最新美国发明专利第2012-04-10期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08153555B2	Thermal transfer sheet It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer sheet provided with a heat resistant slipping layer which reduces dye retransfer, has excellent heat resistance and slip properties, and prevents the defects of printed image from being generated due to wrinkles and the like during printing.A thermal transfer sheet comprising a base film, a color material layer on one surface of the base film, and a heat resistant slipping layer on the other surface of the base film, wherein the heat resistant slipping layer comprises a binder resin containing a cellulose acetate butyrate resin (A1) having a butyryl group content of 50% or more and a lubricant (B), the amount of the binder resin is 65 to 99% by weight of the total solid content of the heat resistant slipping layer, the amount of the cellulose acetate butyrate resin (A1) is 50 to 100% by weight of the binder resin, and the amount of the lubricant (B) is 1 to 30% by weight of the binder resin.
US08153551B2	Optical isomer separating filler An optical isomer separating filler wherein a polysaccharide derivative is chemically bonded onto a support. This optical isomer separating filler is characterized in that the halogen content in the filler is 3.0 to 5.0%.
US08153544B2	Method for preparing non-metallocene catalysts A method of preparing supported catalysts useful for olefin polymerization is described. The catalysts comprise a Group 4 metal complex that incorporates a tridentate dianionic ligand. An activator mixture is first made from a boron compound having Lewis acidity and an excess of an alumoxane. The activator mixture is then combined with a support and the Group 4 metal complex to give a supported catalyst. The method provides an active, supported catalyst capable of making high-molecular-weight polyolefins.
US08153543B2	Method for preparing composites of zeolite-fiber substrate A method for preparing a composite of zeolite-fiber substrate includes the steps of reacting a fiber substrate or a zeolite with a linking compound to form an intermediate of linking compound-fiber substrate or zeolite-linking compound, and preparing the composite of zeolite-linking compound-fiber substrate by linking the intermediate of linking compound-fiber substrate to the fiber substrate or linking the intermediate of zeolite-linking compound to the zeolite, in which the linking is induced by sonication.
US08153542B2	Method for treating flue gas catalysts A method for treating a catalyst base that comprises a contact area of porous material. A fluid, such as a flue gas stream, can be conducted along the contact area. A catalytically relevant substance is introduced into pores of the catalyst base using a transport fluid and remains on pore wall areas after removal of the transport fluid. The introduction is carried out such that an amount of the catalytically relevant substance relative to the surface remains on the pore wall areas as a function of location within the pore and decreases within the pore after exceeding a specific pore depth. A blocking fluid can first be introduced into pore regions beyond the specific pore depth, thus blocking these regions when transport fluid containing the catalytically relevant substance is introduced.
US08153541B2	Ceramic article A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The ceramic fibers are substantially randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article. A method of forming the ceramic article includes the step of providing a composition including ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The composition is extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws to form an extrudate. The extrudate is heated to form the ceramic article.
US08153539B2	Reinforcing fiber texture with multiple-satin weaving for a composite material part A reinforcing fiber texture for a composite material part is made by multi-layer three-dimensional weaving with a satin type weave or a multiple satin type weave. The texture comprises at least three layers of weft yarns T interlaced by warp yarns C, each warp yarn taking hold in alternation of one weft yarn in n from a first layer of weft yarns and of one weft yarn in n of a second layer of weft yarns adjacent to the first, the number n being an integer not less than 3. The paths of the warp yarns are similar and they are offset in the warp direction.
US08153537B1	Method for fabricating semiconductor devices using stress engineering There is provided a method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprising the formation of a first device in the first device region, the first device comprising first diffusion regions. A stressor layer covering the substrate in the first device region and the first device is subsequently formed, the stressor layer having a first stress value. A laser anneal to memorize at least a portion of the first stress value in the first device is carried out followed by an activation anneal after the laser anneal to activate dopants in the first diffusion regions.
US08153533B2	Methods and systems for preventing feature collapse during microelectronic topography fabrication Methods for preventing feature collapse subsequent to etching a layer encasing the features include adding a non-aqueous liquid to a microelectronic topography having remnants of an aqueous liquid arranged upon its surface and subsequently exposing the topography to a pressurized chamber including a fluid at or greater than its saturated vapor pressure or critical pressure. The methods include flushing from the pressurized chamber liquid arranged upon the topography and, thereafter, venting the chamber in a manner sufficient to prevent liquid formation therein. The topography features may be submerged in a liquid while pressurizing the chamber. A process chamber used to prevent feature collapse includes a substrate holder for supporting a microelectronic topography, a vessel configured to contain the substrate holder, and a sealable region surrounding the substrate holder and the vessel. The chamber is configured to sequester wet chemistry supplied to the vessel from metallic surfaces of the sealable region.
US08153532B1	Bilayer dielectric interconnection process The present invention improves the yield of integrated circuit manufacture by making the circuit more tolerant of varying thicknesses of the InterLayer Dielectric prior to metallization and interconnection. The sensitivity to the thickness of the ILD is reduced by first coating the devices with an etch stop layer, exposing the areas of the devices where interconnections will be made, selectively etching away the etch stop layer over the interconnection areas, adding the Interlayer Dielectric and then finally etching away the ILD to expose the contacts and continuing the processing through interconnection of the devices.
US08153526B2	High planarizing method for use in a gate last process A method for performing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) is provided. The method includes processing a semiconductor substrate to form a dummy gate structure on the substrate, to form a hard mask on the dummy gate structure, and to form a contact etch stop layer (CESL) and an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer on the hard mask, performing a first CMP process with a first slurry to modify a non-planar topography of the ILD layer, performing a second CMP process with a second slurry to remove the hard mask, and performing a third CMP process with a third slurry to remove an interfacial layer that forms between the dummy gate and hard mask during semiconductor processing.
US08153520B1	Thinning tungsten layer after through silicon via filling Methods of processing partially manufactured semiconductor substrates with one or more through silicon vias to partially remove a tungsten layer formed on the field region during filling the through silicon vias are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods produce substrates with reduced bowing than the bowing present after through silicon vias filling. Substrates with reduced bowing are easier to handle and may expedite subsequent processes.
US08153519B1	Method for fabricating semiconductor device using spacer patterning A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes depositing and stacking a hard mask layer and a sacrificial layer over an etch target layer forming a mask pattern with holes defined therein over the sacrificial layer, forming first pillars filling the holes; removing the mask pattern, forming second pillars by using the first pillars as an etch barrier and etching the sacrificial layer, forming spacers surrounding sidewalls of each second pillar, removing the second pillars, etching the hard mask layer by using the spacers as etch barriers to form a hard mask pattern, and forming a hole pattern by using the hard mask pattern as an etch barrier and etching the etch target layer.
US08153518B2	Method for fabricating metal interconnection of semiconductor device In a method for fabricating a metal interconnection of a semiconductor device, a lower interconnection and a lower insulation layer are formed over a semiconductor substrate. An etch stop layer is formed over the lower insulation layer. An upper insulation layer is formed over the etch stop layer. A first via hole is formed to expose the etch stop layer corresponding to the lower interconnection. A second via hole exposing the lower interconnection is formed by a primary etching process that selectively removes the etch stop layer exposed by the first via hole. A chemical cleaning process is performed on the second via hole, wherein polymer is formed over the surface of the lower interconnection during the chemical cleaning process. The polymer is removed from the second via hole by a secondary etching process using vaporized gas.
US08153515B2	Methods of fabricating strain balanced nitride heterojunction transistors A nitride based heterojunction transistor includes a substrate and a first Group III nitride layer, such as an AlGaN based layer, on the substrate. The first Group III-nitride based layer has an associated first strain. A second Group III-nitride based layer, such as a GaN based layer, is on the first Group III-nitride based layer. The second Group III-nitride based layer has a bandgap that is less than a bandgap of the first Group III-nitride based layer and has an associated second strain. The second strain has a magnitude that is greater than a magnitude of the first strain. A third Group III-nitride based layer, such as an AlGaN or AlN layer, is on the GaN layer. The third Group III-nitride based layer has a bandgap that is greater than the bandgap of the second Group III-nitride based layer and has an associated third strain. The third strain is of opposite strain type to the second strain. A source contact, a drain contact and a gate contact may be provided on the third Group III-nitride based layer. Nitride based heterojunction transistors having an AlGaN based bottom confinement layer, a GaN based channel layer on the bottom confinement layer and an AlGaN based barrier layer on the channel layer, the barrier layer having a higher concentration of aluminum than the bottom confinement layer, are also provided. Methods of fabricating such transistor are also provided.
US08153513B2	Method and system for continuous large-area scanning implantation process A method for manufacturing doped substrates using a continuous large area scanning implantation process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a movable track member. The movable track member is provided in a chamber. The chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. In a specific embodiment, the movable track member can include one or more rollers, air bearings, belt member, and/or movable beam member to provide one or more substrates for a scanning process. The method may also include providing a first substrate. The first substrate includes a first plurality of tiles. The method maintains the first substrate including the first plurality of tiles in a vacuum. The method includes transferring the first substrate including the first plurality of tiles from the inlet port onto the movable track member. The first plurality of tiles are subjected to a scanning implant process. The method also includes maintaining a second substrate including a second plurality of tiles in the vacuum. The method includes transferring the second substrate including a second plurality of tiles from the inlet port onto the movable track member. The method includes subjecting the second plurality of tiles to an implant process using the scanning implant process.
US08153509B2	Method of fabricating light emitting diode using laser lift-off technique and laser lift-off apparatus having heater Disclosed is a method of fabricating a light emitting diode using a laser lift-off apparatus. The method includes growing an epitaxial layer including a first conductive-type compound semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive-type compound semiconductor layer on a first substrate, bonding a second substrate, having a different thermal expansion coefficient from that of the first substrate, to the epitaxial layers at a first temperature of the first substrate higher than a room temperature, and separating the first substrate from the epitaxial layer by irradiating a laser beam through the first substrate at a second temperature of the first substrate higher than the room temperature but not more than the first temperature. Thus, during a laser lift-off process, focusing of the laser beam can be easily achieved and the epitaxial layers are prevented from cracking or fracture. The laser lift-off process is performed by a laser lift-off apparatus including a heater.
US08153508B2	Method for fabricating image sensor A method for fabricating an image sensor is provided. In the image sensor fabrication method, an interconnection and a dielectric interlayer are formed on a semiconductor substrate including a readout circuit. An image sensing unit is formed on a carrier substrate of one side of a dielectric layer. The carrier substrate and the dielectric interlayer are bonded to each other. The dielectric layer and the carrier substrate are removed to leave the image sensing unit on the dielectric interlayer.
US08153505B2	Method for low temperature bonding and bonded structure A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
US08153499B2	Method for fabrication of a semiconductor device and structure A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer, the method including: providing a base wafer including a semiconductor substrate, metal layers and first alignment marks; transferring a monocrystalline layer on top of the metal layers, wherein the monocrystalline layer includes second alignment marks; and performing a lithography using at least one of the first alignment marks and at least one of the second alignment marks.
US08153495B2	Semiconductor device and LTPS-TFT within and method of making the same A thin film transistor (TFT) formed on a substrate includes a polycrystalline film, a gate insulator, a hydrogen-supplying film and a gate electrode. The polycrystalline film is formed on the substrate. Two sides of the polycrystalline film serve as the source and the drain of the semiconductor device, and the central region of the polycrystalline layer serves as the channel. The gate insulator is formed on the polycrystalline film, then the polycrystalline film is ions implanted, and the hydrogen-supplying film is formed on the gate insulator. The gate electrode is formed on the hydrogen-supplying film above the channel. The hydrogen-supplying film supplies hydrogen to the polycrystalline film, especially to the channel, so as to transform the unsaturated bonds into hydrogen bonds in the channel for avoiding the unsaturated bonds to degrade the charge carrier efficiency of the channel.
US08153492B2	Self-aligned V-channel MOSFET Forming a high-κ/metal gate field effect transistor using a gate last process in which the channel region has a curved profile thus increasing the effective channel length improves the short channel effect. During the high-κ/metal gate process, after the sacrificial materials between the sidewall spacers are removed, the exposed semiconductor substrate surface at the bottom of the gate trench cavity is etched to form a curved recess. Subsequent deposition of high-κ gate dielectric layer and gate electrode metal into the gate trench cavity completes the high-κ/metal gate field effect transistor having a curved channel region that has a longer effective channel length.
US08153491B2	Non-volatile memory semiconductor device having an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) top dielectric layer A non-volatile memory (NVM) cell includes a silicon substrate having a main surface, a source region in a portion of the silicon substrate, a drain region in a portion of the silicon substrate, and a well region disposed in a portion of the silicon substrate between the source and drain regions. The cell includes a bottom oxide layer formed on the main surface of the substrate. The bottom oxide layer is disposed on a portion of the main surface proximate the well region. The cell includes a charge storage layer disposed above the bottom oxide layer, a dielectric tunneling layer disposed above the charge storage layer and a control gate formed above the dielectric tunneling layer. The dielectric tunneling layer includes a first oxide layer, a nitride layer and a second oxide layer. Erasing the NVM cell includes applying a positive gate voltage to inject holes from the gate.
US08153489B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device with buried gates A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, including forming a trench by etching a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate insulation layer over a surface of the trench, forming a gate conductive layer over the gate insulation layer, performing a first recess process by etching the gate conductive layer, forming a protection pattern over the gate insulation layer, and performing a second recess process by etching the gate conductive layer.
US08153487B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer provided on the first insulating film, a second insulating film comprising a plurality of insulating films provided on the charge storage layer and comprising a nitride film as an uppermost layer, and a single-layer control gate electrode provided on the second insulating film and comprising metal silicide.
US08153486B2	Method for fabricating capacitor A method for fabricating a capacitor includes forming an etch stop layer, a first isolating insulation layer, and a floating layer over a substrate including storage node contact plugs to form a resulting substrate structure; etching the floating layer, the first isolating insulation layer, and the etch stop layer to form a plurality of open regions; forming a conductive layer over the substrate structure; forming a second isolating insulation layer over the conductive layer, the second isolating insulation layer filling upper portions of the open regions; etching portions of the remaining floating layer to form a floating pattern; performing a storage node isolation process in a manner that the floating pattern is exposed to form a plurality of storage nodes having sidewalls supported by the floating pattern; and removing the etched first isolating insulation layer.
US08153481B2	Semiconductor power device with passivation layers A semiconductor power device comprises a semiconductor substrate. The substrate includes an N-type silicon region and N+ silicon region. An oxide layer overlies the N− type silicon region, the oxide layer formed using a Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor deposition (PECVD) method. First and second electrodes are coupled to the N− type silicon region and the N+ type silicon region, respectively. The oxide layer has a thickness 0.5 to 3 microns. The power device also includes a polymide layer having a thickness of 3 to 20 microns; a first field plate overlying the oxide layer; and second field plate overlying the polymide layer and the first field plate, wherein the second field plate overlaps the first field plate by 2 to 15 microns.
US08153479B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor package A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package comprises: preparing a photosensitive insulating material having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; bonding a semiconductor chip to the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material with a connecting terminal of the semiconductor chip facing the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material; exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material after the bonding the semi-conductor to the first surface of the photosensitive material; encapsulating the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material, and the semiconductor chip bonded to the first surface, with a resin to form a resin encapsulated portion after exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material; and developing the photosensitive insulating material, thereby forming a through-hole communicating with the connecting terminal of the semiconductor chip in the photosensitive insulating material after the exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material.
US08153475B1	Back-end processes for substrates re-use A method for fabricating optical devices on a reusable handle substrate. The method includes providing a handle substrate having a surface region. The method also includes forming a plurality of optical device using at least an epitaxial growth process overlying the surface region and then releasing the handle substrate from the plurality of optical devices. The method reuses the handle substrate for another fabrication process.
US08153474B2	Modular low stress package technology A method of manufacturing a protected package assembly: providing a protective modular package cover in accordance with a modular design; selectively applying an adhesive to the cross member of each subassembly receiving section of the protective modular package cover that will receive a subassembly to form an adhesive layer of the protective modular package cover; encapsulating the one or more subassemblies in the subassembly receiving sections on the selectively applied adhesive layer to generate a protected package assembly; and controlling application of a distributed downward clamping force applied to the top surfaces of the subassemblies received by the protective modular package cover and useful for mounting the protected package assembly to a core through activation of fastener elements and cross members of the subassembly receiving sections.
US08153473B2	Module having a stacked passive element and method of forming the same A module having a discrete passive element and a semiconductor device, and method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the module includes a patterned leadframe, a discrete passive element mounted on an upper surface of the leadframe, and a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material formed on an upper surface of the discrete passive element. The module also includes a semiconductor device bonded to an upper surface of the thermally conductive, electrically insulating material.
US08153468B2	Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same A light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The light emitting device comprises a substrate, a gate electrode positioned on the substrate, a first insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the gate electrode, an amorphous silicon layer positioned on the first insulating layer so that a predetermined area thereof corresponds to the gate electrode, ohmic layers that positioned on a predetermined area of the amorphous silicon layer, the ohmic layers defining a source area and a drain area, a source electrode or a drain electrode electrically connected to any one of the ohmic layers and a cathode that is electrically connected to the other one of the ohmic layers, a second insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the source electrode or the drain electrode and the cathode, the second insulating layer comprising an opening exposing a portion of the cathode, an emitting layer positioned within the opening, and an anode positioned on the substrate comprising the emitting layer.
US08153466B2	Mask applied to a workpiece A method of fabricating a workpiece is disclosed. A material defining apertures is applied to a workpiece. A species is introduced to the workpiece through the apertures and the material is removed. For example, the material may be evaporated, may form a volatile product with a gas, or may dissolve when exposed to a solvent. The species may be introduced using, for example, ion implantation or gaseous diffusion.
US08153463B2	Method of manufacturing thin film transistor substrate A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor substrate includes a first process in which a gate line pattern including a gate line and a gate electrode is formed with a first conductive material on a substrate using a first mask, a second process in which a first insulating layer is formed on the substrate and a data line pattern including a data line, a source electrode, and a drain electrode is formed with a second conductive material using a second mask, and a third process in which a second insulating layer is formed on the substrate and a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode is formed on the second insulating layer with a third conductive material.
US08153462B2	Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device is provided which includes ashing first and second photoresist patterns, whereby a copper oxide film is formed at portions of a data line and a source-drain pattern exposed between the ashed first and second photoresist patterns and between the ashed first and second portions of the first photoresist pattern; deoxidizing or removing the copper oxide film; performing a plasma treatment to change the exposed portions of the data line and the source-drain pattern into a copper compound; removing the copper compound using a copper compound removing solution to form source and drain electrodes below the ashed first and second portions, respectively, wherein the copper compound removing solution substantially has no reaction with the copper group material; dry-etching a portion of an ohmic contact layer between the source and drain electrodes using the source and drain electrodes as an etching mask, the ohmic contact layer formed by patterning the impurity-doped amorphous silicon layer.
US08153455B2	Method for enhancing light extraction efficiency of light emitting diodes A method for enhancing light extraction efficiency of a light emitting diode is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a light emitting diode including in sequence a substrate, a first layer of a first conduction type, an active layer, and a second layer of a second conduction type opposite to the first conduction type; growing a number of protrusions on at least one layer selected from the first layer, the active layer, and the second layer of the light emitting diode to form a patterned oxide layer for protecting the light emitting diode from etch; controlling height of the protrusions to achieve a predetermined etching depth of the light emitting diode; dry etching through a portion of the light emitting diode which is not protected by the patterned oxide layer to form a plurality of depressions on the light emitting diode; and removing the oxide layer from the selected layer. The light emitting diode is patterned so that more light beams can be emitted. Therefore, light extraction efficiency is enhanced.
US08153448B2	Manufacturing method of a semiconductor device There are provided a capacitor lower electrode formed on an adhesive layer, whose surface roughness is 0.79 nm or less, and having a (111) orientation that is inclined from a perpendicular direction to an upper surface of a substrate by 2.3° or less, a ferroelectric layer having a structure the (111) orientation of which is inclined from the perpendicular direction to the upper surface of the substrate by 3.5° or less, and a capacitor upper electrode.
US08153443B2	Characterization of the CBir1 antigenic response for diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's disease This invention provides methods of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of genetic variants. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose and/or predict susceptibility to Crohn's Disease in an individual by determining the presence or absence of anti-Cbir1 reactivity and the presence or absence of TLR5 risk variants. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of NFKB1 haplotype H3 and/or ASCA expression. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of Cbir1 specific peripheral blood T cell proliferation.
US08153441B2	Method for analyzing structure and purity of serotonin transporter imaging agent [123 I] ADAM and precursor SnADAM An analytical technique for determining the structures of serotonin transporter (SERT) imaging agent [123I] ADAM and its precursor, SnADAM by using a high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) is provided. An analytical technique for determining the purity of SnADAM by using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) is also provided.
US08153438B2	Sequencing nucleic acid polymers with electron microscopy This invention relates to using an electron microscope to sequence by direct inspection of labeled, stretched DNA. This method will have higher accuracy, lower cost, and longer read length than current DNA sequencing methods.
US08153437B2	DNA-based molecular switches and uses thereof Disclosed are nucleic acid-based molecular switches that respond to changes in pH. The switches may be used in DNA nanodevices. The switches may also act as sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, including cells, regions thereof, and whole organisms. The switch includes an A-motif that forms at acidic pH. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of cells or regions thereof, such as vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondrial matrix, or the Golgi lumen.
US08153436B2	Assays for disease-associated crystals in biological samples Methods of assaying for disease-associated crystal species in biological samples are described. Such methods involve contacting a patient sample with an excess of a detectable crystal-tagging compound reactive with a plurality of crystal species under conditions that allow the detectable crystal-tagging compound to react with a plurality of crystal species, if present, to form tagged crystal species complexes. Substantially all unreacted tagging compound is then removed. If desired, chemical, enzymatic, or physical treatment can be used to selectively degrade some, but not, of the tagged crystal species. Assessment of soluble versus crystal-associated label is then performed.
US08153435B1	Methods and articles for identifying objects using encapsulated perfluorocarbon tracers A system and method for tagging, tracking, locating and identifying people and vehicles transporting people using Perfluorocarbon tracers. An on-going problem faced by military as well as law enforcement personnel is that of friendly fire incidents. To prevent possible friendly-fire incidents, troops would separate the two layers of the uniform patch, thereby releasing a controlled release of the Perfluorocarbon vapors. Other “friendly” troops, equipped with sensors tuned to the specific perfluorocarbon characteristics would thus be able to literally view a plume around the tagged person or object. The system may conversely be used to tag enemies. Formulations of mixed perfluorocarbons may be used to provide coding of emissions.
US08153432B2	Multiplex automated genome engineering The present invention relates to automated methods of introducing multiple nucleic acid sequences into one or more target cells.
US08153430B2	Methods related to surgery The invention is directed to methods related to surgery, for example gastrointestinal surgery. In particular, the invention is methods of treating fistulae, promoting accelerated healing of anastomoses and preventing failure of anastomoses. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to extraembryonic cytokine secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, and cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.
US08153428B2	Use of TGF beta superfamily antagonists and neurotrophins to make neurons from embryonic stem cells This invention provides a system for efficiently producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells. Rather than permitting the cells to form embryoid bodies according to established techniques, differentiation is effected directly in monolayer culture on a suitable solid surface. The cells are either plated directly onto a differentiation-promoting surface, or grown initially on the solid surface in the absence of feeder cells and then exchanged into a medium that assists in the differentiation process. The solid surface and the culture medium can be chosen to direct differentiation down a particular pathway, generating a cell population that is remarkably uniform. The methodology is well adapted to bulk production of committed precursor and terminally differentiated cells for use in drug screening or regenerative medicine.
US08153424B2	Method of in vitro differentiation of neural stem cells, motor neurons and dopamine neurons from primate embryonic stem cells A method of differentiating embryonic stem cells into ventral spinal progenitor cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises culturing a population of cells comprising a majority of cells that are characterized by an early rosette morphology and are Sox1−/Pax6+ in the presence of retinoic acid, wherein the cells express Hoxb4, but not Otx2 or Bf1.
US08153419B2	Dual purpose intermodal and bioconversion container An Intermodal container, also known as an ISO Ocean Freight Container is suitable for the dual purposes of bio-containment and also Intermodal shipping. Provision is made for the introduction of water, oxygen or other liquids or gasses to be treated into the container, for exit of liquids or gasses generated or converted in the container, and for the monitoring of biological processes occurring within the container, all in a liquid impervious container. Improved air ducts and flow paths are provided, while the effects of shrinkage and channeling are reduced, through a strategically placed and relative percentage of openings through the floor. Further improvements in air distribution are achieved by an elimination or substantial reduction in percentage of opening through the floor in areas immediately adjacent to the container side walls. The flooring incorporates a self-cleaning hole design which increases in diameter with increasing distance from the container contents. The increases in diameter may be achieved either through smooth and continuous increases, or through discontinuous increments, though the objective regardless of the approach is to ensure that the holes do not clog either when the container is filled with matter, or when vibrated and jolted during handling and transport.
US08153415B2	Reduced by-product accumulation for improved production of isobutanol The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising biosynthetic pathways and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce various beneficial metabolites. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may further comprise one or more modifications resulting in the reduction or elimination of 3 keto-acid (e.g., acetolactate and 2-aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate) and/or aldehyde-derived by-products. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.
US08153414B2	Microbial delivery system The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.
US08153413B2	High alkaline protease and use thereof The invention aims to provide a novel alkaline protease having peculiar properties such as high alkali activity, resistance to surfactants and calcium-dependent thermostability and exhibiting excellent performance in highly alkaline detergents, and a gene coding for the amino acid sequence thereof. There is provided an alkaline protease with such properties that an active pH range is from 5 to 13, an optimum pH is approximately 12.6, an optimum temperature is 70° C., no activity drop by heating is observed up to 65° C. at pH 10 and the optimum temperature and the thermostability are not affected by Ca2+ ions. Specifically, there is provided, for example, an alkaline protease having an amino acid sequence constituting a mature enzyme as represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 or an amino acid sequence resulting from deletion, substitution, situs inversus arrangement, addition or insertion of a part of amino acids thereof, or derived from Alkaliphillus transvaalensis. The protease cleaves 26 peptide bonds among 29 peptide bonds of acidic insulin B-chain.
US08153410B2	Alternate morpheein forms of allosteric proteins as a target for the development of bioactive molecules A composition having an agent adapted to affect a multimeric protein by binding to a binding site of the multimeric protein and thereby affecting an equilibrium of units, wherein the multimeric protein has an assembly having a plurality of said units, wherein each of the units has a first complementary surface and a second complementary surface and wherein the first complementary surface of one unit is associated with the second complementary surface of another unit, provided that the assembly is at least one of different quaternary isoforms on a condition that in the multimeric protein (1) a structure of each of the units determines a structure of the different quaternary isoforms, (2) the units are in the equilibrium and (3) the structure of the different quaternary isoforms influences a function of the multimeric protein.
US08153408B2	Biocatalytic racemisation of alpha-hydroxyketones A process for the racemization of an optically active alpha-hydroxyketone by incubating said alpha-hydroxyketone in the presence of an acetoin racemase of Lactobacillus.
US08153405B2	Products and methods for in vivo secretion of monatin Products and methods for the in vivo production of monatin sweetener are provided. The products include microorganisms that are genetically modified to secrete or to improve secretion of monatin; microorganisms that are genetically modified to produce monatin; and microorganisms that are genetically modified to both secrete or improve secretion of monatin and produce monatin. The methods include producing monatin in such genetically engineered microorganisms.
US08153402B2	Emulsion compositions An emulsion is useful in allowing a wide variety of gene products to be expressed via eukaryotic in vitro expression. The emulsion comprises a silicone based surfactant, a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase; wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises a plurality of compartments containing a functional in vitro eukaryotic expression system.
US08153396B2	Method for producing a casein hydrolysate The present invention relates to a method for producing a casein hydrolysate using a microbial endopeptidase.
US08153393B2	Spirolactam targeting compounds and related compounds Spirolactam targeting compounds, related compounds, uses of such compounds, and methods of making such compounds are disclosed.
US08153382B2	Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrate depleted of anti-A and anti-B antibodies and of polyreactive IgGs The present invention relates to an immunoglobulin G concentrate for therapeutic use, in which the respective contents of anti-A and anti-B antibodies are in accordance with a negative result in the in vitro indirect Coombs test. This IgG concentrate also has a polyreactive IgG content of between 0.01% and 0.1%, in particular between 0.07% and 0.1%, relative to the total content of IgG.
US08153378B2	Gene expression markers for colorectal cancer prognosis A method of predicting clinical outcome in a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer comprising determining evidence of the expression of one or more predictive RNA transcripts or their expression products in a biological sample of cancer cells obtained from the subject.
US08153376B2	Means and methods for diagnosing and/or treating a subject at risk of developing heart failure The present invention relates to a method for identifying a subject at risk of developing heart failure, comprising: (a) determining the level of one or more biological markers in a biological sample of said subject; (b) comparing the level of said biological marker to a standard level of the same biological marker; and (C) determining whether the level of the marker is indicative of a risk for developing heart failure, wherein the biological marker is Krüppel Like Factor 15 (KLF-15) and/or lysosomal integral membrane protein-2 (LIMP-2) and/or fragments and/or variants thereof, and/or wherein the biological marker is a gene coding for KLF15 and/or LIMP-2, and/or fragments and/or variants thereof. The invention further relates to use of the KLF15 and/or LIMP-2 protein, and/or the gene coding for KLF15 and/or LIMP2, and/or fragments, and/or variants of said genes and/or proteins, for the preparation of a medicament for a prophylactic and/or a therapeutic medicament for prevention and/or treatment of heart failure.
US08153371B2	Probe, probe set, probe carrier, and testing method A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.
US08153370B2	RNA from cytology samples to diagnose disease The invention relates to methods and kits for detecting the likelihood that a subject has cancer, e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, by assaying the expression levels of tumor associated genes. More specifically, the expression levels of nucleic acids or proteins can be assayed in the tumor associated genes, e.g., beta-2 microgobulin (B2M) and cytochrome p450 1B1 (CYP1B1). The expression levels compared to standards can be indicative of the likelihood a subject has squamous cell carcinoma. For example, over-expression of B2M and under-expression of CYP1B1 can be indicative of the likelihood a subject has squamous cell carcinoma. Also, over-expression of B2M and over-expression of CYP1B1 can be indicative of the likelihood a subject has a precancerous squamous cell disorder. The expression levels of B2M and CYP1B1 can also be repeatedly assayed to monitor the progression of a squamous cell neoplasia.
US08153369B2	Assessment of risk for colorectal cancer Disclosed is a method for identifying an individual who has an altered risk for developing colorectal cancer comprising detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).
US08153368B2	Four-jointed box (FJX1) in cancer diagnosis and treatment The present invention relates to a new tumor suppressor, designated FJX1. Also described are diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic uses of the FJX1 protein and the FJX1 gene, alone or in combination with traditional cancer therapies.
US08153367B2	Amplified array analysis system The present invention concerns an array-based analytical system and method having an enhanced sensitivity which allows for simple and rapid analysis of relative unmodified samples which comprises an analytical system of the type having a plurality of different first members of a specific binding pair affixed in an array thereupon, a mixture including at least one second member of a specific binding pair capable of binding to one of the first members so as to form a specific binding pair which is affixed to the support member, and a reporter system that produces a detectable signal indicative of the presence of the specific binding pair on the support member and wherein the reporter system includes an amplified reporter system that is independent of layering.
US08153366B2	Methods and compositions for predicting drug responses The present invention relates to methods and compositions for predicting drug responses. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for determining individualized Warfarin dosages based on genotype of DNA polymorphisms and haplotypes derived from them in the VKORC1 gene.
