A structure has a fluidic template formed from a plurality of pillars, a first layer of a first dispensed material form in a first region of the fluidic template, a second layer of a second dispensed material formed in a second region of the fluidic template, and an overlap region formed from at least some of the plurality of pillars, the pillars arranged to control an extent of the overlap region, the structure formed from the second layer formed on the first layer.
US07790218B2

A method for forming an electrode for a battery includes the step of rotating a gravure roll while allowing the gravure roll to abut against the surface of an electrode, thereby applying a coating fluid serving as a precursor of a porous layer on the surface of the electrode. In this step, part of the coating fluid applied to the surface of the electrode is continuously removed by allowing a scraper to abut against the surface of the electrode, and the width of a part of the scraper abutting against the surface of the electrode is adjusted according to variations in the width of each of linear portions of the porous layer left after the removal of the part of the coating fluid.
US07790217B2

A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.
US07790216B2

A method for producing a zirconia-layered orthopedic implant component includes depositing zirconium onto the orthopedic implant component, thereby forming a zirconium-layered component, and converting at least a portion of the zirconium into a substantially monoclinic zirconia surface layer unaccompanied by a substantial underlying α-phase. A method for producing a zirconia-layered orthopedic implant component includes depositing zirconium onto the orthopedic implant component by ion bombardment and deposition in a vacuum to form a zirconium-layered component including an intermix zone at least 1000 Å thick and a zirconium layer about 3-5 μm thick, and heat treating the zirconium-layered component at a temperature of about 500-600° C. in an atmosphere containing oxygen.
US07790214B2

The present invention has objects to provide a method of inhibiting the 2,3-butanedione formation in order to produce a satisfactorily flavorful processed cacao bean product and an agent for inhibiting the 2,3-butanedione formation which is used for the method, and solves the above objects by providing a method of inhibiting the 2,3-butanedione formation during the process and/or preservation, and an agent for inhibiting the 2,3-butanedione formation which comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of maltitol, α,α-trehalose and saccharide derivatives of α,α-trehalose as effective ingredients.
US07790212B2

The present invention provides a method of processing porkhide dog chews. The method includes the step of first subjecting pigskin rawhide to defatting and depilation treatment. Then the rawhide is split to obtain a first, a second, a third and a fourth layer of rawhide material. The rawhide material undergoes defatting, rinsing, and sun-drying to produce a finished hide product. The hide product is smoked to achieve objectives of dying and flavoring to result in a finished porkhide dog chew product.
US07790209B2

The invention provides a total enteral nutritious composition containing proteins, sugars, fats, minerals and vitamins, which improves serum albumin and ameliorates bedsores. The total enteral nutritious composition has a zinc/copper weight ratio of 10-25, and a zinc content of 1.5 mg or greater, a copper content of 0.075-0.15 mg, a sodium content of at least 185 mg, a vitamin B1 content of at least 0.30 mg, a vitamin B2 content of at least 0.25 mg and a protein content of at least 4.0 g, per 100 kcal of the composition. Preferably it has a protein content of at least 5.0 g, a vitamin B6 content of at least 0.30 mg, a biotin content of at least 1.0 μg, a vitamin B12 content of at least 0.20 μg, a folic acid content of at least 20 μg, a β-carotene content of at least 100 μg and a vitamin C content of at least 10 mg. Medium-chain fatty acid oils preferably constitute 35% by weight of the fats of the fat source, per 100 kcal of the composition. The preferred composition viscosity is 6-18 mPa·s (25° C.)
US07790205B2

A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops. Other embodiments relate to combinations of components, including at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops, tryptanthrin and conjugates thereof, rosemary, an extract or compound derived from rosemary, a triterpene species, or a diterpene lactone or derivatives or conjugates thereof.
US07790202B1

A multi-purpose skin composition which functions as a sunscreen, an anti-perspirant, an insect/pest repellant and/or an antiseptic is disclosed. In some illustrative embodiments, the multi-purpose skin composition includes a powdered repellent formulation having a substantially homogenous powdered mixture including corn starch powder, zinc oxide powder, peppermint powder, basil powder, rosemary powder, eucalyptus powder, copper mica powder and silica powder spheres. In other illustrative embodiments, the multi-purpose skin composition includes a powdered relief formulation having a substantially homogenous powdered mixture comprising corn starch powder, lavender powder, peppermint powder, eucalyptus powder and silica powder spheres.
US07790195B2

The invention relates to a method of producing adhesive die-cut articles with internal cut-outs 3 from an endless web 1, the web having a carrier layer 4, at least one adhesive layer 5 and, if appropriate, a matrix layer 6, and to a die-cut article produced by the method. In order to produce a die-cut article with an internal cut-out 3 whilst avoiding the use of a hollow punch, the contour 17 of the internal cut-out 3 and the external contour 10 of the respective die-cut article are die-cut out of the adhesive layer 5 and, if appropriate, the matrix layer 6 one after another, the external contour 10 not having any common point with the die-cutting line of the internal cut-out 3, the carrier layer 4 with the die-cutting residues from the internal cut-out 3 being pulled off over a pull-off edge, and the remaining web being transferred to a protective film 8.
US07790194B2

A hydrogel is obtained by combining acrylamide and methylene bis-acrylamide, radical initiation and washing with pyrogen-free water or saline solution to give less than 3.5% by weight polyacrylamide, based on the total weight of the hydrogel. The hydrogel may be used as a soft tissue filler endoprosthesis. Also disclosed is a method of filling a soft tissue in a mammal using the endoprosthesis, and a prosthetic device comprising the polyacrylamide hydrogel.
US07790191B2

A cosmetic composition comprising a polysiloxane copolymer comprising a repeating unit (A) having at least one anionic group, a repeating unit (B) having at least one linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 64 carbon atoms, and a polysiloxane repeating unit (D), said repeating units (A), (B), and (D) being bonded with one another via diisocyanate residue represented by the following formula (1) wherein X is a divalent hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and alicyclic hydrocarbon groups. Cosmetics comprising the composition maintains their effects for a prolonged period of time.
US07790184B2

The invention provides methods for identifying a compound that inhibits cytochrome c synthesis. This invention further provides a method for the high throughput screening of compounds that inhibit cytochrome c synthesis.
US07790179B2

The invention provides an attenuated rotavirus population comprising a single variant or substantially a single variant which is defined by a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one of the major viral proteins designated as VP4 and VP7. The invention particularly provides a rotavirus population designated as P43. The invention further provides a novel formulation for a rotavirus vaccine which is in the form of a quick dissolving tablet for immediate dissolution when placed on the tongue.
US07790165B2

An antibody of the invention interacts with human DR5 to produce agonistic or antagonistic effects downstream of the receptor including inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of anti-DR5 antibodies have been elucidated and vectors and cells containing and expressing these sequences have been generated. Methods and uses for the antibodies are detailed including treatment of apoptosis-related disease and treatment of dysregulated cell growth.
US07790163B2

The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F, hybridomas that produce the antibodies, an methods of using the same in inflammation.
US07790158B2

The current invention provides for methods of immunotherapy using a combination of epitope-specific and cytokine or anticytokine immunotherapy. The method provides for modulation of pathogenic immune responses and includes the identification of molecules comprising specific epitopes involved in a particular disease state of interest, administration of the epitope-specific molecule in conjunction with the cytokine or anticytokine, and downstream modification of the administration of the cytokine/anticytokine relative to the administration of the epitope-specific molecule.
US07790151B1

Alates of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, collected after swarming in 2002 died within 48 hrs, and the cadavers were visibly infected with a fungus. Fungi were picked from the cadavers, transferred to media and ultimately isolated to purity. A single fungal isolate, C4-B, taxonomically identified as Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff), was found to cause rapid mortality of FST alates. This is the first report of a biological control agent for termite alates. Strain C4-B was more lethal to both alates and workers when compared to M. anisopliae strain ESC1, marketed as the termite biocontrol agent BioBlast®. 100% of FST alates exposed to C4-B spores (106 spores/μl) were killed in 3 days. Field studies where C4-B spores were dispersed on grassy lawns resulted in 100% mortality of alates by day 5.
US07790147B2

Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to hair, skin, and nails. Peptide-based hair conditioners, hair colorants, skin conditioners, skin colorants, and nail colorants are described. The peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants consist of a hair-binding peptide coupled to a hair conditioning agent or a coloring agent, respectively. The peptide-based skin conditioners and skin colorants consist of a skin-binding peptide coupled to a skin conditioning agent or a colorant, respectively. The peptide-based nail colorants consist of a nail-binding peptide coupled to a coloring agent. In all these compositions, the peptide may be directly coupled to the active agent or the coupling may be via a spacer. Personal care compositions containing these peptide-based conditioners and colorants are also described.
US07790143B2

The invention relates to the immunization of pigs against Candidatus Helicobacter suis using antigens of species related to Candidatus Helicobacter suis.
US07790140B2

In part, the present invention is directed to biocompatible compositions comprising a carrier with a first metal binding domain, a metal ion, an active agent with second metal binding domain and optionally a protective chain covalently attached to the polymeric carrier.
US07790135B2

The present invention is directed to the production of nanostructures, e.g., single wall carbon nanotubes (“SWNT”) and/or multi-wall carbon nanotubes (“MWNT”), from solutions containing a polymer, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN). In particular, the invention is directed to the production of nanostructures, for example, SWNT and/or MWNT, from mixtures, e.g., solutions, containing polyacrylonitrile, polyaniline emeraldine base (PANi) or a salt thereof, an iron salt, e.g., iron chloride, and a solvent. In one embodiment, a mixture containing polyacrylonitrile, polyaniline emeraldine base or a salt thereof, an iron salt, e.g., iron chloride, and a solvent is formed and the mixture is electrospun to form nanofibers. In another embodiment, the electrospun nanofibers are then oxidized, e.g., heated in air, and subsequently pyrolyzed to form carbon nanostructures.
US07790130B2

Wide mesoporous alumina composites are produced by an “in situ reaction” route comprising agglomeration of an alumina powder that is capable of rehydration together with a second reactive powder such as carbonate. In one method of production, the powders are fed to a rotating forming device that is continuously sprayed with liquid under conditions to form particulates. The discharging beads are then subjected to curing and thermal activation to produce the final catalyst or adsorbent. The alumina participates in a pore altering process involving the carbonate component upon formation of hydroxycarbonate intermediates such as Dawsonite. Large fraction of the pore volume of the final product consists of wide mesopores in the 15-50 nanometers range. The alumina composites exhibit a characteristic trimodal pore structure that includes also small micro-meso pores and macropores larger than 200 nanometers.
US07790126B2

The invention is directed to a method for cleaning exhaust gases of a glass melting process. The raw material for production of the glass is charged to the glass furnace and molten glass is removed from the glass furnace. The exhaust gases of the glass melting process are freed of the pollutant components in a moving bed reactor system on a catalytically active adsorbent and/or absorbent. Catalyst damaging pollutant components are bound by absorption and the particulate components are adhesively removed. Catalytic removal of nitrogen is performed in the layer area adjacent to the immediate oncoming flow area of the catalyst damaging pollutant components. Other pollutant components that do not damage the catalyst, such as dioxins and furans, are removed by absorption in the layer area.
US07790120B2

An apparatus is provided for treating pollutants in a gaseous stream. The apparatus comprises tubular inlets for mixing a gas stream with other oxidative and inert gases for mixture and flame production within a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is heated by heating elements and has an interior wall with orifices through which heated air enters into the central reaction chamber. The oxidized gases are treated also for particles removal by flowing through a packed bed. The packed bed is cooled and its upper portion with air inlets to enhance condensation and particle growth in the bed. The treated gas stream is also scrubbed in a continuous regenerative scrubber comprising at least two vertically separated beds in which one bed can be regenerated while the other is operative so that the flow may be continuously passed through the bed.
US07790119B2

A process comprising polymerising in a loop reactor an olefin monomer optionally together with an olefin commoner in the presence of a polymerisation catalyst in a diluent to produce a slurry comprising solid particulate olefin polymer and the diluent wherein the Froude number is maintained at or below 20 is disclosed.
US07790118B2

In a fluidic device with a storage compartment communication is allowed between the storage compartment and other portions of the device. The communication is controlled through a valve arrangement and a membrane covering the compartment. The valve arrangement can be provided through a sealing clamp with clamp fingers. The clamp fingers control communication between the storage compartment and remaining portions of the fluidic device.
US07790113B2

Particular aspects provide novel devices and methods for accurately measuring total ammonia (NH3 plus NH4+) in a solution (e.g., freshwater and saltwater) by spatially proximate, simultaneous and continuous quantitative measurement of solution pH and ammonia. The devices overcome prior art inaccuracies relating to non-homogeneous sampling, and to spatial, temporal and thermal sampling discontinuities. Particular embodiments provide a combination pH and ammonia measuring device, comprising: a submersible member; a submersible non-bleeding ammonia-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution ammonia concentration; a submersible non-bleeding pH-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution pH; visual ammonia and pH indicator comparison means suitable for comparative quantitative determination of solution ammonia concentration and pH. Additional aspects provide novel ultra-sensitive devices and methods using same for measuring ammonia in air or solution.
US07790105B2

A sterilization challenge specimen holder is used with a test indicator to challenge sterilization on a consistent basis. The holder includes a body having an internal chamber region and a sleeve positionable within the internal chamber. A cap is sealable on the holder and a plug is positioned in the body. The plug has a wall having a spiral formed groove therein in communication with the internal chamber region. An opening in the holder provides for a flow path for communication between the environs and the internal chamber, and another opening(s) provides for a second flow path for communication between the internal chamber and the inner chamber of the sleeve. An indicator tube carries a biological indicator and has openings therein.
US07790103B2

A medical fluid machine, such as a dialysis machine, includes a pump that pumps a medical fluid and sterile water or other disinfecting liquid, such as ozonated water, for flushing and reconditioning the medical fluid machine. The machine may also include a heater that heats the medical fluid or disinfecting solution in order to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that may contaminate the machine after use. Disinfecting the machine, and a disposable kit used with the machine, may allow re-use of the disposable within a reasonable amount of time after completion of the disinfecting procedure. Dialysate treated with ultra-violet light or water with low concentrations of ozone also helps make the disposable kits suitable for reuse.
US07790101B2

Articles for use with highly reactive alloys that include a graphite crucible having an interior, and at least a first protective layer applied to the interior of the graphite crucible in which the graphite crucible having the first protective layer is used for melting highly reactive alloys.
US07790100B2

Disclosed is an annealing frame, especially for conveying molded aluminum parts during a heat treatment process. The invention is characterized in that said annealing frame comprises at least one annealing frame element (1) that is provided with at least one annealing basket (13) which can be placed therein and can be adapted to the annealing material. Annealing material having the most different shapes can be accommodated in a non-tipping and slip-proof manner in said annealing basket (13) while being conveyed during the thermal treatment process.
US07790096B2

A thermal management system is provided to control the preheating and cool down of a removable build chamber in a laser sintering system. A thermal management station controls preheating of a removable build chamber to heat the chamber to a temperature at or near the operating temperature of the laser sintering system. After insertion into the laser sintering system and completion of a build the thermal management station controls the cool down of the part cake within the removable build chamber after the chamber has been removed from the laser sintering system.
US07790085B2

A method for manufacturing a long molding having an axial bend, includes: forming a long first member; performing an axial bending process for the first member, when the first member passes through a gripping portion; and extruding a heated and molten liquid resin molding material for formation of a second member through a second member molding opening of a second member extrusion die while following a bend of the first member to integrate the second member made of the molding material with the first member. The second member extrusion die has a changeable substantial opening shape of the second member molding opening. The second member having a different cross sectional shape between one part and the other part in the longitudinal direction is extruded in accordance with a change of the opening shape.
US07790084B1

Provided are methods for fabricating fluid separation devices with precisely-sized, shaped microscopic capillaries that can separate one immiscible fluid from another on the basis of different separation characteristics. In particular, the method comprises the steps of fabricating a first set of capillaries having a first separation characteristic and a second set of capillaries having a second separation characteristic, incorporating one end of all of the capillaries into an inlet face, incorporating the second end of the first set of capillaries into a first outlet face, and incorporating the second end of the second set of capillaries into a second outlet face. Preferably, the first set of capillaries is hydrophillic and the second set of capillaries is hydrophobic.
US07790083B2

A method for manufacturing a throttle valve unit having a housing part and a valve flap part that can move in relation to it includes the steps of injection molding the housing part of a first plastic material in a first cavity, transferring the molded housing part to a second cavity spatially decoupled from the first cavity, and injection molding the movable valve flap part out of a second plastic material in a second mold cavity inside the molded housing part. Before the molded housing part is transferred to the second cavity, it is subjected to an intermediate treatment in order to influence the shrinkage behavior, thereby selectively adjusting the gap geometries between the parts.
US07790077B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for injection molding polymer articles that reduces deposition of additives on the apparatus. Specifically, pressurizing of the mold cavity with a pressurized gas reduces the deposition of low molecular weight additives on the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention also include an apparatus for injection molding polymer articles comprising at least one pressurized gas inlet for introducing a pressurized gas into the mold cavity.
US07790073B2

Colorless dental compositions for restoring the enamel layer of a tooth are disclosed. The colorless enamel compositions are combined with pigmented dentin compositions to provide a true color match and natural esthetics. Methods that utilize the compositions in placement/build-up techniques in direct restorations are also disclosed.
US07790066B2

A new hybrid nanoparticle, i.e., a nanorice particle, which combines the intense local fields of nanorods with the highly tunable plasmon resonances of nanoshells, is described herein. This geometry possesses far greater structural tunability than previous nanoparticle geometries, along with much larger local field enhancements and far greater sensitivity as a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) nanosensor than presently known dielectric-conductive material nanostructures. In an embodiment, a nanoparticle comprises a prolate spheroid-shaped core having a first aspect ratio. The nanoparticle also comprises at least one conductive shell surrounding said prolate spheroid-shaped core. The nanoparticle has a surface plasmon resonance sensitivity of at least 600 nm RIU−1. Methods of making the disclosed nanorice particles are also described herein.
US07790057B2

The present invention relates to electroluminescent polymers which contain structural units of the formula (1) and to the use thereof. The polymers according to the invention exhibit improved efficiency and a longer lifetime, in particular on use in polymeric organic light-emitting diodes.
US07790054B2

An antifreeze composition having improved thermal stability is provided. In one embodiment, the antifreeze concentrate composition comprises from 50 to 99 wt. % of a glycol-based freezing point depressant selected from the group of: alkylene glycols, glycol monoethers, glycerins, and mixtures thereof; 0.01 to 10 wt. % of at least one of a 2-ethylhexanoic acid, isononanoic acid and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid; and 0.01 to 5 wt. % of at least one of octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, neodecanoic acid, benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-terbutylbenzoic acid, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the composition is employed as a concentrate in admixture with 10 to 90 wt. % water.
US07790052B2

A substrate receiving apparatus and a method thereof that prevents substrate damage from occurring when a substrate is loaded/unloaded on/from a cassette. The present invention includes a cassette having a plurality of plates inside so as to receive a plurality of substrates; a cassette loading unit uploading/downloading the cassette; a port supporting the cassette loading unit; and a plurality of auxiliary plates inserted inside the cassette from outside. The method includes downloading a cassette so as to move substrates from plates of the cassette to auxiliary plates, unloading and loading the substrates placed on the auxiliary plates from/on the cassette, and uploading the cassette so as to move the substrates from the auxiliary plates to the plates of the cassette.
US07790051B1

A method is disclosed for isolating single atoms of an atomic species of interest by locating the atoms within silicon nanocrystals. This can be done by implanting, on the average, a single atom of the atomic species of interest into each nanocrystal, and then measuring an electrical charge distribution on the nanocrystals with scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) or electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) to identify and select those nanocrystals having exactly one atom of the atomic species of interest therein. The nanocrystals with the single atom of the atomic species of interest therein can be sorted and moved using an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip. The method is useful for forming nanoscale electronic and optical devices including quantum computers and single-photon light sources.
US07790048B2

The invention relates to a method for forming a plurality of electrically conductive islands in a working layer of a multilayer structure made from semiconductor materials, with the structure including an electrically insulating layer located beneath the working layer. This method includes the steps of selectively masking certain regions of the working layer in order to define several islands therein, with each region masked from the working layer corresponding to a respective island, and then wet chemical etching of the masked working layer to form a plurality of working layer islands each surrounded by the electrically insulating layer. The invention also proposes the application of such a method to the characterization of the electrical properties of a structure, and an associated device.
US07790038B2

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous resins for solid phase extractions. The resins feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion exchange functional group. The resins exhibit superior wetting and ion exchange performance.
US07790037B2

A method of separating compounds, includes: a. tagging at least a first organic compound with a first tagging moiety to result in a first tagged compound; b. tagging at least a second organic compound with a second tagging moiety different from the first tagging moiety to result in a second tagged compound, the first tagging moiety and the second tagging moiety including at least one of a common repeat unit, but having a different number of the repeat units therein, the greater the number of repeat units, the greater the polarity of the tagging moiety; and c. separating the first tagged compound from a mixture including at least the second tagged compound using a chromatographic separation technique based upon differences in the number of repeat units between the first tagging moiety and the second tagging moiety.
US07790022B2

A water treatment system comprising a separable water treatment component and a host water treatment apparatus is described. The component is useable in the host apparatus, and has an electronic circuit which is adapted to co-operate with an electronic circuit in the host apparatus. In typical operation, the electronic circuit of the component includes at least a data tag, and the presence of the data tag is identified by the electronic circuit of the host apparatus upon correct fitment and/or installation of the component, which creates a two-way communication protocol. The host apparatus can then upload relevant data from the data tag, etc., and the component's circuit can download the relevant information from the host apparatus. The present invention provides the benefits of electrical co-operation and data tagging.
US07790020B2

A process is provided for producing low sulfur diesel having a high cetane number where the temperature and pressure requirements for obtaining low levels of sulfur is separated from the temperature and pressure requirements for improving cetane. In one aspect, a low pressure hydrodesulfurization zone and a high pressure aromatic saturation zone are employed to sequentially achieve the desired sulfur and cetane levels. In another aspect, the process first converts a diesel boiling range hydrocarbonaceous stream in a hydrotreating zone at conditions effective to produce a hydrotreating zone effluent having a reduced concentration of sulfur with minimal saturation of aromatics. Hydrogen is then admixed with the hydrotreating zone effluent, which is then reacted in a substantially liquid-phase continuous reaction zone substantially undiluted with other streams to effect saturation of aromatics to provide a liquid-phase continuous reaction zone effluent having an improved cetane number.
US07790014B2

The present invention pertains to a method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal or semi-metal compound (M1X) by electrolysis in a melt of M2Y, which comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than M2 deposition occurs at a electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y. The substance X is either removed from the surface (i.e., M1X) or by means of diffusion extracted from the case material. The temperature of the fused salt is chosen below the melting temperature of the metal M1. The potential is chosen below the decomposition potential of the electrolyte.
US07790011B2

A granular coating feedstock is prepared by melting a resin, which can be a solid, polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomer or epoxy-based resin, and a solid or viscous curing agent, blending the molten mass, and cooling to form a solid. The solid blend of resin and agent is ground to produce a granular coating feedstock. The feedstock is readily storable or shippable to a location for coating preparation. Alternatively the feedstock can be ground after shipping. An aqueous coating composition is made by dispersing the feedstock in water and mixing to form a dispersion. A salting agent and at least one additive can be added to form an aqueous coating composition. An article can be coated with the dispersion, for example, by electrodeposition.
US07790007B2

A sample which contains protein is stably maintained in a liquid state during electrophoresis. Electrophoresis chip 1 includes substrate 2, channels 5a to 5d which is provided on surface 3 of substrate 2 and which has openings 4a to 4d at the top thereof, wherein a sample solvent is adapted to be supplied to the channel, and evaporation inhibitor reservoirs 8a, 8b for storing an evaporation inhibitor for the sample solvent, the reservoir being provided independently of channel 5a to 5d and being spatially connected to opening 4a to 4d of channel 5a to 5d.
US07790006B2

