最新美国发明专利第2012-03-27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
US08142638B2	Method for making a base plate for suspension assembly in hard disk drive A swage mount that includes a flange, having a first side and a second side, and a cylindrically shaped hub. The hub is primarily comprised of a metal (such as stainless steel), and extends from the second side of the flange, and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The surface of the swage mount is plated with one or more layers of metal, or a combination of metals, which provide a) increased retention torque, and b) increased part cleanliness. This invention may be used in conjunction with surface hardened swage mounts that contain surface protrusions. In this case the metal plating prevents separation of the protrusions from the swage mount, thereby preventing contamination.
US08142627B2	System for monitoring, control, and management of a plant where hydrometallurgical electrowinning and electrorefining processes for non ferrous metals A system to monitor, control and management of a plant where hydrometallurgical processes of electrowinning or electrorefining of non ferrous metals which enables measuring the process variables which comprises: at least one group of electrolytic cells, said cells having means for the collection and transmission of the variables of the process; a plurality of electrodes (5) installed in the interior of each electrolytic cell, making up, alternately, anodes and cathodes of basic cells; a plurality of electrode (5) hanger bars forming, alternately, hanger bars for electrical contact of anodes (20) and hanger bar for electrical contact of cathodes (18); a plurality of support electrical insulators (15) which are positioned in the upper portion of the lateral walls between two adjacent cells; a plurality of electrical bus bars (6) which are fitted on top of each support electrical insulator (15) and underneath the plurality of electrodes (5); a plurality of electrical spacer insulators (16) each spacer insulator (16) having monolithic non contact chairs (17) allowing installation, alternately, of hanger bar of anodes (20) and hanger bar of cathodes (18); a plurality of acid mist collection hoods (7); in which the constituting elements have at least one multifunctional chamber (12) which lodges circuits and/or electronic sensors (11) for measuring process variables which enable to monitor, control and manage the productive process.
US08142626B2	Electrolyzer and electrodes An the electrode for electrolysis of an electrolytic solution comprises an electrode core serving as a base and a plurality of prominences formed on a surface of the electrode core, the prominences have each a leaf-shaped form and rises from the electrode core surface.
US08142625B2	Syperhydrophobic nanostructured materials as gas diffusion electrodes for gas detectors An electrochemical gas detector includes a superhydrophobic, nanostructured gas porous electrode. The electrode exhibits a physically disrupted porous region. In an embodiment, electrode material can be deposited around a templating material which is removed before use. Such electrodes exhibit repeatable and reproducible characteristics.
US08142623B2	Electrolytic apparatus for producing fluorine or nitrogen trifluoride It is a task of the present invention to provide an electrolytic apparatus for producing fluorine or nitrogen trifluoride by electrolyzing a hydrogen fluoride-containing molten salt, the electrolytic apparatus being advantageous in that the electrolysis can be performed without the occurrence of the anode effect even at a high current density and without the occurrence of an anodic dissolution. In the present invention, this task has been accomplished by an electrolytic apparatus for producing fluorine or nitrogen trifluoride by electrolyzing a hydrogen fluoride-containing molten salt at an applied current density of from 1 to 1,000 A/dm2, the electrolytic apparatus using a conductive diamond-coated electrode as an anode.
US08142622B2	Coated article with low-E coating including IR reflecting layer(s) and corresponding method A coated article is provided with a low-emissivity (low-E) layer stack for use in a window unit or the like. The layer stack, or coating, may permit the coated article to achieve one or more of a low solar factor (SF) value, a high selectivity (Tvis/SF) value, substantially neutral color at normal and/or off-axis viewing angles, and/or low emissivity. When high selectivity values are achieved, there is provided a high ratio of visible transmission to SF, which is a desirable feature in certain example instances. In certain example embodiments, a sub-oxide layer (e.g., NiCrOx) may be used as a contact layer under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer in order to permit low SF values, high selectivity, and good coloration to be achieved.
US08142619B2	Shape of cone and air input annulus A constricting chamber having first and second ends, the chamber comprising: an interior surface formed between the first and second ends, disposed circumferentially around and defining an interior space and a longitudinal axis of the chamber; a frusto-conical surface disposed between the first and second ends and narrowing as it extends away from the first end and into the second end; an ejection port disposed at the second end and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; a cover disposed at the first end, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and comprising a center substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; an injection port disposed on the cover proximate the center, and configured to receive a reactive mixture into the chamber; and an annular supply portion disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and comprising supply port(s) configured to supply conditioning fluid into the chamber in an annular formation along the interior surface.
US08142614B2	Methods and devices for the production of tissue paper, and web of tissue paper obtained using said methods and devices The invention relates to a method for the production of a web of tissue paper, comprising the steps of: depositing a layer of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers on at least one forming fabric; reducing the water content of said layer until the amount in weight of the fibers in said layer is brought up to a first value; wet-embossing said layer in a nip between a pair of embossing rollers; and drying said embossed layer using a drying system to form a web of tissue paper.
US08142612B2	High solids fabric crepe process for producing absorbent sheet with in-fabric drying A method of making a cellulosic web having an elevated absorbency. The method includes (a) forming a nascent web having an apparently random distribution of fiber orientation from a papermaking furnish, (b) non-compactively drying the nascent web to a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent, (c) thereafter, transferring the web to a translating transfer surface that is moving at a first speed, and (d) fabric-creping the web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric. The creping step occurs under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric, wherein the fabric is traveling at a second speed that is slower than the speed of the transfer surface. The fabric pattern, nip parameters, velocity delta and web consistency are selected such that the web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric. The method further includes (e) retaining the wet web in the creping fabric, and (f) drying the wet web while it is held in the creping fabric to a consistency of at least about 90 percent. The web has an absorbency of at least about 5 g/g and a cross machine direction (CD) stretch of at least 4 percent.
US08142610B2	Film peeling method and film peeling device for display panel A film peeling device is provided that can easily peel off a film that has been firmly stuck on a display panel. The film peeling device is configured from a cylindrical motor roller (3) that has an effective length longer than the length of the short side of a face panel (7a) constituting a bulb (7) of a cathode ray tube and has a self-rotating function, a contact plate (4) disposed such that it fits closely with the surface of the motor roller (3), and toggle clamps (5) provided outside of the effective length of the motor roller (3), that press the contact plate (4) against the surface of the motor roller (3).
US08142608B2	Atmospheric pressure plasma reactor An atmospheric pressure plasma reactor includes a high-voltage electrode, a common grounded electrode, a bias electrode and at least one dielectric layer. The high-voltage electrode is connected to a high-voltage power supply. The common grounded electrode is used with the high-voltage electrode to discharge and therefore produce planar atmospheric plasma from reactive gas. The bias electrode is used to generate bias for attracting the ions of the planar atmospheric pressure plasma. The dielectric layer is used to suppress undesirable arc discharge during the discharging.
US08142607B2	High density helicon plasma source for wide ribbon ion beam generation An ion source, capable of generating high density wide ribbon ion beam, utilizing one or more helicon plasma sources is disclosed. In addition to the helicon plasma source(s), the ion source also includes a diffusion chamber. The diffusion chamber has an extraction aperture oriented along the same axis as the dielectric cylinder of the helicon plasma source. In one embodiment, dual helicon plasma sources, located on opposing ends of the diffusion chamber are used to create a more uniform extracted ion beam. In a further embodiment, a multicusp magnetic field is used to further improve the uniformity of the extracted ion beam.
US08142606B2	Apparatus for depositing a uniform silicon film and methods for manufacturing the same Methods and apparatus having a gradient spacing created between a substrate support assembly and a gas distribution plate for depositing a silicon film for solar cell applications are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for depositing films for solar cell applications may include a processing chamber, a substrate support disposed in the processing chamber and configured to support a quadrilateral substrate thereon, and a gas distribution plate disposed in the processing chamber above the substrate support, wherein a bottom surface of the gas distribution plate has a perimeter that includes edges and corners, and wherein the corners of the gas distribution plate are closer to the substrate support than the edges of the gas distribution plate.
US08142605B2	Circuit-connecting material and circuit terminal connected structure and connecting method A circuit-connecting material which is interposed between circuit electrodes facing each other and electrically connects the electrodes in the pressing direction by pressing the facing electrodes against each other; the circuit-connecting material comprising as essential components (1) a curing agent capable of generating free radicals upon heating, (2) a hydroxyl-group-containing resin having a molecular weight of 10,000 or more and (3) a radical-polymerizable substance. Also provided are a circuit terminal connected structure and a circuit terminal connecting method which make use of such a material.
US08142603B2	Active film adhered to flexible packages and method thereof The present invention relates to a method of attaching an active film (5) onto a flexible package comprising the steps of heating a foil (2); applying an active film (5) to the foil (2); and applying sufficient pressure to the active film (5) and foil (2) combination and sufficient heat to the foil (2) so that active film (5) adheres to the foil (2). In one example, the active film (5) comprises two components and wherein the two components are an active agent and a polymer. In another example, the active agent is an absorbing material.
US08142601B2	Method for manufacturing low resistance substrate A low resistance substrate is manufactured by a mounting step in which a linear article made of a resin-covered metal is mounted on a substrate; a fixing step in which the resin by which the metal is covered is melted by heating the linear article, and the metal is fixed on the substrate; and a film forming step in which an electrode is formed filmily so as to cover the substrate and the metal fixed on the substrate with the electrode.
US08142581B2	Pyrotechnic colour composition The invention provides a chlorine-containing pyrotechnic composition which comprises a binder, an oxidator, a pyrotechnic fuel, and a colorant comprising a metal salt of 5-aminotetrazole. The invention further relates to a firework article comprising such a pyrotechnic composition. In addition, the invention provides a method for preparing said colorant.
US08142577B2	High strength wire rod excellent in drawability and method of producing same A wire rod which is mainly composed of pearlite and has an area fraction of 5% or less of a non-pearlite structure composed of pro-eutectoid ferrite, degenerate-pearlite or bainite in a section, or has an area fraction of 10% or less of a non-pearlite structure in a portion from the surface to a depth of 100 μm.
US08142575B2	High strength aluminum alloy fin material for heat exchanger and method for production thereof [PROBLEMS] To provide an aluminum alloy fin material for a heat exchanger, which has high strength and high heat conductivity after brazing, and is excellent in the resistance to sagging, erosion and self-corrosion and the in the sacrificial anode effect.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A method for producing an aluminum alloy fin material for a heat exchanger which comprises providing a molten aluminum alloy having a chemical composition, in wt %, that Si: 0.5 to 1.5%, Fe: 0.15 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.8 to 3.0%, Zn: 0.5 to 2.5%, with the proviso that the content of Mg as an impurity is limited to 0.05 wt % or less, and the balance: Al and inevitable impurities, casting the molten alloy continuously into a thin slab having a thickness of 5 to 10 mm by the use of a twin belt casting machine, winding up the slab into a roll, cold-rolling the slab into a sheet having a thickness of 0.05 to 2.0 mm, subjecting the sheet to an inter annealing at 350 to 500° C., and cold-rolling the annealed sheet with a cold reduction rate of 10 to 96%, to prepare a sheet having a final thickness of 40 to 200 μm, and optionally subjecting the final sheet to a final annealing (a softening process) at a holding temperature of 300 to 400° C.
US08142573B2	R-T-B sintered magnet and method for producing the same An R-T-B based sintered magnet includes both a light rare-earth element RL (which is at least one of Nd and Pr) and a heavy rare-earth element RH (which is at least one of Dy and Tb) and Nd2Fe14B type crystals as a main phase. The magnet has a first region, which includes either the heavy rare-earth element RH in a relatively low concentration or no heavy rare-earth elements RH at all, and a second region, which includes the heavy rare-earth element RH in a relatively high concentration. The first and second regions are combined together by going through a sintering process.
US08142565B2	Vitreous silica crucible for pulling single-crystal silicon A vitreous silica crucible for pulling single-crystal silicon, which is formed of vitreous silica and has a bottomed cylindrical shape, wherein, in a liquid-level movement range in the inner surface of the crucible, ranging from a position corresponding to the liquid surface level of a silicon melt at the time of stating the pulling of single-crystal silicon to a position corresponding to the liquid surface level of a silicon melt at the time of finishing the pulling of single-crystal silicon, the concentration of an OH group included in the vitreous silica is higher in an erosion thickness portion of the inner surface of the crucible than that in the range lower than the liquid surface level which is positioned below the liquid-level movement range.
US08142564B2	Process to reduce the amount of Cr (VI) in a cement-containing composition and a composition comprising cement and coated metallic sulphate particles A method for producing a cement-containing material having a low content of soluble Cr (VI), the method including providing a cement-containing material with metallic sulphate particles coated with at least one product of the hydrolysis of a collagen material.
US08142562B2	Curable dental retraction composition, method of production and use thereof The invention relates to a curable dental retraction composition for reacting gingiva from a prepared tooth structure. The composition comprises an alginate, a di- and/or trivalent ion source, water, a retarder and a filler.
US08142558B2	Thermal ink jet ink composition Disclosed are ink jet ink compositions suitable for use in thermal ink jet printers. The ink jet ink compositions contain one or more volatile organic solvents, one or more humectants, one or more binder resins, and one or more colorants. The ink jet ink compositions may also contain additives such as a plasticizer and/or a surfactant. Embodiments of the ink jet ink compositions have short dry times, good adhesion to a variety of substrates, and/or long decap times.
US08142556B2	Compressed-air supply device with improved regeneration capacity A compressed air supply device for a utility vehicle includes a valve housing and an air-drying cartridge, wherein compressed air can be supplied to the air-drying cartridge via the valve housing. The compressed air flows through the air-drying cartridge in a first direction of flow. An electrically controllable valve is provided in the valve housing, which ensures a return flow of compressed air counter to the first direction of flow through the air-drying cartridge for regeneration purposes. A valve that can be controlled pneumatically by the electrically controlled valve is provided in the valve housing, via which compressed air can be supplied to the air-drying cartridge for regeneration purposes.
US08142555B2	Method of treating volatile organic compound and system for treating volatile organic compound using gas turbine The invention aims at making a volatile organic compound harmless, and in addition comprehensively improving the energy efficiency within a facility where treatment of the volatile organic compound is necessary. In the invention, in order to achieve this aim, a solution means is adopted where, a discharge gas containing a volatile organic compound is supplied to an adsorption apparatus to adsorb the volatile organic compound in an adsorbent. The volatile organic compound is desorbed from the adsorbent with pressurized steam and mixed with the steam. The steam containing the volatile organic compound is supplied, in the pressurized state, to the combustion chamber of a gas turbine, and burned together with a fuel gas.
US08142554B2	Method for cleaning the filters of a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner for carrying out the method The invention relates to a method for cleaning filters of a vacuum cleaner having a dirt collecting container, which has a suction inlet and is in flow connection with at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one suction extraction line, and at least one external air inlet which opens into the suction extraction line downstream of the filter and can be closed by means of a closing valve. The closing valve has a movable valve body acted upon by a closing spring with a closing force and, in the closed position, additionally by a magnetic holder with a magnetic holding force. In order to clean the filter, at least one closing valve is opened and the side of the filter oriented away from the dirt collecting container is impinged upon by external air. A vacuum cleaner for carrying out the method is also provided.
US08142552B2	Filter purge system utilizing a reactive propellant A system for removing matter from a filtering device is disclosed. The system may have a reactive propellant located downstream of the filtering device. The reactive propellant may be configured to generate an impact wave.
US08142550B2	Oxygenation of a fluid Method and apparatus for producing an oxygenated fluid. In accordance with various embodiments, a flow of pressurized fluid is established. A flow of oxygen is injected into the flow of pressurized fluid to provide a fluid/oxygen mixture. The mixture is passed through a venturi assembly in the presence of a magnetic field established by an adjacent magnetic assembly. The mixture is next flowed from the venturi assembly to a gas/liquid separation tank, where a liquid component of the mixture is passed downstream with a selected dissolved oxygen content and a gas component is directed back for injection into the pressurized fluid flow.
US08142549B2	Purification of fluorine containing gases and systems and materials thereof A method of reducing moisture in a fluorine-containing gas is described. The method may include the steps of providing a purifier material that includes elemental carbon, and flowing the unpurified fluorine-containing gas having an unpurified moisture concentration over or through the carbon-based purifier material. At least a portion of the moisture is captured in the purifier material so that a purified fluorine-containing gas that emerges downstream of the purifier material has a reduced moisture concentration that is about 50% or less of the unpurified moisture concentration.
US08142544B2	Adsorbent bed pressure balancing for a gas concentrator A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.
US08142543B2	Refining ferroalloys A method of refining a ferroalloy includes the step of blowing molecular oxygen or a gas mixture including molecular oxygen into a melt of the ferroalloy. A metallurgically acceptable particulate material is introduced from above into the melt. The particulate material is carried into the melt in a first supersonic gas jet which travels to the melt shrouded by a second gas jet.
US08142541B2	Method of preheating steelmaking ladles A method for when preheating a ladle for use in steelmaking where less fuel is consumed in heating the ladle efficiently accurately to a controlled temperature. A temperature of a preheating process is varied by controlling a burner of the heating unit based on measurements of refractories of the ladle taken by a pyrometer. The heating unit includes an emissive coating for reducing heat loss and efficient heating during the preheating process. The heating unit also includes valve mechanisms for accurately varying a flame size of the burner of the heating unit during an idle stage of the preheating process.
US08142537B2	Support grid and alignment appartus for a filter element and housing An air filter element is provided with an anti-crown support grid on a clean side of the filter media. The support grid includes at least one side rail provided along periphery portions of the grid and at least one support rib spanning between and secured at opposing ends to the side rails. A plurality of frame attachment members extend outwardly from the support rails and are configured for embedding into the seal frame to secure the support grid to the frame. The support grid includes at least one alignment feature sized, configured and positioned to be receivable into a complimentary feature of a housing so as to positionally lock the filter element and the housing.
US08142536B2	Filter unit A filter unit includes at least one housing and at least one filter element designed for axial flow between its end faces that is inserted with at least a portion of its length into a tubular filter protection element and connected thereto and provided about its circumference with at least one endless sealing collar that is supported on the filter protection element and by clamping means is pressed against a sealing flange provided on the housing.
US08142533B2	Filter element and filter system The invention relates to a filter element consisting of a filter medium (10) which is folded in a zig-zag manner and designed in a concentric shape. End plates (11, 12) are arranged on the end sides of the medium. End plate (12) has a concentric opening as well as a first annular ring (14) and a second annular ring (15), and a sealing groove (16) arranged between the rings. A reinforcement plate (17) is arranged in the area between the filter medium and the rings (14, 15). The end surfaces (18, 19) of the rings (14, 15) are supported by the grooves (20, 21) of a filter element housing, the grooves running radially.
US08142521B2	Large scale MOCVD system for thin film photovoltaic devices An apparatus for fabricating thin films on substrate panels includes a deposition chamber enclosed by sidewalls, a lid, and a base. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber disposed above the lid and configured to receive vapor species and form a mixed vapor. The mixing chamber is coupled with the deposition chamber via inlets through the lid, including a diffuser plate. Two heater plates disposed side by side on the base supporting and heating two substrates.
US08142519B2	Azo pigment, and pigment dispersion, coloring composition and ink composition for inkjet recording containing the same A monoazo pigment is represented by the general formula (1), a tautomer of the monoazo pigment, and a salt or a hydrate thereof: in which R1, P1, and Q1 each independently represents a hydrogen or a substituent, G represents the non-metallic atoms necessary to complete a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic group, W represents a substituent capable of binding to the heterocyclic group constituted by G, t represents an integer of from 0 to 5, Het-1 represents a group selected from the aromatic heterocyclic groups represented by the general formula (2) as recited in the claims and disclosure of the invention.
US08142515B2	Prosthesis for reinforcement of tissue structures The present invention relates to a composite prosthesis for reinforcement of a tissue structure, including a porous textile support which includes an arrangement of threads each composed of at least one filament of nonabsorbable polymer material, said textile support defining a microporous texture including the interstices located between at least two threads at the sites of contact of one thread with at least one other thread, wherein, in at least one protected zone of the textile support, a hydrophilic absorbable material coats the textile support, forming a film enveloping and penetrating into the arrangement of threads, occluding at least the microporous texture, but without forming a plane layer covering at least one face of the textile support.It also relates to a process for preparing such a composite reinforcement prosthesis.
US08142512B2	Instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure comprises a head part which corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component, in which the head part has a bore formed in it, and a connector for connecting the head part to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component, which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The connector can be fitted into the bore in the head part in one of a plurality of angular orientations. It comprises a body part and a trigger which can be moved relative to the body part between an unlocked position in which the connector can be moved relative to the head part between different ones of the plurality of angular orientations and a locked position in which the connector is restrained against such movement.
US08142509B2	Patellar components Embodiments of the present invention provide patellar component designs that are optimally shaped to help reduce shear force and accommodate slight implantation error. Further, they help lessen anterior knee pain, particularly during deep-flexion activities and help ease the transition during the range of knee movement in a controlled way.
US08142507B2	Spinal implant and method of use A spinal implant having a series of sections or units hinged together and a balloon connected to at least some of the sections, the balloon having a curved configuration. The implant has a first delivery configuration and a second curved placement configuration, wherein it has a more linear configuration in the first delivery configuration than in the second curved configuration. The implant assumes the first delivery configuration during delivery to the disc space and maintains the curved configuration after placement within the disc space. The curved configuration can result from filling or expanding the balloon.
US08142504B2	System for fixing a part to a bone element The invention relates to a system which is used to fix a part to a bone element. The invention is essentially characterized in that it consists of: at least one hole which is disposed in part; a rigid rod comprising a first end, the rod being wound into a spiral along a first helicoidal curve; and a device for rotating the rod around the axis of the first helicoidal curve, such that the first end of the rod moves alternatively inside and outside the bone element and, during the rotation thereof, the first end of the rod moves at least once into the opening. The invention is particularly suitable for fixing intervertebral disks or fusion cages to the vertebral bodies of two consecutive vertebrae.
US08142503B2	Devices and methods for facilitating controlled bone growth or repair Bone implantable devices and methodologies permit careful application of biologically active substances and management of bone growth processes. The device includes a body defining a carrier receiving area for locating adjacent bone. Carrier material is located in the carrier receiving area. Substance is delivered onto carrier material through a port. A pathway delivers substance from the carrier receiving area to the bone surface. The body may be in the form of a spinal fusion cage, facet fusion screw, artificial joint, bone fixation plate, interbody graft, IM nail, hip stem, or other bone-to-bone appliances or bone-to-device appliances. In use, carrier is installed in the carrier receiving area of the device. The device is then implanted adjacent a bone. The substance is applied to the carrier for subsequent delivery to the bone. By doping carrier material after device implantation, inadvertent contact of the substance with non-target bone is more easily eliminated.
US08142501B2	Artificial ligaments and tendons comprising multifilaments and nanofibers and methods for making Prosthetic ligaments and tendons comprising ligament- or tendon-mimicking nanofibers and methods of making such nanofibers and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.
US08142497B2	Sutureless heart valve attachment A prosthetic heart valve having spaced apart anchoring flanges that change shape when the valve is implanted and contact the surrounding annulus to prevent migration of the valve. The heart valve may be non-expandable and the anchoring flanges may provide the primary anchoring structure of the valve. Alternatively, the valve may be expandable wherein the anchoring flanges supplement the inherent anchoring capacity of the valve structure. The anchoring flanges are at least partly made of a material that increases in size, i.e., swells, due to absorption of body fluids. For instance, the anchoring flanges may be formed of an inner material that swells upon contact with body fluids enclosed by a cover. The anchoring flanges may be provided on an anchoring sleeve that changes shape to provide the spaced apart annular flanges for securing the valve around a fibrous annulus. An anchoring sleeve for a prosthetic heart valve having an expandable frame surrounds a majority of the frame and may define an external hourglass configuration.
US08142495B2	System and a method for altering the geometry of the heart A system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), each of which tension members are adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, each of said tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) having a first end (21b, 22b, 23b, 24b) and a second end (21a, 22a, 23a, 24a); and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the first ends (21b, 22b, 23b, 24b) of said tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to said muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart.
US08142493B2	Method of heart valve repair Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
US08142482B2	Apparatus for securing a spinal rod system An apparatus for securing a spinal rod within an anchoring device, wherein the anchoring device has an open end and a locking cap for securing the spinal rod within the open end. The apparatus includes a handle, an elongated body connected to the handle, a pair of jaws attached to the elongated body, a rod persuader for advancing the rod toward the anchoring device, and a locking shaft for use in locking the locking cap against the anchoring device to secure the spinal rod relative to the anchoring device.
US08142481B2	Pedicle screw systems and methods of assembling/installing the same The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, an inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system into pedicles of the spine, for example, includes inserting the pedicle screw into a portion of the spine and then coupling the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw. The tulip assembly may be locked onto the pedicle screw before a distraction rod is placed in the tulip assembly. After the rod is placed in the tulip assembly, the tulip body and the inner member can be rotated relative to one another to lock the rod into the tulip assembly. In addition, the relative rotation may also provide additional locking of the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw.
US08142479B2	Interspinous process implants having deployable engagement arms Spinal implants include an elongated body portion dimensioned and configured for percutaneous introduction into a target interspinous process space, at which interspinous distraction and/or spinal fusion are desired. The body portion can include a threaded outer surface, or alternatively a smooth surface. The body portion can include one or more interior cavities, and can include deployable engagement members adapted and configured to move in tandem between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body for engaging adjacent spinous processes. An internal drive assembly for selectively moving the engagement members from the stowed position to the deployed position can be provided, as can a elements for locking the engagement members in a deployed position.
US08142476B2	Orthopedic distraction implants and techniques An implant for stabilizing a bony segment includes a flexible body sized and shaped to extend intravertebrally between at least first and second bony portions. In use the body is attachable intravertebrally to each of the first and second bony portions to distract each of the first and second bony portions while allowing motion between each of the first and second bony portions.
US08142475B2	Adhesive suture structure and methods of using the same According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like.
US08142470B2	Method for accessing the left atrial appendage with a balloon-tipped transeptal sheath A method for accessing the left atrial appendage with a balloon-tipped transseptal sheath is disclosed. A transseptal sheath is delivered to the left atrium through the intraatrial septum from the right atrium. The balloon tip may be inflated to prevent the transseptal sheath from falling proximally into the right atrium. The inflated balloon tip permits safe probing and exploration of the left atrial appendage and facilitates safe maintenance of the position of the transseptal sheath within the left atrial appendage while delivering an implantable device to the left atrial appendage.
US08142468B2	Guidewire with distal expansion feature and method for enhancing the deliverability and crossability of medical devices A guidewire navigable through body vessels of a human subject for delivery of a catheter or the like is provided. The guidewire includes an expandable segment movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. If the catheter encounters resistance in a vessel and cannot be advanced further, the medical professional can move the expandable segment to the expanded state in which the expandable segment engages an inner surface of the catheter. The expandable segment locks onto the catheter, which allows the guidewire and catheter to be advanced through the vessel together as a single unit. An inflatable balloon catheter movable along the guidewire requires only a single tube and is sealed by the expandable segment of the guidewire for subsequent inflation.
US08142466B2	Lancing device with floating lancet A lancing device including a drive mechanism with a drive spring and a lancet carrier engaged and driven by the drive spring, and further including a lancet with a sharp lancing tip, wherein the lancet floats relative to the carrier and is decoupled from the drive mechanism during at least a portion of a lancing stroke. In one example embodiment the lancet is held in a sled that floats in the carrier, and in another example embodiment the lancet by itself floats in the carrier.
US08142465B2	Patient's skin puncturing device A patient's skin puncturing device comprises a body (1), inside of which a puncturing needle (4) and at least one turned down arm (5, 6) are guided, and a push button (2). Between body (1) and button (2) activating elements (10, 11, 12, 13) are placed. Activating elements enable push button (2) to be forced into body (1) when a pre-set thrust force is exceeded. Needle (4) is driven by push button (2) by a membrane (9), which is broken after resting the needle (4) upon an abutting surface (16) in body (1). After breaking membrane (9) and the patient's skin puncture by the needle (4), needle (4) is withdrawn inwards the body (1) due to a transfer of a thrust force from push button (2) by turned down arm (5, 6) guided in the body (1).
US08142464B2	Flexible inner member having a flexible region composed of longitudinally and rotationally offset partial circumferential cuts A flexible inner member for being rotatably disposed in an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument has a flexible region composed of a series of partial circumferential cuts formed through the wall of a tubular body of the inner member. Each cut extends along an arc that defines part of the external circumference of the tubular body. The cuts are uniformly longitudinally spaced in succession along the length of the tubular body corresponding to the flexible region. The cuts are parallel to one another and perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cuts are grouped in duplicative patterns that repeat along the length of the flexible region, there being at least two successive cuts in each pattern. The cuts of each pattern are rotationally offset in succession in a rotational direction about the central longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
US08142463B2	Battery operated nucleus disruptor device for intervertebral disc Apparatuses and methods for accessing and disrupting a tissue are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first elongate member having a tissue interaction portion disposed at a distal end of the first elongate member. The tissue interaction portion is configured to be inserted within a biological body. A second elongate member is movably disposed within a lumen defined by the first elongate member. The second elongate member has a threaded exterior surface. A drive motor is coupled to the first elongate member and coupled to the second elongate member. The drive motor is configured to rotate the first elongate member in a first direction and configured to rotate the second elongate member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The tissue interaction portion is configured to disrupt tissue when disposed into the biological body and when the first elongate member is rotated.
US08142457B2	Percutaneous transluminal endarterectomy Methods and devices for performing intravascular endarterectomy. Methods includes intravascularly advancing a catheter having a carbon dioxide delivering distal end past a plaque-occluded vessel site, passing the distal end between the plaque and vessel wall. Other methods include intravascularly advancing paddles between plaque and vessel walls, including ultrasonic imaging paddles, ultrasonic vibrating paddles, and mechanically vibrating paddles. Some methods include providing intravascular devices having radially expandable jaws or paddles, and advancing those jaws or paddles along vessel walls to separate plaque from vessel walls. Still other methods include providing an anchoring guide catheter adapted to establish a suction grip around the left coronary artery ostium, and to use the anchored guide catheter to support intravascularly introduced endarterectomy devices operating on plaque in the left main coronary artery. One method utilizes retroperfusion of the coronary arteries to allow the anchoring guide catheter to remain in position for longer periods. Scissors-type expanding devices and stents for use after endarterectomy procedures are also provided.
US08142454B2	Apparatus and method for magnetic alteration of anatomical features A system for auto-anastomosing a region of the body using magnetic members that may be individually delivered to different locations in the body. The magnetic members have a polar alignment that generates an attractive force to compress tissue in the region between them. The tissue in the region necroses as a result of the compressive force such that tissue surrounding the necrosed tissue heals together to form an anastomosis. A cutting member may be coupled to either the first or second magnetic member to create a temporary opening in the tissue.
US08142450B2	Methods for reducing gastric volume The present invention involves new interventional methods for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged and approximated to create one or more tissue folds that are then secured to produce one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. The serosal tissue may optionally be treated during the procedure to promote the formation of a strong serosa-to-serosa bond that ensures the long-term stability of the tissue plication. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications. Methods for reversing the procedure are also disclosed.