US08153361B1	Dynamic and combinatorial synthesis of polymerase primers This invention relates to the field of nucleic acid chemistry, more specifically to compositions of matter that are nucleic acid analogs, and processes that use them. Still more specifically, these compositions comprise two fragments of DNA-like molecules, each having one or more ends modified to carry a reactive group, where the reactive group on one fragment can form a transient covalent bond with the reactive group on the other under conditions of dynamic equilibrium to form a composite, where the composite can then bind to a target oligonucleotide, such as a DNA or RNA molecule. Most specifically, once the transient covalent bond forms, the composite serves as a primer for a template-directed polymerization using a DNA polymerase, an RNA polymerase, or a reverse transcriptase. Once incorporated, the epimerization causes the base pair to be destabilized, the duplex containing the epimerized nucleoside to likewise be destabilized, and the double strand to then disassociate. This leaves the template available to template the synthesis of another complementary oligonucleotide containing the epimerizing base.
US08153354B2	Sealed cell structure A method for forming a sealed cell structure is disclosed. The sealed cell structure comprises first (10) and second (12) substrates that are spaced apart by a plurality of partition walls (14). The partition walls define a plurality of cells (18, 19) between the first and second substrates. At least one of the substrates and the partition walls have a layer (16, 22, 30) of photo-embossing material on them. A latent image is written (112) onto the photo-embossing material, and then the image is developed, thereby causing expansion of the photo-embossing material in the areas (114) according to the pattern of the latent image. The expansion of the photo-embossing material causes the cells to be sealed apart from one another.
US08153353B2	Ultra dark polymer A method and a material for creating an antireflective coating on an integrated circuit. A preferred embodiment comprises applying a dark polymer material on a reflective surface, curing the dark polymer material, and roughening a top surface of the dark polymer material. The roughening can be achieved by ashing the dark polymer material in an ash chamber. The dark polymer material, preferably a black matrix resin or a polyimide black matrix resin, when ashed in an oxygen rich atmosphere for a short period of time, forms a surface that is capable of absorbing light as well as randomly refracting light it does not absorb. A protective cap layer may be formed on top of the ashed dark polymer material to provide protection for the dark polymer material.
US08153351B2	Methods for performing photolithography using BARCs having graded optical properties Photolithography methods using BARCs having graded optical properties are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a photolithography method comprises the steps of depositing a BARC overlying a material to be patterned, the BARC having a refractive index and an absorbance. The BARC is modified such that, after the step of modifying, values of the refractive index and the absorbance are graded from first values at a first surface of the BARC to second values at a second surface of the BARC. The step of modifying is performed after the step of depositing.
US08153344B2	Methods for producing photosensitive microparticles, aqueous compositions thereof and articles prepared therewith Described are aqueous compositions of an effective amount of at least one photosensitive material and at least one polymerizable component that are adapted to at least partially form photosensitive microparticles or at least partially crosslinked photosensitive polymeric microparticles. The photosensitive polymeric microparticles are made of integral surface and interior domains wherein at least one of the surface and/or interior domains is photosensitive. Also described are aqueous dispersions of such microparticles, ways of producing such microparticles and photosensitive articles such as optical elements that incorporate the photosensitive polymeric microparticles.
US08153341B2	Phosphate containing photoconductors A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, an undercoat layer thereover wherein the undercoat layer contains a metal oxide, a phenolic resin, and a phosphate; a photogenerating layer; and at least one charge transport layer.
US08153340B2	Photosensitive composition, partition walls and black matrix To provide a photosensitive composition with which it is possible to form partition walls (black matrix) having excellent light shielding properties and liquid repellency.A photosensitive composition, which comprises a polymer (A) having a side chain containing a fluorine atom-containing group or a silicon atom-containing group and a side chain containing an ethylenic double bond in one molecule, a black colorant (B), a photopolymerization initiator (C) which is an O-acyloxime compound, and a photosensitive resin (D) containing an acidic group and an ethylenic double bond in one molecule, wherein the proportion of the black colorant (B) in the total solid content of the composition is from 15 to 60 mass %.
US08153339B2	Mask and manufacturing method of a semiconductor device and a thin film transistor array panel using the mask An exposure mask is provided, which includes: a light blocking opaque area blocking incident light; a translucent area; and a transparent area passing the most of incident light, wherein the translucent area generates the phase differences in the range of about −70° to about +70°.
US08153338B2	Apparatus and method for repairing photo mask An apparatus for repairing a photo mask, including a repairing atomic force microscope configured to repair a defective portion of the photo mask in a photo mask repair process, an electron microscope configured to navigate the repairing atomic electron microscope to the defective portion of the photo mask and to observe the photo mask repair process, and an imaging atomic microscope configured to image in-situ a shape of a repaired photo mask.
US08153335B2	Lithography masks, systems, and manufacturing methods Lithography masks, lithography systems, methods of manufacturing lithography masks, methods of altering material layers of semiconductor devices, and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lithography mask includes a first pattern for at least one material layer of at least one die, the first pattern being oriented in a first position. The lithography mask includes a second pattern for at least one material layer of the at least one die, the second pattern being oriented in a second position. The second position is different than the first position.
US08153334B2	Method for stripping pellicle and stripping apparatus used therein A method for stripping a pellicle from an exposure master plate is provided, the pellicle being a lithographic pellicle that includes a pellicle frame, a pellicle film stretched over one end face of the pellicle frame via a pellicle film adhesive, and an exposure master plate pressure-sensitive adhesion layer provided on the other end face, the method including a step of irradiating the pressure-sensitive adhesion layer with UV light. There is also provided a stripping apparatus used in the stripping method, the apparatus including a light source for irradiating the exposure master plate pressure-sensitive adhesion layer with UV light and means for heating the exposure master plate and/or the pellicle frame with which the pressure-sensitive adhesion layer is in contact.
US08153333B2	Fuel cell with protruded gas diffusion layer An assembling operation of a fuel cell is effectively simplified. With the simple and economical structure, the desired sealing function is achieved. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second metal separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. Connection channels are provided on the first metal separator. The connection channels connect the oxygen-containing gas supply passage and the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage to the oxygen-containing gas flow field. The membrane electrode assembly has first overlapping portions overlapped on the connection channels for sealing the connection channels. The first overlapping portions comprise, in effect, a gas diffusion layer.
US08153331B2	Fabrication method of anode and electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cell The present invention relates to a fabrication method of a solid oxide fuel cell. The fabrication method of a fuel electrode and electrolyte of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in which a sheet cell including a fuel electrode sheet and an electrolyte sheet is positioned at an upper side of a surface of a fuel electrode pellet, comprising steps of (a) molding and heat-treating powder, in which a fuel electrode material is mixed with a pore forming agent, so as to prepare a fuel electrode pellet; (b) stacking the fuel electrode sheet containing the fuel electrode material and the electrolyte sheet containing an electrolyte material so as to prepare the sheet cell; and (c) coating an adhesive slurry containing the fuel electrode material on the sheet cell or the pellet and adhering the fuel electrode sheet of the sheet cell and the pellet and then heat-treating it.
US08153329B2	Proton conducting electrolyte membrane and production method thereof and solid polymer fuel cell using the same A proton-conducting electrolyte membrane containing a porous inorganic substrate, a porous portion of the porous inorganic substrate being filled with a proton-conducting polymer, wherein the proton-conducting polymer is a co-polymer of: (i) a monomer compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond and a sulphonic acid group in the molecule; and (ii) a silyl compound represented by Formula (1): (R1O)n—Si—R2m Formula (1) wherein R1 is an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is an organic group capable of co-polymerizing; m and n each are an integer of 1 to 3, with the proviso that m plus n equals 4; and R2 may be the same or different when m is 2 or 3.
US08153323B2	Method for using a fuel cell comprising a regeneration step by lowering the temperature A fuel cell supplies power to a load under nominal conditions. A method for using the fuel cell comprises at least one regeneration step of the performances of the fuel cell by temporarily lowering its temperature below the nominal operating temperature. The regeneration step, performed during a preset time, can be triggered periodically or when the voltage at the terminals of the fuel cell or the fuel cell temperature is lower than a threshold. The performances of the fuel cell, in particular its voltage, can thereby be maintained substantially constant during long periods of use.
US08153321B2	Fuel cell system having switching fuel flow A fuel cell system (100) includes two supply passages (30, 32) for supplying the hydrogen to the anode (14). Valves (22, 23) which control flow amounts of the hydrogen passing through the two supply passages (30, 32) are provided. An exhaust passage (34) which outputs exhaust gas from the anode (14) is provided on the supply passage, and a valve (24) is also provided. When the valve (24) on the exhaust passage (34) is closed, the flow amount ratios of the hydrogen passing through the two supply passages (30, 32) are varied in time. Therefore, impurities such as nitrogen can be diffused. Thereby, a hydrogen purge amount can be reduced.
US08153320B2	Pressure regulating valve, fuel cell system using same, and hydrogen generating facility A pressure regulating valve comprises a first pressure deformation portion which receives a pressure on a fuel demand side, a second pressure deformation portion opposed to the first pressure deformation portion and which receives a predetermined pressure, first and second flow passages, and a communication passage for allowing the first and second flow passages to communicate with each other. The first and second flow passages and the communication passage are provided in a space between the first and second pressure deformation portions. A valve member has a connecting portion which extends through the communication passage and connects the first and second pressure deformation portions together, and has a valve element which is provided at the connecting portion and closes the communication passage when moved toward the second pressure deformation portion. When the pressure on the fuel demand side is lower than a predetermined value, the valve element does not close the communication passage, but when the pressure on the fuel demand side is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the valve element closes the communication passage.
US08153317B2	Preheating heat exchanger for a fuel cell The invention relates to a heat exchanger for a hot fuel cell. The heat exchanger includes a first flow circuit for receiving a cool air stream and a second flow circuit for receiving a hot fluid coming from the cell, the first and second flow circuits having common surfaces for heat exchange. In accordance with the present invention, each of the first and second flow circuits comprises a plurality of concentric annular ducts that are interconnected. The two walls of each duct are mechanically decoupled from each other, thereby enabling them to expand independently of one another and avoiding mechanical stresses within the heat exchanger.
US08153316B2	Unitized fuel cell assembly and cooling apparatus A stackable unitized fuel cell system includes a cooling capability. A unitized fuel cell system includes a unitized fuel cell assembly having a first flow field plate, a second flow field plate, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) provided between the first and second flow field plates. In one configuration, a cooling structure is separable with respect to the unitized fuel cell assembly. In another configuration, the cooling structure is integral to the unitized fuel cell assembly. A retention arrangement is provided on one or both of the unitized fuel cell assembly and cooling structure. The retention arrangement is configured to facilitate mating engagement between the unitized fuel cell assembly, the cooling structure, and adjacent unitized fuel cell systems of a fuel cell stack.
US08153315B2	Fuel cell system having output voltage corrector A system voltage indicated by an intersection of a graph of an FC maximum output characteristic of the output voltage/output power characteristic of a fuel cell and a graph of a load device maximum output characteristic is output so as to obtain optimal output power, thereby matching an output current-output voltage characteristic of a fuel cell and a maximum output characteristic of a load. Thus, a fuel cell system which has high operating efficiency and which is free of physical failures is provided.
US08153313B2	Hybrid voltage supply apparatus, method of controlling the same, and electronic system employing the same as power supply A hybrid voltage supply apparatus, a method of controlling the same, and an electronic system employing the hybrid voltage supply apparatus as a power supply are provided. The hybrid voltage supply apparatus includes a hybrid voltage supply apparatus including a main power supply, an auxiliary power supply, and a first voltage adjustment unit which operates in any one of a feed-forward driving mode and a feed-back driving mode according to at least one operating parameter of the main power supply, and adjusts an output voltage of the main power supply to a first predetermined DC voltage.
US08153309B2	Apparatus and method using hydrogen pressure in fuel cell electric vehicle A hydrogen fuel cell system (100) for charging a battery (116) of an electric vehicle, includes at least one tank (102) for storing hydrogen under pressure. A combined heat exchanger and air engine (104) expands the pressurized hydrogen and converts the expanding hydrogen into mechanical energy. A plurality of fuel cells (106) receive the expanded hydrogen for supplying heat to the heat exchanger and air engine (104) and supplying a first current for charging the battery (116). A generator (108) generates a multi-phase voltage in response to the mechanical energy. A electrical power converter (110) responsive to the multi-phase voltage provides a second current for charging the battery (116).
US08153307B1	Battery including electrolyte with mixed solvent A battery is disclosed. The battery includes an electrolyte activating one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. The electrolyte includes one or more salts dissolved in a solvent. The solvent includes one or more first siloxanes and/or one or more first silanes. Each of the first siloxanes and/or first silanes have one or more first substituents that each include a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety. The solvent also includes one or more second siloxanes and/or one or more second silanes. Each of the second siloxanes and/or second silanes have one or more second substituents that each include a carbonate moiety.
US08153305B2	Electrolytic organic glass, its manufacturing process and device comprising it The invention relates to a solid electrolyte, to a process for its manufacture and also to devices comprising it.The electrolyte of the invention is an amorphous solid of formula SivOwCxHyLiz, in which v, w, x, y and z are atomic percentages with 0≦v≦40, 5≦w≦50, x>12, 10≦y≦40, 1≦z≦70, and 95%≦v+w+x+y+z≦100%.The electrolyte of the invention finds application in the field of electronics and microbatteries in particular.
US08153300B2	Rechargeable alkaline manganese cell with cathode consistency compensation In an improved rechargeable alkaline manganese cell that has a manganese dioxide cathode comprising pellets formed by pressing a cathode powder blend comprising a hygroscopic additive for increasing cumulative capacity, the sticky consistency of the pellets, which is un-desirable for continuous automated production is compensated for by the addition of up to 0.5% of a hydrophobic binder. This small amount leaves the cell performance substantially unimpaired, but provides the desired consistency for large-scale production. Further disclosed is an improved charge methodology for a rechargeable alkaline manganese cell wherein the charge current is pulsed at a voltage in excess of 1.65 V and the no-load cell voltage response is monitored at predetermined intervals. No charge current pulse is permitted to pass through the cell if the no-load voltage exceeds a threshold value. This results in increased utilization of the capacity of the cell while reducing the likelihood of damage to the cell due to overcharging.
US08153297B2	Positive electrode active material and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery containing the same In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: a negative electrode containing, as a negative electrode active material, at least a material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions or metal lithium; a positive electrode; and an electrolyte, an oxide containing nickel and manganese elements, the material comprising primary particles of the oxide having a twining portion and a superlattice arrangement of a [√{square root over (3)}×√{square root over (3)}] R30° when assigned as R3-m is used as a positive electrode active material.
US08153296B2	Lithium cell with cathode containing metal doped iron sulfide A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising a metal doped iron sulfide and carbon particles. A cathode slurry is prepared comprising the metal doped iron sulfide powder, carbon, binder, and a liquid solvent. The mixture is coated onto a conductive substrate and solvent evaporated leaving a dry cathode coating on the substrate. The anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added.
US08153295B2	Positive electrode active material and its manufacturing method, positive electrode for lithium secondary cell using same, and lithium secondary cell A positive active material is provided which can inhibit side reactions between the positive electrode and an electrolyte even at a high potential and which, when applied to a battery, can improve charge/discharge cycle performance without impairing battery performances even in storage in a charged state. Also provided are: a process for producing the active material; a positive electrode for lithium secondary batteries which employs the active material; and a lithium secondary battery which has improved charge/discharge cycle performance while retaining intact battery performances even after storage in a charged state and which can exhibit excellent charge/discharge cycle performance even when used at a high upper-limit voltage. The positive active material comprises: base particles able to dope and release lithium ions; and an element in Group 3 of the periodic table present on at least part of that part of the base particles which is able to come into contact with an electrolyte. It is produced by, e.g., a process which comprises: producing base particles containing lithium and able to dope and release lithium ions; and then imparting an element in Group 3 of the periodic table to the base particles so that the element can be present on at least part of that part of the base particles which is able to come into contact with an electrolyte.
US08153290B2	Heat dissipation for large battery packs One embodiment includes an electrical cell that includes a flat housing, at least one electrode and an electrically and heat conductive tab coupled to the electrode and extending through the housing for electrically and thermally coupling to a collector panel, the tab being capable of conducting both current and a substantial amount of heat out of the housing to a temperature control system. The cells may be stacked to form a battery having a temperature panel interfaced to the temperature control system by a thermal interface. The battery may propel an electrically-powered vehicle or the like.
US08153289B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery has a safety vent formed on a can accommodating an electrode assembly. The safety vent is formed in a groove shape and the depth of the groove varies. The fracture site of the safety vent is controlled by adjusting the depth of the safety vent. The safety vent is prevented from damaging the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is inserted in the can, and contacts the safety vent.
US08153288B2	Fuel cell and fuel cell stack A fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and separators alternately. Each of the separators includes first and second metal plates. A coolant flow field is formed between the first metal plate of the fuel cell and the second metal plate of the adjacent fuel cell. A folded section is provided around a coolant supply passage by folding the second metal plate. The folded section forms an inlet which enlarges the sectional area of an opening as a fluid passage between the coolant supply passage and the coolant flow field.
US08153284B2	Method for fabricating a glass substrate, method for fabricating a magnetic disk, and magnetic disk A method for manufacturing a glass substrate which has a uniform and minute pattern of stripes formed on the surface thereof by ultraprecision polishing, and which allows the recording capacity of a magnetic disk to be increased, includes an inspecting step before the glass substrate is subjected to ultraprecision polishing, whether the Young's modulus Es in topmost part as determined by the nanoindentation method and the Young's modulus Eg as determined by ultrasonic resonance fulfill the inequality 0.8 Eg
US08153283B2	Magnetic recording medium, method of modifying surface of magnetic powder and magnetic coating material An aspect of the present invention relates to a magnetic recording medium comprising a magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic powder and a binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the magnetic layer comprises a compound denoted by general formula (1): wherein, in general formula (1), X denotes a divalent linking group, each of R1 and R2 independently denotes an alkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryloxyalkyl group having 7 to 20 carbon atoms, and M denotes a hydrogen atom or a cation.
US08153278B2	Organic electroluminescence device An organic electroluminescence device, includes: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic layer including a light emitting layer, the light emitting layer being provided between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one layer of the at least one organic layer contains a compound represented by formula (I) as defined in the specification.
US08153268B1	Polymer to metal bonding and compounds and compositions useful therefor A compound comprising at least one alkoxy silane moiety; and at least one moiety selected from a nitrosobenzene or a nitrosobenzene precursor and combinations thereof are provided and used in polymer to metal in particular rubber to metal bonding. The nitrosobenzene precursor may be at least one of a quinone dioxime or a quinone oxime.
US08153266B2	Heat treatable coated article with zinc doped zirconium based layer(s) in coating In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a Zn-doped zirconium based layer before heat treatment (HT). The coated article is heat treated sufficiently to cause the Zn-doped zirconium based layer to transform into a Zn-doped zirconium oxide based layer that is scratch resistant and/or chemically durable. The doping of the layer with Zn has been found to improve scratch resistance and/or corrosion resistance.
US08153256B2	Soft magnetic material comprising an insulating layer containing aluminum, silicon, phosphorous and oxygen; dust magnetic core; process for producing soft magnetic material; and process for producing dust magnetic core The soft magnetic material includes a plurality of composite magnetic particles having a metal magnetic particle and an insulating film surrounding the surface of the metal magnetic particle. The metal magnetic particle contains iron as the main component. The insulating film contains aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, and oxygen. The insulating film satisfies the relationship 0.4≦MAl/(MAl+MSi)≦0.9 and the relationship of 0.25≦(MAl+MSi)/MP≦1.0 in the case that molar amount of aluminum contained in the insulating film is represented by MAl, the sum of the molar amount of aluminum contained in the insulating film and the molar amount of silicon contained in the insulating film is represented by (MAl+MSi), and the molar amount of phosphorus contained in the insulating film is represented by MP.
US08153254B2	Methods for modifying the surfaces of a solid and microstructured surfaces with increased adherence produced with said methods Described are methods for surface modification of an object (10) in order to increase the adhesive power of the object, wherein the surface (11) is subjected to structuring so that a multitude of projections (12) are formed, each comprising a foot part and a head part, wherein the head part comprises a front surface (13) which faces away from the surface, wherein each projection (12) is made in a size such that all front surfaces (13) project to the same vertical height above the surface (11), and form an adherent contact surface (14) which is interrupted by mutual spacing between the front surfaces (13).
US08153253B2	Conjugate fiber-containing yarn A conjugate fiber-containing yarn containing side-by-side or eccentric core-in-sheath conjugate fibers each composed of a polyester component and a polyamide component, that can be crimped by heating, and that has properties of increasing its crimp ratio when it absorbs moisture or water and is excellent in windbreaking and warmth-retaining properties, has a wool-like soft and bulky hand, and is capable of forming a fabric in which a see-through property is not increased even when wetted with water.
US08153249B2	Article treated with silica particles and method for treating a surface of the article An article including a substrate, and a base layer formed on a surface of the substrate, and methods for treating the surface of the substrate are provided.
US08153248B2	Plastic lens and method of producing plastic lens A primer layer is formed on a plastic lens substrate, a hard coat layer is formed on the primer layer using a coating composition comprising metal oxide fine particles, an organosilicon compound represented by the general formula R1SiX13, and a compound having a biphenyl sulfide compound, and an organic antireflective layer.In the plastic lens comprising a plastic lens substrate as obtained above, a plastic lens having excellent durability, impact resistance and mar resistance, and a method of producing the plastic lens are provided.
US08153241B2	Wide-angle highly reflective mirrors at 193NM The invention is directed to highly reflective optical elements having an amorphous MgAl2O4−SiO2 coating with fluoride enhancements inserted and sealed by dense smooth SiO2 layers, and to a method for preparing such elements using energetic deposition techniques and the spinel crystalline form of MgAl2O4 as the source of the amorphous MgAl2O4 coating, The coating and the method described herein can be used to make highly reflective mirrors, and can also be applied to beamsplitters, prisms, lenses, output couplers and similar elements used in <200 nm laser systems.
US08153240B2	Carbon nanostructures and methods of making and using the same Carbon nanoflakes, methods of making the nanoflakes, and applications of the carbon nanoflakes are provided. In some embodiments, the carbon nanoflakes are carbon nanosheets, which are less than 2 nm thick. The carbon nanoflakes may be made using RF-PECVD. Carbon nanoflakes may be useful as field emitters, for hydrogen storage applications, for sensors, and as catalyst supports.
US08153239B2	Polycarbonate resin composition and heat ray shielding molded product Polycarbonate resin compositions containing 100 parts by weight of aromatic polycarbonate resin having a concentration of end hydroxyl group of 100 to 1800 ppm and 0.0001 to 5 parts by weight of fine particles of a boride of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Y, Sm, Eu, Re, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sr or Ca. Heat ray shielding molded products molded from this polycarbonate resin composition have low haze, excellent transparency, low solar transmittance and sufficient heat ray shielding properties, especially for visible light and selective shielding for infrared rays, and are excellent in mechanical strength and thermal stability at melting. These molded products may be used for windows for buildings or vehicles or as optical materials such as infrared ray cut filters or films for agricultural use.
US08153237B2	Laminated glass pane having an integrated retaining element A laminated glazing with at least one rigid pane and an adhesive layer assembled to the rigid plane by surface bonding, via which a protective and/or functional sheet is applied to the rigid pane. The protective sheet is set back relative to an outer edge of the rigid pane, at least in certain parts. At least one retaining element is placed on the edge of the rigid pane in the region of the set-back of the protective sheet. The retaining element has a thickness approximately corresponding, or corresponding, to the maximum thickness of the adhesive layer at the edge of the protective sheet and is partially covered by the protective sheet at least in defined parts.
US08153235B2	Molded thermoplastic articles An injection molded foam article including a structure and a projection projecting from the structure. The thickness of the projection is greater than 40% of the thickness of the structure and the front surface of the structure opposite the projection is free of sink marks.
US08153231B2	Thin web Embodiments of a thin web comprising a plurality of channels extending through the film are disclosed. The channels are in a substantially closed position but are capable of being in an open position to allow flow from the female side through the film to the male side. In certain applications, a greater pressure on the female side than the male side is capable of opening the channels. Embodiments may also include a thin web comprising a plurality of three dimensional apertures extending through the plastic film. The apertures may form a substantially closed channel defined by a sidewall and the channels being disposed at an angle greater than 70° with respect to a female side of the film. The thin web may be a plastic film or a thermoplastic film comprising a polyolefin, for example, or any other suitable material. The polyolefin may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene, for example.
US08153230B2	Multilayer paper tape A multilayer paper tape including two or more paper sheets which are bonded by adhesive layers is described. Each of the top layer and the bottom layer of this stack of paper sheets and adhesive layers is an adhesive layer, around which, as a casing, is formed a folded paper sheet enclosing the stack of paper sheets and adhesive layers. This folded paper sheet is completely surrounded by an adhesive layer. A process for producing the same is also described.
US08153222B2	Self-laminating jewelry tag A self-laminating jewelry tag has a clear flap which folds over a printable side of a label so that the clear flap and adhesive on the clear flap substantially cover and adhere to the label printable side, thereby laminating the printable side so as to protect printing on the printable side from wear, cleaning or other processes that tend to render the printing illegible.
US08153218B2	Hose assembly having varied reinforcing layers A hydraulic brake hose assembly has a core hose layer, a first reinforcing layer over the core hose layer, an intermediate hose layer, a second reinforcing layer over the intermediate hose layer, and an outer hose layer over the second reinforcing layer. The first reinforcing layer has a braid pattern formed in a 4-over, 4-under pattern, and the second reinforcing layer has a braid pattern formed in a 3-over, 3-under pattern.
US08153216B2	Packaging with passage regions and sealing tool for production thereof A packaging (1) for a material that can be heated, especially microwave-heated, in the packaged state, which packaging has at least one sealing region (5) which becomes locally permeable when a predetermined internal pressure is exceeded. The or each sealing region of such a kind has at least one intended passage region (7, 9), which comprises a choke (9) for the contents of the packaging and an apex (7) pointing towards the interior of the packaging. As the choke there is used a channel-like, triangular or star-shaped interrupt ion or cut-out.
US08153215B1	Multilayer structure based on polyamides and tube or conduit with multilayer structure The invention concerns a multilayer structure based on polyamides, particularly suitable for making tubes or conduits for transporting liquid fluids such as alcohol's, liquid fuels, fuel containing oxygen-containing compounds such as, for example alcohol's or refrigerating fluids. The multilayer structure comprises two superposed layers: at least one internal layer and at least one external layer. The invention is characterized in that at least the internal layer is based a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polyamide and at least one agent modifying resistance to shocks in a weight proportion between 10 and 50% of said composition, and at least the external layer is based on a composition containing as polymeric matrix a polyamide composition selected among the group comprising: (i) a thermoplastic copolymer obtained by copolymerization of ε-caprolactam with at least one of the monomers selected among the group comprising: an aminoacid containing at least 9 carbon atoms, or the corresponding lactam, a mixture of hexamethylenediamine with a diacid comprising at least 9 carbon atoms, the weight ratio between the ε-caprolactam and the total hexamethylenediamine and diacid and/or aminoacid ranging between 4 and 9, or (ii) a mixture of at least said thermoplastic copolymer and at least a second thermoplastic polyamide or copolyamide obtained by polymerization of monomers containing less than 9 carbon atoms. The weight content of the second polymer or copolymer in the polymeric matrix is between 0 and 80 wt. %, preferably between 0 and 40 wt. %. The multilayer structure has high barrier properties against fuel vapor and good mechanical properties such as good resistance to cracking.
US08153213B2	Polyimide polysiloxane intermediate transfer members An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt of a polyimide/polyetherimide/polysiloxane, a polyimide polysiloxane, a mixture of a polyimide/polyetherimide/polysiloxane and a polyimide polysiloxane, and copolymers and block copolymers thereof.
US08153211B2	Ink-jet-printable decorative paper Decorative paper for decorative coating materials comprising a base paper and an ink receiving layer dyed in such a way that the decorative paper has after impregnation with impregnating resins and pressing as laminate the same coloring as the coloring of a laminate of a decorative paper that does not comprise an ink receiving layer.
US08153207B2	Fine particle-containing body, fine particle-containing body manufacturing method, storage element, semiconductor device and electronic equipment A silicon oxide of a film thickness of about 50 nm is formed on a surface of a silicon substrate by thermal oxidation. Silver is implanted into the silicon oxide with implantation energy of about 30 keV by a negative ion implantation method. By subjecting the silicon oxide, into which the silver has been implanted, to heat treatment at a temperature of not lower than 200° C. and lower than the melting point of silver, silver particles are formed. By oxidizing the surface portions of the fine particles by heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere, silver oxide is formed as a coating layer.
US08153204B2	Imparting functional characteristics to engine portions A method of imparting one or more of a variety of functional characteristic to a portion of an engine (e.g., a turbine or diesel engine) by depositing particles from different particle feedstocks so as to form a high temperature resistant coating on a surface of the engine portion, where the particle feedstocks are varied in-situ while the particle are being deposited and at least one functional characteristic corresponds to, or results from, using different particle feedstocks.
US08153200B2	Method for treating reinforcing fibre and method for producing a reinforced composite article from the treated fibre The present invention relates to a reinforced composite material and a method for its production. The composite material comprises at least one cured resin having a reinforcing material. Preferably the reinforcing material is a plurality of glass fibres which are treated such that the properties of the interphase substantially surrounding each fibre are substantially equivalent to those of the bulk cured resin. The fibre treatment may be selected from the group consisting of a polymeric coating, a hydrophilic surface coating, a surface coating of a free radical inhibitor, or a reduction in the total surface area of the fibres. The reinforced composite material of the invention provides improved long-term mechanical properties compared to traditional glass fibre reinforced materials.
US08153190B2	Patterned magnetic recording medium and method of manufacturing the same Provided are a patterned magnetic recording medium which has an extremely planarized surface and a method of manufacturing the same. The medium includes a patterned magnetic layer including a plurality of magnetic columns that are arranged with a predetermined pitch therebetween; a substrate that supports the patterned magnetic layer; and a boundary layer, which is filled in gaps between the magnetic columns of the patterned magnetic layer. Thus, an air bearing due to stable airflow is created over the magnetic layer, and magnetic recording/reproduction are easily achieved at ultrahigh density.
US08153189B2	Structure and process for production thereof A novel structure is provided in which an ordered alloy material is filled in pores of the structure. A process for producing the structure is also provided. The process comprises a first step for forming an alloy in pores of a porous layer, a second step for forming a film composed of a second material on the porous layer, and a third step for heat-treating the porous layer having the film. Further a process is provided for producing a structure containing fine L10-crystal grains with a low-temperature heat treatment. This process comprises a process for producing a structure containing a magnetic substance dispersed in a nonmagnetic material, comprising: forming a first layer containing a magnetic substance A dispersed in a nonmagnetic material, forming a second layer containing a magnetic substance B on the first layer, and heating the first layer and the second layer during or after formation of the second layer to connect the magnetic substance A and the magnetic substance B to form an ordered alloy.
US08153185B2	Method of forming spacer It is an object to enable sharp-cornered concave/convex portions to be easily formed when forming a spacer 7 for an electron-beam light-emitting display panel. A composition containing a second resin solution using a solvent in which a first resin cannot be dissolved and a spacer material is applied onto a first intermediate layer 9 constructed by the spacer material and the first resin and dried, thereby forming a second intermediate layer 11 constructed by the spacer material and the second resin. After an obtained laminated layer was patterned into a first plane shape, the first intermediate layer 9 is patterned into a second plane shape thinner than the first plane shape by using a solvent in which the first resin can be dissolved and the second resin cannot be dissolved and is baked, thereby forming the spacer.
US08153179B2	Process for the simultaneous surface treatment, portioning and shaping as well as perservation of foodstuffs such as meat and sausage products, sausage meat or the like Process for the simultaneous surface treatment, apportioning and shaping, as well as conservation of foodstuffs such as meat and sausage products, sausage meat or the like, even without the use of skins or case-shaped or bag-shaped foils. The product is first compacted between two shaping, at least partially structured plates. At the end of the compacting process, the product is separated into shaping sections by being mechanically brought into contact with corresponding zones of the shaping plates. A natural skin having a reduced aw value, shape-stabilizing and sterilizing properties is formed on the product surface by appropriately and controllably heating the product, preferably by means of the shaping plates.