A free chlorine measurement system and sensor are provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the sensor has a porous working electrode disposed in an electrolyte proximate a porous membrane. The membrane allows free chlorine therethrough where it is reduced and generates a current. The current is related to the free chlorine concentration. The internal electrolyte solution is pH stabilized with a long-term pH stabilizer that has a solubility in water at room temperature between about 1.2 moles/liter and about 0.001 moles/liter. The stabilizer can be an acid or a base depending on whether the pH is to be stabilized at a relatively low value or a relatively high value respectively.
US07789995B2

A method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet comprising: a) compactively dewatering a papermaking furnish to form a nascent web having an apparently random distribution of papermaking fiber; b) applying the dewatered web having the apparently random fiber distribution to a translating transfer surface moving at a first speed; c) fabric-creping the web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a patterned creping fabric, the creping step occurring under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric wherein the fabric is traveling at a second speed slower than the speed of said transfer surface, the fabric pattern, nip parameters, velocity delta and web consistency being selected such that the web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric to form a web with a drawable reticulum.
US07789991B1

A method for etching features in a silicon oxide based dielectric layer over a substrate, comprising performing an etch cycle. A lag etch partially etching features in the silicon oxide based dielectric layer is performed, comprising providing a lag etchant gas, forming a plasma from the lag etchant gas, and etching the etch layer with the lag etchant gas, so that smaller features are etched slower than wider features. A reverse lag etch further etching the features in the silicon oxide based dielectric layer is performed comprising providing a reverse lag etchant gas, which is different from the lag etchant gas and is more polymerizing than the lag etchant gas, forming a plasma from the reverse lag etchant gas, and etching the silicon oxide based dielectric layer with the plasma formed from the reverse lag etchant gas, so that smaller features are etched faster than wider features.
US07789989B2

A method for manufacturing a rigid-flexible printed circuit boards includes following steps. Firstly, a flexible substrate is provided. Secondly, at least one slit is defined in the flexible substrate. Thirdly, a rigid substrate having a structure corresponding to the flexible substrate is provided. Fourthly, the flexible substrate is laminated to the rigid substrate to obtain a laminated substrate. Fifthly, part of the rigid substrate is removed. Sixthly, the laminated substrate is cut along an imaginary boundary line to remove waste portion of the laminated substrate. Thus, a rigid-flexible printed circuit board is obtained.
US07789986B2

A manufacturing apparatus and process to effect substantial automatic wrapping of the edges of a covered article, namely, the wrapping of cover sheet flaps around the edges of a substrate and the adhesive securement of the cover sheet flaps to the back side of the substrate, to form an upholstered article such as a pad or panel in a highly automated process which eliminates significant manual manipulations.
US07789980B2

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of novel ammonium dinitroamide (ADN) crystals and to said novel ADN crystals. Said novel crystals have an original morphology factor, namely a low shape factor. They are obtained in the presence of at least one crystal habit modifier.
US07789978B2

There is disclosed an Al alloy suitable for processing into a lithographic sheet, the alloy having a composition in wt %: Fe up to 0.4; Si up to 0.25; Ti up to 0.05; Cu up to 0.05; Zr up to 0.005; Cr up to 0.03; Ni up to 0.006; V up to 0.03; Zn up to 0.008 to 0.15; Mg up to 0.30; Mn up to 1.5. Unavoidable impurities up to 0.05 wt % total Al balance. The alloy allows production of the required surface for lithographic sheet over a wide range of process conditions.
US07789977B2

A rolled copper foil applied with a recrystallization annealing after a final cold rolling step and having a crystal grain alignment satisfying a ratio of [a]/[b]≧3, where [a] and [b] are normalized average intensities of a {111}Cu plane diffraction of a copper crystal by β-scanning at α=35° and 74°, respectively, in an X-ray diffraction pole figure measurement to a rolled surface is manufactured by controlling a total working ratio in the final cold rolling step before the recrystallization annealing to be 94% or more; and controlling a working ratio per one pass in the final cold rolling step to be 15 to 50%.
US07789976B2

An electrodeposited copper foil with low surface roughness having a surface roughness Rz not higher than 2.5 μm and an elongation percentage not smaller than 6% at 180° C. in which tensile strength at 25° C. measured within 20 min of the point in time of ending electrodeposition is not higher than 500 MPa and the lowering rate of tensile strength at 25° C. measured within 300 min of the point in time of ending electrodeposition is not higher than 10%. The electrodeposited copper foil with low surface roughness is produced by a process employing aqueous solution of sulfuric acid-copper sulfate as electrolyte and conducting a DC current between an insoluble anode of titanium coated with a platinum metal element or its oxide element and a titanium cathode drum facing the anode, wherein the electrolyte contains hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneimine, a sulfonate of active organic sulfur compound, acetylene glycol and chlorine ions.
US07789972B2

A substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a substrate holding mechanism for holding a substrate and rotating the held substrate; a process liquid supply mechanism for supplying a process liquid to the substrate; a process liquid acquisition section arranged so as to enclose the substrate holding mechanism and having an acquisition port for acquiring the process liquid scattered by the rotation of the substrate; a movement mechanism for changing a relative position between the process liquid acquisition section and the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism; and a control mechanism for controlling, when the process liquid scattered by the rotation of the substrate is acquired in the acquisition port, a relative position between the substrate and the acquisition port such that the scattered process liquid is acquired in the acquisition port on the basis of predetermined substrate process condition.
US07789970B2

Means for obtaining accurate knowledge of location and amount of fouling inside a heat exchange system, such as a boiler of a power plant, are provided. According to the invention this knowledge can be used to optimize cleaning of a heat exchange system. The system of the invention comprises: Means for measuring particles in the exhaust gas stream of the heat exchange system. These particles are at least partly released when cleaning a certain part of the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange system. Means for creating information of the fouling in an electronic memory by linking together coordinates of the part of the heat exchange surface being cleaned and the measurement data created during the cleaning of said part.
US07789966B2

A method and device for cleaning pipes of a heat exchanger includes placing a throttle-free jet nozzle against an end of a pipe. The throttle-free jet nozzle has an outlet opening of a same size or slightly smaller than an inner cross-sectional area of the pipe. A stream of air containing an abrasive is blown through the pipe for cleaning the pipe.
US07789965B2

A method of cleaning a UV irradiation chamber includes steps of: (i) after completion of irradiating a substrate with UV light transmitted through an optical transmitted window provided in the UV irradiation chamber, generating radical species of a cleaning gas outside the UV irradiation chamber; and (ii) introducing the radical species from the outside of the UV irradiation chamber into the UV irradiation chamber, thereby cleaning the optical transmitted window.
US07789963B2

An apparatus for processing semiconductors includes a processing chamber including a plurality of chamber walls, a substrate holder, positioned within the processing chamber and configured to support the substrate, and a linear displacement device, coupled between a base wall of the plurality of walls and the substrate holder and configured to move the substrate holder relative to the base wall. A shielding part extending from the substrate holder to be in close parallel relation with at least one of the plurality of walls such that a first area of the processing chamber is substantially shielded from a processing environment to which the substrate is exposed.
US07789958B2

Corrosion-inhibiting pigments based on manganese are described that contain a trivalent or tetravalent manganese/valence stabilizer complex. An inorganic or organic material is used to stabilize the trivalent or tetravalent manganese ion to form a compound that is sparingly soluble, exhibits low solubility, or is insoluble in water, depending upon the intended usage. Specific stabilizers are chosen to control the release rate of trivalent or tetravalent manganese during exposure to water and to tailor the compatibility of the powder when used as a pigment in a chosen binder system. Stabilizers may also modify the processing and handling characteristics of the formed powders. Manganese/valence stabilizer combinations are chosen based on the well-founded principles of manganese coordination chemistry. Many manganese-valence stabilizer combinations are presented that can equal the performance of conventional hexavalent chromium or tetravalent lead systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which 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 or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).
US07789954B2

An ink composition includes C.I. Acid Red 52, C.I. Acid Red 92, C.I. Direct Yellow 87, water, a water-soluble organic solvent, tetraethylene glycol monoethylhexyl ether, and triethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
US07789950B2

An air dryer, used in a compressed air system, includes an oil coalescing element for agglomerating oil in compressed air passing through the oil coalescing element in a first direction during a charging cycle and passing through the oil coalescing element in a second direction during a purging cycle. A drying material, which is downstream of the oil coalescing element during the charging cycle and upstream of the oil coalescing element during the purging cycle, reduces moisture in the compressed air during the charging cycle.
US07789947B2

A honeycomb body includes a housing and a plurality of layers with a curved profile and a predetermined length. Each layer includes at least one at least partially structured metal foil forming a multiplicity of passages with a passage cross section. A majority of the layers have different lengths than one another. A process for producing a honeycomb body, a process for treating exhaust gas, and an exhaust gas assembly, are also provided.
US07789943B2

Temperature-adjustable pore size molecular sieves comprise a plurality of metal clusters bound with a plurality of amphiphilic ligands, each ligand comprising a functionalized hydrophobic moiety and a functionalized hydrophilic moiety, and wherein the metal clusters and amphiphilic ligand hydrophilic moieties form a metal cluster layer, the metal cluster layer forming at least one hydrophilic pore. On each side of the metal cluster layer, a plurality of associated amphiphilic ligand hydrophobic moieties cooperate with the metal cluster layer to form a tri-layer and a plurality of tri-layers are held in proximity with each other to form at least one hydrophobic chamber.
US07789939B2

A method for controlling an adsorption unit and associated compressor that adjusts the flow rate of a compressed feed stream produced by the compressor so that it increases from a nominal flow rate and then decreased back to the nominal flow rate. The increase and decrease of the feed stream flow rate are controlled in accordance with increase and decrease rate functions of adsorbent bed pressure ratio between off-line and on-line adsorbent beds and a triggering pressure ratio at which the feed flow rate decreases. Each of the increase and decrease rate functions is tuned to produce a similar response in the flow of a product stream produced by the adsorption unit. Additionally, repressurization time is controlled by driving it toward a target value that allows the purge stage of regeneration to be maximized and therefore, the degree to which each of the adsorbent beds is regenerated.
US07789938B2

Device for drying a compressed gas which consists of a compressed gas supply (2), two pressure vessels (33 and 34) which are provided with an input (37, respectively) and an output (39, 40 respectively) and a take-up point (32) for users of compressed dried gas, whereby at least two layers of desiccant (35 and 36) are provided in the pressure vessels (33 and 34), a first layer (35) made of a waterproof desiccant and a second layer (36) which is not necessarily made of a waterproof desiccant respectively, and whereby the pressure vessels (33 and 34) are provided with a second input (41, 42 respectively) for the supply of compressed gas to regenerate desiccant from the first layer (35).
US07789931B2

The invention is directed to methods for producing a granular nitrogen fertilizer from an organic material comprising adding a metallic salt to said organic material to form a slurry. Preferably the organic material comprises dewatered biosolids and contains water from a scrubber. Metallic salts that can be used comprise a salt of iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof. Preferred iron salts comprises ferric sulfate or ferric oxide, and preferred zinc salts comprises zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Preferably, the metallic salt is mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid to form an acidified metal salt. Slurry pH ranges from approximately 2-2.5. The acidified metal salt is added to the organic material in sufficient quantity to lower viscosity of the slurry such that the resulting fluid does not hinder fluid flow during operation. When the metallic salt comprises acidified ferric sulfate or ferrous sulfate, sufficient iron can be present to produce a fertilizer product with 0.1 weight percent to 10 weight percent iron sulfate calculated on a dry weight basis. The invention is also directed to fertilizer products made by the methods of the invention. Preferred products are granules and the metallic salt increases product hardness. Fertilizer granules preferably contain metal that is bioavailable to a plant when used as a fertilizer. Solubility of the metal of the product in water is enhanced, and the product is low staining.
US07789928B2

A filter assembly for mounting over an opening at an end of a forced air system duct, such as a cold air return. The filter assembly is designed to replace an existing louvered grill covering. The filter assembly is dimensioned which substantially retains the shape and appearance of the conventional duct grill being replaced. The filter assembly includes a filter frame having a perforated back wall, horizontal and vertical walls extending forwardly from the periphery of the perforated back wall defining an open front end and a filter receiving space between the perforated back wall and the open end. A rectangular grill having a peripheral flange extending rearwardly therefrom. The rectangular filter frame being received interiorly of the peripheral flange. A filter element being removably seated within the filter receiving space and being sandwiched between the perforated back wall and the grill causing the entire surface of the filter element to substantially contact the perforated back wall.
US07789919B2

Combustible packages for containing a fuel source and a fire started are provided. A combustible package may include a cardboard outer wall and top and bottom lids for substantially closing top and bottom openings defined by the outer wall. Each lid may define a central panel for extending across an opening and a plurality of tabs for facilitating a press fit between the lids and the outer wall. Each lid may also define a central opening for receiving an end of a fire starter. The fire starter may be wound paper tube impregnated with an accelerant. The fuel source may be a plurality of charcoal briquettes contained between the outer wall, the top and bottom lids and the fire starter. The outer wall may define one or more ventilation openings between the bottom edge and the bottom lid. Or the bottom edge may be scalloped to provide ventilation openings.
US07789912B2

A system and method is provided for distracting opposite surfaces from the interior of a bone, such as a vertebral body. A working channel cannula provides a working channel through which an inserter and an injection cannula can simultaneously pass. The inserter transports a plurality of wafers into the interior of the bone to form a load-bearing stack bearing against the opposite surfaces. The injection cannula is used to inject a fluent material into and/or around the stack. In certain embodiments, the fluent material is a load-bearing or hardenable material, such as bone cement. In other embodiments, the fluent material can be a BMP, HAP, or other osteo-inductive, osteo-conductive, or pharmaceutical compositions. A syringe containing the fluent material is engaged to the injection cannula and is operable to inject the fluent material into the vertebral body under controlled pressure.
US07789898B2

An inter-transverse process spacer system comprises a first spacer device. The first spacer device comprises opposing end portions. The first spacer device is adapted for insertion between a first pair of adjacent transverse processes, and the opposing end portions of the first spacer device are adapted to engage the first pair of adjacent transverse processes. The inter-transverse process spacer system further comprises a first connection device connected to the first spacer device and adapted to engage at least one of the first pair of adjacent transverse processes.
US07789897B2

A pedicle screw spinal rod connector arrangement is provided that includes in a body having an opening for mounting a head of an inserted pedicle screw. A bracket connected with the body forms a lateral restraint. A bridge is connected with and extends over the body. A spinal rod-receiving slot is provided between the bridge and the bracket. The connector arrangement also has a wedge axially offset from the pedicle screw moveable downward by a setscrew mounted with the bridge. The wedge imparts a locking force on the pedicle screw head and a generally lateral locking force on the spinal rod.
US07789896B2

A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a retaining and articulating structure, a compression structure and a receiver for holding the capture structure, retaining and articulating structure, compression structure and a rod.
US07789894B2

A pacifier (1) for premature babies, comprising a shield (2, 2a) on which a nipple (3) as well as, preferably, a grip (4) is provided, and which has at least one recess for the nose, wherein the shield (2, 2a) includes severable portions (6, 6a, 6b) which can be severed at pre-determined severing sites (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) defined as weakened sites or markings.
US07789886B2

An instrument and technique for the removal of epidermal layers in a controlled manner utilizing a hand-held instrument with a working end that (i) a vacuum aspiration system, (ii) a source for delivery of a sterile fluids or pharmacological agents to the skin; and (iii) a skin interface surface in the working end that has specially shape structure for abrading surface layers of the patient's epidermis as the working end is moved over the patient's skin while at the same time causing rapid penetration of the fluids into the skin for therapeutic purposes. Movement of the working end across the skin causes abrasion of the surface layers in a path over the patient's skin. The method of the invention may be used in a periodic treatment for the removal of superficial skin layers that enhances the synthesis of dermal collagen aggregates by inducing the body's natural wound healing response. The method of the invention creates more normal dermal architectures in skin with limited depths of skin removal by the series of superficial treatments that may be comparable to the extent of neocollagenesis caused by a deep skin removal treatment (e.g., CO2 laser skin removal).
US07789876B2

An electrode catheter is introduced into a vein or other hollow anatomical structure, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. The end of the catheter is positioned near a junction formed in the structure. This junction can be the sapheno-femoral junction. The position of the catheter near the junction is determined based on a signal from a device associated with the catheter within the structure. A fiber optic filament which emits light is used with the catheter or a guide wire over which the catheter is advanced. The light is visible externally from the patient. The light dims and may no longer externally visible at the sapheno-femoral junction where the catheter moves past the deep fascia and toward the deep venous system. The position of the catheter can be determined based on this external observation. The position of the catheter can also be determined based on measured parameters such as temperature or flow rate within the structure, and the measured changes in one or more of these parameters as the catheter nears the junction. The hollow anatomical structure can be compressed for this procedure. The position of the catheter can also be determined mechanically by including a hook-shaped tip on the catheter or guide wire which would physically engage the junction.
US07789875B2

A medical system comprises a rigid support configured for being affixed relative to a patient table, a carriage assembly configured for being removably mounted to the rigid support, a surgical instrument mounted to the carriage assembly, the surgical instrument carrying a distal tool configured for performing a medical procedure on a patient, and a drive unit configured for being coupled to the surgical instrument to control the movement of the surgical instrument within at least one degree-of-freedom.
US07789857B2

An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.
US07789856B2

An injection aid for a syringe includes a disk with a central orifice and a flange. The flange is located on the top of the disk, and surrounds the central orifice. The outlet end or needle hub of a syringe or insulin pen fits in the flange, with the syringe needle extending through the orifice, thereby securing the disk to the syringe. The bottom surface of the disk is generally flat. The bottom surface of the disk makes contact with the skin when the needle is inserted to the proper depth. In other words, the needle lies perpendicular to the disk and is arranged to project past the disk's flat bottom surface by a set, pre-determined length. When the disk is pressed flat against a patient's skin, the needle is at the proper depth for the substance being injected.
US07789850B2

A dialysis system includes: an enclosure; a dialysate pump carried by the enclosure and arranged to pump dialysate to a patient or dialyzer; at least one container connected fluidly to the dialysate pump; a load cell positioned to weigh dialysate located within the container; an accelerometer positioned and arranged to detect a force imparted on at least one of the enclosure and the container; and electronics configured to receive a first signal from the load cell and a second signal from the accelerometer and process the first and second signals so as to determine if an abnormality sensed by the load cell is a system error or a mechanical interference.
US07789847B2

A method and apparatus for red blood collection and filtration is provided wherein a red blood cell collection assembly provides for leukoreduction filtration concurrent with or soon after the red blood cell separation and collection procedure. Such procedures involve filtering the separated red blood cells in a diluted state after and/or prior to flushing the filter with storage solution. Storage solution may thus be passed through the leukoreduction filter before, with and/or after the RBCs have been filtered therethrough. The red blood cell collection, filtration and storage assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation disposable assembly, including, for example, a centrifuge vessel and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, passing the blood to the centrifuge vessel for separation of the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component.
US07789844B1

A body limb movement limiter restrains the movement of a person's arm so as to protect the person's shoulder or restrains the movement of a person's lower leg with respect to the upper leg so as to protect the person's knee. The device uses a housing having a reel disposed therein with a tether attached thereto and a shear thickening non-Newtonian fluid disposed within the housing so that the fluid acts on the reel during a payout procedure of the tether. The housing is attached to a strap secured about the torso of the person while the free end of the tether is secured about the person's arm. Alternately, a pair of arms are pivotally secured to each other within a housing having the non-Newtonian fluid therein for limiting movement of one arm with respect to the other.
US07789840B2

A method of classifying a foot into a specific foot type selected from a group of twenty-four foot types. The method includes visualizing the foot, in a standing position, or in a walking or running motion, and assessing a plurality of characteristics of the foot. Classification of the foot is based on the aforementioned visualization of the foot and the assessment of the characteristics exhibited by the foot.
US07789838B2

A method for assessing vestibular system function includes stimulating the inner ear with an audible range signal; collecting data representative of audible range ocular motion; and on the basis of the data, evaluating vestibular system function.
US07789834B2

A system and method are disclosed that facilitate generating visual representations of characterized tissue based upon ultrasound echo information obtained from a portion of an imaged body. The system includes a first filter having a first filter band that is applied to a near range portion of the ultrasound echo information to render near range filtered echo information. A second filter, having a second filter band that covers a frequency range of the first filter band, is applied to a far range portion of the ultrasound echo information to render far range filtered echo information. The system furthermore includes a set of characterization criteria that are applied to the near and far range filtered echo information. The characterized near and far range image data are thereafter combined into a single tissue-characterization image.
US07789829B2

The sensor system comprises an implantable sensor and a user device associated with it. A sensitive liquid is enclosed in the sensor, into which glucose can penetrate. The viscosity of the mixture of sensitive liquid and glucose is measured. The user device, which controls the measurement and its evaluation, is a portable device worn externally on the skin. The viscosity is measured based on the rotation of a measuring element driven by a driving magnet, both disposed in the sensor. The rotation of the measuring element is analyzed based on its decay behavior following switch-off of the driving magnet. In a second embodiment, the viscosity is measured based on the oscillatory behavior of an oscillating element excited to oscillate by a magnet, both disposed in the sensor. The oscillatory behavior is analyzed based on the decay behavior of the oscillating element following switch-off of the magnet.
US07789823B2

This endoscope is equipped with a fixed focus image pickup unit which is constructed of an objective optical system, and a solid state color image pickup device in which a color filter is arranged every pixel, the solid state image pickup device fulfilling a conditional expression (300
US07789821B2

The present invention provides a surgical implant and method for supporting the urethra, the implant comprising a suburethral support suspended between two soft tissue anchors that do not penetrate the lower abdominal wall and are attached at either side of the sururethral support. The soft tissue anchors retain each anchor in soft tissue, suspending each side of the suburethrasl support. The suburethral support passes under the urethra to support the urethra. The implant has uses including treating urinary incontinence and uterovasginal prolapse.
US07789819B2

A cushioning dunnage producing machine comprises a crumpler, a roll of paper sheet material having a first end at a radially innermost location and a second end at a radially outermost location, the first end fed into the crumpler, the crumpler drawing the paper sheet from the roll and crumpling the paper sheet into cushioning dunnage, and a cutter which travels laterally across the cushioning dunnage to cut the dunnage into a strip of a desired length.
US07789818B2

A rotary part, in particular a spreader roller for a web-processing machine has a supporting core with a longitudinal axis, said supporting core being mounted at its two longitudinal ends, and having an elastically flexible outer sleeve which surrounds the supporting core in its circumferential direction and extends, in at least some sections, between the two longitudinal ends of the supporting core. The outer sleeve on the supporting core is non-displaceably mounted on at least one bearing and that the outer sleeve is mounted on at least one displacing point at a distance from the bearing so as to be displaceable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the supporting core in order for the curvature of the outer sleeve to be adjustable.
US07789813B2

A dumbbell having weight plates onto which magnetically coupled incremental weight plates can be securely mounted comprises a bar, weights at the end regions of the bar, means for retaining the weight plates at the respective ends to define a handle region therebetween, and a sleeve of generally annular cross-section securely mounted about the bar at least one end region axially outward from the weight plate, said sleeve member having (a) a hub portion for accommodating the through-opening of a weight plate, and (b) a flange portion of greater exterior dimension than the hub portion and having at least one magnetically-responsive region for magnetically securing an incremental weight to the dumbbell when said incremental weight plate is mounted about said hub region. In accordance with the invention, an adaptor to convert conventional dumbbells to utilize magnetically-coupled incremental weight plates comprises elements (a) and (b) above.
US07789808B2

An exercising device includes a front frame, a resistance flywheel mounted rotatably on the front frame, a drive wheel connected drivingly to the resistance flywheel, a crank wheel, a shaft connected rotatably to the front frame and extending centrally through the drive wheel and eccentrically through the crank wheel for co-rotating the drive wheel and the crank wheel, two pedal units connected respectively to left and right ends of the shaft, a handle assembly mounted on top of the front frame, a rear frame extending rearwardly from the front frame, a slide seat mounted slidably on the rear frame, a chair supported on the slide seat, and a link mechanism connected to and disposed between the slide seat and the crank wheel. The link mechanism is driven by the crank wheels as to move forward and rearward the slide seat.
US07789791B2

