最新美国发明专利第2012-02-14期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08114651B2	Method for producing 4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine A highly active L-isoleucine dioxygenase from Bacillus thuringiensis is provided. A method for manufacturing (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine or a salt thereof by reacting L-isoleucine in an aqueous solvent in the presence of L-isoleucine dioxygenase and isolating (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine is also provided.
US08114645B2	Methods for increasing isoprenoid and isoprenoid precursor production by modulating fatty acid levels The present invention provides methods of increasing production of an isoprenoid or an isoprenoid precursor in a host cell, the methods generally involving modulating the level of activity of a fatty acid biosynthetic pathway enzyme in the host cell and/or culturing the host cell in a culture medium comprising a fatty acid or a compound that can be metabolized in a cell or broken down in the medium to yield a fatty acid and/or culturing the host cell in a culture medium having increased osmolarity.
US08114644B1	Process for producing short chain alcohols from lignin Biomass is converted to short chain alcohols such as butanol by a process which comprises (1) reacting biomass with an oxidizing agent to produce unoxidized aromatic and/or phenolic compounds and C1-6 linear and branched, saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids; (2) separating the unoxidized aromatic and/or phenolic compounds from the C1-6 carboxylic acids; (3) anaerobically fermenting the C1-6 carboxylic acids in the presence of an anaerobic bacterium in its solventogenesis phase to produce a solvent comprised of butanol and non-fermentable carboxylic acids. The products of the process can be used as fuel and/or fuel additives.
US08114642B2	Method for producing vitamin K2 from culture of Bacillus natto A method for producing vitamin K2 comprising: culturing Bacillus natto in a liquid medium to obtain a Bacillus natto culture or culture supernatant thereof, wherein the culture or culture supernatant contains vitamin K2; treating the culture or culture supernatant with at least one coagulant selected from the group consisting of an inorganic coagulant and a cationic polymer coagulant, with the proviso that the coagulant excludes chitosan, so as to obtain a treated coagulant to which vitamin K2 is absorbed or aggregated; separating the treated coagulant from the treated culture or culture supernatant, and obtaining an oily product that contains vitamin K2 from the separated coagulant.
US08114632B2	Method of producing biologically active polypeptide having insulinotropic activity The present invention relates to a method of producing a biologically active polypeptide having insulinotropic activity, the method comprising steps of: (a) transforming a genetically modified host cell that has protease gene knockout, with a polynucleotide vector encoding the polypeptide; and (b) growing the transformed host cell to produce the biologically active polypeptide; and a method of producing a biologically active polypeptide having an N-terminal recognition site His-Gly with insulinotropic activity, the method comprising steps of: (a) transforming a genetically modified Pichia pastoris that has protease gene STE13 knockout, with a polynucleotide vector encoding the polypeptide; and (b) growing the transformed Pichia pastoris to produce the biologically active polypeptide.
US08114631B2	Nucleic acids encoding spider glue proteins and methods of use thereof Nucleic acids encoding spider glue proteins and methods of use thereof are disclosed.
US08114627B2	Genetically programmed expression of selectively sulfated proteins in eubacteria The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel synthetase molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine and translation systems.
US08114626B2	Yeast strain and method for using the same to produce nicotinamide riboside The present invention embraces a fungal strain deficient in nicotinamide riboside import and salvage and use thereof for producing nicotinamide riboside. Methods for producing nicotinamide riboside and a nicotinamide riboside-supplemented food product using the strain of the invention are also provided.
US08114624B2	Use of the ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), as a marker for diagnosing brain damages The present invention pertains to the domain of brain diseases, and provides novel markers and methods for diagnosing a brain alteration in an individual, especially in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention also provides tools for evaluating the probability, for an individual, of developing the disease, as well as a target for identifying new drugs for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the invention provides a genetic marker based on combination of two single nucleotide polymorphism, at positions −389 and −241 of the ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) gene.
US08114623B2	Method for determining glucose concentration in tissue fluid The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the glucose concentration in tissue fluid whereby test values for glucose and for an endogenous reference substance are detected in a sample liquid obtained by microdialysis, microperfusion or ultrafiltration, and the glucose value is corrected in accordance with the test value for the reference substance. The recovery rate for glucose is determined from a non-linear relationship with the recovery rate for the ionic reference substance, and the test value for glucose is corrected therewith. In addition, the concentration of lactate and/or pyruvate is used as a further reference substance in the sample liquid to make further corrections.
US08114621B2	Lenalidomide and thalidomide immunoassays Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from lenalidomide and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of thalidomide and lenalidomide in biological fluids.
US08114620B2	Diagnostic and therapeutic target PRKX proteins for neurodegenerative diseases The present invention discloses a dysregulation of a PRKX gene and the protein products thereof in Alzheimer's disease patients and individuals being at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Based on this finding, the invention provides methods for diagnosing and prognosticating Alzheimer's disease in a subject, and for determining whether a subject is at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, this invention provides therapeutic and prophylactic methods for treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders using a PRKX gene and its corresponding gene products. Screening methods for modulating agents of neurodegenerative diseases are also disclosed.
US08114619B2	Methods for diagnosis and optimizing treatment of multiple sclerosis Biological markers for multiple sclerosis, and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease, are described. Also described are methods for treating multiple sclerosis by administering an inhibitor of cathepsin B activity or a neuroprotective composition comprising a modified terpenoid compound. Also described are isolated polypeptide biomarkers, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide biomarkers, and antibodies that bind specifically to the polypeptide biomarkers. Further described are kits that include the above-mentioned isolated polypeptide biomarkers, the polynucleotides encoding them, or specific antibodies against the polypeptide biomarkers.
US08114616B2	Methods for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome The invention provides an ELISA assay for the determination of serum mast cell β-tryptase levels using rabbit anti-tryptase as the capture antibody and alkaline phosphatase conjugated G3 as the detecting antibody. Luminescent substrate CPSD was used to enhance the assay sensitivity. Also provided are methods for aiding in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by detecting the serum level of β-tryptase, histamine and/or prostaglandin E2.
US08114615B2	Method for automated tissue analysis The invention provides an improved method for identifying and interpreting tissue specimens and/or cells derived from tissue specimens. A panel of cell-based reagents provides a number of readouts of cellular states or biomarkers that together define a profile of a diversity of cellular states or biomarkers in a tissue specimen representing the “systems” nature of biology. This cellular profile is interpreted using informatics tools, to identify similarities between specimens, in vivo medical conditions, and suggest options for treating medical conditions.
US08114614B2	Compositions and methods for immunodominant antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Contemplated compositions, devices, and methods are drawn to various antigens from the pathogen M. tuberculosis and their use in vaccines, therapeutic agents, and various diagnostic tests. In particularly preferred aspects, the antigens are immunodominant and have quantified and known relative reactivities with respect to sera of a population infected with the pathogen, and/or have a known association with a disease parameter.
US08114608B2	Methods for treating and diagnosing fibrotic and fibroproliferative diseases The present invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating fibrotic lung disease.
US08114606B2	ARL-1 specific antibodies This invention provides antibodies immunologically specific for human ARL-1 (also referred to AKR1B10), a species of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily of proteins. The invention also provides methods of making and methods of using said antibodies.
US08114602B2	Detection of molecular interactions A method and assay are described for measuring the interaction between a ligand and an analyte. The assay can include a suspension of colloidal particles that are associated with a ligand of interest. The colloidal particles are maintained in the suspension at or near a phase transition state from a condensed phase to a dispersed phase. An analyte to be tested is then added to the suspension. If the analyte binds to the ligand, a phase change occurs to indicate that the binding was successful.
US08114601B2	Highly conserved genes and their use to generate probes and primers for detection of microorganisms Four highly conserved genes, encoding translation elongation factor Tu, translation elongation factor G, the catalytic subunit of proton-translocating ATPase and the RecA recombinase, are used to generate species-specific, genus-specific, family-specific, group-specific and universal nucleic acid probes and amplification primers to rapidly detect and identify algal, archaeal, bacterial, fungal and parasitical pathogens from clinical specimens for diagnosis. The detection of associated antimicrobial agents resistance and toxin genes are also under the scope of the present invention.
US08114599B2	Compositions and methods for free-solution conjugate nucleic acid analysis The present invention provides compositions and methods for performing free-solution conjugate analysis of nucleic acid molecules. For example, the present invention provides multiplexed single-base extension assays for genotyping. In particular, the present invention provides a series of disperse polyamide “drag tags” for use in achieving high-resolution separation of nucleic acid reaction products.
US08114594B2	Crude biological derivatives competent for nucleic acid detection The invention relates generally to the fields of making biological unit lysates or admixtures of body fluids and of RNA analysis. More specifically, it relates to direct methods for the detection of a specific sequence of RNA in a biological unit, for example a virus, cell or tissue sample, or a body fluid, for example saliva, sputum, blood plasma, etc. More generally, the invention may be used to enzymatically manipulate and protect the RNA in lysate or bodily fluids for a number of applications.
US08114584B2	Antireflective coatings for high-resolution photolithographic synthesis of DNA array The present invention provides an array of polymers and methods of forming arrays of polymers by providing a substrate having a first layer including one or more dielectric coatings on a solid support and a second layer including a plurality of polymers disposed on the first layer. The invention also provides methods for forming an array of polymers on a substrate using light-directed synthesis by providing a substrate having a first layer including one or more dielectric coatings on a solid support, derivatizing the first layer by contacting the first layer with a silanation reagent, and a second layer disposed on said first layer wherein the second layer includes functional groups protected with a photolabile protecting group.
US08114583B2	Switch-region: target and method for inhibition of bacterial RNA polymerase A target and methods for specific binding and inhibition of RNA polymerase from bacterial species are provided, including methods for identifying agents that bind to a bacterial RNA polymerase, and that inhibit an activity of a bacterial RNA polymerase, through interactions with a bacterial RNA polymerase homologous switch-region amino-acid sequence. The methods can include preparation of a reaction solution comprising the compound to be tested and an entity containing a bacterial RNAP homologous switch-region amino-acid sequence, and detection of binding or inhibition. Applications in control of bacterial gene expression, control of bacterial viability, control of bacterial growth, antibacterial chemistry, and antibacterial therapy are also provided.
US08114575B2	Plate making method of lithographic printing plate precursor A plate making method of a lithographic printing plate precursor includes: exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor including an image-recording layer and a support; and developing the exposed lithographic printing plate precursor to prepare a lithographic printing plate, wherein the developing includes, in the following order, (i) a process of removing an unexposed area of the image-recording layer with a gum solution, (ii) a process of washing with water and (iii) a process of oil-desensitizing a non-image area with a gum solution.
US08114573B2	Topography based patterning A mask having features formed by self-organizing material, such as diblock copolymers, is formed on a partially fabricated integrated circuit. Initially, a copolymer template, or seed layer, is formed on the surface of the partially fabricated integrated circuit. To form the seed layer, diblock copolymers, composed of two immiscible blocks, are deposited in the space between copolymer alignment guides. The copolymers are made to self-organize, with the guides guiding the self-organization and with each block aggregating with other blocks of the same type, thereby forming the seed layer. Next, additional, supplemental diblock copolymers are deposited over the seed layer. The copolymers in the seed layer guide self-organization of the supplemental copolymers, thereby vertically extending the pattern formed by the copolymers in the seed layer. Block species are subsequently selectively removed to form a pattern of voids defined by the remaining block species, which form a mask that can be used to pattern an underlying substrate. The supplemental copolymers augment the height of the copolymers in the seed layer, thereby facilitating the use of the copolymers for patterning the underlying substrate.
US08114570B2	Photoacid generator, resist composition, and patterning process Photoacid generators generate sulfonic acids of formula (1a) upon exposure to high-energy radiation. ROC(═O)R1—COOCH2CF2SO3−H+ (1a) RO is OH or C1-C20 organoxy, R1 is a divalent C1-C20 aliphatic group or forms a cyclic structure with RO. The photoacid generators are compatible with resins and can control acid diffusion and are thus suited for use in chemically amplified resist compositions.
US08114564B2	Process for producing toner for electrophotography The present invention relates to a process for producing a toner for electrophotography which includes the steps of (A) forming resin-containing core particles having a volume median particle size (D50) of from 1 to 10 μm in an aqueous medium; (B) adding composite fine particles containing a polyester-containing resin and a charge control agent, or composite fine particles containing “fine particles of the charge control agent” and “fine particles of the polyester-containing resin”, to the core particles obtained in the step (A) to allow the composite fine particles to adhere onto the core particles, thereby obtaining “composite fine particle-adhering core particles”; and (C) heating the “composite fine particle-adhering core particles” obtained in the step (B), to obtain coalesced particles. There are provided a process for producing a toner for electrophotography having a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution which is capable of allowing a charge control agent to exist on a surface of the toner; and a toner for electrophotography which is produced by the process and can exhibit excellent image-forming characteristics.
US08114563B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor and method of preparing the photoreceptor, and image forming method, image forming apparatus and process cartridge therefor using the photoreceptor An electrophotographic photoreceptor, including: an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer located overlying the electroconductive substrate; and a crosslinked surface layer located overlying the photosensitive layer, including: a tri- or more functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure; and a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure, wherein the crosslinked surface layer has a surface roughness (Ra) not greater than 0.2 μm and a peel strength not less than 0.2 N/mm when measured by the SAICAS method.
US08114544B1	Methods and apparatus for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.
US08114543B2	Lithium ion secondary battery A lithium ion secondary battery, having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the negative electrode each having a collector and an active material layer provided over the collector, and the relationship Ts≧4Tc being satisfied, where Ts is the puncture strength of the separator, and Tc is the puncture strength of the collector of the positive electrode and/or the negative electrode.
US08114536B2	Frame member and battery pack employed with the same Disclosed herein are a frame member including an upper frame member having one major surface to which a protection circuit module (PCM) is mounted, and a lower frame member coupled with the upper frame member, the upper and lower frame members being provided at opposite major surfaces thereof with semi-cylindrical battery receiving parts corresponding to outer surfaces of the cylindrical unit cells mounted between the upper and lower frame members, a spacer provided at opposite major surfaces of a rectangular frame with pluralities of semi-cylindrical battery receiving parts corresponding to outer surfaces of the cylindrical batteries, the battery receiving parts being partially open such that the battery receiving parts communicate with neighboring battery receiving parts on the same plane, and a battery pack including the frame member and the spacer.
US08114532B2	Organic electroluminescent element, display device and lighting device Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device having high external quantum efficiency and long life. Also disclosed are an illuminating device and, a display device. The organic electroluminescent device is characterized by containing at least one compound having a partial structure represented by the following general formula (1). [chemical formula 1] (1) In the formula, R1 represents a group (preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic heterocyclic group, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group) having 4-20 carbon atoms in total and a substituent having a formula weight of 70-350 (preferably an alkyl group or an alkoxy group); R2-R4 independently represent a substituent; n2 represents a number of 0-4; n3 represents a number of 0-2; n4 represents a number of 0-8; and Q represents an atomic group necessary for forming an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic heterocyclic ring.
US08114530B2	Material for organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device utilizing the same Provided is a material containing at least one phosphorescent metal complex, and a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein at least one of R1 to R3 is a 9-carbazolyl group which is optionally substituted or an azacarbazolyl group having 2 to 5 nitrogen atoms which is optionally substituted. The material for the organic electroluminescence device may be used as a host material or a hole transporting material. Also provided is an organic electroluminescence device which has an organic thin film layer that contains the material, and exhibits a high emitting efficiency, causes little pixel defects, is excellent in heat resistance, and has a long lifetime.
US08114521B2	Gas barrier laminate A gas barrier laminate comprising: a plastic substrate (I); a gas barrier layer (II) formed from a gas barrier layer-forming coating material (C) containing a polyalcohol-based polymer (A) and a polycarboxylic acid-based polymer (B); an overcoat layer (III) formed from an overcoat layer-forming coating material (F) containing at least one of a monovalent metal compound (D) and a bivalent or higher metal compound (E); and a top coat layer (IV) formed from a top coat layer-forming coating material (G); wherein the gas barrier layer (II) is laminated to the plastic substrate (I), either directly or with an anchor coat layer disposed therebetween, the overcoat layer (III) is laminated on top of the gas barrier layer (II), and the top coat layer (IV) is formed on top of the overcoat layer (III).
US08114519B2	Derivatized solid epoxy resin and uses thereof Derivatized solid epoxy resins of the formula (I), which are outstandingly suitable as impact modifiers; and compositions which include such derivatized solid epoxy resins and are outstandingly suitable as one-component heat-curable adhesives, and as structural foams which have a high impact resistance and high mechanical stability.
US08114514B1	Reinforcement composition and method thereof The present invention relates generally to a reinforcement composition and a method of reinforcing an asphalt cement concrete composition. The reinforcement composition includes a core and an outer container. The core includes a plurality of fibers, and the outer container includes a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.
US08114513B2	UV-curable undercoat A UV-curable undercoat that contains barium sulfate, production thereof, methods of coating substrates with the undercoat and the coated substrates.
US08114512B2	Electromagnetic shielding sheet and method of fabricating the same Blackened layers 23A and 23B are formed by depositing Cu—Co alloy particles on the surfaces of a metal layer 21. The metal layer 21 coated with the blackened layers 23A and 23B of the Cu—Co alloy particles is subjected to a chromating process to form density-intensifying layers 25A and 25B on the blackened layers 23A and 23B. A base 11 is laminated to the density-intensifying layer 25A or 25B. A conductive structure 109 consisting of the meal layer 21, the blackened layers 23A and 23B, and the density-intensifying layers 25A and 25B is processed by a photolithographic process to complete an electromagnetic shielding sheet 1 having a mesh conductive structure.
US08114505B2	Free-standing silicon carbide articles formed by chemical vapor deposition and methods for their manufacture Improved methods for manufacturing silicon carbide rings using chemical vapor deposition. Cylindrical tubes are used as deposition substrates and the resulting material deposited on the inside surface of cylindrical tubes or on the outside surface of cylindrical mandrels, or both, is sliced or cut into the desired ring size and shape. The resulting rings have a crystal growth that is oriented substantially planar to the finished article. The invention also relates to nitrogen doped silicon carbide material, as well as to silicon carbide structures having axes of grain growth substantially parallel to the plane of the structure and to each other, and having rotational orientation that is substantially random with respect to the axes of grain growth of the grains.
US08114501B2	Fiber reinforced core panel having natural contour A fiber reinforced core panel having natural contour contains a series of adjacent low density strips where the longitudinal axes of the low density strips are substantially parallel. The major face of each strip is disposed within the first or second side of the core panel. The core panel also contains a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet which is threaded through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major faces of the low density strips. The fiber reinforced core panel contains a natural contour in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips, a natural contour in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips, or a natural contour in both the directions parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips.
US08114500B2	Polyimide film and method of manufacture thereof The purpose of the present invention is to provide a polyimide film with excellent passage characteristic, especially in an automatic optical inspection system (AOI), not to mention running characteristic (easy slip characteristic) and adhesion.
US08114499B2	Optical film containing organic particles having narrow particle size distribution The subject invention provides an optical film comprising a substrate and a resin coating having a convex-concave structure on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein said resin coating comprises a plurality of organic particles and a binder, the organic particles being formed from a polyacrylate resin which comprises at least one multi-functional acrylate monomer as polymerization units, and said multi-functional acrylate monomer is in an amount from 30 wt % to 70 wt % based on the total weight of the monomers, and wherein the organic particles have a single mean particle size, the particle size distribution of the organic particles ranges within about ±30% of the mean particle size, and the organic particles are in an amount from about 110 to about 360 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the solids content of the binder.
US08114495B1	Vehicle sticker film intermediary A sticker assembly includes an indicia-bearing sticker (30) having an adhesive layer (34). A polyester film (20) is provided having a first side (22) and a second side (24), the second side (24) having a low-tack adhesive (25) thereon. The first side (22) of the polyester film (20) is adhered to the adhesive layer (34) of the sticker (30). The second side (24) of the polyester film (20) is applied to a receiving surface (12) and held against the surface (12) by the low-tack adhesive (25) wherein the polyester film (20) and the sticker (30) are releasably adhered to the receiving surface (12) and wherein the indicia-bearing sticker (30) is displayed for viewing. In one embodiment, the sticker (30) is a vehicle windshield sticker (30) and the receiving surface (12) is a vehicle windshield.
US08114493B2	Polyethylene pipe resins Disclosed is a pipe resin composition. The composition comprises a polyethylene pipe resin, a primary antioxidant, and an acid. The composition of the invention has an increased oxidative induction time (OIT) and environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR).
US08114492B2	Labeled containers made from expandable thermoplastic materials having improved physical properties Labeled thin-wall containers molded from pre-expanded expandable thermoplastic particles having a label disposed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the container. The particles are coated with a composition that includes at least 2,500 ppm of a salt of a C8 to C32 carboxylic acid based on the weight of the particles. The label has a thickness of from 10 μm to 1,500 μm and the sidewall has a thickness of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. An aqueous beverage at 80° C. does not leak from the container after being left undisturbed for 24 hours and the container has a rim strength of at least 0.54 kg. The containers are made by placing a label against an inner surface of a female portion of a two-part mold; closing the mold to form a mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with the particles; and fusing the particles.
US08114489B2	Composite material having low electromagnetic reflection and refraction A composite material has a host dielectric with an artificial plasmon medium embedded in the host. The artificial plasmon medium has a dielectric function of less than 1, and a plasma frequency selected to result in the permittivity of the composite being substantially equal to 1.
US08114488B2	Window for preventing bird collisions This invention relates to a window designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may include an insulating glass (IG) window unit having first and second substrates spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and thus bird deaths can be reduced.
US08114487B2	Inkjet recording media with cationically-modified clay particles An inkjet printing system, comprises an inkjet printer, an ink composition, and an inkjet recording media comprising a support, and coated on the support in order from the support, a porous base layer, a porous intermediate layer, and a porous uppermost layer, each with particular limitations. The inkjet recording media and printer system is manufacturable using low-cost materials in an efficient process requiring only a single coating and drying step and that gives images with excellent gloss, color density and image quality.
US08114486B2	Colored paper and substrates coated for enhanced printing performance Coated substrates are made from colored paper coated with a coating comprising silica or fumed metal oxide, such as precipitated silica, colloidal silica, fumed silica or fumed metal oxide. An opaque coating is formed which improves the L* and b* values of the colored paper. Images printed onto the paper show improved characteristics, such as a reduction in wick or bleed, or an improved color gamut.
US08114483B2	Photon induced formation of metal comprising elongated nanostructures The preferred embodiments provide a method for forming at least one metal comprising elongated nanostructure on a substrate. The method comprises exposing a metal halide compound surface to a photon comprising ambient to initiate formation of the at least one metal comprising elongated nanostructure. The preferred embodiments also provide metal comprising elongated nanostructures obtained by the method according to preferred embodiments.
US08114482B2	Coating composition, coated article and a method to manufacture the same The invention pertains to a coating composition, a coated material formed therewith, and a method for coating the material with the coating composition.
US08114477B2	Cleaning of a substrate support A method of fabricating a cleaning wafer capable of cleaning process residues from a substrate support surface is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cleaning disc, and applying a liquid polymer precursor to the cleaning disc by spraying or spin coating the liquid polymer precursor onto the disc to form a polymer precursor film on the disc. The polymer precursor film is cured to form a polymer layer having a cleaning surface.
US08114475B2	Adsorbents for smoking articles comprising a non-volatile organic compound applied using a supercritical fluid A surface-modified adsorbent and a process for making a surface-modified adsorbent are provided. The process involves providing an adsorbent and a non-volatile organic compound to a vessel, adjusting the temperature and/or pressure to provide supercritical conditions for a supercritical fluid, and introducing the supercritical fluid into the vessel. The supercritical fluid dissolves the non-volatile organic compound, and impregnates the adsorbent with the non-volatile organic compound. The surface-modified adsorbent can be used, for example, in cut filler compositions, cigarette filters, and smoking articles. Methods for making cigarette filters, cigarettes and for smoking a cigarette comprising the surface-modified adsorbent are also provided. The surface-modified adsorbents can be used to remove one or more selected components from mainstream smoke, without removing other components, such as those that contribute to flavor.
US08114474B1	Forming ballistic aluminum armor using cold spraying and friction stirring processes A metallic glass particle layer is applied to aluminum alloy armor and friction stir mixed into the surface in order to embed the material into the armor and to take advantage of its exceptional hardness. An advantage of the invention is that the hard material is an integral part of the armor, included within the body of the armor plate and not merely a surface coating. The advantage of the friction stir process is that it generates relatively low levels of heat and magnetic measurements show that the amorphous phase condition of the metallic glass is not deteriorated. The armor may be tempered to improve properties.
US08114470B2	Reduced spacing recording apparatus Aspects include recording media with enhanced areal density through reduction of head media spacing, head keeper spacing, or head to soft underlayer spacing. Such aspects comprise replacing currently non-magnetic components of devices, such as interlayers and overcoats with components and compositions comprising magnetic materials. Other aspects relate to magnetic seed layers deposited within a recording medium. Preferably, these aspects, embodied as methods, systems and/or components thereof reduce effective magnetic spacing without sacrificing physical spacing.
US08114467B2	Polymer for forming hydrophobic layer, hydrophobic layer comprising the polymer and electronic article comprising the hydrophobic layer Provided are hydrophobic layer formed by polymer represented by Formula 1 below and has a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 500,000 g/mol, hydrophobic layer including the polymer and an electronic articles including the hydrophobic layer: wherein Q1, and Q2 are independently linear or branched C1-C10 alkylene groups, R1 and R2 are independently ether and/or ester containing substituents, R3 to R7 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an amino group, a C1-C10 alkyl group and a C6-C12 aryl group; and the ratio of a:b+c is from 10:1 to 1:1,000. A coated electronic article comprising the hydrophobic layer and a method of forming the coated electronic article are also provided.
US08114462B2	Methods for preparing oat bran enriched in β-glucan and oat products prepared therefrom Dry milling methods for preparing oat products enriched in the content of β-glucan and methods for preparing foodstuffs incorporating such an enriched oat product especially ready-to-eat cereals are provided. Heat conditioned dehulled oats are dry milled to form a coarse whole non defatted oat flour and then, without a preceding removal of fat, dry fractionated into coarser bran and finer oat flour fractions at multiple stages. The coarse oat flour is first dry classified to separate or form a coarser fraction oat bran containing more concentrated β-glucan and a finer oat flour or starch containing or endosperm containing fraction. The oat bran is subjected to second and third rounds of milling and classification to form a high β-glucan content (>7-9%) oat bran and a low β-glucan content (3%) oat flour. The oat bran and oat flours can be used to prepare foodstuffs such as ready-to-eat cereals.
US08114461B2	Balanced sn-2 myristate-containing edible oil A nutritional fat or oil-based composition for increasing HDL cholesterol, decreasing LDL cholesterol and decreasing the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio in human plasma is described. The composition typically includes at least 1% by weight myristic acid esterified at the sn-2 position in triglyceride molecules, includes between 10% and 40% by weight linoleic acid, and further includes between 30% and 65% by weight oleic acid and between 15% and 40% by weight total saturated fatty acids. The ratio of sn-2 myristic acid to sn-2 palmitic acid is typically greater than 1:1 and the sum of weight percentages for saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids equals 100%. In desirable cases, the composition is substantially cholesterol-free.
US08114458B2	Methods of making beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present application are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08114457B2	Methods of making beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present application are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08114456B2	Milk component-based sweet comprising defined edible fat agglomerates, and method and device for the production thereof The invention relates to a sweet that has a long shelf life and is provided in the form of a soft, creamy, shape-retaining, and foamed mass comprising milk components, edible fats, sugar and/or sugar substitutes, and water. At least one portion of the edible fat is provided in a crystallized form at ambient temperature. The inventive sweet does not contain any lactose crystals that can be perceived by the consumer. The milk protein content amounts to 5.5 to 20% by weight while the fat-free dry milk content ranges between 14 and 55% by weight and the degree of denaturation of the whey protein amounts to ≦10%. The inventive sweet is characterized by the fact that the crystallized and non-crystallized edible fat agglomerates have a volume-related particle size D50,3 of 3.5 to 18 μm.
US08114454B2	Pet food composition and method The present invention relates to methods for producing dimensionally stable low carbohydrate pet food compositions.
US08114453B2	Synergistically heat stable oil media having eicosa pentanoic acid (EPA) and docosa hexaenoic acid (DHA) A synergistically heat stable therapeutically active triglyceride and cholesterol controlling oil composition including the usually highly unsaturated Eicosa Pentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosa Hexaenoic Acid (DHA). The invention avoids limitations of presently available impure sources of EPA/DHA such as fish oil, algae and the like and provides for a synergistically stable edible oil formulation involving the Eicosa Pentaenoic Acid and Docosa Hexaenoic acid of at least 50% to less than 100% purity in a free of any encapsulated/protected form in combination with synergistically stability contributing oil constituents/ingredients. The invention also provides for benefit applications/uses of the surprising and unexpected heat stability of the beneficial actives EPA and DHA. The invention is therefore directed to serve in possible provision of variety of alternative media including heat stable media for regular consumption of EPA/DHA and provide for maintenance of safe and healthy lifestyle.
US08114452B2	Deaerated packaged frozen sushi, process for producing the same and method of cooking There is provided a microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product comprising: a flexible plastic packing bag which is vacuumed to a pressure of 50 to 600 mmHg and, in the pressure-reduced state, hermetically sealed; an open-topped plastic box placed in the plastic packing bag; a laminated metal foil placed on the bottom of the plastic box; and a sushi product placed in the plastic box with its sushi material or materials in contact with the laminated metal foil; the microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product being such that an inner surface of the plastic packing bag is in contact with a rice section of the sushi product; and the plastic packing bag, the plastic box, the laminated metal foil and the sushi product are frozen together in a unified form, in which water vapor emanating from the sushi product in the thawing flow through a space formed around the sushi product to effect heating of the rice section and the sushi material or materials of the sushi product, thereby diminishing temperature unevenness in the sushi product after the thawing, and which is suitable for mass production.
US08114451B2	Resealable closure with package integrity feature A resealable package integrity closure includes a film layer forming a top of container and having a flap defining an access opening to gain access to the contents of the container. A sealing panel completely covers the flap of the film layer. A releasable adhesive is provided on either or both the film layer and the sealing panel for adhering the sealing panel to the film layer. The sealing panel is releasable from the film layer by pulling the sealing panel back in a peeling direction and reclosable against the top to seal the access opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. A coating of transferable material is provided on either the sealing panel or on the film layer, which is transferable therebetween, respectively, when the sealing panel is pulled back from the film layer for a first time to provide a visual indication that the closure has been previously opened.
US08114444B2	Pharmaceutical composition containing Momordica charantia L. extracts for lowering blood glucose The present invention is providing a new sustained release drug preparation comprising such and inclusion complex of a medical compound with safe botanic drug (SBD), which sustains or retards the dissolution and release of the SBD at a controlled rate from the inclusion complex and hence from the drug preparation containing the SBD, so as to maintain the concentration of the SBD in blood at an effective level for prolonged time.SBD contains Kuguasu (KU) and saponins of Kugua (SAK). SBD is very safe and it is used for treating and preventing diabetes.
US08114443B2	Phytase-expressing transgenic plants Disclosed are a transgenic plant and a transformed plant cell containing a heterologous nucleic acid that includes a sweet potato sporamin SPO promoter operably linked to a sequence encoding a polypeptide. Also disclosed are uses of the plant or cell.