US08142444B2	Circumcision clamp and surgical kit A circumcision clamp and surgical kit including a rod having a bell-shaped member at a first end for receiving the head of a penis and an engagement structure at an opposing end; a base including: two hinged arms, wherein when closed the arms include at least three upwardly tapered apertures aligned along an arc and having unequal diameters, wherein each upward taper is complementary to the bell-shaped member, at least three fulcrum recesses aligned along an arc and in radial alignment with the at least three apertures; a lever including: a proximal end in radial alignment with the at least three apertures and the at least three fulcrum recesses, a distal end including a fulcrum foot complementary to the at least three fulcrum recesses and adapted for engagement with the engagement structure of the rod; and an adjustment structure for raising and lowering an engaged rod by pivoting the lever at one of the at least three fulcrum recesses.
US08142441B2	Surgical instrument and method of use for inserting an implant between two bones The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an elongate body that has first and second ends with the first end being located adjacent to the handle assembly and the second end being moveably connected to an implant engagement assembly. The surgical instrument also has a length control mechanism that includes a gripping portion, a drive shaft and a gear assembly. The surgical instrument further has a locking mechanism that includes a gripping portion, a connecting rod and a coupling end. The length control mechanism functions to adjust the overall length of an implant that is held by the implant engagement assembly before being implanted in vivo. The locking mechanism operates to secure the overall length of the implant following final length adjustment and implantation. A surgical method for using the surgical instrument, a method of fabrication and a spinal implant insertion kit is also disclosed.
US08142435B2	Multi-functional surgical instrument and method of use for inserting an implant between two bones The surgical instrument includes a handle and a housing member that has a first end that is fixed to the handle and a second end that is configured to receive an engagement member. The surgical instrument also has an implant holding mechanism that is operatively associated with the housing member and the handle. The surgical instrument further includes a length control mechanism that has a knob, a rod member and a toothed member. The toothed member is fixed to one end of the rod member and the knob is attached to the other end. The surgical instrument also has a locking mechanism that includes a knob and a rod member having a proximal end to which the knob is attached and a distal end that is configured to detachably couple to a locking device. A surgical method for using the surgical instrument and a bone spacing kit is also disclosed.
US08142434B2	Cam-locking of cable for fracture plate A bone plate mounted on a bone. The bone plate has at least one opening for receiving a flush mounted cam. A through-bore passes from a side surface to opposing side surface of the bone plate. The through-bore has a diameter sized to allow insertion of a cable. A portion of the through-bore intersects with a peripheral portion of the opening. A second opening also passes from the side surface to opposing side surface. A cable may be inserted in the second opening, wrapped around the bone and its free end inserted in the through-bore. The cable may be tightened around the bone. The flush mounted cam can be rotated in place. Rotation of the cam results in the cam surface squeezing the cable between concave cam surface and walls of the opening, thereby locking the cable in the tightened state.
US08142433B2	Intramedullary nail and targeting instrument An intramedullary nail and targeting and/or nailing instrument are provided, whereby a connection end of the targeting and/or nailing instrument has an axially parallel protrusion and a connection end of the nail has an axially parallel recess in order to couple the targeting and/or nailing instrument. The coupling system couples the targeting/nailing instrument and nail in their rotational position when they contact axially and whereby a connector is also provided in order to connect the targeting and/or nailing instrument and the nail in an axially fixed but also releasable manner. The connection end of the targeting and/or nailing instrument has an end section that engages approximately in one end of the bore-hole section of the nail and the end section and bore-hole section have a deformable element for a releasable snap connection of the parts with the simultaneous contact of the axially parallel protrusion and the axially parallel recess.
US08142428B2	System and method for tissue ablation A tissue ablation device comprises first and second electrodes of opposite polarities, the first electrode being mounted to a first elongated member for movement relative to the second electrode for separation therefrom by a desired distance. A method of ablating a tissue comprises inserting first and second electrodes to desired initial positions relative to a tissue mass to be ablated and applying electrical energy to the first and second electrodes to ablate a first portion of tissue between the first and second electrodes in combination with the step of applying electrical energy to desired second positions separated from the desired initial positions by a distance selected to transfer electrical energy around the first portion of tissue through a second portion of tissue to be ablated, the second portion of tissue surrounding the first portion of tissue.
US08142411B2	Refastenable absorbent article and a method of applying thereof Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08142402B2	Multichamber ampoule for dispensing a mixture consisting of several substances A multichamber ampoule with a locking and dispensing mechanism to store several substances and to dispense a mixture consisting of several substances, possessing a multiple-plug closure with several plugs to selectively close and open several outlet openings in the multichamber ampoule, and an adapter for mixing the substances and dispensing the mixture, wherein the multiple-plug closure and the adapter are connected to each other in an assembly designed to be removed from the multichamber ampoule.
US08142400B2	Peristaltic pump with bi-directional pressure sensor Fluid delivery apparatus includes a peristaltic pump having an upstream end for receiving a fluid from a fluid source and a downstream end for delivering the fluid to a fluid target. A single pressure sensor is configured to measure, in alternation, an input pressure of the pump at the upstream end and an output pressure of the pump at the downstream end.
US08142397B2	Pump module method for a medical fluid dispensing system A pump module is provided for use in a medical fluid dispensing system that includes a pump body made of a non-compliant material and first and second pump chambers formed in the body. Each of the chambers has a first, open end and an opposite, closed end. The pump module further includes first and second pistons in the first and second pump chambers, respectively. At least one fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are selectively in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers. Each of the pistons extends through the open end of a respective one of the pump chambers, with each of the pistons being operably translatable within the pump chamber toward and away from the closed end of the chamber. The pistons are translatable independently of one another.
US08142396B2	Syringe with retractable needle There is described in a disposable syringe comprising: a syringe body, substantially comprising a hollow cylinder (1) with a plunger (2) -inserted therein, the plunger being hollow and closed at the end portion which is external to the cylinder, and a first plug (3) inserted in the plunger (2) end portion which is internal to the cylinder; -a needle body (4), substantially comprising a needle (5) having a pre-loaded spring (6) around the head (5′) and a second plug (7) around the head of the needle, said spring determining the permanent introduction of said needle (5, 5′) within said plunger (2) after use.
US08142395B2	Tapered multi-chamber balloon A catheter for carotid artery dilatation that includes a multi-chamber balloon assembly mounted at the distal end of the elongated tube that has at least two tandem chambers. Each chamber communicates with a separate lumen and each separate lumen terminates at the proximal end at a lumen valve head. The chambers have an inflated configuration with a diameter that progressively tapers in a direction from proximal to distal, said taper extends substantially continuously from the proximal end of the balloon assembly to the distal end thereof.
US08142390B2	Syringe device with an elongate plunger space A syringe device (1) with an elongate plunger space (2), a receiving chamber (3) for receiving solid medicaments (4), and a hollow needle (5) arranged in the plunger space (2), and also a plunger (7) which is suitable for movement in the plunger space (2) and bears a ram (8) for pushing out the solid medicament (4). For displacement of the plunger (7) there is a plunger rod (9) which acts thereon and, for its use, can be extended telescopically out of the plunger space (2) and relative to the plunger (7) and can be coupled to the plunger by means of a lock (10). The locking of the plunger (7) to the plunger space (2) is opened or released only by complete withdrawal of the plunger rod (9) in its operative position while at the same time the plunger rod (9) is coupled to the plunger (7) in this position in the pushing direction such that the medicament can then be pushed out.
US08142388B2	Apparatus to facilitate removal of cataracts of from the eyes This apparatus is a device for removal of cataracts from the eyes of patient. The apparatus includes a hand piece, with an irrigation water line, a vacuum line and a power line provided therein, are all connected with the hand piece. Within the hand piece the vacuum line is attached to a tube, identified as the horn, concentric with the outer shell of the hand piece. Through a hooks and slider joint, bayonet type or threaded joint in the front end, the horn connects with a surgical needle. At the front end of the irrigation tube it discharges water into a chamber, which irrigation water passes between the needle and an outer sleeve and into the anterior chamber of the eye. Ultrasonic waves transmitted to the horn are conveyed to the tip of the needle where the axial vibrations of the tip may be used to comminute cataract material.
US08142382B2	Vibration dampening material and method of making same A material having a stretch axis and adapted to regulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon. The material includes a material body elongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a second position, in which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The material body includes a first elastomer layer defining a material length and a planar support structure disposed within the elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis in an at least partially non linear fashion while the material body is in the first position so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the material length of the first elastomer layer.
US08142380B2	Folding cervical vertebra protective band A folding cervical vertebra protective band which includes a belt-like protective band body having a length and a width for substantially surrounding an entirety of a cervical portion of a user; and an attachable/detachable fixing means for holding the protective band body, when in use, around the cervical portion, wherein the protective band body has divided components obtained as a result of multiple divisions of the protective band body in a longitudinal direction thereof and also has hinge portions for foldably coupling the multiple divided components to each other when in use and foldably coupling the multiple components together, into a small size when not in use.
US08142374B2	Portable device for the enhancement of circulation of blood and lymph flow in a limb The present invention provides a portable device for enhancing circulation in a limb comprising at least one strap for encircling the limb, a motor and a mechanism driven by said motor for intermittently actuating a first transition from a relaxed state to a strained state of the strap and a second transition from the strained state to the relaxed state. The mechanism includes at least one energy storing element operatively disposed between the motor and the strap and at least one energy releasing mechanism coupling between the energy storing element and the strap. The energy releasing mechanism enables fast release of energy stored in said storing element and the use of the energy so released to effectuate at least one abrupt transition between said relaxed and strained states.
US08142371B2	Walking assist device A power transmission system, which transmits a driving force from a rotary actuator to a third joint of a leg link, applies a driving torque to the third joint from an output shaft of the rotary actuator via a driving crank arm, a connecting rod, and a driven crank arm. A translational force (rod transmitting force) generated at the connecting rod in the longitudinal direction thereof is measured on the basis of an output of a force sensor fixed to the connecting rod. With the rod transmitting force or a driving torque applied to the third joint by the rod transmitting force as a controlled variable, the driving force of the rotary actuator is feedback-controlled according to the measured value of the rod transmitting force and a desired value of the controlled variable so that the controlled variable coincides with the desired value.
US08142369B2	Measurement and use of in-socket residual limb volume change data for prosthetic fitting Changes in the volume of residual limbs on which prosthetic sockets are worn can be measured based on bioimpedance measurements along one or more segments of the limb. A current at an appropriate frequency (e.g., in the range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz) is injected at two current electrodes that contact the skin of the residual limb. The voltage at the voltage electrodes disposed between the current electrodes is measured and using an appropriate model, the change in the segmented volume of the limb can be determined during periods of different activity and at different times during the day. This information can be used for assessing the fit of the socket and can also provide a feedback signal for automatically controlling volume management devices, to ensure a more comfortable fit when the volume of the limb is changing.
US08142366B2	Assembly for receiving body fluids, and method for the production thereof For an assembly for receiving body fluids comprising a sampling element (10) that has a collecting area (12) for collecting body fluid obtained by a puncture, it is proposed that the collecting area is formed by a longitudinal slot (12) which is elongated as a capillary that is open on both sides via side openings (28, 30) on the sampling element (10).
US08142364B2	Method of monitoring intraocular pressure and treating an ocular disorder The invention discloses a trabecular stent and methods for treating glaucoma. The stent may incorporate an intraocular pressure sensor comprising a compressible element that is implanted inside an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein at least one external dimension of the element correlates with intraocular pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to the stent. Also disclosed are methods of delivery of the stent and the sensor to the eye.
US08142362B2	Enhanced pressure sensing system and method An enhanced pressure sensing system and method use an external diaphragm to address issues involved with accurate and prolonged measurement of fluid pressure, such as of blood flowing in a vascular structure. Some external diaphragms include a metallized layer or other highly impermeable layer to furnish a high degree of seal at least near to hermetic grade. As temperature of the intermediary fluid changes, the external diaphragm is able to move in a direction that minimizes differential pressure across the external diaphragm over an operational temperature range thereby reducing pressure change of the intermediary fluid due to change in temperature of the intermediary fluid. Relatively smooth hydrodynamic surfaces can be used as well as a bi-layer construction.
US08142360B2	Enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system using pulsed signals An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.
US08142359B2	Enhanced intraluminal flow measurement method using reference and combined signals An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.
US08142350B2	In-vivo sensing device with detachable part A device and system for in-vivo sensing having a relatively heavy part and a relatively light part such that the heavy and light part may be temporarily attached in-vivo. Detachment of the heavy part may be provided at a predetermined location along a body lumen. The light part upon detachment of the heavy part may for example float within a body lumen.
US08142349B2	Rotation mechanism for endoscope A connection mechanism includes a rotatable member formed with a connection hole in which a shaft member is rotatably fitted. A thrust stopper is arranged at the distal end of the shaft member to prevent the rotatable member from being removed from the shaft member. The shaft member has an outer-screw at the distal end portion thereof, and the thrust stopper has an inner-screw opening extending along an axial direction of the thrust stopper. The outer-screw of the distal end portion of the shaft member engages with the inner-screw opening. The thrust stopper has a through opening formed with an inner-screw with which a fixing screw engages. The tip end of the fixing screw engages with the distal end of the shaft member to secure fixation between the thrust stopper and the shaft member.
US08142344B2	Fully implantable hearing aid system A fully implantable hearing aid system comprised of an implantable sound generator module and an implantable sound receiver module connected by an implantable electric cable. The system includes: a) a sound generator module configured for implantation in subcutaneous tissue to place an output electric/acoustic (E/A) transducer, e.g., a speaker, immediately adjacent to, or preferably, extending percutaneously into, a patient's outer ear canal; b) a sound receiver module configured for implantation proximate to a patient's pinna to place an input acoustic/electric (AJE) transducer, e.g., a microphone, so that it is acoustically isolated from the E/A transducer; and c) an electric cable configured for implantation in subcutaneous tissue for directly electrically connecting said sound receiver module and said sound generator module.
US08142343B2	Suprapatellar external counterpulsation apparatus An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.
US08142342B2	Blood separating device A device for separating components of a composition according to density. The device includes a rotatable chamber and a plurality of buoys. The rotatable chamber has an axis of rotation. The plurality of buoys are positioned within the rotatable chamber and about the axis of rotation. The buoys are radially movable between an expanded position in which the buoys are at a first location relative to the axis of rotation and a contracted position in which the buoys are at a second location relative to the axis of rotation. The first location is further from the axis of rotation than the second location is. The buoys are movable in response to force generated during rotation of the rotatable chamber.
US08142341B1	Delivering foil leaves of selected lengths from an indeterminate length of foil A method and apparatus deliver consecutive foil leaves for use by a hair stylist during the course of a hair styling procedure. Each leaf is of a selected length severed from a supply of foil of indeterminate length, with a unitary tab folded along a fold line extending across the leaf, adjacent a leading edge of the leaf. The foil preferably is drawn from a roll of foil and is advanced along a feed path to a delivery station, and a cutter and folder are moved across the feed path to sever the leaf from the indeterminate length of foil and establish the tab adjacent the leading edge of the leaf. In the preferred arrangement, the cutter and the folder are moved simultaneously along respective arcuate paths by pivotal movement about a common pivotal axis.
US08142340B2	Bag and a method of forming a bag A method of forming a bag is provided. The method includes providing an elongate tubular member (22) having opposed ends, at least one end (24) of which defines an open mouth (26). The method further includes folding opposed portions (28, 30, 32, 34) of the tubular member (22) to extend at least partially across the mouth (26). The method also includes positioning a panel (36) to extend across the opposed portions (28, 30, 32, 34). The method further includes securing the panel 36 and the opposed portions (28, 30, 32, 34) together thereby to close the mouth (26) at the at least one end (24) of the tubular member (22).
US08142336B1	Leg rehabilitation strap An apparatus to assist a user in the bending or moving of their knee/leg area that can be used to increase mobility and/or perform rehabilitation exercises is herein disclosed, comprising a unitary piece of heavy textile, and a central strap provided about the upper half of one (1) side. In such a manner the strap forms a sling-like arrangement which holds the textile fabric about the bottom of one's foot. A long nylon strap is centrally provided on the bottom of the fabric where it is bisected by the arch of one's foot. To use the apparatus, the user simply slips their foot onto the textile sling, and grabs the two (2) loose ends of the long strap. Next, by lifting up on the strap, the user can aid in the movement of one's leg to simulate motion and resistance and thus aid in the rehabilitation of the leg and knee muscles.
US08142335B1	Spring collars having permanent magnets for non-use storage To satisfy one or more of the foregoing objectives, embodiments of a spring collar are provided for removably securing a disc weight to the sleeve of a barbell. In one embodiment, the spring collar includes a resilient wire form having a permanent magnet mounted thereto. The spring collar includes a coiled body having a central aperture, and first and second radial arms extending from the coiled body. The first and second radial arms can be moved toward one another to increase the diameter of the central aperture and permit a user to slide the coiled body over the sleeve. The permanent magnet enables a user to removably secure the spring collar to a ferromagnetic surface when the spring collar is not in use.
US08142331B2	Vehicle engine shutdown prevention system A vehicle engine shutdown prevention system with a position determination module and a blocking unit. The module is adapted to be connected to the transmission for determining if it is engaged in a position included in a first or a second group of positions, the second group including at least one position for which the vehicle remains stationary when the engine is shut down, and the first group including the remaining positions. The module emits a block signal when the transmission is engaged in one of the first group of positions. The blocking unit is adapted to define the only path through which a stop engine signal may circulate from the switch to the engine control unit. The blocking unit blocks the path between the switch and the engine control unit when it receives the block signal.
US08142329B2	Controlling torque in a flywheel powertrain A method for controlling a powertrain for an automotive vehicle includes determining a desired flywheel torque, determining, with reference to the desired flywheel torque, a desired torque capacity torque of a clutch through which torque is transmitted between the flywheel and wheels of the vehicle, operating the clutch to produce the desired clutch torque capacity, determining a slip error across the clutch, and changing a gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission located in a drive path between the clutch and said wheels to a gear ratio that reduces the slip error.
US08142328B2	Method for controlling a starting clutch A method for actuating a starting clutch in the power train of a hybrid vehicle, where during a starting phase of the combustion engine by means of an electric machine the starting clutch operating between them is engaged in a first starting phase by means of a pre-control and in a second starting phase depending on the acceleration of the crankshaft of the combustion engine.
US08142324B2	Transmission having at least eight speeds A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08142323B2	Continuously variable transmission In a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) using a toroidal-race continuously variable ratio device and a planetary gear mechanism, the rotation of the input shaft (12) is directly transmitted to the carrier C of the planetary gear mechanism (61), and rotation resulting from gearing and reversal by the variator (5) is transmitted to the sun gear (S1). When the low clutch L is engaged, the rotation of the ring gear (R3) is transmitted via the reversing gear mechanism (71) to the output shaft (13), and when the high clutch H is engaged, the rotation of the sun gear (S2) is transmitted to the output shaft (13).
US08142316B2	Power transmission belts A belt has a compression section, a tension section, and a load carrying section disposed between the compression section and the tension section. The belt has an elastomeric/thermoplastic material, the elastomeric/thermoplastic material has 50 to 90 parts per hundred of an elastomer and 10 to 50 parts per hundred thermoplastic.
US08142314B2	Tensioner for flexible drives A tensioner in accordance with the present invention employs a spindle and a tensioner arm which are preferably manufactured by a suitable manufacturing process, such as die casting, negating a requirement for machining operations. The biasing spring of the tensioner is wound with wire having a non-circular cross section to increase the spring force of the spring compared to a similar spring wound with wire of circular cross section and, as the tensioner arm is moved away from the flexible drive, the diameter of the biasing spring expands and the coils press a dampening shoe into contact with a wall of the tensioner arm producing a dampening force. The tensioner is simple to assemble and requires a relatively small package volume for the biasing force it can produce.
US08142313B2	Hydraulic tensioner with overtravel limiter A hydraulic tensioner for a drive system, including a flexible, inextensible drive element, has a bi-directional travel limiter associated with a hydraulically biased tensioning cylinder. The travel limiter is bi-directional because it limits not only loading of the tensioning cylinder against a tensioner shoe in a direction tending to tighten a drive element, but also resists movement of the tensioner shoe in a direction tending to allow slack in a drive element.
US08142312B2	Bicycle rear derailleur A bicycle component (e.g., a rear derailleur) is basically provided with a base member and an axle. The axle includes a base supporting part supporting the base member for pivoting about a center axis of the axle and a base attaching part projecting outwardly of the base member for fixedly attachment to a bicycle frame. The base supporting part and the base attaching part overlap to define a coupling interface in which either a fixing element is disposed between the coupling interface of the base supporting part and the base attaching part or one of the base supporting part and the base attaching part is deformed with an interference fit. The base supporting part is formed of a first material with a first specific gravity. The base attaching part is formed of a second material with a second specific gravity that is higher than the first specific gravity.
US08142311B2	Game ball having optimally positioned grooves and/or ridges A football having a generally prolate spheroidal shape and opposing first and second ends. The football includes a bladder, a cover and a lacing coupled to the cover. The cover is disposed over the bladder and defines, at least in part, a first set of channels extending generally longitudinally from at or near the first end of the football to at or near the second end of the football. The cover is formed of at least one cover panel. The cover has an outer surface and includes a plurality of outwardly projecting ridges configured to facilitate grasping and throwing of the football. The height of the ridge is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
US08142309B2	Golf club head having a grooved face The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances and angled relative to a leading edge of the golf club head. The sole of the golf club head is contoured so that the effective bounce and leading edge height are controlled when the golf club head is rotated to an opened orientation.
US08142303B2	System and method for golf-swing training A golf-swing training device for improving ball-driving distance and accuracy. The training device mounts to a golf club and signals to the golfer when the club head begins decelerating in the direction of the forward motion of a golf swing. Additional energy is available for transfer from the club head to the ball as the club head is transitioning from acceleration to deceleration. This additional energy comes from the change in the direction of the flexing of the club. By using the training device, a golfer may practice timing his swing to contact the ball with the club head just prior to the beginning of deceleration of the club head during the course of a typical swing. Utilization of the additional available energy may result in increased ball-driving distance. Additionally, contacting the ball while the club is in a straight position, during the transition of the direction of flex, promotes a more accurate drive.
US08142296B2	Maneuverable entertainment and training system A gravity sports system including a shell that can be rotated and tilted to provide a rider within the shell a variety of challenges. The shell can be formed by rotating a curve, a simple curve, a complex curve, or even a complete curve about an axis of revolution. The internal surface of the shell is sufficiently smooth and large enough to permit a rider to use a variety of wheeled or surface-bearing equipment within the shell. The shell can be rotationally attached to a moveable frame. The frame can be driven to tilt the shell's axis of revolution. The shell can include one or more light transmissive panels and an airflow system to control the temperature within the shell.
US08142295B2	Levitating disk Described is a levitating disk for performing illusions of levitation. The disk includes a disk-shaped housing, with a circuit board, microprocessor, and batteries encased within the housing. A series of LEDs are connected with the housing and are activated via a centrifugal force switch. The circuit board and batteries are positioned within the housing such that they distribute the weight evenly from a central axis toward the periphery of the housing. A micro-thread is included for attaching with the disk. Thus, in operation, a user can hang the disk with the micro-thread and spin the disk about the central axis to cause the lights to illuminate and cause the disk to appear as if it is levitating.
US08142293B2	Universal joint assembly for an automotive driveline system A driveline system for an automotive driveline system includes a transmission device, a differential device, and a universal joint having a drive shaft presenting terminal ends and interconnecting the transmission and differential devices. A yoke is connected to each of the terminal ends of the drive shaft and presents an internal surface and an external surface having generally equal thickness defined therebetween to form a dish of the yoke having a tubular monolithic structure. The yoke portion includes a bottom and a pair of spaced lugs each presenting sloping side walls for reinforcing the lugs as said yoke is rotated around a longitudinal axis.
US08142292B2	Universal joint with trunnion shaft seal assembly A universal joint that includes a spider, which has a trunnion, a bearing cup, a bearing, which is disposed between the trunnion and the bearing cup, and a seal assembly. The seal assembly has a first portion, which is engaged to the spider, and a second portion that sealingly engages the bearing cup and the first portion. The first portion can include features that limit axial movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.
US08142291B2	Control of reconfigurable gaming machines A gaming machine that permits wagering on games includes an input/output module associated with a microprocessing unit and is adapted to download schedules from a server of gaming actions to be taken by the gaming machine. Memory in the gaming machine stores the schedules. The memory also stores a backup schedule of gaming actions to be taken. A microprocessing unit determines whether one of the schedules or the backup schedule will be implemented. The microprocessing unit controls the performance of the gaming actions defined by the schedule being implemented.
US08142288B2	Base station movement detection and compensation Method and systems for processing interactive communication received from input devices, which interface with a computer program that executes at a computer, are provided. The method includes receiving input data from a first input device and a second input device at a base station that is interfaced with the computer. The first and second input devices are movable independently of one another to interactively interface with the computer program. The method tracks a position of the first and second input devices through the base station and identifies a near-identical change in position of the tracked position of the first and second input devices. The method then sets a flag upon identifying the near-identical change in position. The flag is processed by the computer program to set an action to take during interactivity with the computer program. In one example, the base station includes an inertial sensor that can confirm movement. If movement is confirmed, the flag is processed to take the action, as defined within the computer program.
US08142283B2	Game of chance processing apparatus In various embodiments, players may compete with one another in a gaming context.
US08142282B2	Console integrated downloadable game service A user interface screen is displayed on a gaming device that provides both a first selectable item that indicates the ability to download games to the gaming device and a second selectable item that indicates the ability to view games that are stored on at least one storage device in the gaming device. The user interface is associated with the gaming device instead of with an individual application.
US08142279B2	Method of pari-mutuel wagering in real time The present invention is directed to a method of wagering on live horse and dog races or jai alai games, or similar games or races or similar games or races that allow for pari-mutuel wagering on multiple players or runners in real time. The method of wagering includes the steps of an input wager placed by a user, where at least part of the wagering base is at least one real time horse/dog race or jai alai game or similar game or race, specifically a horse/dog race or jai alai game or similar game or race that in real time has yet to start and possesses a start time that falls within a predetermined period of time from the time in which the input wager was placed by the user; the at least one real time horse/dog race or jai alai game is randomly selected from any real time horse/dog races or jai alai games, or similar games or races that fall within the predetermined period of time; a type of wager and then runner (s) for said randomly selected real time horse/dog race or jai alai game are randomly selected which are then correlated to the input wager, the outcome of the randomly selected real time horse/dog races or jai alai games, or similar games or races is identified and a return for the user's wager is identified.
US08142278B2	Gaming machine with locking function and insurance feature A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a removable key provided so as to correspond to the gaming machine; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (A) determining whether or not the key has been removed, and (B) controlling the gaming machine so as to make a game executable when determining in the processing (A) that the key has not been removed, while controlling the gaming machine so as to make the game unexecutable when determining in the processing (A) that the key has been removed.
US08142277B2	Program, game system, and movement control method for assisting a user to position a game object A game system receives special command input information input by the player when a moving object and a target have a predetermined positional relationship, and moves the moving object to a position at which bullets fired from the moving object can hit the target irrespective of movement input information when the game system has received the special command input information.
US08142275B2	Gaming machine for providing an additional payout amount based on a selected area pattern A game environment will be described. A specific area is selectable and if a specific symbol (for example, COFFIN symbol) is stopped on the selected specific area in a free game, image effect is made and additional payout amount is provided based on the number of stopped specific symbols and additional amount.
US08142274B2	Gaming device having an award distributor and an award accumulator bonus game A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards by activating an award distributor having a plurality of award symbols and at least one selection group activator symbol. The gaming device provides the player with a plurality of activations where an award is associated with each award symbol indicated in each activation. When a selection group activator symbol is indicated, the gaming device displays at least one selection set having a plurality of selections associated with selection awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one selection and provides the associated selection award to the player. The number of available selections in the selection set decreases by one after the player picks a selection. If the selection group activator symbol is subsequently indicated, the player picks from the remaining available selections in the selection set.
US08142270B2	Game system and game control method A game system for executing a competition game in which a plurality of players compete. The game system comprises a competition score storing unit; a handicap information storing unit; a matching control unit; a rank deciding unit; a handicap selecting unit; a handicap deciding unit; and a handicap setting unit. The game system allows players of different levels to enjoy a game together.
US08142269B2	Gaming machine for racing game and playing method thereof A gaming machine displays on a display a horse racing game in which racehorses race against each other, and receives, via a gaming terminal, a bet made by a player regarding an order of arrival of the racehorses in the horse racing game. Thereafter, the gaming machine periodically calculates odds for the horse racing game. While remaining time to reception deadline for bets is a certain length of time or more, a value obtained by reducing the calculated actual value of odds by a predetermined proportion is displayed on the display as an effect value of the odds at that point. The longer the remaining time to the bet reception deadline, the larger the predetermined proportion reduced from the actual value of the odds to obtain the effect value. Moreover, the gaming machine displays on the display the calculated actual value of the odds as the effect value when a certain length of time or less remains before the bet reception deadline.
US08142258B2	Method of transferring a wafer A method of transferring a wafer is disclosed. The method comprises providing a pedestal and at least one spray orifice extending through the pedestal; disposing a wafer above the pedestal using a first robot, wherein the wafer has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface faces the pedestal, a fluid is sprayed onto the first surface simultaneously to avoid a contact of the first surface with the pedestal, and the fluid contains a charge-forming chemical substance dissolved therein; and taking the wafer using a robot for delivery. Due to the charge-forming chemical substance dissolved in the fluid, the waterfall effect to cause discharge damage on the wafer is avoided in the spraying of the fluid.
US08142256B2	Breast saver: an ergonomic dynamic bra with combo cups An ergonomically constructed dynamic bra includes smart combo cups designed with multilayered materials, a modern neckline silhouette, supporting armhole and a cut-out tear drop area to achieve a soft and quiet bust point. A sling is built into the cup for breast support, to construct different ergonomic, bra designs, including i) a semi-demi ergonomic bra design with or without straps, with a plunging neckline and including at the sides telescope boning, support frame and back strap ending in a soft-seal and cushioned back fastener, ii)—a full coverage ergonomic bra designed as the semi-demi ergonomic bra including a pair of pressure releasing cushioned front straps, and iii) a cross-over strap bra design including pressure releasing cushioned front straps designed to cross-over in -the back and fastened to the opposite side of a back frame. The ergonomic bra is constructed to facilitate interaction between the breasts and the body.
US08142251B2	Laser beam irradiation apparatus for substrate sealing, substrate sealing method, and method of manufacturing organic light emitting display device using the same A laser beam irradiation apparatus irradiates a laser beam onto a sealing unit disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate so as to seal the first substrate and the second substrate. The laser beam has a beam intensity which increases from a center portion to an end portion of the laser beam on a surface which is perpendicular to a proceeding direction of the laser beam. The beam intensity at the center portion of the laser beam is half of the beam intensity at the end portion of the laser beam or less, and the laser beam has a beam profile which is symmetrical relative to the proceeding direction of the laser beam.
US08142247B2	Exhaust device for outboard motor engine and outboard motor An exhaust device for an outboard motor engine includes an exhaust passage, a catalyst an air inlet, and an air pump. The exhaust passage is connected to the engine arranged to support a crankshaft extending along an up-down direction. The catalyst is arranged in the exhaust passage. The air inlet is arranged at a position higher than the engine inside an engine cover covering the engine. The air pump is supported by the engine. Further, the air pump is arranged to supply air taken through the air inlet to an upstream side of the catalyst in the exhaust passage.