US08153178B2	Method for dispersion of a second phase into a non-Newtonian fluid base product A method and apparatus for producing a non-Newtonian fluid product including a non-Newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is shown. A second phase dispersion apparatus is shown which receives the at least one second phase and the non-Newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-Newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-Newtonian fluid product.
US08153177B2	Ice cream cone holder An improved ice cream cone holder includes a conical portion with an open end and a closed end and at least one de-nesting formation about the open end to inhibit vacuum formation in stacks of the holders. Additionally, embodiments comprise at least one drainage formation at the open end to allow melt to enter the conical portion rather than to overflow a rim of a disc portion formed about the open end. Embodiments contemplate varying a distribution pattern of the drainage formations, the de-nesting formations, or both from holder to holder.
US08153164B2	Method for attenuating free radical formation resulting from a bodily insult A method is provided for attenuating free radical formation resulting from a bodily insult. The method includes administering bicarbonate to the body of a subject at a dosage ranging from 1.5 mEq/kg of body weight to 5.0 mEq/kg of body weight within a 24-hour period.
US08153163B2	Pearlescent pigment The present invention relates to a pearl pigment obtained by coating the surface of a flaky powder with a colored metal or a colored metal oxide and further coating the surface of the above colored metal- or colored metal oxide-coated flaky powder with a colorless metal or a colorless metal oxide, wherein when the pearl pigment is applied onto the surface of black artificial leather in an average amount of 0.05 mg/cm2 and the intensity of light reflected from the pearl pigment is measured using illuminant C at a 2° viewing angle with a spectrophotometric colorimeter which is provided with a sheet polarizer S on the light incident side and a sheet polarizer P on the light receiving side, the powder reflection light which is incident to the pearl pigment as a measurement sample at an angle of 45° to the direction normal to the surface of the sample and is received in the direction normal to the surface of the sample has absolute values a* and b* of 10 or less, and make-up cosmetics containing the pearl pigment.
US08153160B2	Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an active ingredient combination of nifedipine and/or nisoldipine and an angiotensin II antagonist The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an active ingredient combination of nifedipine and/or nisoldipine and at least one angiotensin II antagonist, characterized in that the active ingredient combination undergoes controlled (modified) release in the body, and to processes for the production thereof, to the use thereof as pharmaceuticals, to the use thereof for the prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders, and to the use thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical for the prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders.
US08153156B2	Hydrogel nanocompsites for ophthalmic applications The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems. Particularly, the hydrogel of the present invention is made up of copolymers that can be a hydrogel when in an oxidize state and can be a solution when in a reduced state. A solution of the copolymer can be oxidized to form a hydrogel; and the hydrogel can be reduced to form a solution of the copolymer. Reversible nanogels can also be formed from a dilute solution of the copolymers. The hydrogel is formed with nanoparticles embedded therein to form a nanocomposite whose refractive index and modulus can be controlled by varying the amounts of nanoparticles and the polymer concentration of the hydrogel, respectively.
US08153154B2	Arginine-conjugated bioreducible poly(disulfide amine) polymers for gene delivery systems An arginine-grafted bioreducible poly(disulfide amine) (“ABP”) as a reagent for efficient and nontoxic gene delivery is described. ABP forms positively charged nano-particles of less than 200 nm with plasmid DNA. ABP is biodegraded under reducing conditions, such as the cytoplasm. ABP exhibits much higher transfection efficiency than polyethyleneimine in mammalian cells and exhibits no cytotoxicity.
US08153147B2	Heparin coating of biological tissue The present invention discloses an in vitro method to provide biological tissue with a heparin coating comprising the following steps; linking a biotin reagent to biological tissue, linking an avidin reagent to the biotinylated biological tissue, and linking a heparin reagent to the formed layer of avidin on the biological tissue thus forming a heparin coating. The invention further discloses a heparin coating on biological tissue, the use of a heparin coating, and the biological tissue coated with a heparin layer according to the method.
US08153144B2	Stable multiphase composition comprising alkylamphoacetate The multiphase personal care composition of the present invention comprises a first phase and a second phase. The first phase is comprised of structured surfactant phase that comprises at least about 0.5% of alkylamphoacetate. The alkylamphoacetate comprises a Percentage Diacetate of less than about 15%.
US08153143B2	Acidic compositon for external use and agent for accelerating infiltration of cosmetic preparation, hair-growing agent, and preparation for external use each containing the composition into skin or the like An acidic composition for external use which contains an acidic polysaccharide and water as essential ingredients, and an agent for accelerating the penetration into skin or the like of a cosmetic preparation, hair-growing agent or preparation for external use, each containing the composition. The composition is easy to manufacture, and shows a stronger cosmetic or therapeutic effects than conventional compositions.
US08153140B2	Chimeric MSP-based malaria vaccine The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising MSP-8 linked to an antigen. Methods of using the composition to induce an immune response in an animal are also provided.
US08153137B2	Methods of and systems for isolating carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil products from algae A method of isolating nutraceuticals products from algae is provided. A method of isolating carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil from algae includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass and adding a first ethanol fraction to the algal biomass. The method also includes separating a first substantially solid biomass fraction from a first substantially liquid fraction comprising proteins and combining the first substantially solid biomass fraction with a second ethanol fraction. The method further includes separating a second substantially solid biomass fraction from a second substantially liquid fraction comprising polar lipids and combining the second substantially solid biomass fraction with a third ethanol solvent fraction. The method also includes separating a third substantially solid biomass fraction from a third substantially liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids, wherein the third substantially solid biomass fraction comprises carbohydrates and separating the neutral lipids into carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil.
US08153131B2	High affinity antibodies against HMGB1 and methods of use thereof Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the release of a proinflammatory cytokine from a vertebrate cell, and for inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine cascade in a patient. The compositions comprise, for example, high affinity antibodies that specifically bind HMG1 and antigenic fragments thereof. The high affinity antibodies of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are useful for many purposes, for example, as therapeutics against a wide range of inflammatory diseases and disorders such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, peritonitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis, anaphylactic shock, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, and allograft rejection. In addition, the high affinity antibodies of the present inventions are useful as diagnostic antibodies.
US08153130B2	Graft-versus-host disease predicting marker and use thereof A test method that provides data useful in predicting the probability of onset of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is described along with a kit for performing the method, and a pharmaceutical preparation and a molecular targeted therapy for treating or preventing GVHD. The test method includes measuring the blood DNAM-1 concentration of a patient of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from bone marrow or the like over a period after the transplantation to provide data concerning the transition of the concentration to an abnormally high level deviating from the normal range, whereby the probability of the development of acute graft-versus-host disease is predicted, the risk of the development is estimated, or therapeutic effects after the development are evaluated. Concerning the molecular targeted therapy and pharmaceutical preparation used therefor wherein blood DNAM-1 of a GVHD patient or a graft recipient that is a possible patient is used as a target molecule, GVHD is treated or prevented by administering an anti-DNAM-1 antibody that is a neutralizing antibody.
US08153122B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating cholangiocarcinoma, a method for inhibiting growth or invasion of cholangiocarcinoma and a method for treating cholangiocarcinoma Disclosed herein are a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the growth or metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma, comprising a L1CAM activity inhibitor or expression suppressor and a treatment method using the composition. This is based on the finding that L1CAM is overexpressed on cholangiocarcinoma and plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma and the mortality of cholangiocarcinoma patients increases as the expression rate of L1CAM increases. Also, antibodies inhibitory of the activity of L1CAM, or siRNAs suppressing the expression of L1CAM, are found to reduce the growth and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Mouse monoclonal antibodies, recognizing the L1CAM protein on the cholangiocarcinoma cell surface and binding specifically to cholangiocarcinoma tissues, or siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides or shRNAs, may be useful in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma by inhibiting the growth, invasion and migration of cholangiocarcinoma cell.
US08153121B2	Diagnosis and therapy of antibody-mediated inflammatory autoimmune disorders The invention provides a method of reducing the severity of an autoimmune condition associated with T-lymphocyte infiltration. The invention also provides a method of diagnosing or predicting the susceptibility to an autoimmune disease associated with fibroblast mediated T-lymphocyte infiltration. Methods of identifying a substance capable of modulating T-lymphocyte recruitment associated with an autoimmune condition also are provided.
US08153114B2	Hyperglycosylated mammalian IL-7 IgG conjugate composition The present invention relates to new and improved interleukin-7 polypeptides, as well as compositions comprising the same, their preparation and uses. The invention more particularly relates to hyperglycosylated IL-7 polypeptides having improved properties, as well as their manufacture and therapeutic uses. The invention also discloses novel IL-7 polypeptides having modified amino acid sequences containing artificially created glycosylation site(s), as well as corresponding nucleic acid molecules, vectors and recombinant host cells. The invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides, cells or nucleic acids for curative or preventive treatment of mammalian subjects, including human subjects.
US08153103B2	Conjugates of photo-activatable dyes A new class of photoactivatable dyes provides the ability to study cell-cell communication in live animals non-invasively with high spatiotemporal resolution. The compositions are made up of a macromolecule, a caging group, and a coumarin dye. Upon photolysis, the coumarin dye is released from the macromolecule caging group complex and is freely diffusible in cells and between cells. The compositions are retained in cells very well, having no observable side effects, no susceptibility to metabolism, and the ability to generate bright fluorescence signals after photolysis. Because of their high loading capacity and long cellular retention, they can be selectively uncaged in specific cells.
US08153100B2	Methods and compositions for F-18 labeling of proteins, peptides and other molecules The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 18F or 19F labeled molecules of use in PET or MRI imaging. The labeled molecules may be peptides or proteins, although other types of molecules may be labeled. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a metal complex and binding of the 18F- or 19F-metal complex to a chelating moiety. Alternatively, the metal may first be conjugated to the chelating group and subsequently the 18F or 19F bound to the metal. In other embodiments, the 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. The 18F or 19F labeled targetable construct peptides are stable in serum at 37° C. for a sufficient time to perform PET or MRI imaging.
US08153096B2	Hydrogen fluoride compositions The present technology provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer, as well as methods and preparing and using such compositions. The compositions are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.
US08153095B2	Method for producing highly pure solutions using gaseous hydrogen fluoride Methods for producing highly pure solutions containing hydrogen fluoride, one or more salts thereof or a mixture of two or more thereof, by adding hydrogen fluoride to at least one anhydrous solvent, wherein the hydrogen fluoride is added to the anhydrous solvent or solvents in the form of a gas or as a liquified gas or as a mixture of gas and liquefied gas. High purity hydrogen fluoride and ammonium fluoride solutions produced by the inventive method are also disclosed.
US08153094B2	Process for remediation of plastic waste A single step process for degrading plastic waste by converting the plastic waste into carbonaceous products via thermal decomposition of the plastic waste by placing the plastic waste into a reactor, heating the plastic waste under an inert or air atmosphere until the temperature of 700° C. is achieved, allowing the reactor to cool down, and recovering the resulting decomposition products therefrom. The decomposition products that this process yields are carbonaceous materials, and more specifically egg-shaped and spherical-shaped solid carbons. Additionally, in the presence of a transition metal compound, this thermal decomposition process produces multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
US08153087B2	Method for the purification of radium from different sources The present application is directed to a method for the purification of Radium, in particular 226Ra, for target preparation for an essentially pure 225Ac production from available radioactive sources, using an extraction chromatography in order to separate chemically similar elements such as Ba, Sr, and Pb from the desired Ra; wherein said extraction chromatography has an extractant system on the basis of a crown ether. The invention is further related to a method for recycling of 226Ra, for target preparation for 225Ac production from radium sources irradiated with accelerated protons (p,2n), after separation of the produced 225AC. In this method a combination of the above extraction chromatography and a cation exchange chromatography is used. The obtained 226Ra is essentially free of the following chemical contaminants consisting of Ag, Al, As, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn, and Ba.
US08153086B2	Liquid container with variable extraction chimney A liquid container having a top opening, a base, and an extraction chimney which extends into the container and which is in alignment with the top opening is presented. The extraction chimney is intended for the withdrawal of liquid by a liquid-withdrawal element that is introduced into the liquid container through the extraction chimney. The extraction chimney has a liquid-permeable zone in its bottom region, adjacent to the liquid container base. The liquid permeability of the liquid-permeable zone of the extraction chimney can be adjusted between a setting for minimal liquid permeability and a setting for greater liquid permeability. The extraction chimney can be adjusted while the extraction chimney remains in the liquid container.
US08153085B2	Microfluidic chip and method of fabricating the same Provided are a microfluidic chip and a method of fabricating the same. The microfluidic chip includes: a lower substrate; an upper substrate formed of a silicone resin, wherein the lower substrate and the upper substrate, bonded together, provide a channel through which a fluid can flow and a chamber to receive the fluid; and an organic thin film formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate except for portions on which the lower substrate and the upper substrate are attached to each other.
US08153084B2	Reduction in eddy current losses in electrically conducting sample materials with the assistance of special NMR sample tubes A sample tube for an NMR probe head, which extends along a z axis and has an internal cavity that extends in an axial direction of the z axis, is open to the outside at the axially upper end, is closed at the axially lower end and contains a liquid NMR sample substance during operation, wherein the cross-sectional surface of this cavity extending perpendicularly to the z axis and parallel to the xy coordinate plane has an elongated shape in the direction of the x axis with maximum dimensions a in the y direction and b in the x direction, wherein a
US08153082B2	Sheet configured with a tessellated zipper pattern of identically shaped sensor elements and method of manufacture A sheet of sensors and a method of manufacturing such sheet of sensors. The sheet is configured with (A) a tessellated zipper pattern of identically shaped elements defining (i) a right longitudinal column consisting of a base portion of a right set of elements, (ii) a left longitudinal column consisting of a base portion of a left set of elements, and (iii) an intermediate longitudinal column consisting of alternating tab portions of the right and left elements, and (B) a continuous longitudinal strip of functional material positioned only within the intermediate column.
US08153073B2	Honeycomb filter, exhaust gas purifying apparatus and method for manufacturing honeycomb filter A honeycomb filter includes a ceramic block which includes a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies, an adhesive layer, and irregularities on a peripheral face of the ceramic block. Each honeycomb fired body has a longitudinal direction and cell walls extending along the longitudinal direction to define cells each sealed at either one of both ends of each of the cells. The honeycomb fired bodies include at least one of silicon carbide and silicon-containing silicon carbide. The adhesive layer is provided between the honeycomb fired bodies to connect the honeycomb fired bodies. The irregularities on the peripheral face include a projected portion formed by apart of the cell walls. A sealing material layer is provided on the peripheral face of the ceramic block in accordance with the irregularities on the peripheral face so that an outer peripheral surface of the honeycomb filter has surface irregularities thereon.
US08153062B2	Analyte detection via electrochemically transported and generated reagent Electrochemical devices, methods, and systems for detecting and quantifying analytes are disclosed. A chemical detection reagent is locally generated in a test solution by electrochemical reaction of a precursor compound caused to migrate into the test solution from a precursor solution separated from the test solution by a cell separator. This approach provides precise metering of the reagent, via the charge passed, and avoids the need to store a reagent solution that may be chemically unstable. In one embodiment, the starch concentration in a colloidal solution can be measured via spectroscopic detection of a blue complex formed by the interaction of starch with iodine produced, on demand, by electrochemical oxidation of iodide ion. The approach may also be used to characterize certain types of analytes. The invention is amenable to automation and is particularly useful for on-line monitoring of production processes, including the inclusion of feed back loop mechanisms for process control.
US08153059B2	Chip-holder for a micro-fluidic chip A chip-holder for holding a micro-fluidic chip has a fixer for detachably fixing the micro-fluidic chip in the chip-holder and at least one process control device configured to support control or monitoring of a chemical process in the micro-fluidic chip, wherein the chip-holder is configured such that the process control device and the micro-fluidic chip are directly and detachably coupled when the micro-fluidic chip is fixed in the chip-holder. Such a chip-holder brings along the advantage that the micro-fluidic chip can easily be removed and exchanged while the process control device can be reused. This reduces running costs of a chemical microreactor system drastically and allows for a very flexible usage of a chemical microreactor system.
US08153057B2	Method and device for preventing corrosion in hot water systems Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.
US08153056B2	Hardened martensitic steel, method for producing a component from this steel and component obtained in this manner The invention relates to steel which is characterized by the following composition as expressed in percentages by weight:—C=0.18 0.30%, —Co=5-7%, —Cr=2-5%, —Al=1-2%, —Mo+W/2=1-4%, —V=trace 0.3%, —Nb=trace 0.1%, —B=trace−50 ppm, —Ni=10.5-15% with Ni≧7+3.5 Al, —Si=trace 0.4%, —Mn=trace 0.4%, —Ca=trace−500 ppm, —Rare earths=trace−500 ppm, —Ti=trace−500 ppm, —O=trace−200 ppm if the steel is obtained by means of powder metallurgy or trace−50 ppm if the steel is produced in air or under a vacuum from molten metal, —N=trace−100 ppm, —S=trace−50 ppm, —Cu=trace−1%, and —P=trace−200 ppm, the remainder comprising iron and the inevitable impurities resulting from production. The invention also relates to a method of producing a part from said steel and to the part thus obtained.
US08153054B2	High-temperature alloy An iron-based high-temperature alloy is disclosed which contains the following chemical composition: 20% by weight Cr; 5 to 6% by weight Al; 4% by weight Ta; 4% by weight Mo; 3 to 4% by weight Re; 0.2% by weight Zr; 0.05% by weight B; 0.1% by weight Y; 0.1% by weight Hf; 0 to 0.05% by weight C; and remainder Fe and unavoidable impurities. The alloy can be produced at low cost and can possess outstanding oxidation resistance and good mechanical properties at temperatures up to 1200° C.
US08153053B2	Method for forming compact from powder and sintered product A method for forming a compact from a powder wherein a forming portion 1A in a mold body 2 is filled with a raw powder and upper and lower punches 3,4 are fitted into the forming portion 1A to form the compact. Prior to filling the forming portion 1A with the raw powder M, a solution L with a lubricant being uniformly dissolved in a solvent is applied to a peripheral portion of the forming portion 1A, and then the solution is evaporated, thus forming a crystallized layer B thereon. Thus, the reduction of a force for ejecting the compact is realized, while improving the density of the compact, realizing the stable and successive production of the compact.
US08153051B2	Method and apparatus for heating steel components in a continuous furnace The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for heating steel components in a continuous furnace, wherein a first transport device having an external drive receives the components in a precise position and transports them through the furnace in order to heat them, and a second transport device receives the parts, after the heating, from the first transport device at a predetermined transfer point or transfer region and conveys them out of the furnace at an increased speed and places them in a precise position at a further receiving point ready for further processing. The components are mounted on a support having engagement means for the different transport devices.
US08153043B2	HDPE resins for use in pressure pipe and related applications The present invention provides bimodal polyethylene resins in which the high molecular weight ethylene copolymer component typically has a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution, with short chain branching content being substantially constant across its molecular weight distribution. The resins of this invention are typically characterized by improved toughness and resistance to slow crack propagation properties making them useful for pressure pipe applications.
US08153040B2	Method and apparatus for pressing particle mats The invention relates to a method of pressing pressing-material mats during the production of wood-material panels in a continuous press, wherein the continuous press has upper and lower heating plates, upper and lower entry plates, which project on the entry side and form an entry mouth, and, in the upper and lower parts of the press, endlessly circulating steel pressing belts which, with the interposition of rolling bars, are supported on the entry plates and the heating plates, wherein the height h0 of the entry gap and, possibly, the entry contour of the entry mouth are set, and wherein a pressing-material mat, which is produced, and possibly pretreated, in a spreading station arranged upstream of the press, is introduced into the continuous press and pressed therein. This method is characterized in that the entry-gap height is checked, set and/or regulated in dependence on the density and/or the weight per unit area of the pressing-material mat.
US08153037B2	Method and apparatus for the preparation of capsules An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.
US08153030B2	Method of manufacturing conductive particle, anisotropic conductive adhesive having the same, and method of manufacturing display apparatus using the same In an anisotropic conductive adhesive containing a conductive particle, the conductive particle includes a resin particle that is provided with a cavity formed therein and a conductive layer surrounding a surface of the resin particle. The cavity is formed by mixing the resin particle with a reactant and partially removing the reactant from the resin particle. Thus, the conductive particle may readily absorb an external pressure, thereby providing an improved malleability to the conductive particle.
US08153029B2	Laser (230NM) ablatable compositions of electrically conducting polymers made with a perfluoropolymeric acid applications thereof An aqueous composition including (a) a dispersion of at least one electrically conductive polymer doped with at least one highly-fluorinated acid polymer and (b) a second material which can be a second polymeric acid, an acid salt of the second polymeric acid, or a combination thereof.
US08153025B2	Red emitting luminescent materials The invention relates to an improved red light emitting material of the formula M1−yA1+xSi4−xN7−x−2yOx+2y:RE whereby M is selected out of the group comprising Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg or mixtures thereof, A is selected out of the group comprising Al, Ga, B or mixtures thereof, RE is selected out of the group comprising rare earth metals, Y, La, Sc or mixtures thereof and x is ≧0 and ≦1 and y is ≧0 and ≦0.2. This material is believed to crystallize in a novel structure type that comprises two individual lattice sites for rare 10 earth metal incorporation, which leads to an improved lighting behavior.
US08153024B2	Warm-white light-emitting diode and its orange phosphor powder The present invention discloses an orange phosphor powder having a rare-earth aluminate have garnet structure, which is characterized by that its chemical composition is added with compounds of the IV and V groups elements and the stoichiometry formula of the orange phosphor powder is (ΣLn)3-xMeIVxAl5-ySiyO12-(x+y)N(x+y). Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a warm-white Light-emitting diode employing the orange phosphor powder.
US08153021B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device Disclosed are: a liquid crystal composition which satisfies at least one property selected from a high upper limit temperature in a nematic phase, a low lower limit temperature in a nematic phase, a low viscosity, high optical anisotropy, high dielectric anisotropy, a high specific resistance, high stability against ultraviolet ray, high stability against heat and the like or has a proper balance between at least two properties selected from the above-mentioned properties; and an AM element having a short response time, a high voltage holding ratio, a high contrast ratio, a long service life and the like. Specifically disclosed are: a liquid crystal composition which comprises a specific pentacyclic compound having high optical anisotropy and high dielectric anisotropy as the first component, a specific compound having a low viscosity as the second component, and a specific tetracyclic compound having a high upper limit temperature as the third component, and which shows a nematic phase; and a liquid crystal display element comprising the composition.
US08153018B2	Methods for making 3-chloro-1,1,1,6,6,6-hexafluoro-2,4-hexadiene Disclosed are compositions and systems having utility in numerous situations, including in particular solvent cleaning systems, as well as refrigerant lubricants and/or compatibilizing agents, and to methods which utilize such compositions and systems. More particularly, the present invention in preferred aspects is directed to solvents, blowing agents, heat transfer fluids and compatibilizing agents comprising the compound 3-chloro-1,1,1,6,6,6-hexafluoro-2,4-hexadiene. In particular, this invention provides a method for the production of the compound of Formula I, 3-chloro-1,1,1,6,6,6- hexafluoro-2,4-hexadiene,comprising reacting 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a catalyst, in a reactor.
US08153017B2	Substrate treating method A substrate treating apparatus for heating a treating solution formed of a chemical and a diluent, and immersing substrates in the treating solution for treatment. The apparatus includes a treating tank for storing the treating solution, a heater for heating the treating solution, a temperature detector for detecting temperature of the treating solution, a temperature controller for controlling the heater so that a detected temperature of the treating solution reaches a set temperature, a supplementing device for supplement the treating tank with the diluent, a concentration detector for detecting concentration of the treating solution, and a concentration controller, operable only when the temperature detector detects the treating solution being in a temperature range close to the set temperature, for controlling the supplementing device to adjust an amount of the diluent supplemented so that the concentration of the treating solution detected by the concentration detector becomes slightly higher than a boiling-point concentration corresponding to the set temperature of the treating solution.
US08153013B2	Fluid processing apparatus The present invention relates to fluid processing apparatus for use in an elongate passage (10), the apparatus comprising a plurality of means for applying ultrasonic energy (12) to fluid within the passage positioned axially along the elongate passage, wherein axially adjacent means for applying ultrasonic energy are radially non-parallel and radially non-opposing.
US08153003B2	Belt filter apparatus The invention concerns a belt filter apparatus including a first belt filter section on which a mixture of fine material and a liquid can be placed hydraulically to create partially dry fine material and a second belt filter section on which the partially dry fine material can be placed in order to undergo a second drying cycle. The belt filter apparatus also includes an arrangement for mechanically placing the partially dry fine material from the first belt filter section onto the second belt filter section as well as a liquid collection arrangement for providing fluid communication between the first and second belt filter sections and a vacuum for drying the fine material. The belt filter apparatus includes an agitator formation for increasing the permeability of the fine material to enhance the ability of the liquid to be released from the fine material and be collected by the liquid collection arrangement.
US08153001B2	Liquid vacuuming and filtering device and method A liquid vacuuming and filtering device may include a container having an interior sealed from the ambient, a vacuum pump in communication with the interior, a two-way valve connected to the container interior, a flexible hose connected to the valve, a filter positioned within the container interior and connected to the valve and a standpipe positioned within the interior and connected to the valve. The vacuum pump may be adjusted to a filling configuration in which the pump evacuates the container interior to a pressure below ambient, which causes fluid to be drawn through the hose, valve and through the filter, which may collect particulates that contaminate the fluid. Filtered fluid then collects within the container. The vacuum pump also may be adjustable to a discharge configuration in which the pump pressurizes the interior to a pressure above ambient, wherein the valve is adjusted to allow filtered fluid within the container to flow through the standpipe, valve and be discharged from the container through the hose. The device may be suitable for reclaiming contaminated fluid used in machining operations, oil or coolant reservoirs, cooking oil and the like.
US08153000B2	Fluid filter seal A filter assembly including first and second mating parts and a seal received in a groove of the first mating part. The seal includes a main body and a resiliently flexible, sloping skirt that extends from one side of the main body to a distal end spaced from the main body. The seal is sized so that the resiliently flexible skirt normally extends out of the groove of the first mating part when the skirt is not biased towards the main body. When the first mating part is slid against the second mating part, the second mating part causes the distal end of skirt of the seal to be biased into the groove and towards the main body of the seal.
US08152995B2	Arrangements to reduce hardness of water in a hot water system Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. Embodiments of this invention provide a means of keeping an amount of the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside a housing by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate housing connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.
US08152991B2	Ammonia nanosensors, and environmental control system Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such ammonia. An environmental control system employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A personnel safety system configured as a disposable badge employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A method of dynamic sampling and exposure of a sensor providing a number of operational advantages is described.
US08152990B2	Water purification using conveyor sweep Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The solids are floated by sparging and then the floating solids are swept from the surface of the water into an exit port using a conveyor from which downwardly depending flaps skim or near the surface, thus sweeping the floating floc into the exit port.
US08152980B2	Electronically conducting ceramic electron conductor material and the process for producing an air-tight seal in an oxygen sensor with an internal reference A method and an article of an electrically conductive ceramic interconnect bonded to a compatible ceramic housing for an oxygen partial pressure sensor system. The interconnect includes a LaxSryAlzMn1−zO3 (LSAM) having a stoichiometry enabling good electrical conductivity at high temperatures and the LSAM also bonded to a yttria stabilized zirconia forming a stable and durable seal.
US08152979B2	Ammonia gas sensor An ammonia gas sensor including a reference electrode (320) is formed on the back surface of a solid electrolyte member (310), and a detection electrode (335) is formed on the front surface of the solid electrolyte member (310). A detection lead (350) is provided on the front surface of the solid electrolyte member (310) such that the detection lead (350) is connected to the detection electrode (335). An insulating layer (340), (380) is provided between the detection lead (350) and the solid electrolyte member (310), or on the detection lead (350).
US08152976B2	AG-based alloy sputtering target The invention relates to an Ag-based alloy sputtering target including at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, W, Nb, Zr, Ta, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, and Si in a total amount of 1 to 15% by weight, in which the Ag-based alloy sputtering target has an arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of 2 μm or more and a maximum height (Rz) of 20 μm or more at a sputtering surface thereof.
US08152975B2	Deposition system with improved material utilization A target assembly for material deposition includes a first target piece having a first sputtering surface and comprising a first target material that is to be sputtered off the first sputtering surface and to deposit on a substrate. The target assembly also includes a second target piece juxtaposed to the first target piece. The second target piece comprises a second sputtering surface and a second target material that can be sputtered off the second sputtering surface and to deposit on the substrate. The first target piece and the second target piece are configured to be switched in positions and/or orientations after a period of sputtering operations.
US08152966B2	Doctor apparatus and a method for a web forming machine for doctoring a moving surface as well as a blade holder A doctor apparatus for a web forming machine for doctoring a moving surface with the doctor apparatus (10) has a blade (16), a blade holder (14) to which the blade (16) is adapted, a frame component (12) to which the blade holder (14) is adapted, and a loading element (23) arranged between the frame component (12) and the blade holder (14) for loading the blade holder (14) and further the blade (16). The loading element (23) is tied to both the frame component (12) and the blade holder (14). The invention also relates to a blade holder (14) and a method for a web forming machine for doctoring a moving surface (26).
US08152956B2	Use of chemical pulp mill steam stripper off gases condensate as reducing agent in chlorine dioxide production Steam stripper off gas from chemical pulp mills, for example kraft or sulphite pulp mills is rich in methanol and totally reduced sulphur (TRS) compounds. This gaseous stream is usually burned to avoid further handling of this TRS-rich, odorous stream. We found that once this gaseous stream is condensed, it can be used as a reducing agent in the chlorine dioxide generator, in place of purchased methanol. Surprisingly, we found that, in addition to the methanol component, the TRS components act as reducing agents during the production of chlorine dioxide or, at the very least, do not consume chlorine dioxide. The use of this stream in the ClO2 generator will allow pulp mills to reduce or eliminate the consumption of purchased methanol while providing a new approach to deal with TRS compounds in the chlorine dioxide generator rather than employing a dedicated TRS incinerator or any other combustion device.
US08152953B2	Method of making printed wiring board and method of making printed circuit board unit The first support body is pressed against the second support body in response to the softening of the adhesive sheet. The fillers are allowed to reliably contact with one another between the first electrically-conductive land and the second electrically-conductive land. The fillers melt after the adhesive sheet has been softened. The intermetallic compounds are formed between the fillers and the electrically-conductive lands and between the fillers. Electrical connection is in this manner established between the first electrically-conductive land and the second electrically-conductive land. The matrix material and the adhesive sheet are then cured. The first support body and the second support body are firmly bonded to each other.
US08152952B2	Device and method for repairing structural components A device for repairing a structural component (305) having a first member (401) adapted for bonding to a structural component (305).
US08152950B2	Multi-layer circuit board and method of making the same A method of making a multi-layer circuit board that has a first film and at least two more films, second and third films, each being made of a thermoplastic polymer capable of forming an optically anisotropic melt phase, the first film having a low melting point, the second and third films having respective melting points higher than the melting point of the first film and at least one of the second and the third films having a circuit pattern thereon, and the first to third films are thermo compressed together with the first film interposed between the second and third films. This method entails causing at least one of the circuit patterns on one of the second and third films to contact an opposing surface of the other of the second and third films through the first film during the thermo compression bonding of the first to third films.
US08152947B2	Method for producing display device A method for producing a display device includes: (a) coating a resin composition on at least one of a display part and a protective part, (b) closely adhering the display and protective parts via a resin composition interposed therebetween, and (c) arranging the cured resin layer between the display and protective parts by curing the resin composition by irradiating UV rays on an external side of the protective part. If a defect is detected, the method includes: (d) separating the display and protective parts by applying a wire to a side face of the cured resin layer where the protective and display parts are bonded and moving the wire through the cured resin layer, (e) peeling off and removing the cured resin adhered to the separated display and protective parts by a removing solution which contains an organic solvent, and (f) repeating steps (a) to (c).
US08152944B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for bonding printing plates Composition for preparing a crosslinked pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising a polymer component based on one or more monomers having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond and for which the glass transition temperatures Tg of the corresponding homopolymers are at least 0° C., some of the monomers having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond also having at least one carboxyl group, acrylic esters and/or methacrylic esters which are each selected such that the glass transition temperatures Tg of the corresponding homopolymers are not more than −20° C., at least one resin component having a softening point of at least 100° C., and at least one difunctional or polyfunctional crosslinker.