US08114441B2	Immune stimulatory infant nutrition A nutritional or pharmaceutical composition containing a fat component, a protein component and a carbohydrate component and comprising whey and casein. The composition has a weight ratio of casein to whey is 1:1 to 1:2.4 and that the composition contains: a) at least 3 grams arginine per 100 grams protein; b) at least 10 wt. % linoleic acid based on total fatty acids; c) at least 1 wt. % alpha linolenic acid based on total fatty acids; d) at least one long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acid in an amount exceeding 0.1 wt. % based on total fatty acids. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid being docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid; e) 5 to 25 wt. % of at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid based on total fatty acids; and f) 2 to 12 grams indigestible oligosaccharides having a degree of polymerization of 2 to 100 per 100 gram dry weight of the composition. The composition reduces—among others—the risks attached to feeding whey dominant infant formula.
US08114440B2	Pharmaceutical compositions for the administration of aptamers Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an aptamer and an amino acid ester or amide or an aptamer; a divalent metal cation; and a carboxylic acid, a phospholipid, a phosphatidyl choline, or a sphingomyelin. Methods of treating or preventing a condition in an animal comprising administering to the animal the pharmaceutical compositions.
US08114434B2	Diclofenac sodium patches for topical treatment of pain The invention provides an analgesic anti-inflammatory patch of a hydrophobic type for topical application containing, in a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive(PSA), diclofenac sodium, pyrrolidone or a derivative thereof, a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester, and an organic acid. The patch exerts the following effects: (1) diclofenac sodium is effectively and continuously released from a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive(PSA) and percutaneously absorbed, thereby attaining sustained, excellent pharmaceutical and pharmacological effects; (2) the patch per se has high tackiness and safety; and (3) diclofenac sodium remains stable in the Pressure Sensitive Adhesive(PSA).
US08114432B2	Treatment solution and method for preventing posterior capsular opacification by selectively inducing detachment and/or death of lens epithelial cells A treatment solution used to prevent posterior capsular opacification is applied or introduced into the lens capsular bag before, during, or after cataract surgery. The treatment solution comprises an ion transport mechanism interference agent, which either alone or in combination with other treatment agents such as an osmotic stress agent and an agent to establish a suitable pH, selectively induces detachment and/or death of lens epithelial cells such that posterior capsular opacification is prevented. While the ion transport mechanism interference agent is capable of interfering with the cellular mechanisms and cell ion distribution of a broad range of cells, a concentration of agent is selected such that the treatment solution interferes selectively with the cellular mechanisms of lens epithelial cells while leaving other ocular cells substantially unharmed. The treatment solution selectively induces cellular death and/or detachment of lens epithelial cells while other ocular cells and tissue remain substantially unharmed and without lengthy preoperative pre-treatment.
US08114431B2	Biomolecular coating for implants Methods and compositions are provided for improving tissue growth and device integration in vivo. Substrates and devices coated with an α2β1 or α5β1 integrin-specific ligand are provided. The substrates and devices coated with an α2β1 or α5β1 integrin-specific ligand are shown to have greater tissue formation on the surface relative to controls, in particular greater bone formation.
US08114425B2	Process for the production of wood-based materials Process for the production of wood-based materials containing wood parts, comprising the steps a) bringing wood parts into contact with a1) alkaline binder and a2) thiacloprid and b) pressing a bed of wood parts, containing wood parts treated according to step a), under pressure at a temperature of the press contact surfaces of 126° C. to 240° C.
US08114424B2	Polyamide-polyether block copolymer Copolymers having linked internal polyether blocks and internal polyamide blocks have advantageous physical properties and solvent-gelling abilities. The copolymer may be prepared from a reaction mixture that contains 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid (CHDA) and poly(alkyleneoxy) diamine (PAODA). Optionally, the reaction mixture contains no monofunctional compound reactive with either amine or carboxylic acid groups, however some of this monofunctional compound may be present. Dimer diamine and/or dimer acid may be present in the reaction mixture. A copolymer may also be prepared from a reaction mixture containing dimer acid and at least two diamine compound(s) including PAODA and short-chain aliphatic diamine having 2-6 carbons (SDA), wherein: a) the reaction mixture comprises x grams of PAODA and y grams of SDA, and x/(x+y) is 0.8-0.98; b) the reaction mixture weighs z grams, and x/z is at least 0.25; and c) the reaction mixture contains either no co-diacid, or comprises a small amount of co-diacid, wherein, if the reaction mixture comprises a small amount of co-diacid, then acid equivalents from co-diacid contribute less than 25% of the total acid equivalents present in the reaction mixture.
US08114421B2	Coated products containing hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as confectioneries such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.
US08114415B2	Method for producing temperature sensitive influenza A viruses Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. A method of producing a cold adapted (ca) influenza virus that replicates efficiently at, e.g., 25° C. (and immunogenic compositions comprising the same) is also provided.
US08114414B2	Compositions and methods for treatment of cervical cancer The present invention provides methods of treating, protecting against, and inducing an immune response against cervical cancer, comprising the step of administering to a subject a recombinant Listeria strain, comprising a fusion peptide that comprises an LLO fragment and an E7 and/or E6 antigen. The present invention also provides methods for inducing an anti-E7 response in a human subject and treating HPV-mediated diseases, disorders, and symptoms comprising administration of the recombinant Listeria strain.
US08114413B2	Compositions of marine botanicals to provide nutrition to aging and environmentally damaged skin The present invention relates to methods and compositions comprising marine botanicals for treating aged, mature, nutritionally-compromised, or environmentally-damaged skin. These methods and compositions provide improvements in the skin's visual appearance, physiological functions, clinical properties, and biophysical properties.
US08114412B2	T. cruzi-derived neurotrophic agents and methods of use therefor The invention relates to T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) and to the neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing activities of the protein. TS, neurotrophic variants and/or neurotrophic peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to directly or indirectly provide neurotrophic support for neurons. A mammalian neurotrophic factor (e.g., CNTF, LIF) can be co-administered with the TS, neurotrophic variant and/or neurotrophic peptide. TS, IL-6 secretion-inducing variants and/or IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to induce the secretion of IL-6. TS, active variants and/or active peptides can be administered to a mammal having an acquired or congenital condition characterized by neuronal degeneration or to a mammal that has experienced trauma to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. The invention also relates to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing variants of TS and to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising TS, active variants thereof and/or active peptides and a physiologically acceptable carrier.
US08114410B2	Composition and methods for the inhibition of membrane fusion by paramyxoviruses Fusion of the membrane of enveloped viruses with the plasma membrane of a receptive host cell is a prerequisite for viral entry and infection and an essential step in the life cycle of all enveloped viruses, such as paramyxoviruses. The instant invention is directed to providing polypeptides which are a heptad portion of a Henipavirus F protein effective against fusion between a membrane of a paramyxovirus and a plasma membrane of a cell. The instant invention also provides nucleic acids, compositions, and methods effective against paramyxovirus infection. Accordingly, the instant invention provides therapeutic agents and vaccines effective against paramyxoviruses viruses, especially HeV or NiV.
US08114408B2	Peptide fragments reacting specifically with antibodies against highly pathogenic newcastle disease virus and uses thereof We disclose synthetic peptide fragments comprising amino acid sequences of specific antigen sites of pathogenic Newcastle disease virus in birds, and more particularly synthetic peptide fragments that comprise polybasic amino acid sequences at the cleavage site of the F protein of pathogenic Newcastle disease virus and that induce humoral immune responses in hosts while reacting only with antibodies to pathogenic Newcastle disease virus and are useful to differentiate infected individuals from vaccinated individuals.
US08114407B2	EphA2 T-cell epitopes and uses therefor EphA2 T-cell epitope are provided herein. The epitopes include peptides corresponding to specific fragments of human EphA2 protein containing one or more T-cell epitopes, and conservative derivatives thereof. The EphA2 T-cell epitopes are useful in an assay, such as an ELISPOT assay, that may be used to determine and/or quantify a patient's immune responsiveness to EphA2. The epitopes also are useful in methods of modulating a patient's immune reactivity to EphA2, which has substantial utility as a treatment for cancers that overexpress EphA2, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The EphA2 epitopes also can be used to vaccinate a patient against EphA2, by in vivo or ex vivo methods.
US08114405B2	Cancer vaccine based on brother of regulator of imprinted sites molecule (BORIS) Polynucleotides encoding a nonfunctional mutant form of the Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) molecule, nonfunctional mutated BORIS protein, polypeptide or peptide and modified protein forms of BORIS are described. These molecules are used as a therapeutic vaccine against cancer.
US08114403B2	Polypeptides and antibodies derived from chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and uses thereof Cancer treatments use a therapy that: 1) interferes with the interaction between CD200 and its receptor to block immune suppression thereby promoting eradication of the cancer cells; and 2) directly kills the cancer cells either by complement-mediated or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or by targeting cells using a fusion molecule that includes a CD200-targeting portion. The therapy includes the administration of novel antibodies, functional fragments thereof or fusion molecules containing portions thereof.
US08114401B2	Chlamydia trachomatis antigens Proteins encoded by Chlamydia trachomatis which are immunogenic in humans as a consequence of infection have been identified using Western blots of two-dimensional electrophoretic maps. Several known immunogens were identified, as were proteins not previously known to be immunogens, and proteins not previously reported as expressed gene products.
US08114399B2	Targeting VEGF-B regulation of fatty acid transporters to modulate human diseases The present invention provides materials and methods for modulating FATP expression and/or activity in vivo. The materials and methods have numerous diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic applications for various diseases and conditions that are influenced by FATPs, or characterized by excessive or inadequate FATP expression or activity.
US08114396B2	Megasphaera elsdenii strain and its uses This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.
US08114395B2	Treatment of viral diseases with recombinant interferon α This invention provides a recombinant super-compound interferon or an equivalent thereof with changed spatial configuration. The super-compound interferon possesses anti-viral or anti-tumor activity and therefore is useful to prevent and treat viral diseases and cancers. This invention also provides an artificial gene which codes for the super-compound interferon or its equivalent. Finally, this invention provides methods to produce recombinant super-compound interferon or its equivalent and various uses of said interferon.
US08114392B2	Method for smoothing fibers containing keratin Method for smoothing fibers containing keratin, in particular human hair. Fibers are subjected to a thermal treatment and to a treatment with an agent containing at least one conditioning compound selected from cationic polymers, quaternary ammonium compounds, silicones and protein hydrolyzates. The invention also relates to the use of an agent containing at least one of the conditioning compounds concerned in said method for smoothing fibers containing keratin. The inventive method achieves an excellent, uniform smoothing of the fibers, which are also conditioned.
US08114389B2	Nanoemulsions comprising at least one amphiphilic lipid, at least one oil, and at least one nonionic polymer, and uses thereof Oil-in-water nanoemulsions comprising oil globules with an average size of less than 150 nm and comprising at least one oil, at least one amphiphilc lipid, and at least one nonionic polymer comprising at least one hydrophobic block and at least one hydrophilic block. Processes comprising such oil-in-water nanoemulsions.
US08114388B2	Goniochromatic/light reflective cosmetic makeup compositions Goniochromatic/light reflecting cosmetic compositions well suited for making up the skin, lips, hair or integuments, contain (a) at least one goniochromatic coloring agent and (b) an amount of light reflective particles different from said at least one goniochromatic coloring agent and selected from the group consisting of (i) particles of a natural or synthetic substrate at least partially coated with at least one layer of at least one metal, (ii) particles of a synthetic substrate at least partially coated with at least one layer of at least one metallic compound, (iii) particles which comprise a stack of at least two layers of materials having different refractive indices, at least one of such layers optionally comprising a polymer, and (iv) metal oxide particles, formulated into (c) a topically applicable, physiologically acceptable medium therefor.
US08114383B2	Abuse-proofed dosage form The present invention relates to an abuse-proofed, thermoformed dosage form containing, in addition to one or more active ingredients with abuse potential optionally together with physiologically acceptable auxiliary substances, at least one synthetic or natural polymer with a breaking strength of at least 500 N and to a process for the production thereof.
US08114381B2	Radiolabeled compounds and compositions, their precursors and methods for their production Positron emitting compounds and methods of their production are provided. The compounds have the formula: (F)m G (R)n wherein each R is a group comprising at least one carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom and G is joined to R through said carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom; G is silicon or boron; m is 2 to 5 and n is 1 to 3 with m+n=3 to 6 when G is silicon; m is 1 to 3 and n is 1 to 3 with m+n=3 to 4 when G is boron; and wherein the compound further comprises one or more counterions when the above formula is charged; and wherein at least one F is 18F.
US08114379B2	Diagnostic and therapeutic alkyl piperidine/piperazine compounds and process Piperidine or piperazine compounds useful for treating neurodegenerated diseases characterized by the lack of dopamine neurons activity or for imaging the dopamine neurons are provided. The compounds are characterized by the formulae: wherein: n is an integer of 1 to 6; X, Y, Z1 and Z2 can be the same or different and are hydrogen, halo, haloalkyl, alkyl, aryl, (C1-C6) alkoxy, N-alkyl, (C2-C6) acyloxy, N-alkylene, —SH, —SR, wherein R is from the same group as R1 and R2 and can be the same or different than R1 and R2, amino, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, C(═O)OR6, —C(═O)NR5R4, NR3R2, or S(═O)kR1 wherein k is 1 or 2, and R1 to R6 are independently hydrogen or (C1-C6) alkyl; R1, and R2 can be the same or different and are hydrogen, (C1-C6) alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or mercaptoalkyl, —C(═O)OR1, cyano, (C1-C6) alkenyl, (C2-C6) alkynyl, or 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl optionally substituted at the 3-position by Z4 wherein any (C1-C6) alky, (C1-C6) alkanoyl, (C2-C6) alkenyl or (C2-C6) alkynyl can optionally be substituted by 1, 2 or 3 Z; R7 can be hydrogen, O or phenyl R8 can be hydrogen, phenyl, halophenyl, nitrophenyl, pyridyl, piperonyl or sulfoxonitrophenyl Z4 is (C1-C6) alkyl or phenyl, optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 Z1 W is O or S T is amino or C1-C6 aminoalkyl A is N or C T is C1-C6 alklyl or sulfonyl and V is alkyl (C0-C6), alkenyl, alkynyl, haloaryl, alkyl phenol, alkyl halophenyl, and R1 or R2 as indicated above and φ is phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl or pyridinyl.
US08114376B2	Multistage method for manufacturing titanium dioxide The manufacture of titanium dioxide by oxidation of titanium tetrachloride in a multistage method, where both oxygen and titanium tetrachloride are added in several stages. In the first stage gaseous TiCl4 is introduced into a preheated oxygen-containing gaseous stream in a stoichiometric or hyper-stoichiometric amount to produce a TiO2 containing gas suspension. In the second or further stages liquid TiCl4 and oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the TiO2 containing gas suspension to produce further TiO2.
US08114374B2	Carbonation of metal silicates for long-term CO2 sequestration In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a process of sequestering carbon dioxide. The process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting a metal silicate with a caustic alkali-metal hydroxide to produce a hydroxide of the metal formerly contained in the silicate; (b) reacting carbon dioxide with at least one of a caustic alkali-metal hydroxide and an alkali-metal silicate to produce at least one of an alkali-metal carbonate and an alkali-metal bicarbonate; and (c) reacting the metal hydroxide product of step (a) with at least one of the alkali-metal carbonate and the alkali-metal bicarbonate produced in step (b) to produce a carbonate of the metal formerly contained in the metal silicate of step (a).
US08114372B2	Hierarchical mesoporous carbon, method of manufacturing the same, and fuel cell using the same A hierarchical mesoporous carbon is provided in which a total volume of mesopores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon is 80% or greater of a total volume of pores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon; a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 20 nm and no greater than 50 nm is 3% or greater of the total volume of the pores; and a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 2 nm and no greater than 10 nm is 65% or greater of the total volume of the pores. The hierarchical mesoporous carbon, which also contains macropores, has an optimized mesoporous distribution characteristic, and has an increased total volume of pores, thereby having a significantly improved catalytic activity when used as a catalyst support. When such a supported catalyst including the hierarchical mesoporous carbon as a support is used in a fuel cell, supply of fuel and transporting of byproducts are facilitated.
US08114371B2	Process for production of precipitated silica from olivine Process for the production of precipitated silica from olivine including the following steps: providing olivine particles with a particle size preferably below 1 mm in diameter, preferably mixing olivine and water to form an olivine/water slurry, mixing the olivine/water slurry with hydrochloric acid (HCl), preferably at a Concentration at 18 wt % or above, and at a temperature preferably between 50 -130° C., and reacting for a period of time, preferably between 20-360 minutes, removal of coarse mineral impurities (sand product), separation of precipitated silica from mother solution, mechanical treatment of the separated precipitated silica and optionally some water to obtain a slurry, preparation of a low viscosity slurry by adding sodium aluminate or another suitable aluminate, preferably to 100-6000 p.p.m., and adjusting the pH, preferably to values between 4-9 ageing at a temperature between 50-150° C. according to product requirements dispersion of silica slurry removal of fine mineral impurities (sand product) drying of the silica.
US08114364B2	Increased reductant decomposition reactor robustness through the use of a hydrolytic catalyst coating A means for increasing the robustness of a SCR after-treatment system is provided. Specifically, a hydrolysis catalyst coating is applied to multiple surfaces within a decomposition reactor to aid in urea and urea based deposit decomposition and mitigation of urea based deposits. The reactor includes an injector mount attached to a middle tube portion, an inlet tube, an outlet tube and a mixer. A hydrolysis catalyst coating is applied to an inner surface of the injector mount, an inner surface of the middle tube portion, an inner surface of the outlet tube and an outer edge of the mixer. The hydrolysis catalyst coating is capable of decomposing urea and urea based deposits that comes in contact with the hydrolysis catalyst coating and mitigates the formation of urea based deposits.
US08114351B2	Analysis system and method for the analysis of a body fluid sample for an analyte contained therein Analysis system and method for the analysis of a body fluid sample for an analyte contained therein are disclosed. The analysis system has a dosing station for dosing a liquid into a test element through a sample supply opening, which reacts with a reagent system present in a sample analysis channel of the test element. The analysis system also has a measurement station for measuring a measurement variable characteristic of the reaction at the measuring zone of a test element for the analytical result. The test element also includes a separate flushing liquid supply opening and a flushing liquid collection chamber which are in fluid communication to one another via a flushing liquid channel. The flushing liquid channel and the sample analysis channel differ from one another in such a manner that a liquid flowing through the flushing liquid channel does not reach the measuring zone.
US08114349B2	Bio-analysis cartridge tracking and protection mechanism A reusable bio-analysis cartridge that includes a built-in mechanism to track various parameters and usage data. The tracking mechanism includes a non-volatile rewritable memory “smart-key” that is associated with the cartridge to provide automatic tracking dedicated to the cartridge. The key may be physically coupled to the cartridge with good high voltage insulating properties. When the cartridge is used in an instrument, the associated key is inserted into an I/O interface to communicate with the instrument. The instrument may be configured to “authenticate” the cartridge and conduct an integrity check to determine if the particular cartridge has the correct properties (e.g., gel-chemistry, serial no., Patient I.D.) for the particular sample analysis to be conducted. Further, the instrument may communicate/record information concerning usage of the cartridge (e.g., usage history, test parameters, and perhaps test results). Such information provides an update to the stored information from the previous use of the cartridge.
US08114346B2	Event-triggered ultraviolet light sterilization of surfaces Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact regions on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing article structure, in response to a contact event, allows sterilizing UV energy to controllably flow from a UV generator within the article to a portion of the contact region.
US08114345B2	System and method of sterilizing an implantable medical device An implantable system having internal circuitry configured to withstand a pre-determined amount of sterilization radiation is provided. In general, the system includes an internal control module in electrical communication with an implantable medical device. The internal control module can include a circuit board configured to withstand radiation and/or any number of integrated circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits) wherein the circuits or at least some portion thereof are fabricated so as to withstand some amount of radiation. For example, some portion of the circuitry can be fabricated utilizing radiation compliant material(s), silicon-on-insulator technology, and/or gallium arsenide technology. Additionally, the circuitry can include various components which are inherently resistant to such radiation (e.g., components fabricated utilizing magnetic field based technology, surface acoustical wave devices, etc.). A method of sterilizing an implantable medical device via radiation is also provided.
US08114343B1	Corrosion inhibition of hypochlorite solutions using Zn and Ca Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Zinc and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
US08114342B2	Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.
US08114340B2	Method of forming anode bodies for solid state capacitors The present invention relates to the field of solid state capacitors, and in particular to capacitors that have an anode body formed of porous valve action material, such as tantalum, niobium or niobium monoxide. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming capacitor anode bodies from valve action material comprising the steps of: providing a capacitor grade powder of the valve action material, charging the powder into a press mold, compacting the powder in the mold so as to shape the powder into an anode body shape, stabilizing the body shape, for example by sintering of the material to form an inter-connected porous body, characterized in that the molding process involves the use of a lubricant applied locally to lubricate the interface between an outside surface of the anode body and a molding surface of the mold.
US08114338B2	Tilting-type automatic pouring method and storage medium A tilting-type automatic pouring method for pouring molten metal from a ladle with an outflow position into a mold. The method includes tilting the ladle forward to pour molten metal into the mold, measuring a weight of poured molten metal, calculating a flow rate of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle based on the measured weight of poured molten metal, estimating a weight of molten metal that will be poured during a backward tilting. The method also includes estimating a total weight of molten metal based on the measured weight of poured molten metal and the estimated weight of molten metal that will be poured during the backward tilting and comparing the estimated total weight of molten metal to a predetermined weight. When the estimated total weight is equal to or larger than the predetermined weight, the backward tilting is started.
US08114337B2	Lance extraction Solids injection lances for injecting solids into a metallurgical vessel are normally supplied with cooling water from a cooling water circuit through water supply lines and return lines. Supply lines are provided with spaced pairs of connectors and bypass valves, and return lines are provided with similar pairs of spaced connectors and bypass valves. Flexible hoses can be connected between the pairs of connectors to establish supply and return flows of cooling water which bypass segments of the main supply and return lines which can be isolated and removed to allow withdrawal and subsequent replacement of the lances.
US08114336B2	Methods for increasing the strength and controlling the architecture and composition of ceramic articles Ceramic porous and non-porous articles are made by a process that includes a hardening step in which a fluid-containing ceramic composition is exposed to a solvent in which the fluid in the composition is soluble before the ceramic composition is solidified into the final ceramic article.
US08114335B2	Partial depth-wise cure of a tire inner liner A method and apparatus for partial depth-wise cure of a tire inner liner are disclosed. The method comprising forming a layer of uncured rubber, that layer having a first surface and an opposite surface, applying pressure to the layer of rubber, heating the layer of rubber from the first surface to more fully cure the layer on that surface than on the opposite surface, cooling the layer of rubber and releasing the pressure applied to the layer of rubber after the layer has cooled. The apparatus comprising a drum, a heat exchange chamber on the inner surface of the drum, a housing that surrounds the drum, a space between the outer surface of the drum and the housing, an inflatable seal at each end of the housing inside the housing such that by inflating the seal, the seal expands and encloses the space between the drum and the housing, a gas inlet for feeding a gas to the space and pressurizing the space, a heat source in communication with the heat exchange chamber for heating the drum and a coolant source in communication with the heat exchange chamber for cooling the drum.
US08114332B2	Injection moulding method An injection mold for injection molding an article having a base and a sidewall, the injection mold comprising: first and second mold parts which are adapted to be connected together in a closed configuration so as to define a mold cavity there between, the mold cavity having a base portion and a sidewall portion, an injector for injecting into the mold cavity molten material to be molded into the article, at least one portion of one of the first and second mold parts being movable when the first and second mold parts are in the closed configuration so as to vary the volume of the mold cavity, an actuator for selectively moving the at least one portion of one of the first and second mold parts in first and second directions so as to increase and reduce, respectively, the volume of the mold cavity.
US08114327B2	Orthodontic indirect bonding tray with moisture control An indirect bonding apparatus for orthodontic bonding procedures includes a tray having inner wall sections defining a channel for receiving the patient's dental arch. A number of orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the tray along the channel, and each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to the tooth. The wall sections include at least one groove extending along the base of at least one appliance in order to provide a space between the wall sections and the patient's tooth structure when the tray is received on the patient's dental arch. The space hinders the flow of oral fluids such as saliva in directions toward the base in order to help ensure that the fluids do not adversely affect the strength of the resulting adhesive bond between the appliance and the tooth.
US08114324B2	Apparatus and method for pressing an outer wall of pipe A method of pressing an outer wall of polymer pipe is provided. The method includes extruding a layer of polymer onto a pipe to form an outer wall of pipe; conveying the pipe including the outer wall of pipe through a pressing apparatus having a pressing element configured to rotate about the pipe; and urging the pressing element against an exterior surface of the outer wall as the pressing element rotates about a pipe conveyed through the pressing apparatus. An apparatus for pressing an outer wall of polymer pipe is also provided.
US08114318B2	Ionic liquid electrolyte The present invention relates to electrolytes comprising tetracyanoborate and an organic cation as components of electrolytes in electrochemical and/or optoelectronic devices, in particular solar cells. This ionic liquid has low viscosity and can be used as electrolyte in the absence of a solvent. Importantly, the ionic liquid remains stable in solar cells even after prolonged thermal stress at 80° C. for 1000 hours. Photovoltaic conversion efficiency remained stable and keeping more than 90% of the initial value.
US08114317B2	Polyimide powder for antistatic polyimide molded product and polyimide molded product thereby A polyimide powder for an antistatic polyimide molded product is disclosed. The polyimide powder comprises a polyimide-powder prepared from an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component and a diamine component, and a conductive carbon black having a DBP oil absorption of 300 ml/100 g or more; wherein the amount of the conductive carbon black is within a range of 0.75 wt % to 5 wt % relative to the polyimide-powder. A polyimide molded product with sufficient antistatic property can be formed by molding the above polyimide powder.
US08114316B2	Monomers, oligomers and polymers of thieno[2,3-b]thiophene The invention relates to novel mono-, oligo and polymers of thieno[2,3-b]thiophene, to their use as semiconductors or charge transport materials, in optical, electro-optical or electronic devices like LCDs, optical films, FETs or OFETs for TFT-LCDs and IC devices such as RFID tags, electroluminescent devices in flat panel displays or photovoltaic or sensor devices, and further relates to a FET, light emitting device or ID tag comprising the novel polymers.
US08114311B2	Red phosphor and display device including the same A red phosphor, including a first phosphor represented by Formula 1 (Y1-x1Mx1)2-y1O3:Euy1 (1). In Formula 1, M includes at least one of Gd, La, Sc, and Lu, and x1 and y1 satisfy the relations: 0.00≦x1≦0.8 and 0.025≦y1≦0.20.
US08114309B2	Lithium-manganese composite oxides for lithium ion battery and process for preparing same A lithium-manganese composite oxide for a lithium ion battery having a good cycle property at high-temperature and battery property of high capacity is provided. A spinel type lithium-manganese composite oxide for a lithium ion battery represented by a general formula: Li1+xMn2-yMyO4 (wherein M is one or more elements selected from Al, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cu, Ba, W and Pb, and, −0.1≦x≦0.2, and 0.06≦y≦0.3), and when D10, D50 and D90 are defined as a particle size at which point the cumulative frequency of volume reaches 10%, 50% and 90% respectively, d10 is not less than 2 μm and not more than 5 μM, d50 is not less than 6 μm and not more than 9 μm, and d90 is not less than 12 μm and not more than 15 μM, and BET specific surface area thereof is greater than 1.0 m2/g and not more than 2.0 m2/g, and the tap density thereof is not less than 0.5 g/cm3 and less than 1.0 g/cm3.
US08114303B2	Method of manufacturing ceramic probe card Provided is a method of manufacturing a ceramic probe card. A ceramic laminated body having a plurality of ceramic green sheets and an interlayer circuit including a conductive via and a conductive line formed in the plurality of ceramic green sheets is prepared. Then, at least one probe pin structure connected to the interlayer circuit is formed by selectively removing the plurality of photosensitive ceramic sheets having a ceramic powder and a photosensitive organic component on the ceramic laminated body necessarily, and by filling a metal material in a region from which the plurality of photosensitive ceramic sheets have been removed. Then, a ceramic substrate having the at least one probe pin structure is provided by simultaneously firing the ceramic laminated body and the photosensitive ceramic sheets, and by removing the photosensitive ceramic sheets.
US08114299B2	Filter with flow surge protection and method of protecting filter from flow surge Fluid flow surge protection is provided for a filter by increasing upstream plenum fluid volume. In one embodiment, an accumulator or transfer mechanism transfers or trades downstream plenum fluid volume to or for upstream plenum fluid volume.
US08114295B2	Intelligent system and method for automated packing of chromatography columns The present invention provides an automated system and method for packing chromatography columns. In one embodiment, the system first determines the type of media that is present in the column, and uses this information to generate an automated procedure to pack the specific media type. In a second embodiment, the media type is made known to the system, such as via input from the operator. The system then uses this information, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, to generate an automated procedure to pack the specific media type. Finally, in a third embodiment, parameters such as column height and rate of compression are made known to the system, such as via input from the operator. The system then packs the column in accordance with these supplied parameters.
US08114290B2	Filter device A filter device includes a housing (2) having at least two rotation bodies (4,) which are arranged therein and are driven by a shaft (3). The rotation bodies (4) are designed and arranged for producing a centrifugal pumping effect. A guidance device (7) is provided between the rotation bodies (4), which connects the pressure side (6) of a first rotation body (4) to the suction side (5) of a rotation body (4, 18) arranged therebehind in the flow direction (8). The intermediate spaces between the rotation bodies are provided with a filter arrangement.
US08114287B2	Surface purveyed filtration device A filtration appliance comprised of two types of convening disks, whereon opposing, contacting surfaces are textured or channeled, purveying passage and filtration of fluids traversing between the convening disks. A plurality of parallel, spiraling grooves on both sides of conveyance disks purvey channeling for fluid ingress and egress, inlet grooves spiral radially inward from the outside circumference, decreasing in width until terminating prior to the inside circumference, outlet grooves spiral radially outward from the inside circumference, decreasing in width until terminating prior to the outside circumference. Topologic disks conveying homogeneously textured surfaces for filtration sandwich conveyance disks. The textured topologic surface is pressed upon the conveyance surface between the grooves. Pressured dirty fluid ingresses the appliance via the conveyance disk inlet grooves, passes across the textured surface of the topologic disk surface, depositing residue thereon and egresses as clean fluid via the conveyance disk outlet grooves.
US08114285B2	Tri-flow filter element with venting A filter element and assembly which has three flow paths, has particular application to a fuel supply system for a diesel engine for filtering flow from the fuel tank as well as fuel returning from the engine that is to be recirculated back to the engine. The filter element and assembly provide a third flow path for also providing for venting of both fuel paths to a drain flow path internally of the filter element.
US08114284B2	Filter cartridge and apparatus for the filtration of liquids The invention describes an apparatus for the filtration of liquids and an associated filter cartridge 100, the correct seating of which is ensured and can be established by the user. The apparatus is characterized in that the inlet funnel 10 has at least one first fixing means 30 below the receiving opening 13, and in that the filter cartridge 100 has at least one second fixing means 130 below and at a distance from the sealing rim 160, which second fixing means, when the filter cartridge 100 is being fitted into the receiving opening 13, interacts with the first fixing means 30.
US08114282B2	Method and installation for regulating the modifier level in chromatography or supercritical extraction with recycling A chromatography or supercritical extraction method is disclosed, in which the eluent comprises a mixture of a fluid and a modifier and in which the fluid is recycled. One exemplary method comprises an operation consisting in determining at least one quantity linked to the level of modifier that is mixed with the recycled fluid and, if necessary, a correction operation in order to limit variations in the level of modifier in the eluent at the inlet of the column or the extractor. The disclosure also relates to a chromatography or extraction installation.