US08142244B2	Outboard motor An outboard motor includes a propeller, an engine, a transmission, a casing, an engine cooling mechanism, a cooling jacket, a water intake opening, and a transmission coolant flow channel. The casing is arranged to house the transmission. The engine cooling mechanism is arranged to cool the engine by supplying the water taken into the casing from the water intake opening to the engine via an engine coolant flow channel. The cooling jacket is arranged adjacent to the transmission inside the casing. The water intake opening is provided at a predetermined position of the casing to which a dynamic pressure is applied by water flow when a marine vessel travels. The transmission coolant flow channel is arranged to connect the water intake opening and the cooling jacket. The transmission coolant flow channel is provided independently of the engine coolant flow channel.
US08142236B2	Electrical connector having improved density and routing characteristics and related methods An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal may include a base, an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end, a slit formed through the insertion portion and defining a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A segment of the first leg may be deformed in one direction, while a segment of the second leg may deformed in the opposite direction. Midpoints of each or both legs may be offset from the midpoint of the slit to achieve improved mechanical and electrical performance within a connector. Also provided is an electrical terminal having a tip that facilitates alignment with a panel member aperture and provides tactile feedback to a user, as well as an electrical terminal having a mounting end that is substantially smaller than its mating end, and connectors containing such terminals. Methods of routing electrical traces between adjacent electrical terminals are also provided.
US08142232B1	Three connectors mutually conductive and detachably connected to each other The present invention relates to a combination connector for a vehicle that facilitates a connector assembling process in an in-line assembly line by integrating a connector which is a coupling part for wires extending to various electrical parts. Specifically, several connectors are coupled to one connector so as to be electrically connected to it, thereby concentrating the connector assembling processes in an in-line assembly line at one place and enhancing production yield and/or production rate.
US08142225B2	Electrical connector soldered on a printed circuit board An electrical connector is soldered on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a containing gap opened at one side thereof. A top surface of the printed circuit board defines a plurality of first soldering points arranged around the containing gap. Each of two opposite inner sidewalls of the containing gap defines a second soldering point. The electrical connector is located in the containing gap. The electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals and a shielding shell. The terminals are received in the insulating housing. The shielding shell defines an inserting space enclosing the insulating housing and the terminals. Each side plate has a first soldering portion extended outward and a second soldering portion extended downward therefrom. The second soldering portions are soldered on the second soldering points. The first soldering portions are soldered on the corresponding first soldering points.
US08142224B2	Cable assembly with improved shielding member An cable assembly includes an insulative housing; a plurality of terminals received in the insulative housing; a cable having a plurality of wires connected to the terminals; and a metallic shell enclosing the insulative housing and the terminals, the metallic shell includes a first shell, a second shell and a third shell, the first shell enclosing the second shell, and the third shell arranged between the first shell and the second shell.
US08142221B2	Plug assembly for a connectivity management system A plug assembly includes a body extending between a mating end and a cable end. A sensor assembly is supported by the body that has an integrated circuit component having a first pad and a second pad. The sensor assembly also has a first sensor probe mounted to the first pad and a second sensor probe mounted to the second pad.
US08142220B2	Connector with a configuration aid on its outer shell or an insulative body disposed in the outer cell An electronic connector comprises an outer shell having a first side and a second side, an insulative seat body having a first side and a second side, a plurality of terminals extending along the first side of the insulative seat body, and a configuration aid formed on the outer shell. The insulative seat body is disposed within an interior of the outer shell such that the first side of the insulative seat body is oriented toward the first side of the outer shell and the second side of the insulative seat body is oriented toward the second side of the outer shell. The configuration aid is structured to indicate the orientation of the terminals with respect to the first side of the outer shell.
US08142219B1	Electronic device having a casing with a holder between a substrate and a female connector An electronic device includes a casing, a female connector received in the casing and a holder. The casing has a substrate. The female connector is spaced from an inner surface of the casing. The female connector defines an opening in one end thereof for a male connector inserting therein. The holder is between the substrate of the casing and the other end of the female connector which is away from the opening.
US08142217B2	Electronic apparatus having a cover which synchronously defined as a wall of a modular jack disposed thereof An electronic apparatus includes a base portion including a first cover, a second cover perpendicular to the first cover and a receiving cavity running through the first and second covers to respectively provide a locking slot in the first cover and an opening in the second cover. The first cover defines locking portions oppositely extending from opposite faces of the locking slot.
US08142215B2	High-voltage electrical connector A method for volume compensation of a fluid-filled first chamber accommodating a first electrical appliance that is electrically connected by a high-voltage electrical connector to a second electrical appliance located in a fluid-filled second chamber. The first chamber is volume compensated to the second chamber via the electrical connector by a volume compensating arrangement integrated in the electrical connector. A high-voltage electrical connector with a volume compensating arrangement and an electrical assembly provided with such a connector.
US08142214B1	Joint structure A joint structure effective in reducing return loss and insertion loss of signals includes a body, a sleeve, a resilient element, a metallic pipe, a rod, two washers, and a packing. The sleeve is disposed in the body and penetrable by a terminal line. The sleeve has a positioning ring circumferentially in tight contact with the body and receives the resilient element. The circumference of the resilient element is integrally formed as a unitary unit and has longitudinal slashes whose ends are provided with bumps, respectively. A positioning ring is disposed at the other end of the resilient element. The resilient element and the rod are insertable into two ends of the metallic pipe, respectively. The rod has an end for penetrating the washers and packing, and has a positioning ring for enabling engagement and positioning of the washers, the packing, the rod, and the metallic pipe.
US08142211B2	Apparatus for preventing electrical shock in devices A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
US08142203B2	Electrical connector with grooves receiving crumbs An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulative housing defines a mating face, a mounting face opposite to the mating face and a plurality of receiving passageways running through the mating face and the mounting face. The contacts are assembled in the receiving passageways and each contact include a base portion, a pair of retaining portions extending from two opposite ends of the base portion, a pair of elastic arms extending from the retaining portions, a soldering portion extending out of the receiving passageways and a connecting portion connecting the soldering portion and the base portion. Each receiving passageway protrudes a tuber from a first inner face thereof. Free ends of the retaining portions are located at two sides of the tuber and engage with the first inner face of the receiving passageway. The tuber is spaced from the two retaining portions at two sides of the tuber. A pair of tabs defined at a free end of the tuber press against the pair of retaining portions to form a pair of receiving grooves between the two sides of the tuber and the retaining portions.
US08142200B2	Slip ring spacer and method for its use An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in a variety of medical applications. A slip ring spacer is also disclosed, the slip ring spacer for use with a pancake slip ring having a base and flange configuration to form one or more channels around each contact ring of the pancake slip ring. The channels provide fluid isolation around each connector to help reduce electronic cross talk and contact corrosion between the connector pads of the slip ring while the slip ring is immersed in a wet environment.
US08142196B2	Psychology hierarchical experiment spreadsheet with pre-release event time synchronization Creating and executing real-time psychological experiments with sub-millisecond time precision uses a Hierarchical Experiment Spreadsheet (HES) providing a hierarchical data structure and interface. The user adds/modifies experiment levels in a spreadsheet multilevel table representation. New objects and properties are added while maintaining the hierarchical structure of the experiment and prohibiting user corruption of the experiments hierarchical structure. A Time Event Queue Manager (TEQM) provides precision timing using event pre-release synchronization, compensating for timing errors produced by the personal computer operating system and enabling sub-millisecond time precision. Separate microprocessor and embedded software provides an external time base time stamping and event output queuing of events between the subject and host computer; queues and releases host computer stimulus events at future time points; synchronizes host computer clock TEQM clock, displays refresh clocks; and provides an audit of timing precision of all events going to the subject.
US08142194B2	Implants and methods for performing gums and bone augmentation and preservation Embodiments described herein are related to fillers that are placed within an extraction site in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The fillers encourage sufficient new bone growth in order that normal jaw bone deterioration following tooth removal is prevented. The fillers create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone. Further embodiments described herein are related to dental implants that are arranged to provide a scaffold upon which a damaged or missing dental papilla may regrow. The dental implants may include a micro-pattern to facilitate directional cell growth.
US08142192B2	Device for transferring the position of an angled abutment from a model to an implant A method is provided for transferring the position of an angled abutment from a model to an implant installed in the jawbone of a patient. The method can include attaching an attachment member to the first implant replica, attaching an angled abutment to the second implant replica, attaching an abutment holder to the angled abutment, connecting a connecting member to the attachment member, connecting the connecting member to the abutment holder, releasing the attachment member from the first implant replica, and releasing the angled abutment from the second implant replica.
US08142190B2	Set of motor-driven instruments to aid the fixing of dental implants Set of motor-driven instruments to aid the fixing of dental implants that combines drills (1, 2) and motor-driven osteotomes (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) of progressive diameters. These have a threaded conical section (9), followed by a threaded cylindrical section (8) and another area (7) to fit the connectors (14, 17) to the surgical motor or a manual extractor.
US08142189B2	Arrangement and device for using a template to form holes for implants in bone, preferably jaw bone An apparatus includes a template which locates hole positions in a jawbone while the template is separated from the jawbone by gum tissue. The template follows a contour of the gum tissue surrounding the jawbone and has guide holes which receive a cutting tool. Anchoring elements attach the template to the jawbone. A system includes means for scanning an implantation site on a patient's jawbone, simulating the implantation site, and determining nerve-rich areas or nerve paths in the jawbone. A holed template is produced which is separated from the jawbone by at least gum tissue of the patient. Attachment hole positions in the jawbone are located so as to avoid nerve paths. A method of forming holes to attach a dental implant to a patient's jaw bone without surgical intervention in gum tissue of the patient to expose the jawbone is disclosed which avoids impingement on a nerve path.
US08142186B2	Arrangement for preparation of a fuel for combustion The invention relates to an arrangement for preparation of a fuel for combustion including a burner, a combustion chamber associated with the burner and in which combustion of a fuel is to take place in use of the arrangement as well as means for supplying liquid fuel to the arrangement through an internal passage in the burner for said combustion, solid portions of the burner body being heated by said combustion in use of the arrangement, wherein said internal passage is located inside said solid portions of the burner body for receiving heat energy evaporating said fuel from these body portions, and that it comprises means for conveying vaporized fuel to the combustion chamber to take part in the combustion.
US08142184B2	Closed cooling system for tools of plastic processing machines Tools of plastics processing machines are cooled over their surface and/or at particular points as soon as compound supply is finished. Heat is thus suitably withdrawn from the shaped compound, ensuring the fastest possible cooling and shortening cycle times. The invention relates to a closed, coolant-filled cooling system for tools of plastics processing machines having at least one compressor, a supply pipe, a tool region to be cooled and a discharge pipe, the supply pipe being connected to the outlet of the compressor and the discharge pipe being connected to the inlet of the compressor, while at least one open end of the supply pipe plunges into at least one bore arranged in the tool region to be cooled, and an open end of the discharge pipe is sealed to this bore. The supply pipe and the discharge pipe may be combined in a coaxial pipe with the supply pipe arranged in the centre and the discharge pipe enveloping the supply pipe.
US08142181B2	Forming method for composites A method for forming composite materials is presented, including providing a composite charge wider than a first surface of a mandrel, and positioning the composite charge across the first surface of the mandrel. The portion of the composite charge overhanging the first surface of the mandrel is supported and urged against the mandrel while supporting the unbent portion of the composite charge substantially parallel to the first surface of the mandrel. The invention also provides a system, using a compression mold of forming bladders and heater plates, to form a composite charge over a mandrel, while supporting the unbent portions of the composite charge during forming substantially parallel to the upper surface of the mandrel. The present invention minimizes the shear zone where plies in the composite laminate charge slide past one another during the forming process reducing or eliminating out-of-plane fiber buckling.
US08142176B2	Automated controlled atmospheric pressurized resin infusion An apparatus comprising a vacuum source line, a pressurized fluid source line and an inlet circuit communicative with the vacuum source line and operatively connectable to an inlet container. The apparatus further comprises an outlet circuit communicative with the vacuum source line and operatively connectable to an outlet line. The apparatus also comprises an outer cover circuit communicative with the vacuum source line and operatively connectable to the outer cover. Further, the apparatus comprises an inlet restrictor fluid circuit in communicative with the fluid source line and adapted to control flow between the inlet vacuum container and interior. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a controller operatively connected to the inlet vacuum circuit, the outlet vacuum circuit, the outer cover vacuum circuit and the inlet restrictor fluid circuit for controlling operation of the inlet vacuum circuit, the outlet vacuum circuit, the outer cover vacuum circuit and the inlet restrictor fluid circuit, respectively.
US08142175B2	Mounting base and scroll compressor incorporating same A scroll compressor assembly includes a mounting base with a pair of support ribs formed into the mounting base, for structurally strengthening the support provided by the mounting base. The mounting base may either support the scroll compressor housing as a separate component part or may integrally form part of the scroll compressor housing. The mounting base has at least two tracks for rail mounting of the scroll compressor assembly and typically includes holes for fasteners and/or grommets.
US08142163B1	Turbine blade with spar and shell A turbine blade for use in a gas turbine engine, the turbine blade being made from a spar and shell construction in which the spar extends from the root and forms a cavity in which cooling air is supplied to the blade. The shell is held between the tip cap and the platform in grooves. A tension rod extends from the root and through the cavity within the spar to engage with the tip cap and secure the tip cap and the shell in place. A pretension nut is secured to the tension rod on the root end and engages a surface of the root to allow for a tension to be applied to the tension rod. Ceramic rope seals are secured within the grooves between the shell ends and the groove to form a seal. An inner seal is secured within a groove of the spar and engages with a projecting member on the tip cap to form a seal. Heat shields are wrapped around the platforms to provide thermal protection to the platforms.
US08142162B2	Wind turbine blade An aerodynamic profile and a wind turbine comprising a wind turbine blade with reduced sensitivity towards surface irregularities are provided. The invention is mainly directed towards pitch-regulated wind turbines, which are operated at variable rotor speed and have blades longer than about 30 meters.
US08142158B2	Compact load path swashplate assembly A swash plate assembly includes a rotationally stationary swash plate and rotational swash plate which rotates relative to the rotationally stationary swash plate through a bearing system. Each servo control rod is attached to the swash plate assembly to communicate control inputs thereto through a respective servo lug. Each servo lug defines a servo pivot point off an in-line plane inboard of the bearing system. As the servo lugs extend below the rotationally stationary swash plate, a relatively uncomplicated attachment arrangement is facilitated which provides for redundant locking features at a highly inspectable location which simplifies maintenance and increased safety. By locating the servo pivot point just inboard of the bearing system, an exceeding compact load path is defined thereby. The load path is defined from the servo control, to the servo lug, through the rotationally stationary swash plate, bearing system, the rotational swash plate, the rotor pitch control point and into the pitch control rod.
US08142156B2	Ceiling fans with low solidity ratio An overhead fan system of a building comprises a ceiling fan underneath a nearby fire sprinkler head. The ceiling fan has particularly low fan solidity to minimize the fan obstructing the spray of water from the sprinkler head. To further reduce the obstruction, some example fans include fan blades that automatically retract in the event of a fire.
US08142155B2	Wind turbine generator and method for constructing wind turbine generator Provided are a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator that allow for alleviation of construction costs, particularly for large wind turbine generators, and alleviation of limitations on construction due to weather. Provided are a rotor head that has a plurality of wind turbine rotor blades and that is rotated by wind power received by the plurality of wind turbine rotor blades, a front segment disposed on top of a tower and constituting a nacelle to which the rotor head is attached, a rear segment attached to the front segment and constituting the nacelle, a front frame disposed in the front segment and positioned between the rotor head and the tower so as to support a load on the rotor head, a rear frame disposed in the rear segment and attached to the front frame, a front cover covering the periphery of the front segment, and a rear cover covering the periphery of the rear segment.
US08142154B2	Oscillating energy capture mechanism Two or more pivots are mounted vertically or horizontally onto a rotary or stationary support structure or platform, and between these pivots, a flexible sheet of material is suspended. The mechanism operates via oscillation of the pivots that results from the upwind or upstream pivot determining the side of the flexible sheet the low-pressure (lift) area favors. The downwind or downstream pivot captures the energy from the lift generated. The mechanism makes use of adjustable pivot arm lengths and pivot spacing to tension or relax the flexible sheet, enabling control in various wind and water speeds. Alternate embodiments make use of cord attachments instead of rigid pivots, a double pivot that engages two flexible sheets in opposing action, circular/partial hemispherical sheets than enable omni-directional operation from a fixed embodiment, and shallow water body capability.
US08142153B1	Turbine vane with dirt separator A turbine stator vane with a cooling circuit that improves the cooling effectiveness of the airfoil as well as collects any dirt particles before passing the clean cooling an through the cooling circuit. The airfoil includes a 3-pass aft flowing serpentine circuit with a first leg located along the airfoil leading edge and connected to a showerhead arrangement for film cooling discharge. A cooling air supply channel is located between the first leg and the second leg of the serpentine flow circuit, and the cooling supply channel includes ribs arranged to produce a vortex flow within the cooling air that collects the dirt particles within a center of the vortex flow and deposits the dirt particles at the bottom of the channel. The vortex flow cooling air flows through impingement holes to produce impingement cooling on the backside wall of the leading edge with clean cooling air. The vortex flow pattern produces higher flow velocities at the outer periphery of the vortex which produces a higher impingement jet velocity of the cooling air to improve convection and impingement cooling capability.
US08142151B2	Intermediate housing floor for a fluid kinetic machine An intermediate housing floor for a fluid kinetic machine is provided. The intermediate housing floor includes a partial joint at which the intermediate housing floor may be divided during installation and/or removal into/from the fluid kinetic machine and is made up of at least two overlapping partial joint surfaces at sections of the intermediate housing floor that face one another. A recess is provided in the area of the overlap in at least the one partial joint surface, a coating is kept in the recess. The coating protrudes from the one partial joint surface as a protrusion in the removed state of the intermediate housing floor in which the intermediate housing floor is divided at the partial joint so that in the installed state of the intermediate housing floor the coating abuts against the other partial joint surface facing the one partial joint surface, whereupon the partial joint is sealed.
US08142150B2	Alignment device for gas turbine casings In one embodiment, an alignment device may be configured to align a first turbine engine casing and a second turbine engine casing. The alignment device may include a fixed portion configured to be fixedly attached to the first turbine engine casing. The alignment device may also include a bridge portion configured to interface with the second turbine engine casing, wherein the bridge portion defines a first range of motion for the fixed portion along a first axis and a second range of motion for the fixed portion along a second axis when the alignment device is engaged with the first turbine engine casing and the second turbine engine casing, and wherein the alignment device is configured to facilitate movement of the first turbine engine casing relative to the second turbine engine casing within the range of motion and the second range of motion.
US08142149B2	Fan device and fan device assembly A fan device for easily being attached to a fixing plate includes a pair of sliding slots symmetrically defined in two opposite sides thereof, and at least one positioning block extending from at least one of the bottom and the top of the fan device and located close to one same side of the fan device.
US08142148B2	Diffuser-nozzle assembly for a turbomachine A diffuser-nozzle assembly mounted at the outlet from a centrifugal compressor is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of vanes carried by a radially inner wall forming a surface of revolution and surrounded by an outer casing, elastically deformable devices interposed between the radially outer ends of the vanes of the nozzle and the outer casing. The elastically deformable devices prevent air from passing between the outer casing and the radially outer ends of the vanes.
US08142147B2	Centrifugal blower with partitioned scroll diffuser A centrifugal blower having at least one radial plane dividing its scroll into sub-sections which may vary as to cut-off points and axial and radial dimensions as well as axial displacement to meet requirements of individual application system flow paths.
US08142136B2	Oil-sealing arrangement for cooling fan An oil-sealing arrangement for cooling fan includes a fan housing provided with a central hollow pipe having a hollow bearing fitted therein in a clearance fit relation, and the bearing having a front end formed into a forward tapered projection; and a blade carrier including a fitting cylinder with a rearward tapered projection. When the fitting cylinder is extended into the hollow pipe on the fan housing, the rearward tapered projection and the forward tapered projection together define a seeped oil chamber between them. When the cooling fan operates, lubricating oil seeped out of the hollow pipe along the bearing is recovered in the seeped oil chamber and flows back to the hollow pipe via the clearance between the bearing and the hollow pipe without being centrifugally thrown out of the cooling fan, allowing the cooling fan to have extended usable life.
US08142131B2	Clamping apparatus A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.
US08142128B1	Anchor and method for anchoring An anchor that can fasten to a fibrous or pierceable substrate employs a base with a spaced pair of bores. A pair of hubs are rotatably mounted to axially reciprocate in the pair of bores between a retracted and a deployed position. Each of the hubs has on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on one of the hubs spiral in the opposite direction from the spiral prongs on the other one of the hubs. The hubs when in the deployed position project the plurality of prongs beyond the base. A thrust member mounted over the pair of hubs can thrust them from the retracted to the deployed position. With the hubs placed side by side and with the spiral prongs against the substrate, the hubs can be rotated in opposite directions to embed the spiral prongs in the substrate. An object can then be anchored by being lashed to the hubs.
US08142127B1	Torque nut assembly A torque nut assembly includes a multiple-piece nut body and a ring-shaped compression assembly. The compression assembly circumferentially engages the nut body to capture its multiple pieces therein. The compression assembly can position the nut body to define a threaded axial passage or to allow radial expansion of the multiple pieces such that the threaded axial passage is segmented in correspondence with the nut body's multiple pieces. At least one structure is provided to lock the compression assembly when the threaded axial passage is defined.
US08142123B2	Nut-type element to be fixed in an interior of a profiled workpiece or similar A nut-type element (30) which is to be fixed in an interior (16) of a profiled workpiece (10) or similar and is provided with a longitudinal extension (a) that exceeds the width (n) of an insertion cross-section (14), particularly a joining device for connecting a first workpiece encompassing the interior to another workpiece by a screw or similar member whose shaft penetrates a hole of the workpiece and can be inserted into a recess of the metallic nut-type element located in the interior of the workpiece. The nut-type element (30) is embodied as a rectangularly expanded member which is penetrated approximately in the center by a threaded bore (42) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (Q). The threaded bore (42) extends into an annular molded edge (44) on the surface (40) of the element. The annular molded edge (44) protrudes from the surface. At least one molded-on piece (52) that protrudes from the surface and forms an engagement gap (58) along with the molded edge is allocated to the annular molded edge (44) at a specific radial distance (f).
US08142121B2	Vehicle bed cover, pull-strap/ tie-down The subject matter of the invention is generally related to automotive accessories. Specifically, it is a device adapted to covering the bed of a pick-up truck, or similar vehicle, including comparable utility trailers. In addition to covering the bed, the device covers the area of an open tailgate and is adapted to cover loads of varying heights by deploying attached side panels. The disclosed device further includes a strap system that connects to the cover and secures the load; in addition it serves as an aid in pulling loads from the bed. Finally the invention describes three systems to anchor the cover to the vehicle, each of which accommodates deployment of the side panels and each of which provides a degree of flexibility to cover loads of varying height.
US08142119B2	Method of orbital milling with an orbital end mill, an orbital end mill, and a cutting bit for an orbital end mill A method of orbital milling is performed using an orbital end mill, which has a cutting bit designed for orbital end milling. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08142118B2	Working machine The invention refers to a working machine with a machining tool which can be set in a spindle head of a working spindle. A monitoring unit is provided which monitors the shape of the spindle head.
US08142112B2	Metal cutting system for effective coolant delivery A metal cutting system with a tool holder, a shim, an insert with a top depression, a top piece and a clamp. A rake face cooling channel for fluid delivery is formed between the top piece and the depression in the insert. A primary discharge slot at the end of the rake face cooling channel delivers fluid from below the cutting edge of the insert. A second cooling channel for delivery of fluid to the flank face is formed between the insert and the shim or is formed between the shim and the tool holder with a portion of the cooling channel passing through the shim.
US08142111B2	Support platform of non-contact transfer apparatus Provided is a support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus. The support platform is arranged horizontally and includes first and second members adding a lift force to a first force for lifting peripheral portions of a transferred object, wherein the first force is lower than a second force lifting a central portion of the transferred object.
US08142107B2	Offshore system This invention relates to an offshore system, comprising a drilling vessel, e.g. a semi-submersible drilling vessel comprising a deck on which a drilling tower for performing drilling operations is mounted. The vessel is furthermore provided with a support for a tiltable J-lay tower for laying a pipeline, said support being arranged next to the drilling tower, and the offshore system further includes a J-lay tower which is or can be mounted on said support.
US08142105B2	Wave-motion reducing structure A wave-motion reducing structure comprises wave-motion reducing means (30) suitable for being laid on a coastal bed and restraining means (20, 22) suitable for restraining the wave-motion reducing means on the coastal bed. The wave-motion reducing means (30) are arranged so as to be inclined, in use, against the direction of the sea current which strikes them. A wave-motion reducing system comprises a plurality of wave-motion reducing structures arranged in a row lengthwise and in a manner such that the wave-motion reducing means (30) adopt a substantially parallel configuration and oppose the motion of the current.
US08142104B2	Dowel sleeves A support leg for a dowel sleeve, the dowel sleeve having a hollow open body at a second end spaced from one end of the body connectable to a construction plate. The support leg has a spigot engagable in the body, the exterior of which is engaged by an abutment face. The effective length of the support leg is adjustable by selectively detaching one or more leg member segments, each provided with a disc-like base member.
US08142101B2	Hydrocarbon-adsorbing porous pavement structure A water-pervious pavement structure comprising wearing course comprising a water-pervious combination of recycled glass and aggregate bound together with an adhesive binder and held within a plurality of connected, open grid pockets; and a layer of unbound recycled glass disposed under the wearing course capable of adsorbing contacting hydrocarbons carried with water through the wearing course. In a preferred embodiment, the wearing course comprises about 30 wt. % to about 80 wt. % recycled glass and about 20 wt. % to about 70 wt. % aggregate bound together by a cured resin binder within the grid pockets.
US08142096B2	Computer-contained binder A computer-contained binder provided in the disclosure has a document binder and a computer device. The document binder having at least one cover plate and plural parallel folder rings piercing through an edge of the cover plate. The computer device has a main body, a column-shaped battery portion pierced through by all of the parallel folder rings, and a movable arm. The movable arm has two opposite ends, in which one end thereof is fixed on one of the opposite ends of the column-shaped battery portion, and the other end thereof is movably disposed on one side of the main body.
US08142094B2	Cleaning implement with spray nozzle A floor mop for cleaning a surface by wet mopping in which the mop has a spray nozzle mounted in the mop head. There is a handle connected to the mop head by a universal joint. A cloth is removably mounted on the under surface of the mop head for easy replacement when it is soiled or worn out. A fluid tank is mounted in the mop head. A pump is connected to the fluid tank. A wireless signal generator is mounted on the handle for sending a wireless signal to a receiver in the mop head for activating the pump for spraying fluid onto the surface to effect wet mopping when the wireless signal is received.
US08142093B2	Wiper device for cosmetic products containers A wiper device for containers of cosmetic products comprises a wiper element (10) to be mounted in a casing (2) of a container (1) for cosmetic products and designed to come into contact with an applicator (6) housed in the casing (2), at least during pulling out of the applicator (6) from the casing (2). The wiper device further comprises means (11) for engagement of the wiper element (10) with the casing (2) and at least one seal (12) to be installed close to an opening (3) of the casing (2) and adapted for abutment against a closing cap (4) of the container (1), to ensure hermetic tightness of the container (1) and avoid escape of the cosmetic product.
US08142092B1	Tire shiner device and method of use A tire shiner device used in automatic carwash applications including a dual sectioned conservation reservoir designed to reapply excess shiner fluid to a rotary brush by orienting the reservoir in close proximity to the rotating circumference of the brush allowing the brush to sweep along the surface of the reservoir and thereby continually maintaining a desired level of saturation. The dual-sectioned reservoirs containing the excess fluid for reapplication can each be adjusted manually or optionally spring-loaded to provide a consistent contact between the rotary brush and the reservoir as the brush warps or wears. Additionally, the tire shiner device confines the shiner fluid application to the tire sidewall region using a containment shield to help prevent unwanted application to the car wheels or body.
US08142086B2	Semiconductor manufacturing process A semiconductor manufacturing process is provided. First, a wafer with a material layer and an exposed photoresist layer formed thereon is provided, wherein the wafer has a center area and an edge area. Thereafter, the property of the exposed photoresist layer is varied, so as to make a critical dimension of the exposed photoresist layer in the center area different from that of the same in the edge area. After the edge property of the exposed photoresist layer is varied, an etching process is performed to the wafer by using the exposed photoresist layer as a mask, so as to make a patterned material layer having a uniform critical dimension formed on the wafer.
US08142085B2	Aperture unit and lens barrel including the same An aperture unit includes three or more diaphragm blades, a base plate that supports the diaphragm blades, a drive lever connected to the diaphragm blades, and an aperture motor that rotates the drive lever, wherein, in a range from a reference aperture value to a specific aperture value, a polygonal aperture is formed by aperture edges of two or more of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly move in a first direction and an aperture edge of at least one of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein, in a range from the specific aperture value to a closed aperture state, an aperture is formed by aperture edges of two diaphragm blades that move in opposite directions.
US08142083B2	Extendable camera support and stabilization apparatus A support system used to orient and utilize equipment remotely positioned from an operator and supported in a stabilized manner. The support system includes a balance pole with a master end and a slave end attached to a master sled and slave sled, respectively. The system includes a mechanism to replicate the motion at the master sled at the slave sled. A gimbal and handle assembly with a motion dampening capabilities is also included.
US08142079B2	Linear motion guide unit with means for keeping cage against wandering A liner motion guide unit has a means to keep a cage against wandering, in which a pinion is made up of holder halves that are adapted to squeeze each other against the cage to make sure of keeping a pinion in place with accuracy. The means for keeping the cage against wandering is comprised of a pinion holder fitting into a window cut in the cage, racks lying on sides of the guideway members, one to each side, and a pinion provided with teeth mating with the racks and installed in the cage for rotation. The pinion holder is made up of holder halves, any one of which lies on any one side of the cage at a marginal edge of the cage at the same marginal edge of the window. The holder halves have sidewise extensions to firmly squeeze the cage between them along the marginal edge of the window.
US08142069B2	Device for securing a back cover to the middle part of a watch The invention includes a device for securing a back cover on a middle part of a watchcase, characterized in that it includes an intermediate element to which the back cover is connected, the intermediate element being screwed onto the middle part of the watch, an element arranged to allow the back cover to drive the intermediate element in rotation until the latter reaches a locked position on the middle part, the back cover also being pivotable relative to the intermediate element without the latter being unscrewed for alignment with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch.
US08142068B2	Mixing apparatus The invention provides mixing apparatus which has a container base and a container lid with the lid carrying mixing means extending through the lid with at one end a mixing element and at the other end a drive connection to a drive motor. When the drive is operated the mixing element mixes the contents of the container, usually when the container inverted. The lid has a rim portion with a circumferential slot and the top edge of the container is located into the slot when the lid is assembled with the container whereby to improve connection between the lid and the container during mixing. The lid within the rim portion carries the mixing means and, during mixing, the assembly is held to lock the assembly together.
US08142063B2	Light emitting panel assemblies Light emitting panel assembly comprises a light emitting panel member and a light source. At least one surface of the panel member has a pattern of light extracting deformities formed by applying the deformities to the panel member and afterward permanently attaching the deformities to the panel member to become part of the assembly.