US08152942B2	Method of hardening surface of metallic part, piston, cylinder head, and cylinder block each produced using the surface-hardening method, and process for producing the same With regard to a surface hardening method wherein a surface of an engine member is coated with an alloy layer having high abrasive resistance so as to improve the life of the member and a production method of a piston or the like wherein abrasive resistance of the member is improved by the hardening method, a surface of a metal base material is coated uniformly with a mixture including metal powder, a binder and a solvent so as to form a coat, and the coat is dried and applied thereon with a laser or electron beam so as to be sintered and dispersed for forming an alloy layer on a surface of the metal base material and for bonding the alloy layer to the metal base material.
US08152941B2	Ni-Ti semi-finished products and related methods Semi-finished products for the production of devices containing thermoelastic materials with improved reliability and reproducibility are described. The semi-finished products are based on an alloy of Ni—Ti plus elements X and/or Y. The nickel amount is comprised between 40 and 52 atom %, X is comprised between 0.1 and 1 atom %, Y is comprised between 1 and 10 atom % and the balance is titanium. The one or more additional elements X are chosen from Al, Ta, Hf, Si, Ca, Ce, La, Re, Nb, V, W, Y, Zr, Mo, and B. The one or more additional elements Y are chosen from Al, Ag, Au, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Nb, Pd, Pt, Ta and W.
US08152939B2	Non-heat treated connecting rod and method of manufacturing the same A non-heat treated connecting rod which comprises, by mass %, C: 0.25-0.35%, Si: 0.50-0.70%, Mn: 0.60-0.90%, P: 0.040-0.070%, S: 0.040-0.130%, Cr: 0.10-0.20%, V: 0.15-0.20%, Ti: 0.15-0.20% and N: 0.002-0.020%, and the balance Fe and impurities, with chemical compositions being less than 0.80 in the value of C+(Si/10)+(Mn/5)+(5Cr/22)+1.65 V−(5S/7) using the symbol of the element as its content, the microstructure of the Big end of the said connecting rod being ferrite-pearlite, all-region hardness of the said big end being 255 to 320 in Vickers hardness, the ferrite-region hardness in the said ferrite-pearlite of the Big end being 250 or more in Vickers hardness and the ratio of the said ferrite-region hardness to the said all-region hardness of the said Big end being 0.80 or more, is excellent in machinability, fracture splitting ability, and fatigue resistance, although no Pb at all is added. Therefore, this non-heat treated connecting rod can be utilized as a low cost type connecting rod in automobile engines or the like.
US08152937B2	Ferritic stainless steel sheet having superior sulfuric acid corrosion resistance and method for manufacturing the same Disclosed is a ferritic stainless steel sheet which has excellent corrosion resistance against sulfuric acid in the high-temperature environment and shows less surface roughness at a bent part which is bent at 90° or more. Specifically disclosed is a ferritic stainless steel sheet which has the following chemical composition: C: 0.02 mass % or less, Si: 0.05 to 0.8 mass %, Mn: 0.5 mass % or less, P: 0.04 mass % or less, S: 0.010 mass % or less, Al: 0.10 mass % or less, Cr: 20 to 24 mass % Cu: 0.3 to 0.8 mass %, Ni: 0.5 mass % or less, Nb: 0.20 to 0.55 mass %, and N: 0.02 mass % or less, with the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities; and which has such a structure that the maximum particle diameter of an S-containing precipitate is 5 μm or smaller.
US08152932B2	Method for removing scum in a drum washing machine, and drum washing machine suitable for this purpose A method for removing scum in a tub of an electronically controlled drum washing machine. The method includes alternately rotating a drum following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum, pumping a liquid out of the drum for between 30 seconds to 15 minutes following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum, regulating a level of water following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum by: introducing a quantity of water into the drum which is sufficient to cover all water channels, and rinsing over a short period of time t2. The method further including pumping liquid out of the drum while the drum is moved at a low rotational speed following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum.
US08152931B2	Dishwasher detergent with excellent rinsing power The present invention relates to a phosphate-containing machine dishwasher detergent comprising 0.01-20% by weight of at least one alcohol alkoxylate, 0.01-10% by weight of at least one alcohol ethoxylate, 0-15% by weight of at least one sulfonate-containing polymer, 0-15% by weight of at least one hydrophilically modified polycarboxylate, 0-8% by weight of at least one polycarboxylate, 1-70% by weight of at least one phosphate and 0.1-60% by weight of at least one further additive, where the sum of components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) and (G) is 100% by weight, to a process for rinsing surfaces of articles by treating these surfaces with the composition, and to the use of the composition for increasing the rinsing performance in the machine washing of articles.
US08152927B2	CVD coating device The invention relates to a method for depositing especially crystalline layers on one or more, especially crystalline substrates in a process chamber by means of reaction gases that are introduced into the process chamber and that undergo especially pyrolitic reactions. The device comprises a support plate, heated from one side, on which at least one compensation plate rests while forming a horizontal gap. In order to be better able to influence the surface temperature, the gap height of the horizontal gap can be varied or is locally variable in order to influence the local surface temperature of the compensation plate.
US08152926B2	Vacuum processing apparatus Disclosed herein is a vacuum processing apparatus for performing a desired process for a substrate after establishing a vacuum atmosphere therein. More particularly, the vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, which is divided into a chamber body and an upper cover. The upper cover is configured to be easily opened away from and closed to the chamber body.
US08152920B2	Crucible for the crystallization of silicon A crucible and method for the crystallization of silicon utilize release coatings. The crucible is used in the handling of molten materials that are solidified in the crucible and then removed as ingots. The crucible does not require the preparation of a very thick coating at the end user facilities, is faster and cheaper to produce, presents an improved release effect and allows the production of silicon ingot without cracks. The crucible includes a base body, a substrate layer containing silicon nitride, an intermediate layer containing silica, and a surface layer containing silicon nitride, silicon dioxide and silicon.
US08152915B2	Process for preparation of a novel pigmented composition for use in gravure inks The invention pertains to a novel, simpler dry-milling method for comminuting crude pigments (especially crude phthalocyanines) for use in publication gravure and packaging inks, wherein the crude pigment is dry-milled at relatively low temperature in combination with a resin and a pigment derivative, preferably further together with an extender and optionally an antioxidant. The invention also pertains to the thus obtained, new compositions, which are extraordinarily easily dispersible in aromatic solvents, and their use for the preparation of publication gravure or packaging inks or ink concentrates. Pigment dispersions obtained from the preferred compositions are also claimed.
US08152912B2	Method for determining the charge state of a particle filter installed in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine and device for reducing the particle emissions of an internal combustion engine A method for determining the charge state of a particle filter installed in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine comprises the following steps: determining the exhaust gas volumetric flow in the flow direction of the exhaust gas downstream of the particle filter (2), detecting the pressure present in the exhaust gas line (1) in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas prior to the particle filter (2), comparing the exhaust gas volumetric flow determined hinter the particle filter (2) with the detected pressure present upstream of the particle filter (2) and evaluating the results of the comparison with consideration to the exhaust gas back pressure of the uncharged particle filter (2) and the exhaust gas back pressure caused by the particle filter charge, said pressure being higher than the uncharged filter. Further described is a corresponding device for reducing the particle emissions of an internal combustion engine.
US08152911B1	Ventless tank system A tank system for capturing fluids from an oil or gas well. The system comprises a trailer, a tank body supported on the trailer, a separator supported on the trailer, and a sand trap supported on the trailer. The tank includes a gas buster line and a flare line. The tank body has a main inlet port at a top of the tank body and a vent port on a top of the tank body. The gas buster line is disposed in the tank body and is connected to the main inlet port. The gas buster line has multiple lengths of pipe sections, each pipe section increasing in length and diameter. The last section of the gas buster is characterized by a plurality of slots cut in a circumference of the pipe section to allow fluids in the gas buster line to disperse into the tank. The flare line is operatively connected to the vent port and includes an igniter to burn gases before they are vented to the atmosphere. The sand trap and the separator can be used as conditions require to treat fluids from a well before the fluids enter the tank.
US08152910B2	Modular gas-separating adsorbers In a modular gas-separating adsorber assembly, a pair of cylindric vessels, filled-in by a given amount of an adsorbing material (either a mainly adsorbing or a mainly adsorbing material) are always operatively assembled with a top plate and a bottom plate, the top and bottom plates being mutually coupled by tie rods, engaged in the plate corners, the bottom plates and top plates forming plate chambers and being operatively connected with the chamber formed by adjoining cylindric vessel, the plates having projecting fittings to be assembled with the plate chambers included in adjoining vessels.
US08152909B2	Gas chromatography check valve and system An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a gas chromatography (GC) system with a check valve. The check valve is situated downstream from the electronic flow control module and upstream of the injector. When a sample is volatized in the injector, the check valve closes into a checked position and prevents solvent and sample from backing into the gas delivery line. In certain embodiments, the check valve has a conical plug that fits into a seat that has an aperture. When the conical plug is depressed, the conical plug engages the sides of the aperture and seals the check valve, preventing solvent and sample from backing through the check valve. In certain embodiments, the change in pressure caused by over-pressurization in the injector, combined with the force applied by a spring on the conical plug, depresses the plug such that it seals the aperture.
US08152899B2	Method and apparatus for purging unwanted substances from air An air filter for purging unwanted substances from air, the air filter comprising: an acid-purging stage, wherein the acid-purging stage comprises an air-permeable skeleton which has an acid-neutralizing substance mounted thereto, wherein the air-permeable skeleton comprises fiberglass fibers and the acid-neutralizing substance comprises sodium bicarbonate, and further wherein the sodium bicarbonate is secured to the fiberglass fibers using an adhesive; and a solvent-purging stage, wherein the solvent-purging stage comprises solvent-purging granules captured between two air-permeable screens, and further wherein the solvent-purging granules comprise activated carbon granules.
US08152898B2	Helium recovery process Helium is recovered from gas streams containing high concentrations of hydrogen gas and low concentrations of helium gas, such as from the recycle stream from the production of ammonia. The inventive process provides for an integrated process for the recovery of both an enriched helium gas stream product and a high purity hydrogen gas stream product.
US08152894B2	Methods of using tires and scrap rubber in the manufacture and melting of steel and other metals A method of using scrap rubber and other scrap materials, such as tires or parts or pieces of tires, to manufacture or melt steel and other metals in a furnace is disclosed. The scrap rubber may be used as a carbon source for the manufacture of steel and other metals, and may be used as an energy source to melt the scrap metal used to make the steel and other metals. The net benefit of this method includes reducing the amount of scrap rubber, such as tires, to be sent to a waste disposal facility or landfill, thereby improving the environment. In addition, by increasing the use of scrap rubber as a source of energy for steel or metal production, less energy is required from other sources.
US08152893B2	One dimension nano magnetic wires and manufacturing method thereof A manufacturing method of one dimension nano magnetic wires is provided. In the method, the one dimension nano magnetic wires having high magnetization and low coercive force are synthesized from a liquid by means of reduction with an applied magnetic field under normal atmospheric temperature and pressure. The one dimension nano magnetic wire is selected from the groups consisting of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and composites and an alloy thereof.
US08152891B2	Method for the combined production of a sulfur oxide containing product and a fertilizer The invention provides a method for the combined production of (I) a sulfur oxide containing product and (II) a fertilizer selected from a group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphates and a combination thereof, through an indirect neutralization of ammonia with an acid selected from the group consisting of nitric acid, phosphoric acid and a combination thereof, the method comprising: a. contacting a precipitate containing calcium sulfite with a solution of nitric acid and a solution of ammonia in two separate steps, to form the fertilizer, the sulfur oxide containing product and a precipitate containing calcium hydroxide; and b. separating at least portion of the fertilizer, the sulfur oxide and the calcium hydroxide into three separated streams.
US08152885B2	Air passage device having improved accessibility of the filter mat An air passage device, in particular a filter fan or outlet filter for installation in a mounting opening in a wall or in a housing of a switch cabinet, which is essentially formed by a ventilation grating and a main housing, and a filter mat is insertable between the ventilation grating and the main housing, the ventilation grating being situated on the main housing using an articulated connection, the ventilation grating having joint pins to form the articulated connection, which may each be guided in joint pin guide structures introduced into the main housing, the joint pin guide structures each connecting at least one closure position, one folded-out catch position, and one removal position to one another. An air passage device is thus provided which, based on a simple construction, allows high flexibility in regard to the operation of the ventilation grating and the filter mat.
US08152884B1	Inertial gas-liquid impactor separator with flow director An inertial gas-liquid impactor separator includes flow director guidance structure directing and guiding flow through the housing from the inlet to the outlet along a flow path from upstream to downstream. The flow director guidance structure may include a flow controller controlling and directing flow.
US08152882B2	Dust-catcher for blast furnace gas A conventional dust-catcher for blast furnace gas comprises a pressure vessel, with a gas inlet and outlet dome (14), a separation chamber (16) and a lower dust hopper (18), and a diffuser pipe (26) extending axially through the gas inlet and outlet dome (14) into the separation chamber (16). To increase the separation efficiency of such a dust hopper (18), it is proposed to centrally arrange a flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′), having a smaller cross-section than the separation chamber (16), in the separation chamber (16), so that there remains an annular settlement chamber (52) between the inner wall of the separation chamber (16). The diffuser pipe (26) is connected to this flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′) so as to axially discharge a downward gas flow into the top end of the flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′), wherein this downward gas flow is deflected upward. An annular swirling device (58) with guide vanes (60) is arranged in the top end of the flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′) around the lower end of the diffuser pipe (26) and acts as outlet opening for the gas flow into the into the pressure vessel of the dust-catcher. The guide vanes (60) form a vortex gas flow rising around the diffuser pipe (26) upward into the gas inlet and outlet dome (14).
US08152878B2	Cyclonic separating apparatus Cyclonic separating apparatus for a cleaning appliance such as a vacuum cleaner has a longitudinal axis, an upstream cyclonic separator and a downstream cyclone assembly. The downstream cyclone assembly comprises a plurality of cyclones arranged in parallel with one another. The downstream cyclones are arranged in a first set in which each cyclone has a longitudinal axis inclined at a first angle (α) to the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separating apparatus and a second set, in which each cyclone has a longitudinal axis inclined at a second angle (β) to the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separating apparatus. The second angle (β) is greater than the first angle (α). The invention allows the downstream cyclone assembly to be compactly packaged.
US08152876B2	Filter element having V-seal The invention relates to a filter element, consisting of a filter medium (10) that is pleated in a zigzag manner and has a concentric form, and an end disk (11) disposed on a front, and a second end disk (12) disposed on the opposite front, wherein the end disk (12) has a concentric opening (13) and extends substantially annularly across the pleats of the filter medium. The end disk (12) has a ring collar (14) extending radially toward the outside. The ring collar (14) has a seal (15) that surrounds the ring collar at least partially, wherein the seal has an axially extending region, which carries radially peripheral sealing lips (17), and said radially peripherals sealing lips are supported in a groove (18) or in a housing wall (19) of a housing receiving the filter element.
US08152873B2	System for generating hydrogen from a chemical hydride A system is disclosed to generate hydrogen. The system includes a fuel cartridge, a cartridge interface, and a fuel cartridge receiver. The fuel cartridge includes a liquid permeable material with one or more cavities that encloses a solid anhydrous chemical hydride. The fuel cartridge also includes a housing that is heat and pressure resistant that houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. The fuel cartridge also includes one or more liquid sources that introduce the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material.
US08152871B2	Fuel source for electrochemical cell Embodiments of the invention relate to a fuel source including a chemical hydride and at least one reactive metal source selected from the group consisting of a reactive metal, a reactive metalloid and a combination thereof.
US08152868B2	Fuel compositions Middle distillate fuel composition is provided containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel comprising at least in part a biodiesel fuel component, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 100° C.
US08152863B2	Pigment dispersion composition, red colored composition, colored curable composition, color filter for a solid state imaging device and method for producing the same, and solid state imaging device Provided is a pigment dispersion composition suitable for a colored curable composition which enables retaining adhesion capability of a colored pattern and inhibiting the generation of residues, even when a relatively severe development condition is employed. Furthermore, a red colored composition capable of forming a red colored thin film with excellent spectral characteristics. The pigment composition contains an azo pigment represented by the following Formula (1); at least one of acidic functional group-containing organic pigment derivative, anthraquinone derivative, and triazine derivative; and a dispersant. The red colored composition contains a red pigment; a yellow pigment; and a dispersant, in which specific spectral characteristics are satisfied when a colored transmitting film having a thickness of 0.6 μm is formed using the red colored composition.
US08152861B2	Dark coloured azo dyes The present invention relates to a) a non-oxidative coloring agent for keratin fibers, in particular human hair, comprising at least one dye according to formula (I) or (II), b) an oxidative coloring agent for keratin fibers, in particular human hair, which comprises at least one oxidizing agent (e.g. hydrogen peroxide), at least one oxidative dye precursor and at least one dye according to formula (I) or (II), and c) a lightening agent for keratin fibers, in particular human hair, which comprises at least one oxidizing agent (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) and at least one dye according to formula (I) or (II), with R4 being a cationic group.
US08152856B2	Layer arranged on implant for bone or tissue structure, such an implant, and a method for application of the layer A layer is arranged on an implant for bone or tissue structure. The layer constitutes a boundary or barrier between the actual or unoxidized body of the implant and the structure for the purpose of increasing retention and has, in this context, a substantial thickness. The layer is designed with a channel network which gives the layer a substantial porosity. The channel network is designed with mouths which face towards the structure and whose respective cross-sectional diameters, at the surface of the layer facing towards the structure, are substantially less than the respective extents of the channels in and down into the layer as seen from the said surface.
US08152854B2	Resurfacing implant for the wrist and method of implantation thereof A modular resurfacing implant for a radioscaphoid joint of a wrist includes a stem and an articular component coupled to the stem. The stem includes a threaded body for implantation into a distal radius and a connection member positioned at a second end of the stem. The articular component includes a body member configured to resurface a scaphoid fossa of the distal radius. The body member includes a concave top surface matching a curvature of the scaphoid fossa and a bottom surface having a post extending therefrom that is configured to mate with the connection member of the stem. The articular component is configured to resurface the scaphoid fossa while leaving a lunate fossa of the distal radius intact.
US08152853B2	Knee prosthesis with rotatable post A knee joint prosthesis for implantation to replace a portion of a knee joint. The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a bearing member that engages the tibial tray. The prosthesis also includes an insert with a base that is fixed to the bearing member and an extension portion that extends away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. The extension portion has an axis, and the extension portion includes a threaded portion. The prosthesis further includes a post that is rotatably coupled to the extension portion, and the post is rotatable about the axis of the extension portion relative to the insert. Furthermore, the prosthesis includes a retention member that threadably couples to the threaded portion of the insert to limit movement of the post along the axis away from the bearing member and the tibial tray.
US08152843B2	Polymeric endoprosthesis and method of manufacture Improved polymeric endoprostheses having reinforcement elements and methods of making the endoprostheses are disclosed. The devices disclosed exhibit improved overall compliance, selective regional compliance, and selective radial strength without varying the geometries of selected regions. Numerous other physical characteristics of the endoprostheses described may be selectively varied during manufacture. Some embodiments may include an erodible polymer and magnesium. Some embodiments may have one or more therapeutics incorporated into the endoprosthesis via a solvent in a supercritical state.
US08152839B2	Embolic coils Coils, such as embolic coils, and related methods, devices, and compositions, are disclosed.
US08152838B2	Orthopedic plate system and method for using the same An orthopedic bone fixation device for stabilizing a plurality of bone segments includes a bone plate and a screw assembly. The bone plate includes a body defining at least one thru-bore, wherein the thru-bore is defined to include a central cavity, the central cavity having a middle diameter, an entry diameter, and an exit diameter, the middle diameter being larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Further, the screw assembly is configured to be coupled to the bone plate, wherein the screw assembly includes a bone screw having a head section, a thread section, and a central bore, an expandable ring coupled to the head section, and a pin at least partially disposed in the central bore, wherein the pin includes a varying outer profile that engages the expandable ring to vary an outer diameter of the expandable ring to lock the screw assembly in the thru-bore.
US08152836B2	Visceral staples for purse-string closure of perforations Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall The medical device generally includes a suture having opposing first and second ends and a set of visceral staples. Each visceral staple includes a base and two tines connected to the base, the tines spaced apart two define a slot therebetween. The slot slidably receives the suture therein. Each visceral staple is attached to the bodily wall adjacent the periphery of the perforation. The ends of the suture are tensioned to reduce the distance between the visceral staples and compress the bodily wall around the perforation. The ends of the suture are secured to maintain the compression of the bodily wall and close the perforation.
US08152835B2	Methods for the placement of sutures in tissue A method for the placement of sutures in tissue prior to forming an opening in the tissue, the sutures for use in closing the opening, the method includes the steps of passing a first length of suture through a first portion of a tissue in a first direction relative to a target area to be incised, passing the first length of suture through a second portion of the tissue in the first direction, passing a second length of suture through a third portion of the tissue in a second direction relative to the target area to be incised, passing the second length of suture through a fourth portion of the tissue in the second direction, performing a surgical procedure including forming the opening in the tissue, and applying tension to the first length of suture and the second length of suture to close the opening in the tissue.
US08152828B2	Blunt tip obturator A surgical obturator is disclosed comprising an elongate shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The bladeless tip has a conical surface forming proximally into an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point and having a pair of side sections. The side sections extend from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis. The conical surface facilitates insertion of the obturator with a reduced penetration force and minimizes tenting of the body wall. The conical surface further facilitates separation of different layers of the body wall and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.
US08152827B2	Systems and methods for harvesting, storing, and implanting hair grafts A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological unit delivery tools, particularly useful to facilitate robotic hair transplant procedures. A storage device includes a lower module having a plurality of receptacles for containing delivery tools, for example small tubular follicular unit implant needles. The receptacles may contain liquid for maintaining hydration of the biological unit. The lower module may be manipulated by an automated system which includes a pick and placed collet that handles the delivery tools one at a time in an implant procedure. An upper module registers with the lower module and provides guide bores leading to the delivery tools in the receptacles. A biological unit removal tool, such as a follicular unit harvesting needle, can be carried by the collet and used to deposit biological units through the guide bores and into each delivery tool. Each receptacle may include means for retaining the delivery tool therein to help the collet cleanly insert and release the tool.
US08152823B2	Devices for organ restriction Implantable devices for providing tissue and/or organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises first and second bars that are biased to magnetically attract each other and engage a portion of tissue therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one strap and one or more pins, the pins configured to provide an amount of space between the first and second bars so that the tissue disposed therebetween is not overly compressed.
US08152821B2	Endoscopic tissue apposition device with multiple suction ports The present invention relates to an improved endoscopic tissue apposition device having multiple suction ports. The invention permits multiple folds of tissue to be captured in the suction ports with a single positioning of the device and attached together by a tissue securement mechanism such as a suture, staple or other form of tissue bonding. The improvement reduces the number of intubations required during an endoscopic procedure to suture tissue or join areas of tissue together. The suction ports may be arranged in a variety of configurations on the apposition device to best suit the desired resulting tissue orientation. The inventive tissue apposition device may also incorporate tissue abrasion means to activate the healing process on surfaces of tissue areas that are to be joined by operation of the device to promote a more secure attachment by permanent tissue bonding.
US08152819B2	Catheter support for stent delivery An angioplasty and stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state: a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the expandable distal portion of the catheter including a balloon within which or over which there is included on a catheter shaft at least one axially movable or enlargeable body of a diameter larger than the catheter shaft to which the stent and balloon are fitted, as by crimping, for holding the stent in place until it is released therefrom by expansion of the balloon.
US08152817B2	Intraocular lens insertion tool An intraocular lens insertion tool with a tool body for accommodating an intraocular lens and adapted to insert into an eye the intraocular lens through displacement of the lens in an axial forward direction by a plunging member, and to push out the lens through an insertion tube section disposed at an axial distal end of the tool body. A base plate of a resting portion that houses the lens is provided with side plates that respectively project from two widthwise edges of the base plate to both sides in a thickness direction of the base plate thereby imparting to the resting portion a generally “H” shaped cross section. The tool body inclusive of the resting portion and the insertion tube section is integrally formed from light-transmissive synthetic resin material whereby the lens housed within the resting portion is viewable from an outside through the base plate.
US08152814B2	Separator tool for a modular prosthesis A tool for separating components of a modular prosthesis includes an upper and lower body, each defining opposing bills at one end that are sized to fit in juxtaposed relation within an initial gap between the components. The upper body is provided with a handle so that the tool may be manually held by the surgeon with the opposing bills in position in the prosthesis. The tool includes a jack assembly disposed between the upper and lower bodies of the tool that is configured to be driven into an extended position, gradually separating the upper and lower bodies, and consequently exerting a separation force on the prosthesis components through the bills of the tool. The jack assembly is driven by a threaded actuator rod that bears against one element of the jack assembly as the actuator rod is rotated within a threaded bore in one of the bodies of the tool.
US08152813B2	Methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone by introduction of different bone filling materials A percutaneous path is established into a selected bone, e.g., a vertebral body, having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. A first bone filling material is conveyed through the percutaneous path into a region of the cancellous bone. A second bone filling material is conveyed through the percutaneous path into the region. The second bone filling material is different than the first bone filling material.
US08152812B2	Middle ear reconstruction process and apparatus for performing the process Erosion of elements of the ossicular chain in the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss, is corrected by creating a bridge between the eroded elements, employing a bone cement formed as a paste of a self-hardening material, which is molded into an elongated bridge, secured at its two ends to the elements to be bridged, and supported in its desired position until the material hardens to fuse the two elements, at which time the support may be removed. The material is preferably hydroxyapatite cement, bone source, or similar material, such as ionomeric bone cement. These materials strongly bond to the contacting bone and may stimulate bone in-growth, resulting in osseointegration. The apparatus for forming the bridge consists of a reservoir of the bridge material in liquid or paste form connected to a bridge supporting tube. The tube is preferably placed in contact with the two elements to be bridged and the bone source material is injected into the tube using a manually actuated plunger until the tube is full. The tube is then supported, manually or otherwise, until the material hardens and the supporting tube is removed.
US08152811B2	Positioning device for a prosthesis device and system therefore A positioning device for placing a prosthesis device in a spinal column of a living mammal, the device including at least one holding means for cooperation with the prosthesis device and for guiding thereof during positioning. The positioning device may also include fixing means for fixation with respect to at least one vertebra, where the fixing means includes locking means, which in a first, free state, allows adjustable movement of the holding device and thereby of the prosthesis device, and in a second, locked state, fixes the holding means and thereby the prosthesis device in a selected position. Embodiments of the disclosure also include Embodiments of the invention also include a system.
US08152801B2	Tissue ablation using pulse modulated radio frequency energy Tissue ablation systems and methods are provided. Ablation energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) is delivered to the tissue and a physiological parameter (e.g., impedance and/or temperature) indicative of a change in moisture concentration of the tissue is sensed. The ablation energy is alternately pulsed on and off to generate an energy pulse train, with the ablation energy being pulsed on if the sensed physiological parameter crosses a threshold value indicative of an increase in the moisture concentration, and being pulsed off if the sensed physiological parameter crosses a threshold value indicative of a decrease in the moisture concentration.
US08152800B2	Electrosurgical systems and printed circuit boards for use therewith An electrosurgical system for treating tissue is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator, a printed circuit board, a generator ground and a patient ground. The printed circuit board is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrosurgical generator and includes a plurality of conductive layers. The generator ground includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is electro-mechanically connected to a conductive layer of the printed circuit board and the second portion is electro-mechanically connected to another conductive layer of the printed circuit board. The patient ground includes a portion that is at least partially interposed between the first portion of the generator ground and the second portion of the generator ground.
US08152798B2	Surgical variable-angle illuminator A variable-angle, wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment being a small-gauge, variable-angle illumination surgical system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical assembly, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and providing the light beam to illuminate a surgical field; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece and optical assembly, for housing and directing the optical assembly to illuminate selected area. The optical assembly can comprise a fiber/polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal (“PDLC”) diffuser optically coupled to an optical needle or a nested compound parabolic concentrator (“CPC”) cone.
US08152797B2	Electromagnetic energy output system An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.
US08152795B2	Method and device for cardiac tissue ablation Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical wave guide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through the optical fiber, such that radiation is propagated through the optical fiber and the wave guide projects an annular light pattern, e.g., a circle or a halo.
US08152791B2	Catheter locking mechanism A locking mechanism for maintaining a position of a catheter on a beaded connector tube of an implantable device. A first lock member has a plurality of slots formed along its outer surface. A second lock member is dimensioned such that at least a slotted portion of the first member is receivable in an axial passageway of the second member. The second member has a plurality of tabs extending into the axial passageway wherein a tab is receivable in a respective slot to form a locking connection between the lock members. The lock members are aligned upon formation of the locking connection wherein the connector tube and catheter are receivable along the respective axial passageways, and the beaded connector tube portion is disposed on an opposite side of the tabs from the implantable device.
US08152789B2	System and method for providing closed loop infusion formulation delivery A system and method for providing closed loop infusion formulation delivery which accurately calculates a delivery amount based on a sensed biological state by adjusting an algorithm's programmable control parameters. The algorithm calculates a delivery amount having proportional, derivative, and basal rate components. The control parameters may be adjusted in real time to compensate for changes in a sensed biological state that may result from daily events. Safety limits on the delivery amount may be included in the algorithm. The algorithm may be executed by a computing element within a process controller for controlling closed loop infusion formulation delivery. The biological state is sensed by a sensing device which provides a signal to the controller. The controller calculates an infusion formulation delivery amount based on the signal and sends commands to an infusion formulation delivery device which delivers an amount of infusion formulation determined by the commands.
US08152787B2	Personal wear absorbent article with disposal tab An absorbent article has front and back waist regions that define transversely opposite sides each extending a length Lp from a waist opening to a leg opening of the article. A disposal tab has an attachment region attached to one side of the article and extending a greatest length La along at least a portion of the length Lp of the side. A tab region of the tab extends transversely outward from the attachment region a greatest distance Dt and is attachable to the article in at least a disposal configuration of the article. The greatest length La of the attachment region is substantially greater than the greatest distance Dt that the tab region extends transversely outward from the attachment region. The greatest length La of the attachment region is in the range of about 35 percent to 100 percent of the length Lp of the side of the article.
US08152785B2	Vacuum port for vacuum wound therapy The present disclosure describes a dressing for use in a vacuum wound therapy procedure to promote healing of a wound. The dressing includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir in which a reduced pressure may be maintained over the wound. A portal member is mounted relative to the cover layer and defines a fluid passage for fluid coupling with a reduced pressure supply conduit for creating the reduced pressure within the reservoir. A filter screen is mounted relative to the fluid passage and is dimensioned to minimize passage of tissue particles of predetermined dimension through the fluid passage of the portal member.
US08152778B2	Device for interfacing with standard luer lock syringes An interface device is described which includes a body defining one or more cylindrical bores which are dimensioned to receive a standard luer lock syringe. Each bore includes a plunger movably positioned therein from a retracted position to an advanced position. The plunger and the distal end of the bore defines a first fluid reservoir and the standard syringe assembly defines a second fluid reservoir. The interface device and the syringe assembly are operable to sequentially deliver multiple fluids from the interface device to a catheter assembly.
US08152777B2	Spray for fluent materials Certain embodiments relate to a sprayer or other medical apparatus for applying a biocompatible coating in situ. Such an apparatus may have a first conduit connected to a first exit opening and a second conduit connected to a second exit opening to deliver a first composition through the first conduit and a second composition through the second conduit to mix the first composition and the second composition outside both the first conduit and the second conduit. The first composition may be, e.g., a precursor to a material formed after the mixing of the first composition and the second composition. The first exit opening and the second exit opening may be approximately adjacent to each other and define an angle that is less than about 140 degrees.
US08152774B2	Valve assembly A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body. Each bristle member is adapted to be displaced relative to the longitudinal axis to facilitate expansion of the aperture of the seal member upon entry of the elongated object therein.