US08114279B2	Removal of microorganisms and disinfection byproduct precursors using elemental iron or aluminum A process for removing microorganisms and/or precursors of disinfection by-products from a medium sought to be treated comprising treating the medium with one or more elements capable of forming an oxide, a hydroxide, and/or an oxyhydroxide through corrosion is disclosed. A system for effecting the removal or inactivation of microorganisms and/or disinfection by-product precursors is also contemplated.
US08114278B2	Fuel filter The invention concerns a fuel filter 10, in particular for diesel fuels, that comprises a housing 11 and a filter medium 12. The filter medium 12 is arranged by means of a filter medium holder 24 in the housing, wherein the filter medium holder comprises a venting bore 25. Through the venting bore 25 gases that collect in the upper area of the fuel filter can pass from the crude chamber 21 into the clean chamber 22. For avoiding that contaminants can escape through a clean outlet 18 from the fuel filter 10 and damage components downstream, a clean medium 26 is provided that retains such contaminants.
US08114272B2	Method for treating refinery waste streams in a fluid catalytic cracking unit and an improved catalytic cracking unit for processing refinery waste streams A method of processing the waste stream includes introducing the waste stream into the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit such that waste stream is processed within the regenerator unit or in CO boiler unit such that the waste stream and the regenerator flue gas are burned within the regenerator unit or the CO boiler unit. The waste stream contains NH3 and the NH3 is converted to the NOx and N2. The fluid catalytic cracking unit may further include an assembly for converting NOx to N2. Flue gas from the CO boiler unit containing NOx and N2 is fed to the assembly to NOx to N2 within the assembly. The assembly for converting NOx to N2 preferably includes a selective catalytic reduction unit containing a catalyst, and wherein converting NOx to N2 includes reacting the NOx with the catalyst to produce N2 and H2O.
US08114271B2	Small volume in vitro analyte sensor A sensor designed to determine the amount and concentration of analyte in a sample having a volume of less than about 1 μL. The sensor has a working electrode coated with a non-leachable redox mediator. The redox mediator acts as an electron transfer agent between the analyte and the electrode. In addition, a second electron transfer agent, such as an enzyme, can be added to facilitate the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the analyte. The redox mediator is typically a redox compound bound to a polymer. The preferred redox mediators are air-oxidizable.The amount of analyte can be determined by coulometry. One particular coulometric technique includes the measurement of the current between the working electrode and a counter or reference electrode at two or more times. The charge passed by this current to or from the analyte is correlated with the amount of analyte in the sample. Other electrochemical detection methods, such as amperometric, voltammetric, and potentiometric techniques, can also be used.The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08114266B2	CO2 destruction by galvanic cell fusion Basically, I want to use soft, shredded, rusty metal as a sacrificial anode to CO2 and H2SO4. The metal is then grounded by an earth ground. The sulfuric acid (powder/gas) will increase the conductivity of a Galvanic Cell/Battery (Rust) and conscript oxygen to do so. The galvanic cell itself (Rust) also conscripts oxygen in its attraction to less noble and dissimilar materials (ferrous metal) and will be forced to do work in the galvanic cell. As oxygen is conducted between the difference of two potentials (Battery/Galvanic Cell), sulfuric acid (a bond breaker) will both contribute to un-fusing oxygen from its carbon in the galvanic cell (Rust), and depositing that carbon onto the carbon-iron found in mild steel. Oxygen is released through its' “work” in the sacrificial anode (mild steel) during the rust process and binding the carbon both by acid deposition and electrolysis to the remaining iron and carbon of rust.
US08114259B2	Method and system for providing potable water An electrically-driven separation apparatus can be used with a pressure-driven separation apparatus to provide potable water having a desired total dissolved solids (TDS).
US08114257B2	Electrolytic cell and method of reducing gamma ray emissions An electrolytic cell and a method for accelerating the reduction of gamma ray emissions from a radioactive substance. The cell includes a non-conductive housing and a conductive end member sealingly positioned in and extending from each open end of the housing. Gamma ray emitting material such as powder, granules or gases in an admixture with palladium black powder or particles are closely packed into the chamber. A longitudinal gas passage extends through each end member in gas communication with the chamber. Each gas passage is sealably closeable, one gas passage being connectable to a source of pressurized hydrogen or deuterium gas deliverable under pressure into the chamber to charge the catalytic particles. A distal end of each end member is connected to an electric power source wherein, when electric current flows through the chamber, the gamma ray emission count decays at an abnormally high rate.
US08114253B2	Apparatus for characterizing fibrous materials using stokes parameters An apparatus for determining fiber orientation parameters of a sheet of material during a production process includes a polarized radiation generating system operable for providing polarized radiation having a frequency of at least 1×108 Hz. The radiation is aligned to be incident on a sheet material to be characterized. A polarimeter is aligned to receive the radiation transmitted by the sheet material. A photodetector is provided for measuring radiation received after polarization processing by the polarimeter. A processor is coupled to the photodetector for calculating Stokes parameters of the sheet material based upon intensities of the radiation received and determines at least one parameter relating to fiber orientation of the sheet material based upon the Stokes parameters.
US08114251B2	Papers containing fibrids derived from diamino diphenyl sulfone This invention relates to papers made with fibrids containing a polymer or copolymer derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof. Such papers have high thermal stability and accept ink more readily than papers made solely with aramid fibrids.
US08114250B2	Method and installation for the combination of plies forming an absorbent sheet The present invention relates to a method for the combination of at least two plies of tissue paper without glue and by pressure marking, characterized in that it involves embossing at least one first ply according to an embossing design by passage between a first cylinder and a second cylinder covered externally with a rubber blanket, then combining at least one second ply with the first ply by causing both plies to pass between the first engraved steel cylinder of axis CC′ and at least one first series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders of axis XX′. Both plies are then passed between the first cylinder and a second series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders of axis YY′, the axes CC′, XX′; and YY′ being horizontal and parallel. The invention also includes the apparatus for carrying out the disclosed method.
US08114248B2	Roll-to-roll method and system for micro-replication of a pattern of large relief three-dimensional microstructures A method and system referred to as PALM (Patterning by Adhesive of Large Relief Three-Dimensional Microstructures) with large reliefs exceeding 1 μm and being as large as 100 μm. The microstructures can be either deterministic (such as microprisms), or random (such as diffusers), the first obtained by copying an original supermaster, and latter obtained by copying a laser speckle pattern. The master process entails copying a supermaster into the form of the microstructure constituting a pattern on the patterning cylinder (called a drum), to be then continuously multiplied in the PALM system, in a continuous roll-to-roll web process. The latter method, together with the related system, is the subject of this invention. The rolls continuously repeat the master pattern, copying by adhesive with large viscosity on acrylic (hybrid) as well as by a monolithic process. The monolithic process can be accomplished using temperature and pressure, or by UV-cured polymerization. Therefore, the invention comprises three alternative processes: one, hybrid (adhesive on acrylic), and two monolithic ones. In the PALM (hybrid) process, an epoxy is wet-coated on film substrates such as polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PET), (PE), or other flexible material. The adhesive, in liquid form, is applied to the substrate by a self-metered coating sub-process. In the present invention, the adhesive is used for forming the microstructure pattern. The microstructure pattern is replicated from a master roll or image drum onto a coating roll.
US08114246B2	Vacuum plasma processor having a chamber with electrodes and a coil for plasma excitation and method of operating same A vacuum plasma processor includes a roof structure including a dielectric window carrying (1) a semiconductor plate having a high electric conductivity so it functions as an electrode, (2) a hollow coil and (3) at least one electric shield. The shield, coil and semiconductor plate are positioned to prevent substantial coil generated electric field components from being incident on the semiconductor plate. During a first interval the coil produces an RF electromagnetic field that results in a plasma that strips photoresist from a semiconductor wafer. During a second interval the semiconductor plate and another electrode produce an RF electromagnetic field that results in a plasma that etches electric layers, underlayers and photoresist layers from the wafer.
US08114244B2	Method for etching a sample The invention provides a method for performing mass production processing of etching a sample capable of maintaining a stable processing profile. The method for performing mass production processing of etching for subjecting a wafer carried into a vacuum processing reactor to plasma processing uses an apparatus comprising a vacuum processing chamber, a gas supply apparatus, a plasma generating means for generating plasma, an emission spectroscope for monitoring the plasma emission, and a device for storing the emission spectrum, wherein a non-operating time of the apparatus (idling SS) occurs in which the mass production processing of the wafer is temporarily stopped, wherein during cleaning steps S2 and S2′ before and after idling SS, emission intensities SiF(1) and SiF(2) in the plasma including the information on the state of deposition of reaction products and the temperature on the uppermost surface of the reactor are monitored, and a database S4 is referred to based on these emission spectrums, so that the time of the plasma heating step S3 after the idling SS is controlled to heat the reactor, and after performing plasma heating S3, the next sample is subjected to etching S2.
US08114239B2	Polycarbonate panel assembly for a vehicle A vehicle glazing panel assembly has a polycarbonate panel supported by a vehicle body, and has a plurality of peripheral regions. A reinforcement member is mounted to the polycarbonate panel proximate at least one of the plurality of peripheral regions to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing panel assembly by thermoforming a polycarbonate panel. A reinforcement member is injection molded. The reinforcement member is joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A vehicle glazing panel assembly is manufactured by a method of thermoforming. A reinforcement member is formed and joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel.
US08114237B2	Method for producing material roll The invention is directed to a method for producing a material roll for use in a process including unwinding a long sheet material from a roll of the long sheet material, wherein the long sheet material includes an optical film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release film laminated in this order, and the optical film includes a polarizing plate, cutting at least the optical film to form an optical film having a specific length, and then bonding the optical film to a surface of a rectangular optical display unit, while feeding the optical film, the method comprising the steps of: lengthwise slitting a long material having a longitudinal direction parallel to an absorption axis of the polarizing plate, so that a long sheet material having a width corresponding to a short or long side of the optical display unit is obtained; and winding the long sheet material into a roll.
US08114236B2	Method for making disposable pants-type diaper Disclosed is a method of continuously making a disposable pants-type diaper having a body waste receiving pocket. A first web is continuously fed in a machine direction and a second web is continuously fed onto the first web and is folded back onto itself in a cross direction and locally bonded together along opposite edges thereof to obtain a third web. The third web is superposed on the first web and then the first web and the third web are bonded to each other to obtain a first composite web. From between the adjacent chassis in a second composite web defined by the first and third webs, substantially semicircular web pieces are clipped out to obtain third composite web on both sides of a cutting line to obtain a fourth composite web which is cut along the cutting line to obtain the individual pants-type diapers.
US08114228B2	Gas generating composition The present invention provides a liquid gas generating composition comprising the following (a) to (c) components, wherein the content ratio of (b) component is 0.5 mass % or more and less than 5.0 mass %: (a) hydroxyammonium nitrate; (b) a thickening stabilizer; and (c) water.
US08114225B2	Soft magnetic materials An article including a monolithic body including iron, cobalt, and nitrogen is provided. The monolithic body includes a matrix phase and a plurality of particles disposed within the matrix phase. The particles include a phase comprising nitrogen.
US08114223B2	Glass cleaner comprising an alkylpyrrolidone, glycol ether, and anionic surfactant A cleaning agent for hard surfaces, which is made of a combination of at least one alkyl pyrrolidone, at least one glycol ether, and at least one anionic surfactant, exhibits very good cleaning power and cleaning speed for dirt of different kinds and can be utilized particularly for cleaning glass.
US08114215B2	2-dimensional line-defects controlled silicon ingot, wafer and epitaxial wafer, and manufacturing process and apparatus therefor The present invention reports a defect that has not been reported, and discloses a defect-controlled silicon ingot, a defect-controlled wafer, and a process and apparatus for manufacturing the same. The new defect is a crystal defect generated when a screw dislocation caused by a HMCZ (Horizontal Magnetic Czochralski) method applying a strong horizontal magnetic field develops into a jogged screw dislocation and propagates to form a cross slip during thermal process wherein a crystal is cooled. The present invention changes the shape and structure of an upper heat shield structure arranged between a heater and an ingot above a silicon melt, and controls initial conditions or operation conditions of a silicon single crystalline ingot growth process to reduce a screw dislocation caused by a strong horizontal magnetic field and prevent the screw dislocation from propagating into a cross slip.
US08114214B2	Methods and compositions using calcium carbonate Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.
US08114209B2	Oil type release agent for die casting method for setting solvent mixing ratio, casting method, and spray unit The invention provides an oil type release agent die casting containing 70 to 98 parts by weight of a solvent having a specified flash point, 1 to 10 parts by weight of mineral oils and/or synthetic oils having a high viscosity, 15 parts by weight or less of a silicone oil, and 1 to 5 parts by weight of additives having a lubricating function, wherein the flash point of the agent is in the range of 70 to 170° C., and dynamic viscosity of the agent is 2 to 30 mm2/s or higher at 40° C., and a method for setting a mixing ratio of the solvent, a casting method, and a spraying unit for the case of using the release agent.
US08114204B2	Wireless receptor for communications within housings The present invention provides a system and method for transmitting information between a device within a housing to a second device, preferably a test or monitoring unit, outside of the housing. There are numerous issues associated with transferring information from within a sealed housing to an external device. In some cases, the use of wires inside the housing may be impractical, due to internal conditions, such as fluid flow, pressure or temperature. In one embodiment, the antenna of the external RF reading device is electrically connected to the dome of the housing. In another embodiment, the device within the housing is electrically connected to a housing component. In another embodiment, the gasket is used to pass information from within the housing to an external device.
US08114200B2	Multi-dimensional portable gas chromatograph system A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.
US08114195B2	Porous crystalline materials, their synthesis and use A porous crystalline material has a tetrahedral framework comprising a general structure, M1-IM-M2, wherein M1 comprises a metal having a first valency, wherein M2 comprises a metal having a second valency different from said first valency, and wherein IM is imidazolate or a substituted imidazolate linking moiety.
US08114194B2	Gas separation vessel with internal partition A gas separation vessel has a vessel shell and a partition therein. A first bed support is mounted between the partition and the shell, and a second bed support is mounted within the partition to define a second bed space. First and second ports on the vessel shell beneath the bed supports permit gas flow between the bed spaces and the exterior of the vessel shell. A separation medium is placed in the bed spaces. A feed gas is introduced into the vessel to flow through the first bed and then through the second bed to separate at least one component of the feed gas from the other intermixed gases. Output gas is then collected from the vessel. The vessel may have a L:D ratio of not more than 4:1.
US08114192B2	Gas separation processes using membrane with permeate sweep to recover reaction feedstocks A gas separation process for treating off-gas streams from reaction processes, and reaction processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the off-gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and passing the permeate/sweep gas mixture to the reaction. The process recovers unreacted feedstock that would otherwise be lost in the waste gases in an energy efficient manner.
US08114191B2	Energy efficient approach to CO2 capture process A system for capturing carbon dioxide is provided including a feed line transporting an exhaust gas, a first separator, a first compressor, a first membrane, a first ejector, a second separator, a second compressor, and a carbon dioxide storage tank. The first membrane is configured to filter the exhaust gas into a retentate stream of exhaust gas and a permeate stream of exhaust gas. The permeate stream of exhaust gas includes a larger amount of carbon dioxide than the retentate stream. The first ejector is configured to compress the permeate stream. The second compressor is configured to further compress the exhaust gas received from the second separator. The carbon dioxide storage tank is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the second compressor. A second membrane can be on the retentate stream of the first membrane, where a second ejector is on the permeate side of the second membrane.
US08114187B2	Synthesis of platinum nanostructures A method for synthesizing noble metal nanostructures is disclosed. The method involves reacting under heat a noble metal precursor, a polyol reducing agent, and a stabilizing polymer. Morphological control is achieved by controlling the reduction rate of the noble metal.
US08114185B2	Method of melting a mixture of scrap metal using scrap rubber A process for melting scrap metal for producing steel which includes the steps of combining a quantity of scrap metal and scrap rubber in an electric arc furnace. Energy is then applied to the quantity of steel and scrap rubber in the furnace to start the combustion of the scrap rubber to add additional heat for melting the scrap metal containing steel.
US08114180B2	Bag filter comprising scrimless filter felt of meta-and-para-aramid staple fiber This invention relates to a bag filter having a tubular section, a closed end, and an open end; the tubular section comprising a scrimless filter felt consisting essentially of a needle-punched batt of an intimate blend of fibers consisting of 50 to 79 percent by weight meta-aramid staple fiber, and 21 to 50 percent by weight para-aramid staple fiber; said needle-punched batt having a basis weight of from 10 to 17 ounces per square yard (340 to 580 grams per square meter).
US08114178B2	Polishing composition for semiconductor wafer and polishing method The present invention relates to a polishing composition for a semiconductor wafer which is excellent in polishing property, and a polishing method. The polishing composition for a semiconductor wafer comprises colloidal silica consisting of non-spherical silica particles having a ratio of long axis to short axis of 1.5 to 15. The polishing method for a semiconductor wafer uses the polishing composition. The polishing composition can provide a remarkably high polishing rate compared with a polishing composition using spherical colloidal silica, and can provide good mirror-polishing without causing scratches. In addition, small alkali metal content enables reduction of adverse effects on a semiconductor wafer, such as residual abrasives after polishing.
US08114177B2	Co-feed of biomass as source of makeup catalysts for catalytic coal gasification Continuous processes are provided for converting a carbonaceous feedstock comprising biomass containing alkali metal, non-biomass components, and at least one gasification catalyst including an alkali metal recovered from solid char, into a plurality of gaseous products including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons.
US08114176B2	Catalytic steam gasification of petroleum coke to methane The present invention provides a catalytic steam gasification process for gasifying petroleum coke. The solids composition within the gasification reactor of the disclosed invention is maintained by controlling the catalyst composition of the feed. The process utilizes sour water from the raw gasification product gases to recover and recycle catalyst. Fine particles generated in the handling of coke are advantageously utilized to increase the efficiency of the process.
US08114175B2	Fuel cell hydrocarbon reformer having rapid transient response and convective cooling A catalytic hydrocarbon reformer comprising a catalyst concentrically disposed within a reformer tube surrounded by an annular flow space for air entering a fuel-air mixing zone ahead of the catalyst. The catalyst is sustained by minimal insulative mounting material so that most of the side of the catalyst is exposed for radial radiative heat transfer to the reformer tube for cooling by air in the annular flow space. The forward portion of the mounting material preferably is formed of a thermally-conductive material to provide radial conductive cooling of the entry of the catalyst to prevent overheating during catalysis. The incoming air flow is protected from heat exchange with hot reformate exiting the catalyst, allowing for convective cooling of the catalyst side and greater cooling of the catalyst face, thus increasing the working life of the catalyst while providing for rapid startup of the reformer and associated fuel cell system.
US08114170B2	Agent for coloring and/or bleaching keratin fibers comprising composition (A), composition (B), at least one fat and at least one reductone The present disclosure relates to an agent for coloring and/or bleaching keratin fibers, consisting of: a first composition (A) comprising at least one alkalizing agent, and a second composition (B) comprising at least one oxidizing agent, wherein at least one of the two compositions (A) and (B) comprises at least one fat selected from liquid hydrocarbons, such that the at least one fat is present in a mixture of compositions (A) and (B) in an amount of at least 20 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the mixture, and further wherein at least one of compositions (A) and (B) comprises at least one reductone optionally in a form chosen from acids, salts, and esters. The present disclosure also relates to a method of coloring and/or bleaching keratin fibers employing the agent, as well as a kit containing it.
US08114169B2	Compositions for biobleaching coupled with stone washing of indigo dyed denims and process thereof Disclosed herein are novel compositions for biobleaching coupled with stone washing of indigo dyed denims comprising a blend of glucose oxidase, catalases and cellulases in the ratio of 1.0:10.0:1.0 along with sugar base, peroxide source and optional adjuvants and a process for the said biobleaching coupled with stone washing wherein the process is carried out at optimized conditions of neutral pH (6.5-7.0) and a temperature of 55° C. Processing time may vary from 15 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the extent of bleach required for the fabric.
US08114168B2	Momentum free bearing for use in prosthetic and orthotic devices A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings may be placed on either side of the engaging ring within the bore to retain the engaging ring within the mount. Seals having sealing members may be provided on either side of the engaging ring to seal the engaging ring within the mount. A cylindrical rod engages the swivel portion and the seal through bores provided in each of the seal and the swivel portion. The ends of the cylindrical rod can be press-fit within bores on a mount and a frame of a prosthetic knee.
US08114167B2	Dynamically activated variable response socket technology A socket system in an artificial limb for amputees, the socket system being dynamically activated by weight-bearing loads and variable in response to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system includes: a liner adapted to engage the residual limb; a semi-flexible inner socket having a textured surface; an inner socket air wick between the liner and the textured surface of the inner socket; a semi-rigid outer socket having a textured surface; an outer socket air wick between the inner socket and the textured surface of the outer socket; a sealing sleeve engaging the outer socket and the residual limb, the sealing sleeve, the outer socket, and the residual limb creating a sealed chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the sealed chamber and creating a vacuum within the sealed chamber. The vacuum source is dynamically activated in response to weight-bearing loads and varies the response of the socket system to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system may alternatively be a single rigid socket with a flexible brim.
US08114165B2	Tibial insert and method for implanting the same A tibial insert includes a platform defining an upper bearing surface and first and second keels extending downwardly from the platform. Each of the first and second keels includes an angled anterior face. A surgical method for knee arthroplasty is also disclosed.
US08114164B2	Bicondylar resurfacing prosthesis and method for insertion through direct lateral approach A bicondylar implantable prosthesis resurfaces only the weight bearing portion of the patient's femur. The prosthesis includes a thin shell convexly curved outer articular surface including a medial condyle, a lateral condyle, and an intercondylar bridge, and a concave inner surface of the prosthesis that has at least one transverse ridge extending across the width of the prosthesis. When the prosthesis is implanted on the weight bearing portion of the femur, the entire outer surface of the curved articular surface is sized to resurface substantially only the weight bearing portion and no portion of the patello-femoral joint of the knee. The prosthesis is configured to be implantable by a lateral insertion through a direct lateral approach to a retropatellar region of the patient's knee joint, during which insertion the at least one transverse ridge guides the prosthesis along a laterally resected surface of the femur.
US08114163B2	Method and apparatus for adjusting height and angle for a radial head A modular prosthesis system for replacement of a head portion of a radius. The prosthesis system includes a head component having a first connection portion that connects to a second connection portion and a collar component having the second connection portion and a third connection portion. The system also includes a stem component including a fourth connection portion that connects with the third connection portion, the stem component having a stem anchoring portion that connects to the radius. The collar component provides the modular geometry to the prosthesis without having to have an increased number of head components and stem components with variable lengths and angles.
US08114162B1	Spinal fusion implant and related methods A spinal fusion implant to be inserted within an intervertebral disc space in order to sustain spinal geometry and promote fusion of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
US08114158B2	Facet device and method A spine prosthesis is provided and in particular, related to the facet joint of a spine. A spinal implant comprises a facet prosthesis including an insert to be positioned within a joint capsule between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise a member having two opposing facet interfacing portions. A facet prosthesis exerts a distraction force between facets of a facet joint and may comprise a curable material to be injected into the facet joint. A facet prosthesis may also comprise a pair of magnets, each magnet coupled to a facet and oriented with like poles facing each other to provide a distracting force away from each other. A spine implant may also include an insert to be positioned within the joint capsule, a securing member comprising an elongate portion extending through part of a facet, and an anchor to anchor the securing member to the facet.
US08114157B2	Reversibly gelling polyurethane composition for surgical repair and augmentation A new reversibly gelling polyurethane (RGP) polymer composition is described, as well as novel processes for its preparation, and its medical uses for filling spaces in tissue, or bulking tissue, or for restoring organ function. The novel RGP polymer forms a gel on standing, liquefies during shear and reversibly reforms a macroscopic gel on standing after being sheared. Methods of use include delivering the improved gel to a site on the body to fill voids or to augment local tissue bulk.
US08114155B2	Annuloplasty ring with offset free ends An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends. A deliver template having a mounting ring with about the same shape as the ring facilitates implant, and may be releasably attached to a delivery handle. The deliver template may include a plurality of cutting guides for releasably attaching the annuloplasty ring thereto while presenting maximum outer surface area of the ring. The template may have an outwardly-facing groove to receive and retain the ring.
US08114152B2	Stent coating An expandable stent for use within a body passageway having a body member with two ends and a wall surface disposed between the ends. The body member has a first diameter to permit delivery of the body member into a body passageway and a second expanded diameter. The surface of the stent is coated with a biological agent and a polymer which controls the release of the biological agent.
US08114150B2	RGD peptide attached to bioabsorbable stents Provided herein is a medical device that includes RGD attached to the device via a spacer compound.
US08114140B2	Implantable orthopaedic device composed of a support structure having at least one orifice associated with a nut, for the passage of a locking screw The device includes a support structure (2) having an orifice (3) that delimits a seat (5) for receiving a nut (6) intended to cooperate with a locking screw (4). The seat (5) comprises an upper part (5a) and a lower part (5b), both shaped as truncated spheres and concentric to each other. Furthermore, the nut (6) has a spherical contour (11), and the screw head (15) has a lower part (15b), also with a spherical contour, and an upper part (15a) provided with a thread (17). The upper (15a) and lower (15b) parts of the screw head (15) cooperate respectively with the complementary thread (14) of the nut (6) and with the lower part (5b) of the receiving seat (5) such that, in the final phase of screwing the spherical contour (11) of the nut (6) bears against the upper spherical part (5a) of the seat (5), and of the lower part of the screw head (15b) against the lower spherical part (5b) of the seat (5).
US08114136B2	Implants and methods for inter-spinous process dynamic stabilization of a spinal motion segment An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer which is at least partially flexible and positionable between adjacent spinous processes. The spacer member includes upper and lower surfaces structured to receive a respective adjacent one of the upper and lower spinous processes of the spinal motion segment and a body having flexibly distinctive first and second sections relative to one another configured to modify the manner of movement at the spinal motion segment.
US08114130B2	Deflection rod system for spine implant with end connectors and method A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08114123B2	Apparatus and methods for tissue gathering and securing Methods and apparatus are provided that gather a patient's body tissue and then secure the gathered tissue in a reduced area utilizing a securing structure. The securing structure mainly resides on one side of the tissue to minimize or eliminate both foreign material and the amount of manipulation or activity on the other side of the tissue. The securing device is matched to the desired amount of tissue manipulation to minimize the structure. The gathered and secured tissue can surround a septal defect to obstruct or close the defect itself.
US08114118B2	Medical instrument A medical instrument has an instrument insert and an instrument handle, which are detachably connected to one another. An actuation rod of the instrument insert is releasably connectable to a movable grip of the instrument handle via a locking connection. A blocking element is provided which blocks the movable grip when the actuation rod has been released.
US08114115B2	Support frame for an embolic protection device A support 103 for an embolic protection device comprises round wires 116 which may form one or more support hoops for a filter body. The circumferential hoop formed by the wires 116 ensures that in the expanded position, the filter body 102 will be supported by the support frame 103 in circumferential apposition with the interior wall of the vasculature. The wires 116 may have a strain distributing linkage element in the form of a loop 120. The loop 120 acts as a diameter or circumference adjuster allowing an embolic protection device to adapt to different Bessel contours and sizes whilst maintaining apposition with the vessel wall. The strain relieving geometry of the loops enhances the compliance of the bend points without creating a weakened hinge point, thus ensuring that there is no discontinuity in the circumferential seal against the vessel wall.
US08114114B2	Embolic protection device The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.
US08114112B2	Stylet locking mechanism for medical delivery devices A stylet locking mechanism for preventing axial movement of a stylet relative to a needle of a medical delivery device is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises first and second ends that may be removably attached to the device, and a hinge for allowing the locking mechanism to be disengaged from a locking position without being completely disconnected from the delivery device.
US08114109B2	Single-use skin pricking device A single-use skin pricking device (7) comprising a housing (8), a lancet (1) disposed (5) within the housing (8), biasing means (11) coupled between the housing (8) and the lancet (1), and a trigger (12) mounted to the housing (8) for relative movement therewith. The trigger (8) is releasably coupled to the lancet (1) such that movement of the trigger (8) in a first direction moves the lancet (1) in a direction to compress the biasing means (11), and then causes release of the lancet (1) from (10) the trigger (8) whereby the biasing means (11) drives the lancet (1) in a second direction substantially opposite to said first direction.
US08114107B2	Laparoscopic scissor blades A laparoscopic scissor with a shaft for use through an access port, such as a trocar cannula, with one or more parabolic, cubic, quadratic or higher order cutting blades extending from the shaft is provided.
US08114106B2	Catheter for aspirating, fragmenting and removing material Catheter for aspiration, fragmentation and removal of removable material from hollow bodies, in particular of thrombi and emboli from human blood vessels, comprising a working head, a flexible transport screw, a flexible tube, and a cutting tool. The working head is independently displaceable along a guide wire, is arranged at the distal end of the catheter, and has at least one lateral opening. The flexible transport screw can be rotated at a distance by means of a rotary drive of a drive unit. The flexible tube surrounds the transport screw, is connected to the working head, and is intended for removing the detached thrombi and emboli fragments. The transport screw forms a shearing cutting tool in cooperation with the lateral opening of the working head, in order to comminute the detached thrombi and emboli between peripheral borders of the transport screw and borders of the lateral opening.
US08114105B2	Instrument for surgically cutting tissue and method of use Abstract An instrument for cutting tissue to controlled dimensions for removal of tissue specimens from remote sites in the body of a patient. The instrument has a housing and a substantially flexible shaft extending from the housing to a distal end. Suction can be municated along the shaft to the distal end for distribution across a cavity utilizing a nifold to pull tissue into the cavity against a tissue engaging of the manifold. One or more needles are extendable into the cavity to enable infusion of fluid into the tissue. A blade in the distal end is extendable over the manifold to cui the tissue held by suction in the cavity. The shape and depth of the tissue removed by the cut is in accordance with the contour of the tissue engaging surface and the size and shape of the cavity at the distal end.
US08114104B2	Mechanism for assembly of ultrasonic instrument An ultrasonic clamp coagulator system that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The system includes a one-piece torque wrench that is provided with cantilever arms aligned in an annular fashion about the centerline of the torque wrench. The cantilever arms include teeth in an inward perpendicular fashion in relation to cantilever arms. The clamp coagulator includes an outer tube retainer that includes spline gears projecting in a perpendicular fashion along the outer circumference of retainer. Torque is transmitted through the cantilever arms to the spline gears for attaching a handpiece to the clamp coagulator.
US08114103B2	Scalpel blade protector A scalpel blade protector comprises an inner housing attached to a scalpel handle, an outer housing and a blade guard slidably mounted between the inner and outer housings for movement between positions exposing and shielding the scalpel blade. The blade protector is attached to conventional scalpel handles. A first embodiment shows a blade protector for a flat scalpel handle. A second embodiment shows a blade protector for a round or hexagonal scalpel handle.
US08114097B2	Flexible instrument A robotic medical system comprises a catheter having an elongated shaft with a plurality of flexible segments spaced apart along the catheter, and a drive unit coupled to the catheter. The catheter may have a plurality of cables respectively terminating at the flexible segments, in which case, the drive unit will be coupled to the plurality of cables. The robotic medical system further comprises a user interface remote from the drive unit and configured for generating at least one command, and an electric controller configured, in response to the command(s), for directing the drive unit to independently bend the flexible segments (e.g., three flexible segments).