An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes.
US07789790B2

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US07789778B2

A hockey stick having a composite blade and a shaft is disclosed. The composite blade includes a heel section that is recessed relative to the front and back faces of the blade. The recessed heel section is configured to be received by a hockey stick shaft or an adapter member configured to connect the blade to the shaft. The composite blade preferably comprise a foam inner core overlaid preferably with substantially continuous fibers disposed in a matrix material and may include an internal bridge structure extending from one side of the blade to the other. The blade may also be preferably comprised of a core comprising non-continuous fibers disposed within a matrix material. In another aspect, processes for manufacturing the previously described hockey stick blade(s) are described.
US07789767B2

Analysis of a golfer's putting stroke towards a target-hole (2) is derived by an analyzer (12;50) from sensor-signals representative of initial ball-speed and direction, using accumulated sets of historical putting-data, each set of historical data including initial putted ball-speed and direction and the resultant ball-speed and direction in approach to the target-hole (2), together with representation of whether the putt was successful. Initial ball-speed and direction is sensed by opto-electronic sensors (45) responding to back-reflection of infrared beams (13) from retro-reflectors (22-26) on the putted ball (1;20;52), or, is using retro-reflectors (71-73; 77,75) on the putter (3;51;70;74). Resultant ball-speed and direction in approach to the target-hole (2), and whether the putt is successful, is sensed by a monitor (7) from infrared beams (8-10).
US07789761B1

A stairway slide assembly including an anchoring approach pad at the top of the stairway, an intermediate inflatable slide section for overlying the stairway steps and an deceleration section at the bottom of the stairway. A slide section includes a plurality of inflatable, longitudinally extending air passages which are formed by sealing laterally spaced apart elongate confronting portions of a pair of air impervious sheets. An inflatable support base is coupled to and underlies the slide and includes transversely extending inflatable air passages received on the steps and supporting the underside of the slide in spaced relation with the underlying steps.
US07789758B2

A video game that provides a player game play experience that simulates an evolution process is disclosed. In each stage of the evolution process, the player can create game content that is uploaded to a server. Other players' game content can also be downloaded into the player's game. In an embodiment of the present invention, the player-defined content can be automatically uploaded to a server, where it can be automatically downloaded to players' games in accordance with criteria such as heuristics that are relevant to the game, player preferences, rankings, community preferences and combinations thereof.
US07789750B2

The present invention includes a variety of methods for wagering upon one or more positions of a symbol matrix and issuing awards based upon the number of symbols in the symbol matrix matching each of the symbols displayed in the wagered upon symbol positions. In a preferred embodiment, players may wager upon any number of the available symbol positions and collect awards for matching each symbol appearing in a wagered upon symbol position with 2 or more other symbols in the symbol matrix.
US07789749B2

A gaming device wherein a player's skill at an action or event determines or appears to determine the player's success or failure. In reality, a database of information stores a number of successful results, and the game selects an award for each successful result. The action or event involves skill in real life, which requires the player to estimate the time an action will require and/or requires the player to aim at an object or estimate the direction necessary to successfully produce a result. The game can employ software adapted to determine if a player's aim or timing is successful. The game can alternatively randomly determine the player's success. The game displays the player's attempt or action on the screen depicting success or failure and awards gaming device credits or multipliers for successful results.
US07789744B2

The present invention provides a method and apparatus of utilizing symbol markers that, when included in a winning outcome, present an additional award to the player during operation of a slot machine. A symbol marker may be varied in type, frequency, associated award, and quantity. A symbol marker may trigger different award types based on its visual appearance or frequency within a winning combination. Awards can be credits, multipliers, bonus game triggers, and free spins, among others. The order of placement of a symbol marker can be random or defined. The winning outcome that includes a symbol marker can be based on the game's winning outcome definition or on a predetermined location or locations.
US07789742B1

A system that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment with a computer and the internet to allow players remotely located from one another to play a competitive simulated game of golf. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing techniques. The system includes smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle and a golf club motion sensing device, all containing circuits and contact or motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry, thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. The computer displays player information and visually simulates and controls a golf game between two players, via the internet, having similar equipment and remotely located from each other. Standard golf clubs may be retrofitted with the sensors and associated circuitry to convert such clubs into “smart clubs” for use with the system. The system employs specially developed computer software to process player performance data, control game play, communicate game information between players, generate and control visual simulations and display player performance information.
US07789740B2

A crawlspace encapsulation system for encapsulating a crawlspace of a building. The system includes a substantially impermeable barrier layer disposed in the crawlspace and isolating at least a portion of the crawlspace from an outside atmosphere and an air circulation system located in the isolated portion.
US07789738B2

The present invention relates to a sheet for mounting a polishing workpiece. The sheet comprises a substrate, a surface layer and a slightly rough layer. The substrate has a surface. The surface layer is located on the surface of the substrate, with no hole structure existing in the interior thereof, and has a surface. The slightly rough layer is located on the surface of the surface layer to carry and mount the polishing workpiece, with no hole structure existing in the interior thereof. Accordingly, when the polishing workpiece contacts the slightly rough layer, the air therebetween is easily vented out via the slightly rough layer, without the phenomenon of air wrapping, which increases the adsorption force between the polishing workpiece and the sheet.
US07789725B1

A method of forming micro-components is disclosed. The method includes pretesting and conditioning of the micro-components. The micro-components that fail testing or conditioning are discarded, and those remaining are assembled into a panel.
US07789720B2

An electrical terminal assembly is disclosed herein. The electrical terminal assembly includes a wire assembly receiving portion that is adapted to receive a wire assembly. The electrical terminal assembly further includes an electrical contact portion. The electrical contact portion is electrically connected to the wire assembly receiving portion. The electrical terminal assembly further includes a spring portion that is adapted to engage the electrical contact portion. The spring portion and the electrical contact portion cooperate to form a female receiver therebetween to engage and secure a male connector when the spring portion and the electrical contact portion are engaged.
US07789713B2

A connector jack with reduced host PCB footprint and an assembly of the same are provided. The provided connector jack is constructed based on a housing defining at least a front face with a plug receiving cavity on the surface thereof and with a plurality of electrical contacts positioned within the cavity, and a bottom face having a recess area on the surface thereof and adapted for mounting on a circuit board. In the present invention, at least a portion of the housing is made of a transparent or translucent material so that the status indicators located within the recess will be visible through the transparent portion of the front face of the jack housing, and the recess area occupies a substantial portion of the bottom face and allows to place additional components on the circuit board at least partially within the recess area.
US07789712B1

An audio jack connector includes a dielectric housing and a plurality of contacts received in the dielectric housing. The dielectric housing defines an insertion hole therein for an audio plug inserted into. One of the contacts is located at a rear of the dielectric housing and includes a bottom plate, a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate respectively extended upward from two opposite ends of the bottom plate. A contact protuberance is protruded towards the second fixed plate from a portion of the first fixed plate. A flexible plate is extended from the second fixed plate to be located between the first and second fixed plates. The flexible plate defines a contact convex protruded towards the first fixed plate at a free end thereof. The contact protuberance and the contact convex are both projected into the insertion hole for contacting with the audio plug.
US07789710B2

A power cable connector compatible with Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) and Integrated Device Electronics (IDE) standards has a SATA connector module and an IDE connector module. The SATA connector module has a SATA connector plug and multiple SATA power terminals. The IDE connector module has an IDE connector plug and multiple IDE power terminals. The IDE connector plug has a chamber having a detour guide. The SATA connector plug is detachably mounted in the chamber. The IDE power terminals are mounted in the IDE connector plug, detachably and respectively contact the SATA power terminals. Each IDE power terminal has a connecting element. One of the connecting elements of the IDE power terminals is mounted along the detour guide to prevent short circuit and facilitate manufacture. Therefore, the SATA power terminals are not separated by a separate insulator for improved production yield and performance.
US07789705B2

A contact module is provided for an electrical connector. The contact module includes a lead frame. The lead frame includes first and second differential pairs of terminals. Each of the terminals extends between a mating edge portion and a mounting edge portion. A first dielectric body surrounds at least a portion of the first differential pair of terminals. The first dielectric body includes a first dielectric constant. A second dielectric body surrounds at least a portion of the second differential pair of terminals. The second dielectric body includes a second dielectric constant that is different than the first dielectric constant of the first dielectric body.
US07789704B2

A connector has a dielectric housing having a base. The base has a protruding platform at a front surface thereof. A peripheral dimension of the protruding platform is smaller than that of the base. At least one connecting unit is mounted to the dielectric housing with contacts thereof extending out from both a front surface of the protruding platform and a rear surface of the base. A plastic shield is integrally molded with the dielectric housing and encloses a periphery of the dielectric housing. The plastic shield has a basic body. The basic body has a first cavity at a front thereof for receiving the protruding platform and a second cavity disposed inside the basic body and communicating with the first cavity for accommodating the base.
US07789703B2

A connector assembly includes a cable, a connector and a resistance weld. The cable includes a conductor and a cable shield. The connector includes a contact and a shield. The shield includes conductive walls and a cradle. The walls extend from a mating interface to the cradle and at least partially surround the contact to shield the contact from electromagnetic interference. The mating interface is configured to receive a mating connector to mate the connector and mating connector. The cradle includes sidewalls interconnected by a coupling wall. The sidewalls and coupling wall extend from a loading interface toward the mating interface and are shaped to receive the cable through the loading interface. The resistance weld is between the cable shield and the cradle to electrically couple the shield to the cable shield. The shield is electrically connected to the electrical ground by the resistance weld and the cable shield.
US07789702B1

An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1) and a front metal shell (3) covering a front side of the insulative housing (1). The insulative housing (1) has a body portion (11), and a positioning slot (141) located at a lower side thereof. The front metal shell (3) has a base portion (31) and a board lock (5) integrally extending backwardly from a lower end of the base portion (31). The board lock (5) has a flat securing portion (51) which is received in the positioning slot (141) for preventing the board lock (5) from moving along an up to down direction, and a locking leg (52) bending downwardly from an inner side of the securing portion (51).
US07789698B2

A connector for a flat terminal includes a lever, a housing and contact. The lever has pivots. The housing is formed with a terminal recess and provided with bearings. The contact has a contact point and is located in the terminal recess. The housing includes guide ribs for separating the base end of the lever from the contact point in the process of attaching the lever to the housing. The contact point is located between the guide ribs. The guide ribs are formed on the bottom of the terminal recess in the housing, and stick out more than the contact point from the bottom of the terminal recess.
US07789695B2

The present invention provides an insulation displacement connector that is suitable for the tool-less connection of wires of various gages. The combination of channels having a reduction in effective diameter and blades having various gaps restricts the insertion of the wires such that an appropriately-sized pair of blades can pierce the insulation to contact the metallic core of each wire. Because of this configuration, the wire connector does not require excessive force to bite down on the wires. Because a large force is not required, the insulation displacement connector can be finger operated and no separate tool is necessary.
US07789681B2

A card edge connector (100) for receiving a module (200) includes an elongated insulative housing (1) having a pair of elongated side walls, a central slot (11) extending therebetween for insertion of the module, and a receiving slot (14) formed on one of the side walls and communicating with the central slot. A group of terminals (2) are positioned in the side walls and extend into the central slot thereof. A latch (3) is rotatably received in the receiving slot for locking the module in the insulative housing at a first position and for ejecting the module out of the insulative housing at a second position. The latch has a main body (30) and a stopping device (31) projecting from the main body to engage with an upper surface (17) of the insulative housing when the latch is at the first and second position, thereby preventing the latch from over-rotating beyond the first and second positions.
US07789677B2

An electrical connector (1), which is adapted for mounting to a circuit board (5), has a mounting foot (21) with a top mounting surface (211), an elongated base portion (23) protruded outwardly from said top mounting surface (211) and fitting members (4) set on the top mounting surface (211). In assembly, the top mounting surface (211) is face to the back of the circuit board (5), and the whole mounting foot (21) is left below the circuit board (5), which can minimize the mounting profile of the connector (1) effectively.
US07789667B2

An RF connector assembly (100) assembly has a first connector and a second connector (3) electrically connecting with the first connector. The first connector includes a first main body (11) defining an interior space (110), an insulative member (12) received in the interior space, a center conductor (13) retained within the insulative member, a flexible bushing (14) and a magnetic member (15) retained in the interior space. The second connector includes a mating member (35) firmly resisting against the flexible bushing under an attractive force exerted by the magnetic member.
US07789662B2

Covering composition for isolating tooth material to be treated and producing a shield for the surrounding gums and/or adjacent teeth from dental treatment means which cross-links in a self-curing manner at an ambient temperature in the mouth interior and produces an elastomeric material.
US07789656B2

An injection molding device for thermosetting molding materials includes a male mold portion, and a female mold portion. The male mold portion includes an injection aperture and a sprue communicated with the injection aperture. The female mold portion is mated with the male mold portion to define a parting face therebetween and includes a cold slug well and a main runner. The cold slug well is disposed at an opposite end of the sprue relative to the injection aperture and has at least two inner sidewalls perpendicular to each other. The main runner is defined in the parting face and commutating with the sprue. The refractive index of the products molded using the injection molding device may be obtained via directly measuring that of the cold slug after molding. Therefore, the time spent to measure the refractive index of the products is less than the conventional method.
US07789654B2

A soap holding device includes a base member having a first grid pattern with a plurality of apertures and a co-mating cover member having the capability of being lowered telescopically downwardly into the base member as a soap bar becomes smaller with use. The cover member also includes a second grid pattern with a plurality of apertures and an imprinting portion for imprinting designs onto the soap bar after every use when the cover member exerts pressure thereon to produce the capability of better skin exfoliation and deep cleansing.
US07789650B2

A roller extruder for manufacturing Fresnel lens angular segments from raw sheet plastic, the roller extruder having a blank roller and a die roller positioned a desired roller clearance from the blank roller, the die roller having two peripheral lens dies with an angular displacement between the lens dies increasing linearly from a die junction at the inside roller edge to approximately one hundred eighty degrees at the outside roller edge, and the die roller having peripheral Fresnel facet dies.
US07789648B2

According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an adjustment device for adjusting a distance between a take-off plate and a treatment device of a molding system and a method for use thereof. More specifically, there is provided a distance adjustment device configured to adjust a distance between a take-off plate coupled to a fixed platen of a molding system and a treatment device coupled to a movable platen of the molding system. The adjustment device comprises a movable platen engagement interface configured for attachment to the movable platen of the molding system; a plenum engagement interface configured for attachment to the treatment device; a distance adjustment mechanism configured to selectively fix a position of the treatment device relative to the movable platen in a desired position.
US07789641B2

A sealing ring is provided between an end plate of an eccentric rotation body and a support plate so that a pressure of fluid at high pressure is allowed to work on the end plate, thereby allowing an axial-direction pressing force to work on the end plate. The sealing ring is arranged eccentrically away from a center of a cylinder as forming the eccentric rotation body to minimize separation of the axial-direction pressing force from a thrust load in a radial direction in the end plate thereby reducing turnover moment effectively.
US07789640B2

A fixed scroll (60) is provided with a pin shaft portion (70) which is formed in a cylindrical shape. Formed in a movable scroll (50) is a slide groove (80) which extends in the radial direction of the movable scroll (50). The pin shaft portion (70) of the fixed scroll (60) is engaged into the slide groove (80) of the movable scroll (50). During orbital movement of the movable scroll (50), the pin shaft portion (70) slidingly contacts a side surface of the slide groove (80), whereby rotation of the movable scroll (50) is restricted.
US07789638B2

A pump includes a base and a cylinder installed on the base. The base defines a pumping channel. The cylinder defines a first chamber and a second chamber with a diameter different from that of the first chamber. The first and second chambers are in communication with the pumping channel. A first check valve only allows air to travel into the pumping channel from the first chamber. A second check valve allows air to travel into the pumping channel from the second chamber. A first piston is movable in the first chamber. A second piston is movable in the second chamber. A control device prevents the venting of air from the chambers in a first mode, vents air from the second chamber without traveling through the pumping channel in a second mode, and vents air from the first chamber without traveling through the pumping channel in a third mode.
US07789629B2

This relates to a modified turbine blade tip design using a fairing shaped design that increases the tip area efficiency of a kinetic hydropower turbine rotor blade while having a non-fouling characteristic and a tip design with the ability to shed weeds, debris, or other submerged materials that might have fouling potential.
US07789622B2

A cooling fan assembly for cooling a heat exchanger includes a shroud having a plurality of stators extending radially to support a hub. A flow-guide including an outer rim and inner rim surrounds the shroud and extends to the heat exchanger. The outer rim extends from the heat exchanger to the stators. The inner rim extends annularly about the axis and curves convexly from the outer rim. A fan unit includes a plurality of fan blades extending radially from a motor supported by the hub. Each fan blade includes a leading edge facing the stators and a trailing edge facing in the opposite direction with a blade tip extending therebetween. A fan section extends from the inner rim and axially about the fan blades. The stators are disposed between the heat exchanger and the fan blades. The stators have a front edge facing the heat exchanger and a back edge facing the fan blades. Each stator is connected to the inner rim with the front edge extending radially outward and farther than the back edge.
US07789620B2

A heater assembly for deicing and/or anti-icing a component includes a metallic heating element adjacent to a densely woven fabric layer impregnated with a resin that is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 550° F. (288° C.).
US07789615B2

A manufacturing apparatus and associated method for handling disks disposed in merged pairs in a carrier is provided, wherein spacings between adjacent pairs of the disks are greater than spacings between disks forming each pair. The apparatus includes a first disk contacting surface defining a first cavity that is sized to receivingly engage a selected one of the pairs of disks. A second disk contacting surface defines second and third cavities that are sized to receivingly engage individual disks of the selected pair of disks, wherein disks that are operably engaged in the cavities are spatially separated more adjacent the second disk contacting surface than at the first disk contacting surface.
US07789613B1

A control apparatus for a bucket loader allows a single linear actuator to provide multiple operative functions for the bucket loader. A selector link is pivotally mounted on the back plate of loader bucket to selectively connect the back plate to the base portion of the linear actuator so that the extendable portion powers a pivoting of the bucket shell to dump material from the bucket, or connect the back plate to the extendable portion of the linear actuator to power the vertical movement of the back plate. A chain interconnects the extendable portion of the linear actuator and the pivotable bucket shell to power the pivoting of the bucket shell when the selector link is connected to the base portion. The bucket shell can be mechanically locked into an open position to allow the back plate to be utilized as a push blade.
US07789611B2

A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle above the floor surface. A base with casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The cradle can be rotated and locked in a vertical or horizontal position for cylinder insertion and removal in EMS vehicles with either a vertical or a horizontal stowage compartment. When handling a horizontal cylinder stowage situation, an embodiment of the cradle features a retractable foot to allow the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment bottom first. Another embodiment has a fixed foot and allows the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment top first. Safety interlocks are provided to prevent rotation of the cradle if the foot is in the wrong position with respect to the horizontal orientation of the cradle.
US07789607B2

A device fixes an object to a tree. The device includes an elongate body, one end of which is adapted for attachment to a tree. An object is slidably mounted on the elongate body. The device also includes a device for biasing the object towards the end of the body adapted for attachment to the tree. In use, pressure resulting from growth of the tree is transmitted to the object and pushes it along the elongate body against the bias and away from the tree.
US07789606B2

A self-locking panel nut fastener having a nut for being received within an opening in a panel which self-locks and upon receiving a threaded screw or bolt enhances the locking relationship with the panel.
US07789604B2

A reusable dunnage system employing a weatherproof outer cover is disclosed. The dunnage comprises specially manufactured high density foam that will return to its original condition after suffering compression forces and the required properties of the foam are given. The outer cover is, of necessity, fire retardant, biologically inert, hypoallergenic, and provides the required weatherproofing.
US07789596B2

A system for forming an insulation particle/air suspension suitable for use in a process for forming an insulation product is provided, comprising: a blowing machine for forming an insulation particle/air suspension, wherein the blowing machine comprises at least one outlet; a first hose in communication with the outlet, for transporting at least the suspension from the blowing machine; and a booster fan in communication with the first hose, wherein the booster fan is located downstream from the blowing machine.
US07789593B2

The invention provides a grout pack restraining system, comprising a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements. In one embodiment the rings of different diameter are secured about the grout pack. In a further embodiment the rings are configured to be circumferentially expandable are secured about the grout pack.
US07789591B2

A hole (6) is provided in soil or a structure, and an injection bar (1) having a fillable expansion element (2) in connection therewith is arranged into the hole. A substance which expands as a consequence of a chemical reaction is injected into the expansion element (2). The expansion element (2) filled with the reacted substance condenses, fills or replaces surrounding soil or lifts as well as stabilizes ground-based structures. A force pressing the expansion element (2) against the soil is generated by the chemical reaction which expands the substance injected into the expansion element (2).
US07789586B2

The invention relates to a device and method for sealing a manhole structure. A band with a relatively rigid angled corner engages the upper margin of a manhole structure. Adhesives may also be used with the band to enhance the seal with the manhole structure.
US07789583B2

Pump toothbrush comprising a refillable cartridge containing dentifrice material, a pump head having an elastic compressible button, and a brush head having a spout opening attached with a slit valve. The slit valve prevents backflow and drying of the dentifrice material at the spout opening. The slit valve opens and closes automatically with the pumping action. The dispensing mechanism and cartridge structure are applicable to manual and electrical pump toothbrushes.
US07789582B2

An applicator device for a fluid, pasty, gel-like, wax-like or powder product, comprising an applicator having a working region, a first conveyor having a first conveyor element, a second conveyor having a second conveyor element, a first adjusting element and a second adjusting element which are rotatable relative to each other, wherein at least in a first operating position the first conveyor responds to rotation of the two adjusting elements relative to each other and at least in a second operating position the second conveyor responds to rotation of the two adjusting elements relative to each other, and actuation of the second conveyor causes axial displacement of the second conveyor element with respect to the first and second adjusting elements, more specifically by equal distances.
US07789581B2

An applicator device for applying a material in the form of a lead, in particular for applying a cosmetic material, comprising a holding part, in the interior of which the lead material (KM) to be applied is accommodated and which has an exit opening for the lead material (KM), a rotary part into which the holding part is preferably telescopically fitted and which is axially fixedly but rotatably connected to the holding part at a coupling portion thereof by way of a counterpart coupling portion provided at the rotary part, a rotary mechanism for axial displacement of the lead material (KM).
US07789577B2

A coating and developing system that includes two rotating members having parallel horizontal axes of rotation and disposed longitudinally opposite to each other, a carrying passage forming mechanism extended between the rotating members to form a carrying passage, and capable of moving along an orbital path to carry a wafer supported thereon, a sending-in transfer unit disposed at the upstream end of the carrying passage, a sending-out transfer unit disposed at the downstream end of the carrying passage, a developer pouring nozzle for pouring a developer onto the wafer, a cleaning nozzle for pouring a cleaning liquid onto the wafer, and a gas nozzle for blowing a gas against the wafer. The developer pouring nozzle, the cleaning nozzle, and the gas nozzle are arranged in a direction in which the wafer is carried along the carrying passage between the upstream and the downstream end of the carrying passage.
US07789574B2

A camera mount securely attaches to a variety of mounting surfaces and holds a motion activated camera in a desired position. The camera mount permits the camera mount to positioned as desired on the mounting the mounting bracket which has a camera plate pivotally attached thereto.
US07789556B2

The present invention provides a dual-probe thermally compensated fluorescence decay rate temperature sensor capable of measuring the true temperature of a sample surface and its associated method of use.
US07789555B2

A temperature sensor includes a heat conducting metallic contact pad having a contact surface. A sensor probe is embedded in the contact pad. Conductive wires extend through the contact pad and are connected to the sensor probe.
US07789552B2

A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.
US07789549B2

A light guide plate has a light exit plane and a light entrance plane arranged on the periphery of the light exit plane. Light incident on the light entrance plane is outputted from the light exit plane. The light entrance plane includes a plurality of first end surfaces and a plurality of second end surfaces protruding in an external direction beyond the first end surfaces in plan view. The first end surfaces and the second end surfaces are alternately arranged along the periphery of the light exit plane.
US07789547B2