US08142062B2	Luminaire having a two-way waveguide A luminaire includes a waveguide having first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides between the first and second ends. The waveguide is configured to totally internally reflect light propagating through the waveguide in a first direction and direct light propagating through the waveguide in a second direction through at least one of the first and second sides. A reflective body is coupled to the second end of the waveguide and configured to reflect light propagating towards the second end of the waveguide such that the light propagates towards the first end of the waveguide.
US08142058B2	Tri-dimming push handle switch lampholder A tri-dimming push handle switch lamp holder is disclosed, which enables a user to press the push handle for a selection among three dimming levels: full brightness, middle luminance and complete darkness, where the lamp holder is made up of a body, a first conducting member, a first contact plate, a conducting plate, a second conducting member, a second contact plate, a rectifying diode, a flap, a push handle, an insulating plate and a threaded tube shell, which are integrated together to form an advanced lamp holder that features not only the basic switching function but an extra tri-level dimming function, substantially boosting its usage for all kinds of occasions. Moreover, an extra arrangement of the conducting plate and the rectifying diode enables the structural combination and the function of this invention to present great creativeness.
US08142057B2	Recessed LED downlight A unitary die-cast cap for a downlight can includes a base section and a plurality of heat-sink fins. The base section is a plate that includes an interior base-surface, an exterior base-surface, and an exterior wall-surface. The exterior base-surface, which is an opposite surface of the interior base-surface, forms an exterior top-surface of a downlight tubular can. The exterior wall-surface is configured to be positioned in direct attachment to an interior wall-surface of the downlight can. The plurality of heat-sink fins extend from the interior base-surface and form a substantially cylindrical exterior heat-sink wall touching or in close proximity to the interior wall-surface of the downlight can.
US08142056B2	High efficiency refraction body A high efficiency refraction body includes a light source chamber and a main refraction surface opposite to the light source chamber. A first refraction surface and a second refraction surface for refracting the lights are formed to a peripheral of the high efficiency refraction body. A light source is received to the light source chamber. Lights from the light source will be total reflected because the incident angles of the lights exceed a critical angle of the main refraction surface. The reflected lights will be refracted through the first refraction surface and the second refraction surface so as to pass a lateral of the refraction body. A uniform lateral illumination of the refraction body will correct the poor lateral illumination of LED light devices.
US08142055B2	Systems, apparatus, and methods involving lampshade leveling A system for leveling a lampshade comprising, a pivot member operative to engage a post of a lamp harp and support a spyder portion of a lampshade, and a retaining member operative to engage the post and induce a force on the spyder portion.
US08142053B2	Interchangeable attachments for collars, leashes, belts and accessories An article, including pet collars and leashes, belts, bags and backpacks, has an interchangeable attachment. The article comprises a proximal end, distal end and a central section having at least one connection mechanism appointed to receive the interchangeable attachment. The interchangeable attachment includes a top wall having a show surface and a back wall having a securing member adapted to engage with the connection mechanism of the article for removably attaching the interchangeable attachment to the article. In one embodiment the interchangeable attachments are provided as button-type attachments. In another embodiment, the interchangeable attachment is provided as an elongated attachment portion appointed to substantially cover the central section of the article. The interchangeable attachments have a plethora of designs and may include LED, fiber optic and/or reflective properties to provide aesthetic appeal, enhanced visibility, and increased safety for pedestrians during nighttime or dusk hours.
US08142048B2	Lighting assembly having end wall with retaining member A lighting assembly includes a housing enclosing a lamp for illuminating a target area. The housing has an open end and an end wall removably coupled to the open end of the housing. A retaining member such as a spring clip extends between the end wall and the internal portion of the housing for retaining the end wall to the housing. The spring clip has one end coupled to the end wall and a hook-like portion received in an aperture in the housing for applying a biasing tension on the end wall.
US08142047B2	Architectural lighting An LED light fixture includes a housing, a lens and a flexible gasket there between. Each of the housing and the lens has an elongate main body and two ends sealingly fixed to the main body. The assembly of components in the housing defines a sealing channel rectangular in plan and the lens similarly defines a sealing ridge. A mounting plate with light emitting diodes distributed on the mounting plate further includes a manifold plate positioned on the mounting plate which includes holes therethrough with reflectors about the holes to receive the light emitting diodes. Mounts supporting the elongate housing define longitudinally adjustable engagements with the housing. The mounts further include tracks arranged in arcs of circles located in planes perpendicular to the extension of the elongate housing. Munting brackets engage these tracks using retainers.
US08142044B2	Sealed container with glove and lighting means located within a wall A glove box with a sealed containment area delimited at least partially by a wall having a an inner partition facing the sealed containment area, an outer partition spaced from the inner partition and located outside of the containment area, and a lighting means with a light source housed between the inner partition and the outer partition.
US08142042B2	Light-emitting-diode backlight device A light-emitting-diode backlight device includes a light source substrate to which many light-emitting diodes are mounted, and a bottom chassis having the light source substrate mounted to a principal surface side of the bottom chassis. Illumination light from the light-emitting diodes is supplied to a display panel unit. A back-surface side of the bottom chassis is provided with a heat-dissipating unit making uniform a temperature distribution over the entire bottom chassis. The heat-dissipating unit includes a mounting plate, a heat pipe, and a radiating fin. The mounting plate is mounted to at least a high-temperature area of the bottom chassis. The heat pipe is disposed on both the high-temperature area and a low-temperature area, and is mounted to the mounting plate. The radiating fin is mounted to the low-temperature area, and connected to an end of the heat pipe.
US08142041B2	Lenticular film and backlight modules for use therewith A backlight module can comprise: a backlight source, a diffuser plate adjacent the backlight source, and a lenticular film having a convex lenticular feature on a viewing side, wherein the diffuser plate is located between the lenticular film and the backlight source.
US08142040B2	Fixing mechanism of backlight component and related backlight module A fixing mechanism of backlight component includes a metal bezel, a socket, a lamp sheathing structure, and an external frame. A fixing hole is formed on the metal bezel. A fixing structure is formed on an end of the socket for inserting into the fixing hole of the metal bezel to electrically connect to a power control circuit board. A groove is formed on the other end of the socket for containing a lamp. The lamp sheathing structure is disposed on the metal bezel for sheathing the lamp so as to fix the lamp with the socket together. The external frame is disposed on the metal bezel and abuts against the lamp sheathing structure to fix the lamp sheathing structure on the metal bezel.
US08142038B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator has a door, a lampshade and a lamp set, internal and external clamping walls and a seal retainer formed on the frame of the door. The lampshade and the lamp are set on the inner side of the frame of the door. The lamp is installed on the inner side of the doorframe, so that on the one hand the inner space of the refrigerator is not occupied by the illuminating device, and on the other hand, damage to the lamp caused by placing or taking goods relative to the refrigerator is prevented. Also, the lamp is installed on the door, and the light generated by the lamp irradiates inwardly to enhance the illuminating effect.
US08142034B1	Laser filter for rifle scope The systems, methods, and devices include a filter unit for removably engaging with a rifle scope. The filter unit includes a cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end adapted for removably engaging with the rifle scope, and a laser filter positioned within the cylindrical body to filter light passing into the rifle scope. A resilient band may be used to hold the filter unit to the rifle scope.
US08142033B2	Projector capable of indicating interface state A projector includes an interface unit, a control unit, and a projection unit. The interface unit includes a plurality of ports, each of which connects to a corresponding connector to allow the projector to connect to a corresponding signal source. The control unit identifies format of information read from the corresponding signal sources via the interface unit and identifies which port is connected. The projection unit projects a menu image, the menu image comprising a plurality of icons, each associated with a corresponding port and configured for indicating connection states of the corresponding ports.
US08142030B2	Reconfigurable center stack with touch sensing A display system for a center stack of a vehicle is disclosed including a translucent material and a projection system. Dynamic graphical content derived from an input by a passenger of the vehicle via at least one of simulated controls and hard-tooled switches is projected onto the material by the projection system.
US08142029B2	Projector and image correction method A projector displays an image on a projection surface. The projector has a zoom adjusting module and a keystone correcting module. The zoom adjusting module adjusts zoom level of a zoom lens for enlarged projection of image light. The keystone correcting module corrects trapezoidal distortion of the image displayed on the projection surface by means of forming the effective panel image in a revised image formation area, the revised image formation area being part of the image formation area of the panel surface.
US08142023B2	Optimized projection pattern for long-range depth sensing A system and method are disclosed for generating an optimized projection pattern and for using the optimized projection pattern for depth reconstruction. The system includes a De Bruijn graph generation module, a non-recurring De Bruijn sequence generation module and projection pattern generation module. The De Bruijn graph generation module is configured to generate a classical De Bruijn graph. The non-recurring De Bruijn sequence generation module is configured to generate a non-recurring De Bruijn sequence by eliminating nodes with recurring alphabets from the classical De Bruijn sequence and calculating a Hamiltonian cycle of the modified De Bruijn graph. The projection pattern generation module is configured to generate the optimized projection pattern form the non-recurring De Bruijn sequence. The system further comprises a projector to project the non-recurring De Bruijn sequence to a plurality of images and a depth reconstruction module to reconstruct depth images from the plurality of the images.
US08142021B2	Dump path light intensity sensing in light projector In a light projection system, potentially hierarchical levels of light intensity control ensure proper laser-light output intensity, color channel intensity, white point, left/right image intensity balancing, or combinations thereof. The light projection system can include a light intensity sensor in an image path, in a light-source subsystem light-dump path, in a light-modulation subsystem light-dump path, in a position to measure light leaked from optical components, or combinations thereof.
US08142020B2	Autostereoscopic projection system The invention relates to an autostereoscopic projection arrangement, comprising at least one projector (4) and at least one filter array (F1, F2), which has a multitude of filter elements arranged in columns and rows, in which arrangement bits of partial information from views of a scene or object are projected by the projector/the projectors (4) onto a projection screen (3), where these bits of partial information are rendered on image rendering elements and, having passed one or several of the filter arrays (F1, F2), are made visible to at least one observer (5), and in which, as regards the propagation direction of the bits of partial information, the image rendering elements correspond with correlated filter elements in such a way that an observer (5) will see predominantly bits of partial information from a first selection of views with one eye and predominantly bits of partial information from a second selection of views with the other eye, and thus will have a spatial impression.
US08142017B2	Production of an ophthalmic eyeglass intended for a wearer A method for producing an ophthalmic glass (1) intended for an identified wearer of spectacles comprises distribution of an optical power addition between an anterior face (SANT) and a posterior face (SPOST) of said glass. Said distribution of the addition is done in such a way as to modify an optical characteristic as a function of relative amplitudes of eye and head movements of the wearer. Superior comfort of the glass in use is thus obtained. The optical characteristic which is considered may be, in particular, a variation of magnification procured by the glass between far and near vision conditions. An improvement of the invention is to also modify a design of the progressive glass as a function of the amplitudes of the eye and head movements of the wearer, using only a single semifinished glass model of fixed design for each addition value of the anterior face.
US08142015B2	Baby and toddler sunglasses Baby and toddler sunglasses comprising frames having lenses. The frames are secured around the user's head by a band. The band is secured to the frames by a securing piece.
US08142010B2	Transporting belt for inkjet and inkjet-recording apparatus The invention provides a transporting belt for inkjet use, the belt having a seamless belt shape having at least one layer, the innermost layer comprising at least one of polyamide, polyester, and polyimide resins as the resin component and a conductive filler, and having a volume resistivity of about 1010 to 1014Ω·cm.
US08142008B2	Image forming method A method for forming an image with an ink-jet recorder provided with an ink-jet head, the method including the following steps in the sequence set forth: ejecting a photo-acid generator solution through the ink-jet head on a recording material, provided that the photo-acid generator solution contains a solvent and a photo-acid generator without containing a photopolymerizable compound; irradiating the ejected photo-acid generator solution on the recording material with actinic radiation rays; ejecting an actinic radiation curable ink containing a colorant through the ink-jet head on the recording material to form an image; and irradiating the image with actinic radiation rays so as to fix the formed image.
US08142006B2	Image recording composition, image recording ink set and recording apparatus An image recording composition including a curable material that is cured upon application of an external stimulus, and a cationic resin having a cationic functional group.
US08142004B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: a treatment liquid application device which applies a treatment liquid to a recording medium; a treatment liquid supplying device which abuts against the treatment liquid application device so as to form a liquid holding space, fills the treatment liquid into the liquid holding space by use of a liquid delivery device which delivers the treatment liquid to the liquid holding space via a first flow channel from a treatment liquid reservoir storing the treatment liquid, and restores the treatment liquid to the treatment liquid reservoir via a second flow channel from the liquid holding space; a controller which controls at least one of a treatment liquid filling operation and a treatment liquid restoring operation with respect to the liquid holding space; an ink ejecting device which ejects a droplet of an ink onto the recording medium to which the treatment liquid application device has applied the treatment liquid; and an air bubble mixing avoidance device which is provided in the second flow channel and prevents air from discharging in the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid reservoir.
US08142001B2	Ink jet print head manufacturing method and ink jet print head An ink jet print head manufacturing method and an ink jet print head are provided in which a shape of an adhesive that bonds a support member and a print element substrate together is controlled to maintain a high level of ink ejection performance even if the print element substrate is reduced in size. The adhesive, after being disposed between the support member and the print element substrate, is elongated and then hardened. This process allows the shape of the adhesive to be controlled, securing a sufficient ink path between an ink supply port on the support member side and an ink introducing port on the print element substrate side.
US08142000B2	Liquid container and remanufacturing method of liquid container One aspect of the invention is directed to a remanufacturing method of a liquid container constructed to store a liquid, which is to be supplied to a liquid ejection device. The remanufacturing method provides the liquid container structured to include: a liquid reservoir assembly configured to store the liquid; a liquid feeder configured to supply the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir assembly to the liquid ejection device; a sensor unit located in the upstream of the liquid feeder and configured to detect a level of the liquid stored in the liquid container; and a bubble trap module located in the upstream of the sensor unit and in the downstream of the liquid reservoir assembly and configured to trap bubbles included in the liquid. The remanufacturing method forms an inlet to communicate either with the bubble trap module or with a pathway of the liquid in the downstream of the bubble trap module. The remanufacturing method injects the liquid through the inlet, and seals the inlet after the injection of the liquid. This arrangement enables the liquid to be readily and efficiently refilled into the liquid container without damaging the functions of the liquid container.
US08141998B2	Liquid container A liquid container includes: a container body that is detachably mounted to a container mounting portion of a liquid consuming apparatus and includes a liquid containing portion storing a liquid; a connection port that is provided in the liquid containing portion and delivers the liquid; a liquid delivery portion that is provided in one surface of the container body to supply the liquid to the liquid consuming apparatus; and a plurality of positioning means into which, when the container body is mounted to the liquid consuming apparatus, a plurality of positioning members that are provided on the container mounting portion at positions facing the one surface are fitted, thereby positioning the container body, wherein the liquid delivery portion is provided close to any one of the plurality of positioning means.
US08141996B2	Liquid ejecting device and image forming apparatus Disclosed is a liquid ejecting device including a liquid ejecting head including a liquid ejecting nozzle, a head tank configured to store liquid to be fed to the liquid ejecting head, a liquid storing container configured to store liquid to be fed to the head tank, a first liquid sending device configured to send liquid from the liquid storing container to the head tank, a pressure adjusting tank configured to store liquid suctioned from the liquid ejecting head, and a second liquid sending device configured to send liquid from the liquid ejecting head to the pressure adjusting tank, wherein the head tank includes a liquid receiving port configured to receive liquid from the liquid storing container via a liquid receiving valve being opened at a predetermined or less pressure and a liquid feeding port configured to feed liquid to the liquid ejecting head and the liquid ejecting head includes a liquid inflow port communicating with the liquid feeding port and a liquid outflow port communicating with the pressure adjusting tank via the second liquid sending device.
US08141994B2	Ink cartridge and inkjet recording system An ink cartridge includes a cartridge main body, an ink-outputting section, and at least two first light-shielding parts. The cartridge main body has an ink accommodating chamber accommodating ink therein. The ink-outputting section that outputs the ink in the ink accommodating chamber. The at least two first light-shielding parts are juxtaposed in the prescribed mounting direction at a prescribed interval and that are incapable of moving relative to the cartridge main body. Lengths in the prescribed mounting direction of the at least two first light-shielding parts are different from one another.
US08141993B2	Fluid ejecting apparatus and method for transporting fluid A fluid ejecting apparatus including a head that ejects fluid, a first fluid storing section for storing the fluid that is located below the head, a second fluid storing section for storing the liquid that is located above the first fluid storing section, a pumping mechanism capable of moving the fluid from the first fluid storing section to the second fluid storing section through the head, and a controller that alternates between a first control mode wherein the pumping mechanism moves the fluid from the first fluid storing section to the second fluid storing section and a second control mode in which the fluid is allowed to flow from the second fluid storing section to the first fluid storing section through the head. Upon receiving an instruction to turn off the power, the controller shifts to the second control mode and then turns off the power.
US08141992B2	Liquid storage container A liquid storage container prevents sucking of air bubbles into a liquid guide path, even when the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage chamber is reduced. The amount of liquid discarded, without being used, is reduced. A liquid storage container includes liquid storage chambers from which liquid is guided to a liquid-supplying unit through a liquid guide path and a liquid remaining-amount sensor for detecting the presence/absence of the liquid on the basis of variation in residual vibration that occurs when air bubbles enter the liquid guide path. The liquid storage chambers have concavities in the bottom walls thereof. Liquid outlets that communicate with the liquid guide path are formed at the bottom of the concavities, respectively. Therefore, air layers in the liquid storage chambers are prevented from coming into contact with the liquid outlets, respectively, before the remaining liquid does.
US08141990B2	Ink ejection device A side shooting ink ejection device may comprise a front surface, side shooting nozzles having ejection orifices for ejecting fluid, and piezoelectric actuators for moving the fluid through vibration for ejecting the fluid out of the nozzle. The side shooting nozzles may be arranged to eject fluid in a side direction of the piezoelectric actuator. The front surface may comprise recessed portions. The side shooting nozzles may open into the recessed portions so that the ejection orifices are countersunk with respect to the front surface.
US08141988B2	Liquid ejection head, recording apparatus having the same, and recording method A liquid ejection head includes at least one liquid ejecting substrate for ejecting liquid, a supporting member for supporting the at least one liquid ejecting substrate, the at least one liquid ejecting substrate being fixed to a main surface of the supporting member, and a plurality of liquid supplying members for supplying liquid to the at least one liquid ejecting substrate through the supporting member. A linear expansivity of each of the liquid supplying members is different from a linear expansivity of the supporting member. The plurality of the liquid supplying members are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the supporting member, with each of the liquid supplying members being bonded to a surface that is opposite the main surface of the supporting member.
US08141984B2	Liquid discharge substrate and liquid discharge head including the same A liquid discharge substrate includes a first substrate having an element, on a first surface, that generates energy for discharging liquid; a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to the element and passing from the first surface to a second surface of the first substrate opposite to the first surface; a second substrate that is in contact with the second surface to support the first substrate; and second electrodes provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes.
US08141983B2	Liquid jet head and image forming apparatus A liquid jet head includes a nozzle member having plural nozzles for jetting a liquid therefrom, a flow path member forming at least a part of a liquid chamber communicating with each of the plural nozzles, and a pressure generating part for generating pressure that is applied to the liquid inside the liquid chamber. The nozzle member and the flow path member are each formed by a metal material. The metal material of the nozzle member has substantially the same composition as the metal material of the flow path member. The metal material of the nozzle member includes crystal particles having an average particle diameter which is less than that of the crystal particles included in the metal material of the flow path member.
US08141981B2	Inkjet printing device and method for printing multi-coloured images The invention relates to an ink jet printing device (1) for printing multicolored images, with an essentially horizontally extending conveyor mechanism (2) for moving items to be printed (3) lying on it in a forward feed direction (4), and with a print head arrangement (5) disposed above the conveyor mechanism (2) which is disposed stationary relative to the conveyor mechanism (2) during the printing process. The print head arrangement (5) is made up of several print heads (6) each with several nozzles disposed in a nozzle row (26), and the nozzle rows (22) have a printing range width (24) as measured perpendicular to the forward feed direction (4) which forms a total printing range width (27) of the print head arrangement (5) corresponding to the number of print heads (6). The print head arrangement (5) is disposed so that it can be displaced vertically on a guide (10) and a nozzle rinsing device (14) is provided which can be positioned underneath the print head arrangement (5) as and when necessary.
US08141980B2	Ink tray of a production printing system having an open bottom section Production printing systems are disclosed. The production printing system comprises a printhead array operable to discharge ink to print on a printable medium, and an ink tray that is affixed in the printing system facing the printhead array. The ink tray has a bottom section that is open. The production printing system further comprises a tray insert adapted to rest in the ink tray and to be lifted from the ink tray, and an ink absorbing element adapted to rest in the tray insert and operable to absorb ink that is discharged from the printhead array when the ink does not contact the printable medium. With the tray insert removed from the ink tray, the printhead array is visible through the bottom of the ink tray so that the printheads may be inspected or cleaned.
US08141978B2	Printer apparatus A printer apparatus includes a medium supporter to support a printing medium. A carriage holds a printer head provided with a nozzle from which ink is to be ejected onto a printing surface of the printing medium. A carriage moving mechanism moves the carriage along the printing surface of the printing medium supported by the medium supporter. An acceleration detector is configured to detect acceleration of vibration generated in the carriage. A determining device is configured to determine whether a magnitude of the acceleration detected by the acceleration detector exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A controller is configured to control the carriage moving mechanism to restrict relative movement of the carriage when the determining device determines that the magnitude of the acceleration detected by the acceleration detector exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
US08141976B2	Printing control method for a serial inkjet printer, and a serial inkjet printer A printing control method for a serial inkjet printer prevents paper dust that is dispersed by the air current produced by a vacuum platen from adhering to the ink nozzle area. An inkjet head that prints while moving along the width of the vacuum platen is moved to a position where the ink nozzle area is outside of a first or second retraction position separated a first distance from the first and second paper edge positions of the recording paper, and the recording paper is then advanced. Paper dust and other dust particulate does not adhere to the ink nozzle area when the paper is advanced because the ink nozzle area does not stop in the first and second paper edge positions of the recording paper where paper dust and other dust particulate can be made airborne by the air current produced by the vacuum platen.
US08141974B2	Rotary-member control apparatus A rotary-member control apparatus includes a rotary member that rotates while supporting an object on the outer curved surface of the member. A motor is supplied with current based on a current profile representing the magnitude pattern of current to rotate the rotary member. A detecting element detects a rotation state of the rotary member during rotation. A control unit generates a one-rotation current profile, representing the magnitude pattern of current corrected on the basis of the detected rotation state, corresponding to one rotation of the rotary member, and supplies corrected current to rotate the rotary member. When the length of the medium in the rotation direction, the length of the medium in the axial direction, or the type of the medium is changed, the control unit generates the one-rotation current profile before starting printing, and repeatedly supplies the corrected current to the motor to print the image.
US08141973B2	Liquid droplet ejection head and image forming apparatus having the same A liquid droplet ejection head comprises an ejector, a liquid viscosity-increase prevention structure and a liquid viscosity-increase prevention controller. The ejector includes a nozzle for ejecting a liquid droplet, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle through a communication path, and an actuator for applying pressure to a liquid in the pressure chamber. The liquid viscosity-increase prevention structure prevents an increase of viscosity of the liquid in the ejector. The liquid viscosity-increase prevention controller changes the operation frequency of the liquid viscosity-increase prevention structure between when the liquid droplet is ejected from the nozzle and when ejection of the liquid droplet is paused and no liquid droplet is being ejected from the nozzle.
US08141972B2	Printing apparatus and printing control method This invention is directed to provide a printing apparatus and a printing control method capable of more accurately obtaining a carriage position and executing more precise printing. The printing apparatus includes a scale, having slits at predetermined intervals, provided along the carriage scanning direction, and an encoder provided on a carriage to read the slits and measure the carriage position in the scanning direction as the carriage moves. In the printing apparatus, based on at least a time interval between the measurement time of a slit currently detected by the encoder and the measurement time of a slit immediately before the slit, a time up to at least one point between the currently detected slit and the next slit is predicted. Control is performed to cause a printhead mounted on the carriage to execute printing at the at least one predicted point between the continuous slits.
US08141965B2	L-shaped door with three-surface seal for endplates A water-resistant and electromagnetic interference shielded enclosure configured to enclose a plurality of electronic components is provided. The enclosure comprises a base having a channel, a first L-shaped door rotatably attached to a first side edge of the base, a second L-shaped door rotatably attached to a second side edge of the base, a door-to-door seal abutted to a flange on the first L-shaped door, and a compressible base-seal inserted into the channel. The compressible base-seal and the door-to-door seal form a three-surface seal when the first L-shaped door and the second L-shaped door are closed.
US08141963B2	Computer enclosure with shielding cover A computer enclosure includes a rear panel and shielding cover. The rear panel defines a through opening therein. The through opening includes a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The shielding cover is capable of covering the through opening, and includes a base body, a resilient portion, and first and second flanges located on opposite edges. A clip is located on the first flange. The resilient portion connects the second flange and the base body. A positioning tab is located on the resilient portion. The first edge of the through opening is engageable between the clip and the first flange. The second edge of the through opening is engageable between the tab and the second flange; the resilient portion is resiliently deformable to disengage the second edge of the through opening from between the second flange and the tab.
US08141961B2	Vehicle-use brake device A vehicle-use brake device for miniaturization of a base body and the simplification of brake liquid pressure passages formed in the base body. First electromagnetic open/close valves changing over communication/interruption between master cylinders which output liquid pressures due to the operation of brake operators and wheel brakes, and second electromagnetic open/close valves changing over communication/interruption between a liquid-pressure generation member which are configured to generate liquid pressures due to operations of electrically-operated actuators and the wheel brakes are arranged in the base body. An output port which is connected to a wheel brake is formed in one flat side surface of a base body, first and second electromagnetic open/close valves which arrange operational axes thereof on a first plane orthogonal to one side surface are mounted on one surface of the base body which orthogonally intersects with one side surface from the same direction.
US08141955B1	Seat back headrest A headrest includes at least one seat back mounting member and a connector coupling a cushion to the mounting member. The cushion connector is movable when the mounting member is invertingly mounted on the seat back to deploy the cushion at different angular positions. The mounting member may be a flexible wire bendable to accommodate different seat back sizes and to mount the headrest about the seat back. Alternately, the cushion connector is mountable in one or more different angled bores for deploring the cushion at different angles. Alternately, a hinge may be coupled to the connector to movably deploy a cushion at different angular positions. Alternately, the cushion may be pivotally mounted in a recess in the seat back and deployable from a retracted position to at least one forward extending deployed position. The cushion is also extensible relative to the seat back.
US08141954B2	Switching mechanisms of vehicle seats A switching mechanism of a vehicle seat includes a base element, an output arm pivotally connected to the base element via a first pivot shaft, an input arm having a force input point and pivotally connected to the output arm via a second pivot shaft as a rotational center, and an input arm biasing member. When a force is applied to the input arm, the input arm can be rotated around the first pivot shaft in the normal rotational direction while contacting the first pivot shaft, so that the second pivot shaft can pivot about the first pivot shaft, thereby rotating the output arm about the first pivot shaft with the input arm to rotate the seat back from a seating position into one of a walk in position and a folded position. The input arm may also be configured to rotate the seat back to the seating position.
US08141947B2	Haptic seating system A haptic seating system for use in imparting a haptic sensation to a seat. The seating system being suitable for use in a vehicle or other environment having multiple network nodes with capabilities sufficient to issue instructions suitable to instructing a haptic element used to impart the haptic sensation. The system may include the network nodes issuing the instructions through signals carried over the network.
US08141946B2	System for adjusting the position of at least one seat component of a passenger seat and associated common control unit A system (1) for adjusting the position of at least one seat component such as head rest (4), back rest (6), seat component (8), leg rest (10), or foot rest (12) of a passenger seat (2) of a vehicle, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, by means of actuators, a seat control (14, 18) being mounted locally on the aircraft passenger seat (2) and being provided with at least one operating element (15) and data being transmissible between the seat controls (14, 18) of a plurality of passenger seats (2), preferably of all passenger seats (2) of the vehicle, including data relating to the position of the seat components and/or data relating to operation of the actuators, and a common control unit (24; 124), characterized in that the seat control (14, 18) and the common control unit (24; 124) each has a data transmission unit (20, 21, 32, 34, 36) for wireless data transmission and an associated common control unit (24; 124).
US08141944B2	Collapsible chair having reduced linkages An apparatus includes a seat frame having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The seat frame includes a support member and four elongate members. A first elongate member is of a first pole type, a second elongate member is of a second pole type, and a third and fourth elongate member are of a third pole type defined by a length and a shape. Each of the elongate members are pivotably connected to the support member. When the seat frame is in the expanded configuration, the first and second elongate members have a first end disposed at a front portion of the seat frame and a second end disposed at a back portion of the seat frame; and the third and the fourth elongate member have a first end disposed at the back portion of the frame and a second end disposed at the front portion of the frame.
US08141935B2	Door trim moving applique A sliding door panel for covering an opening in a trim panel of a sliding door includes a bracket having a first guiding member. The sliding door panel includes is a sliding appliqué having a second guiding member capable of associating with the first guiding member, and wherein the sliding appliqué includes a first end having a protruding configuration extending away from the trim panel.
US08141930B2	Vehicle seat There is provided a vehicle seat having an increased number of kinds of seat arrangements. A vehicle seat includes a seat support part for rotatably supporting the rear side of a seat cushion, a seat back that is foldable over the seat cushion via a reclining mechanism, a stowage recess provided on the vehicle body floor side, a front leg provided in the front part of the seat cushion, a leg locking mechanism that engages and disengages the front leg with and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to both the reclining mechanism and the leg locking mechanism, and a strap that operates the reclining mechanism and the leg locking mechanism via the link mechanism, and further includes a seat arrangement selective mechanism for enabling or disabling the operation of the reclining mechanism.
US08141928B2	Rubber shield plate for mining dump trucks or freight train cars A cover made of an elastomer material to act as protection for a steel hopper of very heavy-duty trucks and train cars. The cover protects the metallic hopper or cars from shocks from boulders and material of varied granulometry, in addition to providing protection against abrasion, unloading and corrosion. Fastening elements prevent the cover from loosing as a result of the dragging generated by the unloading of materials from the hopper. The protection provided by the cover increases equipment availability and decreases stopping time during repairs.
US08141926B2	Robot hand for substrate transfer There is provided a robot hand for substrate transfer in which the robot hand is so arranged that, even in case a substrate (S) gives rise to warping, the substrate (S) can be stably supported. On an upper surface of the robot hand there is formed a first seating surface on which is seated a lower-surface peripheral portion of the substrate (S) and, on a periphery thereof, there is formed an upwardly extended step. The step is provided with a plurality of stair-shaped stages. On an upper surface of the robot hand inwardly away from the first seating surface there is provided a second seating surface which is inclined downward toward the center of the substrate (S) such that a lower surface of the substrate (S) is seated on the second seating surface when the substrate (S) is warped downward into a concave shape.
US08141920B2	Gripper A gripper includes a housing defining an interior area and having a work surface, the work surface defining an opening to the interior area. The gripper includes a pair of outer stationary plates in the interior area that are fixed to the housing, each having a plurality of linear first hooks extending away from the work surface. The first hooks are angled parallel to one another and toward a housing first end. An inner plate is positioned in the interior area between the outer plates and includes linear second hooks extending away from the work surface. The second hooks are angled parallel to one another and opposite the first hooks. The inner plate is movable between a grip configuration and a release configuration. An actuator causes the inner plate to selectively move toward a housing second end to the grip configuration and toward the first end to the release configuration.