US08114091B2	Surgical instrumentation kit for inserting an ankle prosthesis A surgical instrument including at least one tibial phantom generally corresponding to at least certain features of the tibial implant. The tibial phantom includes a top surface adapted to move freely against the prepared bottom end of the tibia. At least one talus phantom generally corresponding to at least certain features of the talus implant is engaged with the prepared top surface of the talus. At least one phantom skid is located between the tibial phantom and the talus phantom. The phantom skid is engaged with the tibial phantom such that dynamic engagement between the phantom skid and the talus phantom through at least extension and flexion of the ankle joint positions the tibial phantom on the prepared bottom end of the tibia. The phantom skid can either be a part of the tibial phantom or a separate component.
US08114088B2	Geared spinal implant inserter-distractor Embodiments of a geared spinal implant inserter-distractor disclosed herein provide a greater mechanical advantage in delivering an intervertebral implant via an anterior, anterior-lateral, or posterior approach. The geared spinal implant inserter-distractor comprises an inserter, a distractor structured to slidably receive the inserter with a collar and an intervertebral implant attached thereto, and a gear mechanism arranged to translate a surgeon's rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the surgeon to have a greater control and feedback when placing an implant within an intervertebral disc space. The gear arrangement comprises a pinion inside the distractor and a rack on the inserter. The pinion can be driven by a shaft connected to a knob or handle. With the gear mechanism, a surgeon can turn the knob or handle to drive the inserter in and out of the distractor in a quantifiable manner, which facilitates the desirable precision delivery of the intervertebral implant.
US08114086B2	Navigated cut guide locator A navigated guide is provided for establishing datums used to position subsequent components during a surgical procedure.
US08114084B2	Expandable blade device for stabilizing compression fractures The present invention relates generally to medical devices and medical methods, in particular, devices and methods useful for stabilizing compression fractures of the spine. In one embodiment, the present invention is a device comprising a housing having a lumen; a plunger having a proximal portion and a distal portion, where the plunger is disposed within the lumen and is movable relative to the housing; a plurality of blades, where the blades can expand radially from the axis of the housing; and a manipulator functionally connected to the plunger, wherein the manipulator is operable to: move the plunger relative to the housing; expand the blades radially from the axis of the housing; and move the blades about the axis of the plunger.
US08114082B2	Anchoring system for disc repair Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.
US08114081B2	Osteosynthesis plate set A set of at least two osteosynthesis plates (2g, 2h) for implantation, anatomical reduction and internal splinting of bone fragments, in particular after fractures of the distal humerus. The two osteosynthesis plates (2g, 2h) according to the invention are provided with drilled holes (3a, 3b, 3c) which are arranged or formed so that the bone crews (12) passing through them come to rest in different directions in space, so that bone screws (12) can pass more completely than in the past through the bone space of the splinted bone (1).
US08114080B2	Flexible bone fixation device A bone fixation device bone fixation device includes a first construct comprising a plurality of first flexible plates configured to bend when a first threshold force is applied to the first construct and the plurality of first flexible plates are in an unlocked relationship and a second construct including a plurality of second flexible plates. The plurality of second flexible plates are configured to bend when a second threshold force is applied to said second construct and the plurality of second flexible plates are in an unlocked relationship. The device also includes a first locking member configured to compress first flexible plates and second flexible plates together and into a locked relationship, wherein the first threshold force applied to the first construct and the second threshold force applied to the second construct is insufficient to bend the first flexible plates and second flexible plates in the locked relationship.
US08114078B2	Intramedullary nail for femur fracture fixation An intramedullary nail for the fixation of fractures of the proximal femur, with a femur neck screw (10a), installable with a proximal femur nail (1a), into the intramedullary area, by a diagonal bore (7a), running to the longitudinal axis of the femur nail (1a), from the side of the femur nail (1a), and a locking element (16a) with at least one prong (18a) parallel to the axis of the femur neck screw (10a). A positive connection between the locking element (16a) and a groove (8a) in the bore (7a) of the femur nail (1a) forms a twisting lock of the femur neck screw (10a) and, allows for the axial movement of the femur neck screw (10a) in the bore (7a) of the femur nail (1a).
US08114077B2	Clamping pin A clamping pin is intended to be inserted into and held in an opening of a medical device. The clamping pin comprises a screw having a longitudinal axis, a first clamping element having a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a first part of a clamping section. A second clamping element has a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a second part of the clamping section which is complementary to the opening in the medical device. The inclined surfaces of the first and second clamping elements are in contact. A screw extends at least partly through both the first and second clamping elements. The screw engages in one of the clamping elements such that the axial distance between the two clamping elements and the diameter of the clamping section that can come in contact with a surface of the opening in the medical device will be changed upon actuation of the screw.
US08114074B1	Bipolar endoscopic surgical scissor blades and instrument incorporating the same Endoscopic bipolar scissor blades are formed in a laminate assembly of an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically insulating material, and a metal shearing surface which is electrically insulated and physically spaced from the electrode by the insulating material which is disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the electrode is a metal blade, while the insulating material is a ceramic which is fixed to the metal blade, and the metal shearing surface which also provides the cutting edge is of a metal material which is fixed to the ceramic. In a second embodiment, the insulating material is a molded ceramic blade, with the electrode and the metal shearing surface layer metalized or otherwise fixed to the ceramic blade. In a third embodiment, the electrode is metalized on a thin layer insulating material which is fixed onto a metallic blade. In a fourth embodiment, metallic shearing and electrode layers are laminated to opposite sides of a fiberglass material. In all embodiments, the metal cutting edges and surfaces are insulated from the electrodes, and no short circuit can form between the electrodes even though the cutting edges and shearing surfaces are metal.
US08114071B2	Hard tissue ablation system An electrosurgical system and method for treating hard and soft tissues in the body comprises a shaft, a distal end section, an active electrode associated with the distal end section, a first fluid supply adapted to deliver a first electrically conductive fluid to the target site, and a second fluid supply adapted to deliver a second electrically conductive fluid to the active electrode. The system is adapted to treat a wide variety of hard tissues such as, for example, bones, calcified structures, calcified deposits, teeth, plaque, kidney-stones, gall-stones and other types of tissue by generating plasma in the vicinity of the active electrode, and applying the plasma to the tissue or structures.
US08114066B2	Display for an infusion delivery system The present disclosure generally relates to an infusion pump for dispensing medication. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a display unit that can be pulled out by a user.
US08114061B2	Welding shuttle for a bag A welding boat for a pouch has a center part and two prolongations extending therefrom in opposite directions and tapering acutely. The welding boat has an opening for the filling of the pouch with a substance in manufacture and inlets and outlets for the actual use of the pouch. The center part is substantially filled by an opening with a lumen which is as large as possible and preferably circular, and the side edges of the side prolongations contact the opening tangentially.
US08114059B2	Absorbent article including barrier leg cuff structure and absorbent core with superabsorbent material An absorbent article is provided having opposite longitudinal sides and opposite lateral ends therebetween. The absorbent article comprises a topsheet, backsheet, and an absorbent core comprising about 60 percent superabsorbent polymer material between the topsheet and backsheet. The article has front and back waist regions, and a crotch region therebetween. A barrier cuff strip extends longitudinally from front to back waist regions along the topsheet and includes front and back ends and proximal and distal edges connecting the front and back ends. The distal edge is attached at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge and an inner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge. A longitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to the laterally extending side at the one of the front and back waist regions is about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the front or back waist regions.
US08114058B2	Process for making disposable absorbent article In a disposable absorbent article such as a disposable diaper including fastener elements by means of which front and rear waist regions are releasably connected with each other, the fastener elements are not affected by contraction of elastic members arranged in these waist regions. In this absorbent article, the front waist region and/or the rear waist region is or are divided into an elasticized intermediate zone provided with the elastic members and inelasticized transversely opposite side edge zones contigious to transversely opposite side edges of the intermediate zone. The fastener elements are provided in the transversely opposite side edge zones.
US08114057B2	Medical systems including a telescoping sleeve and related components and methods This invention relates to medical systems and related components and methods. In some embodiments, the systems include a sleeve configured to be disposed between an adaptor and a catheter assembly including an outer sheath surrounding an inner member.
US08114056B2	Device for preventing a free catheter flow A catheter for connecting an administering device to an administering needle, the catheter including a catheter wall, a flow region limited by the catheter wall, and at least one catheter portion at which at least one partial piece of the catheter wall abuts at least one other partial piece of the catheter wall to releasably block or obstruct the flow of a medium through the catheter, wherein the flow is unblocked or opened when the medium exhibits a pressure above a predetermined blocking pressure.
US08114055B2	Implantable pump with infinitely variable resistor A variable hydraulic resistor for use with implantable pumps is disclosed. The variable hydraulic resistor according to the present invention is particularly useful in varying the flow rate of a medication fluid from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. An implantable pump is also disclosed, which does not require a complicated clinching system or the like, and which may include an undulating membrane and chamber design to reduce the height of the pump.
US08114051B2	Retractable syringe A retractable syringe (30) comprising a hollow barrel (32) with a radially inwardly facing abutment surface (54) and a needle hub (40) having first engagement formation (42) integrally formed with the needle hub. A radially outer portion (50) of the first engagement formation (42) is engaged with the abutment surface (54) to radially inwardly bias the first engagement formation (42). A plunger includes a second engagement formation (60) which the first engagement formation captively engages at the end of a stroke thereby engaging the plunger (34) with the needle hub (40). The needle tip is retractable into the barrel (34) upon application of a predetermined longitudinal force to the plunger (34).
US08114043B2	Electromagnetic induction access disconnect sensor A connection of a patient's vascular system to an extracorporeal blood treatment machine is monitored to ensure the patient's safety during a procedure. The procedure may be hemodialysis, apheresis, plasmapheresis, a coronary by-pass operation, or other procedure. To ensure safe electrical connection, a contact and a return are connected via a conductive connection into the extracorporeal blood circuit. A current is then generated between the contact and the return and is monitored by a non-contact sensor near an access site of the patient. If the current or other quantity related to the current changes significantly, a signal is sent to the machine or a controller to notify a caregiver or a medical professional. The signal may also be sent to immediately stop a blood pump or other component of the machine.
US08114040B2	Interchangeable range of motion stop A method and apparatus for providing a range of motion to digits on a person's hand is disclosed. The apparatus may include a splint, an outrigger, a plurality of tubes, and a plurality of rubber bands. The outrigger may be secured to the splint and the plurality of tubes may be connected to the outrigger. The plurality of tubes may be provided in varying lengths such that a variety of range of motion requirements may be accommodated by a single kit.
US08114038B2	Oral hygiene apparatus A method and apparatus for oral hygiene, in particular having an oral hygiene device similar to a WATER PIK® brand device which has a pump with an inlet port and an outlet nozzle. A reservoir is placed in a sink above a drain and below a faucet and water from the faucet is adjusted for temperature and flows into the reservoir and over and into the drain of the sink. A conduit is provided between the inlet of the pump and the outlet of the reservoir so that, in use, a person can first adjust the temperature of the water in the reservoir and then turn on the pump and use the oral hygiene device as with any other oral hygiene apparatus while either allowing the water to continue to flow from the faucet at the desired temperature; or, if desired, to stop the flow and put medication into the container before use so that the water and medication solution is used rather than just water.
US08114036B2	Apparatus and method for therapeutically treating damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia or osteoporosis Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating at least a portion of a body. Apparatus and methods according to various embodiments of the disclosure include a platform for supporting at least a portion of a body. The platform includes at least one plate, a drive lever supported from the plate, and a damping member including a cantilever spring in contact with the drive lever. The platform is actuated at a first frequency. Next, the damping member is oscillated to create a force with a second frequency. Then, the force is distributed to at least a portion of the platform.
US08114033B2	Sleep determination apparatus A sleep determination apparatus capable of detecting wakefulness of a subject before entering a hypnagogic state with high accuracy is provided.When the subject is not yet in the hypnagogic state, it is determined that the subject is asleep when a detected body movement signal continuously remains below a determination threshold for a predetermined time or longer, and that the subject is awake in other situations. When the subject has entered the hypnagogic state, it is determined that the subject is awake when the detected body movement signal continuously remains above the determination threshold for the predetermined time or longer, and that the subject is asleep in other situations.
US08114032B2	Systems and methods for medical device advancement and rotation A system for moving an elongate medical device has at least one drive element for engaging and moving an elongate medical device. Various embodiments provide for moving the separate inner and outer elements of a telescoping medical device. Some systems also provide for the rotation of a rotatable distal element on a rotatable medical device or the rotation of extension element in a telescoping medical device.
US08114029B2	Test system for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid An actuator for driving a test element is disclosed. The test element can comprise a lancet for perforating the skin of a living organism. The actuator can comprise an engaging part for engaging and driving the test element in a lancing motion. The actuator can further comprise a lancing actuator and a lancing spring. The lancing actuator can bias the lancing spring by executing a forward movement and thereby can exert a biasing force on the engaging part. The actuator can further comprise a latch element. The latch element can be a force-sensitive latch element for exerting a retention force to hold back the engaging part. The retention force can counteract the biasing force. The latch element can release the engaging part when the biasing force exerted by the lancing actuator exceeds the retention force exerted by the latch element, thereby allowing the test element to perform the lancing motion.
US08114026B2	Methods and devices for remote ischemic preconditioning and near-continuous blood pressure monitoring Single- or dual-bladder devices for remote ischemic preconditioning and blood pressure monitoring are disclosed along with various oscillometry-based and other methods for detecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure while the ischemic preconditioning treatment is in progress. The devices and methods of the invention provide for delivery of ischemic preconditioning at the lowest effective cuff pressure while closely monitoring patient's hemodynamics. Advantageously, the device of the invention allows both ischemic preconditioning and blood pressure monitoring to be done on the same limb. Disposable battery-powered version of the device of the present invention is especially useful for emergency use with patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, or acute trauma. Additional device configurations are described for use in a percutaneous intervention and vascular sealing settings.
US08114022B2	Business method for generating advertising claims Business method for generating advertising claims by utilizing Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS) for dermatological studies. The methods of the invention can be carried in vitro (either artificial skin or a sample of skin) or in vivo (directly on the human skin of a person).
US08114019B2	Surgical access system and related methods A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08114017B2	Articulating endoscopic instrument An endoscopic instrument comprises a shaft, comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A grip comprising a handle is arranged at said proximal end of said shaft and a tool having at least an open and a closed position is arranged at said distal end of said shaft. Said shaft comprises at least two sections, a first section and a second section, which can be articulated with respect to said first section. Said second section comprises said tool. Said instrument further comprises an actuating element, by means of which said handle is in operative connection with said second section and with which an articulation of said second section can be initiated. Said first section or said actuating element and said tool are connected by a control element, by means of which said tool can be moved back and forth between said closed position and said open position in the course of an articulation of said second section, such that both the articulation of said second section and an opening/closing of said tool can be accomplished by the movement of said actuating element.
US08114016B2	Modular surgery retractor system A reconfigurable modular retractor system including a set of interchangeable body modules, the body modules including mechanisms for forming retractors and slot mechanisms for connecting blades, and blades including locking mechanisms for locking inside the slot mechanisms. A method of using the retractor system by forming a retractor by using at least one body module, attaching blades to the body module, inserting the retractor into a surgical area, retracting tissue, removing retraction from the tissue, and removing the retractor.
US08114014B2	Capsule medical apparatus and method of manufacturing thereof A capsule medical apparatus is provided with a plurality of rigid boards which are connected in line via a flexible board; and molded bodies. The molded bodies are formed in a manner of covering functional components mounted on the respective rigid boards. The molded bodies keep an inter-board interval between the rigid boards by intervening between facing rigid boards. The molded bodies keep an inter-board interval between the rigid boards by intervening between facing rigid boards.
US08114012B2	Capsule endoscope and intrasubject medical system using same A capsule endoscope includes a string that has one end attached to a main body of the capsule endoscope and another end secured at a predetermined position, and a wind-up unit that is provided in the main body of the capsule endoscope to bring out and wind up the string.
US08114002B2	Vertical filter filling machine and process Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.
US08114000B2	Machine tool with automatic tool changer A tool changing unit moves between a magazine position and a changing position to transfer a tool. A machine tool has a plurality of tool changing positions. One of the tool changing positions is selected in advance for changing the tools next time. The tool changing unit and the tool mounted on a tool spindle move to the selected changing position for changing the tools in the selected changing position. Accordingly, the tool changing unit and the tool spindle move respective short distances for changing the tools, thereby shortening the non-machining time of a machine tool combined with the automatic tool changer.
US08113998B2	Device and method for training abdominal muscles A device and method are disclosed for training the abdominal muscles of a user in an upright position. The device and method are configured to lead the upper torso of the user while bending along a preferred path, so that the backbone is bent in a proper manner causing a proper training of the abdominal muscles.
US08113995B1	Elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride An elliptical exercise machine includes two swing rods connected pivotally to a base, a flywheel, two supporting rods connected pivotally between the flywheel and the swing rods, two pedal rods slidable respectively on the supporting rods, and a motion transmitting device. The device includes a fixed member fixed on the base, a rotatable member locked releaseably on the fixed member at a selected angular position, two cranks connected pivotally to the rotatable member, and two links each having a first pivot portion connected pivotally to the corresponding pedal rod, a second pivot portion connected pivotally to the corresponding swing rod, and a third pivot portion connected pivotally to the corresponding crank. The links are driven by the cranks to move the pedal rods forwardly and rearwardly on the supporting rods, respectively.
US08113994B2	Exercise device with treadles An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
US08113991B2	Method and system for interactive fitness training program A system and method of providing an interactive training program by monitoring a user's actions is disclosed. A user is prompted through the interactive training program to perform certain movements, the user's movements are monitored relative to the prompted movements, and feedback is provided to the user through the program.
US08113990B2	Method of controlling an exercise apparatus A method for controlling an exercise apparatus via a control interface of an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch has occurred on the surface of the touch screen and whether the touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use one of specific actions, such as drag, to move a first tag in the input zone from a first sensing area to a second sensing area. And one of the steps of the method relocates the first tag proximate to the second sensing area to have a portion of the first tag to point at the second sensing area. Then, the final step of the method operates the exercise apparatus from a first condition using a first value corresponding to the first sensing area to a second condition using a second value corresponding to the second sensing area.
US08113989B2	Control of sequential downshifts in a transmission A method for executing a downshift in a transmission includes starting disengagement of a second control element after starting disengagement of a first element. Disengagement of the second element starts before starting engagement of a fourth element. A third element is forced to synchronous speed by beginning engagement of the fourth element before engaging the third element. Engagement of the third and fourth elements is completed at the end of the downshift.
US08113981B2	Multi-speed epicyclic powershift transmission A multi-speed transmission includes a first power transmission module driven by an input shaft. A second power transmission module is driven by the first power transmission module. A third power transmission module is driven by the second power transmission module and drives an output shaft. Each power transmission module includes an actuation mechanism and a planetary gearset. Each actuation mechanism controls the output of its respective planetary gearset to one of a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. One of the actuation mechanisms includes a clutch and a spring biasing a member to rotate and cause a corresponding actuation of the clutch. The clutch causes two members of the respective planetary gearset to rotate at substantially the same speed and provide the first gear ratio. The actuation mechanism selectively restricts the member from rotating and prevent actuation of the clutch to provide the second gear ratio.
US08113977B2	Eight and nine speed automatic transmissions An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two chain drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to one element of a compound assembly comprising first and second planetary assemblies. The second planetary assembly includes only a sun gear and a planet carrier including elongate, stepped pinion gears which extend into the planet carrier of the adjacent first planetary assembly. The sun and ring gears of the first planetary assembly drive respective chain drive sprockets. A pair of chains transfer torque to respective driven chain sprockets. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly sun gear drives a third planetary assembly sun gear. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly ring gear drives a fourth planetary assembly sun gear. The transmission output is connected to the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies.
US08113975B2	Chain wheel and timing chain drive for the compensation of dynamic loads The invention relates to a chain wheel (2, 3), especially for a timing chain drive, with a rotary shaft, a sprocket wheel (7) positioned around the rotary shaft featuring multiple alternating teeth (17) and tooth gaps (16) distributed around its circumference, as well as at least one chain guide (8), the sprocket wheel (7) and the chain guide (8) are rigidly joined, the chain guide (8) incorporates a contoured surrounding support cage (9) causing it to bear on contact faces of link plates (13, 14) and the support cage (9) or raised regions of the support cage (9) extend along a curved circumference that constitutes the perimeter of the chain guide (8), said perimeter of the chain guide (8) having a non-circular profile.
US08113972B2	Baseball bat A baseball bat includes a wood portion and a filling material contained by the wood portion. The filling material fills a longitudinal hole in the length of the wood portion to form a cord and a pair of widened portions at either end of the longitudinal portion to form a pair of plugs. The plugs positively contain the wood portion and the cord maintains a connection between the plugs in case of breakage of the wood portion. The filling material is preferably selected such that it does not alter the hitting properties of the baseball bat. In some embodiments the filling material is a polymeric material applied to the hole in a molten state and allowed to cure. In some embodiments the filling material is a mixture of multiple components. Methods of manufacturing a baseball bat are also disclosed.
US08113970B2	Batting aid device having automatic ball feed An automatic feed mechanism for use with a batting aid device having a first end configured to receive a ball and a second end configured to drop the ball from the batting aid device. The automatic feed mechanism includes a substantially enclosed tubular member configured to receive a ball from the batting aid device and defining an internal support surface configured to support the ball, a wheel coupled to and positioned at least partially within the tubular member and having a rotational axis orientated substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tubular member, and a motor configured to rotate the wheel at least a portion of a full rotation; wherein as the wheel rotates, the wheel is configured to engage and advance the ball through the tubular member in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the batting aid device.
US08113964B2	Methods and systems for identifying the launch positions of descending golf balls Identification of the tee-off bay (52;53) from which a golf ball landing on a golf-range target (51) originated, is made by calculating an estimate of flight duration (Edurk) of the descending ball as a function of the measured angle (β) of descent in elevation, and, in respect of each ball launched from the bays (52,53), comparing this estimate for a match with a measured interval between the launch of the respective ball and descent of the descending ball. The originating bay (52;53) of the launched ball for which there is the closest match is identified as the origin of the descending ball, and ambiguity or uncertainty between which bay (52,53) is identified is resolved through comparison of the measured angle (αdes) of descent in azimuth of the descending ball with estimates (Edirk) of it calculated for each launched ball, and through similar comparison in respect of a calculated decelaration ratio (Edeck) and flight duration (Durk).
US08113962B2	Snap-in pivot pin for universal joints A universal joint employs snap-in press pins to rotatably secure the center knuckle with the surrounding drive shaft cup providing a simplified assembly process. The press pins install flush or sub-flush with the outside of the steering shaft cup. A snap-lock feature permits one-direction axial movement only. Each snap pin includes a barb-like tapered flange with a lead-in ramp to aid installation. Once installed, a radially extending base on the backside of the flange abuts the inside wall of the drive shaft cup. A locking clip may be employed to prevent removal of the snap pin. The locking clip includes two axially extending legs with barbs located at the end of each leg, said legs being resiliently biased outwardly and abutting an inside wall of said drive shaft cup when fully engaged with the pin.
US08113960B2	Introducing system, introducing method, information recording medium, and program Provided is an introducing system in which a server device introduces users of terminal devices to each other while motivating the users to join the system by presenting appropriate information to them during a wait time before they receive introduction. When a terminal device requests introduction of another terminal device during a time slot (303) shifted from a time period (304) between times ti−1 and ti by a margin time period (305), the server device assigns an introduction time ti to the terminal device. The terminal device displays the difference between the assigned introduction time and the current time on a screen as a remaining wait time and the number of terminal devices in an introduction waiting list. When the time ti comes, the server device groups terminal devices that are assigned the introduction time ti to match an introduction target, and notifies the introduction target to each terminal device.
US08113959B2	Method and system for rendering the scenes of a role playing game in a metaverse In order to facilitate rendering of scenery elements in a role playing game, or in any other virtual universe (also known as a metaverse), there is provided a scenery container together with a play manager which cooperatively interact to achieve the loading, saving and storage of sets of scenery elements. Renderings are thus carried out more quickly and efficiently and with easier efforts on the part of the users.
US08113955B1	Game service system A game service system is provided for transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal and reproducing an image and an audio signal. This system allows a user not only to view TV programs broadcasted from a broadcasting station, but also to order a desired game program, receive the selected game program from a broadcasting station, and execute the selected game program. In addition, because the game program can be transmitted through the broadcasting media, a plurality of users can receive a desired game program.
US08113952B2	Embedded reel games with progressives A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game.
US08113950B2	Competition entry with limited return messaging A method of: enabling an entrant to enter a competition; and limiting subsequent communication between a competition administrator and the entrant; via a sensing device interacting with machine-readable coded data on a printed competition entry form, the method comprising the steps, performed in a computer system, of: receiving interaction data representing the interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, the interaction data enabling the competition entry to be electronically captured in the computer system; transmitting the competition entry to the competition administrator; and enabling transmission of up to a predetermined number of electronic messages from the competition administrator to the entrant.
US08113949B2	Gaming machine and game play method In a game conducted in this invention, a player makes bets with respect to numbers which will appear on 3 dice. If the player wins the bet, he/she can earn a payout in accordance with the bet. Once the player makes a bet with respect to the numbers which will appear on the 3 dice, he/she can also place a bet with respect to directions which will appear on the 3 dice. In this case, if the player wins the bet with respect to numbers and wins the bet with respect to directions, as well, he/she can earn a payout in accordance with the bet with respect to directions, in addition to a payout in accordance with a bet with respect to numbers. Alternatively, no payout is awarded if the player wins the bet with respect to numbers but loses the bet with respect to directions.
US08113944B2	Game of chance A game of chance includes receiving a stake corresponding to a target game-item from a player. In each phase of the game, a random integer is selected and a game-item corresponding to that integer is removed from play. If the target game-item is removed from play, the player is awarded a return and the game of chance ends. If specific game-items or combinations of game items are removed from play, the player is defeated, and the game of chance ends. A subsequent phase of the game of chance begins if the player is not defeated or awarded a return.
US08113941B2	Chain reaction game A game, gaming machine apparatus and game method wherein game elements are assigned to a matrix of game element locations. Play is initiated by evaluating the game elements for predetermined transformative conditions, such as a match of game elements. If a transformative condition is found, the game element(s) are transformed with at least one being removed from the matrix. The remaining game elements are moved, if permitted, according to a movement methodology. The steps of evaluating, transforming, removing, and moving the remaining game elements are repeated so long as a transformation is subsequently available for continued gameplay.
US08113934B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for draw poker game A gaming system, a gaming machine and a method is provided having a Five Card Video Draw poker game with multiple hands. An initial five card hand is displayed to the player face-up. The player then chooses which of the initial five cards to discard. Each card that is held is then duplicated into all of the other hands to be played. Replacement cards for the unheld cards are displayed and each hand is completed to have a final five card hand. The poker hand ranking of each final five card hand is determined and winning hands receive an award. The player also receives an additional award depending on the number of final hands that fall into each poker hand category.
US08113933B2	Gaming machine providing multiple poker games with a push up feature Systems and methods provide a gaming machine having a poker game with a push-up feature. One aspect of the systems and methods include displaying a main hand and providing a plurality of push-up hands. As each main hand is dealt, cards to be placed in the push-up hands are determined. The push-up hands may comprise the hands from the first deal in the main hand. Alternatively, the push-up hands may comprise cards held in the main hand supplemented by randomly drawn cards.
US08113930B1	Dartboard assembly A dartboard assembly includes a housing that has a front wall, a rear wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the front and rear walls. A dartboard is mounted on the front wall. A support apparatus is attached to the housing. A game camera is mounted on the support apparatus and is directed toward the dartboard when the support apparatus is in a deployed position. A player camera is mounted to the support apparatus and is directed away from the dartboard and toward any player throwing darts at the dartboard. A data port is mounted on the housing and is electrically coupled to each of the game and player cameras. The data port is connectable to a computer network to allow other persons to remotely view the game and player cameras.
US08113929B2	Combination residue spreader and collector for single pass harvesting systems A crop residue harvesting system for a harvesting machine is provided. The crop residue harvesting system includes a blower and a transition member having a first position and a second position. In a first position the transition member directs at least a portion of the crop residue to the blower for harvesting of the crop residue. In a second position the transition member allows for spreading at least a portion of the crop residue. A lever or actuator may be operatively connected to the transition member for selecting between the first position and the second position or selecting an intermediate position to control the proportions of the crop residue harvested and the crop residue spread.
US08113926B1	Method for decreasing spastic wing activity of poultry during slaughter The present disclosure generally relates to a method for humanely stunning and slaughtering poultry, and more particularly to a method for decreasing the spastic wing activity of poultry during slaughter. In particular, the birds are placed into a sealed chamber and the pressure in the chamber is reduced at a continuous rate to a target decompression pressure. The low atmospheric pressure slaughter is more humane than traditional slaughter techniques and results in less spastic wing activity.
US08113925B2	Displacement elements for a clip machine A displacer assembly for a clip machine, in particular a sausage clip machine, including at least a first pair of displacer shears and a second pair of displacer shears arranged parallel thereto. The displacer shears are arranged pivotably about a common axis and are reversibly movable towards each other for constriction of the filled packaging casing for forming a filling material-free plaited portion. In that respect the first pair of displacer shears comprises two displacer shears which are at least approximately identical in minor image relationship and the second pair of displacer shears has a second displacer shear which is at least approximately identical to the displacer shears of the first pair of displacer shears, as well as a first, shorter displacer shear. The first displacer shear of the first pair of displacer shears has a reinforcement which at least approximately reproduces the contour of the part, which is cut off for shortening purposes, of the first displacer shear of the second pair of displacer shears.
US08113924B2	Apparatus for transferring a stick with a strand of sausage or the like suspended therefrom An apparatus for transferring a stick with a strand of sausage or the like suspended therefrom includes a transversely transferring device for transferring a stick from a first position to a second position by stick transverse transfer members; and a vertically transferring device having stick vertical transfer members which receive the stick from the stick transverse transfer members at the second position and deliver the stick to a conveyor device. The transversely transferring device has a stick transfer body having the stick transverse transfer members provided thereon, a rail body for supporting the stick transfer body and guiding its linear movement, and a transverse wrapping connector traveling body wound around and trained between transverse transfer wheels. A stick transfer body is adapted to be reciprocatingly moved by a transverse transfer electric motor.
US08113923B2	Chamfering tool and drum sander A device for chamfering and sanding is disclosed. The device comprises a cylindrical body containing a hollow cone lined with sandpaper attached to the surface of the cone with adhesive. Two corners of the sandpaper are inserted respectively into two slots contained in the sidewall of the cone to further hold the sandpaper in place. The device comprises a shaft attached to the bottom of the device for clutching by a drill press or a three jaw chuck. As the device rotates, objects that require bevelling or sanding are inserted into the cone and pressed against the sandpaper. A sandpaper sleeve is attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical body that may be used for sanding and smoothing.
US08113921B2	Tool set for an eccentric grinder The invention relates to a grinding disk for an eccentric grinding machine. In order to operate the grinding disk (22) having different disks diameters on one and the same eccentric grinding machine for achieving grinding results at optimum quality, without any loss of smoothness and handling quality, the disk mass of the grinding disk has a fixed predetermined value that is independent of the disk diameter selected.
US08113919B2	Bowling ball surface treatment apparatus A bowling ball surface treatment apparatus is designed to uniformly abrade and polish a bowling ball. The apparatus includes a housing and a ball movement guider provided inside the housing for guiding movement of a bowling ball and confining the bowling ball within a limited surface treatment area, and a surface treatment disc arranged below the ball movement guider for supporting, rotating and revolving the bowling ball. The surface treatment disc has a disc shaft and a surface treatment element for abrading or polishing the bowling ball. The apparatus further includes a disc rotating device for rotating the surface treatment disc about a disc center axis and a disc revolving device for rotatably holding the disc shaft of the surface treatment disc and for causing the surface treatment disc to make revolving movement around a sun axis offset from the disc center axis.