An improvement in LED lighting simulative of neon lighting comprises a light cable (3). A clamp (2) coupled to the cable (3) holds an end of the cable (3) in a predetermined bend, and an LED (14) is optically coupled to the cable (3). A support (11) is coupled to the clamp and includes a surface (34) adjacent to the cable (3) to reflect light incident on its surface, which is a diffuse reflector. A clip (4) retains the cable (3) on the support (11). The clamp (2) is at least partially opaque and shields an end of the cable (3) to simulate a neon tube. The LED light source (14) comprises a housing (12) to which the clamp (2) is coupled, and comprises an LED emitter and a reflector. The clamp (2) is mounted on a substrate (21) and at least one additional sign element mounted to the substrate, such as an LED backlit sign element.
US07789546B2

A light-emitting device and an electronic device using the same are provided. The light-emitting device includes a light-guiding plate, a circuit board, at least one light source unit and a reflective layer. The circuit board is disposed under the light-guiding plate. The reflective layer is disposed above the light-guiding plate. The light-guiding plate has at least one hole. The light source unit is disposed on the circuit board and within the hole. The reflective layer is disposed above the hole. The light-emitting device is disposed on one side of a part, such as a keypad, of the electronic device for providing light to the keypad.
US07789542B2

A column alternatively supports one of a plurality of arrays of different pluralities candles in different configurations. A plurality of donation or payment mechanisms are mounted on the column for alternative modes of receiving diverse monetary transactions elements, such as cash, credit card and debit card, with resultant automated actuation of the at least one of the electronic candles upon receipt of one of the monetary transaction elements. The column includes jimmy-proof, pilfer-proof and tamper-proof features for securing cash collected in an authorized accessibly collection box. A replaceable paperboard collection box is removably disposed in the secured column.
US07789541B2

A method and system are provided for lamp temperature control for optical metrology. Precise control of the lamp temperature provides the improved signal-to-noise ratios required for accurately determining the profile of nanometer sized structures using optical metrology.
US07789539B2

A compact luminaire which includes a housing, a ballast, and a first and second electrical component. The housing has a back and a perimeter wall which extends generally perpendicularly from the back. The perimeter wall has a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion disposed in a downward direction with respect to the top wall portion and sidewall portions connecting the top wall portion and the bottom wall portion. The ballast is mounted to the back adjacent the bottom wall portion and is substantially equidistant to the side wall portions and the first and second electrical components are mounted to the housing on opposite sides of the ballast in a balanced fashion.
US07789535B2

A light source device includes a circuit board, a solid state lighting element, and a hollow cylindrical metal reflector. The circuit board has a circuit layer formed thereon. The solid state lighting element is placed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit layer. The hollow cylindrical metal reflector is placed on the circuit board and insulated from the circuit layer. An inner surface of the reflector surrounds the solid state lighting element to reflect and direct light from the solid state lighting element towards an opposite side of the reflector to the solid state lighting element.
US07789526B2

A lighting system that includes a quick disconnect mounting feature that permits the relocation of the lighting fixture without rewiring or use of loose hardware. The lighting system is comprised of a housing that surrounds a power module and a control module, where the control module is electrically connected to a protocol module. A printed circuit board interface electrically connects the power module to the control module, and a light source is electrically connected to the PCB interface.
US07789524B2

A LED lighting assembly comprising at least one LED; the at least one LED being mounted to a support; at least one solar element for creating electric power from solar power; at least one battery for storing electricity generated by the solar element; at least one wind vane operatively associated with the support; at least one motor/generator having a first mode for generating electric power from the wind turbine; and at least one shaft operatively connected to the at least one motor/generator and the support; the motor/generator having a second mode in which the motor/generator operates to rotate the support; the at least one motor/generator being operatively connected to the at least one battery for storing electric power therein.
US07789517B2

An LED package having improved light efficiency, and an illumination system and a projection system employing the LED package. An LED package to provide light to a display panel having a plurality of rotatable micromirrors to form images, the LED package includes a substrate and a plurality of LED chips. The plurality of LED chips are slanted with respect to the substrate at a predetermined angle. The LED package improves the light efficiency by arranging the plurality of LED chips so as to correspond to a shape of effective light having an asymmetric distribution with respect to a stop of a projection lens unit.
US07789516B2

A thin projection type image display device with a low chin height includes a cabinet, a screen, a projection optical system, an optical path changing unit, and a reflecting unit. The screen is disposed on a front side of the cabinet. The projection optical system enlarges and projects an image formed by a display element, and the optical path changing unit is disposed on the bottom of the cabinet to reflect the image enlarged and projected by the projection optical system. The reflection unit is disposed obliquely to the screen and below the screen to reflect the image reflected by the optical path changing unit toward the screen. The projection optical system is disposed in a space above a horizontal plane perpendicular to the screen, behind the front side of the cabinet, and below an optical path of light incident on a bottom of the screen.
US07789504B2

An ink jet device selectively ejects droplets of non-marking liquid ink into cells of a printing member in a desired latent negative image pattern. Certain cells of the printing member are filled with pigmented ink to create a desired image. An electrical bias is applied for fractionating pigment in the pigmented ink from liquid and transferring an image-wise pigmented ink pattern from the printing member to a receiving member, leaving behind a substantial portion of liquid. The receiver can be an intermediate member whereby the image-wise ink pattern is transferred from the intermediate member to a final receiver, while such receiver is in operative association with said intermediate member.
US07789496B2

Provided are a piezoelectric inkjet printhead and a method of manufacturing the same. The piezoelectric inkjet printhead includes first and second single-crystalline silicon substrates. An ink flow path is disposed in a first surface of the first substrate. The ink flow path includes an ink introduction port, a manifold for supplying ink, a plurality of pressure chambers filled with ink to be ejected, a plurality of restrictors for connecting the manifold with the plurality of pressure chambers, respectively, and a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate to thereby complete the ink flow path. A plurality of piezoelectric actuators are disposed on a second surface of the first substrate to correspond to each of the pressure chambers and provide drivability required for ejecting ink to the respective pressure chambers. In this construction, aligning the first and second substrates is unnecessary, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and ink ejecting performance can be improved.
US07789494B2

An inkjet head including a plurality of restrictors to reduce crosstalk. The inkjet head includes a channel plate in which an ink channel is formed, an actuator formed on the channel plate, and an ink-supply bezel including a manifold. The ink channel includes an ink inlet to receive ink from the manifold, reservoirs to store ink received through the ink inlet, chambers filled with ink supplied from the reservoirs, nozzles to eject ink filled in the chambers, first restrictors connecting the reservoirs to the chambers, and second restrictors connecting the reservoirs to the ink inlet. Each of the reservoirs includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir that are separated by a central separation wall, and the separation wall includes a third restrictor connecting the first and second reservoirs. Therefore, crosstalk caused by a back flow of ink and transmission of a pressure wave can be prevented during ejection of ink.
US07789492B2

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a plurality of flow channel units, each of which includes a pressure generating chamber operable to generate pressure therein and a nozzle plate formed with a nozzle from which liquid is ejected by the pressure; a plurality of drive units, each of which includes a piezoelectric vibrator operable to apply a pressure vibration to the pressure generating chamber, and which correspond to the plurality of the flow channel units, respectively; and a head casing, in which the plurality of the drive units are stored, and to which the plurality of the flow channel units are fixed.
US07789489B2

It is an object of the present invention to provide a print head that is usable in a horizontal printer, that is small in size, that is superior in mass production, that can easily perform discharge control, that is excellent in reliability, and that is excellent in practicality to be writable in a state in which a recording medium is not bent. The print head has a discharge control unit. The discharge control unit includes a heating mechanism and a discharge portion. The heating mechanism includes a heat generation portion provided with a heat generation body and a driver IC that controls heat generation of the heat generation body. The discharge portion includes a discharge electrode disposed in accordance with the heat generation body. In the discharge control unit, the heat generation portion and the discharge portion are insulated from each other.
US07789480B2

A packaging structure of an inkjet head for transporting thereof with a liquid stored therein, the inkjet head including an ink inlet of ink supplied from an ink source and a nozzle communicated with the ink inlet for discharging the ink to a recording medium, comprises a first packaging member including a cap for covering an opening of said nozzle, the first packaging member being detachably attached to the opening of said nozzle, and a second packaging member including an ink absorbing material for covering said ink inlet, the second packaging member being detachably attached to said ink inlet.
US07789475B2

In an image forming apparatus, a control unit determines that dirt is present on the linear scale when a detecting unit detects a change in a moving direction of a moving member while the moving member is moving at a constant speed.
US07789464B2

The invention relates to a fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, more particularly for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) that is in geared connection with the first fitting part (11), an eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327) that is rotatably mounted on the fitting parts (11, 12), for driving a rolling movement of the first fitting part (11) and the second fitting part (12), a driver (21) for driving the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327) and a brake for locking the fitting (10) against torque introduced at the output side in the rest state, with at least one wrap-spring brake (44) being provided as the brake, and the brake being acted upon by the driver (21) and the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327).
US07789461B2

A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. The seating pad assembly includes a cushion formed from a viscoelastic foam and having dimensions substantially conforming to the dimensions of at least the hip/thigh support and the back support of the seat. Thus, the viscoelastic foam will bridge hard points and pinch points of the seat and will efficiently support the traveler across the gap. The seating pad assembly further includes a removable cover, straps for holding the pad in a coiled condition and a carrying bag for transporting the pad assembly.
US07789456B2

The invention relates to a cover for an exterior motor vehicle part, particularly a motor vehicle door, comprising at least one carrier part and one cover part. It is provided that the cover part (20) is associated with a cover element, particularly a metal cover, overlaying the same.
US07789441B1

A dog waste collecting assembly that includes a loop that having a break therein to define a first free end and a second free end. The loop is comprised of a resiliently bendable material that resists abutment of the first free end and the second free. A handle is attached to the loop. The loop is extendable into an open end of a bag when the first and second free ends are urged together. The first and second free ends are then allowed to move apart from each other to frictionally engage the bag to allow the bag to receive waste scooped up with the loop.
US07789439B2

A battery cover latching mechanism used in portable electronic device (10) is described including a cover member (11), a housing member (12), a latch base (14), a latch member (13), and a return member (15). The latch base can be securely attached to the housing member. The latch member is mounted on the latch base and movable relative to the latch base to latch the cover member to the housing member. The return member is compressed when the cover member is latched to the housing member. The cover can be detached from the housing either by a movement of the latch member driven by the return member or by another movement further compressing the return member.
US07789433B2

A tube nut includes a first member and a second member. The first member is threaded and defines a first hole. The second member is selectively rotatable with respect to the first member and defines a second hole. A tube or pipe extends through the first and second holes. The rotation of the first member in a threaded hole causes an axial load on the second member and the tube to urge the tube against a seat to provide a seal between the tube and a fluid passage. Relative rotation between the first and second members reduces or eliminates torsional strain on the tube.
US07789430B2

An easel pad having a ledge for supporting an instrument, such as a marker, or a separate smaller notepad in the cover of the easel pad.
US07789428B2

A cross-member for supporting a vehicle chassis loads includes a generally shaped member including: i) a generally flat top sheet; ii) a first side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a first side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the first side sheet; iii) a second side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a second side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the second side sheet.
US07789426B2

An apparatus for stabilizing a stationary trailer with an adjustable length leg member. The apparatus comprises a ground engaging base plate which is attached to the end of the adjustable length leg member and has attachment means for one or more stabilizing members. The first end of the stabilizing member attaches to the ground engaging base plate and the second end of the stabilizing member attaches to an attachment member depending from the trailer. The attachment member is adapted to slidably receive the second end of the stabilizing member and comprises locking means for engaging the stabilizing member and locking the stabilizing member with respect to the attachment member.
US07789425B2

An apparatus for stabilizing a stationary trailer comprises a adjustable length leg member, which may comprise the jack stands or landing gear which come as originally installed equipment on the trailer. Alternatively, the adjustable length leg members may comprise various types of jacks which are later attached to the bottom of the trailer. The apparatus further comprises a ground engaging base plate which is attached to the end of the adjustable length leg member. The ground engaging base plate comprises attachment means for one or more stabilizer members. The first end of the stabilizing member attaches to the ground engaging base plate and the second end of the stabilizing member attaches to an attachment member depending from the bottom of the trailer. The attachment member is adapted to slidably receive the second end of the stabilizing member. The attachment member comprises locking means for engaging the stabilizing member and locking the stabilizing member with respect to the attachment member. The locking means allows the length of the stabilizing member disposed between the ground engaging base plate and the attachment member to be adjusted and locked as desired to increase the stability of the trailer.
US07789421B2

A gas bag module includes a module housing (18), a gas bag (24) having a gas bag wall (26), a discharge opening (20) which can be closed by a closure device (22), and a limiting strap (28), the limiting strap (28) being coupled with the gas bag wall (26) and the closure device (22). The limiting strap (28) is tensioned in case of an unimpeded unfolding of the gas bag (24) such that the closure device (22) closes the discharge opening (20), and the limiting strap (28) is guided along the gas bag wall (26).
US07789418B2

An air bag assembly comprising: an inflator for providing a source of inflation gas, and an air bag having a first end and a second end and a first side and a second side, the air bag configured to have a first inflatable chamber proximate the first end, a second inflatable chamber proximate the second and a non-inflatable region therebetween; the air bag including an inlet communicated with the inflator, the air bag further including a plurality of joints or seams, which connect selective regions of the first and second sides together thereby controlling the inflatable volume of the air bag, a top portion of each of the plurality of joints or seams located a determinable distance from a top of the air bag to form within the air bag an integral gas flow path or channel, the inlet generally positioned spaced from a top of the air bag and generally located between the first inflatable chamber and second Inflatable chamber.
US07789408B2

A suspension arrangement for a work machine includes a frame and a rear axle rigidly carried by and substantially immovable relative to the frame. The suspension arrangement includes a caster wheel assembly having a shaft, a wheel arm, a suspension and a caster wheel. The shaft is pivotably couplable with an outboard end of the rear axle. The caster wheel is coupled with a lower end of the wheel arm. The suspension is in the form of a torsion spring including an outer tube, an inner member, and a plurality of elastomeric members interposed between the outer tube and the inner member. The outer tube is coupled with the shaft, and the inner member is coupled with an upper end of the wheel arm.
US07789400B2

The present invention relates to a prior application U.S. Ser. No. 11/705,116 <> wherein a flat rectangular extension (122) is added to protect from wear the skittle of a snowmobile ski when crossing rocky paths. The flat extension is used as floating link between the guide and the tail (131) of a wear runner laid out longitudinally of the ski. The guide (120) located at the front of the ski is always engaged, along with the self-sharpening runner, in ice, while the extension (122) keeps the back of the ski flat. The extension may be of a reversed U-shape comprising an extra web (135) and two extra cutting wings (136) protruding from the web (135) to a certain depth in direction of the ground and longitudinally of the extension, thus defining five cutting trails.
US07789396B2

This invention provides an oil seal that can maintain an excellent friction reduction function over a long period of time, has excellent abrasion resistance, and further has excellent sealing properties. The oil seal comprises a seal lip (4) formed of a rubber-like elastic material comprising a lip edge part (9) and an air-side slope (8) and a sealing fluid-side slope (10) provided on both sides of the lip edge part (9). The air-side slope (8) has a coating film (14) on its surface. In the lip edge part (9) in its portion in contact with a shaft (13), a sealing fluid-side rubber part (2′) and an air-side coating film (14) are simultaneously brought into contact with the shaft (13). The coating film (14) is preferably formed of a coating agent comprising a fluororesin, a polyethylene resin, an isocyanate-modified polybutadiene resin, and a solvent.
US07789393B2

A resource component for a game system. The resource component has a game play structure. It also has a linking mechanism. The linking mechanism is arranged about the game play structure. During play of the game, the linking mechanism dictates a gameplay condition. This gameplay condition is the availability of the game play structure to be included into the game system by linking to opposing resource components already present in the game play system. The game system is build around a central component.
US07789392B2

The present invention relates to a puzzle and a method of assembling a puzzle from a plurality of planar puzzle pieces. More particularly, the invention relates to a puzzle having pieces which, when stacked upon each other on completion of the puzzle, define in relief a recognisable image (e.g. of a building or a character). The puzzle comprises a plurality of inter-engaging pieces, wherein: each puzzle piece has on a planar surface thereof a part of an image which is shown as a whole once the puzzle pieces are assembled together in a completed planar jigsaw puzzle; each puzzle piece has a first edge of a first shaped profile; and when the puzzle pieces are removed from the completed planar jigsaw puzzle in a pre-determined sequence related to positioning of the puzzle pieces in the completed planar jigsaw puzzle and stacked in the predetermined sequence then the first edges of the stacked puzzle pieces together define in relief a recognisable image on a first side of the stack.
US07789390B2

A game table for playing a game with a gamepiece includes a playing surface and the gamepiece is movable along the playing surface through the application of gaming forces. A first endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and has a first wall length. A second endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and is located on an opposite side of the playing surface from the first endwall. A first goal, comprised of at least one proximity sensor, is located along the first endwall and has a first goal length. The first goal length is adjustable.
US07789389B2

A media dispenser has a delivery module for feeding media, a stacking module for stacking the media, which are fed through the delivery module, on a stacking plate, and a delivery clamp module for clamping the media stacked on the stacking module and delivering the clamped media to the customer, and for feeding the media, which the customer did not take out, to the stacking plate. A path through which the media clamped by the delivery clamp module are fed to a reject box is opened by moving the stacking plate of the stacking module. The method comprises the steps of returning the media onto the stacking plate by a clamp assembly, opening a reject slot by allowing a driving plate to be moved by a driving source and the stacking plate to be moved together with the driving plate, and dropping the media as the clamp assembly unclamps the media through the opened reject slot.
US07789386B2

A sheet transporting apparatus that can realize a jam disposal mechanism with simple structure and that can achieve size reduction has a manual operation unit that is fitted coaxially with a roller shaft of an upstream-side transport roller or with a roller shaft of a downstream-side transport roller and that, when rotated in a state where drive motors are stationary, makes the upstream-side transport roller shaft and the downstream-side transport roller shaft rotate.
US07789384B2

A printing assembly comprising a printhead; a feed mechanism for feeding pages past the printhead; an adhesive application station for applying a two-part adhesive onto opposite sides of each page; and a page-binding tray for receiving the printed pages and binding the pages together.
US07789377B2

A fence post cap assembly is provided, the assembly comprises a first cap member designed to attach onto a fence post; a second cap member having a circumference larger than the first cap member, the second cap member is designed to fit over the first cap member, the second cap member having at least two apertures; and a loop member having a rounded portion leading to two arms with opposing ends, during an installed position, each of the ends are designed to fit within the apertures of the second cap member while the second cap member is placed over the first cap member thereby locking the loop member and the second cap member onto the first cap member.
US07789376B2

A non-metallic fence system has a singular snap lock mechanism for permitting the easy construction of the fence.
US07789374B2

A control arrangement is provided for an integrated compressor and winch assembly. The integrated assembly includes: a clutch mechanically coupled to an electric motor and selectively engageable with at least one of a compressor or a winch mechanism; an electrical control circuit having an operational mode for controlling the compressor and another operational mode for controlling the winch mechanism; and a mode selector in communication with the clutch and the electrical control circuit, whereby actuating the mode selector actuates the clutch and selects an operational mode for the control circuit.
US07789373B2

The invention relates to a ball poppet valve having a valve body, a cylindrical valve bore disposed in the valve body, a ball poppet for closing the valve bore and a movable control stem intruding into the valve bore. The control stem acts on the ball poppet, and the control stem has a diameter (d) that at least approximately becomes larger and larger in the direction towards the ball poppet.
US07789365B2

A grid holding element has a first leg (11) at least one free end of which is hook-shaped, and a second leg (12) having a saddle-shaped attachment section (20) in which a through-opening (23) through which a fastening element (30) is extendable, is formed, a first foot section (2) that projects from the attachment section in a direction away from the first leg (11), and a second foot section (22) adjoining the first leg (11), with a maximal extension length (D1) of the first foot section (21) in a direction perpendicular to a plane (E) defined by the attachment section (20), being greater than a maximal extension length (D2) of the second foot section (22) in the direction perpendicular to the plane (E).
US07789363B2

An exemplary support stand for a flat-panel display monitor, includes a monitor bracket, a rotatable bracket for fixing the monitor bracket, an elevating support, a support member, and a hinge assembly. The elevating support includes a first link bracket, a second link bracket, a plurality of supporting blocks for connecting end portions of the first link bracket and the second link bracket. One end portion of the first link bracket define a first restricting groove and one end portion of the second link bracket defining a second restricting groove corresponding to the first restricting groove. One of the supporting blocks includes a restricting pole. The first and second restricting grooves are configured for blocking the restricting pole. A first end of the elevating support is fixed to the support member; and a second end of the elevating support connects to the rotatable bracket by the hinge assembly.
US07789360B2

A pole mount bracket is provided. The bracket includes at least one extruded portion, a pole mounting portion and a band. The at least one extruded portion has an engaging surface. The engaging surface has a plurality of grooves that allow the extruded portion to bend to the form of a pole. The pole mounting portion is connected to the at least one extruded portion. Moreover, the pole mounting portion is further configured to be selectively coupled to a device. The band is configured to deform the at least one extruded portion about the pole to attach the pole mount bracket to the pole.
US07789355B2

An exemplary elevator (50) includes a support mechanism (51), an elevating mechanism (52), and an adjusting mechanism (53). The support mechanism includes a support bracket (511) and a coil spring (514). The elevating mechanism includes a rotatable member (521) rotatable attached to the support bracket, a driven member (524) fixed to the rotatable member, a sliding bracket (526) slidably connected to the support bracket, and a sliding member (527) fixed to the sliding bracket. The sliding member is capable of engaging with the rotatable member for converting rotation to linear motion. The adjusting mechanism includes a diver capable of engaging with the driven member and driving the driven member to rotate. A bottom end of the support bracket is fixed to the adjusting mechanism. An end of the coil spring is fixed on the sliding bracket, and another end of the coil spring is connected to the support bracket.
US07789351B2

A flexible clamping insert for adapting the clamping contour of a clamping device to correspond to an outer contour of a bicycle frame. The clamping insert includes a mounting section, a pivoting section and a biasing section connecting the mounting section and the pivoting section. The clamping insert is formed as one piece from a flexible material. The mounting section includes at least one attachment feature for securing the mounting section to a fixed clamping arm of the clamping device. The mounting and pivoting sections have a concave contour and the biasing section has a convex, resulting in the clamping insert, in the uninstalled state, having a C-shaped contour. When installed on the clamping device, the biasing section biases the pivoting section toward an open position, resulting in the pivoting arm to open and allow the clamping insert and device to be mounted on to the bicycle frame. The one-piece clamping insert is cost-effective and is simple to snap onto the clamping device without the use of tools.
US07789341B2

A rotary wing vehicle includes a body structure having an elongated tubular backbone or core, and a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system having rotors with each rotor having a separate motor to drive the rotors about a common rotor axis of rotation. The rotor system is used to move the rotary wing vehicle in directional flight.
US07789340B2

An improved structure and method for powering the flight of a model airplane by positioning the motors and propellers on the back side of the top wings of an airplane using a single or double-deck wing design so that the propellers and motors of the airplane are better protected from damage in the event of a crash. The fuselage of the airplane is formed of a deformable material such as a foam to aid in crash resistance.
US07789336B1

A spool includes a tubular bobbin trunk, a pair of flanges and a boss member. The bobbin trunk has a peripheral surface extending along the axial direction of the spool so that a fishing line can be wound around the bobbin truck. The peripheral surface of the bobbin trunk includes thickened wall portions disposed on opposing sides of an axial center part of the bobbin trunk. The flanges are integrally formed with the peripheral surface of the bobbin trunk as a one-piece, unitary member. Each of the flanges extends substantially in a radially outward direction of the spool. The boss member is disposed between axial ends of the bobbin trunk and extends along the radial direction of the spool. The boss member includes a disc portion with a through-hole to receive a spool shaft. Each of the thickened wall portions has a thickness greater than other portions of the bobbin trunk.
US07789335B2