US08152771B2	Injector device for placing a subcutaneous infusion set An injector device for transcutaneously placing a hollow cannula of a subcutaneous infusion set is disclosed. The injector device includes a plunger slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position, the plunger having an insertion needle secured thereto by a stable connection preventing loss of the insertion needle during use of the device. The insertion needle receives and supports the cannula of the subcutaneous infusion set in a position with the cannula oriented for transcutaneous placement upon movement of the plunger from the retracted position to the retracted position.
US08152769B2	Infusion hub assembly and fluid line disconnect system An infusion set comprising a base and a cap. The base can comprise a portion to be placed against skin, a first cannula extending downwardly below the portion to be placed against skin, and a septum. The cap can comprise a tube and a second cannula. The cap can be configured for removable attachment to the base such that the cap is rotatable with respect to the base while the first cannula, the second cannula, and the tube are in fluid communication.
US08152763B2	Disposable carpule for hypodermic syringe A standard dental syringe is made up of an outer cylinder with a plunger at one end, and a carpule which contains liquid medication to be injected into a patient is replaceably positioned within the barrel and includes a needle slidably mounted at one end of the carpule in communication with the fluid medication which is contained in a fluid chamber sealed off at each end by a plug so that when the plunger is advanced into engagement with a first plug at one end of the carpule the liquid medication is delivered through the needle and upon completion of the plunger stroke, a barbed extension of the slidable first plug member will move into engagement with the needle-retaining second plug member so that upon retraction of the plunger the needle-retaining plug member will be retracted along with the slidable first plug member. The needle is guided through a funnel-shaped sleeve assembly at the end of the barrel so that following the injection procedure the needle can be retracted and the portion of the guide can be removed so that the entire exposed end of the needle can be cut off following which both of the plug members and remainder of the needle can be once again retracted into the carpule assembly and removed from the barrel and replaced by a new carpule assembly.
US08152758B2	Needle catheter An apparatus including an expandable body; at least one delivery cannula coupled to an exterior portion of the expandable body; a needle having a protuberance thereon disposed in a lumen of the at least one delivery cannula; a stop disposed in the lumen of the at least one delivery cannula at a position distal to the protuberance on the needle. A method including positioning a catheter assembly including at least one needle delivery device disposed in an at least one delivery cannula, the at least one delivery cannula having an exit end; modifying the shape of the catheter assembly to modify the orientation of the exit end of the at least one delivery cannula at a region of interest; and advancing the at least one needle delivery device beyond the exit end of the at least one delivery cannula according to a controlled orientation.
US08152756B2	Active cannula for bio-sensing and surgical intervention Disclosed is a surgical needle, or active cannula, that is capable of following a complex path through cavities and tissue within a patient's anatomy. The needle has a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes, each of which has a pre-formed curvature and a pre-determined flexibility. Each of the plurality of flexible tubes is selected based on their respective preformed curvature and flexibility so that a given overlap configuration causes the combination of overlapping flexible tubes to form a predetermined shape that substantially matches a desired path through the anatomy. By individually controlling the translation and angular orientation of each of the flexible tubes, the surgical needle may be guided through the anatomy according to the desired path.
US08152746B2	Powered massager with coaxial actuators A powered massager having coaxially mounted first and second massage actuators that are positioned along the main axis of the powered massager is disclosed. The powered massager further includes a hand-held unit including a control panel for controlling the operation of the massager and a power source that is operatively associated with an electric motor that drives a rotatable output shaft through a gear arrangement. In one embodiment, the first massage actuator is a squirming massage actuator having a plurality of frames interposed between rolling members that are operable when the output shaft is driven by the electric motor, while the second massage actuator is a vibratory massage actuator that is operatively associated with the power source through a conductive pathway established between the power source and the vibratory massage actuator.
US08152745B2	Activity monitoring Sensors and methods for automatically detecting and recording physical activities of an individual are described. An event is detected, in which data representative of at least one physical activity of an individual is received from an activity monitor associated with the individual. The data is combined into at least two intermediate calculations. A score is generated from the at least two intermediate calculations. The score is compared to a predefined threshold to decide whether or not an event has occurred. Data representative of the event is recorded.
US08152737B2	Tissue specimen encapsulation device and method thereof A device for encapsulating tissue specimens includes a wand assembly, a sheath, and a guide assembly. The guide assembly pulls, draws, or otherwise moves the sheath about the tissue specimen. The wand assembly is disposed proximate to the tissue specimen, typically either adjacent or through the specimen. In an aspect of the encapsulating device, the guide assembly has sheath deployment members that are disposed about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is attached to ends of the sheath deployment members and the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the sheath deployment members are pushed or pulled. The guide assembly is an arm or a housing that rotates about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is secured at one end to the guide assembly and at another end to the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the guide assembly rotates.
US08152736B2	Device for contact molecular sampling A device (6) to sample molecules of biological interest is described. The device (6) includes capture zones (10) whose developed surface area is much greater than the surface so that sampling by contact allows a sufficient quantity of molecules to be obtained to achieve reliable analysis, whilst being sized so that the device (6) is neither invasive nor aggressive.In particular, the device comprises tiered capture zones (10) located on a support (12) fabricated using microtechnology techniques; the capture zones (10) may advantageously be functionalised.
US08152735B2	Diagnosis of fertility status A vaginal probe for acquiring and correlating vaginal measurement data with folliculogenesis in a female for prediction of fertility.
US08152734B2	System and method for diagnosis of bovine diseases using auscultation analysis A system and method are provided for diagnosis of bovine respiratory diseases using auscultation techniques. Acoustic characteristics of a recorded spectrogram are compared with existing data enabling a diagnosis to be made for a diseased animal. Lung sounds are obtained by use of an electronic stethoscope, and the sounds are stored as digital data. Signal conditioning is used to place the data in a desired format and to remove undesirable noise associated with the recorded sounds. An algorithm is applied to data, and lung scores are calculated. The lung scores are then categorized into various levels of perceived pathology based upon baseline data that categorizes the lung scores. From the lung scores, a caregiver can associate a diagnosis, prognosis, and a recommended treatment. Analysis software generates the lung scores from the recorded sounds, and may also provide a visual display of presumptive diagnoses as well as recommended treatments.
US08152728B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A probe includes a transducer unit including a plurality of transducers which are arrayed in the first direction, transmit ultrasonic waves and receive echo signals, and a moving mechanism for continuously moving the transducer unit in the second direction crossing the first direction. A movement control unit controls the moving mechanism to continuously move the transducer unit in the second direction. A transmission unit causes the transducer unit to generate ultrasonic waves. A scan line signal generation unit generates a plurality of actual measurement scan line signals by delaying and adding a plurality of echo signals from the transducer unit. A scan line signal calculation unit calculates a plurality of mathematical scan line signals constituting a plurality of mathematical electronic scan planes from the plurality of actual measurement scan line signals. An image generation unit generates multislice tomograms on the basis of the plurality of calculated mathematical scan line signals.
US08152726B2	Non-invasive tracking of bones for surgery There is described a device for use with a position sensing system to register position and orientation in a reference-coordinate system, the device comprising a set of at least three base units removably and non-invasively attachable to a skin surface covering a bone, each of the base units having a reference marker attached thereto, the reference markers being one of passive and active devices recognized by the position sensing system and positioned and oriented in the reference coordinate system with respect to a fixed reference, the base units adapted to measure a distance between the skin surface and the bone in conjunction with an ultrasound component.
US08152725B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and image display method thereof A generation unit generates data of a plurality of images whose scan time is different on the basis of an output of the probe. A calculation unit calculates a plurality of index values related to pressure of the probe against the tested body on the basis of a physical quantity changing with the strength of the pressure. A specifying unit specifies a first image, which corresponds to a first index value of the plurality of calculated index values, and a second image, which corresponds to a second index value, among the plurality of generated images. A display unit displays the specified first and second images side by side.
US08152718B2	Medical device light source Embodiments of the invention are directed medical devices for illuminating and viewing a patient's internal body portion. The device may include an elongated flexible tube including a distal end and a proximal end. The tube defines a channel extending from the proximal end to an aperture at the distal end. An illumination device is housed within the channel and configured to emit a distally directed path of light. A light source is provided at the distal end of the flexible tube and configured to emit a laterally directed path of light. In one embodiment the light source is a organic light emitting diode.
US08152716B2	Versatile control system for supplying fluid medium to endoscope The present invention relates generally to the field of endoscopy and specifically to endoscopic apparatus used for endoscopic procedures during which a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and colon for examination of the colon interior for abnormalities. More particularly, the present invention refers to a control system for supplying a fluid medium, e.g. air, carbon dioxide, water, to the endoscope.
US08152714B2	Curviliner spinal access method and device A curvilinear spinal access device for performing a procedure on a spine of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a working portal configured to be advanced toward a surgical site located at the spine of the patient. The working portal includes a distal end and a proximate end, a working portal housing having an open interior channel disposed between the distal end and the proximate end, an exterior channel disposed on an outside surface of the working portal housing and between the distal end and the proximate end. The distal end is configured to be disposed at the surgical site and the proximate end is disposed away from the surgical site. The housing has a curved shape defined between the proximate end and the distal end, wherein the proximate end is disposed with respect to the distal end. The working channel is configured to allow advancement of at least one surgical tool and/or at least one implant toward the surgical site.
US08152713B2	Capsule endoscope with illumination board section and method of assembling A capsule endoscope including: an illumination board section on which an illumination portion is arranged; a lens support member that supports a lens; a hole that pierces through the illumination board section, the lens support member being fitted in the hole; and a supporting portion that positions and supports the illumination board section with respect to the lens support member when the lens support member is inserted into the hole, the supporting portion being provided in the lens support member. A method for assembling a capsule endoscope that includes an imaging board section on which an image sensor is arranged is also provided.
US08152705B2	Pilates reformer exercise machine A reformer includes a combined mount that serves to attach and support a foot bar assembly, a jump board, and a spring bar. The combined mount is easily and quickly attached to a side rail of a frame of the reformer. A carriage of the reformer include a combined wheel axle and strap attachment point, which eliminates the need for a separate strap attachment bracket. The carriage also include side wheels which are mounted on the sides of the carriage, and which are biased outward so that they contact the side rails of the frame of the reformer.
US08152704B2	Pulley training system The present invention resides in a pulley training system comprising a pulley wheel mounted on an axle within a pulley housing and a cord configured to be draped over the pulley wheel. An attachment strap may be configured to be adjustably attached to the pulley housing. A first clip may be configured to be attached proximate a first end of the cord, and a second clip may be configured to be attached proximate a second end of the cord.
US08152702B2	Exercise apparatus, resistance selector for exercise apparatus and related methods Apparatuses having selective having selective resistance, related mechanisms and devices, and methods to operating exercise equipment are provided. In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a frame and at least one guide member coupled with a portion of the frame. A weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates, is associated with the at least one guide member. The exercise apparatus also includes a resistance selector having at least one rail coupled to an uppermost weight plate of the plurality of weight plates. A body is slidably coupled to the at least one rail. A pin is slidably coupled to the body and configured to be displaced between at least a first position and a second position relative to the body. An engagement structure is coupled with the pin and configured to selectively engage at least one abutment shoulder of at least one weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.
US08152700B2	Multistation exercise apparatus A multistation weight machine including a cam pivotally connected to the base on an lever axle that functions as the sole and central pivot point for a class II lever in the machine's lever system. A plurality of handles storable on the apparatus are removably insertable into a plurality of variously positioned handle receptacles operatively connected to the lever axle and provide means for performing a wide variety of exercises in a standing position. One or more foot pedals or any handle connected to the lever axle through a handle receptacle results in the smooth upward linear translation of all or a portion of a weight stack.
US08152693B2	Exercise data device, server, system and method A method for providing an exercise goal using an exercise data device, the method including: receiving input indicating a selected exercise goal; obtaining exercise goal data relating to the selected exercise goal; obtaining a current performance measurement related to exercise performance of a user of the exercise data device, the current performance measurement including a current distance and a current time measurement; calculating a current progress indicator using the current performance measurement and the exercise goal data; and providing the current progress indicator to the user.
US08152678B2	Hybrid differential gear device, differential case therefor and assembling method of differential case It is an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid differential gear device achieving the small and light devices as a whole and easy assembling of a differential case.A hybrid differential gear device has a first differential gear mechanism 2 and a second differential gear mechanism 3. The first differential gear mechanism 2 has a plurality of planetary gears 5 as an input element, a sun gear 6 engaging with the plural planetary gears 5 as a first output element, and an internal gear engaging with the plural planetary gears 5 as a second output element. The second differential gear mechanism 3 has side gears 14R, 14L connected respectively to a right and a left front tire wheel, pinion gears 12, 13 engaging with the side gears 14R, 14L, and a pinion gear shaft 15 supporting rotatably the pinion gears 12, 13. The pinion gear shaft 15 is supported non-rotatably and movably to a direction of a rotational axis of a differential case 4.
US08152676B2	Speed change gear A speed change gear includes: a housing that has internal gears having different inside diameters; and a plurality of change gear units that are respectively in mesh with the plurality of internal gears and that change the speed of rotation from an input shaft to an output shaft. Each of the change gear units includes a rotating member that has one of a pin protruding in a direction along an input/output axis and an insertion hole; an eccentric member that centers on an eccentric axis that is eccentric with respect to the input/output axis; and an oscillating member that oscillatingly rotates as the eccentric member rotates about the input/output axis.
US08152670B2	Hybrid vehicle power transmission device and hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle power transmission device provided with a power distribution mechanism composed of a planetary gear device for distributing motive power of a drive source to a motor and an output shaft is further provided with a damper device in a power transmission path between the power distribution mechanism and a first motor. Consequently, the damper device receives only reaction torque dealt by the first motor through the power distribution mechanism with respect to drive torque of an engine. Thus, since the torque transmitted to the damper device is smaller than the drive torque of the engine, the torque capacity of the damper device can be decreased and the size of the damper device can be reduced. As a result, the overall size of the power transmission device can be similarly reduced.
US08152667B2	Control device for vehicular drive system A control device for a vehicular drive system is disclosed as including reverse drive for suppression means operative to preclude output member, such as an output shaft and drive wheels, of an automatic transmission portion from inputting a reverse drive force to a differential portion. This prevents a power transmitting member from rotating in a direction opposite to a rotational direction of the same with a running position being set. This suppresses a first electric-motor rotation speed, determined with an engine rotation speed and a power transmitting member rotation speed based on the relationship on mutually relative rotation speeds in the differential portion, from increasing to a high level. This results in improved durability of a first electric-motor.
US08152666B2	Ribbed power-transmission belt A power transmission belt, in particular for a motor vehicle and presenting at least V-ribs having flat side faces and rounded ridges, wherein the ridges present a convex curvilinear profile having a mean radius of curvature greater than 1 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm.
US08152664B2	Football with inflatable bladder having integral grip areas A football comprising an inflatable bladder integrally molded with raised areas which are intended to be exposed, and exterior panels which are adhered to the bladder to span the spaces between them. The raised areas or ridges are formed to extend outward from the exterior panels and provide a raised grip area. By bonding the exterior panels to the bladder directly, stitching and lacing are eliminated to simplify construction and manufacture. The football is provided with a plurality of raised areas to provide more grip areas than the single lace area of a traditional football. Each of the raised ridges are contoured to more closely follow the shape of a thrower's hand as it grasps the ball and thereby providing greater contact area and better control.
US08152660B1	Basketball training device A basketball training device that simulates the presence of a defensive player more specifically the hand of a defensive player so as to provide practice shooting a basketball with at least a partially restricted view of the basketball goal. The basketball training device further includes a support pad that is releasably secured proximate the lower torso region of the user utilizing an adjustable strap. Movably connected to the support pad is a first support member and a second support member. The second support member is hingedly attached to the first support member. The basketball training device further includes a visual inhibitor movably attached to the second support member opposite the first support member. Operably coupled to the second support member distal to the first support member is an activation cord. The activation cord is further connected at the opposing end to at least one finger of the user's dominant shooting hand. The activation cord will transition the second support member from a first position to a second position thus placing the visual inhibitor proximate the facial region of the user.
US08152657B2	Apparatus for handling golf ball and golf tee An apparatus for handling a ball and tee may include a body, a clamshell retainer, a biasing assembly, a drive assembly and a handle assembly. The body may include a first opening, a second opening and a chamber, and a handle assembly associated with the second opening of the body. The biasing assembly may be capable of being actuated by the handle assembly. The drive assembly may be capable of being actuated by the biasing assembly. The clamshell retainer may be associated with the second opening of the body. The clamshell retainer may have a pair of clasping members movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively carry the golf ball and a portion of the golf tee between the pair of clasping members. The pair of clasping members may be moved between the open position and the closed position based on actuation of the drive assembly.
US08152656B2	High performance golf ball having a reduced-distance A golf ball having a reduced distance while maintaining the appearance of a normal high performance trajectory. The golf ball has a core, an inner cover layer, and a cover. The core has a diameter of from about 1.300 to 1.620 inches, while the ball has a weight from 1.30 to 1.620 ounces, a diameter from 1.670 to 1.800 inches and a maximum Coefficient of Restitution from about 0.600 to about 0.790 as measured at 125 ft/sec incoming ball velocity. The ball has a drag to weight ratio of greater than 2.4 at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a spin ratio of about 0.095.
US08152651B2	Iron golf club with improved mass properties and vibration damping A golf club is provided having improved playing characteristics based upon a multiple material construction. This construction involves a club body in combination with a face insert that defines a hollow channel therebetween. This hollow channel is substantially filled with a heterogeneous viscoelastic material, such as urethane containing tungsten powder. The heterogeneous material is formulated such that the density of the material is varied based upon the location of that material within the hollow channel of the golf club head. In particular, lower density portions of the material are located near the top of the club head, and higher density portions are located near the bottom or sole of the club head. This moves the center of gravity of the club head downward and rearward, yielding improved feel and improved weight distribution and enhancing performance of the club.
US08152650B1	Golf swing practice device for engaging a golfer's knee or calf muscle and preventing body sway during a golf club back swing An adjustable golf swing practice device adapted for engaging a knee or calf muscle of a back leg of a golfer and preventing body sway during a golf club back swing. The practice device includes an adjustable leg brace for engaging the outside of the knee or calf muscle to help encourage and maintain knee flex and prevent the straightening or locking of the back leg during a club back swing. The leg brace is attached to an adjustable leg brace pole having a telescoping rod and an outer tube for adjusting the length of the pole for different heights of golfers. The outer tube is pivotally mounted on a leg brace pole housing with housing base. The housing base includes a horizontal shoe extension, which is used for receiving the golfer's shoe thereon and holding the practice device in place during practice.
US08152641B2	On line gaming with real-world data In one aspect, a method, systems, and apparatuses provide for online gaming that integrates sensory data and/or gameplay data from a real-world environment, and in particular, interactive online gaming within an environment incorporating playback of a recorded instance of an original, live card game played in a real-world environment, wherein the online game may be provided in a delayed manner or in real-time. In one aspect, sensory data and/or gameplay data from a live card game in a real-world environment are recorded for delayed playback or streamed live in real-time, and a remote player is able to access the game online and participate in the game as if the remote player had been present at the original, live card game in the real-world environment. In one aspect, the remote player may play in the online game at the position/seat occupied by one or more of the original, real-world players in the original, real-world game. In one aspect, in games where a player is dealt his or her own hand of cards, the remote player will receive cards as they were dealt to the original, real-world player that occupied the same position/seat in the original, real-world game. In one aspect, the remote player may able to make strategic decisions during gameplay that differ from those of the original, real-world player, wherein such strategic decisions may affect the outcome of the game for that player. In one aspect, the real-world environment is a gaming area at a casino.
US08152639B2	Method and system for enhanced audio communications in an interactive environment Enhanced audio communications is provided in an interactive environment, such as a gaming environment, having multiple participants. An input audio signal, such as a speech signal, that is originated by one of the multiple participants is received. In addition, one or more instructions that correspond to the input audio signal are received. Based on the one or more instructions, an output audio signal is generated from the input audio signal. The output audio signal is designated for transmission to one or more of the participants.
US08152637B2	Image display system, information processing system, image processing system, and video game system According to functions (the first to the third target position setup functions 242, 244, and 246) which set up as a target position, a position of reference image, a position decided by orientations of multiple cards, and a position of a character image being a counterpart selected in combined actions display program, and functions to display a scene where the character image moves from above the identification information to the target position (action data string searching function 248, movement posture setup function 250, 3D image setup function 252, image drawing function 254, image display setup function 256, table rewriting function 258, distance calculating function 260, repetitive function 262), it is possible to expand a range of card game used to be played only in a real space up to a virtual space, and to offer a new game which merges the card game and video game.
US08152633B2	Providing game content based on wireless signals Providing content in a game based on wireless signals. A wireless signal may be detected. Content in a game may be provided based on the detection of the wireless signal. The content may have been unavailable in the game prior to said detecting the wireless signal. For example, a characteristic of the wireless signal (e.g., an ID of a wireless signal from a wireless access point) may be determined and the content may be based on the characteristic of the wireless signal.
US08152629B2	Gaming system and method for providing enhanced wagering opportunities A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more enhanced wagering opportunities. One enhanced wagering opportunity enables a player to continue playing one or more primary games at the maximum wager even if the player's continued play causes the gaming device's credit meter to fall below zero credits. In one such embodiment, after playing one or more maximum wager games which cause the credit meter to drop below zero, the player's player tracking account is utilized to cover any amount of credits the gaming device's credit meter is below zero.
US08152627B2	Gaming method and apparatus for facilitating a game involving specialty wild functionality Various embodiments are directed to a plurality of rounds of a game, the game comprising providing a play area comprising a plurality of regions and game elements distributed within the regions, moving a roving wild indicator within the play area to one of the game elements, the roving wild indicator moving between the game elements within the play area during each of the plurality of rounds of the game, the element to which the roving wild indicator moves exhibiting wild functionality for at least a current round of the game, selecting one of the plurality of regions as a wild region, each element within the wild region exhibiting wild functionality for at least the current round of the game, marking a plurality of the game elements, each marking for each element of the plurality selected from a plurality of different marking types, evaluating elements of the play area to identify if the game element to which the roving wild indicator is moved in the current round of the game is within the wild region, evaluating elements of the play area to identify if one or more series of corresponding marked elements were formed, wherein the elements marked with common types of the different marking types correspond to one another and elements exhibiting wild functionality correspond to all game elements, and initiating at least one game play function other than wild functionality if the game element to which the roving wild indicator is moved is within the wild region based on the evaluation of the elements.
US08152626B2	Gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network and control method thereof A gaming system of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (E) paying out the game media to the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information being a basis of counting the number of game media counted in the processing (A) when a number of the gaming machines joining a game is less than a specific number.
US08152619B2	Card game with fixed rules Various methods and apparatus are described. Some examples include dealing cards, determining actions that must be taken by a player according to game rules, game rules that require certain actions to be taken in certain circumstances, determining outcomes of games according to poker rankings of hands of cards, awards to winning players, and/or other desired features. Further embodiments are described.
US08152615B2	Gaming system with blackjack primary game and poker secondary game A gaming device having a primary game and a secondary game is provided. The gaming device includes a primary game, such as blackjack or 21 operable on a wager by a player, and an optional secondary game that is operable on a secondary game wager by a player. After placing a secondary game wager and satisfying certain criteria in the primary game, one or more players are provided with a secondary game card to be used in the secondary game. The secondary game is resolved after a player has accumulated a plurality of secondary game cards over the course of several sequentially played rounds of the primary game.
US08152613B2	Tiled objects in digital environments Methods and systems for damaging objects in digital environments are provided. The objects may be defined by a number of tiles. Tiles may be joined together to form objects of various sizes, shapes, and facades. The tiles may be broken up or divided into smaller tiles as the objects sustain damage. These smaller tiles may be rejoined to the objects providing virtually unlimited ways in which the objects can be damaged. In addition, the objects may incorporate stress-related damage that allows the object to break or collapse under its own weight.
US08152610B2	Weed and volunteer crop seed destruction A method of harvesting crop material includes gathering the crop material and separating chaff material, and subjecting the chaff material to fragmentation in a cage mill to destroy unwanted seed material contained therein. Also provided is a mobile agricultural apparatus which travels with a harvesting machine during a harvesting operation to receive chaff material produced during the harvesting operation. At least one cage mill having rotors for fragmentation of the chaff material is included with the mobile apparatus, to destroy unwanted seed material contained therein. Such a cage mill includes at least a casing defining a milling zone, a rotor for performing milling, an inlet for introducing material for reduction into the milling zone, an outlet for removal of material from the milling zone, and an airflow through the milling zone to assist movement of the material through the milling zone from the inlet to the outlet.
US08152608B1	Solar energy intercept and waste heat recovery system An energy management method and system for incorporation when constructing a building such that solar energy and waste heat is intercepted and diverted, in turn causing a reduction in the demand on the artificial heating and cooling unit.
US08152606B2	Skinning knife A skinning knife, comprising a handle, a slitting blade disposed at a forward portion of the handle and having an upwardly- and forwardly-directed cutting edge, a first spreading member disposed at the forward most position of the knife so as to spread apart two portions of animal hide or other material that have been separated by the slitting blade as the knife is thrust forwardly, and a retractable punch blade disposed in the handle beneath slitting blade for opening a hole in the hide when the knife is thrust forwardly, the first spreading member having a slot therein for receiving the punch blade. A punch blade actuation mechanism is provided for selectively moving the punch blade forwardly and rearwardly through the slot in the first spreading member. Preferably, the skinning knife also comprises a second spreading member disposed below and forward of the first spreading member for facilitating entry into a small slit.
US08152600B2	Sharpener for rotary cutters Apparatus, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are related to sharpening blades for rotary cutters. In one illustrative embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention, an elongated sharpening stone is held at a desired angle between underlying support structures on a base and a securing cap. A planar edge of the stone is exposed in an adjustable channel between the stone and a slidably adjustable sidewall. The angle of the sharpening stone corresponds to correct angle for a sharpened edge on a rotary blade disposed on a hand held rotary cutter, which is inserted into the channel. By advancing the cutter through the channel an edge of the rotary blade may be honed and/or sharpened.
US08152598B2	Substrate treating method and substrate treating apparatus A substrate treating method includes rotating a substrate in a circumferential direction and polishing a peripheral portion of the substrate by pressing a polishing member to it using a pressing mechanism having a pressing pad. An angle of at least a part of the pressing pad with respect to an axial direction, in which the pressing mechanism makes the pressing pad press the peripheral portion of the substrate, is changed by an angle displacement mechanism which actively displaces the angle so that the polishing is performed depending on a surface to be polished in the peripheral portion.
US08152588B2	Balloon holder for helium and air-filled balloons A balloon holder for helium and air-filled balloons comprises: a base with adequate mass to hold down at least one helium balloon; a housing surrounding the base; a loop member comprised of a sunken portion submerged inside the base and a loop above the base wherein the loop fastens to a line attached to a helium balloon; and a stem comprised of a lower end submerged inside the base and a top end above the base wherein the top end is adapted to receive a balloon cup attached to an air-filled balloon. The loop member may be comprised of a metal wire, and the loop may secure one or multiple helium balloons. The balloon holder may also include a platform on top of the base that includes a central aperture through which the stem passes through and at least one additional aperture through which the loop member passes through.
US08152587B1	Novelty toy accessory with concealed compartment insert templates A novelty toy having a body with a concealed basket compartment creating a cavity to house, store, secure, and conceal novelty items. The toy further includes a detachable cover to conceal the cavity when the cover is attached to the body and reveal the cavity when removed. The novelty toy also includes a removably changeable housing insert assembly embedded within the cavity having several attachment components which include a light source, a changeable housing insert template, a changeable inner insert template, an insert cover template and an insert ramp accessory. The cavity and insert assembly is used to display, store, house, secure templates with indicia including but not limited to arts and crafts, traditional family, learning and sport activity games. The toy body may be in the form of an animal-like, humanoid, holiday figure, mascot, icon or any characters attracted, known or recognizable to children or adults.
US08152586B2	Shatterproof light tube having after-glow A lamp or light tube that is both shatterproof and produces an after-glow effect. The light tube is comprised of a cylinder sealed by glass and metal end caps on each end of the glass-sealed cylinder, and electrical conducting pins extend from at least one of the metal end caps to connect the light tube to a power source. The glass-sealed cylinder is coated on its exterior with a shatterproof coating composition that emits an after-glow effect. The coating composition is comprised of a strontium aluminate after-glow phosphor, an ethylene acid copolymer resin, and an ultraviolet additive.
US08152583B2	Manufacturing method of organic EL display device A mother element substrate and a mother seal substrate are adhered with each other via an adhesive sheet. An adhesive sheet cut portion of the adhesive sheet corresponding to a terminal portion is formed at a time when the adhesive sheet is applied to the mother seal substrate, thus requiring no processing of the terminal portion afterward. Since the adhesive sheet cut portion extends to reach an edge of the adhesive sheet to prevent deformation of the adhesive sheet around the terminal portion after adhering the mother element substrate and the mother seal substrate with each other under the negative pressure so as to be returned to the atmosphere, thus realizing the solid seal type organic EL display device with high reliability.
US08152581B2	Floater for marine hose Provided is a floater for marine hose, which can be easily formed into an annular shape conformable even to marine hoses having variations in the circularity of their cross-section or to marine hoses of different outside diameters. A belt-like floater 1 is formed by rotatably connecting together, by using connection pins 7a, float blocks 2 equal to the number corresponding to the outside diameter of a marine hose 10. A fitting groove is formed on the inner side of the belt-like floater 1. The groove is placed along the outer surface of the marine hose 10 while being fitted onto a location collar 11 projected on the outer surface of the marine hose 10. Then, the end portions of the floater are coupled together by an end coupling member 7b. Thus, the floater 1 is fitted in annular shape onto the marine hose 10.
US08152579B2	Direct-propulsion equipment with an internal combustion engine for a boat, in which equipment the engine and the propeller constitute a unit assembly capable of pivoting vertically and horizontally The subject of the present invention is direct-propulsion equipment with an internal combustion engine for a boat, in which the engine and the propeller constitute a unit assembly capable of pivoting vertically and horizontally. It consists of a cradle (3) supporting the engine (2), that can pivot near the transom (16) of the boat (1) about a horizontal pivot axis (A2), the engine being coupled to a drive shaft (4) bearing the propeller (5) at its end, this entity being rendered non-deformable by virtue of two semi-circular lateral arms (6) centered on the pivot axis (A2) and each connected by a rear arm (7) to a chair (8) supporting the drive shaft and by a lateral arm (9) to the cradle (3) in order to cross-brace the assembly which is connected to an inverted bracket (15) attached to the inside of the transom (16) and allowing said assembly to rotate about a substantially vertical axis (A1). The invention relates to the industrial and commercial field of boat propulsion unit manufacture and distribution.
US08152576B2	Female terminal fitting A tab (51) of a male terminal (50) is inserted into a main portion (11) of a female terminal (10). The tab (51) contacts a contact portion (16) of a resilient contact piece (15) to connect the female and male terminals (10, 50) electrically. A guiding portion (18) is formed on an inner surface of the main portion (11) for guiding the tab (51) inserted into the main portion (11) to a position where the tab (51) contacts the contact portion (16). The guiding portion (18) extends from a position before a contact position of the tab (51) with the contact portion (16) to the contact position while being inclined with respect to an inserting direction of the tab (51).
US08152575B2	Grounding lug A grounding lug for holding a grounding wire includes a housing defining an opening for receiving a wire and a clamping pad movable relative to the housing. The clamping pad is movable between an unclamped position in which the clamping pad defines a wire-receiving pocket in combination with the opening defined by the housing, and a clamped position in which the clamping pad clamps the wire to the housing. The grounding lug also includes a moving mechanism coupled to the housing and the clamping pad for moving the clamping pad between the unclamped and clamped positions.