US08113916B2	Straightening and centerless grinding of wire for use with medical devices The invention includes methods of manufacturing shafts to be used in medical devices. In particular, methods are disclosed to improve straightness and profile of wire used to form guidewires. The wire is preferably twist-straightened with a desired twist orientation, followed by grinding a desired profile on an apparatus having a spin configuration that is aligned in the same direction as the twist orientation.
US08113909B2	Cushioning structure for an underwire of a brassiere or the like There is provided an improved brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups; a connector securing together an inner edge of each of the breast cups; a back wing or pair of back wings for securing the brassiere to the torso of a wearer; and an underwire disposed about a lower periphery of each breast cup. A cushioning structure for the underwire comprises an inner sleeve for receiving the underwire, the inner sleeve having two major surfaces and opposed elongate edges; a cushioning material covering at least one of the major surfaces; and a panel of outer fabric having first and second opposed elongate edges; wherein the first and second elongate edges of the panel of outer fabric each fold over an opposed elongate edge of the inner sleeve to substantially cover the cushioning material. A cushioning structure and a method of making the same are also provided.
US08113899B2	Method for producing plasma display panel A method for producing a plasma display panel, the method comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel being a panel wherein an electrode A, a dielectric layer A and a protective layer are formed on a substrate A, and the rear panel being a panel wherein an electrode B, a dielectric layer B, a partition wall and a phosphor layer are formed on a substrate B; (ii) applying a glass frit material onto a peripheral region of the substrate A or B, and then opposing the front and rear panels with each other such that the glass frit material is interposed therebetween; (iii) supplying a gas into a space formed between the opposed front and rear panels from a direction lateral to the opposed front and rear panels, under such a condition that the front and rear panels are heated; and (iv) melting the glass frit material to cause the front and rear panels to be sealed.
US08113896B2	Aquatic carrier and rudder thereof A fin of aquatic carrier is described, which includes a fixing component, a retractable component, and a first elastic component. The retractable component is pivoted to the fixing component; the first elastic component connects the fixing component and the retractable component and supports the retractable component. When the retractable component experiences an external force, the first elastic component is compressed and causes the retractable component to rotate with respect to the fixing component. When surfers or swimmers are hit by the fin of aquatic carrier described in this invention, the rotation of the retractable component with respect to the fixing component reduces the force exerted on them, thus preventing them from being hurt. In addition, an aquatic carrier with a fin is also described.
US08113895B2	Article such as surfboard and production method thereof A production method of an article for water sports such as a surfboard with a hollow structure achieves a wide range of selections for users. The article is established with sufficient strength and durability, and is capable of achieving low cost and short delivery time. The article is configured by an outer shell having a hollow structure for forming an outer shape of a main body of the surfboard, a partition wall arranged within an internal space of the outer shell for connecting inner surfaces facing one another in said internal space, sectioned spaces separated and sealed by said partition wall and the inner surfaces of the outer shell, and a vent hole formed on said partition wall so that the sectioned spaces adjacent to one another can properly communicate with one another.
US08113890B2	Solar module connector and method of use A solar module connector comprising: a cable; a housing having a mounting surface at least a portion of which partially defines an opening for facilitating contact with at least one buss lead of a solar module, a cavity, a cable end, and a passageway between the cavity and the cable end; a seal disposed around the cable and at least partially seated in the passageway; and a contact electrically connected to the cable and disposed in the cavity proximate the opening.
US08113887B2	Card connector and electronic apparatus including the same There is provided a card connector for electrically coupling a card with a motherboard. The card connector includes a housing to and from which a contact pad of the card is inserted and ejected, where the housing is mountable on the motherboard; a pair of contacts is configured to hold the card between the pair of the contacts and to be electrically coupled with the contact pads of the card inserted into the housing, and extend in a first direction, and a pair of urging members is configured in the housing to force the pair of the contacts toward the card and extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US08113885B2	Portable assembly having a subscriber identification module An electrical assembly comprises a housing, where the housing has an inner housing and a removable outer housing removably connected to the inner housing. A first connector portion is secured to the inner housing. The first connector portion comprises a dielectric body and connector terminals. A subscriber identification module is supported by the inner housing. The subscriber identification module has device terminals. A group of conductors or a conductor assembly supports an electrical connection of the connector terminals to the device terminals. A holder retains the subscriber identification module with respect to the inner housing.
US08113881B2	Connector A connector includes a connector housing forming a cavity extending from a rectangular opening and including a top wall and a bottom wall which face each other, a first engagement portion provided on the bottom wall, a second engagement portion which is elastically deformable provided on the top wall; and a terminal including a frame having a box shape which includes an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface which face each other, a first engaged portion provided on the lower outer surface, a second engaged portion provided on the upper outer surface, and a conductive contact provided in the frame. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged with the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion respectively when the terminal is inserted into the connector housing.
US08113878B2	Coaxial connector for corrugated cable with corrugated sealing A coaxial cable connector includes an internally corrugated member, an internally corrugated sealing member, and a back nut. Axial advancement of the back nut causes a back end of the internally corrugated member to compress radially inwardly.
US08113877B2	Connector for connecting external antenna A connector for connecting an external antenna includes a base, an electric connector and a joint. The base has a port and a containing space. The electric connector is installed in the port. The joint is installed in the containing space and extended and exposed from the opening. The joint includes a connecting pillar, a connecting portion disposed on the connecting pillar, an insulation lining contained in the connecting pillar, a signal feed-in plughole formed at the center of the insulation lining, and a signal feed-in pin installed at an end of the signal feed-in plughole and extended out from an end of the joint. After the joint is connected to a cable, the connector can be connected externally to an antenna.
US08113876B1	Electrical connector for providing electrical power to an antenna An electrical connector is provided for terminating an electrical cable having an insulated conductor surrounded by a ground shield. The electrical connector includes a housing, an electrical contact held by the housing, an inner ferrule configured to extend between the ground shield and the insulated conductor of the electrical cable, and an outer ferrule extending around the inner ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable extends between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. A rear cover is connected to the housing. The rear cover extends around and compresses the outer ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable is captured between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable.
US08113872B2	Flat-cable connector, production process thereof, and locking device A flat cable connector includes an insulated housing, a plurality of conductor contacts regularly arranged in the housing at a predetermined interval pads of a flat cable are connected with the contacts, respectively, when the flat cable is inserted into the housing. The conductor contact includes a stationary portion secured to the housing and a movable portion integrally formed with the stationary portion being resiliently moved with respect to the stationary portion, the conductive pads of the flat cable come into contact therewith.
US08113866B2	Aircraft electrical connector with differential engagement and operational retention forces An aircraft powering system is provided which includes an aircraft electrical connector is provided with features to allow facile engagement with an aircraft and strong retention forces. The aircraft powering system may include the aircraft electrical connector having a unique biasing mechanism and modular construction, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to place differential forces onto mating electrical connectors from an aircraft. The biasing mechanism may be operatively coupled to a handle or trigger, which may be easily engageable by an operator.
US08113860B2	High power multi-pin electrical connector This patent discloses an improved multi-pin electrical connector for use in wet environments. Multi-pin connectors are widely used. In some uses, the connectors may be exposed to water. The improved connector keeps external water from entering the connector and isolates any water inside the connector. A number of improvements are disclosed, including seals for the pins, seals for the wires exiting the back of the connector, and bonding internal insulator materials. The invention also incorporates an improved female receptacle design that provides a better male-to-female connection, thus improving performance of the connector. The multi-pin connector disclosed is suitable for use in almost any wet environment.
US08113856B2	Block-out cover and removal tool A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover.
US08113855B2	Electrical power adapter Electrical power adapters comprising retractable prongs and/or retractable electrical outputs are disclosed. In one example, an electrical travel adapter includes a power unit having a retractable electrical output and a plug unit coupled to the power unit, the plug unit having a plurality of retractable prongs.
US08113854B2	Automotive electromechanic relay base with parallel terminals, for use in multiple pins boxes, with fast electric central clamping system Automotive electromechanic relay base with parallel terminals, for use in multiple pins boxes, with fast electric central clamping system, stressing the construction in ‘L’ (frontal connective, wall (12) coupled with the printed circuit board (P)) for the formation of the base, stored in a box (8) which, jointly with the frontal connective wall (12), forms a fitting (9) with a resilience and, on the opposite side, a dented (27) flexible lock (26), allowing the formation of a relays box/module, distributing the relays both throughout the printed circuit board (P) and its frontal connective wall (12), being the coil terminals (6) and potency terminals (7) of the relays set symmetrically aligned, forming the pins terminal (11) projected from the frontal connective wall (12), facilitating the fast clamping to the electric central. The printed circuit board (P) is protected from averages due to the distribution, on the frontal connective wall (12), of the relays of the components accountable for electric currents overload, allowing their independent use, as well as their substitution. The electric connections protected within the box (8), preventing the use of wiring (generally extensive) for the interconnection among the relays, and less electronic components are used for the connections with the fuses.
US08113853B2	Junction box for photovoltaic systems A junction box for a photovoltaic system includes a housing having a base and a cover removably attached thereto, and a plurality of guide channels extending from an exterior surface of the housing to an interior portion thereof. The guide channels are sized and shaped to receive a plurality of conductive foil strips from a solar panel array. When the strips are fed into the guide channels, they are guided to and properly positioned within corresponding receptacles. Each receptacle is sized and shaped to receive a buss bar, and each strip is connected to a corresponding buss bar by a low insertion connector. When the cover is fully engaged with the base, bosses extending from the cover press against the connectors, creating a spring tension and pinch and retain the associated strip. As a result, a reliable physical and electrical connection between the strips and the buss bars is achieved. A heat sink having a plurality of fins protrude outwardly from the housing to dissipate heat externally.
US08113852B2	Connector and interposer using connector A connector conducting electricity between external electrodes while the connector is being compressed, the connector including: a columnar main body made of an elastic dielectric; a first contact terminal made of an inelastic conductor including first and second electrode sections provided on a top surface and a side surface of the columnar main body and a coupling section interconnecting the first and second electrode sections; a second contact terminal made of an inelastic conductor including third and fourth electrode sections provided on a bottom surface and a side surface of the columnar main body and a coupling section interconnecting the third and fourth electrode sections, the fourth electrode section being disposed in a position in which the fourth electrode section does not contact the second electrode section; and a conductor provided outside the main body and conducting electricity between the second and fourth electrode sections.
US08113851B2	Connector assemblies and systems including flexible circuits A connector assembly that includes a base frame extending along a longitudinal axis between a pair of frame ends. The connector assembly also includes a moveable side that is supported by the base frame and extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The moveable side includes a mating array of terminals. The connector assembly also includes a flex connection that is communicatively coupled to the mating array. The flex connection and the mating array are configured to transmit data signals. The connector assembly also includes a coupling mechanism that is supported by the base frame and is operatively coupled to the moveable side. The coupling mechanism is configured to be actuated to move the moveable side between retracted and engaged positions along a mating direction.
US08113842B2	Systems and methods for providing educational structures and tools Systems and methods are disclosed for providing educational structures and tools to enhance the effectiveness of teaching multiple academic disciplines. Both age-level and subject-focused instructors may be provided; technical tools facilitate student-focused, individualized learning experiences wherein integrated electronic records are maintained to track student progress and guide future efforts. A spiral curriculum provides flexibility to instructors and students. Read-aloud e-books may be provided that permit a student to control the rate of reading and identify areas where increased understanding is needed. Reading progress may be enhanced by use of an electronically implemented autophonics structure to identify areas of weak understanding. Many other technical tools may also be provided.
US08113835B2	Abutment assembly for dental implant An abutment assembly for use with a dental implant unit includes a metal pedestal unit which has a fitting bushing adapted to fittingly engage a tubular fitted wall of an implant member, a ceramic abutment body which has an annular cut-out in a bottom wall thereof to be mounted on the pedestal unit, and a tubular packing member which has a bearing ledge on an inner peripheral surface to be pressed by a bolt member when the bolt member is threadedly engaged with the implant member, and a pressing region on an outer peripheral surface to be brought to intimately abut against a pressed region of an inner tubular wall surface of the abutment wall so as to place the abutment body in a tightened position.
US08113833B2	Disposable rotary tool for dental or medical applications The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.
US08113829B2	Unified workstation for virtual craniofacial diagnosis, treatment planning and therapeutics An integrated system is described in which digital image data of a patient, obtained from a variety of image sources, including CT scanner, X-Ray, 2D or 3D scanners and color photographs, are combined into a common coordinate system to create a virtual three-dimensional patient model. Software tools are provided for manipulating the virtual patient model to simulation changes in position or orientation of craniofacial structures (e.g., jaw or teeth) and simulate their affect on the appearance of the patient. The simulation (which may be pure simulations or may be so-called “morphing” type simulations) enables a comprehensive approach to planning treatment for the patient. In one embodiment, the treatment may encompass orthodontic treatment. Similarly, surgical treatment plans can be created. Data is extracted from the virtual patient model or simulations thereof for purposes of manufacture of customized therapeutic devices for any component of the craniofacial structures, e.g., orthodontic appliances.
US08113828B1	Orthodontic bracket An orthodontic bracket mountable on a tooth for use in retraction mechanics to facilitate movement of teeth along an arch, which includes an archwire receiving member rotatably mounted on a base and structured to freely rotate when tipping a tooth during sliding of the bracket along an archwire thereby minimizing friction between the archwire and bracket to significantly decrease the required retraction force, and treatment time, thereby minimizing the possibility of root resorption and maintaining the integrity of the root and surrounding bone. A locking pin for locking the member against rotation is employed when uprighting the tooth from a tipped position.
US08113825B2	Computer-controlled pyrotechnic matrix display A computer-controlled matrix of pixels that emit bursts of fire in a controlled manner to create moving images and text on a plane in front of the matrix. The unit houses a number of pixels in a grid array, with each pixel associated with a solenoid gas valve. The valves are supplied by a main gas bus and when actuated release gas to an individual pixel, where it flows out and over a constantly burning pilot light and combusts. The valves are connected through a main circuit box to a computer, and are controlled by software that allows the user to script and play complex graphical animations, musical compositions, scrolling text, as well as real-time graphical response to specific user inputs.
US08113824B2	Large diameter mid-zone air separation cone for expanding IRZ A large diameter mid-zone air separation cone is provided for decreasing NOx during burner operation by expanding the internal recirculation zone (IRZ) at the burner exit. The mid-zone air separation cone has a short cylindrical leading edge that fits in the outer air zone of a burner. The mid-zone air separation cone splits the outer air zone secondary air flow into two equal or unequal streams depending on the position of the air separation cone with respect to the outer air zone, and deflects a portion of the secondary air flow radially outward. Since the radial position of the air separation cone is farther from the burner centerline, the IRZ size is expanded and NOx emissions are minimized.
US08113822B2	Combustion method and combustion apparatus First, to decrease an amount of emitted nitrogen oxides to zero as much as possible and also decrease an amount of emitted carbon monoxide to a permissible level. Second, to save energy on combustion at a low air ratio close to 1.0. Third, to attain a stable air ratio control in a low air ratio combustion region.Included are a combustion step in which hydrocarbon-containing fuel is burned by the burner to generate gas free of hydrocarbons but containing oxygen, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, an endothermic step in which endothermic device is used to absorb heat from gas generated in the combustion step, a hazardous-substance decreasing step in which the gas is brought into contact with an oxidation catalyst after the endothermic step to oxidize carbon monoxide contained in the gas by oxygen and reduce nitrogen oxides by carbon monoxide, and a concentration ratio adjusting step in which a concentration ratio of oxygen, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in gas on the primary side of the oxidation catalyst is adjusted to a predetermined concentration ratio on the basis of concentration ratio characteristics of the burner and the endothermic device by using the air-ratio adjusting device of the burner.
US08113821B2	Premix lean burner A burner assembly for lean, low NOx combustion may include a gaseous fuel manifold, counter-swirl vanes, and a converging nozzle with bluff body flame anchors. A cooling air tube optionally extends from the air inlet to the nozzle.
US08113814B2	Barrel clamping system for quick assembling and dismantling of extruder barrel sections A system for clamping together a pair of extruder barrel sections of an extruder is disclosed. The system comprises of a clamp that includes an upper arm, and a lower arm connected to the upper arm at one edge of the upper arm. The upper and lower arms cooperating to define a recess configured to receive a pair of extruder barrel sections. The clamp further includes a locking structure configured to lock the upper arm to the lower arm with the pair of extruder barrel sections therebetween. The system further comprises of a support structure for the clamp that includes a bracket connected to the clamp and a column connected to a base of the extruder. The bracket and column are connected to each other such that relative movement between the bracket and the column is permitted axially along the extruder barrels sections. An extruder is also disclosed.
US08113809B2	Localized over-molding die structure A localized over-molding die structure may include a core die, a cavity die having an inner space therein and placed onto an upper surface of the core die, and a slide die including a step portion on a lower surface thereof and slidably engaged with the cavity die in the inner space thereof to move upward and downward, wherein, the step portion includes an undercut formed at a lateral side thereof such that when at least two materials are successively injected into the cavity die, a corresponding part to the undercut is formed to at least one of the at least two materials.
US08113808B2	Two-color molding equipment and two-color molded product A two-color molding equipment for shaping a two-color molded product by placing a film in primary mold tool configured by a fixed mold and a movable mold, injecting a resin into a first cavity formed by closing the molds to shape a primary molded piece, shifting the primary molded piece provided with the film to secondary mold tool configured by the fixed mold and the movable mold, and injecting a resin into a second cavity formed by closing the molds to shape a secondary molded piece, the two-color molded product composed of an integrated combination of the primary molded piece, the secondary molded piece, and the film interposed therebetween, wherein the first cavity is configured to shape the primary molded piece to be smaller than the film so that a part of the film protrudes from the primary molded piece, and a wall surface located at the protruding portion of the film to constitute the first cavity is provided with a convex portion that restricts mold shrinkage of the film protruding portion in the primary molded piece.
US08113805B2	Rotary fluid-displacement assembly A rotary fluid-displacement assembly having a housing and a rotor positioned within an internal cavity of the housing. The rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation eccentric to a housing longitudinal axis. A gate is also provided that is slidably mounted therewith the rotor and movable axially about and between a first position, in which a distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor. The distal end of the gate being constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
US08113802B2	Food centrifugal pump formed by stamping and welding having a seal arrangement between the impeller and casing A food centrifugal pump formed by stamping and welding, comprising a pump casing and a cover mounted therein, an impeller, a shaft and a motor provided on the outer side of the casing, wherein the impeller is mounted on the shaft and driven to rotate by the motor; the pump casing is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe; the impeller have a structure of half-opened type and consists of blades, a hub and a back cover plate, the front end of the blade is close to the inner side of the axial plane of the pump casing, and there is an end face seal formed therebetween; the pump casing is formed by stamping a single metal plate, the outer side of the axial plane of which is provided with an inlet pipe bracket used to support the inlet pipe, the end of which is connected to the outer side of the pump casing, the other end of which is nestedly connected to the inlet pipe and fixed thereon. The manufacturing process of the food centrifugal pump is simple and convenient, its cost is low, its flow rate capability is high, and the inside of the pump casing is clean.
US08113799B2	Oil-free centrifugal blade compressor and magnetic-gas bearing thereof A magnetic-gas bearing disposed in a compressor is provided. The magnetic-gas bearing includes an axis, multiple magnetic elements, multiple magnetic coils and a static pressure gas restrictor. The magnetic elements encircle the axis, and each magnetic element has two ends wound around by the magnetic coils respectively, such that the two ends of each magnetic element form a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole respectively. The static pressure gas restrictor encircles the axis and has a jet opening, such that the gas pass through the jet opening to form a gas-film between the static pressure gas restrictor and the axis. Besides, an oil-free centrifugal blade compressor including the magnetic-gas bearing mentioned above is also provided.
US08113798B2	Turbomachine with tilt-segment bearing and force measurement arrangemment A turbomachine has a housing and a rotor mounted radially and axially in the housing. The rotor has a shaft and at least one impeller attached to the shaft. Two tilt-segment bearings having tilt segments, which bearings act in opposite directions, are provided for axial mounting of the rotor. The bearings interact with an assigned contact surface of the shaft. At least one of the tilt segments has a force measurement device for direct detection of the axial force acting on the assigned tilt segment. The force measurement devices are connected with an electronic control device.
US08113796B2	Fuel delivery module A fuel delivery module comprising a substantially fuel tight housing having a fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, a fuel pump located in a first chamber defined within the housing, said fuel pump comprising an electric motor and a positive displacement pump assembly drivingly connected to the motor for pumping fuel from the fuel inlet to said fuel outlet, at least a substantial part of said housing being formed from a plastic material. Electrical conductors are connectable to the electric motor within a high pressure region of the first chamber, said electrical conductors being arranged to extend within a wall region of the housing from a high pressure region of the first chamber to a low pressure region before exiting the housing from said low pressure region.
US08113793B2	Fan The present invention provides fan with an inrunner motor. The fan includes a fan frame, a rotor and a stator. The fan frame includes a base. The rotor includes a hub, a bushing and a magnetic member, wherein the magnetic member sleeves on the bushing. The stator is disposed on the base and coupled with the rotor, and the stator includes a shaft through the bushing, wherein an end of the shaft is fixed on the base.
US08113792B2	Compressor unit with pressure compensator A compressor unit is provided. The compressor unit includes a compressor and a motor enclosed by a common casing in a sealless manner. A stator of the motor is cooled by a cooling system. A partition separates a process fluid from a cooling fluid in an area of the stator. Further, a relation between a process fluid pressure and a cooling fluid pressure is established by using a pressure compensator.
US08113785B2	Turbomachine rotor and turbomachine comprising such a rotor A turbomachine rotor comprising a disk the periphery of which has a plurality of slots, a plurality of removable blades, each blade comprising a blade root housed in one of the slots, and a downstream flange, secured to said disk and against which each blade root bears. Further, the rotor comprises, between each blade root and the downstream flange, an elastic buffer intended to maintain a gap between the blade root and the downstream flange.
US08113783B2	Assembly of a fan blade and of its damper, fan blade damper and method for calibrating the damper A fan blade assembly of a turbojet with fan and a fan blade damper is disclosed. The fan blade includes a root and a platform. The fan blade damper is suitable for being attached in a housing formed in the lower face of the platform. The housing includes an upstream side perpendicular to the root of the blade. The damper includes a front edge of which a first portion is parallel to the upstream side of the housing and of which a second portion is inclined relative to said upstream side. A fan blade damper and a method for calibrating the damper are also disclosed.
US08113782B2	Impeller structure of blower An impeller structure includes a hub having a central spindle, and an impeller. The impeller has a top connection ring, a bottom connection ring, a pressure-retaining ring and a plurality of blades vertically arranged around the periphery of the hub. A top side outer edge of each blade is connected with a top connection ring, an bottom side of the inner side of the blade is connected with a bottom connection ring, the outer side is connected with the pressure-retaining ring, and a plurality of ribs extend outwards from the bottom edge of the periphery of the hub connecting with the bottom connection ring. A pressure relief hole is provided between the pressure-retaining ring and the bottom connection ring. When air passes through the pressure relief hole, a pressure effect is generated, increasing air pressure and volume of blower, alleviating turbulence. The pressure-retaining ring also reinforces the blade strength.
US08113778B2	Wind turbine blade stowage A wind turbine blade stowage arrangement includes a first section of the wind turbine blade nested at least partially inside a second section of the wind turbine blade; and a conformable spacer, arranged between the first and second sections of the wind turbine blade, for positioning the first section inside the second section.
US08113775B2	Axial flow fan The present invention provides an axial flow fan including an impeller that has a plurality of rotor vanes and is rotatable about a central axis, a motor that rotary drives the impeller, a base portion that supports the motor, a housing that has an intake vent, an exhaust vent, and an inner peripheral surface to surround the impeller and the motor, and a plurality of stator vanes that respectively connects the base portion and the housing, wherein the inner peripheral surface has a first inner peripheral surface formed to increase a distance from the central axis toward the intake vent or the exhaust vent in an axial direction, and there is formed a recess between the first inner peripheral surface and a stator vane that is included in the plurality of stator vanes and faces the first inner peripheral surface. According to the above described configuration, airflow is allowed to smoothly pass through the housing, resulting in a decrease in noise generated in the axial flow fan.
US08113764B2	Steam turbine and a method of determining leakage within a steam turbine A steam turbine includes a shaft operatively connecting a first turbine section and a second turbine section. A packing assembly is positioned about the shaft. A first conduit is fluidly connected to the packing assembly. The first conduit is configured to introduce a flow of low temperature, low pressure steam to the packing assembly. A second conduit is also fluidly connected to the packing assembly downstream from the first turbine section and upstream from the first conduit. The second conduit receives a portion of the high temperature, high pressure steam passing into the packing assembly from the first turbine section. A valve is fluidly connected to the second conduit. The valve is configured to be selectively operated so as to allow the high temperature, high pressure steam to mix with the low pressure, low temperature steam in the second conduit.
US08113763B2	Process for three-dimensional modeling and design of off-highway dump bodies A method of loading material into a dump body of a truck using a loading bucket whose volumetric capacity is approximately ⅓ or more than that of the dump body is provided. The dump body having side walls that are spaced relatively wider than conventional dump bodies. The loading bucket having a gate at a lower end thereof that when free swings open and causes the material contained in the loading bucket to drop into the dump body. The method including the steps of filling the loading bucket with an amount of earthen material and centering the loading bucket over the dump body. The bucket is then lowered to a position that: (1) substantially minimizes the clearance between the floor of the dump body and the swinging gate in its freed position; (2) allows the swinging gate to clear the side walls of the dump body as it swings through an arc after it is freed, and (3) allows the material to be discharged substantially in the center of the dump body. The swinging gate is then freed so as to open the bucket and allow the material held in the bucket to drop into the dump body.
US08113760B1	Secure loading system A secure loading system operates with a wheelchair lift attached to a vehicle, securing the wheelchair to a platform during the lifting motion and retracting the platform into the vehicle once the wheelchair has been lifted, or performing a reverse operation wherein the platform is extended to the lift for lowering the wheelchair. The secure loading system may be an after-market add-on to a lift, or may be integrated into the lift at design time. The system may also be adapted for many other embodiments wherein a secured platform is needed during a lifting motion.
US08113758B2	Storage rack A storage rack comprises a plurality of slacked supporting ledges each spaced away from each other arranged in pairs on facing sidewalls for receiving plate-type carriers for stored articles. Storage and retrieval of the carriers in the storage rack is provided by a transport device. The supporting ledges are a snaked press fit in the sheet metal of the sidewalls and the sidewalls are secured to upright rack stanchions. To define a storage rack ensuring exact positioning of the supporting ledges, it is proposed that the rack stanchions comprise horizontally protruding pegs engaging cavities in the supporting ledges.
US08113757B2	Intermediate transfer chamber, substrate processing system, and exhaust method for the intermediate transfer chamber An intermediate transfer chamber that can prevent formation of defects in substrates. The intermediate transfer chamber is provided between a loader module being in a first environment where the interior thereof is at a first pressure and contains moisture, and a chamber of a process module being in a second environment where the interior thereof is at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. The intermediate transfer chamber comprises a transfer arm comprising a pick that bidirectionally transfers a substrate between the loader module and the chamber and supports the substrate, a load-lock module exhaust system that exhausts the interior of the intermediate transfer chamber so as to reduce pressure in the intermediate transfer chamber from the first pressure to the second pressure, and a plate-like member that controls the conductance of exhaust on at least a principal surface of the substrate opposite to the pick when the interior of the intermediate transfer chamber is exhausted.
US08113756B2	Clip Provided is a clip which can be easily detached from a mounting hole solely by pulling a base portion thereof in any one direction. A clip (10) is equipped with a base portion (20) to engage with a front-side peripheral edge of a mounting hole (5), and a locking leg (30) to engage with a back-side peripheral edge of the mounting hole (5). The locking leg (30) has a stem portion (40) and a pair of elastic engagement members (50) extending in an anchor-fluke-like fashion from the forward ends of the stem portion (40) and having at their forward ends engagement portions (51) to engage with the back-side peripheral edge of the mounting hole (5). An axis (C) of the stem portion (30) and a line (L) connecting the centers of the engagement portions (51) of the pair of elastic engagement members (50) are offset from each other as seen in an axial direction of the stem portion (40). When the base portion (20) is pulled strongly, the stem portion (40) gradually leaves the mounting hole (5) while warped in an arch, with the elastic engagement members (50) and the stem portion (40) opening in a V-shape, thus making it possible to detach the clip (10) from the mounting hole (5) relatively easily.
US08113755B2	Screw structure with stop ring A screw structure with a stop ring includes a screw, a ferrule, and a stop ring. The stop ring is fitted on a threaded shank of the screw to push against a front end of the ferrule, so that the ferrule is pressed against a head of the screw. With the ferrule being firmly pressed against the head of the screw by the stop ring, the ferrule will not sway relative to the screw, allowing the screw structure to be stably sucked with a sucking tool and be highly accurately assembled to a printed circuit board.
US08113754B2	Fastener system with positive retention mechanism An apparatus comprises a fastening member, a complimentary fastening member, and a retainer member. The fastening member has a first end, a second end, a channel located at the first end, outer threads located on an outer surface of the fastening member, and inner threads located on an inner surface of the channel. The outer threads of the fastening member are closer to the first end than the second end. The complimentary fastening member has a channel and inner threads located within the channel. The inner threads of the complimentary fastening member are capable of engaging the outer threads of the fastening member. The retainer member has a threaded end. The retainer member is capable of entering the channel of the complimentary fastening member and the threaded end of the retainer member is capable of engaging the inner threads of the fastening member.
US08113752B2	Cargo restraint system with enhanced peel strength A cargo restraint system and method with enhanced peel strength characteristics the restraint system including laminated load restraining strips with a layer of adhesive to adhere the restraining strip to a container wall surface having a thickness of approximately greater than 1.6 and less than 3.0 millimeters. The load restraint method for securing cargo within transport containers wherein an angle θ of attachment between a side wall of a container and a reinforcing strip of material attached to the side wall is maintained at approximately 15 degrees or less in accordance with the formula B≦cot θ•A, where θ is the angle formed between an exterior surface of said load restraining strip and an interior plane of the lateral wall surface of the transport container “A” is the distance from a front edge of a load to an adjacent side wall and “B” is the distance along the wall of the container behind the point of contact of the restraining strip with an edge of the load to be restrained.
US08113751B2	Locking device for fastening a container A locking device for fastening containers for an aircraft. The locking device comprises at least one locking arrangement that can be affixed to an aircraft floor and that comprises a retaining element. The locking arrangement can be fastened to the aircraft floor such that a gap for adjusting the container is provided between the container and the locking arrangement. The retaining element of the locking arrangement can subsequently be moved in the direction of the payload such that a gap between the locking arrangement and the payload can be adjusted.
US08113748B2	Hole saw and slug remover A hole saw with slug remover including a top cylindrical housing; a bottom cylindrical housing attached to the top cylindrical housing, the bottom cylindrical housing having teeth for cutting; a pilot drill extending through the top cylindrical housing and bottom cylindrical housing; a drive screw rotatably affixed to the top cylindrical housing, the drive screw having a threaded exterior; and an ejection plunger engaging the threaded exterior of the drive screw wherein the ejection plunger is forced downward to eject a slug when the drive screw rotates counter-clockwise and is forced upward when the drive screw rotates clockwise.