A drag system for a spinning reel comprised of a spool assembly 10, a drag washer assembly 12, and a drag knob assembly 14 that interact to create specific drag performance characteristics.
US07789330B2

A roundish fused alumina particles having a mean particle size of 5 to 4,000 μm and a roundness of 0.85 or more, and a producing method thereof are provided. The method comprises removing edges of fused alumina particles by making the fused alumina particles collide with each other.
US07789323B2

A dual-mode sprinkler includes a nozzle arranged to supply a stream to a rotatable water-distribution plate. The sprinkler can be adjusted between free-spinning and retarded or braked rotation, enabling multi-use applications for the sprinkler.
US07789317B2

A system and method to control environmental parameters of pre-defined zones within an environment using an electronic controller are disclosed. The system includes a non-proprietary electronic controller which enables a weighting value to be assigned to each zone within the environment. The electronic controller also detects any zone service calls from sensor devices associated with each of the zones and determines a cumulative weighting value in response to the detected zone service calls. The electronic controller selects an equipment staging combination from at least two possible equipment staging combinations in response to thermal capacity, and an air handler stage is selected in response to at least the cumulative zone weighting value.
US07789316B2

An electronic device includes: a base; a conductor pattern formed on the base; a circuit chip electrically connected to the conductor pattern; and a reinforcing member which is disposed on the base to surround the circuit chip, whose outer shape is like a ring, and which has such an internal structure that a plurality of columns extending in the thickness direction of the base are dispersed in a predetermined substrate. The electronic device further includes a sealing member which fills an inside of the reinforcing member while covering the top of the circuit chip, thereby sealing the circuit chip on the base.
US07789315B2

The present invention discloses a solution for protecting RFID encoded content based upon a spin rate of a media within which an RFID tag containing the content is embedded. The solution can include a step of securing tag encoded content stored on an RFID tag embedded in an optical media. A spin rate the optical media can be determined. The tag encoded content can be selectively unprotected when the detected spin rate is approximately equal to a previously established rate or is between a previously established range of values. The spin rate can be based upon a rotational velocity of the optical media and/or a rotational acceleration of the optical media.
US07789314B2

The present invention discloses a solution for protection of optically encoded content using one or more Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags embedded within one or more optical medias. The solution can include an RFID tag embedded within an optical media that can manage the use of the optically encoded content on the optical media. Protection can include access control of optically encoded media by an optical media drive, progressive content based protection, selective content access and the like. In one embodiment the embedded RFID tag can act independently or in concert with hardware/software security mechanisms associated with an optical media drive to provide security.
US07789312B2

A portable object (1) of the smart card type comprises a main circuit (3, 8, 9, 10) for internal processing and storage of data. The main circuit comprises several integrated circuits (3, 10). The portable object comprises a supply voltage circuit (7) for applying a first supply voltage (3 to 5V) to one of the integrated circuits (3) of the main circuit and for applying a second, different supply voltage (1.2 to 1.8 V) to another integrated circuit (10) of the main circuit.
US07789310B2

A media includes a set of adjacent edges of material and a segment along only a portion of the set of edges. The segment has a first identifiable end and a second identifiable end.
US07789305B2

Disclosed are a system and method of voting via an interactive television system. In a particular embodiment, the method includes identifying data embedded within video content sent to a set-top box device via an access network of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system, the data indicating a voting event related to the video content. The method also includes sending data related to a voting indicator to the set-top box device, wherein the voting indicator includes a selectable indicator of an option to cast a vote related to the video content. The method also includes determining whether payment information is required in order to accept a vote related to the video content. The method also includes sending data related to a voting interface to the set-top box device and receiving a voting selection from the set-top box device.
US07789302B2

A method and system are provided for transferring verification data from a first carrier to at least a second carrier in a secure manner. A first carrier, which is typically a smart card based ID card, contains verification data to identify the card holder securely. The method of the invention verifies the verification data on the ID smart card, reads the verification data, compresses and encrypts it, and writes it onto a second carrier, which may be a second smart card or a printed document, for example, in a machine readable form. The invention permits verification data to be securely transferred from one carrier to another, which permits a high degree of security in numerous applications such as the issuing of bank cards, medical aid claims, and other valuable documents.
US07789298B1

An automatic banking machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and a cash dispenser. A movable camera is positionable within the ATM housing. The automated banking machine carries out transactions related to user accounts based on information read from cards. Service personnel are enabled to direct the camera toward regions of machine components while conducting service activities that are not directly visible by a servicer. A camera assembly includes a microphone to sense sounds associated with machine components during test operations. The generated data may be used by an on-site servicer, or sent to an entity at a remote location. The visual images may be used to enhance diagnostic and servicing capabilities.
US07789294B2

A system for monitoring a validator that assesses a token includes an input device 4 for receiving messages 5 from a machine 2 including a validator 6. The messages contain data indicative of validator events such as an assessment of a token resulting in acceptance of the token and an assessment of a token resulting in rejection of the token. The system further includes a processor 7 for deriving timing information for the validator events and for comparing the data and timing information with predetermined criteria. Personnel alerts are raised when predetermined criteria are satisfied, and maintenance of validators may be scheduled in dependence upon criteria related to assessments of tokens resulting in rejection.
US07789292B2

An octagonal shaped foldable box having a flap locking system. The foldable box includes: eight sidewall sections; a pair of opposing locking flaps extending from two of the eight sidewall sections, each opposing locking flap having a generally trapezoidal shaped tab cut therein for locking a first opposed locking flap with a second opposed locking flap; and a pair of opposing interior flaps, wherein each opposing interior flap extends from three of the eight sidewall sections, and wherein each opposing interior flap includes a first and a second flap edge, and each flap edge includes a fold-over region for forming a sealed corner with two sidewall sections.
US07789291B2

A packaging article including a flap for opening and reclosing the packaging article. The packaging article comprises a flexible packaging material and a label. The flexible packaging material includes the flap and a plurality of slits defining at least a portion of a boundary of the flap. The plurality of slits are substantially parallel to and spaced from one another and have a length dimension. When applying to the flap a tearing force directed substantially perpendicularly to the length dimensions of the plurality of slits, the flap can be opened by the tearing force tearing the flexible packaging material between the plurality of slits. A first portion of the label is affixed to a portion of the flap. A second portion of the label is adapted to be repeatedly removably adhered to a portion of the flexible packaging material adjacent the flap such that the flap can be opened and reclosed. The packaging article may be a ream wrapper.
US07789289B2

A holding tool for fixing an electronic component (2) during a manufacturing process, the electronic component (2) comprising a winding assembly (20) and an electronic circuit (24), wherein the holding tool (1) includes a holding tool body (10), first and second jaws (12, 14) disposed at the holding tool body (10) relatively movable to each other in a first direction (A), and first and second wire guide means (3, 4) characterized in that the first and second wire guide means (3, 4) are disposed at the holding tool body (10) remote from the jaws (12, 14).
US07789286B2

A method and apparatus for evaluating the size and/or quality of a spot weld. The apparatus includes a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers arranged with a delay line for positioning adjacent a surface of a weld. A layer of gel is placed between the delay line and the weld surface. The array of transducers emit ultrasonic waves that pass into the weld. The reflected waves are received by the transducers and relayed to a central processing unit that analyzes the time delay, amplitude, and amplitude attenuation to calculate the border of the weld nugget, the thickness of the welded material, the thickness of the gel layer, and other factors contributing to weld quality.
US07789266B2

The present invention relates to a method and a device for singulating ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses. The method and the device are suitable for integration into an automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses.
US07789264B2

An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.
US07789252B2

A service crane for a wind turbine comprising a main crane beam (128) having a track (154) that accommodates a trolley (156). A hinge (144) is provided at a pivot point (148) near a proximate end of the main beam (128), such that an aft portion of the main beam (128) extends beyond the pivot point (148) to the exterior of the turbine. A distal end of the main beam (128) rests upon a forward beam. A lateral motion actuator (134) moves the main beam (128) back and forth along the forward beam. The trolley (156) runs back and forth along the main beam (128). A turbine component is attached to a hook lowered by cable from the trolley (156). The trolley (156) with the component on the hook is moved to the aft portion of the main beam (128), which extends beyond the turbine. The hook is lowered to the ground so that the component can be serviced or replaced.
US07789245B2

A blood separation chamber is provided for separating blood into its constituent parts by rotation about an axis. The chamber has a central hub coinciding with the axis and spaced apart high-G and low-G walls which define therebetween a separation channel. The chamber further includes a plurality of parallel radial walls extending outwardly from the central hub and defining a radial fluid flow passage between each adjacent pair of walls. Each fluid flow passage communicates between the central hub and the separation channel. One of the radial walls includes a radially outer end portion defining a barrier in the separation channel intermediate the low-G and high-G walls and having generally parallel upstream and downstream sides. The separation channel has a recessed portion located radially outward of the high-G wall and extending between the upstream and downstream sides of the barrier.
US07789236B2

A stick-on, flexible peel and seal, wet wipes package includes a flexible package body having a front surface, a rear surface and an internal space sized to contain a plurality of removable wet wipes. An elongated opening extends through the package body to the internal space for accessing and permitting dispensing of the removable wet wipes. A substantially self-closing, resealable label flap is positioned on the front surface of the package body to cover the opening formed therein. The label flap has a bottom surface provided with a sealing adhesive that creates a seal entirely around the periphery of the opening and permits repeated application and removal of the label flap relative to the package body. The label flap further has a starting tab non-adhesively positionable in contact with the front surface of the package body. An adhesive layer structure is provided on the rear surface of the package body for adhering the package body to a support surface. A removable peel-off release layer structure covers and protects the adhesive layer structure prior to use thereof. The package body and the adhesive layer structure are removable from the support surface following emptying of the wet wipes from the package body.
US07789231B2

A package is formed from a carton and containers extending through a bottom panel of the carton. The carton also includes a top panel, and an intermediate panel located between the top and bottom panels. The intermediate panel acts to stabilize the containers within the carton.
US07789230B2

A container for collecting sharps includes an opening adapted to receive sharps in a substantially vertical orientation, and an interior region for storing sharps received through the opening. The container includes a means for reorienting the sharps into an arrangement in which the sharps lie substantially parallel to one another within the interior region of the container. A method for configuring a sharps collection container includes the step of positioning a contoured surface of a guide element beneath an opening of the container to reorient sharps that are deposited through the opening into an arrangement in which the sharps are stored substantially parallel to one another in the container.
US07789226B2

An envelope package including a plurality of generally aligned envelopes, the plurality of envelopes being compressed together. The package further includes a generally non-elastic band extending around the plurality of compressed envelopes and retaining the envelopes in a state of compression. The plurality of envelopes exert an expansion force of at least about ½ pound such that the plurality of envelopes are sufficiently compressed to generally seal ambient air out of the plurality of envelopes to thereby reduce absorption of moisture and warpage thereof.
US07789216B2

An apparatus (1) for conveying containers (2) with non circular cross section comprises at least two linear input conveyors (3a, 3b) through which at least two distinct conveyance flows reach the apparatus and a plurality of star conveyors (4a, 4b, 6) for receiving the containers (2) from the linear input conveyors (3a, 3b) and release them in output on a single conveyor (5), with a single output flow. The apparatus comprises at least an oscillating blade (9) and/or a fixed guide (14) in order to guide the containers (2), at an area where multiple flows merge into a single conveyance flow, such as to assure a correct conveyance and orientation of the containers towards the single flow.
US07789215B1

Primary and secondary housings each have a cylindrical side wall and a horizontal circular lower plate. A centrifugal assembly is formed by the secondary housing. A first motor rotates the circular plate of the secondary housing. Cleats extend upwardly from the circular plate whereby when a quantity of workpieces is placed in the secondary housing the workpieces will be projected out of the secondary housing into the primary housing by centrifugal force caused by the spinning cleats. A vibratory assembly is formed by the primary housing. A second motor reciprocates and vibrates the primary housing. A ramp is secured interiorly of the side wall of the primary housing and extends in a spiral configuration from the circular plate to the top of the side wall.
US07789214B2

A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.
US07789213B2

The invention relates to an article-dispensing machine. The inventive machine comprises: a structure (1), a removable container (2) for articles, and a dispensing mechanism on the base of the container (2), which is actuated by an actuation shaft that is coupled to the shaft of a coin or token selector (6) which is mounted in the structure (1) in order to dispense one or more articles from the container (2) through a delivery outlet (7) following the introduction of one or more coins or tokens. According to the invention, when the door (15) is in the closed position, a single closure device (55), which is associated with said door (15), can be used to lock the container (2), the coin selector (6) and a coin or token collection box (52) in the respective operating positions thereof. When the aforementioned door (15) is open, the container (2) can be refilled or removed, the coin selector (6) can be removed and the collection box (52) can be accessed without the use of tools.
US07789212B2

A change complement and control system according to the present invention comprises a coin-roll storage 1, a money handling machine 3 and a control unit 5. This system is adapted for calculating the number of coin rolls of each denomination newly stored in each coin-roll drawer 11, 12, 13, in a period of time after a first indication is sent and before a second indication is sent by an operator from user indication portions 50a, 50b of the control unit 5. An instruction portion 52 is adapted for providing an instruction, such that money equivalent to the newly stored coin rolls, among the money stored in a money storage portion (i.e., a coin storage portion 106 or banknote storage portion 206), is released from a money releasing portion (i.e., a coin disbursing slot 116 or banknote disbursing slot 216), when the second indication is sent.
US07789211B2

A conveying device 2 in a device for validating valuable papers, comprises a rotor arrangement 5 rotatably mounted in a casing 1, a drive device 12 for rotating rotor arrangement 5, and a roller arrangement 11 disposed around and in contact to an outer circumferential surface of rotor arrangement 5. A bill 10 inserted from an inlet 8 of casing 1 is grasped between rotor arrangement 5 and roller arrangement 11 to wind up the whole length of bill 10 around rotating rotor arrangement 5 so that bill 10 can reliably be transported with rotation of conveying device 2 while preventing slippage of bill 10 on rotor arrangement 5. Also, bill 10 can be rotated together with rotor arrangement 5 one revolution or more to positively prevent unauthorized extraction of bill 10 by means of any extraction tool. When a sensor 3 detects physical property of bill 10 and a control device 4 considers bill 10 to be genuine in view of the detected physical property of bill 10, the device separates bill 10 from rotor arrangements 5 to discharge it through an outlet 9.
US07789208B2

A shock absorber has a piston formed with a rebound channel and a valve mechanism for generating a damping force by controlling opening and closing and an opening degree of the rebound channel. The valve mechanism comprises a first valve disk having a hole and a slit communicating with the rebound channel respectively provided in inner and outer sides of the first valve disk, the first valve disk generating a first damping force by directing fluid through the slit; an auxiliary disk having a hole communicating with the hole of the first valve disk, the auxiliary disk being disposed to be in contact with a lower side of the first valve disk; and a second valve disk disposed to be in contact with a lower side of the auxiliary disk, the second valve disk being subjected to bending deformation by the fluid flowing through the holes of the first valve disk and the auxiliary disk to generate a second damping force.
US07789203B2

The invention relates to a lubricating device, particularly for use in an apparatus which is used to lubricate mobile lubrication points e.g. on a rotating belt or chain belt. A lubricant discharge body of a lubricating head, which when lubricant is conveyed by a feed pump into a dosing chamber which is separated from the lubricant discharge channel, is placed in a front standby position and, counter to the effect of a restoring force, is moved into a locking and lubricant release position wherein the link between the pump and the dosing chamber is blocked by a reversing piston and the dosing chamber is fluidically connected to the lubricant discharge channel and a predefined volume of lubricant can be pumped out of the dosing chamber into the lubricant discharge channel. The lubricant discharge body cooperates with a reversing piston in such a way that the feed pump is fluidic ally connected to the dosing chamber of a dosing piston/cylinder arrangement via an annular area of the reversing piston when the lubricant discharge body is located in a front standby position, and such that the dosing chamber is fluidically connected to the lubricant discharge channel via the angular area when the lubricant discharge body is placed in a retracted position in which the lubricant is released. The reversing piston blocks the fluidic connection between the feed pump and the dosing chamber such that the amount of lubricant provided for discharge can be pumped out of the dosing chamber in the direction of the annular area by a dosing piston which is impinged upon by the feed pump.
US07789202B2

Disclosed is a pressurized internal oil management system, comprising an oil dam, at least one oil separator, at least one oil collection manifold, at least one oil pump, and one or more paths for returning the separated oil; said system integrated within the casing of a fluid displacement device to supply adequate lubrication regardless of orientations under zero to full gravity, and methods and applications related thereto. Fluid displacement devices useful herein include oil lubricated rotary or reciprocating machinery, such as compressors, expanders, pumps and engines, in the casing of which exists one or more drive mechanisms that can be utilized to operate the oil management system, in most cases without even increasing the size of the casing. The present invention is especially useful for applications where small size and low weight of the fluid displacement device or the system containing it are important, such as personal or electronic cooling systems in terrestrial mobile applications or various cooling systems in aerospace applications.
US07789198B2

A shoulder saddle for carrying a stepladder of the type having opposed, channel-shaped, side rails with spaced steps extending therebetween. A saddle block has a length no greater than the spacing between steps of the ladder and a width greater than the width of the ladder steps and has a top surface with a pair of spaced slots extending lengthwise therealong for receipt of the rail flanges. The bottom surface of the block is concave in lengthwise cross-section and has a layer of cushion material attached thereto. Relatively flat front and back portions are formed on the bottom surface beyond the concave cross-section to facilitate attachment of the cushion material.
US07789191B2

An electric power assist module for a steering system has an integrated housing for accommodating the torque sensor, motor and electronic control unit. A helical gear train including a pinion gear, an intermediate gear and steering gear are provided to transfer the motion from the motor to an output shaft that is coupled to an input shaft by way of a torsion bar.
US07789186B2

An engine suspension device for a motorcycle can be increased in design flexibility and weight. An engine suspension device for a motorcycle has a suspension link provided between a body frame and an engine for pivotably supporting the engine. The suspension link includes a link body. Two pairs of right and left cylindrical members are provided at opposite ends of the link body and are connected to the body frame and the engine, respectively. The pairs of right and left cylindrical members are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the motorcycle. The suspension link further includes a right connecting member for connecting the right cylindrical members and a left connecting member for connecting the left connecting members. The right and left connecting members are connected to each other by the link body.
US07789178B2

A wheel support device (200) includes a spring (302, 304) fitted to an in-wheel motor (70) and damping the vibration of a motor-driven wheel (100) and the in-wheel motor (70) by extending and retracting, a knuckle (180) attached to the spring (302, 304) and rotatably supporting the motor-driven wheel (100), a center part (306) of a dynamic mass damper mechanism (300) vibrating together with the in-wheel motor (70) by a force given from a road surface when a vehicle runs, an upper part (310) thereof restricting the vibration of the in-wheel motor (70) by coming into contact with the center part (306) at a prescribed region, and a cushioning member (322, 324) fitted to a portion of the center part (306) or the upper part (310) corresponding to the prescribed region brought into contact with the other.
US07789177B2

A control method for a drive apparatus of a hybrid vehicle in which an assist power source is connected to an output member connected to an engine through a torque transmitting member whose torque capacity is changed according to an engagement control amount includes the steps of maintaining a rotational speed of the assist power source at a predetermined rotational speed (step (S02); continuously changing the engagement control amount while maintaining the rotational speed of the assist power source at the predetermined rotational speed (step S04); and leaning a relationship between output torque of the assist power source for maintaining the rotational speed of the assist power source and the engagement control amount when the output torque of the assist power source reaches a predetermined value while the engagement control amount is changed (step S06).
US07789174B2

A transporter for transporting a subject over a surface that may be irregular. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements are coupled to the support platform such that the transporter is statically stable with respect to tipping in the fore-aft plane. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal indicative of the local distribution. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
US07789172B2

A bearing assembly for a well drilling head has an outer barrel, an inner barrel, bearing units and a cover plate. The outer barrel has an upper end portion, a lower end portion and a central bore extending therebetween. The inner barrel is at least partially disposed within the central bore of the outer barrel. The bearing units are coupled between the barrels for providing concentric alignment of the barrels and allowing rotation therebetween. The cover plate is non-rotatably attached to the upper end portion of the outer barrel. An upper end portion of the inner barrel is exposed within a central opening of the cover plate. An outside edge portion of an upper surface of the cover plate encompassing the central opening is downwardly angled with respect to a central axis of the cover plate.
US07789163B2

A straddle packer which, when in place during a fracing or well stimulation service, isolates the fracing zone from zones in the wellbore above and below the fracing zone, and which when run into the wellbore provides an open passageway from below the packer to the tubing string, relieving built up fluid pressure below the tool and permitting insertion at relatively high speeds.
US07789159B1

Methods are disclosed to de-sulfate saline streams such as seawater, brine from seawater desalination plants, and the like. The disclosed methods can also co-produce de-ionized water and inorganic materials from such de-sulfated saline streams.
US07789156B2

A downhole valve comprises a body defining a through bore and a valve member for location in the body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve has a first configuration in which the valve member is normally closed, and will hold a pressure differential in a first direction, and a second configuration in which the valve member is closed and will maintain a pressure differential in the first direction and also in an opposite second direction and a third configuration in which the valve member is locked in the open position until it is deliberately closed.
US07789146B2

A method is disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The method includes combining a carrier fluid, a first amount of particulates, and a second amount of particulates into a slurry. The first amount of particulates have a first average size distribution and the second amount of particulates have a second average size distribution, and the first average size distribution is at least three times larger than the second average size distribution. The slurry includes particles which are at least partially degradable material, and with reactive solid constituents. The reactive solid reacts with the degradable material and/or a hydrolysis product of the degradable material. The method further includes positioning a screen in a wellbore, and circulating the slurry through the wellbore such that the first amount of particulates and the second amount of particulates are deposited on an outer surface of the screen.
US07789136B2

A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.
US07789131B2

Water is removed from a natural gas well using a piston pump is driven by a power fluid that is pumped into the wellbore. The power fluid is intermixed within wellbore water and pumped out of the wellbore along with the removed water.
US07789105B2

The gas pressure regulator (1) comprises a main body (2) having a first, gas inlet pipe (4) and a second, gas outlet pipe (6), a calibrated gas passage (8) through which the gas flows from the first pipe (4) to the second pipe (6), a shutter (9) housed at least partially in the main body (2) and a silencing element (102) also housed in the body (2).
US07789101B2

A Regulator-Oxygen (ROX) Unit for regulating oxygen flow in an emergency oxygen distribution system in passenger aircraft initially allows unregulated surge of oxygen to purge ambient air from the system. After sufficient pressure is achieved in the system, the ROX unit regulates oxygen flow mechanically with a diaphragm engaging a regulator valve that responds to the pressure of the oxygen under the diaphragm to reduce the flow of oxygen through the ROX unit, which accounts for altitude changes by communicating the inlet pressure to the chamber above the diaphragm. A bleed exit allows the oxygen to escape to the ambient air. One or more aneroid valves serve to adjust the amount of oxygen allowed to exit through the bleed exit, allowing less oxygen to escape with increasing altitude. An increase in pressure above the diaphragm allows more oxygen to flow through the regulator valve.
US07789094B2

A device and method for combing eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or for applying makeup to eyelashes and/or eyebrows is disclosed. One exemplary device has a support and at least one row of projecting elements on the support. The row has a first group of the projecting elements and a projecting element outside the first group, the projecting element outside of the first group being spaced apart from the first group by a gap. The projecting elements can separate the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, while the gaps can group the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.
US07789087B2

The present invention relates to the cigarette making apparatus 10 which may comprise a housing 12 with mechanical and electrical features. Cigarette apparatus 10 has a solenoid-assisted hopper 14 for accepting loose tobacco 15, a cigarette tube filling cassette 16 with nozzles 30 and a hinged lid 34 for assisting in maintaining cigarette tubes 24 in a predetermined alignment for loading tobacco 15, a filling area 17 with a indexing means for aligning cigarette tubes with a tobacco pushing means inside the apparatus, a cigarette tube loading and tobacco packing means 18 with guide pins 20 for guiding the cassette 16 in engagement with flattened tip pins 22 that compress tobacco 15 into cigarette tubes 24 after tobacco 15 has been inserted, and an electronic control area 26, which may include an electronic display for controlling the cigarette tube filling and packing apparatus.
US07789078B2