US08152572B1	Connector with an insulating body with a recess with a protrusion forming an annular gap between the recess and the protrusion A connector includes an insulation body having a recess defined in the first end thereof and a protrusion extends from the inner end of the recess to form an annular gap between the inner periphery of the recess and the protrusion. The protrusion has a connection hole defined therethrough and a shoulder is formed in the connection hole. A passage is defined in the second end of the insulation body and communicates with the connection hole. A conductive member is inserted into the connection hole and the passage. Multiple flexible plates extend inclinedly from the outer periphery of the conductive member and are engaged with the shoulder. The body is easily removed from the mold and the conductive member is securely connected to the insulation body.
US08152570B2	Power connector having protective interior cover Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide protection from exposed wires or terminals when a power plug is damaged or destroyed. One example may provide a plug having an inner cover that shields power carrying wires or terminals when an outer shell is damaged or destroyed. The inner cover may include openings to receive conductors, where the openings may lead to terminals or wires that connect to plug prongs. The received conductors may attach directly or indirectly to an outer shell, and further to a power cord, circuitry, or other electronic components. When the outer shell is damaged or destroyed, the conductors may pull out of the openings in the inner cover, thus disconnecting from the wires or terminals. The wires or terminals may thus remain protected by the inner shell, avoiding exposure to contact by users or inadvertent conductors.
US08152567B2	Electrical connector having a paddle board with a transformer with a magnetic core embedded in the paddle board A modular jack connector (100) includes a contact module (2) having a paddle board (22) formed with two conductive sections (28b). The contact module includes two transformers (24) each including a magnetic core (271) embedded in the paddle board, and a number of PCB layout traces distributed in the paddle board and including a first group of PCB layout traces having one group of tips extending to a position adjacent to corresponding magnetic core to form a magnetic field and another group of tips connected to the conductive section, and a second group of PCB layout traces having one group of tips extending to a position adjacent to corresponding magnetic core to form a magnetic field and another group of tips connected to the vias. The common mode chokes are surface mounted on the conductive section.
US08152558B2	Shielded USB connector system The present invention relates to a universal serial bus (USB) connector for use in a base unit in a car kit comprising at least two pairs of shielded connection lines. It further relates to a USB cable for providing a shielded connection between a mobile unit and a car kit adaptor. The USB connector for use in a base unit in a car-kit comprises two twin axial connectors (430) including two inner contacts separated by a dielectric and further adapted to be connected to respective complementary connectors and two pairs of shielded connection lines (104 and 104′). Each pair is connected to a twin axial connector (430). Further, a shielded USB bridge (100) connects the two pairs of connection lines (104 and 104′) to four cable terminations (106) to form a USB line (108). The bridge (100) is mounted in the base unit (400′) with the twin axial connectors (430) located in modified guide gins (441) that extend from the base unit.
US08152557B2	Positive locking mechanism for USB connected devices The present invention is a positive locking mechanism for a universal serial bus (USB) connector which includes at least one mounting portion connected to the USB connector with the mounting portion having an aperture. The present invention also includes at least one flange in proximity to the mounting portion, with the flange having an aperture, as well as a fastener inserted through the aperture of the flange and the aperture of the mounting portion, where the fastener is used to connect the mounting portion to a structure.
US08152556B2	Electric connector with engagable structure for mounting male connector to female connector An electric connector includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector defines a first sliding groove, a second sliding groove parallel to the first sliding groove and a guiding slot communicating with the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove. The guiding slot includes a first guiding slot and a second guiding slot communicating the first guiding slot with the second sliding groove. The first sliding groove and the first guiding slot collectively form a step portion. The male connector includes a latching hook to engage with the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove. The latching hook slides along the first sliding groove to be received in the first guiding slot and resist on the step portion to combine the male connector with the female connector. The latching hook sides along the second guiding slot to release the male connector from the female connector.
US08152553B2	Socket contact and PGA IC socket A socket contact that makes contact with a lead pin is provided on a mating electronic component, wherein this socket contact comprises a retention section that is press-fit in a contact cavity provided in a housing, a base section that extends downward from this retention section, and a pair of resilient contact pieces that extend from either side edge of this base section in mutually facing directions. The paired resilient contact pieces respectively comprise end sections that extend backward from the side edges of the base section, and lead pin contact sections that extend upward and forward at an inclination from the rear ends of the base section and that are also formed with an inclination so as to approach each other toward the tip ends thereof, and after the lead pin is inserted into the contact cavity toward the rear ends of the base end parts, the lead pin moves forward so as to contact the lead pin contact section in a position to the rear side of the retention section.
US08152551B2	Port seizing cable connector nut and assembly A coaxial cable connector includes a connector body having a first end and a second end, a coupling nut freely rotatable and disposed in relation to the first end of the connector body and a post having a first end and a second end, the post further including a open-ended port retaining portion. The coupling nut includes an internal threaded portion and is disposed in overlaying relation relative to the port retaining portion, which is configured for engaging an external port. The port retaining portion defines a locking collet that prevents loosening of the engaged port, while still guaranteeing electrical continuity without requiring excessive tightening of the connector.
US08152546B2	Modular multiple-circuit electrical system A multiple circuit duplex module comprising a chassis having an electrical chassis receptacle providing a plurality of connection points for the selection of power from two or more different circuits; a duplex element having at least one electrical duplex receptacle thereon to deliver power from one of the two or more different circuits to an external device in electrical contact with the at least one duplex receptacle; first conductor means for electrically connecting the at least one duplex receptacle to selected connection points in the chassis receptacle; wherein the duplex element is connectable to the chassis in different orientations, the orientation of the duplex element determining which one of the two or more different circuits is electrically connected to the at least one duplex receptacle.
US08152543B1	Cord securing cover for an electrical outlet An outlet cover for an electrical outlet which prevents unintentional disconnection of an electrical plug from the electrical outlet. The outlet cover includes a plate having at least one opening sized and positioned to receive the electrical plug and a lid hingedly attached to the plate so that the lid can be moved between an open position that allows access to the electrical outlet and a closed position wherein the electrical outlet is covered by the lid. The lid includes a base, a prong having a proximal portion connected to, and extending outwardly from, the base, and a distal portion that is spaced from the base by the proximal portion. The electrical cord is positioned between the prong and the base such that the prong and base cooperate together to secure the electrical cord such that the electrical plug is not unintentionally disconnected from the electrical outlet.
US08152539B2	Connector unit for differential transmission A differential transmission connector unit is disclosed that includes a first differential transmission connector including a first electrically insulating block body; and first signal contact pairs and first ground contacts arranged alternately in a row in the first block body; and a second differential transmission connector including a second electrically insulating block body; and second signal contact pairs and second ground contacts arranged alternately in a row in the second block body. The first differential transmission connector is connected to the second differential transmission connector with the first signal contact pairs and the second signal contact pairs being in contact with each other and the first ground contacts and the second ground contacts being in contact with each other. One of the contact surface of each first ground contact and the contact surface of the corresponding second ground contact is a rolled surface, the contact surfaces contacting each other.
US08152536B2	Connection device for connection to a solar module and solar module comprising such connection device A connecting device for connecting to an electrical connection system of a solar module includes a connector housing to be arranged on an outer surface of the solar module and also at least one conductor component, which is arranged in the connector housing. At least one connection mechanism is provided with connecting device, and formed for connecting to a conductor, which is led out of the solar module, of the electrical connection system of the solar module. The connection mechanism has at least one resilient contact region, which is embodied for contacting the led-out conductor in a contacting position, the connection mechanism also includes at least one engagement portion, which is embodied for engaging a tool in order to move the resilient contact region out of its contacting position. This allows the connector housing to be attached to the connector housing in a largely automated manner and to be connected to a led-out conductor of the connection system.
US08152535B2	Socket having two relay boards and a frame for holding a terminal to connect an electronic device to a mounting board A socket includes a first relay board provided above a mounting board; a second relay board detachably provided above the first relay board; and a frame part provided at side parts of the first relay board and the second relay board, wherein the frame part is configured to hold the first relay board and the second relay board and detachably configured to hold an electronic device being mounted above the second relay board; and the first connecting part comes in contact with the first relay board and the second connecting part comes in contact with a pad of the electronic device, so that the electronic device and the mounting board are electrically connected to each other.
US08152521B2	Orthodontic appliance The present invention concerns an orthodontic appliance for accelerating the tooth aligning effect and shortening the treatment period, and has an object to provide an appliance which can bring about higher aligning effect than usual ways by giving vibration to tooth to be aligned to activate bone remodeling of the targeted tooth and the alveolar bone and enhance the shift of the tooth. This appliance includes a vibrating element and a dental mouthpiece having the vibrating element built therein. The provision of the vibrating element in the dental mouthpiece facilitates the application of vibration and handling, and continues the treatment safely even at home. The inner shape of the dental mouthpiece serves aligning treatment as well as acceleration of the effect.
US08152517B2	Orthodontics assisting system and index member and arranging device for use therein An orthodontics assisting system includes index members which indicate respective reference positions of a pre-correction dentition model and a post-correction predictive dentition model; an arranging device for arranging the index members; an image data generating device for generating image data by imaging the pre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictive dentition model; a screen display for screen-displaying a pre-correction dentition image an a post-correction predictive dentition image respectively based on the image data, a position adjusting device for adjusting mutual display positions of the pre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictive dentition image; and a tooth position adjusting device for adjusting the display position of a teeth image.
US08152516B2	Equine dental grinding apparatus An apparatus for grinding the teeth of horses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool body. A drive shaft is disposed inside of the tool body. A drive mechanism is connected to one end of the drive shaft. A grinding member is connected to the other end of the drive shaft. The grinding member can pivot through a range of angles relative to the drive shaft.
US08152515B2	Fuel selectable heating devices In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a burner. The apparatus can also include an intake valve that includes an input for receiving fuel from either a first fuel source at a first pressure or a second fuel source at a second pressure. The intake valve can include a first output for directing fuel received from the first fuel source and a second output for directing fuel received from the second fuel source. The intake valve can include an actuator configured to permit fluid communication between the input and the first output or between the input and the second output. The apparatus can include a pressure regulator that can include a first inlet for receiving fuel from the first output of the intake valve and a second inlet for receiving fuel from the second output of the intake valve. The regulator can also include an outlet for directing fuel from the pressure regulator toward the burner.
US08152510B2	Method for use in baking articles of manufacture and mold for use in said method The present invention relates to a method for producing baked goods and a mold apparatus having a cavity in a desired shape for use in said method, the mold apparatus comprising a gap that allows for venting of vapor produced during heating or baking of a mixture in the mold apparatus but does not allow any significant amount of the mixture to escape from the cavity of the mold apparatus via the gaps.
US08152505B1	Rotary expansible chamber device A rotary expansible chamber device includes intersecting, two-piece vanes that provide expansion/compression chambers as the vanes rotate about a central axis of a rotor housing. The rotor housing has an inner contour defined by a conchoid of rhodonea having a shape coefficient of at least 3. The vanes are captured by a primary and secondary output shaft, with engagement arms of the primary output shaft being juxtaposed between the intersecting vanes. A vane spring helps maintain each vane at a constant length and in sealing engagement with the inner contour of the rotor housing.
US08152502B2	Scroll compressor having guide ring supporting and urging seal member A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll, a crankshaft rotationally supported on a frame to drive the orbiting scroll, a seal member between an orbiting scroll back surface and the frame, a back pressure chamber of discharge pressure at an inner peripheral side of the seal member, another back pressure chamber of low pressure at an outer peripheral side so that the orbiting scroll is pressed against the fixed scroll with the pressures of these back pressure chambers, and a guide ring supporting an end surface of the seal member at a side opposite to the orbiting scroll and including a guide portion guiding an inner peripheral surface of the seal member so that the seal member is brought into close contact with the orbiting scroll back surface by a wave spring through the guide ring.
US08152501B2	Scroll compressor for preventing performance deterioration and variation due to gas leakage In a scroll compressor configured to be capable of three-dimensional compression in a circumferential direction and a height direction of spiral wraps, in which top surfaces and bottom surfaces of spiral wraps (25B and 27B) are provided with step portions (25E and 27E) and the wrap height on the outer peripheral side of the step portion is made higher than the wrap height on the inner peripheral side, back-pressure introducing portions (55 and 57) where gaps between the back surfaces at step-portion ends of tip seals and groove bottom surfaces of tip seal grooves are made larger than a gap at the other portion are formed between the step-portion ends of tip seals (51 and 53) provided on top surfaces (25G and 27G) on the outer peripheral side of the spiral wraps and tip seal grooves (25L and 27L) to which the tip seals are fitted.
US08152498B2	Peristaltic pump with removable tube A peristaltic pump having a casing defining a tube race, a flexible tube disposed in the tube race, and a rotor with one or more rollers adapted to act against the flexible tube. The casing has a first section having the tube race and a first part of fitting means, and a second section having the rotor and a second part of the fitting means. The first and second parts of the fitting means are a releasable snap-fit together.
US08152496B2	Continuing compressor operation through redundant algorithms A method of operating a compressor of a compressor system uses three models. Each model of the three models describes a surge line of the compressor as a function of any two of three operating parameters of the compressor. The three operating parameters include head (H), flow (Q), and speed (N). The method includes measuring operating characteristics of the compressor system using sensors, and determining a current value of the three operating parameters based on at least some of the measured operating characteristics. The method also includes locating operating points of the compressor on each of the three models based on the current value of the operating parameters, and identifying a sensor fault that affects the determination of at least one of the operating parameters. The method further includes avoiding surge of the compressor using one model of the three models. The one model being a model that is a function of two operating parameters unaffected by the sensor fault.
US08152493B2	Centrifugal rotary blood pump with impeller having a hydrodynamic thrust bearing surface A rotary blood pump may include one or more motor stators overlying exterior surfaces of a wall defining a pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller within the pumping chamber may have a hydrodynamic thrust bearing surface adapted to constrain a position of the impeller along an axis of rotation relative to the wall when the impeller is rotating about the axis of rotation. The impeller position may then be constrained without requiring a constant polarity magnetic force to be applied in the axial direction from a fixed position of the housing.
US08152488B2	Blower A blower for a vacuum cleaner has a diffuser with an increased efficiency by coupling the attack angle A of the diffuser vanes with the attack angle B of the return guide vanes where angle A is between 4° and 6° and angle B is between 6° and 20°.
US08152487B2	Inverter-integrated electric compressor An inverter-integrated electric compressor that is capable of solving various problems caused by thermal expansion of a gel material filled inside an inverter accommodating section for vibration prevention and moisture prevention and capable of increasing reliability is provided. In the inverter-integrated electric compressor, an inverter accommodating section (11) is integrated with a periphery of a housing (2) accommodating an electric compressor; an inverter device (20) is accommodated inside the inverter accommodating section; a gel material (30) for vibration prevention and moisture prevention is filled in the upper section thereof so as to leave an air layer (31); an upper opening in the inverter accommodating section is sealed with a cover member (18); and a vent valve (40) formed of a moisture-permeable waterproof membrane (42) is provided in the cover member.
US08152483B2	Variable capacity compressor The variable capacity compressor has a rotor 21, as a rotating member, fixed to a drive shaft 10 and rotating integrally with the drive shaft 10, a swash plate 24, as a tilting member, tiltably and slidably attached to the drive shaft 10, a linkage mechanism 40 linking the rotor 21 and the swash plate 24 at a position corresponding to an upper dead center of the swash plate 24, transferring rotation of the rotor 21 to the swash plate 24, and guiding the tilting movement of the swash plate 24, and a tilting movement guide 60 provided between the rotor 21 and the swash plate 24 and anterior to the linkage mechanism 40 in the rotating direction and guiding changes of the inclination angle of the swash plate 24 with respect to the drive shaft 10.
US08152480B1	Vehicle mounted water pump assembly for pumping out water filled depressions in the ground A water pump assembly includes a frame having a mount for mounting the frame to a vehicle. A water pump is mounted within a bottom bowl on the frame and is substantially surround by an encircling U-shaped foot to protect the water pump from damage. A pivotal arch is carried on the frame and a water discharge nozzle is carried on the arch. A flexible conduit connects the nozzle to an outlet of the water pump. Pivoting of the arch flexes the conduit in a fore and aft direction to raise or lower the trajectory of the water stream being thrown from the nozzle. In addition, pivoting of the nozzle about a vertical axis on the arch laterally changes the direction of throw of the water stream by flexing or twisting the conduit in a side to side manner. The nozzle is carried on the arch using a nozzle support sleeve in which the nozzle is free to slide back and forth to accommodate changes in the orientation of the conduit.
US08152479B2	Liquid pressure-feed device A liquid pressure-feed device is provided wherein, even with a third shaft disposed between a pivot shaft and a second shaft, a sub-arm positioned between the pivot shaft and the second shaft does not obstruct movement of the third shaft. A snap mechanism has a pivot shaft supported within a closed vessel, a float arm and a sub-arm both adapted to rotate about the pivot shaft, a first shaft supported by the float arm, a second shaft supported by the sub-arm, and a spring mounted between the first and second shafts. A liquid discharge valve has a third shaft supported by the float arm, a liquid discharge valve arm mounted to the third shaft, and a liquid discharge valve body mounted to the liquid discharge valve arm to establish and block communication between the interior of the closed vessel and a liquid discharge port. The third shaft is disposed between the pivot shaft and the second shaft and a window is formed in the sub-arm so as not to obstruct movement of the third shaft.
US08152477B2	Electrokinetic pump designs and drug delivery systems One embodiment of the present invention provides a piston assembly having a piston housing filled with an electrolyte; a housing within the piston housing that divides the piston housing into a first portion and a second portion, the housing having apertures, a shaft connecting the housing to a piston head outside of the piston housing; and a porous material inside of the housing in contact with the electrolyte. Additionally, there are provided a method for filling the delivery chamber with a delivery fluid by withdrawing the piston head from within the delivery chamber. Yet another embodiment provides a method for filling a fluid delivery assembly by withdrawing a shaft from within the fluid delivery assembly to simultaneously displace a moving pump element within the delivery chamber and bypass fluid around a housing in the pump chamber.
US08152474B2	Cooling fan impeller An impeller of a centrifugal fan includes a hub and a plurality of blades arranged on and around the hub. Each of the blades includes a root portion and a tip portion. The tip portion of each of the blades has a concave surface and a convex surface in rear and front sides thereof respectively. In a rotational direction of the impeller, the tip portion of a rear blade protrudes towards a front blade.
US08152472B2	Blade structure for heat sink fans A fan blade for heat sink fans is provided. The fan blade includes a wheel hub and a plurality of blades which is disposed around the rim of the wheel hub. The surfaces of the blade fans are designed with protruding or recessing inhibiting part. The flow rate on the blade surfaces is made unsteady by the inhibiting part as the airflow is flowing by to form a constant air flow impact and generate a boundary layer on the blades effectively. The effective second order distribution of the pressure rise is formed, and the effective working area of the fan is expanded. The improvement increases the static pressure and lowers the noise.
US08152466B2	Centrifugal force actuated variable span helicopter rotor A variable diameter helicopter rotor and method of using are disclosed. The variable diameter helicopter rotor includes a rotor hub operable by helicopter controls at variable revolutions per minute, and a linearly extensible rotor blade connected to the rotor hub, a linear span of the rotor blade only adjustable in response to an amount of centrifugal force generated in the rotor blade by a rotational speed of the rotor hub, an operational rotor blade to effect at least lift of the helicopter. The linearly extensible rotor blade can include telescoping inner and outer sections, and a restrictive force device positioned between the inner and outer sections. The variable diameter helicopter rotor can be used by adjusting a linear span of rotor blades connected to the rotor hub by an amount corresponding to an amount of centrifugal force generated in the rotor blades by a rotational speed of the rotor hub.
US08152464B2	Tapered helical auger turbine to convert hydrokinetic energy into electrical energy A helical auger turbine and hydrokinetic device for use with electrical generators for producing electricity. A helical turbine blade may be mounted on a central shaft, and a flange extending perpendicularly to an edge of the turbine blade. The helical auger may be a multi-section auger having radial sections covering a radial arc of between 45 degrees and 180 degrees, and that are rotational molded with identical center sections. The auger may have tapered end sections. The radial and end sections may be interlockingly mounted onto the central shaft to enable the complete transfer of torque captured by the helical auger by a moving fluid media, such as a tidal water flow, to the central shaft. The adjacent surfaces of the radial and end sections may be flush with one another to reduce disruptions of the moving fluid flowing over the completed helical auger and rotating the assembled helical auger.
US08152459B2	Airfoil for axial-flow compressor capable of lowering loss in low Reynolds number region In a transonic region with a Reynolds number not more than a critical Reynolds number, a flow velocity distribution on an extrados of an airfoil has a single supersonic maximum value within a range of up to 6% from a leading edge on a chord, or a shape factor has a maximum value in a region of 6 to 15% from the leading edge on the chord, the value being nearly constant in a region of 30 to 60% and gradually can increase up to 2.5 in a region downstream of 60% of chord. A pressure loss in a low Reynolds number region can be drastically reduced, while conventionally keeping low the pressure loss in a high Reynolds number region. Moreover, this pressure-loss reduction effect in the low Reynolds number region is exerted even if an inflow angle is changed in a wide range.
US08152458B2	Centrifugal pump with improved drive shaft and heat exchanger A high temperature centrifugal pump includes non-linear fluid flow paths between the pump housing and seal housing to reduce fluid flow therebetween. In another aspect, the invention provides a drive shaft of variable diameter to compensate for different amounts of thermal expansion to maintain a more consistent gap profile between the drive shaft and thermal insulators or other components positioned around the drive shaft. In yet another aspect, a tube heat exchanger may be placed in fluid communication with the seal housing to re-circulate and cool the fluid therethrough.
US08152457B2	Compressor clearance control system using bearing oil waste heat The present application provides a compressor clearance control system for a gas turbine engine having an oil recirculation system with a flow of oil therein and a compressor with a casing and a number of rotor blades. The compressor clearance control system may include a casing heat exchanger positioned about the casing of the compressor and a conduit in communication with the casing heat exchanger and the oil recirculation system so as to heat the casing of the compressor with the flow of oil from the oil recirculation system.
US08152451B2	Split fairing for a gas turbine engine A fairing for a structural strut in a gas turbine engine includes: (a) an inner band; (b) an outer band; (c) a hollow, airfoil-shaped vane extending between the inner and outer bands; (d) wherein the fairing is split along a generally transverse plane passing through the inner band, outer band and vane, so as to define a nose piece and a tail piece; and (e) complementary structures carried by the nose piece and the tail piece adapted to secure the nose piece and the tail piece to each other.
US08152448B2	Steam turbine having a nozzle box arranged at an upstream side of a steam passage that divides a space between a rotor and a casing into spaces that are sealed from each other A steam turbine has a stationary section, a turbine rotor, nozzle diaphragms, a steam passage section, a nozzle box and a sealing. The stationary section includes a casing. The turbine rotor includes moving blade stages. Each of the moving blade stages has turbine moving blades. Each of the nozzle diaphragms has turbine nozzles. The moving blade portions and the turbine nozzle portions constitute the steam passage. The nozzle box is held by the stationary section and arranged at an upstream side of the steam passage coaxially with the turbine rotor. The sealing divides a space between the turbine rotor and the casing into a first space provided at an inner side and a second space provided at an outer side of the nozzle box.
US08152446B2	Apparatus and method for reducing eccentricity and out-of-roundness in turbines A turbine includes: a plurality of turbine blades arranged within a casing, the arrangement including a clearance between tips of the blades and the casing; a plurality of manifolds disposed proximate to the casing opposite the clearance, wherein each of the manifolds includes a plurality of impingement holes in the surface thereof; a source of clearance information; and a source of cooling air for supplying cooling air through a plurality of flow control devices to selected ones of the manifolds according to the clearance information. A system and a method are also provided.
US08152435B2	Flatbed tow truck pivoting platform assembly and method of use A flatbed vehicle carrier assembly comprising a carrier body subassembly including a carrier floor supported by a carrier body slide enabling sill frame. An intermediate subframe subassembly is capable of sliding and being pivotally integrated with a slide enabling tilt and pivotal control subassembly, which is pivotally secured therebetween to a mounting platform support assembly. A pivot control device provides a means to rotate and rearwardly transfer and posture the intermediate subframe. The carrier body sill frame is slideably assembled to the intermediate subframe, being driven by a longitudinal control actuator. A ramp can be pivotally integrated into a loading end of the carrier body subassembly. The carrier and ramp floors are fabricated of a series of interlocking extrusion members.
US08152434B2	Double infeed stacking table with centering and method for transferring stacks to a gripper with an infeed station of this type An infeed station has a stack feeder and a first and second chamber, which can each receive stacks from the stack feeder. The stacks can be conveyed in the chambers and can be transferred to a stack gripper with the conveyors assigned to the first chamber and the second chamber. First centering units serve to center the stacks in the first chamber, and second centering units serve to center the stacks in the second chamber. Third conveyors are arranged between the first and second conveyors. The first and second centering units can be shifted relative to each other so that the third conveyors are positioned in the first or second chamber, and the chamber with the third conveyors is much wider than the other chamber. The infeed station can be changed between double infeed with parallel processing of two stacks and single infeed with processing of only one stack of relatively great width at a time.
US08152432B2	Container unloading device Presented is a device for lifting land/sea containers off of a trailer chassis and for tipping them into a vertical position for loading. The device includes a door opening assembly for opening and closing the doors, including when the container is in a vertical position. When the container is filled, the doors would be closed and the container would be lowered to a horizontal position. From the horizontal position, the device is configured to place the container on the chassis of a trailer for towing by a truck.
US08152430B2	Three hopper charging installation for a shaft furnace A three hopper charging installation for a shaft furnace includes a rotary distribution device for distributing bulk material in the furnace by rotating a distribution member about the furnace central axis and a first, a second and a third hopper arranged in parallel above the rotary distribution device and offset from the central axis. A sealing valve housing is arranged between the hoppers and the distribution device. It has a top part with a first, a second and a third inlet respectively communicating with the first, the second and the third hopper. A first, a second and a third sealing valve are provided in the top part. Each sealing valve includes a flap which is pivotable between a closed sealing position and an open parking position. The sealing valve housing also has a funnel shaped bottom part with an outlet communicating with the distribution device. According to the invention, the top part of the sealing valve housing has a tripartite stellate configuration in horizontal section with a central portion, in which the inlets are arranged adjacently in triangular relationship about the central axis, and with a first, a second and a third extension portion, each sealing valve being adapted such that its flap opens outwardly with respect to the central axis by pivoting into a parking position located in the first, second or third extension portion respectively.
US08152424B2	Auto-rack railroad car vehicle wheel chock A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.
US08152422B2	Control method for a machine tool with numerical control A control method for a tool machine is provided. The machine tool includes adjustment devices which are used to produce relative displacement between a machining head and a work piece. The adjustment movements are detected by sensors associated with the adjustment devices. A value for the relative displacement from the machining head to the work piece is determined from the signals of the sensors associated with the adjustment devices. The adjustment devices are controlled according to the value of relative displacement in order to produce predetermined adjustment movements. State variables which describe relative displacement between the machining head and work pieces are detected in at least one additional sensor. The state variables are taken into account when the value for the relative displacement is determined.
US08152420B1	Drill bit jig A drill bit jig includes an elongate member, two jig securing elements and a drill bit guide. The elongate member is hollow so that one or more elongate drill bits may be stored therein. The drill bit guide includes a plurality of through holes where the axes of the through holes are parallel to the axis of the elongate member. Each of the plurality of through holes in the drill bit guide has a different diameter for accommodating drill bits of different thicknesses. The jig securing elements each include an L-shaped bolt and a door protecting material encasing one of the straight sections of the bolt.
US08152416B2	Device for expanding and/or evacuating parts of anchors After a rock anchor (1), in particular an expandable friction tube anchor (1), comprising an anchor bolt (2) has been inserted into a pre-sunk borehole with an end sleeve (4) first, an adapter (6) having a liquid inflow and outflow is arranged on a sleeve (3). On the one hand, a holding pressure which secures the adapter (6) to the sleeve (3) is produced via a holding-pressure line (8). On the other hand, fluid flows into the anchor bolt (2) via an expansion line (7) and starts to fill said bolt. In the process, the increase in pressure (inflation pressure) causes the anchor bolt (2) to expand in the borehole, with the result that its outer surface presses against the borehole wall and thus secures the rock anchor (1) in the borehole. A gas supply connected to the adapter (6) makes it possible for a gas under pressure, in particular compressed air, to be introduced into the anchor bolt (2) before and/or after the expansion thereof. The compressed gas is relieved following the removal of the adapter (6) (pressure equalization) and conveys the fluid contained in the anchor bolt (2) virtually completely from the anchor (1).
US08152413B2	Method of and apparatus for bouyancy compensation for divers An improved buoyancy compensation device having a lesser change in buoyancy with depth than conventional buoyancy compensation devices which use ambient pressure bladders is disclosed. The improved device comprises one or more elastic members that, throughout the working range of diving pressures and volumes, is always elastic and, when pressurized, maintains an internal air pressure that is always greater than the ambient pressure at any dive depth. The invention also relates to a method of providing a buoyancy compensation device with an elastic member having a lift versus depth characteristic that approaches the lift versus depth characteristic of a constant or fixed volume buoyancy compensation device.
US08152408B1	Method of protection with massive security barriers having tie-bars in tunnels Barrier elements provide security from terrorist threats by ability to withstand both vehicle collisions and explosive blasts. Each barrier element is prefabricated to include a massive block of durable material, preferably of high strength concrete, with at least one tunnel extending at least partially between respective cavities in two opposite sides of the block. Each barrier element also includes at least one beam that is preferably made of steel and extends through one such tunnel. Multiple blocks are positionable slidably on top of the ground side-against-side with their beams coupled longitudinally to one another at least approximately end-to-end. Retainer means can be used to block coupling means from entry into the tunnels. Forces from a vehicle collision or an explosive blast can cause barrier elements to rotate relative to one-another when the couplings between beams hinge or bend as the durable material that interferes with the rotation breaks away.
US08152404B2	Constructions means A construction element in the form of an openable clamping element (1) being applicable to a primary object and including at least one clamping element (1) surrounding the primary object and a locking element, characterized in that the clamping element (1) contains at least one partition slot being a parting line of the clamping element, and a locking bar (8) being introducible into the slot, whereby the slot is oriented in parallel to the through going axis of the clamping element.
US08152402B2	Flexible peripheral device positioner A peripheral positioner includes a plurality of links that are rotatably coupled to one another. The peripheral positioner can be used to position a peripheral device on various surfaces and/or objects.
US08152400B2	Surface cleaner with removable wand A surface scrubbing device includes a pad base member that has at least one exit port with a connection structure provided on the pad base member. A surface engaging member is attached to the pad member. A storage chamber is provided within the scrubbing pad member with fluid stored therein. The storage chamber being positioned within the pad base member. A user manipulatable valve is provided in communication with the storage chamber so that depression of the button urges fluid the storage chamber through the exit port and to the surface engaging member. A wand is removably connected to the pad member via the connection means to extend the reach of the scrubbing device.
US08152396B2	Function first grip A writing instrument grip apparatus for holding a writing instrument for performing writing, the apparatus includes a first member adapted to receive a user's thumb and index and side of middle fingers and having a substantially vertical cylindrical chamber for receiving the writing instrument adapted to extend past a bottom surface of the first member for contacting a surface for performing writing; and a second member adapted to receive a user's middle, ring, and small fingers coupled to a top of the first member so that motion of the hand of the user powers the writing instrument for performing the writing in response to the motion; wherein pressure is directed away from joints of the thumb and at least one finger of the hand of the user.
US08152395B2	Pen with adjustable holding structure A pen with adjustable holding structure is essentially for the user to write with his/her specified finger to lean against a stop protuberance. The pen has a penholder with a writing end formed at its front tip for writing. The stop protuberance is provided ahead of the holding position, and an adjustable holding part is formed on the penholder behind the stop protuberance. With this structure, when manipulating the pen, the user may select one of five fingers as a specified one to lean against the stop protuberance to settle thereat. The adjustable holding part is bendable at random according to the user's manipulation habit so as to lead the specified finger to lean against the best position on the stop protuberance to perform writing with the pen.