US08113745B2	Pressure tank, an device for feeding powder to a conveying pipe, and its feeding method, and method for determining feeding intervals of powder to the conveying pipe A pressure tank having a simple structure to intermittently feed powder to a conveying pipe, and a method for determining the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe. The pressure tank includes a tank body used as a structure of a pressure vessel having a receiving port at its upper portion and a discharging port at its lower portion, a first check valve disposed just under the receiving port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the receiving port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air, and a second check valve disposed just under the discharging port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the discharging port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air. To determine the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe, the apparatus is controlled based on measurements of the pressure loss or of the time that is required for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe, so that the pressure loss of the compressed air in the conveying pipe corresponds to the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the conveying pipe.
US08113739B2	Sand drift prevention method, method of forming and improving vegetation in sandy soil using the same, and tubular knit fabric for columnar sandbag A sand drift prevention method in which a plurality of columnar sandbags made of a tubular knit fabric are placed so as to cross over one another, and in such a pitch that 3 to 30 sandbags are disposed for every ten meters, and in which the cross-sectional area of each of the columnar sandbags is 10 to 400 cm2. A method of forming and improving the vegetation in sandy soil in which drift of sand is prevented by the sand drift prevention method, a plant desired to grow is grown in the sandy soil surface exposed as being surrounded by columnar sandbags placed so as to cross over one another. A tubular knit fabric for a columnar sandbag employed in these methods, and, in particular, the tubular knit fabric knitted by use of a polylactic-acid fiber.
US08113734B2	Fixed eyebolt assembly and inventory thereof An eyebolt assembly is provided in which a skirt member is reinforced by radially projecting diametrically extending ribs. A fixed lifting eye projects from one side of the skirt, and a mounting stud projects from the opposite side. The mounting stud is double threaded with one thread being adapted to mate with a threaded bore in the body of the eyebolt assembly, and the other thread being matched to a threaded bore in a load. The same eyebolt body can be employed with a plurality of different mounting studs, which simplifies inventorying eyebolt assemblies to meet all of the different threaded bores that may occur in different loads. Only the mounting studs need to be threaded to match the loads. The skirts are provided with striking faces so that they can be tightened and loosened by striking them with a hammer.
US08113730B2	Dispensing package with applicator A package for dispensing a substance is described, where the package includes a stiff sheet that has a score formed on and traversing the first surface. The package also includes a flexible sheet defining a cavity for receiving the substance between the stiff sheet and the flexible sheet. The package also includes an applicator having a porous material pad, where the applicator is attached to the stiff sheet over the score by two hinges. The stiff sheet is configured to be folded about the score to cause the substance to be expelled from the cavity through a metering hole into the porous material pad and the two hinges allow the porous material pad to remain generally flat as the stiff sheet is folded.
US08113728B2	Hand operated marking device incorporating printer with movable printhead and replaceable cartridge A hand operated marking device includes a pair of housings movably interconnected together, a first one of the housings adapted to be received in a second one of the housings responsive to a compression of the housings; a printer located along a bottom surface of the first housing, the printer including a movable printhead exposed through an aperture of the first housing; a moving mechanism housed within at least one of the housings, the moving mechanism for moving the printhead in a printing direction responsive to the compression of the housings; and a shutter for covering the aperture of the first housing, the shutter adapted to be retracted as the moving mechanism moves the printhead. The moving mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotally mounted at one end to the second housing and at the other end to the printhead, and further comprising an extension return spring extending between the other end of the arms and the first housing.
US08113726B2	Display device A display device comprises a housing, an image capture device and a screen mounted to the housing. A drive platform is mounted to the housing. The drive platform comprises: a rotatable part to which the image capture device is mounted; a stationary part having a chamber to receive the rotatable part and a capture window to expose the image capture device; and at least one piezoelectric motor which rotates the rotatable part to pan and tilt the image capture device within the capture window.
US08113724B2	Optical communication module, manufacturing method therefor, and optical transceiver A manufacturing method of an optical communication module for manufacturing the optical communication module, including the sequentially performed steps of: (1) mounting a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element on a side surface of a sub-mount substrate and mounting the sub-mount substrate on a printed circuit board such that the light-emitting and -receiving directions of the light-emitting element and light-receiving element are parallel to the printed circuit board; (2) aligning an optical waveguide; and (3) dropping resin solution on an area of the sub-mount substrate including an optical waveguide end and the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element, and curing the resin solution. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical communication module which can be made thin, small and cheap.
US08113721B1	Off-axis misalignment compensating fiber optic cable interface An off-axis misalignment compensating fiber optic cable plug is provided. The plug has a cable interface to engage a fiber optic core end, where the fiber optic core has a cross-sectional area. The plug also includes a lens having a first surface to transceive an optical signal with a jack. The first surface has a cross-sectional area at least 30 times as large as the core cross-sectional area. The lens has a second surface to transceive optical signals with the fiber optic line core end. In one aspect, the lens has an axis and the lens first surface is convex with a radius of curvature capable of receiving an optical signal beam with a beam axis of up to ±2 degrees off from the lens axis. Even 2 degrees off-axis, the lens is able to focus the beam on the fiber optic line core end.
US08113719B2	Cage and thrust roller bearing equipped with the cage A cage includes a radially inward-side annular plate, a radially outward-side annular wall, a plurality of pillar portions, and pockets formed in the pillar portions. Rollers are rotatably retained in the pockets. An inner peripheral surface of the radially outward-side annular wall is formed so as to be oblique toward a radially outward direction. A radially outward-side end surface of each of the rollers has a spherical surface shape.
US08113715B2	Fluid dynamic bearing device In this type of fluid dynamic bearing device, a dynamic pressure generating part having high molding accuracy is formed at low cost.A rotating member 2 includes a shaft part 9, and a holding member 10 as a thrust member provided in one end of the shaft part 9. In a partial annular region of a lower end surface 10a1 of a disk part 10a making up the holding member 10, a region where a plurality of dynamic pressure grooves 10a2 and a plurality of sectioning parts 10a3 formed between the plurality of dynamic pressure grooves 10a2 to section the respective dynamic pressure grooves 10a2 are arrayed spirally is formed. The above-described dynamic-pressure-groove 10a2 arrayed region is opposed to an upper end surface 8a of a housing part 8, and forms a thrust bearing clearance of a thrust bearing part T between the dynamic-pressure-groove 10a2 and the upper end surface 8a during the rotation of the shaft part 9. The above-described dynamic-pressure-groove 10a2 arrayed region is molded in the lower end surface 10a1 of the holding member 10 by press working.
US08113714B2	Linear motion guide unit By reducing the component count, a more compact linear motion guide unit having sealing structures capable of maintaining high sealing performance between slider and guide rail over a long term is realized. A rubber-made end seal, attached to each end face of a slider slidably straddling a guide rail, has a lip portion integrally formed on a contact face with the guide rail, and a recessed portion formed in a face opposite to a mounting face attached to the slider. A positional relationship is determined such that the lip portion is located closer to the slider than the recess bottom face is. An oil-impregnated wiper seal is mounted in the recessed portion of the end seal. A scraper is disposed along the outer side of the wiper seal mounted in the recessed portion, so that the wiper seal is fixedly interposed between the scraper and the recess bottom face.
US08113712B2	Bed for capturing radiation image and radiation image capturing system A radiation detecting cassette is disposed in a desired position between a bed and a patient in an operating room. After a detector-side connector and a bed-side connector are connected to each other by a cable, an image capturing apparatus captures and records radiation image information of the patient in a radiation detector. The recorded radiation image information is transmitted from a transceiver of the bed to a console by way of wireless communications in a communication range selected by a selector of the bed, then processed by the console, and transmitted to a display device, which displays a radiation image based on the supplied radiation image information.
US08113706B2	Backlight module A backlight module, especially a side-edge type backlight module is disclosed. The backlight module comprises: a back plate having plural side walls, plural supporting elements locating on the connecting parts of the plural side walls, and a reflective sheet locating on the plural supporting elements. Therefore, an air space is maintained between the reflective sheet and the back plate of the backlight module. As a result, when the backlight module is operating, the heat produced by the light emitting units will not be transmitted to the reflective sheet of the backlight module during the operation. That is, even after long-term operation, the temperature of the reflective sheet of the backlight module can be maintained at a stable level.
US08113704B2	Backlight unit having light guide plates An LED back-light unit and other devices using the LED back-light unit are discussed. According to one embodiment, an LED back-light unit includes a light guide portion that includes a light guide plate and a reflection plate coupled to the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate has a light input part and a first connection part, and wherein the reflection plate has a second connection part connected to the first connection part, and a light source including at least one light emitting diode, the light source emitting light toward the light guide portion.
US08113702B2	Variable condenser for delivery of illumination including recursively nested circle to-line fiber optic converter cable A variable condenser for delivery of illumination, including a recursively nested circle-to-line fiber optic shape-converting cable and a focusable input lens system. At the input of the fiber optic cable, sets of individual optical fibers comprise successively smaller annuli recursively nested about a common center. At the output of the fiber optic cable, the sets of individual optical fibers comprise pairs of line segments recursively nested about the line midpoint, whereby the nesting level of the pairs of line segments has an exact or an approximate correspondence to the nesting level of the annuli. The output may be split into a plurality of lines, whereby the sets of individual optical fibers are distributed among the plurality of lines. The input lens system has a single adjustable focus means to vary the radius of an illumination spot incident upon the input of the fiber optic cable circle input.
US08113700B2	Headlamp with high and low beam control device A headlamp includes a lamp base with an interior reflecting surface, a lamp provided in the lamp base, a driver deposited on a recessed supporting surface of the lamp base, two light shields installed on the lamp base and a spring biasing the lamp shields towards one another. The driver includes a driving shaft, and a pushing block with a conical surface gradually tapered toward its free end. The light shields are pivotally fixed on the lamp base by fastening elements and their inner portions overlapped each other, and each has a sliding groove bored obliquely and tapered downwards for the pushing block to pass through. The light shields are drawn by the driver to control light projecting from the lamp to produce a high and low beam illumination pattern.
US08113698B2	Light-emitting diode light bulb and application thereof A light-emitting diode (LED) light bulb and an application thereof are described. The light-emitting diode light bulb comprises: a light-emitting diode light source module; a base, wherein the light-emitting diode light source module is disposed on the base; and a driver portion to drive the light-emitting diode light source module, comprising a rotation shaft, wherein the driver portion is connected to the base via the rotation shaft, such that the light-emitting diode light source module can rotate relative to the driver portion.
US08113696B2	Universal light ball and tube light system A universal light ball system has a light source with a substantially round housing disposed within a substantially elongated housing so that the light source may be directed by changing the orientation of the substantially round housing relative to the substantially elongated housing. The substantially elongated housing may be inserted into another member such as a the hollow top of landscape edging in order to provide unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing landscape lighting.
US08113692B2	Light source module for generating polarized light A light source module for generating polarized light includes a light emitting element, a reflector, and an optical element. The light emitting element generates a light ray, and the reflector reflects the light ray towards the optical element. The optical element includes a light splitting face and a reflection face. The light splitting face receives the light ray, and an angle between the light splitting face and the incident light ray is at about a Brewster's Angle. After the light ray is irradiated to the light splitting face, the light ray is divided into a refraction light and a reflection light. The reflection face reflects the refraction light, and the reflection face is substantially perpendicular to a path of the refraction light. Therefore, a light source with a high degree of polarization is realized by a design of the light splitting face and the reflection face.
US08113682B2	Multipurpose waterproof lighting device with electronic glow stick A lighting device comprises an elongated assembly forming a water-tight chamber adjacent a first end of the lighting device, where the first end includes a transparent face along a long axis of the elongated assembly. A lighting module, having a first light source and a second light source positioned on opposite ends of the lighting module, is positioned within the water-tight chamber so that the first light source is adjacent to and is configured to project light out the transparent face in a first direction along the long axis of the elongated assembly. The second light source is configured to illuminate along an elongated portion of the elongated assembly, where the elongated portion extends from the water-tight chamber in a second direction along the long axis of the elongated assembly opposite from the first direction, and out translucent circumferential sides of the elongated portion. A button on the module allows one to selectively alternate between the first and second light sources.
US08113679B2	Light system and method for creating a localized light The invention relates to the creation of a localized light, particularly to a light system (12) for creating a localized light illuminating for example clothing hanging on the rail. The light system comprises lighting means (16,17) and lighting control means (18,19) which are adapted to create the localized light (14) responsive to user actions with objects hanging on a rail (10). Thus, a user browsing for example clothing hanging on the rail always has sufficient localized light for watching the clothing even in a situation with dimmed ambient lighting.
US08113676B2	Illuminated book mark A device for discreetly illuminating theater programs for reading in a darkened theater, including an elongated generally flat top surface portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a first width and defining a display surface, an elongated generally flat bottom surface portion spaced from the generally flat elongated top surface portion and extending generally parallel to the elongated generally flat top surface portion and having a second width less than the first width, a first side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and disposed substantially perpendicular to the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, a second side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, wherein the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and the first and second side portions define a housing, a generally cylindrical recess formed in the housing, a translucent elongated slit formed in the second side portion and directed away from the elongated generally flat top surface portion, and a light source disposed in the generally cylindrical recess. Activation of the light source shines light through the slit.
US08113675B2	Arrangement for emitting mixed light An arrangement for emitting mixed light (5) comprising primary and secondary radiation (51, 52, 53) in a mean direction of emission (5), comprising at least one first electroluminescent light-source (21) for emitting first primary radiation (51) having a maximum intensity at a first wavelength, at least one second electroluminescent light-source (22) for emitting second primary radiation (52) having a maximum intensity at a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength, and a light-converting element (3) for absorbing at least one of the primary radiations (52, 53) and re-emitting the secondary radiation (53), which light-converting element (3) is so arranged that the entire proportion of primary radiation (51, 52) in the mixed light passes through the light-converting element (3), and that the light-converting element (3) comprises a ceramic light-converting material whose microstructure is selected to be such that the color point of the mixed light (5) comprising primary and second radiation is substantially independent of the angle of viewing (B).
US08113673B2	Photographic diffuser A photographic light diffusing device for mounting to a photographic light source includes a base for attaching the photographic light diffusing device to the photographic light source, a semi-transparent hood extending from the base and defining a top edge, and a flap hinged to the top edge of the hood and rotatable with respect to the hood.
US08113672B2	Outer mirror An object of the present invention is to provide an outer mirror which prevents the whistle noise without the rotation of the mirror assembly being prevented. In order to achieve the above object, an outer mirror which includes a mirror base provided on a vehicle body; a shaft portion fixed to the mirror base; a mirror assembly rotatably mounted on the mirror base around the shaft portion used as a rotational axis; a windshield member to occlude a gap between the mirror base and the mirror assembly, in which the shaft portion includes a mounting seat attached to the mirror base; a shaft body provided uprightly on the mounting seat, the mirror assembly includes a housing having an opening toward the mirror base and the shaft body is inserted into the opening; and a mirror attached to the housing is provided.
US08113671B2	Interior rear view mirror with an additional device The invention relates to an interior rear view mirror (01) for arrangement in the interior of a motor vehicle, with a mirror element (02) for observing the traffic following behind, wherein on the housing (03) of the interior rear view mirror (01), an additional device (04) is provided which can be adjusted between an inoperative position in the interior of the housing (03) and a usage position outside the housing (03), wherein the center of gravity (07) of the adjustably mounted additional device (04), during arrangement of the additional device (04) in the inoperative position, lies in a vertical plane which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and through the center of gravity (06) of the interior rear view mirror (01).
US08113670B2	Image recording apparatus with pivotable display An image recording apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording section for forming an image, a display panel assuming upright and laying posture with respect to the apparatus body by pivoting on a predetermined axis, and a covering member having a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted pivotably on one of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. The second end engages slidably with the other of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. Accordingly, the covering member can be accommodated substantially in parallel with the back surface of the display panel. As a result, when the display panel is laid down, it is low in height, thereby making the image recording apparatus to be compact.
US08113668B2	Extendable real object projector A portable material exhibiting apparatus comprises a base assembly having a pivoting base, the pivoting base being disposed on one side of the base assembly; a retractable rod assembly having one end pivoting to the pivoting base; and an image capturing module having one end pivoting to the other end of the retractable rod assembly. Therefore, when carrying the portable material exhibiting apparatus, the image capturing module may rotate to be parallel with the retractable rod assembly. The retractable rod assembly may shorten its length and rotate to be parallel with the base assembly. Via this arrangement, the spaced occupied by the portable material exhibiting apparatus is reduced greatly.
US08113667B2	Projection optical system A projection optical system satisfies a conditional formula: 0.01<{(tan θf1−tan θf2)−(tan θn1−tan θn2)}·(β2/β1)<0.20 where the direction of a normal to and the direction of a long side of the screen of the screen surface are referred to as a “z-direction” and an “x-direction”, respectively, the x-z plane component of the angle of incidence with respect to the screen surface is referred to as an “incident angle θ” and when, among rays that pass through the center of an aperture and that are incident on the ends of the upper and lower sides of the screen of the screen surface, the incident angle θ of rays whose incident angle θ is larger is referred to as “θf” and the incident angle θ of rays whose incident angle θ is smaller is referred to as “θn”, θn and θf2 respectively represent, when the absolute value of a projection magnification is the highest or lowest during focus adjustment, the incident angle θf, θn1 and θn2 respectively represent, when the absolute value of the projection magnification is the highest or lowest during focus adjustment, the incident angle θn, and β1 and β2 respectively represent the maximum and minimum values of the projection magnification during focus adjustment (except that β1 and β2 respectively represent, if the projection magnification is negative, a value of the projection magnification when the absolute value thereof is the highest or lowest).
US08113654B2	Contact lens with visual indicator A contact lens is provided with an indicator that is visible when placed in contact with a solution, but substantially transparent when removed from that solution. The indicator may be of the type to designate whether the contact lens is to be worn on the right or left eye.
US08113652B2	Contact lens with meridional sagittal variation and methods for making and using the same The present invention is directed toward the design of lenses to incorporate elevation features in at least one annular zone on the posterior surface of the lens that engage the elevation differences of the eye while allowing the central zone of the lens to have conventional spherical, aspheric, multifocal or toric geometry. In various embodiments, lenses according to the present invention are rotationally stable, free of flexure and well centered over the pupil.
US08113650B2	Printer having arcuate printhead A printer is provided having housing, and print head and inlet roller assemblies housed by the housing. The print head assembly has at least one print head for printing on print media fed along a print media feed path and the print head has an arcuate portion in the vicinity of the print media feed path. The inlet roller assembly has at least one inlet roller for feeding print media along the print media feed path. The arcuate portion of the print head has a radius of curvature approximating that of the inlet roller.
US08113645B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: a loading section in which a recording medium is set; a feed roller feeding the recording medium set in the loading section; a first urging mechanism urging one of the loading section and the feed roller to decrease a distance between the set recording medium and the feed roller; an edge guide being movable in a width direction of the recording medium to align lateral edges of the recording medium set in the loading section; a DC motor allowing the edge guide to move; and a determination unit determining whether a current value at the time of driving the DC motor reaches a predetermined threshold value. Here, the driving of the DC motor is stopped when it is determined by the determination unit that the current value reaches the predetermined threshold value.
US08113640B2	Liquid droplet discharging apparatuses and liquid cartridges A liquid cartridge has a liquid chamber configured to store liquid, and a liquid supply opening configured to supply liquid from an interior of the liquid chamber to an exterior of the liquid chamber. A first closing mechanism is configured to selectively cover and uncover the liquid supply opening. An air communication opening formed in the liquid cartridge is configured to place the interior of the liquid chamber in communication with an exterior of the chamber, in order to equalize a pressure in the liquid chamber with an atmospheric pressure. A second closing mechanism is configured to selectively cover and uncover the air communication opening. When the liquid cartridge is mounted to a cartridge mounting portion of a liquid discharging apparatus, a damper located in one of the liquid cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion is configured to oppose at least a portion of a mounting force applied to the liquid cartridge. During the mounting of the liquid cartridge to the cartridge mounting portion, the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism are configured, such that the air communication opening is uncovered before the liquid supply opening is uncovered.
US08113637B2	Liquid supply device and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid supply device includes a supply pump in a liquid supply passage, a first unidirectional valve upstream from the supply pump and a second unidirectional valve downstream from the supply pump. Constituent members each include a single passage forming member provided with a part or the whole of the liquid supply passage. The constituent members are laminated and formed such that a partial passage of the liquid supply passage permitting the first unidirectional valve to communicate with the supply pump and a partial passage thereof permitting the supply pump to communicate with the second unidirectional valve are formed in the laminated state. The supply pump and the first and second unidirectional valves are disposed on the substantially same plane by laminating the constituent members. The first unidirectional valve communicates with the supply pump and the supply pump communicates with the second unidirectional valve by the partial passage.
US08113633B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus having same A liquid ejecting head includes a passage unit made by laminating a plurality of plates including a first plate having a first through-hole with a first size and a second plate having a second through-hole with a second size which is larger than the first size. The first plate and the second plate are bonded with adhesive so that the first through-hole and the second through-hole in communication with each other. The affinity for the adhesive to bond to the inner peripheral surface of the second through-hole is set to be at least higher than the affinity for the adhesive to bond to the area around the opening of the first through-hole. Adhesive that flows out from between the first plate and the second plate at the time of bonding of the first plate and the second plate is guided to the inner peripheral surface of the second through-hole.
US08113632B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head unit, and liquid ejecting apparatus Concave portions are provided at both side faces of the reinforcing plate in the juxtaposition direction of the actuators on a discharge face side in which the nozzle orifices are opened. Second exposed portions, in which corner portions that include the discharge face sides of convex portions formed by the concave portions and the side faces of the reinforcing plate are exposed, are provided at both side faces of the case in the juxtaposition direction of the actuators.
US08113628B2	Inkjet printers having micro-fluidic actuators A printer includes (a) an ink reservoir containing ink and having an outlet through which the ink passes for ejection onto a print medium; (b) a micro-fluidic actuator having (i) an inlet channel through which fluid enters; (ii) a chamber through which the fluid is received from the inlet channel; (iii) an outlet channel that receives the fluid from the chamber and passes the fluid through the outlet channel so that a conduit pathway for the fluid is formed from the inlet channel, chamber and outlet channel; (iv) a flexible membrane that forms a portion of a shared wall between the chamber and the ink reservoir and that displaces in response to fluidic pressure; (v) at least a first valve in the conduit pathway which, when the valve is activated, causes flow of the fluid through the conduit pathway to be altered so that pressure of the fluid passing through the chamber changes which, in turn, causes the flexible membrane to displace which, in turn, causes the ink to be ejected or not ejected from the ink reservoir according to the displacement of the flexible membrane.
US08113623B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a medium conveying mechanism which conveys a medium in a first direction; a head pair composed of two liquid ejecting heads respectively having liquid ejection surfaces in which liquid ejection areas are respectively formed, the two heads having respective one end portions overlapping each other as viewed in the first direction, and disposed such that the respective one end portions are adjacent to each other in the first direction; two wipers for wiping the respective ejection surfaces; and a wiper moving mechanism configured to move the two wipers in mutually opposite directions, wherein the ejection areas partly overlap each other as viewed in the first direction, wherein, when each wiper is placed by the wiper moving mechanism at a wiping start position at which each wiper does not face the corresponding ejection surface, the two wipers partly overlap each other as viewed in the first direction, and wherein, when each wiper is placed at a wiping complete position at which each wiper does not face the corresponding ejection surface, the two wipers overlap each other as viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US08113617B2	Ink-jet recording apparatus for current detection during startup and termination An ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a flow-passage unit; a plurality of actuators; a plurality of signal output circuits which are provided so as to respectively correspond to the actuators; at least one power supply device; at least one electric current detecting device; and a control device including (a) a startup charging portion which controls the signal output circuits, upon startup of the apparatus, such that all of the actuators are placed into a charged state from a discharged state in order at least one by one, when all of the actuators are in the discharged state and (b) a power-supply inhibiting portion which inhibits electric power supply from the at least one power supply device when the electric current detected by any of the at least one electric current detecting device is equal to or larger than a threshold during execution of a control by the startup charging portion.
US08113615B2	Inkjet recording device and controller, control program and control method for inkjet recording device for gap reduction of ink droplets Aspects of the disclosure relate to a controller, control program, and control method for an inkjet recording device, and an inkjet recording device capable of forming a high-quality image by making positional shift of a landing ink droplet inconspicuous through simple control. A high-quality image can be formed by controlling nozzles ejecting an ink droplet landing at a position where the pitch of adjacent landing droplets is larger than a predetermined pitch such that the area of a landing droplet formed by the nozzles is larger, thereby reducing the gap between landing droplet trains by the landing droplet train for ink droplets corresponding to print data.
US08113609B2	Guide rail for refrigerator A guide rail for a refrigerator includes a rail body having a back face to be brought into close contact with a side surface of an inner case defining a storage space of the refrigerator; a guide portion provided in the rail body so that the guide portion extends in front of a guide rib formed to be elongated in a fore and aft direction on the side surface of the inner case, thereby guiding the movement of a receiving container to be accommodated in or taken out from the storage space; and a seating space provided in the rail body so that a portion of the guide rib is inserted into the seating space when the back face of the rail body is brought into close contact with the side surface of the inner case.
US08113605B2	Foldable display module A foldable display module is described which comprises one base formed by one lower and one upper left panel; one lower and one upper front panel, and one lower and one upper right panel. The base has one “collapsed” and one “upright” position as well as one cover hingedly attached to the upper front panel that in the base's “upright” position runs horizontally between the upper left and upper right panels; and, one shelf hingedly attached to back face of the upper front panel and running between the upper left and upper right panels. The module has one pair of posts projecting upwardly from the base and one board is coupled to its upper end. The board, posts and the base's right side and left side panels can be housed inside the front panels to fold the module.
US08113604B2	Modular insulation system for an environmentally controlled cabinet A modular insulation panel provides insulation to a cabinet having lateral side walls, a back wall and a top wall. A main panel assembly insulates a lateral side wall, wherein the main panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the lateral side wall. An auxiliary panel assembly insulates the back wall, wherein the auxiliary panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the back wall. A hinge hingedly attaches the frame of the main panel assembly to the frame of the auxiliary panel assembly.
US08113603B2	Laundry machine A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a cabinet defining a first receiving space to receive laundry to be treated, a plurality of legs each of which comprises a leg head located at an installation surface and a leg body configured to connect the leg head to the cabinet, a sub cabinet defining a second receiving space having a volume less than the first receiving space, the sub cabinet being coupled to a bottom of the cabinet, and a plurality of coupling members configured to detachably couple the sub cabinet to the cabinet. According to this laundry machine, it is possible to easily achieve the coupling and separation between the cabinet and the sub cabinet.
US08113600B2	Storage and organization system with stackable shells A storage shell includes sidewalls and rails. The sidewalls each extend between two others of the sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween. The sidewalls create a plurality of intersection lines each being defined along a boundary between two of the plurality of sidewalls. The plurality of are rails each coupled to and radially extends away from a different corresponding one of the plurality of intersection lines relative to a center of the storage shell. Each of the plurality of rails is formed with a Y-shaped cross-section. Related storage and organization systems, and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
US08113595B1	Electric booster with hydraulic transmission An electric brake has a master cylinder (12) including pistons (22, 24) for rear and front brake circuits and an electric motor (50) for actuating the rear brake piston (22). A feedback circuit provides a signal indicative of the fluid pressure supplied to the rear brake circuit and is operable in response to driver commanded braking force (48) to supply fluid pressure to the rear wheel brake circuit. A mechanical coupling (44, 46) between the second piston and a brake pedal is responsive to driver applied brake pedal force to supply fluid pressure to the front wheel brake circuit. A fluid circuit (30, 82) utilizes the fluid pressure supplied to the rear wheel brake circuit to augment driver applied brake pedal force thereby supplying power boosted fluid pressure to the front wheel brake circuit.
US08113591B2	Apparatus and method for producing a ventilated chair backing assembly The present invention relates to an apparatus for a ventilated chair backing assembly comprising: a foam chair backing component with a first plurality of ventilation holes extending from a front surface to a back surface, said plurality of holes having a skin; an internal support component with a second plurality of ventilation holes extending from a front surface to a back surface aligned to the first plurality of holes.
US08113590B2	Arm support, and sitting support with such arm support An arm support, comprising an arm supporting element, connected via a connecting device with a lift device, wherein the arm supporting element has a longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end and is connected via a tilting axis (E) with the connecting device, which tilting axis (E), in top plan view, is situated between the front end and the rear end, wherein the lift device comprises compensation means for bearing the weight of the arm support and a load borne thereon, in particular an arm of a user.
US08113585B2	Article of furniture and fitting for an article of furniture A hinged fitting for an article of seating furniture, which has a supporting element which is capable of being swung, by means of a swing over joint, from a basic position to the side of the seat to an end position that is located in front of the seat to form a leg rest, with the top or lateral surface of the supporting element in the basic position becoming the bottom surface thereof in the end position, has a displacement device, by means of which the end position of the supporting element can be displaced to a position in front of the seat or the base frame of the article of seating furniture beyond the position defined by the swing over joint.
US08113577B2	Cable connection structures A connection end portion of an inner member is provided with engagement protrusions, and a connection end portion of a stay is provided with reception grooves capable of axially receiving them. By inserting an operation cable into a tube of a fit-tube portion of an ascent/descent body, the engagement protrusions are axially received in insertion grooves, and are temporarily retained at terminal end portions thereof that are bent in one peripheral direction. When the stay is inserted into the tube of the fit-tube portion, the engagement protrusions are received in the reception grooves, and are transferred to terminal end portions thereof that are bent in the other peripheral direction. Through this operation, an axial connection state is attained in which the operation cable is suspended from the stay, and the headrest is attached to the ascent/descent body to become capable of ascending and descending with respect to the seat back.
US08113574B2	Rocking-reclining seating unit with power actuator A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a rocker mechanism attached with the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the rocker mechanism configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed rocking motion relative to the base unit; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism. The actuating unit is configured to move the chair between (a) an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed, the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and the ottoman are generally vertically disposed and positioned below the seat, (b) an intermediate TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest and the seat substantially maintain the same relationship as they have in the upright position, and (c) a fully reclined position, in which the angle between the backrest and the seat increases.
US08113570B1	Aerodynamic nose cone cap A molded hollow aerodynamic cap which is attached to the tongue part of the trailers frame. The cap extends from the hitch and is attached to the front of the trailer. The aerodynamic design of the cap gives the towing driver better handling control and fuel saving mileage. Inside the cap is used for storage and other purposes.
US08113568B2	Collapsible roof assembly for a passenger vehicle A collapsible roof assembly for a vehicle includes a roof, an actuating linkage system, and a main bearing. The roof is movable between closed and opened positions relative to the vehicle body. The actuating linkage system has a guide rod connected at a first end to the roof for moving the roof between the closed and opened positions. The main bearing is connectable to the vehicle body. The main bearing has first and second bearing plates each having at least one corresponding connecting section. The corresponding connecting sections are connected together such that the first and second bearing plates are joined together with surface regions other than the corresponding connecting sections spaced apart from one another with a parallel spacing delimited by a cavity. The guide rod is articulately connected at a second end to the main bearing via a bearing pin extending through one of the corresponding connecting sections.
US08113565B2	Device for increasing container volume The device for increasing volume of a container (24) has extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) pivotally mounted on an upper edge (31) of an upper opening (32) so as to form a cover at least partially closing the upper opening (32) when the extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) are in flat closed positions and an enlarging extension (27) for the container when the extension elements are in raised filling positions, neighboring extension elements being pivotally connected with each other, and at least one driving pivoting device (53), which pivots or swings each extension element (37, 38, 39, 40) from its flat closed position into its raised filling position (47, 48, 49, 50) out beyond a vertical position thereof in a direction toward an exterior of the container, or from its raised filling position into its flat closed position.