US08141916B2	Global side door latch The latch includes a ratchet and pawl operable to move between an engaged position to hold a striker and a released position to permit the striker from exiting the latch. In addition, a release lever and a lock lever are pivotally mounted to the opposite surface of the latch housing. A lock link lever connects the release lever to the lock lever, having a first end pivotally mounted to the lock lever and a second end slidably located in a slot on the release lever. Actuating the release lever while the second end of the lock link lever is in its locked position pivots the lock link lever in a first arc and actuating the release lever while the lock link lever is in its unlocked position pivots the lock link lever in a second arc to actuate the pawl into its released position.
US08141915B2	Modular rotary connection system with a separate locking piece A modular coupling system comprises a connector (200, 201) having a generally cylindrical center section (224) with a bore (208) extending from a front face (206) of the connector (200, 201) through to a back side of the connector. The connector (200, 201) has a first (220) and a second wing (222) extending from the generally cylindrical center section (224) of the connector (200, 201). A first flange (202) extends from a front side of the first wing towards a top side of the connector (200, 201), and a second flange (204) extends from a back side of the first wing towards a bottom side of the connector (200, 201). A third flange (202) extends from a front side of the second wing towards the bottom side of the connector (200, 201), and a second flange (204) extends from a back side of the first wing towards the top side of the connector (200, 201).
US08141907B2	Document protector The invention relates to a document folder (10, 110, 200) with a document pocket (12), defined by a front cover (14) and a back cover (16) made of plastic foil, used for holding documents, comprising a label strip (24) movable in relation to the document pocket (12) that, in a first position, extends at least partially beyond the outline of the document pocket (12) on one first side (20). According to the invention, the label strip (24) is permanently connected to the document pocket (12) and can be folded into a second position, around a fold (22) parallel to the first side (20), onto the front cover (14) or the back cover (16).
US08141906B2	Saddle-type vehicle including wheel well shields and an underbody splash guard member A saddle-type vehicle has an engine compartment protected from mud and water splash by wheel well shields and a centrally located underbody splash guard member, arranged to substantially block mud and water from splashing back toward an engine during operation of the vehicle. These splash guards are also configured to ensure a space for maintenance. The vehicle includes inner wheel well shields located respectively laterally inside of the front wheels, and an underbody splash guard member including first and second guard portions. The first guard portion provided on the underbody splash guard member is located laterally inside of the wheel well shields, and the second guard portion is located laterally inside of the first guard portion for covering a front portion of the engine.
US08141905B2	Ski equipment tote A transporting assembly having a housing with an open end, an opposite closed end, and a sidewall for receiving ski equipment that is mounted on wheels where a swing door is pivotally connected to the housing and can be secured to the housing.
US08141899B2	Curtain airbag device A curtain air bag device which allows a bag main body to expansively spread more quickly and reliably. A curtain air bag device comprises a bag main body received inside a head lining disposed on the window upper edge of a vehicle and designed to expansively spread from the lower end of the head lining toward the interior of the vehicle at the time of actuation; and a gas supply device for supplying expansion gas to the bag main body. The bag main body has a plurality of chambers which expand during operation; and a duct extending above the chambers along the window upper edge to distribute the gas to respective chambers. Further, the duct has an expansion region where the lower end is disposed lower than the lower end of the head lining during spreading.
US08141892B2	Steering lock structure for vehicle with saddle A steering lock structure for a vehicle with a saddle includes a steering lock mechanism and left and right frame members. The steering lock mechanism is disposed rearwardly with respect to a head pipe to lock and unlock a rotation of a steering system. The left and right frame members extend in a vehicle rearward direction from the head pipe. The steering lock mechanism is disposed between the left and right frame members. The steering lock mechanism is configured to cause a lock pin to carry out a stroke movement along a vehicle upward and downward direction. The steering lock mechanism is configured to cause the lock pin to be brought into and out of engagement with a top bridge of the steering system which is supported on the head pipe. Thereby, locking and unlocking of the rotation of the steering system are allowed.
US08141890B2	Vehicle with lockable tilt system A vehicle that includes a vehicle body and a vehicle support assembly. The vehicle body has a longitudinal axis and is configured for supporting a rider thereon. The support assembly includes first (421A) and second (421B) tilting wheels disposed respectively at different lateral positions with respect to the longitudinal axis, a tilt-mechanism (452) supportively associating the vehicle body from the tilting wheels to enable the vehicle body to tilt through a first tilt range with respect to a surface on which the tilting wheels are disposed, and a tilt-limiter (456) operably associated with the tilt-mechanism (452) to restrict the tilting of the vehicle body to less than the first tilt range, and releasable to allow the tilting through the first tilt range.
US08141889B2	Bubble-generating scooter for children This utility model relates to a bubble-generating scooter for children, comprising: a footrest assembly, a handle assembly and wheels, and further comprising a bubble-generating device mounted on the scooter. Connecting posts are provided to the housing of the bubble-generating device. The bubble-generating device is connected to the footrest carrier through the connecting posts and self-tapping screws. The bubble-generating scooter for children of this utility model can generate bubbles continuously when a child rides the scooter, thereby adding fun to the riding of this scooter.
US08141882B2	Wheel seal A wheel seal is mainly provided with an annular internal sleeve oil seal. An annular concave inwards is formed at one side of the internal sleeve oil seal to contain one end of an annular outer annular member. A gap is kept between the internal sleeve oil seal and the outer annular member to contain an anti-friction ring and a second barrier. A labyrinth zone that is up and down is formed in the second barrier. Thus, the anti-friction ring is used to not only block foreign matters from entering the wheel seal through the gap and then being damaged, but also effectively transfer the strength from the inner annular member to the outer annular member at the time of installation for increasing the success rate of installation.
US08141878B2	Rolling target device The rolling target device includes a base and an upstanding target window frame disposed at one end of the base. The target window frame has an opening for displaying a printed target. The opposite end of the base includes a clamp for holding a roll of paper. A selective printing assembly is disposed in the base and operatively connected to a paper feeding assembly such that discreet portions of the paper web may be printed with a desired target design and fed through the target window to expose the target design at the cutout. The printing assembly includes interchangeable printing stamps of various designs that may be selectively attached to a printing platen. The paper roll may be paper towels or toilet paper.
US08141876B2	Ball assembly A soccer ball assembly (10) includes a central mounting core (14) defining thirty-two holes and thirty-two construction elements which are mountable to the central mounting core in an arrangement wherein the construction elements extend radially outwardly therefrom. Twenty of the constructions are hexagonal elements (18) which are hexagonal in cross-section and twelve are pentagonal elements (16) which are pentagonal in cross-section. Each construction element has a spigot formation at an inner end thereof which fits into a different one of the holes in the mounting core (14). In the fully assembled condition, the soccer ball assembly resembles a soccer ball.
US08141872B2	Printing apparatus having discharge speed control A printing apparatus comprises: a first paper discharge roller unit 411 and a second paper discharge roller unit 412 which are configured to transport a print sheet to a discharge port; a upper transportation roller unit 401 configured to transport the print sheet to the first paper discharge roller unit 411; a drive control unit 302 configured to determine a transportation speed; an upper side paper discharge drive unit 270 configured to drive both the paper discharge roller units at the determined transportation speed after starting transportation of the print sheet until the print sheet leaves the upper transportation roller unit 401, and drive both the paper discharge roller units at a discharge speed which is determined independently from the transportation speed until the print sheet leaves the second paper discharge roller unit 412.
US08141870B2	Methods for moving a media sheet within an imaging device A method for moving a media sheet within an imaging device includes moving a media sheet along a media path past a predetermined point PP on the media path by rotating a roller. After moving the media sheet past the point PP, a processor monitors whether a performance attribute of a component of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined criteria. After the performance attribute of the component of the imaging device satisfies the predetermined criteria, the media sheet is entered into a feed nip in a substantially deskewed alignment.
US08141866B2	Sheet material feeding device and recording apparatus A paper feeding device having a paper cassette configured to support a plurality of the papers in a stacked manner, a separating bevel having an inclined plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a supporting surface of the paper cassette and configured to separate the paper coming into abutment with the inclined plane, a pickup roller configured to feed the paper toward the separating bevel by coming into contact with the topmost paper from among the papers supported by the paper cassette and being rotated thereon, and a space forming unit configured to form a space S for letting part of the paper to escape in the feeding direction on part of the inclined plane in the area opposing the pickup roller in the feeding direction is employed.
US08141865B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus with different separating and suctioning operational timings A sheet feeding device includes an air separating unit includes a floating air blowing unit and a separating air blowing unit that blow air to leading edges of a bundle of sheets in a paper feeding direction to float and separate upper sheets, and a side air blowing unit that blows air to both side edges of the sheet bundle to separate each of the sheets in the bundle, an air suctioning unit that suctions the air to suction a top sheet thus separated, a sheet feeding unit that feeds the sheet thus suctioned and retained, and a control unit that controls to blow floating air, to blow separating air, to blow side air, and to suction the air all at different operational timings.
US08141864B2	Recording-medium feeding device A recording-medium feeding device feeds a recording medium by separating loaded recording media sheet by sheet. An air outlet blows air to the recording media from a lateral side with respect to a direction of feeding the recording-medium. The air outlet is formed cross a recording-medium feeding plane, such that an upper edge in an upstream of the recording-medium feeding direction is higher than an upper edge in a downstream of the recording-medium feeding direction.
US08141862B2	Sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming system A sheet post-processing apparatus including: an open-close door; a stapler which executes a staple processing to a bundle of sheets; a staple jam detection section which detects a staple jam; a stapler moving section which moves the stapler to an access position disposed close to the open-close door; a stacker which holds the bundle of sheets to be stapled; a sheet sensor which detects whether a sheet exist on the stacker; and a controller which controls the stapler moving section, wherein when the staple jam detection section detects a staple jam, the controller controls to operate the stapler moving section to move the stapler from a home position to the access position, and wherein, when the sheet sensor detects the sheet on the stacker, the controller prohibits to move the stapler to the access position.
US08141857B2	Clamping device for workpieces with different sizes A clamping device for clamping a workpiece includes a support member, sliding members and a rotating member. The support member is configured for supporting the workpiece. The support member defines cutouts in a periphery thereof. The sliding members each is positioned in one of the cutouts. Each of the sliding members has a cam pin. The rotating member is rotatable relative to the support member. The rotating member defines cam slots on top thereof. The cam pins are received in the cam slots and slidable in the cam slots. Positions of the sliding members are changeable along radial directions of the support member when the rotating member is rotated.
US08141856B2	Pallet loader and manipulator A pallet load stand and manipulator allows a pallet to receive a workpiece and the workpiece to be clamped to the pallet while the pallet is in a horizontal position. Once the workpiece has been clamped to the pallet, the pallet may be rotated to a vertical position so that the pallet may be loaded onto a machine tool that operates on a workpiece with the pallet in the vertical position. The pallet may also be rotated to an intermediate position, similar to an artist's easel, in which the pallet is held in an inclined position, between the horizontal and vertical positions by positive locating assemblies and positive stops.
US08141849B1	Valve body and seal assembly A valve body and seal assembly comprises a valve body symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and comprising a circumferential seal retention groove and a frusto-conical valve body impact area for contacting a valve seat. An elastomeric seal is cast-in-place in the circumferential seal retention groove. Each seal comprises first and second seal sections in contact via an intra-seal interface, the interface simultaneously extending radially outward and longitudinally. First seal sections may comprise a first polyurethane having a higher modulus than a second polyurethane of which second seal sections may be comprised. First seal sections are cast and partially cured in a mold which is rotating about the longitudinal axis. Second seal sections are cast after the first seal sections are partially cured, resulting in the intra-seal interface shape described above. Cross-linking between first and second seal sections across the intra-seal interface is thus facilitated.
US08141848B2	Piston with integral seals for a water softener control valve A piston for a control valve of a water treatment apparatus includes a body having a central portion from which at least one flange projects radially outward. Each flange has an outer peripheral surface extending around the central portion with an annular groove therein. The annular groove is undercut thereby having a width that increases from the peripheral surface radially inward into the flange. A separate sealing ring is molded into the groove of each flange and is captivated therein by the undercut of the groove. That captivation better enables each sealing ring to resist forces produced by the water flowing through the control valve without becoming dislodged from the flange.
US08141846B2	Vacuum sealing system and device An apparatus for a gate valve between chambers includes a valve housing defining a flow path. A male valve portion is rotatable on a fixed axis in the housing. The male valve portion including a first male mating surface positioned at a first angle less than perpendicular to the axis. A female valve portion is fixed in the valve housing for receiving the male portion. The female valve portion including a first female mating surface positioned at a second angle matching the first angle. An o-ring seals the male valve portion to the female valve portion when the male valve portion is rotated into the female valve portion. A polished surface contacts the o-ring when the male valve portion is rotated. When the male valve portion is rotated into the female valve portion the o-ring is compressed thereby sealing the gate valve and closing the flow path.
US08141845B2	Fuel cell supply having fuel compatible materials The present invention is directed to a fuel cell supply for a fuel cell having an outer casing, a liner member containing methanol, and a valve component comprising a valve body member and a slidable body member disposed inside the valve body member. The slidable body member is normally biased toward a valve seat surface to seal the valve component and the slidable body member can be moved away from the valve seat surface to open the valve component. The liner member, the valve body member and the slidable body member are made from at least two different materials and wherein at least one of the members compatible with methanol. Hence, each component can be selected from material(s) that is substantially optimal for its function in the fuel supply.
US08141844B2	Flow rate accuracy of a fluidic delivery system Improving the accuracy of the flow rate of a valve in a fluidic delivery device in which a desired flow rate may be achieved by varying the duty cycle of the valve. The flow rate of fluid delivery from the valve over its lifetime is stabilized by minimizing the voltage OPENING time of the valve to account for valve and piezoelectric actuator drift. Also, the valve OPENING time of one or more fluidic parameters that impact on the flow rate delivery by the valve and differ among fluidic delivery devices is compensated to optimize the flow rate accuracy.
US08141840B2	Compact support system using low aspect ratio composite tensile support bands A support system comprising a number of racetrack-shaped tensile support bands (22) held in tension between a supported article and a supporting article, respective curved end portions of each tensile support band being retained by respective mounting points (30) mounted on respective surfaces of the supported article and the supporting article, respectively. At least one of the tensile support bands is arranged so that the curved end portions lie in a plane substantially parallel to the surface upon which the respective mounting point is mounted; and at least one mounting point is a monolithic mounting point having a curved surface (32) which is complementary to an inner curved surface of an end of the tensile support band.
US08141837B2	Vehicle support apparatus An improved vehicle support apparatus, also referred to as a hub stand, for use with a vehicle. Certain aspects of the invention include a vertically disposed plate-like body or hub plate (20) which is adapted to receive a vehicle hub. In one embodiment, the plate-like body defines a plurality of openings (e.g. 21, 22) adapted to receive a vehicle hub and/or hub bolt. In certain aspects, the plate-like body is vertically adjustable and/or slidably received between clamp members. In another aspect, the plate-like body has openings adapted to receive pins, rods or bolts, and a clamp member has corresponding openings adapted to receive pins, rods or bolts, whereby the hub plate may be adjusted vertically relative to a vehicle.
US08141835B2	Display panel driving mechanism for electronic device A display panel driving mechanism for electronic device supports a lower side of a display panel (1), which is arranged on a front plane of an electronic device, to be freely turned around a first shaft (5a) which moves by following a slider (4) driven in to and fro directions. The mechanism shifts a second shaft (9a), which is provided on a member (9) attached on an upper side of the display panel (1), along a guide groove (2a) provided on a member (2) fixed to a case.
US08141833B1	Connector for connecting grilles to doors A connector for connecting a grille to a door. The connector can include a first plate connected to a second plate at a right angle. A first tubular can extend at a right angle from the first plate for inserting into a door insert frame, such as in a screw boss. The first tubular can have a hole for receiving a fastener and fastening the connector to a door. A second tubular can be disposed proximate an intersection of the first plate and the second plate. The second tubular can have a hole extending at a right angle to the hole of the first tubular for receiving a pin that can be used to connect a grille to the connector.
US08141828B2	Insert plate leveling An assembly comprises a support table including a support table orifice; a insert plate within the support table orifice; and at least one mounting and leveling apparatus. The mounting and leveling apparatus comprises a clamp screw; at least two leveling screws; at least one mounting screw; and a mounting bracket that defines a first threaded hole that threadably engages the clamp screw, a second hole that receives the at least one mounting screw and a third set of threaded holes that each threadably engages one of the at least two leveling screws. The clamp screw pulls the insert plate towards the mounting bracket when tightened. The at least one mounting screw couples the mounting bracket to the support table. The at least two leveling screws are independently adjustable to allow a top surface of the insert plate to be precisely aligned with a top surface of the support table.
US08141827B2	Tripod structure of stand Provided is a tripod structure of a stand, which is combined on a central post of the stand and allows the leg units of the stand to be folded, and includes: an upper tripod unit having a central post orifice and at least three leg unit connection parts evenly arranged at the outer periphery of the central post and formed with at least an accessory part, wherein the upper tripod unit is fastened at a preset location of the central post of the stand via the central post orifice, and each leg unit of the stand is respectively hinged with each leg unit connection part; and a lower tripod unit having a post plug and at least three moveable support rod connection parts evenly arranged at the outer periphery of the post plug, and each moveable support rod connection part is correspondingly formed with a leg unit buckling part and formed with at least an accessory part, wherein the post plug is installed at the distal end of the central post of the stand, and hinged to the leg unit and the moveable support rod connection part through a support rod, such that the leg units can be folded and respectively buckled with each corresponding leg unit buckling part.
US08141819B2	Modular aircraft with removable spar Methods and apparatus for aircraft according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a fuselage and a wing. The fuselage may be configured to generate lift in response to airflow over the fuselage. In addition, the fuselage may have at least one hole defined therethrough. A spar may be disposed through the hole and extend into at least a portion of the wing and at least a portion of the fuselage. The spar may connect the fuselage to the wings.
US08141817B2	Turbojet suspended from an aircraft mast A turbojet suspended from an aircraft mast is disclosed. The turbojet includes a front fan, an intermediate casing downstream of the fan with an outer shroud and a hub connected together by radial arms, and an exhaust casing with an outer shroud, the two casings being aligned on one and the same axis XX. The mast includes a structural strut assembly of elongated shape. The strut assembly is attached upstream rigidly to the outer shroud of the intermediate casing by a front attachment including a device for transmitting the axial and lateral forces and downstream by a rear attachment to the exhaust casing.
US08141816B2	AFT inlet duct mounted door actuator An inlet door system including an aft inlet duct mounted door actuator providing RAM air to an auxiliary power unit (APU) contained within an aircraft is provided. The inlet door system includes an inlet duct, the aft inlet duct mounted door actuator, and a door. The inlet duct is configured to extend from the auxiliary power unit to the aircraft housing and has a sidewall that defines a flow passage. The door actuator is mounted to an exterior surface of the aft portion of the inlet duct. The door is coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively rotate the door between at least a first position and a second position.
US08141815B1	Wing strut trailing edge device Apparatus and methods provide for a wing strut having a trailing edge device that is selectively deployable to create aerodynamic lift. Aspects of the disclosure provide a wing strut that is attached to an aircraft fuselage at one end and the aircraft wing at the opposite end. A trailing edge device is attached to the trailing edge of the wing strut. According to various embodiments, the trailing edge device may taper from a maximum chord length at the fuselage, to a minimum chord length near the wing attachment location in order to minimize the effect of the strut on the airflow around the wing. For the same reason, one aspect provides for a change in camber of the wing strut and trailing edge device from a substantially symmetric airfoil at the fuselage to a negatively cambered airfoil near the wing.
US08141812B2	Multiple drive-path transmission with torque-splitting differential mechanism A transmission for a rotary-wing aircraft has a differential torque-splitting mechanism associated with an input shaft. The differential has a drive disk coaxial with the shaft and integral in rotation with the shaft, a first driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk, and a second driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk. At least one pin engages each of the drive disk, the first driven member, and the second driven member. The first driven member is configured to drive a first transfer gear, and the second driven member is configured to drive a second transfer gear for supplying torque to a bull gear associated with a rotor mast.
US08141810B2	Apparatus for winding a paper web An apparatus is disclosed for winding a paper web from a rotatable drum onto a driven spool which supports a reel. The apparatus includes a frame which includes a base having a first and a second end. A stand extends from the first end of the base for rotatably supporting the drum so that the paper web is guided by the drum. A further stand extends from the second end of the base. A carriage is slidably supported by the base such that sliding of the carriage between the first and second ends of the base is permitted. A moving device extends between the carriage and the further stand for moving the carriage relative to the drum. A reel in position control device is controllably connected to the moving device for selectively moving the carriage towards and away from the drum. The arrangement is such that when the reel supported by the driven spool is mounted on the carriage and the paper web is guided by the drum onto the reel, the paper web is controllably wound onto the core.
US08141808B2	Seat belt device A retractor including a spindle for winding a seat belt; a frame for rotatably supporting the spindle; a winding spring for biasing the rotation of the spindle in the direction of winding the seat belt; and a magnetic disc and a magnet sensor unit for detecting the rotation of the spindle. The magnetic disc and the magnet sensor unit are disposed between the frame and the winding spring, and are each made of a magnetic material. Hence, the seat belt device can be less affected by a disturbance magnetic field and can detect the rotation of the spindle at high reliability.
US08141806B2	Seatbelt apparatus for vehicle A seat belt apparatus for a vehicle including: a belt reel; a emergency locking retractor which performs a mechanical locking of the belt reel so as not to rotate in a direction of unwinding a webbing when an unstable behavior of the vehicle is detected by a vehicle condition detection device, and then automatically release the locking if the belt reel rotates in a direction of winding the webbing greater than or equal to a predetermined amount; and a locking continuity determination device which determines whether or not the locking continues after the emergency locking retractor performs the locking based on the vehicle condition and variation of the rotational position of the belt reel, wherein a control device makes a driving motor rotate so as to release the locking if the locking continuity determination device determines the locking continues for greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of time.
US08141803B2	Roller mill for grinding particulate material A roller mill (1) for grinding particulate material such as cement raw materials, cement clinker, coal and similar materials, said roller mill (1) comprising a substantially horizontal grinding table (3) and a set of rollers revolving about a vertical shaft (5); said set of rollers comprising a number of rollers (4) rotatable about respective roller axes and being connected via a roller bearing (16) and a roller shaft (6) to the vertical shaft (5), and said set of rollers (4) being configured for interactive operation with the grinding table (3) for application of pressure to the particulate material; characterized in that each roller bearing (16) across its entire axial extent is axially located radially towards the vertical shaft (5) inwardly of the location of the resulting force from the grinding zone imposed upon the respective roller, in use.
US08141802B2	Brush chipper A control mechanism for the feed of a brush chipper is disclosed. A lower feed stop bar, located under a feed table, pivots on a pivot axis located below and toward the brush chipper from the control bar of the lower feed stop bar. The center of gravity of the lower feed stop bar, then, tends to pivot the lower feed stop bar away from the feed disengage position. Hence, nuisance trips due to vibration, impact of brush on the table, etc., are reduced.
US08141801B2	Method for a continuous dry milling operation of a vertical grinding mill and vertical grinding mill A vertical grinding mill is provided including a closed vertical milling container in which a screw conveyor is arranged for rotary drive so as to convey grinding bodies to the top. The package of grinding bodies adjusts itself during operation such that the surface thereof is configured to slope radially outwards and downwards and to end in the region of the bottom edge of an outlet for grinding stock. Gas is introduced into the milling container above the package of grinding bodies. The gas and grinding stock are discharged from the milling container via the outlet for grinding stock.
US08141799B2	Process for wholegrain-conditioning of brewer's cereal grains used in beer production The invention relates to a process for whole-grain conditioning, in particular of native and malted brewing cereals. To improve the mashing process and to increase the number of brews and product quality, the brewing cereals are conditioned and subsequently fed to a hulling and/or mechanical comminution process.
US08141797B2	Rotary atomizer for particulate paints A rotary atomizer applies particulate paints with good color matching by reducing paint droplet size deviation and then optimizing the other paint spraying parameters. Paint droplet size parameters are reduced by using a bell cup having reduced flow deviations, including an overflow surface having a generally constant angle between a deflector and an atomizing edge.
US08141792B2	Pressure controller, valve having pressure controller, and fuel cell equipped with valve having pressure controller A set pressure controller capable of easily controlling the pressure, releasing a load in an environment at a predetermined temperature or higher and allowing for the formation of a compact structure, a valve having the pressure controller, and a fuel cell equipped with the valve having the pressure controller are provided. The pressure controller includes a movable part to be driven by a differential pressure, wherein the pressure controller is attachable to the valve. The pressure controller attached to the valve provides the movable part with a predetermined displacement to control the set pressure.
US08141787B2	Contactless communication device The invention relates to a device comprising a first inductive antenna and a plurality of chips, each comprising an integrated circuit and a second inductive antenna used to power and communicate with said integrated circuit. According to the invention, one chip amongst the plurality of chips is capable of being connected to first inductive antenna. In addition, the device comprises a third inductive antenna which is inductively coupled to each of the second antennas of the plurality of chips.
US08141782B2	Dual-use media card connector for backwards compatible holographic media card A card connector which can interchangeably couple a holographic memory card or an electronic memory card to a card reader and/or writer which can then read and/or write to the coupled holographic memory card or electronic memory card. The card connector comprises: a memory card receiving section which can interchangeably receive the holographic memory card or the electronic memory card; and one or more card positioning members which cooperate with one or more card locating members on the coupled holographic memory card or the coupled electronic memory card to thereby repeatedly position the coupled holographic memory card or the coupled electronic memory card each time the holographic memory card or the electronic memory card is coupled to the card reader and/or writer, and is in a fully inserted card position, so that data can be read from and/or written to the coupled holographic memory card or the coupled electronic memory card.
US08141774B2	Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from user cards to accept checks and dispense cash to authorized machine users. The machine can compare image data and magnetic data obtained from a check to determine the genuineness of the check. The machine can also determine whether a machine user is authorized to exchange a check for cash. A cash dispenser can be operated to dispense cash to a machine user in exchange for a deposited check. The machine dispenses the cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.
US08141773B2	Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read card data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser and the machine carries out transaction functions for consumers including dispensing cash. Responsive to a diagnostic article being in operative connection with the machine a servicer interface of the machine may selectively output textual indicia included in service manuals. Servicers may also selectively conduct diagnostic activities at a servicer interface and a consumer interface on the machine.
US08141771B2	Packaging carton box structure A packaging carton box structure includes a first sheet and a second sheet, and a pre-tearing portion is disposed on a first side plate of the first sheet. After the first sheet and the second sheet are bent, an object is packaged, and then, after the packaged object is placed on a placement plane, the pre-tearing portion is torn, so as to take out the object along a direction parallel to the placement plane, which is time-saving and labor-saving, and further prevents the object from falling off to result in damages when being taken out.
US08141770B2	Conductive ball mounting method and surplus ball removing apparatus A surplus ball removing apparatus including a substrate stage, a substrate including a connection pad, a mask with opening to supply conductive ball onto the substrate, a surplus ball adhering head for removing surplus ball mounted on the substrate, adhering head moving system, an image processing portion, an adhesive material stage, and a ball recovering stage.
US08141766B1	Automatic soldering system An automatic soldering system includes a conveyance mechanism, a vehicle, a first part assembling mechanism, a first soldering mechanism, a turn-over mechanism, a second part assembling mechanism, a second soldering mechanism, and a control system. The vehicle is conveyed by the conveyor mechanism for carrying a workpiece. The first part assembling mechanism and the first soldering mechanism assemble and solder a first part to the primary workpiece carried by the vehicle. The turn-over mechanism turns the vehicle that is conveyed by the conveyor mechanism and carries the primary workpiece having the first part assembled thereto by a predetermined angle. The second part assembling mechanism and the second soldering mechanism assemble and solder and position a second part to the primary workpiece. The control system is electrically connected to and thus controls the first part and second part assembling mechanisms, the first and second soldering mechanisms, and the turn-over mechanism.
US08141762B2	Surgical stapler comprising a staple pocket A surgical stapler can comprise an anvil comprising a staple pocket formed in a tissue contacting surface. The staple pocket can comprise a longitudinal axis, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup. The first forming cup can comprise a first interior sidewall comprising a first vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The second forming cup can comprise a second interior sidewall comprising a second vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The first vertical portion and the second vertical portion can extend through the longitudinal axis, wherein the first interior sidewall and the second interior sidewall can comprise a trap for deforming a first staple leg of a staple to a first side of the longitudinal axis and for deforming a second staple leg of the staple to a second side of the longitudinal axis.
US08141761B2	Setting device, method and apparatuses for feeding fastening elements The present invention discloses a feed apparatus, a feed channel and a setting device, that is used in connection with these specific apparatuses. The feed apparatus uses either a strip magazine or a rotary magazine. The feeding of the fastening elements proceeds stepwise using a movable slide, where with use of the rotary magazine a simultaneous loading and unloading of the rotary magazine at different positions is guaranteed.
US08141760B2	Hitch-mounted carrier Hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks, are set forth herein. One carrier includes a height member, an insert arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations, and at least one support arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations. Means for coupling insert arm to a tow hitch, for locking insert arm at storage and use configurations, and for locking support arm(s) at storage and use configurations are included. Insert arm is configured for insertion in tow hitch and has a wedge aperture. An attaching element is coupled to support arm(s) for removably attaching a device to support arm(s). A wedge is adjacent wedge aperture, and means are included for moving wedge between a first position generally flush with or inside insert arm and a second position extending outside insert arm to dampen wobble between insert arm and tow hitch.
US08141756B2	Crown-type sizer for a hanger The crown-type sizer is mounted on a plastic hanger which includes a body and a hook that extends angularly upwards from the mid-point of the body. The sizer is characterized in having a peripheral wall that defines two open bases to allow the sizer to pass over the hook and at least one protruding boss on an inner part of wall to engage itself onto the hanger and thus block the sizer onto said hanger in a stable manner.
US08141754B2	Pressurized fluid dispenser A pressurized fluid dispenser includes a base unit and a reservoir. The base unit includes a pump and a battery compartment including electrical contacts electrically connected with the pump. The reservoir is supported by and selectively removable from the base unit. The reservoir includes an internal compartment that is in fluid communication with the pump when the reservoir is connected to the base unit. A female panel mount for an electrically operated unit is also disclosed.
US08141748B2	Dispenser related technology A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a dispensing button unit moves, in a plane perpendicular to a surface of a door, between a stored position and an extended position. The dispensing button unit is configured to, in the extended position, control dispensing of content through the dispenser outlet in response to application of force to the dispensing button unit. The refrigerator also includes a driving unit that moves the dispensing unit from the received position to the dispensing position in response to user input and moves, in the plane to perpendicular to the surface of the door and simultaneously with moving the dispensing unit, the dispensing button unit from the stored position to the extended position in response to the user input.
US08141745B2	Ejection device An ejection device for a mass-containing package (12) includes at least one piston rod (16) having a toothing (17) extending along its longitudinal extent, and a drive unit (21; 41) for displacing the at least one piston rod (16) and having at least one gear wheel (24; 44) engageable with the toothing (17) of the at least one piston rod (16) and displaceable from a first position, in which it engages the toothing (17) of the at least one piston rod (16), to a position in which it is disengaged from the toothing (17) of the at least one piston rod, and a drive motor (22) for driving the at least one gear wheel (24; 44).