US08152391B2	Recording device with second conveying path configured to guide sheet to an upstream side of the recording unit A recording device includes a feed tray for storing sheets, a first conveying path, an arm having one end attached to a pivot, and a roller attached to the other end of the arm. The roller feeds the sheet to the first conveying path. A recording unit is positioned in the first conveying path, and records an image onto the sheet. The recording device also includes a second conveying path between the pivot and the feed tray, and a path changing unit. The path changing unit moves between a first position, where it discharges the sheet, and a second position, where it conveys the sheet to the second conveying path. The arm moves between a third position where the roller contacts the sheets in the feed tray, and a fourth position where the roller is above the second conveying path.
US08152390B2	Barrier unit A barrier unit, of which the cap edge is not easily deformed even under some external force, is provided.The barrier unit includes: a base, which defines a first window; a cap, which defines a second window and which is arranged so that the second window faces the first window; and at least one blade, which is arranged between the base and the cap so as to open or close with respect to the first and second windows. A surface of the cap that is opposed to the at least one blade has a notched portion around the second window.
US08152385B2	Duplex fiber optic assemblies suitable for polarity reversal and methods therefor Duplex fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies suitable for polarity reversal along with methods of polarity reversal are disclosed. The duplex fiber optic connector assemblies and fiber optic cable assemblies allow rotation of individual fiber optic connectors within the housing assembly for polarity reversal. In one embodiment, the duplex fiber optic cable assembly may use a single boot and a single fiber optic cable, thereby reducing the backside footprint of the cable assembly for improved access and/or airflow. In another embodiment, the housing of the duplex assembly has integral detents to limit rotation, and may further include a removable trigger mechanism and/or a rotatable boot to facilitate polarity reversal.
US08152384B2	Push-pull fiber optic connectors and methods for making the same Push-pull fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies having a latch that is actuated by a cam surface are disclosed. The fiber optic connectors include a ferrule and a housing having the latch. A shroud fits over a portion of the housing and allows the craft to grab the shroud and push the shroud and hence the fiber optic connector into a suitable adapter or the like. Likewise, the craft can grab the shroud and pull on the same to remove the fiber optic connector out of the adapter or the like. The cam surface is disposed on a decoupling member, wherein the decoupling member is attached to the shroud so the components can move together. Methods of making the push-pull fiber optic connector are also disclosed.
US08152382B2	Output tube assembly for drive axle covers and method of use An output tube assembly including a substantially cylindrical tube having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided. Also included is at least a set of bearings located on the inner surface of the tube. A slot through the inner surface to the outer surface extending from the inboard end of the cylindrical tube past the set of bearings is also included. A flange, a snap ring, and an end cap may also be provided. A method for lubricating the bearings of the assembly is also provided.
US08152379B2	Bearing device having backlash reducer for reducing play of bearing, and image recording apparatus including the bearing device A bearing device include: (a) a bearing supporting a shaft, and having (a-1) a tubular body portion in which the shaft is rotatably received and (a-2) a radially projecting portion that projects from the tubular body portion outwardly in a radial direction of the tubular body portion; and (b) a bearing receiver plate having (b-1) a receiver hole in which the tubular body portion of the bearing is received, and (b-2) a cutout which extends from the receiver hole and which has an opening that opens outwardly of the bearing receiver plate, such that the bearing can be introduced into the receiver hole via the cutout. The bearing receiver plate and the radially projecting portion of the bearing cooperate with each other to establish (i) a rotation preventer preventing rotation of the bearing relative to the bearing receiver plate and (ii) a backlash reducer reducing play of the bearing relative to the bearing receiver plate. Also disclosed is an image recording apparatus including the bearing device.
US08152377B2	Low-friction sliding mechanism A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.
US08152376B2	Package having a tear initiation for forming an opening A package having a tear initiation (60) for forming an opening (71, 72), the tear initiation (60) extending 5 from a first panel (10) to a corner edge (11) being in common with the first panel (10) and a second panel (20), the tear initiation (60) further extending along the corner edge (11), from the corner edge (11) to the second panel (20) and back from the second panel (20) to the 10 corner edge (11), along the corner edge (11), and from the corner edge (11) onto the first panel (10), wherein the first panel (10) at the corner edge (11) has a convex curvature outwardly of the package and at the corner edge (11) the second panel (20) has a concave curvature 15 inwardly of the package, wherein two inclined fold lines (81, 82) on mutually opposing sides of the second portion, each extending from the tear initiation (60g) defining the second portion (72) to the corner edge (11), define two flap portions (91, 92) at the corner edge 20 (11).
US08152366B2	Estimation of subsurface thermal structure using sea surface height and sea surface temperature A method of determining a subsurface temperature in a body of water is disclosed. The method includes obtaining surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data of the body of water for a region of interest, and also obtaining subsurface temperature anomaly data for the region of interest at a plurality of depths. The method further includes regressing the obtained surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data for the region of interest with the obtained subsurface temperature anomaly data for the plurality of depths to generate regression coefficients, estimating a subsurface temperature at one or more other depths for the region of interest based on the generated regression coefficients and outputting the estimated subsurface temperature at the one or more other depths. Using the estimated subsurface temperature, signal propagation times and trajectories of marine life in the body of water are determined.
US08152364B2	Method for measuring the creep of a thin film inserted between two rigid substrates, with one cantilever end A film is inserted between two rigid substrates which form a sample. The sample is fixed at a first end in a device for measuring creep. The device comprises means for applying a predetermined force on a free end of the sample. The film being sheared, study of its creep can be performed.
US08152357B2	Mixing tank for liquid substances or the like A vessel (1) for the mixing of fluid substances (4) is provided, which is fully lined on the inside with synthetic enamel or the like and which includes a main body (2), a lid (3) for the main body, a stirrer (5) inside the main body (2), and a multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) for controlling and monitoring the substance mixture, characterized in that it has a multiplicity of support elements (13) for the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15), which are integrally mounted on the inner surfaces of the main body and are likewise fully coated, each support element (13) being suitable for removable mounting of the respective additional device of the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) inside the main body (2).
US08152354B2	Light source unit, manufacturing method thereof, and display device having the same A light source unit includes; a first base layer, a plurality of conductive pads disposed on the first base layer, a second base layer disposed on the first base layer and including a plurality of openings therein exposing the plurality of conductive pads, a wiring portion disposed on the second base layer, and a plurality of light source elements disposed on the plurality of conductive pads exposed by the plurality of openings in the second base layer.
US08152351B2	Laser illuminated backlight for flat panel displays Laser lit flat panel displays are disclosed including edge-lit and direct lit backlights. In certain embodiments, laser assemblies are selected to obtain bandwidth distributions to reduce speckle.
US08152350B2	Sidelight-type backlight module A sidelight-type backlight module includes a casing body, a light-guiding plate, a reflector plate, a light-emitting unit, and a reflector component. The reflector plate is disposed at a surface of the light-guiding plate, and has an extension part extending beyond a side edge of the light-guiding plate that faces toward the light-emitting unit. The reflector component has a light-reflecting face spaced apart from the reflector plate. The light-emitting unit is disposed between the extension part and the light-reflecting face. The extension part and the light-reflecting face reflect light of the light-emitting unit into the light-guiding plate so that a lamp reflector can be omitted. Preferably, the reflector component is formed integrally with the casing body.
US08152348B2	Extraction of light from a light conducting medium in a preferred emanation pattern An apparatus and method for extraction of light from a light conducting medium in a preferred emanation pattern are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first light conducting sheet including aspherical particles, and a light source placed along the edge of the first sheet. The first sheet diffuses light generated by the light source such that light emanates in a predetermined light emanation pattern.
US08152345B2	Pedestrian safety headlamp assembly A headlamp assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a housing and a lens. At least one protrusion is located on or adjacent to the housing such that the protrusion and lens are urged together when the headlamp assembly is subjected to an impact, contact between the lens and the at least one protrusion initiating controlled deformation and/or breakage of the lens.
US08152343B2	Lamps and harp adaptor apparatuses for use with loop light shades An adaptor or an original lamp. The adaptor is used with a lamp having a light bulb to better mount a loop-type lamp shade thereon. The adaptor has a harp assembly with harp sections that extend from a mounting ring or collar that fits about the head of the lamp. The collar can be eliminated when the apparatus is built in to the lamp head during manufacture. The adapter allows support of the lamp shade by both the loops and using a harp to thus reduce tilting or other disorientation of the lamp shade.
US08152334B2	LED lighting assembly with adjustment means A lighting device having a support module comprising a disk for supporting LEDs and having an outer perimeter with a curved portion and a housing with an inner surface having a curved portion configured to receive the curved portion of the support module disk so that the disk can be aimed by external adjustment devices with the curved portions of the disk and housing remaining in contact. The external adjustment device facilitates aiming of the disk without the need to open the sealed LED module. Heat from the LEDs and/or LED mounting assembly can be transferred via the contact of the curved surfaces to the outside air while the module is tilted, e.g., up to 15 degrees, or more, from vertical.
US08152333B2	Reflector A metallic reflector device having one or an array of individual reflector elements for positioning over a corresponding one or array of light sources, preferably comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The metallic reflector device includes a planar base and a plurality of the reflector elements. The planar base has one or a plurality of apertures, each aperture having an edge that defines a proximal rim of the reflector element. Each reflector element includes an annular sidewall having an inner surface that extends from the proximal annular rim to a distal annular rim. The proximal annular rim defines a first opening through which direct and reflected light from a light source is emitted. The distal annular rim defines a second opening through which the light source is disposed. The inner surface of the annular sidewall is formed from the material of the planar sheet by mechanically deforming the planar sheet, such as by stamping or drawing.
US08152331B1	Linear lighting fixture with telescoping housing An expandable fixture for various linear lamp lengths that includes telescoping segments and a lamp connector connected to one or more of the telescoping segments. The telescoping segments defines a longitudinal axis and includes at least two segments slidably engaged with each other. In this way, the length of the expandable fixture may be increased and decreased along the longitudinal axis of the expandable fixture. The expandable fixture may include a mechanism to lock the expandable fixture at the adjusted length. In a typical version, the expandable fixture may have a length of about forty-eight (48) inches when fully extended and about twenty-four (24) inches when fully contracted, with the electrical ballast being housed within the fixture.
US08152328B2	Versatile and compact portable lighting device The invention relates to a lighting device including a power supply housing, a lighting head including at least one light source, and a connection arm having an elongated shape. The arm includes a first end connected to the housing and a second end connected to the head in order to mechanically connect the housing and the head, the latter being mobile relative to the housing between a first position in which the head is in the vicinity of and/or connected to the power supply housing, and at least a second position in which the head is remote and/or disconnected from the housing. The length of the arm is shorter than or equal to the largest dimension of the power supply housing.
US08152327B2	Focusing lens system A lens for a flashlight or other lighting unit provides for focusing light from a source, such as an LED, to provide a light beam adjustable between a spot beam and a wide beam. The lens includes a lens body with a front face, a rear LED-receiving well, and a side surface extending between the front face and the rear well. The front face includes a central surface surrounded by an annular concave surface. The rear well includes a space for the LED to be adjusted in position. The rear well space is defined by a concavely-curved sidewall and a concavely-curved base. The concave curvature of the sidewall and base may be Bezier curves.
US08152324B2	Rod assembly connector for mounting light emitting display apparatuses A method and system for connecting a light emitting apparatus is disclosed herein. The system includes at least two rod assembly connectors, in which each rod assembly connector includes a rod assembly body having a first end and a second end. The first end of one of the rod assembly connectors is configured to connect with the second end of the second rod assembly connector. Further, at least one of the rod assembly connectors includes an attachment mechanism, in which the attachment mechanism is configured to attach to a light emitting apparatus.
US08152323B2	Tactical lighting system Portable projectable infrared lights are used to mark and illuminate dark areas such as rooms in a building or cells in a prison. The lights cannot be seen with the unaided eye but are brilliantly visible with the aid of night vision goggles and similar infrared receivers and light transducers which convert infrared light to visible light. In those cases where potentially hostile individuals are equipped with night vision apparatus, the infrared lights can be used to temporarily blind, stun and/or disorient them.
US08152319B2	Backlight module and liquid crystal display A backlight module and a liquid crystal display are disclosed. In the backlight module having a reflector base, a phosphor layer is disposed on the reflector base, and a plurality of blue light emitting diode (LEDs) are disposed above the reflector base and the phosphor layer for emitting a first light beam. An optical film is disposed above the reflector base, the phosphor layer and the blue LEDs for allowing P-polarized light of the first light beam to pass therethrough and reflecting S-polarized light of the first light beam to the phosphor layer so as to excite the phosphor layer to generate a second light beam of which the wavelengths are different from those of the first light beam. After being reflected to the optical film by the reflector base, the second light beam transmits through the optical film, and mixes with the first light beam to generate white light.
US08152318B2	Optical system for a light emitting diode with collection, conduction, phosphor directing, and output means An optical system with an LED light source utilizes a base with an inverted conical shape to conduct light to a phosphor layer. The phosphor layer emits light from both upper and lower surfaces. The base and a substantially mirror image cap element facilitate efficient extraction of the phosphor-generated light from the optical system so that the output of the system is omni-directional light suitable for common lighting applications. The system is very efficient in that nearly all the light generated by the LED is transmitted to the phosphor layer, and nearly all the light emitted from the phosphor layer is output from the system.
US08152316B2	Imaging device An imaging device having a light-shielding area between a cover glass for imaging element and an optical member arranged adjacent to the cover glass, the light-shielding area having a light-transmitting area which is formed by a part of the light-shielding area on an edge of the optical member being cut off so that one or more corners on the boundary between an image area of the imaging element and the outside of the image area are locatable from the object side, and the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 0.3≦a/IH≦1.5 (1) a1≦a≦a2′ (2) where, a1=IH−D tan θ1, a2′ denotes the smallest value of the following values a2, a3, and a4, a2=2b−IH−D tan θ2, a3=b−(D/2)×tan θ3, a4=b−X.
US08152310B2	Noise immune optical encoder for high ambient light projection imaging systems A 3D stereographic projection apparatus comprises an input for receiving stereographic image data that includes sync signals corresponding to image streams in the image data. A digital light projector projects the stereographic image data. A motor driven rotating filter has a marker disposed thereon positioned in the path of the projected stereographic image data. The motor driven rotating filter separately polarizes the image streams in the stereographic image data. A motor drive circuit, coupled to the input, receives the sync signals and synchronizes a rotation of the filter with the sync signals. A tach sensor, comprising a light transmitter and detector coupled to the rotating filter, detects the marker and outputs marker signals indicating that the marker is detected.
US08152306B2	Waveguide display An apparatus (e.g. a display) including a display substrate and a waveguide. The waveguide may guide ultraviolet light from the light source onto the display substrate. The display substrate may include light emitting material configured to emit visible light in response to absorption of the ultraviolet light.
US08152305B2	Methods, systems, and computer program products for full spectrum projection A broadband electromagnetic wave beam is projected from a broadband wave source (301). The wave beam is separated by an element (306) into narrowband wavelength beams. The narrowband beams are directed across a predetermined area (312). A narrowband wavelength beam corresponding to a desired pixel wavelength is selected and displayed on a display surface (318).
US08152298B2	Eyeglass support A device for enhancing support of eyeglasses on the head of a person. The device is in the form of an independent support member or an adjustable strap having a support member to enhance support of eyeglasses. The strap may include a cushion to provide comfort. The support member includes a hook for supporting the eyeglasses. The device is useful for supporting eyeglasses from the bridge of the nose of a person who has undergone rhinoplasty surgery or for supporting heavy equipment associated with eyeglasses used for surgical applications. The independent support member is easily attached to a head-engaging device and eyeglasses to enhance support of the eyeglasses.
US08152297B2	Safety eyewear The present invention relates generally to safety eyewear and more particularly to a safety eyewear that includes a coloration or tinting of an outer peripheral edge of the lens for indicating a performance characteristic of the safety eyewear or the lens and selected absorption of visible wavelengths of light. In one embodiment, the eyewear includes a VLT rated lens having a light visible tint or slight mist tint to provide ornamental coloration of the outer peripheral lens edge. The lens has a roughened or textured cut along an outer peripheral edge of the lens to diffract light. The outer peripheral lens edge is color coded according to a performance characteristic of the lens or the eyewear. In operation, the ornamental color of the outer peripheral edge of the lens is activated upon the diffraction of light along the roughed or texture outer peripheral edge of the lens while still meeting industry VLT requirements for a substantially clear lens.
US08152296B2	Vacuum platen mechanism and fluid droplet discharge device Mechanism for producing vacuum pressure and air flow for drawing recording paper of various widths to the platen surface of a printer enables such pressure and air flow to be held in a suitable range without adjusting the suction. A first suction area with the same width as the minimum width of the recording paper is disposed width-wise in the middle of the platen surface that opposes the inkjet head of the printer, and second suction areas are disposed on the left and right sides of the first suction area. The first suction area is divided into a grid by intersecting ribs to form first chambers, each having a first suction hole formed in a bottom thereof that communicates with a vacuum channel. The second suction areas are also segmented to form second chambers. Second suction holes are selectively formed in some, but not all, of the second chambers and are appropriately spaced from the first suction holes. The front edge of the first suction area is offset slightly from the front edge of the second suction areas.
US08152292B2	Ink absorbing particle, material set for recording and recording apparatus Ink absorbing particle to absorb an ink includes a polymer. The ink absorbing particles in a TMA needle penetration have a minimum temperature Ts10b of from about 80° C. to about 150° C. at which a needle enters to a depth of 10 μm, a minimum temperature Ts100w of about 40° C. or lower at which a needle enters to a depth of 100 μm when an equivalent amount of water is absorbed, and a minimum temperature Ts400w of about 50° C. or higher at which a needle enters to a depth of 400 μm when an equivalent amount of water is absorbed.
US08152289B2	Supply units having an associated electronically-readable memory device A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device may be attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container may be a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine.
US08152288B2	Method and system for achieving uniform ink and web temperatures for spreading A system for use with a phase change ink imaging device comprises a leveler roller disposed along a web path downstream from a printing station. The leveler roller is formed of a thermally conductive material and includes a heater configured to generate thermal energy to heat the leveler roller to a leveling temperature. The leveler roller is positioned to be partially wrapped by the continuous web in order to generate a predetermined dwell time between the continuous web and the leveler roller as the continuous web is being moved. The predetermined dwell time is configured to allow conductive heat transfer to occur between the continuous web and the leveler roller to equalize the continuous web and the melted phase change ink temperatures on the web to within a predetermined range about the leveling temperature. A midheater is disposed along the web path downstream from the leveler roller. The midheater is configured to heat the continuous web and the melted phase change to a midheating temperature that is greater than the leveling temperature.
US08152286B2	Ink supply device and inkjet image recording device The present invention is directed to an ink supply device having an ink cartridge and a cartridge mount. The ink cartridge has an ink supply portion and an air intake portion. The cartridge mount has a first projection and a second projection. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mount, the first projection opens the ink supply portion, and the second projection opens the air intake portion. The second projection has an operating piece, a guide path for receiving the operating piece, and a spring for exerting force on the operating piece. The second projection contacts the air supply portion prior to the first projection contacting the ink supply portion, and the guide path receives the operating piece after the second projection contacts the air supply portion.
US08152278B2	Liquid jet head chip and manufacturing method therefor A liquid ejection head includes a substrate including, at a surface thereof, an ejection energy generating means for generating ejection energy for ejecting liquid, a flow path forming member provided with an ejection outlet, the substrate further including a liquid supply opening, penetrating therethrough, for supplying the liquid to be ejected by the ejection energy to a flow path of the flow path forming member; a reinforcing member connected to a back side of the substrate; a first penetrating electrode, penetrating the substrate from a front side to the back side thereof, for supplying electric power to the ejection energy generating means; and a second penetrating electrode penetrating the reinforcing member from a front side to a back side thereof, the second penetrating electrode being electrically connected to the first penetrating electrode.
US08152274B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus that provides an easy installation and separation of a print head thereto and therefrom. The image forming apparatus can include a body, a print head including a nozzle part having a length at least a width as wide as a printable printing medium, a head mount provided at the body to mount the print head, at least one first connector provided at the head mount, and at least one second connector provided at the print head to correspond to the at least one first connector. The first connector and second connector are connected with each other as the print head is mounted to the head mount.
US08152272B2	Printer having flushing area setting unit A printer comprises: an inkjet head including nozzles for discharging ink; a holding member which holds a print medium; a moving mechanism which moves the holding member and/or the inkjet head so as to move the inkjet head relative to the holding member in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction for printing by the inkjet head on the print medium; and a print control unit which controls the inkjet head and the moving mechanism so as to execute flushing printing on the print medium for preventing clogging of the nozzles while moving the inkjet head relative to the holding member in a first printing direction in the main scanning direction and to execute pattern printing on the print medium according to pattern printing data while moving the inkjet head relative to the holding member in a second printing direction in the main scanning direction.
US08152269B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a carriage carrying a recording head and being movably supported, the recording head being configured to eject liquid onto a recording medium, a plurality of driven units to be driven by a drive source that generates a driving force, a transmission-switching mechanism configured to switch between the driven units, a carriage locker configured to prevent and allow movement of the carriage, and a transmission-switching locker configured to prevent and allow switching between the driven units. Movement prevention by the carriage locker and switching prevention by the transmission-switching locker are in synchronicity, and movement allowance by the carriage locker and switching allowance by the transmission-switching locker are in synchronicity.
US08152268B2	Tube pump, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method of driving tube pump A tube pump comprising a flexible tube, a pressing member capable of generating a negative pressure in the tube by sequentially pressing the tube from as the pressing member moves from an upstream portion of the tube to a downstream portion of the tube during a pump operating process, a rotating member which includes a cam surface which the pressing member comes in sliding contact with when the pressing member moves between a pump operating position where a negative pressure is generated in the upstream portion of the tube and a pump non-operating position where the negative pressure is not generated, and a rack member including a plurality of teeth, wherein the pressing member is provided with a pinion member capable of continuously engaging with the a flexible portion of the rack member when the pressing member rotatably moves between the pump non-operating position and the pump operating position.
US08152267B2	Ink jet recording apparatus An ink jet recording apparatus configured to perform recording by discharging ink from a plurality of discharge ports disposed on a recording head. The apparatus includes a cap adapted to cover the plurality of discharge ports disposed on the recording head, a recessed portion defined on a bottom face inside the cap, a suction hole facilitating introducing a negative pressure to the recessed portion, an atmosphere communication hole located outside a range of the recessed portion and communicating with atmosphere, an ink absorber mounted inside the cap to cover the recessed portion, and a suction pump connected to the suction hole and configured to generate a negative pressure. When the plurality of discharge ports is covered with the cap, a projection image obtained when the plurality of discharge ports is projected onto the bottom face exists within the range of the recessed portion.
US08152262B2	Means for higher speed inkjet printing A method and apparatus for subdividing and printing regions of a substrate with multiple print heads or multiple print head assemblies which substantially decreases printing time is described. The method includes a feathering method which reduces overlap artifacts which is useful in any printing situation where adjacent regions are printed that could be misaligned, offset, or have slightly different colors.
US08152250B2	Synchronizing/stabilizing system and self moving mechanism for drawer applications A synchronizing device for use with a pair of drawer slide assemblies where each drawer slide assembly has at least a first slide member moveable relative to a second slide member, and includes a first stabilization element configured to be coupled to the second slide member of one of the slide assemblies, and a second stabilization element configured to be coupled to the second slide member of the other slide assembly. A linking element extends transverse to an extension direction of the slide assemblies and synchronizes movements of the first slide members of the slide assemblies.
US08152249B2	Apparatus and method for a flip rail in a rack mount Apparatus and method for a flip rail in a rack mount are disclosed herein. A flip rail apparatus for allowing full width electronic equipment to be slide mounted in a rack mount case includes a rack mount frame coupled to a rack mount case. The rack mount frame is configured to hold standard rack mountable electronic equipment. The frame has a first front vertical rail and a second front vertical rail. The first vertical flip rail is attached to the first vertical rail and the second vertical flip rail is attached to the second vertical rail. The first and second vertical flip rails selectively rotate outward away from the electronic equipment in order to allow electronic equipment to be removed.
US08152248B2	Track drive assembly A track assembly having a drive sprocket capable of concentrically supporting several detachable drive rings containing drive teeth shaped to rotate without interfering with track support idler wheels, to provide a reduced center of gravity and substantially provide the same vehicle operating characteristic with tracks as with wheels. A track retainer guide member mounts along a peripheral edge of the track and overlies the track to resist track dislodgement. Independent and/or resiliently biased, rocker arms support track idler wheels to induce track flexion and conformance to encountered obstructions.
US08152244B2	Brake control device During a non-control mode, a separation valve is closed, and thus separates a first supply path that supplies working fluid to at least one of wheel cylinders and a second supply path that supplies working fluid to at least one of the other wheel cylinders, from each other. An on-off valve provided on the first supply path is kept closed despite a valve opening command, due to the effect of the differential pressure between the outlet and inlet openings of the valve if the differential pressure is above a predetermined value while the valve is closed. When occurrence of a closure failure on the separation valve is assumed during braking, a brake ECU stops the control performed by a wheel cylinder pressure control system, and shifts to a backup non-control mode, and controls the discharge of working fluid from the first supply path-side wheel cylinders so that the on-off valve is opened in accordance with the valve opening command. Thus, the confinement of the wheel cylinder pressure is prevented.
US08152238B2	Washable child car seat subframe A child car seat subframe that is easily disassembled into component sections for washing within a residential-sized dishwasher. The car seat subframe can be disassembled by hand, and each individual component is cable of fitting in a residential-sized dishwasher individually and collectively. The component sections are attached by a combination of registration tabs and slots, and held tightly together by fasteners, or attached by a combination of tongue and groove joints. Hanging devices, such as hooks, may be formed on one side of each component section to facilitate hanging on racks in a dishwasher. The car seat subframe back panel and side panels are disassembled into a plurality of segments for easily fitting in a dishwasher.
US08152236B1	Adjustable child restraining apparatus A restraining apparatus for a child consists of a frame with a back; the back of the frame has parallel back rods which can be adjusted lengthwise and a bottom foldably attached to the back by lockable hinges. The back and the bottom each have a foundation rod further comprising a stop. The apparatus also has a cover for the frame. The cover has an upper portion containing a plurality of slots, and a plurality of straps which fit removably through the slots to adjust to the height of the child to be restrained.
US08152233B2	Adaptation to an assistive device A transfer bench and methods for using same to facilitate movement of a person into and out of an enclosure are disclosed. The transfer bench comprises a first seating section that at least partially lies in a horizontal plane. A second seating section rotatably coupled to the first seating section is configured to rotate between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. Each seating section can be supported by one or more legs. The transfer bench can be positioned in the enclosure. A user sits on the second seating section, moves to the first seating section, and can rotate the second seating section to a vertical position such that the transfer bench is disposed within the enclosure. The enclosure may be a wet/dry environment and can be enclosed by means such as a shower curtain, door, or other enclosure means.
US08152230B2	Closure assembly for vehicle A vehicle includes a tailgate, a panoramic roof assembly and a dual-action rear hatch. The panoramic roof assembly has a plurality of positions including a closed position and a raised position. The dual-action rear hatch has a sliding mode wherein the hatch is movable from a closed position to a slide forward position wherein the rear hatch is received under the roof assembly when in the raised position, and has a flip-open position wherein the rear hatch is flipped-open while in a slide closed position.
US08152225B2	Roof panel and cab with the same, and method of manufacturing cab A roof panel of a cab installed on a work vehicle includes a planar portion and a plurality of bent portions. The planar portion serves as the roof surface of the work vehicle cab. The bent portions are formed on the outer periphery of the planar portion. The bent portions are bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the planar portion toward an external side of the roof surface of the work vehicle cab.
US08152221B2	Vehicle slide door structure Vehicle slide door structure includes a lower slide rail (42) provided on a slide door (21), and a link mechanism (81) provided between a vehicle body (11) and the slide rail (42). The link mechanism (81) is pivotably connected at one end portion to the vehicle body (11) and pivotably and slidably connected at the other end portion to the slide rail (42). The link mechanism (81) includes a plurality of linkages or link members (84, 85) and connection sections (96, 98, 101) where the linkages or link members are pivotably connected with each other between the one end portion and the other end portion of the link mechanism.
US08152219B2	Vehicle door structure A vehicle door structure includes: a door body that includes an inner panel and an outer panel and that has a space between the inner panel and the outer panel; an acceleration detector that is arranged in the space; a support portion that supports the acceleration detector on the door body so that a direction of sensitivity of the acceleration detector differs from a direction in which the door body is closed; and a sensitivity direction changing portion that changes a position in which the acceleration detector is supported by the support portion so that the direction of sensitivity of the acceleration detector approaches a direction in which the inner panel faces the outer panel as the outer panel is relatively displaced toward the inner panel.
US08152216B2	Automated cover system for vehicle-mounted containers A self-contained, vehicle-mounted system for operating a retractable cover with respect to proximate open top containers transported by the vehicle to cover and uncover the containers. The system includes all of the items necessary to accomplish the covering and uncovering of a container and needs only to be mounted on the vehicle and connected to a source of electric power on the vehicle.
US08152212B2	Pinching tool A pinching tool includes a pair of less deformable elongated plate shape bodies and a resilient body. Each of plate shape bodies has a pinching portion at one end with a flat pinching surface on its inner surface, a supporting portion at another end with a flat contact surface on its inner surface, and a handling portion between the both ends with an inner surface. When the pinching surface and the contact surface of one of the plate shape bodies is brought into contact with those of another of the plate shape bodies, the pinching surfaces and the contact surfaces are respectively tightly in contact with each other. The resilient body is fitted to the supporting portions and couples the pair of the plate shape bodies together to be spring-loaded in a direction of separation of the two plate shape bodies.
US08152211B2	Motor vehicle front structure A motor vehicle front structure is provided with at least one front frame having two side members and an impact cross member structure. Two crash boxes are fixed between the respective front end of the side members and the impact cross member structure. Each of the crash boxes includes, but is not limited to a first and a second leg that are jointly fixed to the front end of each side member and in the shape of a V merge with ends spread from each other in the direction of the impact cross member structure. The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure. A connecting structure with honeycomb construction is arranged between the legs.
US08152210B2	Bumper A bumper for a motor vehicle includes a lightweight cross member attachable transversely to the longitudinal rails of the motor vehicle frame. The cross member includes two longitudinal profiles which are displaceable relative to each other and support each other during the displacement. The bumper provides improved functionality and increased energy absorption capability.
US08152197B2	Side airbag structure A side airbag unit disposed in a side support of a seat capable of absorbing collision energy sufficiently during a side collision of a vehicle is described. In one example, the airbag unit comprises: a low expansion member disposed inside of a front skin of the seat, wherein one end of the low expansion member is attached to the inside of the front skin in the vicinity of a fragile part of the seat and the other end of the low expansion member is attached to the seatback frame through a slit. The low expansion member inhibits the front skin from expanding due to the inflation of the airbag, and a cushion pad located outside of the slit in the vehicle width direction and inside of the fragile part in the vehicle width direction is moved outward and frontward by the inflation of the airbag in a vehicle collision.
US08152193B2	Watercraft trailer A method of securing a watercraft to a watercraft trailer is disclosed. The method includes driving the watercraft in a watercraft receiving portion of the trailer, moving a lever towards a front of the trailer in response to a hull of the watercraft coming into contact with the lever, and retaining a pin connected to the hull of the watercraft in response to the lever moving towards the front of the trailer. A method of releasing a watercraft from a watercraft trailer is also disclosed.
US08152192B2	All terrain adapter for a wheelchair An all terrain adapter for a wheelchair that removably clamps onto the foot support of the wheelchair and supports a relatively large diameter, slightly inclined swivelling nose gear wheel at an extended distance from the foot support to stabilize the wheelchair when it is being pushed over soft or uneven surfaces and which swivels around when the wheelchair is moved forward to lift the front wheels of the wheelchair clear of the ground.
US08152191B2	Bicycle suspension system A suspension system may include a front frame connected to a front wheel, a shock absorber pivotally connected to the front frame, and a rear frame connected to a rear wheel supported by a ground contact point. The shock absorber may include a preset pressure substantially equal to a pressure caused by a body weight of a rider. The suspension system may be structurally configured to maintain an instantaneous center point of movement of the rear frame relative to the front frame within an angle range of about 45°±15° relative to the ground contact point when the rear frame moves relative to the front frame.