US08113562B2	Tilting rack system An apparatus for tilt-able rack system especially suited for a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The tilting rack system includes a stationary upright support frame, and a hinged upright support, with the hinged upright mounted to the vehicle rearward of the stationary upright. A slide-able and tilt-able pair of rails mount to the support frame at the hinged and stationary uprights. As the hinged uprights lever rearward and downward, by action of a hinge at the base of each upright, the rails can slide and tilt upon a sliding hinge at the top of each stationary upright. The rearward, hinged uprights may be actuated by hydraulics, manual cranks, cables, or any other such mechanisms. The entire rail and associated frame can tilt down to the rear of the vehicle, allowing the easy placement of long items on the frame, such as ladders, pipes, boats, boards, and panels.
US08113560B2	Mounting apparatus and method A mounter apparatus includes a first block disposed so as to be able to be reciprocated by an actuator in a first direction, the first block has a conical hole having a conical internal wall and an axis parallel to the first direction, a second block disposed so as to face the first block and is held by the first block with an elastic body interposed between the first block and the second block, the second block moving by the actuator together with the first block in the first direction, the second block approaching the first block while compressing the elastic body, the second block moving away from the first block due to an elastic force of the elastic body, and a suction head portion rotatably held by the second block and has a suction nozzle on the opposite side from the side where the first block is disposed.
US08113557B2	Wire gripper jaw drive A wire gripping assembly is provided with a pair of lever arms that are each movable between a gripping position and a release position. Each lever arm includes a plurality of engagement teeth that interact with drive teeth formed on a moving rack member. The rack member is coupled to a piston movable within an open interior of a drive cylinder. Pressurized air is supplied to either side of the piston to move the piston and rack member. The movement of the piston and the rack member within the drive cylinder results in pivoting movement of the first and second lever arms between the gripping position and the release position.
US08113556B2	Lifting device A lifting device for lifting a workpiece provided with a scissor-type linkage having two arms and two rod-like gripping arms connected thereto in an articulated manner. The lifting device also includes a cross member having at least two axially adjacent elongated holes extending in the axial direction of the cross member. The two gripping arms are each guided through an associated elongated hole and are rotatable around an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction and transverse to the through-direction of the associated elongated hole and it becomes. As a result, it becomes possible for the free ends of the gripping arms to tilt in an associated lifting opening of the workpiece, i.e., a cylinder head, when a workpiece is lifted.
US08113554B2	Method and apparatus for an attachable and removable crumple zone A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces, wherein the container is attached to a vehicle. An energy-absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. At least one elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is included, wherein the proximate end is proximate to a first face of the container. A long axis of the at least one elongated member may intersect the first face. A bumper may be connected to the distal end of the at least one elongated member.
US08113552B2	Locking device A locking device for a sliding door or a swing and sliding door having a door leaf, the lock device comprising a drive train including at least one motor, a drive transmission and a drive spindle. The locking device also comprises a locking transmission and a torque dividing arrangement.
US08113548B2	Quick connector for high pressure applications A quick connector coupling to releasably connect a rigid tube into a hollow body component bore with a resilient seal member creating a fluid tight seal. A seat member retainer includes legs abutting the body component. It includes an insertion sleeve that receives the axial insertion forces to insert the seal member retainer into the bore. A protective cap is arranged to contain preassembled seal and retainer components for assembly onto the rigid tube.
US08113547B2	Snap mount fluid quick connector A fluid quick connector includes a retainer mounted in a housing which lockingly couples a first endform to the housing. Latch arms bendably extend from the housing for latching engagement with a second endform. An inner diameter of the latch arms are proximate the outer diameter of the first endform inserted through the housing to prevent substantial movement of the latch arms in a direction which would disengage the latch arms from the second endform. In another aspect, the retainer has inner arms which engage a recessed surface engagement feature in the first endform to lock the other endform to the housing. A portion of a spherical surface is formed on the ends of the inner arms to reduce the push in force required to insert the first endform through the housing and past the retainer.
US08113540B2	Driver airbag assembly A driver airbag assembly may include an airbag cover including a switch insert hole, a cushion module provided in back of the airbag cover and engaged with the airbag cover, a mounting plate coupled to the airbag cover in the back thereof to support a rear end portion of the cushion module between the airbag cover and the mounting plate, and having a wing which extends laterally, and a remote control switch unit having a main body disposed between the airbag cover and the mounting plate, a switch part disposed in the main body and exposed to outside of the airbag cover through the switch insert hole, and a subsidiary body interposed and secured between the main body and the wing of the mounting plate and slidable laterally along the main body to be removable from a predetermined position of the main body.
US08113535B2	Safety system The invention relates to a safety system for motor vehicles having sensor devices for detecting an accident and an apparatus for reinforcing a carrying construction (1) of a motor-vehicle roof (6), in particular the A, B or C column of the motor vehicle, which protrudes beyond a lower edge of a window opening (4), in which an inflatable reinforcing element (2) is deployed which is fastened to the carrying construction (1) and can be filled with gas via a gas generator (3) if corresponding sensor data are present. The invention also relates to a carrying construction (1) per se.
US08113530B2	Nano-metal bicycle frame and related components A bicycle comprises a frame. A portion of the frame includes a substrate and a layer of nano-crystalline material extending over at least a portion of the substrate. A conductive interface is disposed between the substrate and layer of nano-crystalline material for improved adhesion of the layer of nano-crystalline material to the substrate and improved impact performance of the frame portion.
US08113523B2	Backrest reclining mechanism and related stroller A backrest reclining mechanism is applied to a stroller. The backrest reclining mechanism includes a fabric, at least one pulley, at least one cable, and an adjusting device. The fabric is disposed around a backrest of the stroller. Two ends of the fabric are connected to two sides of a main body of the stroller respectively. The pulley is rotatably disposed on the backrest. The cable is wound around the pulley. A first end of the cable extends within the fabric to be connected to the main body. The adjusting device is movably disposed on the backrest and connected to a second end of the cable. The adjusting device is used for changing a length of the cable between the first end and the pulley when moving, so as to adjust a reclining angle of the backrest.
US08113522B2	Counter-rotating motors with linear output An actuator includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor, and a transmission coupled to the first and second rotary motors. The transmission converts rotation of the first rotary motor in a first direction and simultaneous rotation of the second rotary motor in a second direction to linear motion of an output shaft in a single direction. The actuator is usable in an active automobile suspension.
US08113520B2	Adapter for a motor-driven machine tool with a rotatably driveable machine tool An adapter (9) for a motor-driven machine tool with a tool to be rotatably driven has positive-fit counterpart pieces (10) on one face (16) which are adapted to positive-fit elements (3) of the tool shaft (1). Multiple axially protruding mandrels (11) are arranged along the circumference on the opposite face (13).
US08113519B2	Packing material fitting structure A packing material fitting structure that prevents the packing material from easily dropping out and facilitates mounting and fixing of the packing material in a packing material fitting place in a part such as a casing or a cover of an engine or a pump with sealing ability. The fitting structure is provided with a packing material having an annular main body portion and a plurality of projections each having a main protruding portion formed to protrude from the annular main body portion and an auxiliary protruding portion formed integrally in the vicinity of the main protruding portion, the projections being formed with an appropriate spacing in the longitudinal direction of the main annular main body portion. The fitting structure is also provided with a casing having formed therein an annular fitting groove for inserting the annular main body portion of the packing material. A cutout portion into which only the main protruding portion of the projection is inserted is formed in a groove wall portion of the fitting groove. An integral forming region of the auxiliary protruding portion and the annular main body portion has a width substantially equal to or larger than a width of the fitting groove. In the packing material, a projection formation location is pressed and fixed only by the cutout portion and both groove wall portions in the vicinity of the cutout portion.
US08113512B2	Medium conveyance mechanism (device) Aligning of banknotes is carried out without using an aligning device. A medium conveyance mechanism includes an upper belt (2) entrained around two rollers (3a, 3b), a lower belt (5) entrained around two other rollers (6a, 6b) and disposed so as to overlap the upper belt (2), and an aligning guide (15) disposed at one side of the upper belt (2) and the lower belt (5) at a distance therefrom, which aligning guide (15) has an inclined surface (16) for carrying out aligning of a banknote and a conveyance reference surface (17) formed at an end side of the inclined surface (16). When the banknote being conveyed abuts the inclined surface (16) of the aligning guide (15) for aligning, one side of the banknote is guided by the conveyance reference surface (17) while the banknote is slipped with respect to the upper belt (2) and the lower belt (5) in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the banknote is conveyed.
US08113511B2	Document deskewing module with a moving track bottom and methods of operating a document deskewing module A document deskewing module comprises a set of sensors arranged to detect when a document transported in a first direction of document travel along a document transport path is deskewed, a first set of drive rollers in the form of hard drive rollers disposed along the document transport path, a first set of idler rollers moveable towards and away from the hard drive rollers, a second set of drive rollers in the form of soft drive rollers disposed along the document transport path, a second set of idler rollers moveable towards and away from the soft drive rollers, a track bottom disposed on one side of the document transport path and movable in the first direction of document travel, and a controller arranged to control operation of the first and second sets of idler rollers and the movable track bottom.
US08113510B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet processing apparatus that processes sheets transported in a transport direction and stacked on a tray, including: a sheet moving device configured to be brought into contact with an upper surface of a sheet stacked on the tray and to be moved in a width direction intersecting with the transport direction to move the sheet in the width direction; an alignment member against which a side edge of the sheet moved in the width direction by the sheet moving device is brought into abutment, to align the sheet; and a guide member configured to hold down the sheet between the sheet moving device and the alignment member with the sheet moving device in contact with the upper surface of the sheet, wherein the guide member is moved integrally with the sheet moving device in the width direction.
US08113506B2	Sheet supply apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet supply apparatus is provided with a print medium storage device for storing a print medium. The print medium storage device includes a guide member for guiding the print medium thus stored; an engaging portion for engaging the guide member at a specific position; an engaged portion for engaging the engaging portion; an operation portion disposed to be movable for separating the engaging portion from the engaged portion; and an abutting portion for abutting against the operation portion to move the operation portion when the print medium storage device is situated at a first position, and for separating from the operation portion when the print medium storage device is situated at a second position.
US08113482B2	Microvalve device with improved fluid routing A microvalve device for controlling the supply of pressurized fluid to a load in a fluid circuit, and having multiple internal fluid conduits for providing pressure feedback.
US08113479B1	Telescoping stabilization system comprising a reinforced telescoping member Telescoping stabilization system comprising a telescoping composite strut body which comprises a lower member pivotally coupled at a lower end to a base, a medial member telescopically received within the lower member, and an upper member telescopically received within the medial member and having an upper end portion releasably coupled to a strut head and having a reinforcement member received within a complementally shaped exterior peripheral recess formed in the upper member adjacent its upper end portion wherein the reinforcement member includes an exterior surface lying substantially flush with an exterior peripheral surface of the upper member for being slideably receivable within the medial member when the telescoping composite strut body is in a collapsed position and wherein the rectangular reinforcement member precludes the strut head from splitting the upper member when the telescoping composite strut body is in an extended position and side loaded.
US08113474B1	Mounting apparatus for data storage device A mounting apparatus for mounting a data storage device includes a bracket and a blocking member. The bracket includes a front panel and two sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the front panel. The blocking member is positioned between the sidewalls of the bracket opposite to the front panel and pivotably attached to the sidewalls of the bracket.
US08113473B2	T-post and other mounting systems and accessories Described in certain embodiments are mounting systems that employ one or more T-posts to support useful implements such as birdhouses, signs, fencing, banners, and the like. Additional disclosed embodiments relate to unique post- or wall-mount systems for such implements.
US08113469B2	Passive micro-roughness array for drag modification The present invention is directed to a micro-array surface that provides for either drag reduction or enhancement. In one aspect, an aerodynamic or hydrodynamic wall surface that is configured to modify a fluid boundary layer on the surface comprises at least one array of roughness elements disposed on and extending therefrom the surface. In one example, the interaction of the roughness elements with a turbulent boundary layer of the fluid reduces the skin friction drag coefficient of the surface over an identical smooth surface without the roughness elements.
US08113465B2	Trailing edge aircraft structure with overhanging cover An aircraft structure comprising: a rear spar; and a composite cover attached to the rear spar and having an overhanging portion extending to its rear. The overhanging portion of the cover comprises one or more ramps along which the thickness of the cover reduces. A second cover is attached to the rear spar and overhangs to its rear. A hinge rib is attached to one or both of the covers, and an aerodynamic control element such as an aileron, rudder or elevator is pivotally mounted to the hinge rib.
US08113460B2	Fast hybrid helicopter with long range and an optimized lift rotor A hybrid helicopter (1) includes firstly an airframe provided with a fuselage (2) and a lift-producing surface (3), together with stabilizer surfaces (30, 35, 40), and secondly with a drive system including: a mechanical interconnection system (15) between firstly a rotor (10) of radius (R) with collective pitch and cyclic pitch control of the blades (11) of the rotor (10), and secondly at least one propeller (6) with collective pitch control of the blades of the propeller (6); and at least one turbine engine (5) driving the mechanical interconnection system (15). The speed of rotation (Ω) of the rotor (10) is equal to a first speed of rotation (Ω1) up to a first flightpath air speed (V1) of the hybrid helicopter (1), and is then reduced progressively in application of a linear relationship as a function of the flightpath air speed of the hybrid helicopter.
US08113456B2	Dual-bearing reel speed-change operation mechanism In a speed-change operation mechanism, a main body of a lock member is disposed to produce a clearance between the main body and the surface of the handle arm, whereas a pivot operation part of the lock member is disposed to close a clearance between the main body and the surface of the handle arm and simultaneously to produce a clearance between the pivot operation part and the surface of the handle arm. A relatively large clearance is produced between the main body of the lock member and the surface of the handle arm, whereas a small clearance, just enough to allow a pivot operation of the lock member, is produced between the pivot operation part of the lock member and the surface of the handle arm.
US08113455B2	Device for grinding input material A device for grinding input material is provided with a supporting disk rotating around an axis of rotation within a housing. On the supporting disk, in its circumferential area, first grinding tools are arranged concentrically, axially opposite from which second grinding tools are arranged, forming a radial grinding gap. During operation of a device in accordance with the invention, the grinding tools execute a motion relative to one another. In accordance with an embodiment, the first grinding tools be fastened over an interchangeable ring to the supporting disk, wherein the interchangeable ring is fastened removably to the supporting disk concentric to the axis of rotation and on which the first grinding tools are arranged.
US08113450B2	Pulverization/dispersion processing system In a pulverization/dispersion processing system using a medium agitating type wet pulverization/dispersion machine, a system capable of judging the progress of pulverization/dispersion processing successively and objectively during the pulverization/dispersion processing is provided.A pulverization/dispersion processing system 10 including a medium agitating type wet pulverization/dispersion machine 20, a holding tank 40 of a material to be processed, a circulating pump 30, and circulating lines 50 connecting these components to each other is equipped with a particle size distribution measuring instrument and/or a zeta potential measuring instrument 60 in one of the circulating lines 50. These measuring instruments 60 perform measurement by means of an ultrasonic wave, and can use an ultrasonic attenuation method or an electronkinetic sonic amplitude method.
US08113448B2	Methods of recycling carpet components and carpet components formed thereform Methods of recycling carpet components are disclosed. Usable compositions containing recycled carpet components, and carpets and carpet components containing recycled carpet components are also disclosed.
US08113440B2	Vehicle supplemental heating system including spool valve manifold Disclosed herein is an exemplary supplemental heating system including a liquid heat generator having a hydrodynamic chamber for selectively heating a fluid. The supplemental heating system further includes a manifold having an inlet passage fluidly connectable to a discharge passage of a heat exchanger, a first discharge passage fluidly connectable to an engine cooling system, and a second discharge passage fluidly connected to an inlet passage of the hydrodynamic chamber. A control valve comprising a spool slideably disposed within the manifold controls distribution of the fluid between the manifold inlet passage and the first manifold discharge passage, and the manifold inlet passage and the manifold second discharge passage.
US08113439B2	Antenna apparatus This invention provides an antenna apparatus (60) for use in a non-contact type IC card into and from which data can be written and read by electronic apparatuses having a communication function, by virtue of inductive coupling. The antenna apparatus comprises a loop coil (61) and a magnetic member (62). The loop coil is produced by winding a conductive wire in a plane and configured to perform the inductive coupling. The magnetic member covers one region (61a) of the loop coil, provided at one side, from one surface of the loop coil, passes through the loop coil, and covers the other region (61b) of the loop coil, provided at the other side, from the other surface of the loop coil. The entire region of the loop coil is thus covered.
US08113438B1	Governor arrangement for contactless point of sale terminal gateway Gateway for contactless purchase transactions identifies plural transaction cards held by a customer at a point of sale terminal and loads account information into a memory. The customer's payment options are presented and a selection is received through a user interface. Account information associated with the selected card is forwarded to the point of sale terminal for use in the purchase transaction. The memory is cleared of the account data in advance of a next purchase transaction. Optionally, payment options can be displayed concurrently for selection, and one or more of the payment options can be highlighted to encourage its selection, and other messages, offers, and incentives can be displayed to the customer.
US08113436B2	Semiconductor structure with communication element In one embodiment, a structure includes a semiconductor chip including a communication element for performing a wireless communication function where the communication element has a communication core occupying a region of the semiconductor chip, a plurality of chip pads with two of the chip pads electrically connected to the communication core; a chip carrier for carrying the semiconductor chip where the chip carrier includes a plurality of carrier pads with two of the carrier pads connected to the two chip pads; and an antenna connected to the carrier pads and electrically connected to the chip pads and to the communication core.
US08113435B2	Card reader A card reader system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed. The card reader can include a transmitter that modulates a radio frequency carrier with a transmit data signal and a receiver that detects a modulation of the radio frequency carrier by a contactless smartcard. A processor can be coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor can generate the transmit data signal so as to simulate a data exchange according to a protocol of the contactless smartcard. The processor can determine a timing for reading data from or writing data to the contactless smartcard and can discontinue the simulated data exchange based on the timing.
US08113433B2	Memory device A memory unit generates a corresponding output signal bearing data in response to an input signal. The memory unit includes a series of circuit stages configured to be triggered by the input signal at a first stage of the series, thereby causing a sequential triggering of stages along the series to a last stage to generate the output signal. The data is represented in time durations taken for each stage in the series to trigger a subsequent stage. In at least one embodiment, the data-bearing output signal is a temporally-encoded reflection of interrogation radiation received from an interrogation device. Each stage is configured to produce a detectable fluctuation in the output signal upon triggering of the stage such that the data in the output signal is represented by the time between fluctuations produced by each stage triggering a subsequent stage in the series.
US08113432B2	Apparatus for recognizing an optical recognition code in which a code symbol of a 1-dimensional color bit code indicative of certain data is divided into a plurality of code symbols It is possible to linearly arrange cells and indicate particular data in the order of colors of respective sells. A code system uses an optical symbol decoding method capable of reading the color arrangement if the arrangement continuity and the linear shape are maintained. The data expression method may be other than “the order of colors.” For example, it is possible to employ a method for allocating a numeric value to each of the colors by one-to-one correspondence (R=0, B=1, etc.), a method for allocating data by a color transition (“CM”=“MY”=“YC”=0, “CY”=“YM”=“MC”=1, etc.), a method for allocating data for a combination of colors, and the like.
US08113431B2	Scale assembly mounting apparatus for an optical scanner A scale assembly mounting apparatus for an optical scanner which suspends a scale assembly above a mirror housing of the scanner. The apparatus includes a top surface which surrounds an aperture of a mirror housing of the scanner on at least three sides, and a bottom surface including a load cell assembly mounting structure for suspending a load cell assembly between the bottom surface and the mirror housing.
US08113430B2	Illumination lens for optical code reader An optical code reader of the imager type includes at least one light source and at least one illumination lens downstream of the at least one light source for projecting a predetermined illumination pattern. The at least one illumination lens comprises a first main face, wherein in a first direction, the first main face has a plurality of elementary regions, each of the elementary regions of the at least one illumination lens having a slope with respect to an optical axis of the reader that is individually calculated so that the elementary region deviates the light fraction coming from the at least one light source and incident thereon towards a specific elementary region of the illumination pattern.
US08113429B2	Barcode reading station A barcode reading station which mounts a barcode reader for reading a barcode on a barcode carrier, such as a document or electronic device which displays the barcode. The barcode reading station includes a holster for a barcode reader, the barcode reader producing a scan volume, a barcode reading table for identifying a target location for barcode reading, and a mirror for deflecting the scan volume of the barcode reader towards the barcode reading table.
US08113428B2	System and method of optical reading employing virtual scan lines Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D CCD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change within or between frames.
US08113427B2	Methods and apparatus for automated product identification in point of sale applications Systems and techniques for product identification using terahertz radiation detection. An area of interest is illuminated with radiation in the terahertz frequency range and terahertz radiation reflected from objects within the area of interest is detected and a detector signal based on the detected radiation is processed to generate identifying information for the objects. The generated identifying information may be compared against stored identifying information for products and the result of the comparison is used to select a product or group of products for which the comparison produces a match. Processing of the detector signal may generate a spectral signature characteristic of reflective and absorptive properties of an object under illumination, and the spectral signature may be compared with stored spectral signature information for products.
US08113425B2	RF point of sale and delivery method and system using communication with remote computer and having features to read a large number of RF tags A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing. The electromagnetic field is moved or altered within the micro-warehouse through the use of reflectors, devices that move the antennas, or other mechanisms.
US08113421B2	Dedicated self-service return terminal and method of operating a dedicated self-service return terminal for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a reader arranged to read data associated with returned media on which entertainment data is stored, a media transporter mechanism having a media return slot for receiving returned media, a shutter mechanism having a shutter door movable between an open position which allows returned media to be inserted through the media return slot and a closed position which blocks the media return slot and prevents returned media from being inserted through the media return slot, and a controller arranged to (i) move the shutter door to the open position to allow returned media to be inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media, and (ii) maintain the shutter door in the closed position to prevent returned media from being inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is not being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media.
US08113419B2	Processing device for value documents An apparatus for processing documents of value having a checking device for checking documents of value in a processing area, an intermediate repository arranged in an intermediate area for intermediately storing documents of value, a transport device for transporting the documents of value to the intermediate repository, a final storage device for storing documents of value from the intermediate repository, an intermediate-area housing enclosing the intermediate area having a first opening that receives documents of value coming from the checking device, a second opening, through which the documents of value are transportable from the intermediate repository into the final storage area, and an intermediate-area housing element which can be moved back and forth between an open position, which allows access to the intermediate repository, and a close position, which prevents access to the intermediate-area housing, and a locking device for locking the intermediate-area housing element in the close position.
US08113416B2	Hermetically sealed paperboard container with enhanced barrier performance A hermetically sealed paperboard container including a container body component including upper and lower ends, the body component being formed from a blank including a paperboard layer having first and second major sides, a first sealant layer on the first major side, a barrier layer on the second major side, and a second sealant layer on the barrier layer, wherein the blank includes first and second longitudinal ends, the first longitudinal end being skived to a predetermined thickness for a predetermined width, the skived portion being folded over onto the blank and heat-sealed to the first sealant layer to form a folded first longitudinal end, and wherein the body component includes an overlapped seam including the folded first longitudinal end positioned inside the second longitudinal end, a bottom component sealed to the lower end; and a lid component hermetically sealed to the upper end.
US08113414B2	Method of brazing an aluminum alloy material and method of producing an aluminum alloy heat exchanger A method of brazing an aluminum alloy material, which is a Nocolok brazing method of the aluminum alloy material, in which the method satisfies the condition: Ts≦Tf≦Ts+15° C. in which Tf represents an incipient fluidization temperature of a filler material, and Ts represents an incipient fluidization temperature of flux.
US08113406B2	Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staple sizes A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08113405B2	Surgical instrument with indicator A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and an indicator. A firing trigger is movable between first and second positions. The head portion includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The indicator is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and is movable between a first position and a second position in response to movement of the anvil assembly towards its approximated position. The indicator is movable between the second position and a third position in response to firing of the instrument.
US08113401B2	Apparatus for cutting liquid crystal display panel An apparatus for cutting liquid crystal display panels is disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus includes at least one table receiving bonded mother substrates having a plurality of unit liquid crystal display panels, at least one cutting wheel forming a scribing line on a surface of the bonded mother substrates, and a suction unit coupled to the at least one cutting wheel and sucking in glass debris on the surface of the bonded mother substrates.
US08113397B2	Load stop for supporting a load on a load carrier A load stop (1) for supporting a load being transported on a load carrier arranged on a vehicle. The load carrier includes at least one load carrying tube (2) with at least one groove (6) for fastening the load stop on the load carrying tube. The load stop includes an essentially rigid bracket (9) intended to be supportingly arranged adjacent the load. A fastening portion (11) is also provided for mounting the load stop to the load carrying tube. The bracket (9) is pivoted in at the fastening portion (11), wherein the load stop (1) is foldable between at least a raised working position and a folded transporting position.
US08113392B2	Lower neck indicator for wire hook hangers A lower neck sizer for a garment hanger and a combination of a turnable wire hook hanger and the lower neck sizer are disclosed. The sizer has a body dimensioned to surround a lower neck portion of the hanger, where a hook of the hanger joins a body of the hanger. The sizer also has an inwardly extending tab secured to the sizer body for engaging the hanger at the lower neck portion to resist removal.
US08113390B2	Gas generation dispenser apparatus and method for on-demand fluid delivery An on-demand fluid dispenser to dispense fluid in response to gas generation by a gas cell. The on-demand fluid dispenser includes an expandable gas chamber, a fluid chamber, and an on-demand gas cell. The expandable gas chamber includes a moveable plunger forming a wall of the expandable gas chamber. The moveable plunger also forms a wall of the fluid chamber. The on-demand gas cell is configured to generate the gas on demand. The on-demand gas cell is also configured to direct the gas to the expandable gas chamber to expand the expandable gas chamber. Expansion of the expandable gas chamber moves the moveable plunger to reduce a volume of the fluid chamber and to dispense an amount of fluid from the fluid chamber.
US08113389B2	Anti drip fluid dispenser The present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing a fluid which has an anti-drip feature. To achieve this anti-drip feature, the dispenser is provided with a suck back mechanism which is separate and independent from a pump in the dispenser. The suck back mechanism uses a resilient member capable of storing fluid.
US08113387B2	Water dispenser for a kitchen wall partition A water dispenser is adapted to be disposed in a kitchen wall partition that is formed with an opening and that has a sink unit disposed thereon. The water dispenser includes a housing retained in the opening, a pipe unit disposed in the housing to fluidly communicate with the sink unit, a heating unit disposed in the housing for boiling and storing water from the pipe unit, a face panel, and a control unit. The face panel is retained detachably on the housing, and has a hot water supply pipe extending from the heating unit into a dispensing cavity, and a drain unit connected to the sink unit. The control unit includes a heating circuit for controlling heating operation of the heating unit, a first valve for controlling water flow into the heating unit, and a second valve for controlling water flow through the hot water supply pipe.
US08113386B2	Device and method for on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products having visual appearance of multi-components A dispensing system and method for the on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products into a container. Single servings or larger portions of these products can be dispensed. The system and method achieve dispensing of the product with a visual differentiation of the components in the container. The container may be translucent or transparent so that the consumer can view the visually differentiated product therein. The products form yet another embodiment of the invention.
US08113381B2	Pet waste bags dispenser A pet waste bags dispenser provided for dispensing animal waste bags, having a collapsible container, a dispenser cavity cover and a dispensing means, wherein the dispensing means allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The collapsible waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the collapsible container, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The collapsible waste bags dispenser further has external connecting means for connecting the waste bags dispenser to a foreign object, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser.
US08113380B2	Ergonomic serving tray An ergonomic serving tray with a unique design, which allows the user to lift, carry, and set down said ergonomic serving tray with a single hand, without tilting the ergonomic serving tray, comprising an ergonomic serving tray 100 equipped with at least one leg 106 that elevates the tray, allowing the user to easily insert a single hand under the ergonomic serving tray and lift it, and which is further equipped with a unique grip 108 that is ergonomically shaped to comfortably increase both the user's lifting capacity and the user's control over the ergonomic serving tray, said grip being located substantially adjacent to the center of gravity, to facilitate lifting, balancing, and carrying of the ergonomic serving tray.
US08113376B2	Static electricity discharge tank cap A tank cap includes: a synthetic-resin cap body (20) mounted on a fuel supply port cylinder (18) of a conductive fuel tank, (T); a conductive cap shell (22) coupled to an upper part of the cap body (20); and a gasket (23) provided in the cap body (20) and in close contact with a sealing surface (18a) of the fuel supply port cylinder (18). The cap body (20) and the cap shell (22) are linked to be mutually rotatable. A ratchet mechanism (35) is mounted between the cap shell (22) and the cap body (20). An elastic contact piece (38) elastically and slidably contacting an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical peripheral wall (22a) of the cap shell (22) is integrally projectingly provided on an outer periphery of the gasket (23). Thus, it is possible to cause static electricity carried by an operator to escape to a fuel tank through the gasket.
US08113375B2	Easily openable can lid having a movable portion A can lid of a can provided with an easily openable opening means is disclosed wherein the can lid is equipped with a can lid which is fastened by winding tightly on the can main body and the top end opening of the can main body, a score section installed around the territory of the prearranged opening area and a tab for severing the score section. In the can lid, there is formed a protrusion protruding upward from the can lid in front of the can opening during manufacturing of the can lid, in which it is a collapsing protrusion where the protrusion elastically deforms into the can main body by depressing motion of the user and thereby enables forming of a concave section for easy insertion of the user's finger.
US08113374B2	Closure for container having removable portion and sealing membrane A closure for a container includes a base having an aperture therethrough, a membrane attached to the bottom of the base and adapted to be attached to the container to seal the opening, a pull tab positioned within the aperture and connected to the base around at least a portion of an inner periphery of the aperture by a frangible portion, and a cap connected to the base by a hinge. The base is adapted to be connected to the container such that the aperture is positioned over the opening. The pull tab is connected to the membrane, so that when a user pulls on the pull tab, the frangible portion breaks to allow removal of the pull tab to open the aperture, and removal of the pull tab causes the portion of the membrane to tear away to unseal the opening of the container. The cap is pivotable about the hinge between an open position and a closed position.
US08113372B2	Collapsible storage container A collapsible cargo container is disclosed wherein end walls are pivoted into the container when empty and locked against the roof, and then side walls buckle via hinges into a folded configuration. The folded configuration is achieved easily with a modified spreader without the need to otherwise disassemble or deconstruct the container, leaving no loose parts or tools. The cargo container preferably constructed with an improved light weight panel that facilitates loading of the container while improving strength and reducing weight.
US08113366B2	Child resistant container closure package with multiple twist and turn configuration A maze type package that includes a cylindrical container member that has a plurality of mazes thereon is disclosed. The package includes a coaxial closure member that employs studs for engaging the mazes and to releasably secure the closure to the container.
US08113363B2	Adjusting mechanism for a winch An arrangement includes a winch that is preferably used for hoisting loads as well as an adjusting mechanism for the winch. In the assembled state, the winch is mounted on a crane boom so as to be movable by a limited degree between an operating position and a transported position by means of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is equipped with at least one linear drive unit which cooperates with a lever gear to adjust the winch.
US08113352B1	Storage frame for tool rack packages A storage frame for tool rack packages has two side walls and a middle wall arranged between the side walls. Each side wall has two side bars and a side board connecting the side bars. Each side bar has multiple side mounts respectively corresponding to the side mounts of the other side bar. Each side mount has two side tabs and a side gap defined between the side tabs. The middle wall has two middle bars and a middle board connecting the middle bars. Each middle bar has multiple middle mounts respectively mounted on two side surfaces of the middle bar and respectively corresponding to the middle mounts of the other middle bar and respectively corresponding to the side mounts of the side bars. Each middle mount has two middle tabs and a middle gap defined between the middle tabs.