An internal combustion engine ignition coil device has an annular seal rubber at its lower side coil. An annular projection is provided on a part of the seal rubber and is pressed against the inner diameter surface of a plug hole. An air path is formed in part of a coil case by mounting the seal rubber into a groove, enabling inside and outside portions of the plug hole to communicate. A gas-permeable thin film resin member is bonded to an inlet of the air path.
US07789077B2

To prevent dew condensation in a crankcase in a lower part of the crankcase, wherein an oil pan is an integral part of an internal combustion engine, to prevent lubricating oil from being diluted. A crankcase cover covers at least an oil pan out of a crankcase and is provided to the bottom of the crankcase. A heat insulating material is provided between the crankcase and the crankcase cover. A cooling fluid passage for providing a circulation to cool a cylinder or a cylinder head is provided between the crankcase and the crankcase cover. A passage at least one end of which reaches a cylinder head from a crankcase via a cylinder block forms at least a part of a blowby gas passage, is directly provided to the crankcase, the cylinder block and the cylinder head. A flow control valve is arranged in the cylinder block or the cylinder head.
US07789076B2

This document describes a device for cleaning of crankcase gases from a combustion engine, and a combustion engine having such a device. An inlet conduit is connected to a crankcase of the combustion engine. A centrifugal separator receives a flow of crankcase gases from the crankcase via the inlet conduit and comprises a routable centrifuge rotor for centrifuging the crankcase gases. A drive device drives the centrifuge rotor. An outlet conduit discharges cleaned crankcase gases from the centrifugal separator. The rotary speed of the drive device, and thus the rotary speed of the centrifuge rotor, is controllable depending on the gas pressure in the crankcase. An export conduit may be connected to the inlet conduit and adapted to enable discharge of a flow of crankcase gases from the crankcase by-passing the centrifugal separator depending on the gas pressure in the crankcase. An import conduit may be connected to the inlet conduit and adapted to enable feeding of a flow of air from the surroundings to the crankcase depending on the gas pressure in the crankcase.
US07789075B2

A fuel vapor processing apparatus includes a container and an adsorption member positioned within the container. The adsorption member can adsorb a fuel vapor as a gas containing the fuel vapor flows through the adsorption member. A first electrode and a second electrode are attached to the adsorption member, so that the adsorption member can produce heat as a voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes across the adsorption member. The first and seconds electrodes are spaced from each other in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the gas through the adsorption member.
US07789073B2

A fuel injection control apparatus is capable of reducing a minimum quantity of fuel injection without reducing a maximum quantity of injection. To open a fuel injector valve, a driving circuit supplies an electric current from a high-voltage power supply to the fuel injector. Then, after valve opening, the high-voltage power supply is switched to a low-voltage power supply, and an open state of the valve is retained. For opening the valve of the fuel injector, a microcomputer, after supplying current from the high-voltage power supply to the injector, discharges the current rapidly for a decrease below a first current level at which the open state of the valve cannot be retained. The microcomputer then controls the supply current to the injector so as to supply a current at a second current level at which the open state of the valve can be retained.
US07789069B2

The invention relates to a check valve with a spherical valve element whose service life and operating reliability is considerably increased in relation to conventional check valves. The improved check valve is used in an injector for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, having a hydraulic pressure booster.
US07789048B2

A method for providing fuel for vehicle or power plant engines, including disassociating water into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis and catalysing the reformation of water vapor by spark catalysis is disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention incorporates utilization of a steam turbine and solar panels to provide additional electrical energy for electrolysis of the water fuel.
US07789042B1

A leash handle to which a pet food and water receptacle are removably attached.
US07789039B2

Methods and hosts for rearing insect parasitoids are provided. Particularly, polymer beads (alginate, carrageenan, and chitosan) are used to rear endoparasitoids in vitro.
US07789030B2

A vessel (1) comprising a hull (2) with a stern (5), bow (7) and bottom (3), an air cavity (6) formed at the bottom (3) of the hull (2) and comprising a cavity top surface (27), a front wall (28) and a front section (10) located nearest to the bow (7), and an air inlet (8) located in the air cavity (6), wherein the vessel comprises a wave deflector (9) defining a lower surface (11) which is situated in the front section (10) of the air cavity (6) and at a distance from the cavity top surface (27) and extends from the front wall (28) substantially in the direction of the stern (5).
US07789021B2

A suspension conveyance apparatus has a conveying traveling body movably supported on a traveling guide rail and a hanger suspended from the conveying traveling body, and an anti-swaying guide rail in parallel with the traveling guide rail, the anti-swaying guide rail is engaged with a roller and prevents lateral swaying of the hanger. The anti-swaying guide rail is installed on only one of the right and left sides of the traveling guide rail and includes a horizontal flat rail surface and a circular rail surface curvedly protruding in the vertically opposite direction of the horizontal flat rail surface, and a flat peripheral surface roller adjoining to the horizontal flat rail surface and rolling and an hourglass-shaped peripheral surface roller fitted to the circular rail surface are provided as the roller.
US07789020B2

A track of a road and rail vehicle, comprising: a railway track, and a routing device having a supporting plate and a turnout; wherein the routing device is disposed in front of the railway track and connected to a road; the supporting plate is aligned with the road and capable of moving horizontally and adjusting a direction or an angle of the road and rail vehicle entering the railway track; and the turnout enables the road and rail vehicle to switch between the road and the rail. A road and rail vehicle is also provided.
US07789011B2

A method for actuating a shift cylinder (1) of an electro-pneumatic control unit for the gearbox of a motor vehicle. The gearbox comprising a main gearbox, a group gearbox or other shifting elements with detents in at least one of a neutral position and/or a final position(s). The shift cylinder (1) is prefilled with a pressure below the detent actuating force, prior to a gearshift phase of the control unit, such that the gearshift time is reduced.
US07789009B1

An apparatus and method for easily, and reliably attaching a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to a standard A2 flash compensator typically located at the muzzle end of a firearm barrel and for easily, and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device there from through the novel ideal of providing an apparatus which consistently indexes a noise suppressor on the wrench flats of a standard A2 flash hider.
US07789005B2

There is provided a tampon applicator apparatus and method for creating and scoring petals or petal tips of the tampon applicator. The apparatus has a holding element for the tampon applicator, a score device for forming a score line at the base of the petals, and two or more punch devices for creating a petal. There is also provided a vacuum for removing the portions of the tampon applicator that are punched out.
US07789004B2

A band saw machine includes a machine frame unit with a longitudinal guideway, a cam follower movable along the guideway, a wheel mount movable with the cam follower between closer and remote positions relative to a first wheel mounted on the machine frame unit, a biasing member disposed to bias the wheel mount to the remote position, a second wheel mounted on the wheel mount, a band saw blade trained on the wheels, and an actuating shaft with a cam end which engages the cam follower. The wheel mount can be kept in the closer position with a friction force that counteracts the biasing force of the biasing member by turning the actuating shaft so as to permit replacement of the band saw blade.
US07788991B2

A brake system development tool (10) providing adjustment of pedal ratio in a brake pedal mechanism without having to disassemble the mechanism and replace parts. A positioning mechanism carried by the pedal arm (20) positions the pedal arm and the brake pedal pivot shaft (16) relative to the pushrod shaft (18) to set the distance between the axis of the brake pedal pivot shaft and the axis of the pushrod shaft.
US07788981B2

The present invention discloses a pressure measurement device comprising: a substrate that includes at least one pressure sensing module and at least one fluid-conductive channel, wherein each channel has a first aperture and a second aperture. The substrate is flexible such that the pressure measurement device is conformably adjustable onto an object's surface. The first aperture is located on the substrate such that when the substrate is suitably adjusted onto the object's surface, the first aperture is open to the exterior of the object's surface. The pressure sensors module is operatively connected to at least one of the second apertures, such that the at least one pressure sensing module is generally being subjected to the pressure being present at the first aperture.
US07788980B2

Strain waves of THz frequencies can coherently generate radiation when they propagate past an interface between materials with different piezoelectric coefficients. Such radiation is of detectable amplitude and contains sufficient information to determine the time-dependence of the strain wave with unprecedented subpicosecond, nearly atomic time and space resolution.
US07788978B2

The present invention provides, in a physical quantity measuring system using a vibrator, a supporting structure of a vibrator for reducing the zero-point temperature drift of detection signal. It is provided a supporting member for supporting a vibrator with bonding wires. The supporting member has a supporting plate with an opening formed therein to be positioned direct under a vibrator, and a bonding wire comprising a bonding end to be bonded with the vibrator, a fixed portion fixed on the supporting plate and a bent portion direct under the opening. A distance “L1” between the bent portion and a position where the bonding wire starts to protrude from the supporting plate is 10 percent or more of a distance “L2” of the bent portion and the bonding end.
US07788974B2

A gravity gradiometer is disclosed which has a sensor in the form of bars (41 and 42) which are supported on a mounting (5) which has a first mount section (10) and a second mount section (20). A first flexure web (33) pivotally couples the first and second mount sections about a first axis. The second mount has a first part (25), a second part (26) and a third part (27). The parts (25 and 26) are connected by a second flexure web (37) and the parts (26 and 27) are connected by a third flexure web (35). The bars (41 and 42) are located in housings (45 and 47) and form a monolithic structure with the housings (45 and 47) respectively. The housings (45 and 47) are connected to opposite sides of the second mount section 20. The bars (41 and 42) are connected to their respective housings by flexure webs (59). Transducers (71) are located in proximity to the bars for detecting movement of the bars to in turn enable the gravitational gradient tensor to be measured. A calibration sensor is provided for sensing whether the masses are balanced at room temperature so the balance of the masses can be adjusted by adjustable screws to balance the masses for cryogenic operation of the gradiometer. The calibration sensor comprises a resonant circuit (400, 410) and an oscillator (414). The resonant circuit includes a capacitor (400) which is formed by part of the sensor mass and a space plate (405).
US07788967B2

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for detecting small leaks in double wall containers using enhanced tracer dispersal and detection techniques. More specifically, economical, substantially closed leak detection apparatuses, methods and systems are disclosed that conserve interstitial fluid between container walls enhancing the duration and sensitivity of leak detection testing.
US07788964B2

A method for calibrating a weighing system of a blast furnace top hopper and a corresponding weighing system are disclosed. The method comprises the step of using at least one actuator for exerting a vertical net force with a certain magnitude onto the hopper, so as to simulate a certain weight of charge material in the hopper; and the step of determining the magnitude of the vertical net force. According to the invention, the method further comprises the step of determining the magnitude of a pressure exerting a lifting force onto said hopper and the step of using the determined magnitude of the vertical net force and the determined magnitude of the pressure to establish calibration data for the weighing system.
US07788960B2

A method of forming multi-wall tube from a single-wall piece of tube. The multi-wall tube is formed by relative motion between a die shoe and the single-wall tube to deform the material.
US07788958B2

An apparatus includes a roll former for forming a continuous beam from sheet material, and a downstream former positioned in-line and downstream of the roll former. The downstream former includes a die-supporting sled temporarily movable with the beam, and includes a bottom die, side dies reciprocatingly movable inwardly to temporarily support sides of the beam, and a top die reciprocatingly movable to reform flanges on the beam against the side dies to reform portions of a section of the continuous beam. A related method is also shown.
US07788954B2

In a door panel integrated door stopper with a door lock housing integrated operating mechanism, comprising a door stopper bolt, a spring biasing the door stopper bolt downwardly, a pull member connected to the door stopper bolt for actuating the door stopper bolt, the operating mechanism is disposed in the door lock housing and includes an operating member movable between door stopper engagement and release positions, the operating member extends out of the lock housing through a rear wall opening thereof so that no operating structure is disposed at the side walls of the lock housing.
US07788953B1

A double face, weft-knit textile garment. The garment includes: a first face having a printed portion; and a second face having a printed portion, wherein the fabric density of the fabric forming the garment is greater than about 5 oz. per square yard, thereby substantially preventing grin through from at least one printed portion to the opposite face. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of openings are formed in both faces for breathability. In addition, the garment may further include at least one body anchor for facilitating attachment of the garment to the wearer.
US07788945B2

An air conditioner is configured by appropriating existing refrigerant pipes of an existing air conditioner to update indoor units and an outdoor unit of a refrigerant circuit of the existing air conditioner. The air conditioner is disposed with an updated refrigerant circuit and a mixer disposed in the updated refrigerant circuit. The updated refrigerant circuit is filled with working refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil that include an acid trapping agent that detoxifies acid components remaining in the refrigerant pipes. The mixer mixes the acid components with the acid trapping agent during refrigeration cycle operation of the updated refrigerant circuit.
US07788944B2

The invention relates to a process and apparatus to cool harvest grapes, the grapes being transported from a harvest reception vessel (1) to a press (5) or to a maceration vessel (23), characterized in that the grapes are charged with carbon dioxide during transport to the press (5) and/or during transport to the maceration vessel (23). As a result a flavor improvement of the wine is achieved.
US07788941B2

A cooling system and method are provided which include a facility cooling unit, a cooling tower, and one or more thermal capacitor units. The facility cooling unit, which includes a heat dissipation coolant loop, facilitates thermal energy extraction from a facility, such as a data center, for expelling of the energy to coolant within the heat dissipation coolant loop. The cooling tower is in fluid communication with the coolant loop, and includes a liquid-to-air heat exchanger for expelling thermal energy from coolant of the heat dissipation coolant loop to the surrounding environment. The thermal capacitor unit is in fluid communication with the heat dissipation coolant loop to facilitate efficient thermal energy transfer from coolant with in the coolant loop to the surrounding environment with variation in ambient temperature about the cooling tower.
US07788939B2

An azeotrope spray cooling system for utilizing an azeotrope coolant for improving the performance of a spray cooling system. An azeotrope coolant is utilized within a two-phase thermal management system for thermally managing one or more heat producing devices. The characteristics of the azeotrope coolant may be adjusted for various types of thermal management applications by altering the components of the azeotrope coolant.
US07788932B2

Provided is a seal structure, according to the present invention, for sealing opposite surfaces of flanges between adjacent tail ducts, which can be prevented from being worn or aged deteriorated due to a thermal deformation in a high temperature atmosphere or vibration of a gas turbine combustor, and which can maintain a satisfactory sealing function for a long time. The seal structure is characterized in that recess grooves are formed in opposed surfaces of adjacent flanges at the outlet end of tail ducts, striding between the opposed surfaces, a seal assembly composed of a seal member and a leaf spring is inserted in the recess grooves, the seal member has a pair of continuous beads which are arranged facing the inner surfaces, on the combustion gas passage side, of the recess grooves, striding between the opposed surfaces of the flanges within the recess grooves, the leaf spring is arranged so as to be contact with the seal member within the recess grooves so that the beads are pressed against the surfaces on the combustion gas passage side by the resilient force of the leaf spring so as to create seal surfaces.
US07788930B2

Methods and systems for a gas moisturizing system are provided. The system includes a plurality of gas sources configured to supply a flow of gas to a plurality of gas loads, a single gas moisturizer coupled in flow communication to the plurality of gas sources and the plurality of gas loads wherein the single gas moisturizer is configured to supply a flow of gas having a predetermined moisture content to the plurality of gas loads, and a control system configured to maintain the predetermined moisture content.
US07788923B2

An internal combustion engine (100) includes a first exhaust manifold (120), and a second exhaust manifold (118) fluidly connected to the first exhaust manifold (120) through an exhaust valve (122). An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler (124) constantly fluidly connects the second exhaust manifold (118) with an intake manifold (112). A turbocharger (102) has a turbine (126) in fluid communication with the first exhaust manifold (120), and a compressor (132) in fluid communication with a supercharger (140). A charge air cooler (150) fluidly connects the supercharger (140) with the intake manifold (112).
US07788918B2

A hydraulic circuit for actuation of a hydraulic working cylinder (1) having a one-sided piston rod (1a), comprising a reversible pump (4) whereby both sides of said pump are connected via a supply line (5) and a first two-way valve (6) to the tank (7) containing hydraulic medium and through releasable control check valves (8) to the working cylinder (1). Both sides of the arrangement are further connected respectively to a hydraulic closeable valve (21, 31) through a discharge line (20, 30) and also to the tank (7) through a replenishing suction line (22, 32) having a corresponding suction valve (9). Each of said hydraulic closeable valves (21, 31) is controlled by the pump (4) through a second two-way valve (4).The discharge line (20 or 30) of one side of the working cylinder (1) is connected to the respective discharge line (30 or 20) and/or replenishing suction line (32 or 22) at the opposite side of the working cylinder (1), whereby the connected lines are connected to the tank (7) through an arrangement (13) comprising a check valve (14) blocking in the direction of the tank (7) and well as a pressurizing valve (15) opening in the direction of the tank (7) to ensure through simple means the complete filling of the system with hydraulic medium even during manual operation.
US07788916B2

A hydraulic system for utility vehicles is disclosed for prioritized pressure medium supply to internal and external pressure medium consumers (6, 11, 12), which are fed via load sensing spool valves (20, 26), the external pressure medium consumers (11, 12) being supplied with pressure medium via a priority valve (17). In order to improve the work quality of an implement driven by an external pressure medium consumer, the present invention provides that priority can be selectively assigned to the internal (6) or the external (11, 12) pressure medium consumers. It is thus possible for the driver, in order to ensure optimum operation of the utility vehicle in critical situations, to give priority to external pressure medium consumers. In this way during operation of an implement for dispersion of substances, better work quality can be attained, as a reduced supply and thus slower function of the internal power lift are accepted.
US07788913B2

A combination exhaust manifold and catalytic converter wherein the catalytic converter is in the form of a removable and replaceable cartridge mounted within an opening of an exhaust manifold. This cartridge is supported within the opening of the exhaust manifold by sealing rings and retained within the opening by a removable fastener element.
US07788909B2

An exhaust gas purification system including an exhaust gas purification device having an oxidation catalyst device including an oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter (“DPF”) arranged in order from an upstream side, or a DPF carrying an oxidation catalyst in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. At regeneration of the DPF, when a catalyst temperature index temperature (Tg2), indicating a temperature of the oxidation catalyst, becomes equal to a predetermined determining temperature (Tc1) or above, a temperature of the DPF is raised by supplying an unburned fuel to the upstream side of the oxidation catalyst to thereby oxidize the unburned fuel by the oxidation catalyst. The predetermined determining temperature (Tc1) is changed according to an engine speed Ne of the internal combustion engine. By so oxidizing the unburned fuel supplied into an exhaust gas by the oxidation catalyst, outflow of white smoke is prevented regardless of an operation state of the internal combustion engine.
US07788908B2

A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is proposed. The fuel injection system has a high pressure part and a low pressure part. In the high pressure part, fuel is fed from at least one high pressure accumulator/reservoir to at least one fuel injector. In the low pressure part, the at least one fuel injector is connected to at least one low pressure accumulator/reservoir, wherein a pressure is maintained in the at least one low pressure accumulator by at least one pressure holding valve. Furthermore, the fuel injection system has at least one device for the after-treatment of exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine in an exhaust gas section. Furthermore, the fuel injection system has at least one metering device for the metered introduction of fuel into the exhaust gas section. Said at least one metering device is connected hydraulically to the at least one low pressure accumulator.
US07788894B2

A spindle bearing for a two-for-one twisting spindle, with a spindle rotor having a thread guide body and a spindle shaft rotatably mounted in a vertical arrangement by a lower bearing device in a bearing housing which can be fastened to a spindle bank and which has an upper bearing device for mounting a protective pot. A lubricant duct extends from the top through the thread guide body at least approximately parallel to the rotational axis of the spindle shaft and opens into the lower bearing device.
US07788892B2

A user interface and control system for adjusting the reel of a cutting reel unit includes a frame supported by at least one support element that is supported on, and is movable along, the ground. The system also includes a cutting reel, a bedknife, first and second actuators, a controller, and an operator input station, all carried on the frame. The reel and bedknife define a cutting line therebetween. The first actuator is adjustable to set a clearance between the reel and the bedknife. The second actuator is operatively connected between the frame and the bedknife to adjust the elevation of the cutting line to set a height-of-cut of the cutting reel. The controller is signal-connected to the first and second actuators, to adjust the actuators. The operator input station is signal-connected to the controller, the operator input station including a keypad portion and a display portion, wherein the clearance and the height-of-cut are indicated on the display portion and the clearance and the height-of-cut can be selectively changed via the controller by operator input to the keypad portion.
US07788887B2

A filling device including a web-forming station (A), a filling station (B), a sampling station (C), and a retrieval station (D). A first box conveyor (3) for conveying boxes exiting a folder-gluer (1) and for forwarding them from the web-forming station (A) to the filling station (B) along a forwarding path (Ta). A second box conveyor (10) for conveying boxes forwarded by the first box conveyor (3) and for transferring them from the sampling station (C) to the retrieval station (D) along a transfer path (Tt).
US07788885B2

A method is provided for loading stacked food product into packages. Open top containers are arranged in rows and movable into a loading station. A shuttle conveyor has a retractable and extendable conveying surface, the conveying surface having an end region extendable to a position arranged above the containers of a row of the containers. A guiding and pushing apparatus is arranged above the row and includes guides that are lowered to capture a row of stacked food products on the conveying surface, and plungers within the guides that lower and press a top of the stacks. When the conveying surface is retracted from beneath the guides and the row of containers, the guides are lowered further, adjacent to the containers, and the plungers are lowered with respect to the guides to push the stacks into the containers.
US07788880B2

The invention relates to a device for inserting sheets into an envelope, comprising a holding device (11) for holding the envelope, transport means (15) for feeding the sheets to be inserted to the holding device (11), a feed device (7, 8, 9) for feeding the envelope to the holding device (11), along a feed direction, and a removal device (8, 22) for removing the filled envelope from the holding device (11), along a removal direction. The invention is characterized in that the feed device (7, 8, 9) and the removal device (8, 22) are disposed relative to the holding device (11) in such a manner that a first angle between the feed device and a main surface of the holding device (11) and a second angle between the removal direction and the main surface of the holding device (11) are predetermined in a fixed manner and are different from each other. The invention allows to simplify the construction of the device, thereby reducing its technical complexity and failure proneness. The elimination of a swiveling movement results in a gain in time, thereby increasing the capacity of the device.
US07788873B2

A connector and method of using the connector for making a structural connection between two structural members joined at an angle. The connector is bent in the field to allow the connector to be used in both left-hand and right-hand connections. The connector is preferably formed from metal with an integral gusset at the longitudinal line of juncture. The connector is preferably attached to the structural members by a plurality of fasteners. The gusset reinforces the connection against forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture and the plurality of fasteners reinforce the connection against angular displacement of the structural members perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture.
US07788866B2

A method and apparatus for capping and encapsulating a shaped wooden workpiece or substrate to protect against environmental elements and prevent splintering of the wooden substrate in the installed condition is disclosed. An inventive end cap having a melt ring integrally formed therewith is installed on a portion of the substrate, such as a terminus of the substrate. According to the invention, the wooden substrate is sheathed during a polymeric extrusion process with a substantially continuous, unbroken polyethylene or other polymeric layer extending from and continuous with the inventive end cap. During the extrusion process, the melt ring integrally formed along the annular walls of the end cap melt the encapsulant and form a substantially sealed configuration with the polymeric layer applied to the substrate. The melt ring is engineered to sealingly incorporate with the polymeric extrusion as the molten encapsulant is applied to the wooden substrate, to provide a substantially uniform sealed joint between the end cap and the polymeric layer while maintaining a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the wooden substrate following completion of the encapsulation process.
US07788860B2

Stone faceplates are secured to supporting structures in columbariums or similar environments by a non-standard star screwdriver which penetrates the exposed face of the faceplate to activate a fastening assembly having a rivet nut and screw which secures the faceplate to the supporting structure, the tightening pressure of the rivet nut screw forcing the prongs of a slotted spacer sleeve of the fastening assembly into jamming engagement with a hole in the rear of the faceplate.
US07788853B2