US08141743B1	Dumpster lid support system A tube assembly has a main body portion in a cylindrical configuration with upper and lower ends. The tube assembly includes an upper component having a downwardly extending section received within the upper end of the main body portion. The upper component has an upwardly extending section and a transitional section coupling the upwardly and downwardly extending sections. The tube assembly includes a lower component having an upwardly projecting section received within the lower end of the main body portion and downwardly projecting sections. The lower component has an intermediate section with opposed ends coupled to the downwardly projecting sections and a center coupled to the upwardly projecting section.
US08141740B2	Portable container A portable container system having a container body, including an external housing of a durable material and an internal liner constructed of a crystalline ceramic material is provided. A portion of the internal liner extends above the external housing through an open-ended housing cavity.
US08141736B2	Filler cap tether A filler cap tether includes attachment portions on both ends of a string-like member, of which one end-side attachment portion is connected to a filler cap to be removably mounted on an oil feeding port whereas the other end-side attachment portion is connected to the vehicle body-side corresponding portion. The filler cap tether includes a disengagement portion for permitting the filler cap and the vehicle body-side corresponding portion to enter into a disconnected state when a load with a predetermined value or above is applied.
US08141735B2	Container for holding foodstuffs The invention relates to a novel container (1) for holding foodstuffs. The container is of the type used for a holding bulk food product to be dispensed by a self serving customer in the bulk food section of a supermarket or health food establishment. The container includes a self closing lid (2) and is specially shaped to avoid the existence of a “dead space” which can lead to product in that portion becoming stale.
US08141734B2	Induction actuation container with rechargeable power supply A container includes a container body having a receiving cavity and a container opening communicating with the receiving cavity, a cover panel movably coupled mounted at the container opening to fold between a closed position and an opened position, and an induction actuation system. The induction actuation system includes an actuation unit to automatically drive the cover panel moving between the closed position and the opened position in responsive to a presence of a user and a power recharging arrangement which includes a battery unit detachably supported by the container body, wherein the battery unit is mounted at the container body to electrically connect to the actuation unit for resuming proper operation thereof and is detached from the container body for recharging purpose.
US08141729B2	Convertible closure for a container Convertible closure for a container includes an outer closure member having a first child-resistant portion on an inner surface, a first inner closure member having an inner surface arranged to engage with a neck of the container and a second child-resistant portion arranged to selectively engage with the first child-resistant portion on the outer closure member, and a second inner closure member arranged to engage with both the outer closure member and the first inner closure member. The selective engagement of the first and second child-resistant portion is designed so that when engaged, the closure has a non-child resistant configuration (only grasping and rotation of the outer closure member is sufficient to twist the closure out of engagement with the container) and when not engaged therewith, the closure has a child-resistant configuration (grasping, rotation and downward pressure is required to remove the closure from engagement with the container).
US08141725B2	Jib crane A jib crane which can prevent an unexpected movement of a burden and can sufficiently ensure the safety of a burden handling work is disclosed. The jib crane has hoisting wire ropes for lifting and landing a hook, derricking wire ropes for derricking operation of a jib, and a conversion device for fixing tips of the wire ropes to a revolving frame of a revolving table. The conversion device has a V-shaped link pivotally supported on a bearing bracket via a pivot pin. The tips of the wire ropes are connected to paired link arms of the V-shaped link.
US08141723B2	Inverted cell honeycomb structure shelving A shelf panel for support of items made of an array of honeycomb-shaped cells, alternatively closed at opposite ends to create an array. The thickness of the honeycomb cells may be varied along an arch distribution with the shape of contemplated deformations. The array of honeycomb cells may be surrounded by a ring of alternatively configured cells to create regularly shaped shelf panels. The surrounding cells of a second thickness allow for possible stacking between two shelf panels including a cylindrical corner cell with a top cylinder able to accommodate a bottom cylinder from a second shelf panel. The surrounding cells may also include a wedge of the same geometry as the selected cell where part of the wedge is inserted in the cell and the other part of the wedge is a mechanical fixation means. Some circumferential cells may be adapted to be either a male or female interlocks allowing for two or more shelf panels to be interlocked if they are disposed adjacent each other on a same plane.
US08141719B2	Carousel for display and sale of goods A carousel for display of elongated merchandise comprising a lower pole, a center pole and an upper pole which fit together, a rotatable cylindrical sleeve mounted on the center pole, the sleeve having two hubs, one hub attached to each end of the sleeve, each hub having a plurality of cone shaped recesses for receiving a product holder, a clam shell product holder having a portion adapted to hold an elongated product, the clam shell holder having a cone shaped member which fits into the cone shaped recesses.
US08141718B2	Separation device A separation device for the separation of constituents of different density, in particular of a fluid fed from a well hole, exhibits a container in which the fluid at least partially after entry via a feed line is separated into its constituents using centrifugal force in the radial direction and/or using gravitational force in the vertical direction. To improve this type of separation device such that it can be constructed more compact and in a constructively more simple manner and also that it simultaneously can reliably enable separation of all constituents and their removal from the separation device, a classifier device is arranged in a lower section of the container interior, which at least exhibits one discharge line, extending radially outwards, for the discharge of the fluid into the container interior and delivery lines, joined to the container interior at different levels in the vertical direction, for the separated fluid constituents.
US08141715B2	Sifting screen Attachment apparatus by which a sifting screen is mounted to a tension rail of a shaker machine. The apparatus includes a portion of the sifting screen wherein a hem at the periphery thereof has a thickness smaller than that of an interior portion of the sifting screen. The hem portion further includes a wire cloth array which is cast in the hem portion. A shroud includes upper and lower segments which are folded back on each other. A hinge edge is thereby defined. Facing surfaces of the upper and lower segments of the shroud sandwich the hem portion of the sifting screen therebetween. Means are provided to inhibit movement of the facing surfaces across engaged surfaces of the hem portion.
US08141709B2	Packaging unit with protective section A packaging unit having two planar elements arranged on each other to form, by virtue of being spaced apart in certain regions, a closed chamber and that are joined to each other in a collar region encircling the chamber, the collar region being bounded by an outer edge. The chamber has, for controlled dispensing of a medium stored therein, a tapering extending into a detachable section that is detachable from the collar region and on which a predetermined break line intersecting the tapering is provided for creating an opening at the tapering. Provision is made that the detachable section is bounded by a material weakening that is recessed at a distance from the outer edge into the collar region and separates the detachable section from a protective section of the collar region that covers the detachable section toward the outer edge.
US08141707B2	Reconfigurable package for confectionery products A package for storing and dispensing a consumable product is provided. The package can be easily constructed from a suitable blank of material and can be composed of first and second compartments hingedly and detachably secured to each other. The package has an initially unopened configuration where the first and second compartments define a substantially common plane. The package is openable from the initially unopened configuration by relative movement of the first and second compartments about the hinge. The package is reconfigurable to either of first and second closed configurations after the initial opening. In the first closed configuration the first and second compartments define a substantially common plane and in the second closed configuration the first and second compartments define spaced apart substantially parallel planes. A blank for a package, a method of making the package and a method of reconfiguring the package are also disclosed.
US08141698B2	Coupling arrangement and system for continuous haulage conveyor A connector, and coupling system, for portions of a belt for a conveyor system. A connector (10),(60) has inter-cooperating releasable coupling portions (11),(12),(61),(62). These can be provided at respective ends of edge portions of a conveyor belt to be coupled. The releasable coupling portion (male/female) of one belt portion is arranged to releasably couple to the corresponding respective coupling portion (female/male) for the end of a second belt portion. The connector system permits discrete sections of conveyor belt to be removed and replaced for maintenance or repair, or one or more belt sections to be removed or inserted to shorten or lengthen the belt as required.
US08141697B2	Method and apparatus for transporting caplets A carrier bar for conveying at least one caplet along a predetermined conveyer path includes at least one pocket adapted to receive a caplet. Each pocket includes a longitudinal axis that is angled or offset from a direction of travel of the carrier bar in use. Each caplet includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides.
US08141688B2	Disk brake for vehicle A disk brake for a vehicle, includes: an electric motor which has a motor shaft provided with an armature and which is attached to a caliper body so as to exhibit a power for urging a friction pad toward a disk rotor; and a Hall IC for detecting a rotational angle of the electric motor. The Hall IC is disposed within the electric motor so as to be located on an outer side of a pulser mounted on the motor shaft, and is retained by a motor case of the electric motor and a sensor cover made of a synthetic resin and detachably attached to the motor case. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of parts by eliminating a special sealing measure.
US08141685B2	Elevator apparatus having vibration damping control In an elevator apparatus, an actuator for generating a vibration-damping force against the lateral vibration of a car is provided in parallel to elastic member for preventing the lateral vibration of the car. The actuator is controlled by a vibration-damping control unit. The vibration-damping control unit estimates a natural frequency of the lateral vibration of the car, determines a gain value on the basis of the estimated natural frequency and a rigidity value of the elastic member, and drives the actuator in accordance with an instruction signal obtained by multiplication of the determined gain value.
US08141675B2	Micro-speaker A micro-speaker includes a frame, a case supported by the frame, a sound generator located between the frame and the case. The case has a sound hole and a peripheral plate surrounding the sound hole. The peripheral plate includes an outer surface, an inner surface and an inclining surface extending from the inner surface toward the outer surface.
US08141667B2	Hybrid dinghy pusher A hybrid dinghy pusher for pushing motorhomes is provided. A hybrid vehicle can be connected to a motorhome by a tow bar for towing the hybrid vehicle. When being towed behind a motorhome, the hybrid vehicle can be switched into hybrid dinghy pusher mode. In this mode, during acceleration of the motorhome, the electrical batteries and motors of the hybrid vehicle can provide a propulsive force through the tow bar to the motorhome, which assists the motorhome in accelerating and improves fuel efficiency. Additionally, the dinghy motors can act as generators when appropriate, creating energy which can be stored in batteries for later use during acceleration. The resistance created by the hybrid vehicle can also provide an additional braking force to the motorhome via the tow bar.
US08141662B2	Downhole lubrication system What is claimed is a downhole lubrication system comprising a drill string component comprising an outer diameter and an inner bore. A reservoir may be disposed intermediate the outer diameter and inner bore. A piston may be disposed at least partially within the reservoir. At least one channel may extend from the reservoir to a bearing surface. As drilling fluid is passed through the inner bore, the piston may be pressurized, urging lubricant toward the bearing surface via the at least one channel.
US08141660B2	Excavator apparatus for underground excavation An excavator for underground excavating arranged to perform excavating work with low vibration and low noise. A rotary excavator and an underground excavating method are also provided. The excavator (1) for underground excavating comprises a plurality of bits (42a, . . . ) having the outside diameter smaller than that of the excavator body (2) and advancing/retracting to/from the excavating side, piston case members (22b, . . . ) incorporating pistons (61) for applying a hitting force to respective bits (42a, . . . ) by the energy of working fluid, a section (30) for storing the working fluid being fed to respective piston case members (22b, . . . ), working fluid circulation passages (352) for allowing the working fluid being fed to respective piston case members (22b, . . . ) to pass, and a body of rotation (40) provided with a plurality of holes (4a, . . . ) for allowing the fluid storage section (30) to communicate with the circulation openings (3a, . . . ) of each working fluid circulation passage (352) in order to feed the working fluid from the fluid storage section (30) to the circulation openings (3a, . . . ) of the respective working fluid circulation passages (352).
US08141657B2	Steerable rotary directional drilling tool for drilling boreholes The present invention provides a directional drilling apparatus and method for use in drilling bore holes. The apparatus comprises a plurality of movably mounted cutting elements, wherein the cutting elements are movable between radially retracted and extended cutting positions. A rotary valve is provided for synchronizing the movement of the cutting elements between their respective extended and retracted positions. Control of the directional drilling system is affected by synchronized movement of the cutting elements from an inner to an outer radial position in accordance with the angular position of the drill bit. Means are provided for directing high pressure cutting fluid to the region between the cutting elements and the rotatable body to prevent the accumulation of debris that could prevent movement of the cutting elements. The cutting elements enlarge the bore hole formed by the drill bit, so that the cutting elements continuously engage the wall of the bore hole.
US08141655B2	Hammer having a two part body A tool assembly such as a hammer assembly, includes a housing defining a chamber and a reciprocating piston arranged in the chamber for cyclical movement in a work stroke and a return stroke. The housing includes a lower housing member, an upper housing member and an engaging structure which permits the engagement of the upper housing member with the lower housing member by relative rotation of the upper and lower housing members, such that each of the lower and upper housing members defines a portion of the chamber. The upper housing member is a precision component which contains the hydraulic components or other drive components necessary to drive the piston, while the lower housing member can be manufactured separately since it does not need to be manufactured to the high tolerances required by the upper housing member. The resulting tool assembly may be more compact than a conventional tie rod tool assembly.
US08141652B2	Implement frame with front folding wings and transport wheels An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly.
US08141646B2	Device and method for gas lock detection in an electrical submersible pump assembly A device and method can detect, and also break, an occurrence of gas lock in an electrical submersible pump assembly in a well bore based upon surface or downhole data without the need for operator intervention. To detect an occurrence of gas lock, an instantaneous value is monitored using a sensor. Then a controller compares the instantaneous value to a threshold value over a predetermined duration to thereby detect the occurrence of gas lock in the electrical submersible pump assembly. Sensors can include, for example, a differential pressure gauge, a pressure gage located in a pump stage located toward the inlet, a fluid temperature sensor located toward the discharge, a free gas detector located near the pump discharge, an electrical resistivity gage, a flow meter located within surface production tubing, and a vibration sensor attached to a tubing string to measure a vibration signature.
US08141644B2	System, method, and apparatus for a corrosion-resistant sleeve for riser tensioner cylinder rod A riser tensioner cylinder rod incorporates a thin, corrosion-resistant alloy tube over a pre-machined steel alloy rod. The tube is swedged at one end and expanded to the inner surface of a split die. A gradual tapered surface on a stretching die provides a smooth transition during a stretching process for the tube. A pressurizing vessel traps an outer lip of the pre-swedged tube. Pressurized fluid in the vessel simultaneously causes the tube to expand and force the rod into the tube inner diameter. At the completion of the process, the pressurizing vessel is removed. The stretched tube is parted off at both ends and the stretching die is removed from the rod to complete the assembly.
US08141634B2	Releasing and recovering tool Apparatus and methods for selectively releasing a first wellbore component to a second wellbore component using a disconnect device. The method includes coupling a disconnect device to a workstring and a downhole tool; performing a downhole operation using the downhole tool, and selectively releasing an upper portion of the disconnect device from a lower portion of the disconnect device, thereby releasing the downhole tool from the workstring. The method may also include reconnecting the upper portion of the disconnect device to the lower portion of the disconnect device. The disconnect device is capable of transferring torque to the wellbore component.
US08141633B2	Detecting fluids in a wellbore In one general implementation, a method for identifying fluids in a wellbore includes generating light in a visible spectrum from a light source in a production wellbore; generating light in an ultraviolet spectrum from the light source in the production wellbore; receiving a first fluid in the production wellbore from a subterranean zone; receiving a second fluid in the production wellbore from the subterranean zone; capturing at least one image of a combined flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in at least one of the visible spectrum and the ultraviolet spectrum with an optical receiver in the production wellbore; and distinguishing, at least in part through the image, the first fluid from the second fluid in either or both the visible and ultraviolet spectrums.
US08141632B2	Method for hydraulic fracture dimensions determination A numerical model of a polymer-based fracturing fluid displacement from a fracture and a filtrate zone by a formation fluid is provided for calculating a change of a fracturing fluid concentration in a produced fluid and for calculating a change of a polymer concentration in the recovered fracturing fluid. Throughout the entire fracturing fluid recovery the produced fluid samples are periodically taken from a well mouth. The fracturing fluid concentration and the polymer concentration in the samples are measured. The measurement results are compared with the model calculations and the fracture length and width are determined based on a match of the measurement results and the model calculations.
US08141631B2	Deployment of underground sensors in casing The present disclosure discloses a subsurface formation fluids monitoring system, and a method thereof, integrated on a casing or tubing sub having an inner and an outer surface and defining an internal cavity. The system also includes a sensor mounted on the outer surface and wireless data communication between an interrogating tool located in the internal cavity and the sensor. The system also able to provide fluid communication between the sensor and fluids of the formation with a tool that can be moved through the well to a number of locations.
US08141629B2	Well string centralizer and method of forming Centralizers including at least a portion formed of a first material and at least one end band secured to the first material and formed of a second material. The end band being installed to resist detachment from the portion formed of the first material.
US08141627B2	Expandable mill and methods of use In some embodiments, apparatus useful for cleaning at least part of the interior surface of a cylindrically-shaped member disposed in a subterranean well includes a housing and a plurality of retractable mill blades supported on the housing. The mill blades of such embodiments are capable of cleaning the entire circumference of the interior surface of at least a portion of the cylindrically-shaped member upon reciprocation of the housing.
US08141626B2	Packer-anchoring device A packer-anchoring device between an annular packer and a body, wherein the annular packer is provided, at least at one of its end portions, with an expandable end ring.
US08141625B2	Gas boost circulation system A submersible well pump assembly in a wellbore; the pump assembly includes a liquid lift pump and a booster pump for pumping a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid. A shroud with an opening at its upper end partially encloses the pump assembly. An annulus is formed between the shroud and the wellbore inner circumference. Two phase fluid from the booster pump exits the shroud through a port and flows up the annulus to the shroud opening. Liquid in the two-phase flow separates from the gas and flows into the shroud opening and onto the liquid lift pump. The gas continues to flow up the wellbore, past the shroud opening, to the wellbore entrance.
US08141618B2	Strip casting method for controlling edge quality and apparatus therefor A method of continuously casting metal strip may include assembling a pair of casting rolls having casting surfaces laterally positioned to form a nip therebetween through which thin cast strip may be cast, a metal supply system capable of delivering molten steel above the nip, the casting rolls having a crown shape so that edge portions of the cast strip within 50 millimeters of edge of the cast strip have a higher temperature than the cast strip in center portions of the strip width and controlled edging up, forming a casting pool of molten steel supported on the casting surfaces above the nip and controlling side dams adjacent the ends of the nip to confine the casting pool, and forming a cast strip such that the edge portions of the cast strip within 50 millimeters of each edge of the cast strip is of a higher temperature than the strip in the center portions of the strip width.
US08141617B2	Method and apparatus for sealing an ingot at initial startup A continuous casting furnace for producing metal ingots includes a molten seal which prevents external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. A startup sealing assembly allows an initial seal to be formed to prevent external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber prior to the formation of the molten seal.
US08141614B2	Expanding coupling means for powered window covering An actuator to be inserted in a headrail of a window covering, the actuator comprises a damping body configured to reduce vibrations when the actuator is operating, and an expanding mechanism configured to expand the damping body against the headrail.
US08141611B2	Separation apparatus and separation method A separation apparatus for separating two planar devices bonded together by an adhesive layer is provided. The separation apparatus includes a base, a sliding module, a cutting member, and a positioning stage. The sliding module is mounted on the base. The cutting member is connected to the sliding module and is moveable in a two-dimensional plane with respect to the base by the sliding module for cutting the adhesive layer. The positioning stage is mounted on the base for positioning the planar devices and the adhesive layer therebetween on the base.
US08141604B2	Method of manufacture for wooden gunstocks An improved method for the manufacture of wooden gunstocks comprising the steps of first heat treating the wood and then fashioning the wood into a gunstock, whereby the resulting gunstock is more weather and rot resistant, more stable, and lighter than gunstocks fashioned from untreated wood.
US08141603B2	Variable guide for a gang saw A guide arm for a gang sawmill is provided adjacent to an inlet of a gang saw and is movable about a pivot pin depending on the actual curvature of a cant to adjust (continuously or fixed) the position of an incoming cant to maximize the yield of usable boards produced by the gang saw by moving the cant relative to the saw as a conveyor feeds the cant through the gang saw.
US08141600B2	Fluid dispenser with improved shelving system for accommodating containers of various sizes A paint dispenser for dispensing paint components such as colorants and possibly base into 5 gallon and 1 gallon containers is disclosed. The paint dispenser includes a cabinet for accommodating a plurality of colorant and optionally base canisters in communication with a common dispense outlet. The canisters may be connected to individual pumps which, in turn, are connected to a dispense outlet. A container shelf unit is disposed in front of the cabinet and below the dispense outlet. The shelf unit includes a base including a plurality of rollers particularly suitable for supporting and moving 5 gallon pails of paint. The base is disposed below the dispense outlet a first vertical distance sufficient to permit the 5 gallon cylindrical containers to be disposed on top of the rollers and below the dispense outlet without engaging the dispense outlet. The shelf unit further a pivoting shelf being pivotally connected to the cabinet above the base. The pivoting shelf pivots between a first vertical position where the shelf is flat against the vertical cabinet thereby enabling a 1 gallon pail to be disposed on top of the rollers and below the dispense outlet.
US08141599B2	Expanded color space architectural paint and stain tinting system White-pigmented and unpigmented base paints and stains are custom-tinted using an automated colorant dispenser having a minimum fluid dispensing quantity less than 0.01 fluid ounce (<0.3 cm3) and an array of colorants including a green-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 12 wt. % PG7 pigment, a blue-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 7 wt. % PB15:2 pigment, and a red-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 17 wt. % PR209 pigment. The green-hued or blue-hued colorants are dispensed into the base paint or stain whenever a green-hued or blue-hued tint is required. Light pastel tints in small containers and strong colors in large containers may be prepared without requiring the use of additional colorants having the same general hue and lower color strength.
US08141596B2	Apparatus and method for custom cosmetic dispensing Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.
US08141595B2	Wear side weave pattern of a composite forming fabric A fabric for papermaking includes a first layer side, a second layer side and at least one binder warp yarn pair. The first side layer has a plurality of first weft yarns and a plurality of first warp yarns. The second side layer has a plurality of second weft yarns and a plurality of second warp yarns. The at least one binder warp yarn pair includes a first binder warp yarn pair having a first binder warp yarn and a second binder warp yarn, the first side layer and the second side layer being bound by the first binder warp yarn pair. The first binder warp yarn and the second binder warp yarn exchange the layer to which they are woven at exchange points. A knuckle is formed with the first binder warp yarn and an adjacent first warp yarn, a subsequent adjacent knuckle only being formed with the first binder warp yarn and an opposite adjacent first warp yarn.
US08141594B2	Pipe insulation products and methods A pipe insulation product including a core of insulating material and a roughly rectangular laminate. The core may include an outer surface; an inner surface; and a wall extending between the outer and inner surfaces. The laminate may include a foil or metallized polymeric film sheet, a scrim, a paper media sheet, and a polymeric film sheet bonded together via an adhesive. The laminate may include a closure flap that adhesively seals opposite ends of the laminate together to form a cylindrical tube with the core enclosed therein. The paper media sheet may be between the range of 20 and 40 pounds per 3000 square feet to provide greater closure flap seal integrity without significantly reducing one or more beneficial properties of the laminate.
US08141592B2	System and method for pipe repair A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.
US08141591B2	Plug assembly with moveable mounting members A plug assembly 10 includes a housing 14 and one or more covers 16 coupled to the housing. The plug assembly 10 includes at least one mounting plate 12a, 12b positioned between the housing 14 and the cover 16 for movement relative thereto between an extended position and a retracted position. The plug assembly 10 includes an actuator 17 engageble with the mounting plates 12a, 12b for moving the mounting plates between the extended position and the retracted position in response to a command issued from a controller 62. During operation, the plug assembly 10 is positioned in a conduit 18 and the mounting plates 12a, 12b are moved to the extended position thereby releasably securing the plug assembly at a desired location in the conduit.
US08141590B2	Arrangement for sealing an end section of a tube or of a tubular vessel The invention relates to an arrangement for sealing an end section of a tube or of a tubular vessel with a sealing plate arranged pointing toward the tube, and a front plate arranged pointing away from the tube. A peripheral seal is arranged in the outer region of the plates and is disposed at least partly between the sides which point toward one another. The invention provides an arrangement for sealing an end section of a tube or of a tubular vessel, which prevents passage of a medium either out of or into the vessel. This is achieved by virtue of the arrangement, where on at least one of the sides of the plates pointing toward one another in the sealing region, there is a projection which, when forced by pressure onto the sealing plate, brings about a deformation of the seal in the direction of the inner wall of the tube or tubular vessel. This results in an increase in the sealing action, and by virtue of the tensioning element with which the deformation of the seal, which arises through the pressurization can be maintained in the unpressurized or low-pressurized state of the sealing plate.
US08141588B2	Flow control method and apparatus An apparatus and method for redirecting fluid flow in a plenum provides flow performance (quality), structural, and economic advantages by using an array of flat blades that is mounted at an angle with respect to the inlet (upstream) fluid flow, such that the blades are tilted with respect to that flow and correspondingly redirect the flow in a desired direction. The apparatus, also referred to as a “GSG” or “graduated straightening grid,” has a range of applications, and offers a number of performance, structural, and economic advantages in large-scale applications. As a particular, but non-limiting example, one or more embodiments of the flow-redirecting apparatus taught herein are configured for use in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems where catalytic reactors are used for scrubbing industrial flue gases.
US08141585B2	Rocker type diaphragm valve A rocker type diaphragm valve is disclosed. The diaphragm (428) in the diaphragm valve is asymmetric and the stroke of the diaphragm is offset from the center of the diaphragm. The two sealing surfaces (318, 320) that the diaphragm acts against form two planes that make an angle with respect to ones another. The diaphragm (428) may be fabricated in only one piece. The diaphragm (428) may also be made from a resilient material and shaped in such a way as to create a spring force holding the diaphragm into a default position in the valve.
US08141579B2	Valve with cushioned opening system A valve including a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve stem, a valve seat, an opening control chamber for the valve stem, which chamber, by being fed with fluid, urges the valve stem to move towards the open position of the valve, a return spring of opposing effect, and a piston suitable for sliding in the body so as to urge contact to be established between the valve stem and the seat. The valve seat is formed on the piston, which piston is provided with a bore in which the valve stem is in its closure movement, the fluid flows out via a constriction from a damping chamber.
US08141570B2	System and method for removing foreign particles from semiconductor device A vibration device separates foreign particles from a semiconductor device, and a suction interface of a suction device covers an opening portion of the semiconductor device. A space connected with a vacuum passage and a communication passage is formed between the semiconductor device and the suction interface. The suction device suctions the space, and fresh air is introduced into the space through the communication passage. As a result, a current of air is generated from the communication passage to the vacuum passage, and foreign particles are suctioned and removed from the space.
US08141567B2	Apparatus and method for photoresist removal processing A processing apparatus includes: a tank configured to store water; vapor generating unit configured to turn the water supplied from the tank into vapor; a processing chamber in which vapor supplied from the vapor generating unit is used to remove residues from a workpiece; cooling unit; and filtering unit. The cooling unit cools waste liquid ejected from the processing chamber. The filtering unit is provided between the cooling unit and the tank, and the filtering unit filters the waste liquid cooled in the cooling unit. A processing method includes: supplying vapor into a processing chamber; removing residues from a workpiece using the vapor; cooling waste liquid containing the removed residues to precipitate the residues as solids; and filtering the waste liquid containing the precipitates.
US08141563B2	Tooth brush combination This new and improved tooth brush combination is all one would ever need, the simple design on how and why the rotating flossing head is the only moving part and its simple, to lock in to place when in use and very easy to change when needed, and its location is on the tooth brush bristle head its self, and when not in use the rotating head will simply lay flat down, locks in to place on the tong cleaning section on the back of the tooth brush head, and when brushing your teeth, you will never know that there is a rotating flossing head. And the tooth brush bristle have a special design, with a spring pulling action and little barbs along the bristles that have a natural pulling force so the food and debris are more efficiently pulled from between your teeth and gum area, and all these combinations combined are not by the handle at all, this is the most efficient and friendly germ prevention hygienic tooth brush ever.
US08141559B2	Relating to smoking article filters The invention describes a filter (1) with a first filter portion (6) comprising an adsorbent, for example carbon, and/or a catalyst, capable of reducing various vapor phase constituents of cigarette smoke. The adsorbent/catalyst is separated from a second filter portion by means of a barrier (2) having pores therein of pore size less than 0.1 μm. The invention also describes a smoking article in which a rod of smoking material, with or without encapsulated flavor, is attached to the above described filter.
US08141554B2	Oral prophylactic device It is hereby described an oral prophylactic device constructed of vulcanized natural latex or similar material, having a reinforced edge, a crown-shaped middle portion slightly thinner and a central portion representing a protuberance similar to a nipple (though bigger in size) which is absolutely flexible due to its lower thickness. It allows the practice of oral-vaginal or anal sexual intercourse without any risk of contagion of venereal diseases or AIDS and it also eliminates foul smells.
US08141553B2	Condom applicator device A condom applicator for mounting a condom comprising a first concentric ring having a generally flat outer and inner surface; a second concentric ring positioned outside of the first concentric ring having a generally flat outer and inner surface; a panel connecting both first side edges of the first and second concentric rings; a first notch and a second notch disposed in the second concentric ring for allowing the second concentric ring to be rolled inside out; a third notch and a fourth notch disposed in the first concentric ring for allowing the first concentric ring to be pulled inside out; and a first bump disposed on the inner surface of the second concentric ring or on the outer surface of the first concentric ring for narrowing the space between the first and second concentric ring to help the condom temporarily stay mounted to the condom applicator.
US08141551B2	Mouthpiece and flow rate controller for intrapulmonary delivery devices This invention relates to a therapeutic device and method of administering precisely measured doses of a therapeutic substance via inhalation to pediatric and adult patients. More specifically, the invention relates to a therapeutic device and method of administering inhaled medication which delivers a controlled flow rate to a mouthpiece for administration of medicament to young children and adults with a diminished capacity, at a rate of about 25.8 L/minute to 30.2 L/minute.
US08141550B2	Dispensing device A dispenser includes a dispenser housing, an indicating device connected to the dispenser housing and a container removably engaged with the dispenser housing. The container and the dispenser housing remain connected as the container is moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the dispenser housing. The dispenser housing includes an upper portion pivotally connected to a lower portion.
US08141548B2	Oscillation transfer plate for dampening noise and vibration A vibration dampener including an elastomeric body having a top and bottom surface and a vibration transfer plate provided on the top surface of the elastomeric body. The bottom surface of the elastomeric body can be provided with a mounting base and is for being mounted to an object to be vibration controlled.
US08141534B2	Methods and systems for assisted direct start control Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method includes, during a first condition, engaging an engine starter, without applying a starter current, to the deactivated rotating engine after the engine speed drops below a threshold speed. The method further includes, during a second condition, engaging the starter and adjusting a starter motor switch to apply a starter braking torque to the rotating engine.
US08141530B2	Rocker arm A rocker arm configured to be supported by a support portion of an internal-combustion engine and to be driven in a swinging manner by a cam. The rocker arm includes a rocker arm body including a cam follower having a first slide-contact surface, wherein the first slide-contact surface is in sliding contact with the cam, a fulcrum portion including a second slide-contact surface, wherein the second slide-contact surface swingably is in sliding contact with respect to the support portion, and a lubricant discharging portion for biasing a lubricant supplied from the fulcrum portion in a direction toward the first slide-contact surface and discharging the lubricant. The fulcrum portion penetrates the rocker arm and is fastened to the rocker arm body. The fulcrum portion has a through hole supplying the lubricant to the lubricant discharging portion through the rocker arm body.