US08113349B2	Sharps dispensing and disposal system A sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps dispensing container and a sharps disposal container within the sharps dispensing container. In one embodiment, the sharps disposal container is mounted at least partially within the sharps dispensing container, with a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the sharps disposal container. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps disposal container having an inner wall and an inlet for depositing used sharps into the sharps disposal container. The sharps dispensing container includes an outer wall that surrounds at least a portion of the sharps disposal container and forms a buffer zone. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes at least one elastic support member that elastically suspends a sharps disposal container in the interior of a sharps dispensing container. A cover detachably couples the sharps disposal container with the sharps dispensing container.
US08113345B2	Media packaging A compact disk package, printable on a single paper board blank. The printed package is foldable into at least three sections, namely a front section, a back section connected to the front section along a common, foldable side edge and a CD-holding section attached to the top edge of the back section by a foldable flap. The CD-holding section according to one aspect of the invention is generally square shaped, with a width greater than the diameter of the CD. Two curved slits are cut into the CD-holding section, the arc of the slits corresponding to the curvature of the CD.
US08113340B1	Modular conveyer belt A modular member for a conveyer belt is provided that includes an elongated main base, at least one attaching rod and a plurality of hooks. The at least one attaching rod is coupled proximate a first side of the main base. The plurality of aligned hooks are coupled proximate a second side of the main base. Each hook includes a slot defined by an inner surface. The slot of each hook is configured to receive an attaching rod of another modular member. The inner surface that defines the slot of at least one hook has an attaching rod relief cutout section. The attaching rod relief cutout section limits wear between the attaching rod of another modular member that is received in the slot of the at least one hook and the inner surface of the slot of the at least one hook.
US08113338B2	Wear-resistant, continuous, flexible transfer belt A continuous, flexible transfer belt is disclosed. The transfer belt may be used in a transfer system for a progressive press, and is particularly suited for the transfer of easy open can ends. The transfer belt includes at least one lane that extends along an axis of the belt. The at least one lane has a plurality of openings therein that are configured to receive an easy open end. The transfer belt includes a flexible material and has a wear resistant layer that includes a wear resistant material. The wear resistant layer is disposed proximate an upper surface of the belt and extends outwardly from the opening, wherein the wear resistant layer underlies an outer rim of the easy-open end.
US08113337B2	Apparatus and method for separating flat objects by use of two separators and a length detector An apparatus and a method separate flat objects, including flat mail items. The apparatus has a first and a second separator. Each separator extends a plurality of overlapping objects in a direction parallel to the object planes. The second separator has a transport element and a retaining element. The second separator can be operated optionally in a separating mode, in which it is capable of separating objects, and a transport mode. An overlap detection device checks whether an item which is transported by the second separator contains a single object or a plurality of overlapping objects. The overlap detection device measures the respective length of the transported item at at least two instants. If the length changes, the item contains a plurality of overlapping objects. If a plurality of objects has been detected, the second separator is switched over into the separating mode and it separates the objects.
US08113331B2	Rotating materials handling chute A chute for directing materials from a source conveyor to a plurality of discharge conveyors, the chute comprising an upper chute section having a central vertical axis; a chute body movable between a raised position and a lowered position and rotationally connected below the upper chute section by rotation means for rotating the chute body about the central vertical axis between at least two selected rotational positions; and a plurality of lower chute sections, each lower chute section reversibly connectable at an upper end to a lower end of the chute body at one of the selected rotational positions, and at a lower end to a conveyor.
US08113320B2	Fire evacuation support system and fire door control device Provided, on each floor of a building, are an elevator installation zone, in which an elevator is installed, a neighboring zone which neighbors the elevator installation zone, and is in communication with the elevator installation zone through a first communication port, and an external zone which is in communication with the neighboring zone through a second communication port different from the first communication port. The first communication port is opened and closed by a first fire door, and the second communication port is opened and closed by a second fire door. A fire evacuation support system manages an operation of the elevator based on information from a plurality of fire detectors provided on each floor when a fire occurs in the building. Further, the fire evacuation support system includes an evacuation operation command section in which implementation of an evacuation operation for transporting a person left in the building to an evacuation floor is allowed for the elevator when contamination due to the fire is avoided in both the elevator installation zone and the neighboring zone, and in which the implementation of the evacuation operation is stopped when at least anyone of the elevator installation zone and the neighboring zone is contaminated due to the fire.
US08113318B2	Elevator machine with integrated brake surface An elevator machine (10) includes a machine shaft (14, 14′) and a sheave (26) that rotates with the machine shaft (14, 14′). A motor (12) selectively rotates the machine shaft (14, 14′). A brake (30) having at least one brake armature (36) selectively moves a brake rotor (28) coupled for rotation with the shaft (14, 14′) between a braking position and a released position. The brake rotor (28) selectively contacts a braking surface (44) formed directly on a housing (20, 22, 84, 90) to resist rotation of the machine shaft (14, 14′).
US08113317B2	Electric motor driven lubrication pump control system and method that accomodates turbomachine windmill operation A system and method are provided to selectively control lubricant supply flow to one or more rotating machines in an aircraft when the rotating machines are windmilling. A controller determines if the rotating machines are windmilling. When the rotating machines are windmilling, the controller at least selectively energizes an electric motor driven lubrication pump, to thereby supply lubricant to the windmilling turbomachine.
US08113313B2	Pipe assembly with scoop for directing fluid into a standpipe and for mitigating acoustic and vortex coupled resonance A piping assembly for directing fluid and mitigating acoustic and vortex coupled resonance is provided that includes a main pipe delivering fluid in a first direction; a standpipe coupled to the main pipe at an intersection; and a scoop positioned at the intersection directing the fluid towards the standpipe. A scooping insert and a method for disrupting vortex shedding in a piping assembly are also provided.
US08113309B2	Method for operating a drivetrain A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain includes at least a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a transmission arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output. When the vehicle is at rest, the clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is filled at least with filling pressure and then, when the vehicle is started, if the starting torque desired by the driver is above a limit value, the internal combustion engine is immediately turned over and started up by the electric motor, whereas, when starting, if the starting torque desired by the driver is below the limit value, then on starting, the internal combustion engine is not turned over by the electric motor.
US08113308B2	Integrated electric motor differential for hybrid electric vehicles An electro-mechanical drive train for a hybrid electric vehicle. The electro-mechanical drive train includes a housing and a pinion shaft having a first end disposed within the housing and a second end in communication with a combustion engine. A differential is disposed within the housing and in combination with the end of the pinion shaft. An electric motor is also disposed within the housing and in actuating combination with the pinion shaft.
US08113303B2	Modified cutters and a method of drilling with modified cutters A cutter for a fixed cutter drill bit including a substrate and an ultrahard material layer disposed on an end surface of the substrate, the ultra hard material layer having an upper surface opposite the substrate end surface and a peripheral surface such that the upper surface intersects the peripheral surface along a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge continuously increases and decreases in height as measured from a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cutter.
US08113301B2	Jetted underreamer assembly An underreamer for earth boring operations has a tubular body with a passage extending through it. Arms are pivotally mounted to the body and movable between retracted and extended positions. An actuator mandrel, located within the passage in the body, pushes the arms outward when drilling fluid is pumped downward in the drill string. Ports are located in the sidewall of the body and in the actuator mandrel. The ports align with each other when the mandrel moves to its downstream position. The ports divert a portion of the drilling fluid out to jet it across the cutting elements on the arms. The remaining portion of the drilling fluid passes downward to the drill bit and out nozzles of the drill bit.
US08113300B2	Impact excavation system and method using a drill bit with junk slots A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation including pumping a fluid through a nozzle such that an exit velocity of the fluid is greater than an entrance velocity of the fluid. A plurality of solid material impactors may be circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of approximately 0.100 inches or less. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle, contact the formation and rebound into a junk slot.
US08113299B2	Drill mast articulation assembly A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount.
US08113296B2	Anti-rotation device for an impact tool An anti-rotation device resists relative rotation between a shank and a tool head within which the shank is supported in an impact tool, for example a rivet gun. The anti-rotation device includes a first anchor portion arranged to grip the shank between the mounting end and the working end of the shank and a second anchor portion arranged to grip the tool head in which the first and second anchor portions are formed integrally with one another of resilient material.
US08113295B2	Conservation tillage implement, system and method A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles. Advantageously, the implement can be operated in standing water, as found in the growing of rice.
US08113289B2	Flow regulator for downhole progressing cavity motor A system for regulating the flow of fluid through a progressing cavity motor includes an annulus restriction (22) for restricting flow through the annulus passageway, and an annular biasing member (24) for biasing the annular restriction toward a closed position. Fluid flow in the annulus passageway creates an opening force on the annulus restriction. A central restriction (28) within the motor provides a restricted flow through the motor. A central biasing member (26) biases the central restriction toward an open position, with fluid flow in a central passageway exerting a closing force on the central restriction.
US08113288B2	System and method for optimizing production in gas-lift wells The system and method are utilized to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and field produced salt water to optimize production from an oil or gas well. The invention is suitable for use with a well that utilizes gas-lift as artificial lift. The equipment is designed to regulate the flow of injection gas into the production tubing to optimize production of the well.
US08113286B2	Downhole barrier valve A ball type downhole barrier valve capable of bidirectional sealing features a ball rotating on its axis to open or close with control line pressure to an actuating rod piston assembly. The ball is also shiftable to a locked open position. A cage surrounds the ball and retains opposed seats to it. The cage is made from one piece and tangential holes are drilled and tapped before the piece is longitudinally split with a wire EDM cutting technique. Fasteners to rejoin the cut halves properly space them to the original one piece internal dimension. Auxiliary tools allow determination of spacing of internal components so that a desired spring preload on the seats against the ball can be achieved. Seals on the sleeves that form ball seats help prevent leakage due to ball distortion at high differential pressures when the valve is closed.
US08113285B2	Agitated wellbore cleaning tool and method A wellbore cleaning assembly is run into a wellbore to be cleaned on a work string. The cleaning assembly comprises a number of cleaning elements for cleaning a wall of the wellbore; and an oscillator coupled to the at least one cleaning element by a force transmission element, for generating an axial oscillating movement of the at least one cleaning element relative to the work string.
US08113284B2	Use of distributed temperature sensors during wellbore treatments The invention relates to a method for treating subterranean formation comprising providing distributed temperature sensors, injecting a treatment fluid and monitoring the temperature across the treatment interval during the injection process.
US08113281B2	Method and apparatus for in situ extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil A method to extract bitumen or very heavy oil in situ from oil sand seams close to the Earth's surface is provided. Energy is introduced via at least two pipes at a given, repeatable distance from the seam, a predefined geometry is maintained in relation to the well pair. The associated apparatus includes at least one additional pipe which is alternatively designed as an electrode or also for feeding vapor and is placed above the injection pipe.
US08113278B2	System and method for enhanced oil recovery using an in-situ seismic energy generator Disclosed is a system and method for enhanced oil recovery using at least one in-situ seismic energy generator for generating seismic acoustic waves. More particularly the system and method employ a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance the recovery of oil from reservoirs.
US08113276B2	Downhole apparatus with packer cup and slip A downhole apparatus and for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a center mandrel. A slip means is disposed on the mandrel. The slip means can include teeth or the like for grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position. A packer cup is also disposed on the mandrel. The packer cup is provided for sealing an annulus between the mandrel and the well bore. The packer cup is slidable relative to the mandrel, and can be controlled to slide along the mandrel in order to move the slip to the set position. Also disclosed is a downhole assembly that includes a downhole tool and a setting apparatus. The setting apparatus can be used for lowering the downhole apparatus to a desired setting depth and then releasing the downhole apparatus.
US08113272B2	Three-phase heaters with common overburden sections for heating subsurface formations A heating system for a subsurface formation is described. The heating system includes three substantially u-shaped heaters with first end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to a single, three-phase wye transformer and second end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to each other and/or to ground. The three heaters may enter the formation through a first common wellbore and exit the formation through a second common wellbore so that the magnetic fields of the three heaters at least partially cancel out in the common wellbores.
US08113271B2	Cutting tool for cutting a downhole tubular The tubular cutting tool for severing downhole tubulars, the tool having a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, a cutting member, and a lubricant delivery system. Cutting may be accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor and extending the cutting member away from the cutting head. The lubricant delivery system lubricates the respective contacting surfaces of the cutting member and the tubular and is actuated when the cutting member extends from the cutting head.
US08113267B2	Twin-roll casting machine Provided is a twin-roll casting machine capable of suppressing irregularities in crosswise thickness distribution of a strip. The twin-roll casting machine comprises chilled rolls, side weirs, and nozzle pieces. A plurality of openings for supply of molten metal to between the chilled rolls are formed alternately on portions of each of the nozzle pieces adjacent to the one and the other rolls, respectively, and are spaced apart from each other axially of the rolls.
US08113264B2	Tensioned roller shade system having a conical, grooved spool A tensioned roller shade system for installation in an opening, such as a window or a skylight, comprises a frame, a roller tube rotatably mounted between side channels of the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, a conical, grooved spool mounted adjacent the roller tube, and a shade fabric is windingly received around the roller tube. A tensioning cord is operatively coupled between the spool and a fabric end of the shade fabric. The spool has a single groove, which wraps around the spool and windingly receives about the tensioning cord. A pulley is operatively coupled to the frame adjacent a second frame end and windingly receives the tensioning cord. The tensioning cord is adapted to bias the second fabric end toward the second frame end, such that the second fabric end of the shade fabric is adapted to move between the first and second frame ends as the roller tube is rotated.
US08113262B2	Accessory for wand for window treatment blinds An accessory wand handle for use on existing control wands. An elongated handle with a bore is fitted over the end of an existing wand for blinds. The handle is secured on the existing wand by a frictional fit between the outside surface of the existing wand and the inner surface of the bore in the accessory wand handle. The wand handle is larger than a wand to provide a mechanical advantage for users to turn the wand. The wand handle itself can be constructed to compliment the appearance of the wand. There is sufficient space between the wand and the walls of the bore for placement of decorative items. The handle itself may be decorated or inscribed with logo or other promotional materials.
US08113260B2	Articulation device for awning arm elbow An articulation device for an awning arm elbow includes a forearm elbow part defining a fork between the branches of which a core configured around an axis is supported. A flexible tie rod is coupled to the core and is connected to an elastic member. An arm elbow part defines a surrounding wall around the core. Bearings act to guide relative rotation between the forearm and arm elbow parts and to support the forearm on the arm. The bearings include at least one bearing unit which includes a first annular element fixed to the forearm elbow part and a second annular element fixed to the arm elbow part. These first and second annular elements include respective facing surfaces which cooperate in the functions of the bearings.
US08113257B2	Method and device for the multi-lane application of labels A method and device for the multi-lane and multi-row application of labels on articles such as packages or the like, which are guided in parallel lanes, in which the labels are dispensed from a backing film by a label dispenser, taken up by a conveyor belt, which is guided transversely over the lanes and transferred by a transfer device from the conveyor belt onto the articles. The labels are transferred in consecutive rows from the conveyor belt to a section of a transfer belt which extends transversely to the conveyor belt over and beyond the lanes, until a set with a specified number of label rows on this transfer belt section is completed and the transfer belt, during an advance of the lanes, is driven to dispense the set of label rows onto the articles.
US08113247B2	Bottom fillable bottles and systems for charging the same A valve assembly for charging/recharging containers and the like, from a bottom surface thereof is provided. The valve assembly includes a dispenser manifold including a nipple extending from an upper surface thereof and defining a lumen through the nipple; a fitting extending from a bottom surface of the dispenser manifold, the fitting defining an opening therethrough which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the nipple; and a plunger reciprocally disposed within the lumen of the nipple and within the opening of the fitting, wherein the plunger has a first position in which the lumen of the nipple is occluded and a second position in which the lumen of the nipple is not occluded.
US08113244B2	Adhesive and peripheral systems and methods for medical devices Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.
US08113243B2	Apparatus and methods for filament crimping and manufacturing Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed.
US08113235B2	Apparatus and methods for facilitating prosthesis donning, doffing, retention, and fit Apparatus and methods for improved prosthesis donning, doffing, retention, and fit. A valve located in a prosthetic socket port includes a body, a core, a spring located partially within the core, a diaphragm, and a maintained operator. The operator includes a recess and a protrusion. The operator may be indexed to a displacement or vent position. When the operator is indexed to the displacement position, a tip of the core is pressed against the recess via the spring, and the diaphragm displaces any air that enters into the prosthetic socket when a load is applied to the residual limb. When the operator is laterally actuated, it is indexed to the vent position and the core tip moves from the recess to the protrusion. In this position, the diaphragm opens the socket cavity to the external atmosphere via valve vents, thereby facilitating prosthesis donning and doffing.
US08113234B2	Stem-mounted tire inflation pressure regulator The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key. The regulator preferably includes a cap removably sealed over the air inlet and the air vent to prevent the undesired loss of air.
US08113233B2	Hydraulic circuit of option device for excavator A hydraulic circuit of an option device for an excavator is disclosed, which can constantly supply hydraulic fluid to an option device, such as a breaker and so on, selectively mounted on the excavator, irrespective of the size of a load occurring when the option device operates, and control respective flow rates required for various kinds of option devices. The hydraulic circuit includes a variable hydraulic pump, an option device, a first spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to the option device, a poppet and a piston, an option spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to the option device via the first spool, a second spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to a back pressure chamber of the poppet, and a control means installed in the poppet and controlling hydraulic fluid passing through an orifice of the poppet when the piston and the poppet are pressed by the hydraulic fluid fed from the hydraulic pump, through the shifting of the second spool.
US08113232B1	Flood prevention system and associated method A water flow control system for regulating water traveling through an existing water supply line preferably includes a housing connected to an existing water line. A user interface may be coupled thereto and remotely attached. A mechanism may automatically prevent water from flowing through the housing upon detection of a triggering event. A controller may be situated within the housing along with motion sensors. A rotatable fan may be situated within the housing along with a plurality of tracks, triggers, and resilient spring members anchored to the triggers and tracks respectively. The rotation speed of the fan may be commensurate with the real-time water flow rate of the water flowing through the housing. A control logic algorithm operates to close a restrictor valve if the water flow rate exceeds limits set by the user interface. A manually-actuated lever may also be attached to open or close the restrictor valve.
US08113231B2	Device for controlling water level Disclosed herein is a water level controlling device for intercepting the supply of water to the water reservoir of a water purification system. The water level controlling device includes a water reservoir having a plurality of diaphragms which are provided on the lower surface of the water reservoir in such a way as to move up and down. A flow body is mounted to the lower surface of the water reservoir and defines a water circulation path, with a plurality of control parts provided in the circulation path to block the flow of water by the corresponding diaphragms. A plurality of floaters moves up and down in the water reservoir according to the water level. An actuator moves each of the diaphragms to the corresponding control part as each of the floaters rises, thus intercepting the flow of water passing through the control part.
US08113222B2	Dishwasher with driven spray arm for upper rack An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber for receiving utensils to be washed, a first rack located within the wash chamber, a second rack located within the wash chamber above the first rack, a rotatable spray arm associated with the second rack, a liquid recirculation system for selectively supplying liquid to the rotatable spray arm, and a drive system for driving the rotatable spray arm.
US08113221B2	Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning apparatus and computer readable recording medium After a rinse process on a wafer W is performed by feeding pure water to the surface of the wafer W at a predetermined flow rate while rotating the wafer W in an approximately horizontal state, a feed amount of the pure water to the wafer W is reduced, and a pure-water feed point is moved outward from the center of the wafer W. In this manner, the wafer W is subjected to a spin dry process while forming a liquid film in a substantially outer region of the pure-water feed point.
US08113215B2	Smoking article filter having liquid additive containing tubes therein Provided are filters including at least one impervious additive containing tube. A barrier, such as a liquid barrier, seals each end of the tube so as to contain additives, such as a liquid additive, within the additive containing tube. The one or more additive containing tubes are inserted into filters for smoking articles. Drawing action during a puff causes breach of the barrier and release of the additive into the surrounding filter material.
US08113214B2	Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials including an inlet gate, an outlet gate, a conditioning chamber having a set of nozzles for supplying thermodynamic medium, and an immobilizing device. The set of nozzles and the immobilizing device are arranged in relation to each other such that thermodynamic medium flowing through the set of nozzles places organic material in the immobilizing means and flows over conditioned organic material placed in the immobilizing means.
US08113213B2	Lighted portable safety ashtray An article of manufacture is disclosed, a lighted portable safety ashtray, comprising: at least one hollow outer body of a suitable height, width and depth, and; at least one hollow inner body of a suitable height, width and depth, smaller than and inserted into the hollow outer body, and; at least one removable receptacle top disposed on the inner hollow body and outer hollow body further comprising an opening in the receptacle top, and; at least one light source, and; at least one power supply, and; at least one electrical circuit in communication with the light source and the power supply, and; at least one electrical switch to open or close the electrical circuit in communication with the light source and the power supply. Optional timer and electroluminescence light source is also disclosed.
US08113210B2	Medical tube and system for locating the same in a body using passive integrated transponders A medical tube has one or more permanent passive integrated transponders associated therewith that are capable of being located by a detection apparatus which senses the electromagnetic field strength gradient generated by each passive integrated transponder associated with the medical tube and indicates the value of the gradient to the user. In one embodiment, the passive integrated transponder is associated with the distal end of an endotracheal medical tube in a fixed orientation with an electromagnetic field pointing at a preferred angle of no more than 15 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the medical tube. The passive integrated transponder's static electromagnetic field is sensed by the detection apparatus and indicates the location of the distal end of the medical tube within a body.
US08113209B2	Sub-dermal laser skin treatment A method and system for skin tightening comprises a hollow cannula that contains an optical fiber connected to a laser source. The cannula is inserted subcutaneously into a patient so that the end of the fiber is located within the tissue underlying the dermis. The source emits an output pulse that is conveyed by the fiber to the dermis, where the pulse causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within the treatment area. Radiation from the skin surface is detected to prevent non-reversible damage to the dermis, such as skin necrosis and excessive collagen melting. This method of sub-cutaneous laser treatment can also be used to treat striae, or stretch marks.
US08113207B2	Self-conforming sound attenuation earplug A self-conforming sound attenuation earplug for location in an ear canal. The earplug includes a stem. At least one support is joined with the stem and located between the stem ear end and the stem user end, and extends radially outward from the stem. A shell is made of a deformable-resilient shell material and has a tapered exterior that increases in circumference when moving from the stem ear end to the stem user end. The shell engages at least a portion of the support and engages at least a portion of the stem located between the stem ear end and the stem user end. At least a portion of the support is free from contact with the shell and the support material is a different type of material than the shell material.
US08113202B2	Cushion inside a cushion patient interface A patient interface device including a cushion assembly having a cushion-in-a-cushion arrangement and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient using such an interface device. The patient interface includes a mask shell having a patient side and an outer side opposite the patient side adapted for receiving a supply of gas. A seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient's face to form a seal therewith. A support cushion is disposed outside the seal cushion and includes a first end portion that contacts a second area of a patient's face.
US08113201B2	Collapse resistant respirator A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.
US08113195B2	Bringing a multi-component jet into the visual field of a user A device for supplying a multi-component jet into the visual field of a user, wherein the device has a line, an outlet opening and a transport unit. An oxygen-containing component and a water-containing component can be supplied to the line. The transport unit can be used to transport a mixture consisting of the oxygen-containing component and the water-containing component through the line to the outlet opening, so that the mixture streams out of the outlet opening directly toward the visual field of the user.
US08113189B2	Compressed gas gun having gas governor A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position; this increases efficiency in the marker because only the required air is used to fire the paintball. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without tools, and provides a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.”
US08113187B2	Delay compensation systems and methods A steady-state (SS) delay module determines a SS delay period for SS operating conditions based on an air per cylinder. A dynamic compensation module determines a predicted delay period based on first and second dynamic compensation variables for dynamic operating conditions, the SS delay period, a previous predicted delay period. The first dynamic compensation variable corresponds to a period between a first time when fuel is provided for a cylinder of an engine and a second time when exhaust gas resulting from combustion of the fuel and air is expelled from the cylinder. The SS and predicted delay periods correspond to a period between the first time and a third time when the exhaust gas reaches an exhaust gas oxygen sensor located upstream of a catalyst. A final equivalence ratio module adjusts fuel provided to the cylinder after the third time based on the predicted delay period.
US08113186B2	Multifuel internal combustion engine A multifuel internal combustion engine in which single low boiling point component fuel and at least one kind of fuel having properties different from those of the single low boiling point component fuel are introduced into a combustion chamber CC separately or together thereby operating the multifuel internal combustion engine, includes lubricant-oil temperature detecting unit means (temperature sensor 91) that detects a temperature of lubricant oil, or lubricant-oil temperature estimating unit means that estimates the temperature, and purge control unit means (electronic control unit 1) that prohibits purge control by an evaporation gas purge apparatus (evaporation gas passage 42, check valve 43, canister 44, on-off valve 45) or reduces a purge flow rate of evaporation gas in the purge control, when the detected or estimated temperature of the lubricant oil is near a boiling point temperature of the single low boiling point component fuel at which it is necessary to reduce a fuel injection amount from a fuel injection valve to a predetermined amount or less to adjust an air/fuel ratio of the combustion chamber to a target air/fuel ratio.
US08113179B1	Programmable diesel fuel injector An apparatus for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a solid magnetostrictive material with a favored direction of magnetostrictive response formed into a shape with ends that are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the favored direction of magnetostrictive response. A fuel control valve element is located coaxial to the favored direction of magnetoelastic response of the magnetostrictive material, the element opening inwardly. A solenoid coil is located concentric with the magnetostrictive material and coaxial to the favored direction of magnetoelastic response, the solenoid coil adapted to excite the magnetostrictive material into mechanical motion. An excitation signal is provided within the solenoid coil consisting of a main current signal with a superposed alternating signal approximately the width of a hysteresis loop of the solid magnetostrictive material. Finally, a magnetic return path circuit in magnetic communication with the solid magnetostrictive material is provided.
US08113178B2	Apparatus and method for controlling quantity of fuel over common rail diesel engine An apparatus for controlling the quantity of fuel over a common rail diesel engine includes a wave speed correction map correcting a wave speed and a time corrector, a first adder multiplying the corrected wave speed by an injection time difference, a base correction map using an output of the first adder and a former injection quantity as input variables, an amplitude map using a following injection quantity and a rail pressure as input variables, and a second adder multiplying a base correction map value of the base correction map by an amplitude map value of the amplitude map, and outputting a finally corrected value of the fuel quantity.
US08113171B2	Engine intake system An engine intake system is provided that includes a sensor unit (16) formed by mounting a throttle sensor (18) and a negative pressure sensor (20) on a sensor housing (17) mounted on a mounting face (15) on one side of a throttle body (1), and a negative pressure transmission path (35) providing communication between an intake path (2) and the negative pressure sensor (20) is formed in a crank shape from a first passage (35a) having one end opening on a peripheral face of an upper half of the intake path (2) in proximity to a horizontal plane (H) containing the axis of the intake path (2), a groove-shaped second passage (35b) formed between mating faces of the throttle body (1) and the sensor housing (17) so as to extend while bending upward from the other end of the first passage (35a) at substantially right angles, and a third passage (35c) formed in the throttle body (1) so as to extend from the upper end of the second passage (35b) in a direction opposite to the first passage (35a) and reach the negative pressure sensor (20). It is thus possible to prevent fuel, foreign matter such as carbon, or blow-back gas from entering the negative pressure sensor via the negative pressure transmission path.
US08113170B2	Method for idle speed control A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.
US08113169B2	Device for controlling heating of a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine In an embodiment, conductance of electricity to a heating element (4) for heating a throttle valve (2) of an automobile engine and a peripheral section thereof is performed only during a period wherein this heating can be performed effectively. Specifically, a controller (53) receives an output signal from an air flow sensor (54), and when a quantity of intake air is equal to or less than a predetermined “intake air quantity criterion for heating”, conduction of electricity to the heating element (4) is carried out. Conversely, when the quantity of intake air is greater than this “intake air quantity criterion for heating”, conduction of electricity to the heating element 4 is prohibited.
US08113168B2	Engine unit and vehicle including the same An engine unit includes a V-type engine and a throttle body assembly. The throttle body assembly has front and rear throttle bodies, an actuator and a second rotational shaft. The front throttle bodies include front throttle valves that open and close front cylinders. The rear throttle bodies include rear throttle valves that open and close rear cylinders. The actuator is disposed, in a longitudinal direction, between center axes of the front cylinders and center axes of the rear cylinders. A shaft center of the second rotational shaft is located to the front of or to the rear of a shaft center of a first rotational shaft.
US08113166B2	Auto choke device for an engine An auto choke device for an engine includes a choke valve for varying the opening of an intake passage of the engine, and a starter motor for starting the engine. Upon activation of the starter motor, the choke valve starts valve opening motion from a fully closed position. The choke valve continues the valve opening motion at a certain valve opening speed until it achieves a start opening set based on the temperature of the engine.
US08113163B2	Concentric camshaft and method of assembly A camshaft may include a first shaft, a stop member, and a first lobe member. The first shaft may include an outer radial surface having a first recess extending radially therein. The stop member may be axially fixed within the first recess. The first lobe member may define an inner bore located on the outer radial surface of the first shaft. The first lobe member may include a second recess extending radially into the inner bore. The stop member may extend into the second recess to axially locate the first lobe member on the first shaft.
US08113161B2	Multi-cam electric valve mechanism for engine A multi-cam electric valve mechanism for engine is disclosed, which comprises: a motor fixed on a cylinder; a motor shaft wherein one side of it connected to the motor and rotated accordingly and the other side of it symmetrically provided with a plurality of rotors whose shafts are perpendicular to the motor shaft; a ring-shaped cam with a plurality of wave-shaped grooves on the circumference thereof corresponding to the rotors and for setting same; a rotation-stopping lever connected to the cylinder and cam respectively to let the cam linearly move along with it; and a valve lever wherein one side of it connected to the cam and the other side of it connected to a valve.
US08113156B2	Energy recovery system for an added motion system A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit includes an actuating mechanism having an engine valve and an engine valve spring, an added motion valve system having a cam system, a valve in fluid communication with the actuator mechanism, and a dump valve and at least one check valve in fluid communication with the valve to allow a recovery of energy stored in an engine valve spring during closing movement of the engine valve associated with the added motion system. A method for controlling a hydraulic circuit is also disclosed.
US08113153B2	Return temperature stabilizer assembly A return temperature stabilizer assembly or metering means is provided for a boiler that facilitates the mixing of cooler, inlet return fluid with the heated fluid within the boiler chamber whereby the temperature striations within the boiler chamber are reduced or eliminated, and wherein the temperature stabilizer assembly is modular in design, and therefore capable of easily accommodating boilers of differing sizes.
US08113146B2	Animal waste pad holder A device for holding animal waste pads having raised peripheral sidewalls surrounding a base for containing a waste pad, and sidewall extensions attachable to the sidewalls to contain and direct an animal to an appropriate position in the use of the animal waste pads.
US08113136B2	Convertible seat assembly for a watercraft A watercraft has a deck connected to a hull, the deck having a wall, and a reboarding platform connected to at least one of the hull and the deck. The watercraft has a convertible seat assembly wherein a first panel is connected to the wall, and a second panel is movably connected to at least one of the wall, the reboarding platform and the first panel. The convertible seat assembly has a first configuration wherein the second panel is disposed on a reboarding platform side of the wall, and a second configuration wherein the first panel forms a generally vertical seat back and the second panel forms a generally horizontal seat bottom. A convertible seat assembly for a watercraft is also disclosed.

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