A door trim for vehicle in which a sub seal that seals the gap between a door trim body and a scuff plate is mounted, and an insertion hole is provided, into which at least one of both end portions of the sub seal is inserted. The sub seal is preferably mounted over a corner portion connecting a lower edge portion and a side edge portion of the door trim body.
US07788850B2

An in-ground planting pot apparatus for facilitating watering and fertilizing a plant having: a frustro-conical portion having a minimum diameter, a maximum diameter opposite the minimum diameter, and an outer surface; a curved lip portion circumscribing most of the maximum diameter and extending outwardly from, and having an outside diameter greater than, the maximum diameter, the curved lip portion starting on the outer surface and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter; and an elongated tray portion having a tray bottom that is co-planar with the start of the curved lip portion, and a tray rim starting from the tray bottom and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter and curved lip portion The apparatus can be inserted into soil with the minimum diameter down and a fraction of the frustro-conical portion remaining above ground, a plant may be planted in the middle, and then water and fertilizer dispensed into the frustro-conical, tray, and lip portions which direct water and fertilizer to the plant instead of the surrounding soil, thereby facilitating watering and fertilizing.
US07788842B2

An improved artificial bait, which is composed of metal chain, fish-shaped head and body of fish; wherein metal chain is connected in series with chain link pivoted based on end hole and axial pivot; fish-shaped head is composed of two half sectioned body, concave and protruding point for embedding are respectively set on its combining surface, groove of stopping edge is also formed at end part connecting body of fish; body of fish is formed by several blocks made in separated part, concave and protruding point for embedding are made on combining surface of block, slot connecting groove at two ends are also set, stopping edge is then made at end side of groove; based on this structure combination, metal chain can caulk with slot and groove by use of the difference formed between single link and double links, so that block can be put together with each chain part, and stopping edge may make spacing between chain part of metal chain, therefore, the rotation of axial pivot of metal chain can control the connected fish-shaped head and body of fish to sway, which may promote flexibility and strength of artificial bait.
US07788836B2

The invention broadly comprises a device for displaying an object including a stand, at least one arcuate hanger element connected to the stand, and a fastener connected to the at least one arcuate hanger element. In some aspects, the at least one hanger element is symmetrically arranged with respect to the stand. In some aspects, the at least one hanger element comprises a length and at least two hanger elements in the at least one hanger element have different respective lengths. In some aspects, the at least one hanger element is flexible. In some aspects, the at least one hanger element is wire. The at least one hanger element comprises a distal end and the fastener is connected to the distal end. In some aspects, the fastener is a clip.
US07788835B2

The invention provides a device for advertising. The device includes a shaft to be vertically mounted, in use; an upper connection means proximate the upper end of the shaft for connecting to one end of each of at least two resiliently flexible rods; and a lower connection means proximate the lower end of the shaft for connecting to each other end of the resiliently flexible rods, such that with each rod being longer than the distance between the upper and lower connection means a banner of flexible material can, in use, be spanned by each rod in a plane defined by the rod and shaft.
US07788833B2

An animated light source and method are provided. The light source may include a plurality of solid-state emitters and a control circuit for controlling the selective energization of the emitters individually to from a beam of light along an axis. The emitters may be selectively energized to provide the appearance of motion of light within the beam.
US07788830B2

An excavation retention assembly is provided for mounting a tooth to an excavating apparatus. The assembly in one embodiment includes a tooth and an adaptor end of a working member of an excavating apparatus. The tooth includes a cavity for mating with an end of the adaptor, an opening for receiving a fastening member and a fastening receptacle in the cavity opposite the opening in the tooth for receiving the fastening member. The adaptor includes a passage which aligns with the opening in the tooth and the fastening member. The fastening member passes through the aligned opening of the tooth, the passage of the adaptor and into the fastening receptacle for securing the tooth to the adaptor.
US07788829B2

A snow pusher attachment for use in conjunction with a straight blade angle-type snow plow mounted to a work vehicle. This pusher allows a work vehicle to capture, contain, and relocate large amounts of snow very quickly and efficiently. The attachment consists of side panels, connected by horizontal members between. This pusher attachment is secured to the snow plow by bracket assemblies, attached to the upper edge of the snow plow that engage hooks on the upper, rear portion of the pusher attachment. The attachment does not require the operator to exit the work vehicle to secure or release it from the snowplow. Accordingly, the attachment allows the quick and repeated conversion of a snow plow into a snow pusher box and visa versa.
US07788827B2

An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.
US07788825B2

A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, includes an inner sole and an outer sole the heel part of which, hollowed out with an opening oriented upwards, includes an internal shock-absorbing element, which is preferably formed as a single block with the outer sole. This shock-absorbing element has a hollow tubular open configuration, the annular section of which is not of constant thickness over all of its height, locally presenting a zone of reduced thickness, from which preferably the deformation by flexing of the shock-absorbing element occurs. Preferably, it has an outer wall that is perpendicular to the general pressure plane of the outer sole and an inner wall with a concave curvature.
US07788824B2

A shoe for improving use efficiency through reduction of neuromuscular fatigue. The shoe comprising a midsole with a suspension element and a hinge.
US07788823B2

A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot, including a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.
US07788818B1

A mesoscale calibration artifact, also called a hybrid artifact, suitable for hybrid dimensional measurement and the method for make the artifact. The hybrid artifact has structural characteristics that make it suitable for dimensional measurement in both vision-based systems and touch-probe-based systems. The hybrid artifact employs the intersection of bulk-micromachined planes to fabricate edges that are sharp to the nanometer level and intersecting planes with crystal-lattice-defined angles.
US07788817B2

A ruler has a base, a design paper and a cover. The base has a ridge, a first inclined sheet, a second inclined sheet, a first horizontal tab and a second horizontal tab. The first inclined sheet is formed on the ridge. The first horizontal tab is formed on the first inclined sheet and has a top surface and multiple scales. The scales are formed on the top surface or the bottom surface. The second inclined sheet is formed on the ridge. The second horizontal tab is formed on the second inclined sheet. The design paper is mounted on the base. The cover is transparent, is mounted detachably on the base and covers the design paper. The design of the ruler can be replaced and the scales are not abraded easily.
US07788810B2

A shaving system includes a safety razor and a base station spaced apart from one another. The base station has a reservoir adapted to contain a shaving aid material capable of fluid flow. The base station is linked to the safety razor by an umbilical to provide fluid communication between the reservoir and an applicator of the safety razor to deliver the shaving aid material to the skin surface of a user during a shaving operation. A pump can be provided to propel the shaving aid material. A sensor can be provided to initiate operation of the pump. The reservoir can be refillable or replaceable.
US07788804B2

A linear compressor and a method of producing the linear compressor which do not generate eddy currents in an inside stator of a linear motor thereof, thus preventing an eddy current loss, caused by an electrical contact between a plurality of thin metal sheets of the inside stator. The linear compressor includes a cylinder having a piston therein, a magnet arranged around the cylinder to actuate the piston, and the inside stator arranged around the cylinder to be placed inside the magnet. The inside stator has the thin metal sheets arranged in a cylindrical arrangement, and a holder which is made of a nonconductive resin material and to which the thin metal sheets are insert-molded to be held in positions thereof in the cylindrical arrangement. Due to the nonconductive holder, the thin metal sheets are prevented from being in electrical contact with each other, and the linear compressor does not generate any eddy currents in the inside stator, and prevents an eddy current loss.
US07788798B2

A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a wrap around magnetic shield. The method allows a highly accurate short wavelength such as 193 mm photolithography to be used to accurately define the placement and critical dimension of wrap around magnetic shield. The method includes the formation of a magnetic write pole, top gap, and side gap and the deposition of a RIEable fill layer thereover, and CMP to planarization. A 193 nm photolithography and ion milling is used to form a mask over the RIEable layer and one or more reactive ion etching processes are performed to pattern the RIEable layer through 193 nm photolithography mask. A wrap around shield can then be electroplated into the opening formed in the RIEable layer.
US07788795B2

A method for manufacturing a magnetic head that is effective for the suppression of thermal protrusion. The magnetic head includes SiO2, Si nitride, or Si oxide as a coil insulator having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high workability. The coil insulator is arranged at a position away from the air bearing surface and the air bearing surface is made of alumina, making slider processing easy.
US07788794B2

A transformer and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The transformer includes a coil assembly mounted to a leg of a core. The coil assembly includes a low voltage coil and an insulation spool disposed over the low voltage coil. The insulation spool is composed of an insulating material and includes a plurality of guide strips defining a plurality of series of aligned notches. A high voltage coil is mounted to the insulation spool and includes a plurality of disc windings disposed in the series of aligned notches, respectively. Each of the disc windings comprises alternating concentric conductor layers and insulating layers. The conductor layers each have a width to thickness ratio of greater than 20:1.
US07788782B2

A first reference position C1 constituting a middle point is calculated by measuring positions of left and right damper attaching holes 22 in a white body 12. A second reference position C2 constituting a middle point is calculated by measuring positions of left and right hubs 44 in a suspension assembly 20. A position of the suspension assembly 20 is adjusted by a slide table 56 such that the first reference position C1 and the second reference position C2 are coincident with each other. The suspension assembly 20 is moved up by a lift mechanism 59 and is attached to the white body 12.
US07788768B2

A door closer that integrally incorporates a door-opening-assistance device, and that therefore eliminates the need for unnecessary troublesome adjustment between parts, and whose number of parts is reduced, making said door closer compact. The door closer 1 includes a closer 1a that includes a pinion 5 that rotates in the forward and reverse directions when the door is opened or closed, respectively. A cylinder 9 is meshed with the pinion 5 and moves forward and backward. A closing spring 14 energizes the door in the closing direction via the cylinder 9 and the pinion 5. A opening-assistance device 1b that includes an opening spring 22 that stores an opening force in the door-opening direction due to the movement of the cylinder 9 when the door is opened. Locking mechanisms 27, 28, and 29, that—when the door is opened—lock the opening spring 22 under an opening-force-storing condition. An unlocking mechanisms 23 and 24 that—when the door is closed—unlock the locking mechanisms. The closer 1a and the door-opening-assistance device 1b are inside the same case 6 and interlinked by the opening of the door.
US07788766B2

This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes therethrough.
US07788765B2

A fluid recirculating cleaning device includes an exhaust port defining an exhaust port longitudinal axis, a fluid source end and an exhaust end defining a first cross-sectional area. A suction port includes a suction port longitudinal axis, a fluid exit end and a fluid entrance end defining a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The suction port includes a second outer surface that extends from the entrance end toward the fluid exit end. A vacuum blower motor sucks fluid in through the suction port to create fluid flow away from the vacuum motor and toward the exhaust port exhaust end. The exhaust port exhaust end is recessed from the suction port fluid entrance end and the two ports are located with respect to one another so that fluid flow from the exhaust port will be effectively drawn into the suction port.
US07788759B2

A standing duster article consisting of a dusting portion and a spiral handle, wherein the dusting portion is comprised of a segmented intermingled yarn layer, a hot-meltable nonwoven fabric layer, a smooth nonwoven fabric layer, and a nonwoven/woven fabric layer; the segmented intermingled yarn layer is interleaved between the hot-meltable nonwoven fabric layer and the smooth nonwoven fabric layer; the nonwoven/woven fabric layer is further superimposed on the smooth nonwoven fabric layer; a hot-pressing process is carried out to fuse the segmented intermingled yarn layer, the hot-meltable nonwoven fabric layer, the smooth nonwoven fabric layer, and the nonwoven/woven fabric layer; the resulted lamination after fusion is cut by a cutting apparatus, so as to generate a slit in the middle to form the dusting portion which is easy to be folded to form two elongated openings; and a spiral end of the spiral handle is inserted into the openings to form the duster article with the spiral dusting portion. Since the intermingled yarn of the segmented intermingled yarn layer used in the present invention comprises alternate loose and tight segments, the fibers on the loose segments of the intermingled yarn are capable of capturing more dust powder. The alternate loose and tight segments are formed by twisting the intermingled yarn, such that each of the bundles of the intermingled yarn is effectively bound and will not tangle with each other. Further, it is easy to install or remove the spiral handle in or from the dusting portion by such design.
US07788751B1

A sitting neck support device preferably includes a support base and at least one air valve. The support base includes a first boundary sheet and a second boundary sheet. The perimeters of the first and second boundary sheets are secured to each other. A breathing opening and two hand openings are preferably formed in the support base. A plurality of air chambers are formed in the support base with a plurality of partitions. First and second positioning straps extend from opposing ends of the support base. A strip of hook or loop fastener is preferably applied to the first and second positioning straps. In use, the sitting neck support device is inflated with the at least one air valve. The support base is curled into a substantial cylinder by securing the first and second positioning straps; tucked under the face; and placed on or over the legs of a user.
US07788749B1

A foldable neck/waist support includes a foldable board and a soft pad. The foldable board includes a central flat portion, a pair of inner oblique portions extending from two opposing sides of the central flat portion, a pair of outer oblique portions extending from the pair of inner oblique portions, a pair of insertion portions extending from the pair of outer oblique portions. The soft pad is a rectangular sheet to be stuck on the central flat portion and the pair of inner oblique portions with adhesive to form one piece. The soft pad has two opposing ends extending over the pair of inner oblique portions. An engaging slot is not coated with adhesive. When fording the present invention, top dents formed on the foldable board are bent rearward such that the outer oblique portions and the insertion portions are folded behind the central flat portion. When assembling the present invention, the top dents are pushed forward and inner dents and outer dents are pushed rearward. The insertion portions are folded backward along the outer dents. An engaging tab is inserted through the engaging slot and secured in place by a pair of hook-shaped notches. The gaps which are formed between each of the pair of support sections and the engaging tab provide a holding effect to form a pair of symmetrical hollow triangular prisms. The present invention can be used to support the neck or the waist of a user, and is light and compact for carrying with ease.
US07788746B2

A mattress foundation with a perimeter structure has a frame, springs mounted upon the frame, and a grid supported by the springs, and perimeter structure at a perimeter of the frame which extends from the frame to the grid, forming an exterior wall which extends from the frame to a border wire of the grid. When the perimeter structure is made of structural and reflexive material such as closed-cell foam, it co-acts with the grid and springs and provides additional support to the perimeter region of the grid and foundation. The exterior wall of the perimeter structure forms a solid surface over which padding or upholstery is placed.
US07788739B1

A male undergarment providing a comfort barrier between the groin and outerwear with enhancements for promoting male fertility. By use of less restrictive (and confining) clothing adjuncts to the conventional undergarment, an environment for genitalia, primarily the testes, is acquired that will reduce the level of body heat accumulating in the zone or regions proximate those organs. Elements are used that will reduce the normally existing temperatures: a dam, consisting minimally of a fabric partition, for compartmentally segregating genitalia from the loins; thermally isolation, by use of suitable insulative/reflective fabrics, on the dam and between the segregated organs and groin regions; and, a vented, independent, scrotal compartment. Contrary to the modern norm, the genitalia are allowed to assume a more natural, pendulous suspension, one more conducive to the vitality of spermatozoa.
US07788737B2

A glove or apparel formed at least partially from a knitted thread substrate and including areas on an outer surface which has a substantially continuous surface surrounding ends of the finger portions and thumb portion of the glove and areas which have a substantially non-continuous surface positioned over the palm portion and the back of the hand portion of the glove.
US07788736B2

An item of clothing, such as a light jacket, heavy jacket, sports jacket or the like, comprising, at the inside of the back, a fastener for fastening to the upper body of a user which comprises two shoulder straps which are adapted to allow the item of clothing to hang from the upper body when it is not being worn.
US07788734B2

A bib having an apron, a pocket, a waist strap, and a hip strap. The bib is especially useful for young children who may be uncomfortable wearing neck-type bibs.
US07793350B2

A simulated access environment overrides function calls pertaining to resources for which the user may be restricted from accessing. The environment also allocates and manages replacement resources that are used in place of access-restricted computing resources in order to enable execution of utilities or applications that would normally abort without enhanced user permissions. In one embodiment, replacement resources are managed by a resource mirror. In certain embodiments, the function calls are statically overridden by linking a replacement library to the utilities or applications. In other embodiments, the function calls are dynamically overridden via software interrupts, replacing entries within a function table, dynamically loading a replacement library, or the like.
US07793349B2

Disclosed as a system and method for providing enhanced security to processes running on a data processing system. The disclosed system and method selectively revokes execute privileges from memory pages being used for stacks of susceptible processes running on the data processing system. By selectively resetting execute privileges on a per page and per process basis, the system and method maintains system performance and provides enhanced security to processes running on the data processing system.
US07793347B2

Validating a computer system. An integrity check program is declared during booting of the computer system. It is determined whether the integrity check program quasi-periodically validates dynamic data structures of an operating system within a time interval.
US07793346B1

A system, method and computer program product are provided for preventing unauthorized program modules from communicating. Initially, at least one program module is identified utilizing a central processing unit call history. Thereafter, an authorization test is performed on the at least one program module for preventing unauthorized program modules from communicating.
US07793345B2

Various methods and apparatuses of protection mechanism are described. A target intellectual property block may field and service requests from an initiator intellectual property block in a system-on-chip network. The target intellectual property block has an associated protection mechanism with logic configured to restrict access for the requests to the target intellectual property block. The request's access is restricted based on access permissions associated with a region within the target intellectual property block and attributes of the request trying to access that region.
US07793341B2

According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a cabinet, a first storage module contained in the cabinet, a communication unit which is detachably inserted into the cabinet, equipped with a second storage module, and used for connecting to a communication line, a verification module which verifies identification information of the communication unit stored in the first storage module against that of the communication unit stored in the second storage module after receiving an instruction of activation of the information processing apparatus, a registration module which registers with the predetermined server unit for use of the communication unit when verification is performed against the identification information of the communication unit stored in the predetermined server unit and the use of the communication unit is determined to be matching.
US07793337B2

Systems and methods for authenticating digital assets in relation to a telecommunications network. In various cases, the systems include a network interface device associated with a customer premises. The network interface device includes a local authentication authority operable to authenticate one or more digital assets maintained in relation to the customer premises. In some cases, a global authentication authority can authenticate the network interface device, and implicitly authenticate the one or more digital assets. Many other cases and/or embodiments are disclosed herein.
US07793334B2

A method for password protecting a subscriber-created distribution list in a wireless network includes receiving in a wireless network a subscriber-created password and a distribution list of a plurality of destination addresses, storing the distribution list and the subscriber-created password in a data structure within the wireless network, associating the subscriber-created password with the distribution list, and limiting access to the distribution list based on the subscriber-created password.
US07793327B2

A terminal device for using different services offered via a telecommunications network includes at lest one receiving device for image and sound information, at least one transmitting device for data which is used to select the received image and sound information, an input unit, a decoder for the image and sound information, and outputs for audio and video signals. A server for such terminal devices includes devices for connection to a telecommunications network, devices for carrying out authorization checks using the respective data received from a terminal device, and devices for receiving and processing service requests of the terminal devices. The services used may include television programs, such as pay TV and interactive television, and Internet applications.
US07793323B2

A method and apparatus for transmitting a media program comprising audiovisual data. The method comprises the steps of transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; transponding the audiovisual data to a ground-based hub; and transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity. The apparatus comprises a ground transmitter transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; satellite for transponding the audiovisual data; and a ground-based hub, having a receiver for receiving the transponded audiovisual data and a hub transmitter for transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity.
US07793321B2

Providing a program guide for digital and analog broadcast television channels specific to a geographic region. A computing device sends a program guide request including a geographic identifier to another computing device. In response, the other computing device filters a master program guide as a function of the geographic identifier to create the requested program guide. The created program guide includes a call sign, physical channel, major channel, and content listing for each of the digital broadcast television channels. In one embodiment, the digital broadcast television channels conform the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standard.
US07793318B2

Digital video signature apparatus and methods for use with video program identification systems are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus and methods identify a video program using a sequence of signatures. Each of the signatures includes a set of centroids corresponding to one of a plurality of frames of the video program. The apparatus and methods compare the sequence of signatures to a set of reference sequences of signatures and identify the video program based on the comparison of the sequence of signatures to the set of reference sequences of signatures.
US07793309B2

Methods, apparatus and computer instructions for a container managed persistent support architecture that meets the Enterprise Java Bean (EJB) Specification are disclosed. The support architecture provides application programmers a model for balancing generated components with runtime code to better optimize flexibility and efficiency of applications. Six generated components: concrete bean, bean adaptor binding, injector, extractor, data cache entry and function set, are used in combination with runtime code to perform typical operations of CMP entity beans.
US07793305B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a communication manager. The disclosed systems and methods may include receiving a request for a communication service. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include determining, from a plurality of servers based on the request, a first server capable of servicing the request and transmitting the request to the first server.
US07793304B2

A method of monitoring memory usage includes determining whether memory monitoring is enabled within an application server environment from within an application within the application server environment and creating a memory allocation event after determining that memory monitoring is enabled. The memory allocation event is associated with an object. The method further includes allocating memory to the object.
US07793302B2

A system and a method for dynamic or as-needed activation of Remote Method Invocation (RMI) layer remote objects in response to a client request. Object activation allows the system to clean up or delete currently unused remote objects, and then reactivate them when a client actually needs them. An object implementation can first be created in response to a client request. The client receives a remote reference (remote ref) and an activation identifier (activation id) identifying that particular implementation. The implementation can subsequently be cleaned up or deleted during garbage collection so as to save server resources, or alternatively the object can be reused if the system is set up to maintain a pool of objects. When the client requests the same object at a later point in time, the system activates an object based on the activation ID previously received from the server.
US07793297B2

A method, apparatus, and computer program product in a data processing system for intelligent resource provisioning based on on-demand weight calculation. Resource weights are defined for an application cluster. If the application cluster requests a set of additional resources, an on-demand weight for each resource in a resource pool is calculated and the resource with the highest on-demand weight is provisioned for the requesting application cluster. If resources need to be de-provisioned from the application cluster, an on-demand weight for each resource in the application cluster is calculated and the resource with the lowest on-demand weight for the application cluster is de-provisioned.
US07793296B2

The invention relates to a device to be used with a scheduling method, and to a scheduling method, in particular a context scheduling method, comprising the steps of performing a scheduling for threads to be executed by a multithreaded processor, wherein the scheduling is performed as a function of index variables assigned to the threads. That thread whose index variable has the highest, or—in an alternative—the lowest value may be selected as the respective thread to be executed by the processor.
US07793285B2

An improved system and method for installing a printer driver on a remote information terminal through a network are provided. A method for providing a network-based driver management service is also provided.
US07793280B2

A method and arrangement for installing a software module in a device are provided, an operating system and a hardware-independent software environment such as a Java environment may be operated on the device and new software modules for the operating system may be installed via an interface with the software environment and an installation manager in the operating system. For this purpose, the software environment provides data to the installation manager via the installation interface. The installation manager, shielded from the software environment, then carries out the installation of the software module.
US07793277B2

A front-end compiler generates unique instructions for virtual method calls in intermediate representation code that may be passed to a back-end compiler. A back-end compiler in accordance with the preferred embodiments receives the intermediate representation code, and processes the unique instructions to generate therefrom equivalent code with explicit method calls, where possible. The machine code from the back-end compiler is then executed using sample inputs to generate profile data. The profile data and intermediate representation code are fed into the back-end compiler, which then generates code that may devirtualize virtual method calls according to the profile data by providing one or more explicit method calls for target methods that have an execution frequency (as indicated by the profile data) that exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US07793276B2

In some embodiments, a method and apparatus for automatically parallelizing a sequential network application through pipeline transformation are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the configuration of a network processor into a D-stage processor pipeline. Once configured, a sequential network application program is transformed into D-pipeline stages. Once transformed, the D-pipeline stages are executed in parallel within the D-stage processor pipeline. In one embodiment, transformation of a sequential application program is performed by modeling the sequential network program as a flow network model and selecting from the flow network model into a plurality of preliminary pipeline stages. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07793275B2