US08141529B2	Valve timing control apparatus A valve timing control apparatus includes a locking mechanism having a locking member disposed in an accommodating portion formed in one of a drive-side rotor and a driven-side rotor and projectable into and retractable from the other rotor than the one rotor having the accommodating portion and a locking groove defined in the other rotor for receiving and retaining the locking member projecting therein, the locking mechanism for restraining a relative rotational phase when the locking member is retained within the locking groove. The apparatus further includes a restricting mechanism having a restricting member disposed within the accommodating portion and projectable into and retractable from the other rotor to be movable relative to and together with the locking member in a projecting/retracting direction of the locking member and a restricting groove defined in the form of an elongate slot in the other rotor for receiving the restricting member projecting therein, the restricting mechanism restricting the relative rotational phase within a predetermined range when the restricting member projects into the restricting groove.
US08141525B2	V-type engine In a V-type engine in which first and second banks arranged in a V-shape are provided continuously to a crankcase, and in which a carburetor is placed at a valley between the first and second banks, the carburetor is placed spaced from the first and second banks. Further, the carburetor is connected to intake ports of the first and second banks via first and second intake pipes, respectively, and first and second heat shield plates each made of synthetic resin are attached to side faces of the respective first and second banks, the side faces facing the carburetor, each of the first and second heat shield plates covering a corresponding one of the side faces and defining a cooling air passage between the heat shield plate and the side face. Accordingly, it is possible to surely prevent heat from the banks from affecting the carburetor in order to prevent percolation in the carburetor even in the case where the engine stops its operation in a high-temperature state.
US08141522B2	Scent distributing decorative stone A molded decorative yard stake having a basin for containing an animal attractant and a cover removeably locking in place over, and sufficiently spaced from, the basin to permit gradual aerosolization of the animal attractant.
US08141521B2	Food dispensing interlocking animal toy system An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Morever, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.
US08141517B2	Expandable pet pen A pet pen for housing a pet is provided. The pet pen comprises a plurality of enclosing members with each enclosing member having a wall body and an opening end. The enclosing members form the pen by overlapping a portion of the wall body at two or more of the opening ends, and the pen width can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the overlapping portion. The pen width can be adjusted without removing an enclosing member.
US08141514B2	Plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing method, and storage medium A plasma processing apparatus having a substrate processing chamber, which enables leakage of plasma into an exhaust space to be prevented. The substrate processing chamber has therein a processing space in which plasma processing is carried out on a substrate, an exhaust space for exhausting gas out of the processing space, and an exhaust flow path that communicates the exhaust space and the processing space together. The plasma processing apparatus further has a grounding component that is electrically grounded and is disposed in the exhaust flow path. The grounding component has a conducting portion made of a conductive material, and the conducting portion has an exposed area exposed to the exhaust flow path in a range of 100 to 1000 cm2.
US08141510B2	Marine vessel steering device and marine vessel including the same A marine vessel steering device includes a turning mechanism arranged to be attached to a marine vessel, an operation unit arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the marine vessel, a steering angle detection unit arranged to detect a steering angle of the operation unit, a turning angle detection unit arranged to detect a turning angle of the turning mechanism, a turning control unit arranged to control the turning mechanism according to a steering angle, a phase shift determination unit arranged to determine whether phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other, and a turning control delay unit. The turning control delay unit is arranged to start control of the turning mechanism by the turning control unit after waiting for elimination of the phase shift by an operation of the operation unit when the phase shift determination unit determines that the phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other when starting the turning control unit.
US08141509B2	Subsea salvage operation using lifting magnet Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a subsea salvage operation using a lifting magnet. In one embodiment, a method of salvaging a submerged production platform includes deploying a salvage vessel to a wreckage site of the submerged production platform; lowering a lifting magnet from the salvage vessel to the submerged production platform; and activating the lifting magnet, thereby capturing at least a portion of the submerged production platform.
US08141504B2	Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off An assembly for selectively supplying particulate material to an air seeder, an agricultural implement able to selectively supply and dispense particulate material into the ground and a method of selectively dispensing particulate material into the ground are provided. The assembly has at least one supply receptacle for receiving particulate material from a source and a metering roller for supplying the material to an air seeder. The assembly is operative to selectively supply the material to the air seeder and prevent the material from being supplied to the air seeder. The implement can use the assembly to selectively supply particulate material to ground engaging openers where the particulate material will be dispensed into the ground. Particulate material can be selectively supplied to the implement when it is desired to have the particulate material dispensed into the ground and then prevented from being supplied to the implement when it is not desirable.
US08141502B2	Fluidized bed boiler and a grate element for the same A fluidized bed boiler comprises a furnace whose lower part is equipped with a grate comprising means for supplying fluidizing air into the furnace. The furnace also comprises at least one heat transfer surface extending across the furnace and comprising elongated heat transfer tubes on top of each other. The heat transfer surface is supported on the grate from underneath, substantially over its whole length, in the section extending across the furnace.
US08141489B2	Variable cutoff printing unit and method of printing A variable cutoff printing unit is provided including a first upper plate cylinder carrying a first upper image, a first upper blanket cylinder including a first upper blanket print area for transferring the first upper image to a web and a first upper blanket non print area, a second upper plate cylinder carrying a second upper image, a second upper blanket cylinder including a second upper blanket print area for transferring the second upper image to the web and a second upper blanket non print area, a first lower plate cylinder carrying a first lower image, a first lower blanket cylinder including a first lower blanket print area for transferring the first lower image to the web and a first lower blanket non print area, a second lower plate cylinder carrying a second lower image and a second lower blanket cylinder including a second lower blanket print area for transferring the second lower image to the web and a second lower blanket non print area.
US08141482B2	Hydraulic fine blanking head for a press and method of its infeed A hydraulic fine blanking head for a mechanical press and an infeeding method for same. The hydraulic fine blanking head includes an adjusting mechanism having an adjusting nut provided with an internal motion thread engaged with external motion threads on a main cylinder, the adjusting nut being turnable around a stroke axis, a sprocket wheel rotatable at a frontal surface of the adjusting nut, a hydraulic motor driving the sprocket wheel, and a brake for the motor shaft. Axial backlash between the respective motion threads is prohibited by a pressure generated by a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid which also generates a part forming force in the head. A conduit in communication with a hydraulic system and the interior of the head delivers the locking pressure, locking the threads against the backlash. Removal of pressure unlocks the threads. Infeed of the main cylinder with regard to the ram is adjustable by switching the motor and the brake on and off.
US08141477B2	Mash/lauter tun and method of use thereof A mash/lauter tun and method of converting grains to wort. The mash/lauter tun comprises a container with a double false bottom filter having two perforated plates disposed parallel with a space therebetween for receiving filtration media. The container further comprises thermometers extending to near the center of the tun and a rotating heat exchanger. In use, mash is loaded into the container and heated via the rotating heat exchanger by passing hot fluid through the rotating heat exchanger. The mash is then sparged by increasing pressure in the rotating heat exchanger above a threshold pressure via closure an outlet valve of the heat exchanger. The wort then passes through the double false bottom filter and is subsequently transferred to a brew kettle for boiling.
US08141472B1	Vehicle window cover A window cover for a military vehicle which includes armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window with reflectors, one of the reflectors being pivotable. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window as light is reflected off a viewing reflector to a stationary reflector and toward an occupant of the vehicle. A filter is placed between the viewing and stationary reflectors to filter out a portion of light reflected. The filter may also provide a collimation function.
US08141470B1	Vehicle protection method A structure or vehicle protection method including a removable frame on the structure or vehicle, and a net within the frame and spaced from the structure or vehicle and having a mesh size designed to disarm an incoming threat.
US08141462B2	Multiple-link tool assembly, tool extension, and method A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, an exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The exchangeable extension link has a first connecting end removably linked to the handle, and a second connecting end defining a sectioned cavity. The sectioned cavity includes a reduced-diameter internally serrated cavity section and an enlarged-diameter non-serrated cavity section. An adjustable geometric fitting having an externally serrated base is received and retained within the sectioned cavity. A spring is located within the non-serrated cavity section, and is adapted for normally urging the externally serrated base of the geometric fitting into the internally serrated cavity section. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably joined to the geometric fitting of the extension link, and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener.
US08141461B1	Method and apparatus for remotely manipulating threaded components A wrench is disclosed comprising a shaft and a wrench head. The wrench head is attached to a first end of the shaft. The wrench head comprises at least two opposing jaws substantially perpendicular to the shaft, and a socket substantially parallel to the shaft. A water main distribution testing system and methods for remotely manipulating threaded components are also disclosed.
US08141457B2	Power transmission switching mechanism for office machine A power transmission switching mechanism for office machine is provided. The power transmission switching mechanism has simple structure and enables the office machine to commonly use a motor to execute scanning and printing works. The power transmission switching mechanism includes a rotary shaft, a drive gear mounted on the rotary shaft, an actuator reciprocally movable on the rotary shaft and a driving gear for transmitting power of a motor to the drive gear. The drive gear has a spline. The actuator can be selectively moved forward or backward to make the spline disengaged from a first gear mounted on the rotary shaft or engaged with the first gear. When the spline is disengaged from the first gear, the power of the motor is transmitted to a scanning module. When the spline is engaged with the first gear, the power of the motor is transmitted to the rotary shaft for printing work.
US08141455B2	Grab bar end cap A grab bar, which is particularly suitable for attachment to a cart, has open ends that are covered by end caps. The end caps include a retention feature that secures the end cap to the grab bar, and which prevents the grab bar from being detached from the cart. The end cap includes a plug portion that encloses the open end, with the plug portion defining an inner end face, an outer end face, and a peripheral wall surface extending between the inner and outer end faces. The end cap also includes an attachment arm that extends outwardly from the inner end face of the plug portion to a distal end. The retention feature is supported on a looped portion that is formed at the distal end of the attachment arm. The looped portion is resiliently movable to secure the end cap to the grab bar with the retention feature.
US08141454B2	Cable assembly with retainer A cable assembly may include a cable, a connector and a retainer coupled to the connector. The connector may be carried by the cable and include a reduced diameter portion and a head extending from the reduced diameter portion with at least a portion that is larger than the reduced diameter portion. The retainer may be coupled to the connector and include a body with a cavity and a tip that defines an opening leading to the cavity. In assembly, the head is received within the cavity with the reduced diameter portion extending out of the cavity and into the opening. The opening is noncircular and has a minimum diameter that is smaller than at least the largest diameter portion of the head so that at least a portion of the tip radially overlaps the largest diameter portion of the head to retain the head within the cavity.
US08141453B2	Steering column cover structure When a steering column contracts in order to absorb shock, interference between a column cover and a lock apparatus is suppressed, and a shock-absorbing stroke of the steering column is obtained. When a steering column contracts in order to absorb shock as a result of an input load equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a column cover that covers a rear end side of steering column, performs a stroke, together with a movable side region, relative to an outer tube (a fixed side region) of steering column, to which is fixed a lock apparatus. At this time, a side wall portion of column cover, which is positioned further to a vehicle rear than lock apparatus, enters between lock apparatus and outer tube of steering column, thereby suppressing interference between column cover and lock apparatus.
US08141452B2	Rotational motion-positioning apparatus A single rotational axis motion generation and positioning apparatus having a work load support connected to a housing by a pivot joint. Rotation of an axial cam supported by the housing, creates a displacement which is transmitted to the work load support by at least one axial cam follower. The axial cam follower displacement is transformed into a rotational torque on the work load support about the pivot joint, which results in rotation of the work load support about the rotational axis of the pivot joint.
US08141449B2	Drive unit and method for accessing a drive unit The invention relates to a drive unit comprising an internal combustion engine and a gearbox for motor vehicles, wherein for transmitting a torque to the transmission a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is connected to a transmission-side element via a carrier plate. According to the invention, the carrier plate is designed in at least two parts with separate plate sections.
US08141448B2	Ball spline First shoulder portions are formed on the outer periphery of the shaft such that the first spline grooves are interposed between the first shoulder portions adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of the shaft. Second shoulder portions are formed on the inner periphery of the outer tube such that the second spline grooves are interposed between the second shoulder portions adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of the outer tube. Main passages of spline-purpose ball circulation passages are formed with the first and second shoulder portions. Clearance are formed respectively between the first and second shoulder portions and the spline-purpose balls in a rotational direction of the screw shaft and the spline-purpose outer tube. The spline-purpose balls disposed in the main passages bear a clockwise torque and a counterclockwise torque transmitted between the screw shaft and the spline-purpose outer tube.
US08141447B2	Spiral-toothed gear wheel for rack and pinion steering A spiral-toothed gear wheel for a rack and pinion steering. The spiral-toothed gear wheel includes a pinion, which meshes on the power take-off side with a toothed rack, and a spiral-toothed gear, which is arranged on the pinion on the drive side in such a way that they rotate in unison, and on which a torque caused by a steering power or/and steering assist power acts. The spiral-toothed gear is designed as a built-up gear and includes a gear rim, which is arranged, relative to the axial direction of the gear or of the pinion thereof, between two flanges. The gear rim is pushed over a hub formed at one of the flanges and is fitted together with the flanges in a positive-locking manner. One of the flanges, namely, the flange having the hub for the gear rim, is made in one piece with the pinion.
US08141445B2	Supporting structure of ball screw shaft A ball screw shaft supporting structure of a ball screw rotationally supported by a housing via supporting bearings has a screw shaft formed, on its outer circumference, with a fitting portion and a positioning shoulder. An inner ring of the supporting bearing is press fit onto the fitting portion via a predetermined interference. A steel spacer ring is fit onto the fitting portion from the outer side of the supporting bearing with the inner side of the inner ring abutted against the shoulder. A caulking portion is formed on the end of the fitting portion by plastically deforming the end of the fitting portion radially outward. The inner ring is axially immovably secured on the screw shaft by the caulking portion via, the spacer ring.
US08141441B2	Hand-held sampling device preventing deformation of sampling wipe and method of use thereof A hand-held sampling apparatus used for an ion mobility spectrometer and method of obtaining a sample are provided to prevent deformation of sampling wipes when detecting explosives and drugs. The apparatus has a body comprising a handle in the rear portion and a wiping sampling mechanism in the front portion, with a wiping surface located on its underside. The sampling wipe can be in full contact with the surface of the object during wiping to improve wiping efficiency. Correspondingly, a smaller sample inlet port can be disposed on the analyzer so as to save a large amount of sampling wipes. and meanwhile avoid sampling wipes from deformation and folds hard to restore, thereby ensuring subsequent sample insertion operation, enhancing the efficiency of both sample collection and sample injection and improving the detection performance for the analytes to be detected. The method of using said sampling device according to the present invention comprises the following steps: attaching a sampling wipe to the swiping surface; fixing the front end portion of the sampling wipe by using the front holder, and fixing the rear end portion of the sampling wipe by using the rear holder. The method of the present invention is simple and convenient.
US08141440B2	System for collecting a fluid sample from a transient line of fluid A closed loop system for obtaining a sample of a fluid from a source of fluid is disclosed, the system including a collection vessel having a fluid chamber disposed therein. A valve assembly is disposed within the collection vessel and adapted to selectively open and close a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and an associated fluid receptacle. An inlet provides a fluid communication path between the source of fluid and the fluid chamber, and an outlet provides a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and a fluid recovery system.
US08141438B2	Cassette-based power meter A cassette-based power measuring apparatus includes a power sensing arrangement mounted within a cavity defined by a hollow bicycle cassette. The power sensing arrangement includes a torque sensing assembly including torque sensing elements configured to measure a user applied torque. The torque sensing elements are in communication with an electronics assembly configured to process the measured data and transmit it to a receiver. The torque sensing assembly may comprise a torque tube or a series of bending beams secured between a rear plate of the cassette and a freehub. The torque tube or bending beams may include strain gauges bonded thereto for measuring strain induced by application of forces in response to user-applied power.
US08141435B2	Pressure measurement for flow metering device A flow metering device includes a flow tube, a motor for positioning the flow tube, an outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the flow tube, and an inlet nozzle in fluid communication with the flow tube. The outlet nozzle has an outlet pressure tap and the inlet nozzle has an inlet pressure tap. The inlet nozzle, the flow tube, and the outlet nozzle define a flow path that has a plurality of recirculation zones. At least one of the inlet pressure tap and the outlet pressure tap opens within one of the recirculation zones.
US08141433B2	Leak detector A method of measuring the gas flow of an incondensable gas in a flowing mixture of said incondensable gas and a condensable gas comprising the steps of calibrating a leak detector; injecting a known quantity of gauge gas at a known mass flow rate into said flowing mixture of gases; drawing a sample of the said gauge mix off at a sample point; passing said sample through a condenser so as to remove said condensable gas from the gauge mix, resulting in a test mix; passing the said test mix into the leak detector so as to measure the concentration of the gauge gas within the test mix; and calculating the mass flow rate of said incondensable gas within said flowing mixture. There is also provided a method of measuring the rate of ingress of an incondensable gas at an ingress point along a flow path of a flowing mixture of said incondensable gas and a condensable gas.
US08141430B2	Monolithic vacuum manometer utilizing electrostatic interference as a means of detection A monolithic manometer and method of sensing pressure changes may include sensing a change in parasitic capacitive coupling between multiple parasitic capacitive coupled conductive elements in response to a diaphragm disturbing the parasitic capacitive coupling between the conductive elements. A signal representative of the sensed change in parasitic capacitive coupling may be output.
US08141427B2	Piezoelectric and piezoresistive cantilever sensors An apparatus for sensing a target substance includes a substrate, an elongated electroactive cantilever, a functional layer and an electrical sensor. The elongated electroactive cantilever includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The elongated electroactive cantilever includes an electroactive member extending outwardly from the substrate. The functional layer is applied to the first surface and includes a material that reacts with the target substance so that when the functional layer is in the presence of the target substance, the functional layer will cause a change in an electrical property of the electroactive cantilever. The electrical sensor is coupled to the electroactive cantilever and is configured to sense the electrical property of the electroactive cantilever.
US08141426B2	Displacement measurement apparatus for microstructure and displcement measurement method thereof A displacement measurement apparatus for a microstructure according to the present invention measures a displacement of the microstructure having a fixed portion electrode including a first electrode and a second electrode and a movable portion electrode located oppositely to the fixed portion electrode. A bias generating circuit applies a bias signal to between the first electrode and the movable portion electrode so that influence of a noise signal on a detection signal picked up from between the second electrode and the movable portion electrode may be reduced. A C/V converting circuit converts a capacitance change that is picked up from between the second electrode and the movable portion electrode into a voltage. A detecting circuit detects a displacement of the movable portion electrode based on the voltage.
US08141425B2	Angular rate detection apparatus providing stable output Disclosed is an angular rate detection apparatus which provides a stable output with high detection accuracy regardless of a fluctuation of a reference voltage accompanying a fluctuation of a power supply voltage. The angular rate detection apparatus includes at least a gyro sensor detection circuit connected to an oscillator, an A/D converter, a digital calculation device, and a reference voltage generation circuit. The gyro sensor detection circuit drives the oscillator, and detects an angular rate acting on the oscillator and outputs an analog detection signal. The A/D converter converts the output analog detection signal into a digital signal. The digital calculation device carries out a calculation based on the converted digital signal. The reference voltage generation circuit supplies a common reference voltage generation circuit supplies a common reference voltage to the gyro sensor detection circuit and the A/D converter.
US08141424B2	Low inertia frame for detecting coriolis acceleration A sensing frame that moves in response to torque generated by the Coriolis acceleration on a drive subsystem is disclosed. The sensing frame include a first rail. The first rail is constrained to move along the first axis parallel to the first rail. The frame includes a second rail substantially parallel to said first rail. The second rail is constrained to move along the first axis. The frame includes a base and at least two guiding arms for ensuring that the first rail and the second rail move in anti-phase fashion along the first axis. A first guiding arm is flexibly coupled to the first rail and flexibly coupled to the second rail and a second guiding arm is flexibly coupled to the first rail and flexibly coupled to the second rail. The first guiding arm is flexibly suspended to the base at a first anchoring point for allowing rotation of the first guiding arm around the second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and normal to the plane, and the second guiding arm is suspended to the base at a second anchoring point allowing rotation of the second guiding arm around the third axis parallel to the second axis. The sensing frame includes a plurality of coupling flexures connecting said sensing frame to the drive subsystem and a transducer for sensing motion of the first and second rails responsive to said angular velocity.
US08141419B2	In-situ formation strength testing Estimating formation properties includes a member coupled to a carrier, the member having a distal end that engages a borehole wall location, the distal end having a curved surface having a radius of curvature in at least one dimension about equal to or greater than a borehole radius. A drive device extends the first extendable member with a force sufficient to determine formation strength, and at least one measurement device providing an output signal indicative of the formation property. Articulating couplings may be used to change an angle of extension of the extendable member.
US08141417B2	Syringe content detection using RF energy The present invention includes medical fluid injector systems that detect the contents and/or volume of such contents within a syringe of the system. For example, an RF signal from a first antenna of a medical fluid injector may be transmitted through a syringe associated with the medical fluid injector. At least some of the transmitted RF signal may be received by a second antenna of the medical fluid injector. An amount of the RF signal received by the second antenna may be measured to provide information regarding the contents and/or volume of such contents within the syringe.
US08141409B2	Sensor calibration A sensor kit comprising a sensor for detecting an analyte, a sensor housing and a calibration chamber. The calibration chamber comprises a first compartment containing a first calibration solution and a second compartment containing a source of the analyte to be detected. A dividing material is located between the first and second compartments enabling them to be mixed on breakage or removal of the dividing material. Further compartment(s) containing further source(s) of the analyte may optionally be provided. Calibration can carried out by (a) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the first calibration solution, (b) mixing the contents of the first and second compartments by breaking or removing the dividing material, and (c) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the resulting mixture. Steps (b) and (c) can be repeated for further compartment(s) to provide further reading(s) if desired.
US08141406B2	Method and apparatus for forming a can shell Can shells are produced with tooling installed on a single action mechanical press, and the tooling includes an upper retainer supporting a blank and draw die enclosing an outer pressure sleeve and an inner pressure sleeve surrounding a die center punch, all having air actuated pistons. The die center piston has an air reservoir connected by air passages which form air springs for the inner pressure sleeve, and the outer pressure sleeve receives the same controllable air as the reservoir or low pressure plant air supply. The inner pressure sleeve has a projecting nose portion which initiates the drawing of a cup and has contoured surfaces which mate with corresponding surfaces on a die core ring to form and clamp the chuckwall of the shell during downstroke of the press. A lower panel punch forms the center panel, panel wall and countersink of the shell during upstroke of the press.
US08141404B2	Method of manufacturing structural components from tube blanks of variable wall thickness A method for forming a tubular structural member includes the steps of cold forming a tube blank to have a longitudinally variable but circumferentially constant wall thickness (t1, t2, t3) and forming the blank into the desired structural member. Preferably, the forming step involves hydroforming.
US08141403B2	Method for bending pipes, rods, profiled sections and similar blanks, and corresponding device A method urges a blank along an axial direction between a movable bending tool and a stationary counter-tool and, while the blank is being moved forwards, of moving the bending tool from a neutral position, in which the blank is not bent, to a working position, in which the blank is bent to the desired bending centerline radius, the working position being rotated with respect to the neutral position by a given angle of rotation depending on the desired bending centerline radius. The method further includes urging the blank between a pair of shoes upstream of the bending tool so as to make the deformation of the blank easier, and the step of moving the bending tool from the neutral position to the working position is carried out by controlling at least two degrees of freedom of the movement of the bending tool in the plane defined by the axial direction and by a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction. By virtue of the initial deformation of axial and radial compression of the blank due to the passage between the shoes, the following bending step by the bending tool is made easier and allows for obtaining bending centerline radiuses significantly smaller than the smallest ones obtainable with the traditional variable-radius bending methods.
US08141395B2	Article of clothing with aperture An article and method is disclosed having a yarn knitted into a fabric panel including a base plurality of rows, a descending plurality of rows, and an ascending plurality of rows. The panel having interior and exterior surfaces, a first and a partially adjacent second margin. Included is an aperture therethrough from the interior to the exterior, the aperture is disposed in a portion of the first and second margins. The aperture forms an aperture periphery, wherein the descending and ascending rows correspond to the aperture periphery and the first and second margins correspond to the base rows. The descending rows each decrease by at least a stitch from the base rows and the ascending rows each increase by at least a stitch from the descending rows, wherein the aperture periphery forms a smooth transition from the exterior to the interior while having no reduction in panel stretching flexibility.
US08141394B2	Knitting tool arrangement and knitting tool Knitting tool arrangement, knitting tool and method of forming the knitting tool arrangement that includes a tool holder having several parallel grooves and several knitting tools, in which each knitting tool includes a working end and a holding area that is removably positioned in one of the several grooves. At least one filling element is located between adjacent knitting tools and is arranged between the holding area and the working end. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08141391B2	Glass preform manufacturing method A glass preform manufacturing method includes: generating glass fine particles by hydrolyzing a source gas in an oxyhydrogen flame; depositing the generated glass fine particles to form a torous glass preform; immersing the porous glass preform in an additive solution including an additive solvent in which a compound containing a desired additive is dissolved to impregnate the additive solution into the porous glass preform; first replacing of replacing the additive solvent remaining in the porous glass preform with the replacement solvent by immersing the porous glass preform in which the additive solution remains in a replacement solvent in which a solubility of the additive is lower than that in the additive solvent and having miscibility with the additive solvent; drying the porous glass preform after the first replacing; and sintering the dried porous glass preform to transparently vitrify the dried porous glass preform.
US08141390B2	Method for continuously forming optical fiber connector glass and other close tolerance tubes A method and device for making high precision glass tubes. A glass rod is pushed into a heated chamber and the tube is pulled from the chamber. Preferably, both the push rate and the pull rate are controlled. Fiber optic glass ferrules and other components manufactured by the use of this invention have precision dimensions that fall well within the tight dimensional tolerances required for ferrules and others.
US08141386B2	Method for fabricating a glass substrate for an information recording medium, and magnetic disk using the same A method for fabricating a glass substrate containing SiO2 as a main ingredient thereof for an information recording medium which ensures removal of abrasive or foreign mater adhered to the glass substrate without complicating a cleaning step, involves, after a polishing step, keeping the surface of the glass substrate in contact with a liquid having a Si element elution in a range from 100 to 10 000 ppb/mm2 before a scrub-cleaning step.
US08141385B2	Glass container forming machine and method A blow head mechanism for an I.S. machine wherein the blow head has a final blow tube. The final blow tube is supported for vertical displacement between an up position where the open end of the final blow tube is proximate the top of a blown parison and a down position where the open end of the final blow tube is proximate the bottom of a blown parison. The final blow tube is oscillated a plurality of times during the time when the blow head is “on.”
US08141381B2	Vapor compression refrigerating cycle, control method thereof, and refrigerating apparatus to which the cycle and the control method are applied The vapor compression refrigerating apparatus of the invention comprises a compressor 2, a condenser 4, a regeneration heat exchanger 6, an expansion means 8, and an evaporator 10 connected in series. The vapor compression refrigerating cycle is based on a cycle corresponding to a reversed Ericsson cycle in which isothermal heat dissipation process and isothermal heat absorption process occur overstriding a saturated vapor line and saturated liquid line respectively and heat exchange is carried out between isobaric heat dissipation process in a liquid zone and isobaric heat absorption process in a superheated vapor zone. A process part occurring in a superheated vapor zone of the isothermal heat dissipation process (an isothermal compression process) is substituted by adiabatic compression and isobaric heat dissipation, the adiabatic compression being carried out by the compressor and the isobaric heat dissipation being carried out in the condenser together with remaining process part occurring in the superheated vapor zone of the isothermal heat dissipation under isothermal and isobaric condition. A part of the isobaric heat dissipation in the liquid zone is carried out in the regeneration heat exchanger by releasing heat from refrigerant liquid to refrigerant vapor entering the compressor, remaining process part of the isobaric heat dissipation in the liquid zone is substituted by isenthalpic or isentropic expansion, the expansion being carried out by the expansion means, and expanded refrigerant is introduced to the evaporator to carry out isothermal and isobaric heat absorption and then to be sucked into the compressor.
US08141377B2	Truck electrified engine-off air conditioning system An air conditioning system for cooling an environment in an over-the-road vehicle is provided. The air conditioning system includes an electrically driven, variable speed compressor, which enables operation of the system when the engine of the over-the-road vehicle is not running. The system is modular and is adapted to be installed in the side luggage compartment of the vehicle to enable existing vehicles to be retrofitted to provide no-idle air conditioning. The housing of the system defines two flow paths therethrough; one cold air path and one hot air path. The hot air path is configured to intersect the condenser at least two times, and draws and expels the air through the same wall of the housing. An air direction device is used to reduce the amount of air recirculation through the hot air path to increase the efficiency of the system.
US08141375B2	Device and method for controlling the temperature inside a refrigerating unit of a combined refrigerator-freezer A refrigerator-freezer of the combined type comprises a first and a second refrigerating units and a single cooling circuit for both units, which are fluid-dynamically and reciprocally connected by an air passage conduit; the temperature inside the first unit is controlled by a device comprising motorised interception means of the passage conduit; electronic control means of the motorised interception means, directly carried aboard a supporting body adapted in use to be arranged along the passage conduit; an electronic temperature sensor operatively and directly connected to the electronic control means, carried aboard the supporting body; and ventilator means, carried aboard the supporting body, operated by the electronic control means of the motorised interception means for selectively ensuring circulation of air by forced convection between the first and second refrigerating units along the passage conduit.
US08141374B2	Multi-mode cooling system and method with evaporative cooling A air channeling sub-system may include a mechanical cooling section and a direct evaporative cooling section. The direct evaporative cooling section may be downstream from the mechanical cooling section. Cooling air is channeled through the air channeling sub-system and into the room. If a first set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-systems is operated in an adiabatic mode. The adiabatic mode includes channeling cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air. If a second set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-system is operated in a hybrid mode. The hybrid mode includes channeling cooling air through the mechanical cooling section to remove heat from the cooling air and channeling the cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air.
US08141373B2	Adaptive intelligent circulation control methods and systems Adaptive intelligent circulation control methods and systems are used to help increase the comfort and/or reduce energy usage and equipment wear. In one illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time is adjusted based on one or more environmental conditions inside or outside the building structure. In another illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time may be adjusted based on the current time of day, current time of year, and/or the current schedule period. In another illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time is randomized over time. The start time, end time, and/or length of a circulation and/or ventilation cycle may be randomly set.
US08141366B2	Gas turbine engine with variable area fan nozzle A nozzle section of a gas turbine engine includes a regulator system in fluid communication with a secondary flow duct and a tertiary flow duct to selectively regulate communication of secondary airflow into the tertiary flow duct.
US08141364B2	Brazed joint between a metal part and a ceramic part An assembly including a metal piece, a piece made of ceramic material, and at least one intermediate connection element assembled to each of the pieces by brazing. The intermediate connection element includes a deformable sheet presenting at least two flat zones brazed to respective ones of the pieces, the two flat zones being interconnected by a deformable zone presenting at least two free undulations oriented in alternation towards the metal piece and towards the piece made of ceramic material.
US08141358B2	Method for controlling cylinder air charge for a turbo charged engine having variable event valve actuators A method for controlling cylinder air charge of an engine having a compressor is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for coordinating the control of the throttle, turbo charger, and valves such that the desired cylinder air charge may be achieved while engine pumping work may be decreased.