Methods and apparatus are disclosed to tune intermediate representations in a managed runtime environment. An example method disclosed herein receives a bytecode at a virtual machine during runtime, determines a method of the received bytecode, identifies an optimized intermediate representation associated with the method, and imports the optimized intermediate representation from the memory into the virtual machine. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07793272B2

In program code conversion, particularly dynamic binary translation, subject code 17 is translated into target code 21 through a translator 19 for execution on a target processor 13. Selected portions of subject code, such as library functions SFuncA 172, are replaced by instead executing a portion of native code such as a native function NFuncA 282. The native function is native to the target processor 13. The method further includes executing a subject code portion such as a subject function SFuncB 173 in place of a native code portion such library function NFuncB 283. This reverse binding technique substitutes subject code for selected portions of the native code, particularly native library functions in order to keep control within the translator 19. This helps to maintain an accurate subject state in the translator 19, amongst other advantages.
US07793267B2

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for performing software testing. A first set of traces is compressed to form a first set of compressed traces. The first set of compressed traces is compared to a plurality of additional traces to identify a set of partially matching traces within the plurality of additional traces. The first set of traces is compressed to form a second set of compressed traces. The second set of compressed traces is compressed according to a technique such that the second set of compressed traces contains more information than the first set of compressed traces. The second set of compressed traces is compared to the set of partially matching traces to identify a second set of partially matching traces within the set of partially matching traces. The second set of partially matching traces is placed in a memory.
US07793257B2

Programming the creation of a software system is facilitated by automating the generation of some of the program code that is necessary for the software system. The generation of program code may be automated based on a software design specification that can be created by developers. The software design specification may be scanned and code may be generated for implementing the software system based on information obtained from scanning the software design specification.
US07793254B2

Aspects for designing a timing closure of an integrated circuit include instantiating a minimum repeater between at least one block and a corresponding blockage if an interconnect crosses the corresponding blockage and according to a drive of the blockage. The aspects further include instantiating one or more smallest repeaters between at least one pair of connected blocks depending upon a drive of a corresponding interconnect, the instantiation of the smallest repeater being based on pre-determined criteria.
US07793251B2

A method for increasing the manufacturing yield of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAS) or other programmable logic devices (PLDs). An FPGA or other PLD is formed in several sections, each of the sections having its own power bus and input/output connections. Each section of the FPGA or other PLD is tested to identify defects in the FPGA or other PLD. The FPGA or other PLD is sorted according to whether the section has an acceptable number of defects. An assigned unique number for the FPGA or other PLD chip or part identifies it as partially good. Software for execution and configuring the FPGA or other PLD may use the unique number for programming only the identified functional sections of the FPGA or other PLD. The result is an increase in yield as partially good FPGAs or other PLDs may still be utilized.
US07793245B2

Statistical timing analysis methods for circuits having latches and feedback loops are described wherein the circuit yield, and/or the critical cycle mean (the largest cycle mean among all loops in the circuit), may be iteratively calculated with high speed and accuracy, thereby allowing their ready usage in the analysis and validation of proposed circuit designs.
US07793242B2

A method for performing verification is disclosed. The method includes selecting a first computer-design constraint for simplification and applying structural reparamaterization to simplify the first computer-design constraint. In response to determining that the first computer-design constraint is not eliminated, the first computer-design constraint is set equal to a dead-end state of the constraint. A structural preimage of the first computer-design constraint is created, in response to determining that a combination of a target and the dead-end state of the first computer-design constraint is equal to a combination of the target and the structural preimage of the first computer-design constraint, the first computer-design constraint is set equal to the structural preimage.
US07793238B1

Various approaches for improving an integrated circuit layout. In one approach, a tree-type hierarchical layout representation of the circuit design is traversed. At each block visited during the traversing, a process determines whether there exists an improvement opportunity for each cell associated with the block. In response to determining that an improvement opportunity exists for a cell of a first block of the plurality of blocks, the process determines whether a modification to the cell satisfies one or more rules for every other block of the block type of the first block in the hierarchical representation. If the rules are satisfied, the modification is stored. Otherwise, the modification is discarded.
US07793237B2

A system, structure and method is provided for providing dynamic optimization of integrated circuits using a non-contact method of selection, and a design structure on which a subject circuit resides. The method is provided for optimizing an electronic system having at least one integrated circuit. The method includes storing a target performance voltage of the at least one integrated circuit; remotely querying the at least one integrated circuit to obtain the target performance voltage; and providing an operational voltage of a next-level assembly according to the stored target performance voltage.
US07793233B1

A method and system for customizing note flags allows a user to change the look or “feel” of a note flag. A user can be provided with several options in order to create note flags that are visually distinguishable from one another. In this way, the note flags can be used to visually distinguish a first note or first set of notes from a second note or second set of notes. The method and system can also link note flags with a particular action or operation within a document editing module or with action or an operation in another application program relative to a document editing module. In other words, a note flag can initiate an operation in another application program or within the document editing module (or both) when a particular note flag is selected by a user.
US07793230B2

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates conveying enhanced query results. An interface component can receive a query corresponding to data. A visual component can employ a search result based at least in part upon the query, wherein the search result includes a graphic identifying a location of at least one term of the query within the queried data.
US07793223B2

Methods, systems and computer program products for managing user focus change between applications on a computer are provide. A current user focus application is identified that is executing on the computer and has a current user focus. A current state of execution of the current user focus application is determined. Information characterizing a focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application is obtained. A request from another application executing on the computer to change the current user focus to the other application is limited based on the focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application. The request from the other application to change the current user focus to the other application is allowed responsive to a user override authorization regardless of the focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application.
US07793222B2

A user-activatable dashboard (also referred to as a unified interest layer) contains any number of user interface elements, referred to herein as “widgets,” for quick access by a user. In response to a command from a user, the dashboard is invoked and the widgets are shown on the screen. The user can activate the dashboard at any time, causing the dashboard to temporarily replace the existing user interface display on the user's screen. Once the dashboard has been activated, the user can interact with any or all of the widgets, and can configure the dashboard by adding, deleting, moving, or configuring individual widgets as desired. When the user wishes to return to the normal user interface he or she was working with, the user issues a command causing the dashboard to be dismissed. Once the dashboard has been dismissed, the previous user interface state is restored, allowing the user to resume normal interactions with the operating system.
US07793218B2

Systems and methods for creating a button map for implementing remote control functions for a standard input/output device in a video playback system is described. One embodiment is directed to a method which includes first adding a button that is currently selected along with its neighboring selectable buttons to a button map, iteratively adding a new selectable button not in the button map and then adding all neighboring selectable buttons for the new button to the button map. Finally, the method includes selecting one of the buttons in the button map using a standard input/output device.
US07793217B1

The present invention is a combined image viewing, drawing, and reporting system, which provides: an easy way to access digital images while creating a digital drawing; and an automated method of creating medical reports by translating the drawing data into standard reports. The present invention system provides automated medical drawings and creates medical reports as a result of translating drawing results. The system provides invaluable tools for drawing, diagnosing and treating ophthalmic and/or other types of diseases by generating an automated translation report based on the physician drawing. Customized reports (e.g., a medical drawing report, a referral note, a medical letter, billing based information, a proofsheet for the patient chart, etc.) can be added by the user. A physician can design a format for a report via system utility tools. The present invention may be a stand-alone system, and/or connected to a network.
US07793213B2

A system for providing an individual user with customized information is described. The user provides the system with the user's preferences, including how often the user wants to receive information on products of interest. The system compares each user's preferences to a database to provide the user with notification of available products. The notification is individually prepared for each user by dynamically populating the notification with the necessary information as the notification is being sent to the individual. Thus, there is no need to first prepare the notification, store it, send it, and delete it. This approach reduces the need for more equipment as the number of needed notifications increases.
US07793211B2

The invention is a method for delivering targeted web advertising to internet users via a network capable of rating, annotating, linking, meta-tagging and otherwise annotating any definable data accessible through a global computer network. The system is comprised of a graphical user interface (GUI), a database, and software to connect the two. The system stores and caches data and related annotations in a database. The software searches and organizes the database inputs. The GUI displays the result to the user. The user, through a web-browser or other means, would access a definable set of internet data (e.g., a web page) and through the proposed system be able to view ratings of that data as well as other relevant inputs from other users.
US07793208B2

Methods and apparatus provide for a clip-beat aligner that identifies musical beats in an audio file. An editing mode is provided to associate the audio file with a media segment according to a timeline. The clip-beat aligner aligns a boundary of the media segment with a musical beat on the timeline. Upon performing an editing operation, the clip-beat aligner maintains that the boundary of the media segment is aligned with any one of the musical beats. To align a boundary of each media segment with a musical beat, the clip-beat aligner identifies a musical beat that is proximate to the position of the media segment's boundary. The clip-beat aligner then aligns the media segment's boundary with the proximate musical beat by, if necessary, automatically trimming the media segment's duration such that the media segment's boundary occurs at the same moment in time as the proximate musical beat.
US07793199B2

A method for reducing the computational complexity of a Viterbi decoder, which is suitable for all code rates of a convolutional code applied by the Viterbi decoder. The method dramatically reduces the branch metric computation to thus reduce the complexity of implementing the Viterbi decoder, without affecting the capability of error correction. Upon the best mode, the Viterbi decoder can reduce the required branch metric computation to ¼k of the original computation.
US07793198B2

An integrated apparatus for multi-standard optical media includes a compact disc/digital versatile disc (CD/DVD) processor, a high-definition DVD (HDDVD) processor and a Blu-ray disc (BD) processor; a memory unit connected to the CD/DVD processor, the HDDVD processor and the BD processor to provide a storage resource; and a shared error correction code (ECC) engine for encoding or decoding the CD/DVD data stream, the HDDVD data stream and the BD data stream. Therein, the ECC engine further has a syndrome/parity generator to encode the data stream or to obtain the syndrome information from the data stream; and an erasure generator to obtain the possible error position information from the data stream. Thereby, the complexity and cost of the integrated apparatus can be reduced.
US07793193B2

In a method for error correction of packet data, in particular DAB (digital audio broadcasting) data packets, code words being used over multiple data packets, redundancy information for error correction is added while maintaining the original packet data structure, at the cost of a free data field or a useful data field. The cycle of the error protection is selected as a multiple of a minimum size for a packet length.
US07793190B1

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for performing data encoding involving receiving a sequence of data bits, encoding the sequence of data bit according to a code characterized by a parity check matrix (H matrix) to generate a sequence of encoded bits, wherein the H matrix is capable of being expressed as H=[Hp|Hd]=[S|J*P*T], S being a dual-diagonal matrix, J being a single parity check matrix, P being an interleaver permutation matrix, and T being a repeat block matrix, wherein the H matrix is a column permuted version of an original H matrix, wherein clashes associated with an interleaver corresponding to the P matrix are reduced by adopting the H matrix instead of the original H matrix, and outputting the sequence of encoded bits.
US07793189B2

In an error control apparatus on a receiving side using a hybrid ARQ which combines an error correcting encoding method and an automatic repeat request method, a buffer stores hard decision result data or soft output data instead of soft decision information in order to reduce a memory capacity of the buffer, and re-encodes the data stored to be provided to a combiner. Alternatively, the number of bits of the data stored in the buffer is restricted or a memory included in a decoder is used as an HARQ buffer.
US07793187B2

Provided are a method and system checking output from multiple execution units. Execution units concurrently execute test instructions to generate test output, wherein test instructions are transferred to the execution units from a cache coupled to the execution units over a bus. The test output from the execution units is compared to determine whether the output from the execution units indicates the execution units are properly concurrently executing test instructions. The result of the comparing of the test output are forwarded to a design test unit.
US07793181B2

Sequential storage circuitry is provided for an integrated circuit, comprising input circuitry, a storage structure, and output circuitry. The input circuitry receives an input data value to the sequential storage circuitry, and generates an internal data value. The input circuitry receives a first control signal which when asserted causes it to generate as the internal data value an inverted version of the input data value, and which when not asserted causes the input circuitry to generate as the internal data value the input data value. The storage structure then stores an indication of the internal data value. The output circuitry generates, from the indication of the internal data value stored in the storage structure, an output data value for outputting from the sequential storage circuitry. More particularly, the output circuitry receives a second control signal derived from the first control signal, which causes the output circuitry to generate as said output data value an inverted version of the internal data value in the event that the input circuitry generated as the internal data value an inverted version of the input data value, and otherwise generates as the output data value the internal data value.
US07793168B2

Method, system and computer program product are provided for detecting and correcting dropped writes in a storage system. Data and a checksum are written to a storage device, such as a RAID array. The state of the data is classified as being in a “new data, unconfirmed” state. The state of written data is periodically checked, such as with a timer. If the data is in the “new data, unconfirmed” state, it is checked for a dropped write. If a dropped write has occurred, the state of the data is changed to a “single dropped write confirmed” state and the dropped write error is preferably corrected. If no dropped write is detected, the state is changed to a “confirmed good” state. If the data was updated through a read-modified-write prior to being checked for a dropped write event, its state is changed to an “unquantifiable” state.
US07793166B2

A method for recovering meta-data that has been subjected to corruption is disclosed for a cache memory. Each table entry in the cache memory has an in-cache indicator for indicating whether the data unit associated therewith is stored in a cache-slot in the cache memory. A first review is conducted of the table entries for identifying in-cache table entries (those that are associated with cache-slots in the cache memory), performing a correction attempt to ensure that the meta-data in an in-cache table entry are validated and corrected, if necessary, and ensuring that the in-cache indicator is set for an in-cache table entry. A second review is conducted of the table entries to ensure that the in-cache indicator is not set for any table entry that is not an in-cache table entry or for any in-cache table entry for which the correction attempt was unsuccessful.
US07793161B2

A computer implemented method, computer program product, and data processing system for predicting a future status of a memory leak. A first set of data including memory consumption data is received at a software bundle. The software bundle is operating in an open services gateway initiative environment. Responsive to a determination that a memory leak exists, the first set of data is analyzed to predict a future status of the memory leak. The future status is stored, as stored data, in a storage device.
US07793160B1

Methods and systems consistent with the present invention may facilitate error tracing in computer software. Such methods and systems may maintain context information of a target process, swap from a context of the target process to a context of an error-tracing process, and trace an error from the target process using the error-tracing process and the context information of the target process.
US07793142B2

Facilitating error handling of computing environments, including those environments having file systems. Responsive to an entity of the computing environment, such as a client of a file system, obtaining at least an indication of an error, a portion of functionality of the entity is automatically frozen. The obtaining is, for instance, responsive to an event of another entity of the computing environment, such as a server of the file system. Eventually, the frozen functionality is thawed allowing the functionality to proceed.
US07793140B2

A system for managing failover in a server cluster. In response to detecting a failed server, subscription message processing of a failover server is stopped. A subscription queue of the failed server is opened. A marker message is published to all subscribers of a particular messaging topic. The marker message includes an identification of the failover server managing the subscription queue of the failed server. Messages within the subscription queue of the failed server are processed. In response to determining that a message in the subscription queue of the failed server is the marker message, the subscription queue of the failed server is closed. Then, the failover server resumes processing of its original subscription queue looking for the marker message, while processing yet unseen messages from the queue. Once the marker message is found in the original subscription queue, normal operation is resumed.
US07793136B2

An application management system identifies a new device. The new device is configured into a multiprocessor system when a type of data used by the new device conforms with a type of data used in the multiprocessor system. An application in the multiprocessor system is identified that uses a same data type used on the new device. The stored application is then used to take over control of the new device and process data received from the new device. A security protocol can be optionally used to control what types of data, applications, or devices are allowed to access the multiprocessor system.
US07793123B2

A redundant power supply system aims to balance power supply among main power units and stationary power units to achieve optimum output quality for the main power units and stationary power units, and also prevent interruption of power supply resulting from any main power units or stationary power units. It includes a power integration control unit. The power integration control unit and the main power units and stationary power units are bridged respectively by a power balance unit which functions in a load power balance mode such that the power integration control unit outputs a total output power in power ON and standby conditions, and each power supply device delivers actual output power according to the load ratio of the power supply device.
US07793121B2

In one aspect, a method is provided for operating a charging display system that is capable of wirelessly charging a rechargeable device positioned on a connector-less charging surface. In accordance with the method, the presence of a chargeable device on the charging surface is detected and the type of the chargeable device is identified. A set of interaction options based upon the identity of the chargeable device with the set, including a charging interaction option, is determined and, a displayable output signal based upon the determined set interaction options is generated. The set of interaction options is initiated based upon the detected presence of the chargeable device on the charging surface and the identified device type and, the output signal is presented on a display of the charging device.
US07793116B2

A power supply system with a remote control circuit and a power supply system operation method are provided. The power supply system uses a remote control power supply device and a battery to provide a system with power, while the remote control circuit includes a first-resistor, a first-operational amplifier, a second-operational amplifier and a selection circuit. The first-resistor herein is coupled between the remote control power supply device and the battery. The first-operational amplifier detects the current passing through the first resistor so as to output a first control signal. The second-operational amplifier detects the battery voltage so as to output a second control signal. The selection circuit outputs one of the first control signal and the second control signal with a lower voltage and the output signal is served as a remote control signal to adjust the voltage of the remote control power supply device.
US07793112B2

Access to content addressable data on a network is facilitated using digital information storing devices or data repositories (“silos”) that monitor broadcast data requests over the network. A number of silos automatically monitor both data requests and data itself that are broadcast over a network. The silos selectively store data. Each silo responds to data requests broadcast over the network with data the silo has previously intercepted. A content addressable file scheme is used to enable the data repositories to reliably identify data being requested. When a data request is received, each silo evaluates whether it has all or a portion of the data being requested and responds to requests when it has the data. Requests for data are implemented by broadcasting a cryptographic has data identifier of the data file needed. The data identifier is used by a silo to determine which data to receive and store.
US07793111B1

A platform and method for secure handling of events in an isolated environment. A processor executing in isolated execution “IsoX” mode may leak data when an event occurs as a result of the event being handled in a traditional manner based on the exception vector. By defining a class of events to be handled in IsoX mode, and switching between a normal memory map and an IsoX memory map dynamically in response to receipt of an event of the class, data security may be maintained in the face of such events.
US07793102B2

A method of mutually authenticating, firstly, a portable object (10) assigned a unique identifier (MSISDN) and including first wireless communications means and, secondly, a public access terminal (20) including second wireless communications means and telecommunications means for communicating via a telecommunications network (1). The portable object (10) is assigned a wireless communication key (Kme). An authentication server (30) is installed on the network (1) and adapted to determine the key Kme from the identifier (MSISDN). The identifier (MSISDN) of the portable object (10) is sent to the terminal (20) and then from the terminal (20) to the authentication server (30). The authentication server (30) determines the key Kme and allocates the wireless communication key Kme to a calculation unit (30). The calculation unit (30) calculates a session key (Ksession) from the key Kme of the portable object (10) and allocates the key Ksession to the public access terminal (20). The terminal (20) sends the portable object (10) a first message signed using the key Ksession, the portable object (10) acquires the key Ksession from the first message and the key Kme, and authenticates the terminal (20) by verifying the signature of the first signed message. The portable object (10) sends the terminal (20) a second message signed with the key Ksession, and the terminal (20) authenticates the portable object (10) by verifying the signature of the second signed message.
US07793100B2

A reference monitor that authorizes information flows between elements of a data processing system is provided. The elements of the data processing system are associated with security data structures in a reference monitor. An information flow request is received from a first element to authorize an information flow from the first element to a second element. A first security data structure associated with the first element and a second security data structure associated with the second element are retrieved. At least one set theory operation is then performed on the first security data structure and the second security data structure to determine if the information flow from the first element to the second element is to be authorized. The security data structures may be labelsets having one or more labels identifying security policies to be applied to information flows involving the associated element.
US07793084B1

The present invention provides an efficient method to implement nested if-then-else conditional statements in a SIMD processor, which requires only one vector compare instruction for both if and else parts of the conditional construct. No stack and stack-handling instructions are needed for vector condition codes. Two condition code flag bits representing if and else parts of testing per element provide for nesting of multiple if-then-else. All SIMD instructions are conditional including the vector compare instruction, and this provides a method for aggregating multiple conditions in nested if-then-else statements. M full levels of if-then-else nesting requires (2M−1) nodes or vector test instructions and 2M+1 condition code flags per vector element. Also, capability to compare any element of first source vector register with any element of second source vector is provided.
US07793067B2

In an embodiment, a system memory stores a set of input/output (I/O) translation tables. One or more I/O devices initiate direct memory access (DMA) requests including virtual addresses. An I/O memory management unit (IOMMU) is coupled to the I/O devices and the system memory, wherein the IOMMU is configured to translate the virtual addresses in the DMA requests to physical addresses to access the system memory according to an I/O translation mechanism implemented by the IOMMU. The IOMMU comprises one or more caches, and is configured to read translation data from the I/O translation tables responsive to a prefetch command that specifies a first virtual address. The reads are responsive to the first virtual address and the I/O translation mechanism, and the IOMMU is configured to store data in the caches responsive to the read translation data.
US07793063B1

A calibration system for a data storage device includes a memory and a memory control module. The memory buffers data between a host and the data storage device and generates a data strobe signal. The memory control module selectively adjusts a delay of the data strobe signal. Data is read from the memory based on the data strobe signal.
US07793054B2

The present invention discloses a technique for updating information with respect to a DVD player, for example. When information to be updated such as a password for a parental lock or type of language is to be modified, the information to be updated is written into a free space within an area of the flash memory. Further, when the control delay becomes unnoticeable, information last written in the area of the flash memory is read out to be written into a temporary storage while the area of the flash memory is cleared. Then, the updated information in the temporary storage is written into the cleared area of the flash memory.
US07793048B2

A cache memory which loads two memory values into two cache lines by receiving separate portions of a first requested memory value from a first data bus over a first time span of successive clock cycles and receiving separate portions of a second requested memory value from a second data bus over a second time span of successive clock cycles which overlaps with the first time span. In the illustrative embodiment a first input line is used for loading both a first byte array of the first cache line and a first byte array of the second cache line, a second input line is used for loading both a second byte array of the first cache line and a second byte array of the second cache line, and the transmission of the separate portions of the first and second memory values is interleaved between the first and second data busses.
US07793044B1

In accordance with one embodiment, an enhanced chip multiprocessor permits an L1 cache to request ownership of a data line from a shared L2 cache. A determination is made whether to deny or grant the request for ownership based on the sharing of the data line. In one embodiment, the sharing of the data line is determined from an enhanced L2 cache directory entry associated with the data line. If ownership of the data line is granted, the current data line is passed from the shared L2 to the requesting L1 cache and an associated enhanced L1 cache directory entry and the enhanced L2 cache directory entry are updated to reflect the L1 cache ownership of the data line. Consequently, updates of the data line by the L1 cache do not go through the shared L2 cache, thus reducing transaction pressure on the shared L2 cache.
US07793040B2

A content addressable memory (CAM) architecture comprises two components, a small, fast on-chip cache memory that stores data that is likely needed in the immediate future, and an off-chip main memory in normal RAM. The CAM allows data to be stored with an associated tag that is of any size and identifies the data. Via tags, waves of data are launched into a machine's computational hardware and re-associated with related tags upon return. Tags may be generated so that related data values have adjacent storage locations, facilitating fast retrieval. Typically, the CAM emits only complete operand sets. By using tags to identify unique operand sets, computations can be allowed to proceed out of order, and be recollected later for further processing. This allows greater computational speed via multiple parallel processing units that compute large sets of operand sets, or by opportunistically fetching and executing operand sets as they become available.
US07793039B2

A semiconductor memory device includes a memory core, a first interface to receive write data from a first set of interconnect resources, and a second interface, separate from the first interface, to receive from a second set of interconnect resources a column address and a first code. The column address is associated with the write data and identifies a column of the memory core in which to store the write data. The first code indicates whether the write data is selectively masked by data mask information. If the first code indicates that the write data is selectively masked, the second interface is to receive data mask information specifying whether to selectively write portions of the write data to the memory core.
US07793032B2

The present invention provides an improved platform hub that aims to, in some embodiments, optimize system resources to improve system performance and/or reduce consumption of power.
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