US08141357B2	Supercharger for an engine An engine system with a turbocharger is provided. The system may include an exhaust manifold having plural independent exhaust passages, each of the exhaust passages being connected to an exhaust port of a corresponding engine cylinder. The system may further include a collective part formed by gathering said independent exhaust passages in said exhaust manifold or on a downstream side of said exhaust manifold. The system may further include an exhaust turbocharger connected to a downstream side of said collective part. The system may further include a variable exhaust valve for changing each passage cross-sectional area of said independent exhaust passage at an upstream side of said collective part. The system may further include a controller for controlling said variable exhaust valve, wherein said controller is configured to perform independent exhaust throttle control for reducing a passage cross-sectional area of at least one of said independent exhaust passages.
US08141355B2	Hydraulic system for an automatic transmission A hydraulic system for an automatic transmission operatively connected to an internal combustion engine that is operable in a start-stop mode. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic energy source to supply the hydraulic system with hydraulic energy, the hydraulic energy source including at least one electrically driven hydraulic pump to supply the hydraulic system with hydraulic energy during a stopping phase of the internal combustion engine. To achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, provision is included to enable the electrically driven hydraulic pump to be switched on in addition to a mechanically driven hydraulic pump, as needed during an operating phase of the internal combustion engine.
US08141353B2	Exhaust gas additive/treatment system and mixer for use therein An exhaust mixer (16) is provided for use in an engine exhaust system (10) downstream from an additive injector (14). The mixer (16) includes a first wall structure (20), and a second wall structure (22) carrying a set of mixer vanes (30), the second wall structure (22) being cone shaped and extending radially outwardly from the first wall structure (20).
US08141352B2	Exhaust purification device of an internal combustion engine In an internal combustion engine, an NOX selective reducing catalyst is arranged in the engine exhaust passage, and an NOX storage catalyst able to store NOX contained in the exhaust gas is arranged at the upstream of the NOX selective reducing catalyst. The NOX storage catalyst is fed with mist fuel, and the NOX stored in the NOX storage catalyst and the fed fuel are used to produce an intermediate product comprising bonded molecules comprised of NH2 and a hydrocarbon molecule more than an equivalent ratio with respect to one NOX molecule. These intermediate products are adsorbed at the NOX selective reducing catalyst, whereby the adsorbed intermediate product reduces the NOX in the exhaust gas.
US08141351B2	Pre-catalyst for preventing face-plugging on an inlet face of an aftertreatment device and method of the same A pre-catalyst device configured to be disposed upstream of a main aftertreatment device of an engine exhaust system. An oxidizing material is disposed on an inlet face of the pre-catalyst device, where the oxidizing material is configured to oxidize engine exhaust before the engine exhaust reaches the main aftertreatment device of the engine exhaust system.
US08141349B2	Exhaust emission control device and method for internal combustion engine, and engine control unit An exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of supplying a just enough amount of reducing agent to the NOx catalyst even when a catalyst is provided on an upstream side of the NOx catalyst. A catalyst and a NOx catalyst are disposed at respective upstream and downstream locations in an exhaust system, for purifying NOx and for trapping NOx under an oxidizing atmosphere and reducing the NOx under a reducing atmosphere, respectively. An air-fuel sensor is disposed between the catalyst and the NOx catalyst. A reducing agent is supplied to an upstream side of the catalyst, to control exhaust gases such that the gases form the reducing atmosphere. To determine time of termination of NOx reduction control, an amount of reducing agent supplied to the NOx catalyst is calculated, and calculation of the amount of reducing agent is started when the air-fuel ratio has converged within a vicinity of a target air-fuel ratio.
US08141347B2	Reductant storage sensing system and method A catalyst supported on a substrate includes a heater embedded in a sub-region of the substrate to heat a local region of the catalyst. The amount of ammonia stored on the catalyst may be determined and controlled through conductivity measurements in the the locally heated portion of the system described.
US08141345B2	Method and device for regulating the fuel/air ratio of a combustion process A method for regulating the fuel/air ratio of a combustion process which is operated alternatingly with excess air and air deficiency, and having at least one catalyst volume in the exhaust gas of the combustion process which stores oxygen when there is excess oxygen in the exhaust gas and gives it off when there is oxygen deficiency, in which method the oxygen charges into the catalyst volume taking place when there is excess air, and the oxygen discharges from the catalyst volume taking place when there is air deficiency determined, and in which the fuel/air ratio is regulated in a first control loop such that the sum of the oxygen charges and oxygen discharges determined in a predefined interval takes on a predetermined value, wherein the combustion process is operated using oxygen excess or oxygen deficiency, respectively, at least until these appear at an oxygen-sensitive Nernst probe downstream from the catalyst volume.
US08141338B2	Device for injecting mono-propellant at a flow rate that can be modulated with an injection speed that is stable The injector device for injecting a liquid mono-propellant with a large degree of flow rate modulation and an injection speed that is stable, and that is closable for extinction and re-ignition purposes, is disposed at an upstream end of the wall of a combustion chamber of a rocket engine. The device includes at least one feed channel for feeding mono-propellant from a tank, and first and second concentric annular speed-up channels connected to the feed channels and having outlets opening out respectively via first and second annular injection sections situated in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the chamber. The first and second concentric annular channels are oriented to converge on each other with a resultant that lies substantially along the axis of the chamber, forming an angle that is predefined in such a manner as to output two sheets of injected liquid mono-propellant that mutually in an atomization ring at a predetermined distance from the upstream end forming the end wall of the combustion chamber and in the vicinity of the axis of the combustion chamber.
US08141337B2	Dual flow turbine engine equipped with a precooler A bypass turbine engine includes a precooler having an annular cross-sectional shape about the axis of a pod and arranged inside the rear part of an inner shroud in contact with a cold fluid exiting a fan duct.
US08141331B2	Divider support apparatus with integral adjustable torsional preload mechanism and vibration damper A divider support apparatus with integral adjustable torsional preload mechanism for connecting a divider to a header frame. The mechanism includes a first element for carrying the divider and a second element configured for connection to the frame, and at least one resilient biasing element disposed between the first element and the second element and biasable by generation of a torsional loading condition between the first and second elements for applying a preload force therebetween. A preload adjusting mechanism in connection with at least one of the first element and the second element is operable for selectably adjusting the biasing of the at least one resilient biasing element in a manner for adjusting the preload force. The preload mechanism is also operable for damping vibrations emanating from the divider.
US08141329B2	Method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from preformed bags A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.
US08141318B2	Metal roof truss having generally S-shaped web members The metal truss assembly disclosed herein is made from generally U-shaped metal chords and multiple generally S-shaped web members extending between the chords. A typical truss assembly has a pair of elongated, opposed, diverging metal upper chords and a lower chord, with the chords each forming generally U-shaped channels defining an interior chord space. A plurality of elongated metal web members extend between the upper and lower chords, with each of the web members extending into the interior space of an upper chord and the lower chord and attached to the chords. The web members, as taught herein, have a generally S-shaped cross-section. The shape of the web members is an advancement of prior art web members.
US08141317B1	Bistable bond lattice structures for blast resistant armor appliques The present invention relates generally to improved lattice structures that can be used in, for example, blast resistant armor appliqués. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for designing improved lattice structures where the lattice structures are bistable bond lattice structures. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to lattice structures that employ asymmetric waiting links and unequal lengths of main links.
US08141315B1	Modular wall block with block-locating jut and shear lug A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. The top and bottom define respective substantially planar stacking surfaces. A shear lug projects from one of the planar stacking surfaces of the top and bottom. A block-locating jut is formed with at least one of the opposing sides, and projects from the side at a point intermediate the top and bottom towards one of the planar stacking surfaces. The block-locating jut defines a base surface substantially coplaner with the stacking surface, and a lug-engaging shoulder adapted for engaging a shear lug of a wall block located in an adjacent stacked course.
US08141304B2	Prefabricated container house A prefabricated container house includes a container type main frame member when on a chassis capable of being pulled by a trailer truck; and dwelling forming members which can be housed in the main frame member, and which can be drawn out of the main frame member at an installation site, and assembled into a house.
US08141303B2	Pipe flashing apparatus and method A roof flashing for forming a weather-proof seal about pipes of different diameters extending through openings in building structures, the flashing has a collar having a conical shape with a bottom edge and an apex end for passage of the pipe, the collar comprising a wall of elastomeric material wherein the wall has annular grooves forming tear lines for removing a portion of the collar allowing the collar to sealingly engage different diameter pipes. In addition, the roof flashing has a base having a tapered cylindrical shape formed by a wall of elastomeric material, the base having an opening formed by a top edge wherein the top edge is coupled to the bottom edge of the collar, the base further having a bottom edge. Furthermore, the roof flashing has a foot that has an annular opening wherein the annular opening is coupled to the bottom edge of the base, the foot having a substantially rectangular shape such a front portion of the foot is installed atop one or more shingles of a shingle roof and a back portion of the foot is installed beneath one or more shingles of the shingle roof, wherein the roof flashing has a longitudinal opening defined by opening members that extend from the apex of the collar to an edge of the foot thereby allowing the flashing to be spread apart and placed about a pipe, whereupon opening members are pressed together and secured by coupling members that seal the longitudinal opening.
US08141302B2	Motorized rotating gutter A gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively forces the gutter to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity. The gutter is supported by a number of spaced brackets, each of which includes an upper leg that is inclined downwardly and forwardly from the rear of the bracket so as to be hidden from view and to channel rainwater falling into the bracket into the gutter as opposed to against the building or outside of the gutter.
US08141300B2	Adjustment of a motorized positioning device A method for calibrating a powered actuator for use in a vehicle is provided, with regard to an end position of an actuating element which is easy to achieve and conserves easily damaged mechanical components of the actuator made from plastic, rubber or similar. According to an example embodiement, in a calibrating step, the actuator is operated with recording and analysis of an actuation speed measured parameter such that the actuating element is moved in the direction of the end position and reaching the end position is recognized when the value of the actuation speed measured parameter reaches or drops below a given threshold. A temperature parameter characterizing the temperature of the actuator is evaluated before or during the calibration process. The calibration step is then only carried out if the value of the temperature parameter does not exceed an upper temperature limit. An actuator suitable for carrying out said method is also disclosed.
US08141294B2	Vertical garden panel Embodiments of the invention provide a planter system for supporting living plants on a vertical surface that includes a fabric folded into one or more vertically-arranged knife pleats; the pleats are secured and horizontally segmented into vertically arranged, upward facing pockets by a securing mechanism. The upward facing pockets are adapted hold a plant growth medium. Other aspects of the invention include a simple system for removing failing plants, and replacing them with healthy plants, already embedded in growth medium within a root liner pouch. The invention further includes an irrigation system.
US08141292B1	Plant eradication using unnatural mechanical and thermal trauma Plant eradication using by inflicting upon a plant root (R) unnatural hot wound mechanical and thermal trauma delivered from a hot stab knife (V) which produces a stab gash (K) sufficiently deep to traverse plant cortex (C) and penetrate to plant xylem (X), simultaneous with or followed by heating the damaged area to a temperature of higher than 70 C, preferably 200 C for a sufficient time to cause cellular damage to the plant root. The root and hot stab knife may be shrouded to increase the temperature adjacent the stab gash. Preferably, the stab knife is formed to be sufficiently acuate and flat so as to allow a surface/volume ratio for the stab knife to be at least twice that of a cone of similar size and extent. Unhealable damage results, believed to caused by role conversion of organisms in the rhizosphere from sybiosis to antagonism.
US08141291B2	Mosquito trap with improved airflow An insect trap including a suction device to suck insects into a catch where they are killed or detained. The insect trap also includes a catalytic reactor that uses a portion of the air and a combustible fuel to produce CO2. The CO2 is expelled from the trap at one end and the intake air is sucked in at the other. Intake and outlet ports for the intake air and lure respectively are angled toward each other. Accordingly, more insects that are drawn to the lure become trapped in the intake air.
US08141289B2	Top opening, modular top rail, multi-rifle adaptable free float rail adaptor system (ARM-R) An improved Rail Adaptor System/Rail Accessory System (RAS) which attaches to a firearm. The rail is top opening, modular, and free floats the barrel. Provided is a rigid, lightweight, strong platform for mounting firearm accessories. Heat transmission from the barrel assembly to the user is limited. The user is also protected from ventilated gases originating from the operating system. A quick detachable top rail section is provided so that that gas system may be easily accessed. This removable top section of the rail is what makes this device unique because the RAS may be installed without removing the barrel, gas system, front sight base, flash hider or the barrel nut. The herein described RAS is adaptable to a wide variety of firearms with the use of conversion parts. The top rail “returns to zero” on reinstallation allowing the remounting of various optics and electronic gun sites without the need to realign them.
US08141287B2	Lightweight, low cost semi-automatic rifle A lightweight and low cost semi-automatic rifle includes an upper receiver, a lower receiver, and a forend fabricated from injection-molded polymers. The rifle permits firing .22 LR or similar low-power ammunition from an AR-15 style frame, operates on the blowback principle, and provides a fully functional bolt catch and extractor/ejector/deflector.
US08141283B2	Electronic shelf label An electronic shelf label has a simple structure to be easily installed or removed and is attached and detached only through a predetermined-shaped key so as to prevent unauthorized personnel from removing the electronic shelf label, thereby protecting the electronic shelf label from theft.
US08141278B2	Steam iron The present invention discloses a steam iron which includes an iron body, a steam generation device disposed in the iron body, and an operation sensing device electrically connected to steam generation device. Compared with the existing technologies, in the present invention, an additional operation sensing device is electrically connected to the steam generation device. When the user operates the steam iron, the operation sensing device can transmits operating signals to the steam generation device which thus starts to work. When the iron is not operated, the steam generation device doesn't work because no operating signal is transmitted to the operation sensing device, thereby reducing energy and enhancing safety.
US08141276B2	Devices with an internal flexibility slit, including for footwear The invention relates to all forms of footwear and orthotics, as well as any other products benefiting from increased flexibility, better resistance to shock and shear forces, and stable support. More specifically, the invention incorporates a unitary integral component with at least one internal (or mostly internal) sipe, including slits or channels or grooves and any other shape, including geometrically regular or non-regular, such as anthropomorphic shapes, into a large variety of products using materials known in the art or their current or future equivalent. Still more specifically, the internal sipe component provides improved flexibility to products utilizing them, as well as improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, while also improving stability of support, and therefore the siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes flexibility, cushioning, or stability.
US08141275B1	Heel sheath protective cover for a shoe A heel of a shoe is protected by a protective cover having a tapered sleeve with a wide top end, a narrow bottom end, and an opening in the wide top end for inserting a heel of a shoe, the sleeve formed of a stretchable, protective material. The protective cover includes an attachment tongue extending upward from the top end of the sleeve and attachment tabs extending upward from the top end of the sleeve. The heel of a shoe is inserted into the wide top end of the sleeve, with the attachment tongue and attachment tabs folded over the side and into the interior of the shoe so that a foot inserted into the shoe holds the attachment tongue and attachment tabs in place by frictional engagement between the foot and the interior of the shoe.
US08141273B2	Shoe with directional conditioning device for laces or the like A footwear item including an upper portion; at least one lace passing through eyelets arranged along the edges of an opening on the front the upper portion, and that tightens, thereby drawing the edges of the opening closer to each other, when pulled in a fastening direction; a string locking arrangement, provided in the upper portion having one or more passages in which the at least one lace is inserted and is capable of sliding when the wearer pulls it, while being capable of being retained there by a lock when it is at rest. The lock including an oscillating locking member in contact with the at least one lace to slide when the latter is pulled in the fastening direction, and which gets attached onto the at least one lace and locks it in position when the latter undergoes a tension in a direction opposite to the fastening direction.
US08141272B2	Shoe sole with pivotal ground engaging plate A shoe sole comprising a foot engaging plate for accommodating a foot of a user and a ground engaging surface/plate. The foot engaging plate is sufficiently rigid so as to resist distortion of the foot engaging plate, during use of the shoe sole, so that the foot remains supported by the foot engaging plate during use of the shoe sole. A pivot member is located between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate to facilitate relative pivoting motion between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. A layer of resilient material is sandwiched between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. The resilient material may have one or more bores formed therein which accommodate a compressible material therein to facilitate programming of a desired compression characteristic for the shoe sole.
US08141267B2	Contractor soloist measuring aid and methods of use A small multi-tool device designed to aid the performance of length measurements using measuring-tape devices is disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the multi-tool device is comprised of two substantially parallel planar support surfaces, coupled to each other at one edge, and with holes strategically disposed through the surfaces to facilitate the insertion of elongated and rigid members that lay on or otherwise engage parts of the target structure to be measured. The multi-tool device is designed to facilitate hypotenuse measurements, as well as measurements on structures where the edge to serve as an anchor point is rough, rounded, or non-existent. Further, the multi-tool device can also serve to act as a clip/clamp for various documents or the tops of bags of goods.
US08141266B2	Wire length measurement device A length measurement device comprises a first connector, a measurement wire, and a second connector. The second connector comprises a substrate and a fixer pivotally connected to the substrate. The measurement wire is an electrical wire with a scale. One end of the measurement wire is connected to the first connector, and another end is movably connected to the substrate of the second connector and the fixer.
US08141261B2	Feeler pin and feeler head for a coordinate measuring machine The present invention relates to a feeler pin for a coordinate measuring machine. The feeler pin comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, a fastening sleeve for fastening the feeler pin in a feeler pin holder, and an identification device for identifying the feeler pin. A feeler object is provided at the first end of the shaft, wherein the identification device can be read out via a first contact and a second contact. Further, it is provided that the second end of the shaft and the fastening sleeve are connected by a plastic section, wherein the first contact is provided by the fastening sleeve, and the second contact is provided by a rotationally symmetrical contact device which is electrically insulated from the fastening sleeve by the plastic section. Further, the present invention relates to a feeler head for holding the at least one feeler pin.
US08141252B2	Rigging table for assembling trusses and method of use thereof A rigging table and methods and systems for assembling trusses using a rigging table. An embodiment of a rigging table includes a base having a generally longitudinal axis and a generally lateral extent, and at least two bunk assemblies movable along the base in at least the generally longitudinal axis such that each bunk assembly is capable of being positioned on the base relative to another bunk assembly. Each bunk assembly may include a frame extending along the lateral extent of the base, a pair of guides slideably positioned on the frame to move generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base toward and away from each other and able to be fastened in position on the frame, and a pair of automated clamp members each positioned relative to and movable with one of the guides on the frame, to accommodate assembly of different sized trusses.
US08141251B2	Method for manufacturing a filling material Method for manufacturing a filling material, characterised in that it consists at least in providing cylindrical foam springs (14) between two support layers (2,9) and in fixing them to the latter, for example by gluing the crosscut ends (15) to the support layers (2,9), after which the thus obtained double-coated layer (16) is cut, through the support layers (2,9), in two single-coated layers which each mainly consist of a single support layer (2, 9) with shorter foam springs (14) connected thereto.
US08141249B2	Heat treating apparatus and method of using same An apparatus and method for heat treating the welded area of a repaired gas turbine engine component uses first and second heating elements. The heating elements each include an insulating tube supported by a support rod and wrapped with a conducing wire. One of the heating elements is sized to fit inside a recess in the gas turbine engine component, adjacent to the welded area, while the second heating element is placed outside the recess, but also adjacent to the welded area, thereby heating the welded area from two sides.
US08141247B2	Method of a package on package packaging A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package-on-package system includes providing a base package and providing solder caps on the top of the base package configured to protrude above subsequent resin bleed, the resin bleed extending to an edge of the base package, and configured for merging with solder balls of a top package to form larger solder balls between such a top package and the base package.
US08141246B2	Methods and devices for joining cables Methods for ultrasonically joining portions of a medical lead are provided. One method includes providing a conductor, a fitting and a coil electrode. The conductor has a distal portion that includes an inner conductive portion and an outer insulative portion. The fitting has a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being sized and configured to receive the distal portion of the conductor and the second cavity being sized and configured to receive a portion of the coil electrode. The conductor is ultrasonically welded within the first opening, providing a mechanical and electrical attachment. The coil electrode is also electrically coupled to the fitting, providing an electrical pathway from the conductor to the coil electrode. Also provided are medical leads including ultrasonic bonds and other methods of ultrasonically joining portions of a medical lead.
US08141244B2	Insulating material and printed circuit board having the same An insulating material, a printed circuit board that utilizes the insulating material, and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board. The method includes perforating at least one through-hole corresponding with the at least one, which is in correspondence with the via, in a first insulator; applying a surface treatment on the first insulator by irradiating an ion beam; forming a first seed layer over an inner wall of the through-hole and over one or either side of the first insulator; forming a first plating resist over one or either side of the first insulator on which the first seed layer is formed; performing electroplating in correspondence with the circuit pattern and the via; removing the first plating resist; and removing a portion of the first seed layer by flash etching. This method can improve adhesion between the insulator and the circuit patterns to allow fine-line circuit patterns.
US08141242B2	Method of fabricating gold finger of circuit board A method for fabricating a gold finger of a circuit board is provided. First, a circuit board having a board edge for cutting is provided. Next, a copper conducting wire pattern is formed on the circuit board. The copper conducting wire pattern includes a plurality of gold finger bodies and a plurality of tie bars. Each tie bar is connected to a corresponding gold finger body, and the tie bars are disposed across the board edge. Thereafter, a surface of each gold finger body is plated with gold, and the tie bars on the board edge are removed by etching. Because the tie bars on the board edge are removed, tear resistance of the gold finger is maintained after cutting the board edge.
US08141241B2	Method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having metal bumps A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having a metal bump, including: forming a recess for creation of the metal bump on a metal carrier; forming a barrier layer on the metal carrier including the recess; forming an upper circuit layer on the barrier layer, the upper circuit layer including the metal bump charged in the recess and a circuit pattern; preparing an insulating layer, and transferring the upper circuit layer to the insulating layer; and removing the metal carrier and the barrier layer.
US08141238B2	Automated twist pin assembling machine for interconnecting stacked circuit boards in a module Twist pin z-axis interconnectors are assembled in columns of aligned vias in stacked printed circuit boards of a circuit module in automated assembly cycles. Each assembly cycle involves singulating a single twist pin from a plurality of twist pins, inserting the twist pin into the via column, gripping a leader portion of the twist pin, pulling the gripped leader portion until a connection portion moves into contact with the vias of the column, severing the leader portion from the connection portion, extracting the severed leader portion, and automatically repeating assembly cycles until interconnectors have been assembled into a substantial majority of the via columns of the circuit module.
US08141234B2	Optimal magnetization of non-magnetized permanent magnet segments in electrical machines A method for magnetizing a rotor of an electrical machine is provided. The method includes assembling an array of non-magnetized anisotropic permanent magnet segments around a rotor spindle encased in a metallic ring. The method also includes determining multiple optimal magnetization orientation directions of the non-magnetized anisotropic permanent magnet segments. Further, the method includes positioning the assembled non-magnetized anisotropic permanent magnet segments around the rotor spindle such that the optimal magnetization orientation directions of the anisotropic permanent magnet segments are aligned with multiple flux lines produced by a magnetization fixture. Finally, the method includes energizing the magnetization fixture for magnetizing the segments via a pulse direct current for an optimal duration of the pulse.
US08141232B2	Method of manufacturing stator for dynamoelectric machine There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a stator for a dynamoelectric machine. The method includes a step of mounting a hollow cylindrical electric wire assembly, which includes a plurality of straight stacked portions of shaped electric wires, to a hollow cylindrical stator core that includes a plurality of slots formed in the radially inner surface thereof. The mounting step includes: (1) placing the electric wire assembly radially inside of the stator core so that each of the straight stacked portions of the electric wire assembly is radially aligned with a corresponding one of the slots of the stator core; and (2) radially expanding the electric wire assembly to insert the straight stacked portions of the electric wire assembly into the corresponding slots of the stator core.
US08141223B2	Cell production method and cell production facility A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are attached to a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations at which auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. A main car is provided on which the workpiece is mounted and on which the main operator rides. A main operation platform apparatus is also provided that has a main operation platform for carrying out the main operations so as to be movable are used, and then when carrying out at least a portion of the main operations in the main car, the main car and the main operation platform are moved in synchrony. Furthermore, a subsidiary car is provided to travel together with the main car so as to be able to transfer parts and/or jigs.
US08141221B2	Method of manufacturing an environmentally resilient structural panel An environmentally resilient building product of a vinyl laminated formed-sheet metallic substrate wherein the vinyl laminate is adhesively attached to the formed-sheet metallic substrate to provide a durable and attractive surface. Possible decorative and resilient surfaces include, but are not limited to solid colors, metallic finishes, and graphical images or patterns, all available in a variety of textures.
US08141220B2	Method for uncoupling the support and removing the protective film from lenses during production The invention relates to a method for uncoupling the support and removing a protective film from lenses during production. The method consists of: a phase comprising the weakening of the layer (5) of fluxing material, specific to a matching support (4), with the application of a hot fluid in order to soften same; the lateral projection of a jet (7) of pressurized liquid onto the support (4) in order to detach said support; the lateral projection of an orientable pressurized jet (8) onto the edge of the lens (1) in order to raise the protective sheet (3) to be found on the front face of the lens and to detach same fully from the lens; and the draining of the lens (1) in order for same to be delivered to an outlet tray.
US08141217B2	Process for producing dental prostheses In the process for producing dental prostheses such as bridges, crowns implants, etc. from ceramic material, production is carried out at least by way of one CAD/CAM machining station. The ceramic material to be worked consists of an unsintered disk-shaped blank or one which has not been subjected to final sintering, working of the blank into dental prostheses being undertaken at a right angle or quasi-right angle to the parallel or quasi-parallel surfaces of the blank.
US08141213B2	Belt type clamp A belt type clamp is provided which rapidly achieves a coupling operation of a band by snap connection between snap protrusions and snap depressions to prevent assembly defects and maximize workability.
US08141211B2	Button engaging and attachment apparatus and methods related applications A button engaging and attachment structure includes a button engaging portion having button engaging tabs, and a button attachment portion adapted to couple to a host carrier.
US08141208B2	Assemblable jerk handle for inflators An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.
US08141206B2	Two-stage torsion pivot hinge A two-stage torsion pivot hinge including an axle connected with a base and having a shaft mounted thereon with a bush for a spring tube. The bush forms a first and a second protrusion element respectively extending out of its two ends. The spring tube is fixedly connected with a supporting member and is provided with two torsion sleeves respectively on the two ends of the bush. Each torsion sleeve has an axial cut and has two contact elements extending respectively toward the two ends of the bush. The contact elements respectively interfere with the first and the second protrusion elements. By the function between the torsion sleeve and the bush, the pivot hinge can provide different torsion forces for the stroke of rotating the screen from its closed position to a vertical angular position and for the stroke from the vertical position to its maximum opening angular position.
US08141202B2	Vacuum cleaner dirt receptacle and exhaust filter cover A vacuum cleaner housing member having a rigid frame, a grate and a flexible cover. The rigid frame has an outer perimeter and an opening therethrough. The grate is mounted in the opening and has an inner surface, an outer surface, one or more air passages extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, and an outer perimeter wall defining the peripheral edge of the grate. The flexible cover extends over at least one of the one or more air passages and is positioned over at least a portion of the outer surface, extends around at least a portion of the outer perimeter wall, and is positioned over at least a portion of the inner surface. A vacuum cleaner including the housing members similar to the foregoing member is also provided.
US08141200B2	Air inlet for a vacuum cleaner A vacuum cleaner 2 having a housing 4 having an inlet 12 and an outlet 54 is disclosed. Actuation of a motor 46 causes a fan to displace air out of outlet 54, and the resulting suction upstream of the fan draws dirty air through inlet 12 and inwardly through walls of filter element 22. In order to clean the filter element 22, the user lifts lid 24 by means of gripping portion 32, and then removes filter element 22 and dirt collection chamber 16. Because the central portion of the dirt collection chamber 16 is raised, dirt trapped on the outer surface of filter element 22 has a tendency to fall into trough regions 40, 42 and avoids falling into outlet 38. If the motor 46 should accidentally be actuated when the filter element 22 is removed, the opening provided by opened lid 24 is nearer to outlet 38 than inlet 12, as a result of which relatively clean air from the atmosphere passes into recess 36 in preference to dirty air from the inlet 12, thus minimizing the risk of the motor 46 being damaged by dirt.
US08141197B2	Splash guard for a floor cleaning machine The present invention relates to a splash guard that partially encircles a rotary floor cleaning apparatus allowing for support wheels to maneuver the apparatus when the rotary brushes are not in operation. The splash guard prevents cleansing material or debris from being splattered onto walls and other surfaces adjacent to the surface being cleaned.
US08141193B1	Methods and apparatus for cleaning surfaces Methods and apparatus for cleaning according to various aspects of the present invention include a cleaner and a lighting system. The cleaner, such as a handheld cleaner like a brush or lint roller, cleans the item or area to be cleaned. The lighting system illuminates the area or item to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the lighting system generates ultraviolet light to illuminate debris having phosphor materials.
US08141186B2	Mesh arrangement for bassinet assembly According to various embodiments, a bassinet assembly includes a floor and one or more side walls that extend upwardly from a perimeter of the floor and surround the floor. Each side wall has an upper perimeter and includes a mesh portion that extends substantially the height of the side wall from the upper perimeter to the floor. Each side wall also includes a substantially solid wall portion that extends from the upper perimeter to an intermediate portion disposed between the upper perimeter and the floor. At least a portion of the side wall between the intermediate portion and the floor of the bassinet assembly is mesh to allow a child lying therein to breathe.
US08141182B2	Method of manufacturing and installation of prefabricated shower bench and associated shower bench A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes an upper surface having a plurality of peripheral edges, and at least three sidewalls. Each sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the upper surface. The lower edge of each sidewall terminates in a common plane. One sidewall includes a setback area along the entire lower edge which has a height greater than the height of a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched downwards toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module such that the sidewall of the shower module resides within the setback area, thereby preventing the weight of the shower bench from resting on the sidewall of the shower module.
US08141177B1	Carrier for wall mounted toilets A carrier or support system for a wall mounted toilet for adequately supporting the weight of a user. A first support assembly has a faceplate, spaced-apart pedestals, two washer plates, a fitting member, a coupling, a first fastener for allowing vertical movement between the pedestals and the faceplate, a second fastener for allowing vertical movement between the fitting member and the faceplate, and a first threaded stud arrangement for mounting the toilet to the wall. A second support assembly has a support member, a second threaded stud arrangement, and an anchor foot for supporting the fitting member on the floor. A third support assembly has a frame and a third threaded stud arrangement mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the floor. The second and/or third support assemblies may be used with the first support assembly for providing adequate support for bariatric or obese users.
US08141175B2	Protective glove having contoured wrist guard A protective sports glove including a contoured wrist cuff that substantially shields a gap defined between adjacent portions of the protective sports glove, such as hand and cuff portions. The contoured wrist cuff can include a leading edge that contours forwardly adjacent a thumb portion of the contoured wrist cuff and rearwardly across a portion of the radial side of a wearer's hand when the glove is on the wearer's hand. This can allow protection of the wearer's wrist in flexion without also impairing movement of the wearer's wrist.
US08141169B2	Leg protection device A lower leg protection device includes a knee protection section. A flanged shin protection section is flexibly connected to the knee protection section. At least one replaceable outer cushion is selectively secured to the knee protection section via a first strap, and at least one replaceable outer cushion is selectively secured to the shin protection section via a second strap.

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