US08152188B2	Hand grip motion control capabilities for a lever propulsion wheelchair A motion control system for lever propulsion of a wheelchair enables a number of different manipulations at the hand grip of the lever. In some embodiments, as many as five user-controlled operations may be performed without need to remove a hand from the hand grip. A user applies force to the hand grip to initiate the motion lever in its forward and rearward strokes. In addition, the hand grip may be pivoted relative to the lever in order to control a brake. A parking brake mechanism may be provided at the hand grip to apply constant brake force. The direction shifter at the top of the hand grip may be used to shift between forward, neutral and rearward modes of operation. In some embodiments, steering of a front caster wheel is possible by rotating the hand grip. Further along the lever, the power applied per lever stroke is adjustable.
US08152184B2	Vehicle suspension system A structurally efficient vehicle suspension system capable of being isolated from the main vehicle structure by being housed within a vehicle's wheel thereby reducing risks of injury during a crash and permitting advantageous redesign of suspension geometry. By rotating the suspension link pivot axes approximately 90 degrees when compared with the positioning of traditionally known wishbone suspension systems, the upper and lower suspension links for each vehicle wheel are relocated to run essentially parallel to the axis of travel of the vehicle. Consequently, for each wheel the virtual longitudinal link length runs parallel with the axis of travel of the vehicle indicated by the arrow and virtual swing axle length runs perpendicularly to virtual longitudinal link length. However, the upper link pivot axis and the lower link pivot axis now run parallel to virtual swing axle and their convergence point defines its length.
US08152181B2	Mobility frame A mobility frame (10) comprising: a multi-wheeled base (11), an upstanding support (13) having a substantially upright lower portion (17) attached to the base (11), an oblique portion (27) disposed at a height from the base (11), the oblique portion (27) extending obliquely upwardly from the lower portion (17), an upper portion (29) extending substantially upwardly from the oblique portion (27); and at least one handle (35) for steering the mobility frame (10) and/or for allowing a user to support them-self on the mobility frame (10).
US08152178B2	Wheel chassis and shopping bag with detachable wheel chassis The present invention relates to a shopping bag with a detachable wheel chassis, comprising a bag body having bag handles and a receiving portion disposed on its bottom, and a two-wheel chassis detachably configured to bear and hold the bag body thereon. The chassis is made of a piece of resilient metal wire and has a configuration having a downwardly extended supporting portion, two oppositely and inwardly inserting portions adapted to be received in the receiving portion of the bag body, and two end portions on which the two wheels are rotatably mounted. The shopping bag of the invention is convenient to use, low in cost, simple in structure, and also finds a wide range of applications. The invention also provides a two-wheel chassis detachably configured to bear and hold an article having a relatively flat bottom and a receiving portion on the flat bottom.
US08152171B2	Gaming device having a wheel-based game A gaming device including at least one wagering station and a rotor. The rotor supports a series of symbols arranged about a center. The rotor also supports a series of landings arranged adjacent to the series of symbols. In operation, at least one ball travels along the rotor and eventually reaches a landing. One or more of the elements of the gaming device has a designated shape, construction or function to enable designated operations of a primary game, a secondary outcome determiner or a combination thereof.
US08152170B2	Roulette apparatus and roulette gaming machine A roulette apparatus includes: a roulette wheel having a rolling region where a ball rolls; and a ball reception member provided contiguously to the rolling region to receive the ball. The ball reception member includes: a plurality of reception portions that receives the ball in one of the reception portions; and a plurality of separation walls that separates the reception portions from one another, wherein the ball reception member is formed separately from the roulette wheel and removably attached to the roulette wheel.
US08152169B2	Feeding device and image recording apparatus with the feeding device A feeding device includes a conveying roller that conveys a sheet downstream when the conveying roller rotates forward. A first guide member guides the conveyed sheet toward the conveying roller. A second guide member guides the sheet when the conveying roller rotates in reverse. A rotating member is positioned between the first guide member and the conveying roller, and has a support shaft and a pressing portion. The rotating member rotates about the support shaft between a first supported state where the rotating member is separated from the second guide member, and a second supported state where the rotating member is closer to the second guide member. In the first supported state, the sheet is conveyed from the first guide member to the conveying roller. A trailing end of the sheet moves toward the second guide member when the rotating member transitions from the first to the second supported state.
US08152164B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus including first and second pairs of rollers for feeding a print medium; the second pair of rollers being disposed downstream from the first pair of rollers; a first detector for detecting the print medium slack in a specified degree by contact with the print medium, the first detector being disposed between the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers; a second detector for detecting either the first pair of rollers or the second pair of rollers need a specified value of driving torque; and a controller for controlling either a feeding speed at which the print medium is fed by the first pair of rollers or a feeding speed at which the print medium is fed by the second pair of rollers based on either outputs from the first detector or outputs from the second detector.
US08152163B2	Sheet stacking apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet stacking apparatus includes a discharging portion configured to discharge a sheet, a stacking portion configured to stack a discharged sheet, and a deforming member configured to deform the sheet to be discharged by the discharging portion, wherein the deforming member decreases a deformation amount of the sheet as a stacking amount of the sheets stacked on the stacking portion increases.
US08152161B2	Image printing devices that perform duplex printing A printing device includes a first transporting mechanism driven by a first motor, a printing unit, a second transporting mechanism configured to transport the printing medium transported by first transporting mechanism and is performed image printing on a first surface thereof by the printing unit, to the first transporting mechanism. The first transporting mechanism includes first transporting rollers disposed at a position upstream of the printing unit, and further includes second transporting rollers disposed at a position downstream of the printing unit and configured to rotate in both directions. The second transporting mechanism includes third transporting rollers driven by a second motor and configured to transport the printing medium switched back by the second transporting rollers toward the first transporting rollers. A transporting force of the second transporting rollers is smaller than a transporting force of the third transporting rollers.
US08152160B2	Tier sheet dispensing apparatus for a conveyor system A tier sheet dispensing apparatus for a conveyor system stores a stack of tier sheets and sequentially dispenses the tier sheets, one at a time, onto the top of a two-dimensionally arrayed layer of objects that is being conveyed on a conveyor system. The tier sheet dispensing apparatus has a curved surface that supports the stack of tier sheets. The curved surface bends the stack of tier sheets in a convex curve that facilitates the removal of a single sheet from the top of the stack. The apparatus also has a lift mechanism that moves vertically over the stack of tier sheets to selectively attach to the top tier sheet in the stack and raise the top tier sheet from the stack. The lift mechanism also moves transversely relative to the stack of tier sheets to position the attached tier sheet over the conveyor for placement of the tier sheet on the layer of objects conveyed by the conveyor.
US08152154B2	Tab sheet insertion apparatus An image forming apparatus has a tab sheet supply unit and a control unit. The tab sheet supply unit supplies tab sheets of an identical type from an identical sheet supply tray as a chapter tab sheet to be inserted at a breakpoint of a first level of classification of a document to be printed, as well as a section tab sheet to be inserted at a breakpoint of a second level that is a finer level of classification than the first level of classification. The control unit causes the tab sheet contained in the sheet supply tray to be discharged as an unnecessary tab sheet, if the tab position of the tab sheet to be supplied next from the sheet supply tray does not match with the tab position of the tab sheet to be inserted next during the printing of the document, until both of the tab positions match.
US08152153B2	Web handling method and apparatus There is disclosed an improved stacker, method of stacking sheets such as tags, and a stack of sheets. The stacker and the stacking method produces a stack of sheets, wherein same-size sheets are stacked so that the endmost sheet or sheets in one batch are offset or staggered to provide batch separators in a stack of sheets. The stacker includes an improved sheet feed mechanism that enables sheets having different characteristics to be fed without disassembling any portion of the mechanism or the stacker.
US08152148B2	Device for positioning components A device for positioning components, in particular for use in bodymaking of the motor vehicle industry, is provided with a rotatable receiving plate (1) for the components and a drive device for turning the receiving plate (1) about an axis of rotation (18), preferably arranged perpendicularly in relation to the plane of the receiving plate (1). A drive device is provided with a toggle clamping device (5) known per se, wherein a linear drive (6) is connected via a toggle lever to a swivel pin (16). The swivel pin (16) is positively and/or non-positively connected via a receptacle (15) to the receiving plate (1) and provides an adjustable swivelling movement of the receiving plate (1) into a locked, advanced end position.
US08152146B2	External shear-hub isolator An elastomeric isolator has an elastomeric body which incorporates an inner structural member and an outer structural member. The elastomeric body includes a shear hub extending between radial flanges defined by the inner and outer structural members that undergoes shearing stresses during deflection of the elastomeric isolator. The inner and outer structural members are designed to provide a travel stop for the elastomeric isolator in order to avoid compression of the shear hub during high loads. The elastomeric bushing can also includes an optional integral elastomeric heat shield which protects the shear hub.
US08152143B2	Structure of cooling tower An improved structure of cooling tower includes a fan housing with a fan disposed therein, induction openings distributed on the fan housing and located below the fan, and a diffuser stack disposed at one end surface of the fan housing. In operation, cold air is drawn into the cooling tower by the fan through inlet openings of the cooling tower so as to exchange heat with the condensing water within a water chiller. When warm and wet air is drawn out of the cooling tower and the warm and wet air outside the cooling tower is induced in through the induction openings and then is drawn out, circulation reflux of warm and wet air, which tends to occur in conventional cooling towers, can be avoided and therefore increase the efficiency of the water chiller.
US08152140B1	Flat belt clamping pulley A flat belt clamping pulley securely clamps the end of a flat belt to the pulley without requiring fastener holes being provided through the end of the flat belt. The design of the flat belt clamping pulley enables the pulley to be economically constructed without requiring difficult or troublesome machining steps.
US08152135B2	Automatic flush actuation apparatus An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
US08152133B2	Pneumatic pressure regulating valve A pneumatic pressure regulating valve, the opening of which can be automatically changed in a pressure-related manner, including a control diaphragm that is subjected to a reference pressure, to the gas pressure as well as to a governor spring, wherein a change in the differential pressure causes an adjustment of the control diaphragm and the latter itself or a closing element actuated by it changes the opening through an outflow cross-section, and wherein a structure that is arranged adjacent to the outflow cross-section on the diaphragm side forms a stop for the control diaphragm or for the closing element in the closed position of said control diaphragm. At least one preliminary stop is arranged in the pressure regulating valve such that, when the control diaphragm is moving in its closing direction, the control diaphragm or the closing element first comes into contact with the preliminary stop and that, when the control diaphragm is moving further in its closing direction, the control diaphragm or the closing element will then, while being subjected to elastic and flexible deformation or being further subjected to elastic and flexible deformation respectively, further reduces the opening and, in a final position, also comes into contact with the stop.
US08152130B1	Process and hardware for making a message carrying cookie and the cookie itself An apparatus for baking a plurality of bore containing cookies for the insertion of a message post baking. One embodiment also provides for the simultaneous baking of flat cookies. The apparatus integrates a pan with wall slots, a mold having a plurality of shape makers each with an opening in one end, and a U-frame having a series of spaced aligned pins, the spacing of which corresponds to the spacing of the openings of the plurality of shape makers. One embodiment provides for the simultaneous baking of flat cookies in spaces defined by adjacent and opposed shape makers. The mode of assembly of the components as part of a baking process and the formed cookies are also disclosed.
US08152128B2	Pump mount base A pump mount base for a filter/pump assembly in a pool or spa fluid handling system allows a user to adjust the height of the filter/pump assembly and thus its fluid inlets and fluid outlets. This adjustability allows the user to choose from a variety of replacement assemblies rather than being forced to select the same filter/pump assembly previously or originally used in the system. The height of the filter/pump assembly may be further altered by the engagement of shims, which may be positioned by pins in the bottom surface of the shim that engage corresponding apertures formed in an upper support surface of the pump mount base. The shims may be formed integrally with the pump mount base in the molding process by which the base is formed, and/or the shims may be provided separately.
US08152124B2	Adjustable support arm for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly An adjustable support arm for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a holder base adapted for mounting to the vehicle; a holder pivotally carried on the holder base; a pivot control unit included in the holder for engaging the holder base to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base; the pivot control unit including: a compression spring disposed within a retainer opening of the holder; a bushing carried on the compression spring for engaging a bearing surface in the retainer opening; and, a retainer carried in the retainer opening and coupled to the holder base to retain the compression spring and the bushing in the retainer opening, wherein the retainer is constructed and arranged to direct the bushing laterally against the bearing surface and the compression spring biases the bushing against the retainer in sliding engagement to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base.
US08152122B2	Fixing mechanism for fixing a display device A fixing mechanism for fixing a display device is disclosed. The fixing mechanism includes a housing whereon a first hole and a protrusion are formed, and a bracket installed on a side of the housing. The bracket includes a connecting part for connecting the housing. A second hole and an opening are formed on the connecting part, and the protrusion passes through the opening. The bracket further includes a bending part connected to the connecting part for shielding the second hole. The fixing mechanism further includes a fastening component passing through the first hole on the housing and the second hole on the connecting part for fastening the bracket on the housing.
US08152120B2	Multipurpose support for attachments mountable to the tow hitch of a vehicle A multipurpose support for attachments mountable to the tow hitch of a vehicle. The support comprises a main body adapted to receive an attachment and a coupling means for a quick release coupling of the main body to the tow hitch of a vehicle.
US08152118B2	Locking and lifting mechanism for safety fence support post A support post for a safety fence assembly. The post includes an outer tube having a floor engaging end for engagement with a floor, an inner tube adapted for sliding telescoping engagement with the outer tube, and a ceiling engaging end for engagement with a ceiling coupled to the inner tube. The post also includes a locking lever assembly with a collar element positioned on the inner tube, and a lever pivotable about a pivot pin for moving the collar element to a tilted configuration in which the collar element is tilted relative to the inner tube for engagement of the collar element with the inner tube. The lever is movable between a release position, in which the collar element is slidably movable longitudinally along the inner tube, and a lock position, in which the collar element is tilted relative to the inner tube and engaged therewith.
US08152112B2	Gutter mounting system The present invention is a modular system for mounting lighting and signage. Mount components are attached to gutters by engaging the securing protuberance of the mount component with the gutter which creates tension between the gutter and the mount component. Rail components are assembled to the desired length using connector components and lights or signage are attached to a rail component using hooks. An insertion member is placed at each end of the assembled rail and the rail is guided through an opening in the mount component securing the lights or signage to the building.
US08152106B2	System and process for automatically controlling the flight of power wing airfoils A process for automatically controlling the flight of at least one power wing airfoil, through a system for automatically controlling a flight of at least one power wing airfoil, the at least one power wing airfoil being controlled by a driving unit equipped with two winches to which the power wing airfoil is connected by two respective driving cables.
US08152104B2	Drogue illumination In a reception coupling and drogue assembly (2), light sources (32) are arranged around the wall (26) of the probe passage adjacent the opening (24). The light sources (32) each serve to illuminate the opposing part of the drogue, giving good visibility to the pilot of the following aircraft.
US08152103B2	Aircraft hold with deployable bench to accommodate baggage stowage An aircraft hold including a floor having a substantially flat central part and a side part disposed along each longitudinal edge of the central part and inclined in relation thereto. The aircraft hold also includes at least one bench with a seat that can move between a position in which it is substantially parallel to the central part of the floor and a position in which it is folded against a wall of the hold.
US08152101B2	System and method for integrating handicapped accessible seats into aircraft interior configurations A handicapped accessible seat that classifies functionally as an aircraft seat is configured for maneuvering within an aircraft and docking to an aircraft floor using a typical track member having a longitudinal flange like extension and counterbores for mating with a shear plug of an aircraft seat. A bracket or track above the typical track member and containing inwardly-extending longitudinal flanges allows mating association with a plug or plunger on the wheel/caster or bottom seat structure of the handicapped accessible seat (94). A flange-like extension along the bottom portion of the track, having a planar portion along the floor of the aircraft and an outer, upward portion, could run the entire length of an aircraft or in only specific portions thereof and may also be used to guide the wheels into a locking position.
US08152100B2	Amphibious sport aircraft trailer An amphibious aircraft trailer includes a frame supported on a wheel/suspension bearing axle for movements over a roadway surface. Incorporated into the trailer is a cradle configured to engage a hull of the amphibious aircraft when it is loaded and unloaded in water conditions. A lift mechanism interposed between and coupled to the frame and the cradle is operable to displace the cradle vertically with respect to the frame such that landing gear associated with the amphibious aircraft can be extended or retracted while on the trailer. The trailer may also include a plurality of wheel tracks aligned with the landing gear to facilitate the aircraft's loading and unloading in its ground based mode of operation.
US08152097B2	Stabilizing and directional-control surface of aircraft A stabilizing and directional-control surface of an aircraft includes a vertical stabilizer and a rudder that deflects relative to the vertical stabilizer. The rudder includes an internal profile that is extendable and retractable by an actuating system. An aerodynamic control surface area of the rudder is increased when the internal profile of the rudder is extended as compared to the aerodynamic control surface area of the rudder when the internal profile of the rudder is retracted.
US08152096B2	Apparatus and method for vertical take-off and landing aircraft An aircraft may have a fuselage having a longitudinal axis, a left wing extending from the fuselage, a right wing extending from the fuselage, a tail section extending from a rear portion of the fuselage, a first ducted fan rotatably mounted to the left wing, a second ducted fan rotatably mounted to the right wing, and an engine disposed in the fuselage which is connected to the first and second ducted fans.
US08152091B2	Production or distribution of radiative forcing agents Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with producing and distributing one or more radiative forcing agents to Earth's atmosphere are disclosed.
US08152089B2	Taper tension control method of winding process for web handling system According to the disclosed is a method for controlling taper tension in the winding section of a web handling system, a more stable, high-quality wound roll can be produced by stabilizing radial stress distribution and minimizing telescoping, which is the lateral displacement of material in the winding section, using either hybrid taper tension control through a hybrid factor (α) or heaviside taper tension control through a heaviside factor (φ), in the winding process, which is the final section of the roll-to-roll or web handling system.
US08152088B2	System and method for storage and temporary installation of secondary flooring surface Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.
US08152084B2	Drier for food waste disposal system A drier for a food waste disposal system. A hollow drum has a charge port and a discharge port for food waste. An agitating screw has a rotating thread which is rotatably disposed in an inner space of the drum and agitates and crushes the food waste, and a rotating shaft around which the rotating thread is disposed. A motor is installed on a first end of the drum, and provides a rotating force to the agitating screw. A crusher has a crush plate installed on a second end of the drum and a plurality of inclined crushing blades arranged radially, and a crush plate support installed around an upper portion of the crush plate. A heater is installed on an outer surface of the drum, and when powered provides high-temperature heat for the inner space of the drum, drying the food waste.
US08152082B2	Variable frequency controlling system and method of shredder A variable frequency controlling system of a shredder is provided. The variable frequency controlling system includes a thickness sensor, a speed-variable motor and a controlling module. The controlling module is electrically connected to the speed-variable motor and the thickness sensor, and includes a look-up table. The thickness sensor is used for detecting a thickness of an article fed into the shredder. The speed-variable motor is operated at a variable rotating speed. When a thickness-detecting signal is received by the controlling module, the operating data corresponding to the thickness-detecting signal are searched from the look-up table and outputted from the controlling module to the speed-variable motor, thereby controlling the speed-variable motor to be operated at a proper rotating speed. As a consequence, a power-saving purpose is achieved by the variable frequency controlling system.
US08152074B1	Method for preparing by a smart card issuer an anonymous smart card and resulting structure A multi-application smart card may be personalized by receiving a smart card request, preparing an anonymous smart card having multiple user applications that are disabled for uses requiring a link to an identified user and enabled for uses not requiring a link to an identified user, and issuing the anonymous smart card to a user.
US08152069B2	Dual focus imaging based symbology reading system A dual focus imaging scanner system and method for reading symbologies such as barcodes. The scanner system includes a light source producing two discrete wavelengths of light for illuminating a symbology target, a lens assembly for collecting a reflected image of the illuminated symbology target, which image preferably comprises the first and second wavelengths of light, and a color separation filter positioned to receive the combined reflected symbology target image from the lens assembly. The filter produces a first symbology image comprised of the first wavelength of light and a separate second symbology image comprised of the second wavelength of light. A first image sensor is positioned for receiving the first image and a second image sensor is positioned for receiving the second image. Preferably, the first and second sensors each have a different local point and focal range to scan near and far symbologies.
US08152067B2	Time limited business reply mail Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent markings in systems including a mail delivery system for utilizing time-limited business reply mail are described. A business reply mail authorization permit is applied to a business reply mail piece using a time-dependent marking such as time-dependent ink. After the time-dependent ink changes state, the mail piece is no longer marked as an authorized business reply mail piece.
US08152063B1	Case labeling for field-packed produce Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling the cases of packed produce. The labels on each roll include common information such as the type of produce, the packing configuration, the country of origin, the company identifier, and a SKU. Labels on the same roll include a common batch number, while labels on different rolls include different batch numbers. The company, SKU and batch numbers are subsequently associated in a database with harvest event data to provide traceability back to the harvest and forward from the harvest to those cases packed at that harvest. Optionally, each label can also include a unique code, a field to place a date stamp, and/or a field to place a ranch stamp.
US08152062B2	Portable information terminal mountable on shopping cart and removable memory device usable with same A system made up of a portable information terminal mountable on a shopping cart for providing product and advertising information while the cart is moved inside a store and an external memory device connectable to the portable information terminal, the external memory device including a memory housing, a non-volatile memory storing data in the memory housing, and a first electrical connector projecting from the housing for allowing a processor to access the stored data; the portable terminal including a terminal housing including a display, a processor in the terminal housing for causing the display to display product information and advertisements, and a second electrical connector inside the housing complementary to the first electrical connector for connecting an external memory device to the processor, the terminal housing including a passage providing access to the second electrical connector from outside the terminal housing and at least one door recessed in the passage shiftable from a first position blocking the passage to a second position by inserting the external memory device into the passage.
US08152060B2	System and method for processing closed loop cards and codes Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for processing closed loop cards/codes. The method includes identifying a closed loop card/code having associated money in an account, receiving a confirmation of an amount of money in the closed loop card/code account, presenting an owner of the closed loop card/code with the amount of money in the closed loop card/code account and an offer to pay an offer amount for the closed loop card/code, receiving an indication that the owner accepts the offer, receiving the amount of money from the closed loop card/code account, and paying the owner the offer amount. Payment can be on an open loop card/code, cash, automated clearing house (ACH) to bank, check, merchant credit, or bill pay. The method can include generating a new closed loop card/code associated with the amount of money. The new closed loop card/code can be sold to another user.
US08152059B2	Secure commercial transactions system A secure financial transactions system. The system generally includes a card that can be used a credit card, ATM card or debit card having a personal identification number (PIN) that can include a panic digit or panic PIN. The panic digit or panic PIN can be used to begin an emergency notification sequence including sending emergency signals and video transmissions from the commercial transactions machine. The card can include several biometric devices as well as financial transaction records. The card can include data to interact with data gathered from biometric devices on the ATM or POP devices. The card can then be interfaced with a personal computer. The card could also be made into other formats such as a ring, key chain, or other jewelry.
US08152053B2	RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment An RFID reader and/or writer module in an industrial controller (e.g., PLC). The RFID module interfaces internally to the controller for tight integration therewith. The RFID module can also be part of a controller communications framework and as a standalone module with the PLC as a master device, and interact with the RFID module in the same manner as it interacts with other I/O devices connected to the controller. In another aspect, RFID read/write tag technology is incorporated into some or all major PLC and rack components, and utilized for wireless communication both between PLC system components and between the PLC and other devices, locations, and media. The RFID tag can be used to store and exchange electronic keying data, security information, module diagnostics and warranty information, series and revision levels code, I/O configuration data, and, replacement data. Artificial intelligence is also employed.
US08152047B2	Method of producing a corrosion resistant aluminum heat exchanger An aluminum heat exchanger having increased resistance to galvanic corrosion. The exterior of one end of the aluminum tube or connector is coated with a metal or metal alloy. This end is brazed onto a copper or copper alloy inlet or outlet tube. The metal or metal alloy coating inhibits the formation of galvanic corrosion.
US08152046B2	Conductive bumps, wire loops, and methods of forming the same A method of forming a conductive bump is provided. The method includes the steps of: (1) bonding a free air ball to a bonding location using a bonding tool to form a bonded ball; (2) raising the bonding tool to a desired height, with a wire clamp open, while paying out wire continuous with the bonded ball; (3) closing the wire clamp; (4) lowering the bonding tool to a smoothing height with the wire clamp still closed; (5) smoothing an upper surface of the bonded ball, with the wire clamp still closed, using the bonding tool; and (6) raising the bonding tool, with the wire clamp still closed, to separate the bonded ball from wire engaged with the bonding tool.
US08152038B2	Nose assembly for a fastener driving tool In a fastener-driving tool equipped with a fastener magazine, and a power source including a reciprocating driver blade for driving fasteners obtained from the magazine into a workpiece, and a reciprocating valve sleeve actuated by a cage, a nosepiece is provided, including a nosepiece body configured for attachment at one end to the fastener tool and defining a fastener channel constructed and arranged for receiving the driver blade and the fasteners sequentially fed by the magazine, the fastener channel having a fastener outlet. A tubular pin guide is disposed for reciprocal movement in the fastener channel for receiving fasteners traveling toward the outlet. A unitary actuator has a first end engaging the pin guide for common reciprocation relative to the nosepiece body and a second end engaging the cage.
US08152036B2	Case assembly for motorcycle including a coupling system A case assembly for motorcycles comprises a frame (11) for coupling to the motorcycle and a case (12) including means that allow its removable coupling to the frame. The means which allow the removable coupling include U-shaped elements (17) which move between a non-active position to accommodate therein a complementary element (13) of the frame and an active rotated position to secure therein said element (13) of the frame. Conveniently, between the case and the frame there are other passive coupling means (14, 15) at a distance of the U-shaped elements for positioning the case before the coupling movement of the U-shaped elements.
US08152035B2	Restraining device for a percutaneous lead assembly A device (1) for restraining attached couplers (4, 5) of a percutaneous lead assembly (7). The device (1) comprises a body (14) including two engagement means (8) positioned at opposite ends that engage with the respective couplers (4, 5) to resist disconnection, and an attachment means (9) to attach the device (1) to the outer epidermis of a patient to limit movement of the device (1), when in use.
US08152034B2	Paper cloth hanger A paper cloth hanger is provided. The paper cloth hanger includes a triangular paper loop portion and a paper hook portion. The triangular paper loop portion comprises two tilted bars and a base bar, and the two tilted bars and the base bar meet at a top cusp. The paper hook portion is extended from the top cusp of the triangular paper loop portion. The triangular loop portion and the paper hook portion are formed by paper pulps added with glue. The paper cloth hanger may further include one or more connectors that are made of metal.
US08152028B2	Activation and fluidification system for granular material silos and containers An activation and fluidification system (100) for granular material silos (101) or containers, comprising a plurality of fine adjustment firing valves (102) comprising discharge limiters to limit the discharge of a pressurized aeriform from an initial pressure to a predetermined final pressure lower than the initial pressure, and connected to the silo (101), the system comprising a tubular network (103) for storing pressurized aeriform at the initial pressure, and to which the plurality of valves (102) are connected.
US08152027B1	Sanitizing barrier opening device The present invention provides a method and device for sanitizing a user's hands prior to the user being granted access to an area. A barrier restricts access to a particular area without sanitization of the user's hands. A locking finger of the present invention prevents opening of the barrier. The locking finger adjusts between an allow access position and a prevent access position to prevent a user from passing the barrier without adjusting the locking finger to the allow access position. To open the barrier, a user must adjust an access arm from a lock position to an unlock position to adjust the position of the locking finger. The user pivots the access arm towards the barrier if the barrier is opened by pushing the barrier. The user pivots the access arm away from a barrier that requires to be pulled upon. The pivoting of the access arm releases a cleaning substance to the user's hands pivoting the access arm requiring the user to sanitize his hands before accessing the area beyond the barrier.
US08152022B2	Cotton wool pad dispenser A packaging for a stack of articles of absorbing materials such as cotton wool tampons or similar hygiene articles, and where the packaging protects the mentioned articles against soiling and spray from above, as well as the sides, and also preventing contamination from below. The packaging can stand steady on the supporting surface and a the same time easily permit the articles withdrawal, one by one, from the packaging. The packaging is constructed with supporting devices so that the withdrawal aperture faces downwards and is elevated above the supporting surface.
US08152021B2	Paper towel cabinet with paper towel support bar A paper towel cabinet includes an enclosure and an opening that includes first edge a second edge. The cabinet further includes a dispenser module configured to be housed in the enclosure. The dispenser module includes a pair of generally parallel side walls defining a channel having a dispensing end, and a bar extending between the side walls proximate to the dispensing end. When the dispenser module is disposed in the enclosure with the dispensing end disposed at the opening, the bar extends along the opening between the first edge and the second edge of the opening. When a stack of paper towels is placed in the channel, the bar is disposed between a stack of paper towels and the opening. The paper towel cabinet may also include a bar extending along the opening between the first edge and the second edge without having a dispenser module. The bar may be formed at any one of the first edge or second edge of the opening by an inwardly curved surface formed by any one of the first edge and the second edge.
US08152018B2	Ergonomic disposable cup having improved structural integrity A container is disclosed, generally having an open top defined by an annular rim, a base, and a sidewall extending between the top and the base. The sidewall has two arcuately formed longitudinal recesses, an annular rib, an annular shoulder located between the longitudinal recesses and the base, and a lower portion extending between the annular shoulder and the base. The annular shoulder is characterized by two arched portions aligned with the longitudinal recesses, and the lower portion has two beveled portions aligned with the longitudinal recesses. This container is more ergonomic, and has greater sidewall strength and rigidity, than existing containers.
US08152017B2	Container closure with additive reservoir A closure with an additive reservoir is mounted on a container for a consumable liquid. The closure has a base, which includes the additive reservoir; a spout mounted on the base; a plunger positioned in the additive reservoir, and an outer cap. Upon advancing the plunger, an additive in the reservoir is released into the consumable liquid after the additive or plunger ruptures or otherwise opens a barrier provided by a foil, membrane or plug. Upon moving the spout from a first position on the base to a second position, a passageway through the base is opened and the consumable liquid flows to the consumer without having to remove the closure. The additive chamber is mounted in a support column of the base with the passageway for the consumable liquid being disposed between the additive chamber and the support column. In a preferred embodiment the additive is the sole pressure link between the plunger and barrier.
US08152011B2	Bottle, retaining device and associated elements for carrying containers and other items An improved bottle, retaining device and associated elements for carrying items is disclosed. The retaining device is adapted for holding a container (or containers) or other items; the retaining device being adapted to affix the container by way of the retaining device to a person or a personal item so ready access is provided for the held container/item.
US08152010B2	Container structure for removal of vacuum pressure A hot-fill PET container or bottle (10) for filling with a liquid at an elevated temperature has a side wall (9) extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (11) and a base (2) in its unfolded or pre fill position. The panel (11) is transversely oriented and has a decoupling or hinge structure (13), an initiator portion (1) and control portion (5) of a steeply angled inverting conical section between 30 and 45 degrees. The control portion enables the inversion of the panel (11) into the container (10) to compensate for vacuum or reduced pressure induced within the container as the liquid cools down. The base (2) can also have a plurality of reinforcing ribs (3).
US08152007B2	Automatic coupler for model railroad car In an automatic coupler for a model railroad car, a coupler body includes a knuckle coupler member formed of a coupler trunk having a knuckle portion and an engagement portion, and a receiving coupler member formed of a coupler trunk having a receiving portion and an engagement portion. A holder includes a lower holder member having a holder plate, a holder shaft projecting from the holder plate and adapted to engage with the engagement portions, and a spring portion adapted to surround the engagement portions. The holder plate, holder shaft, and the spring portion are integrally formed, and an upper holder member is adapted to be fixed to the lower holder member with the coupler body interposed between. The coupler body and the holder have a guide mechanism that allows the coupler body to follow a curve when the car travels on the curve.
US08152005B2	Over wire hook latching bin or tray A plastic molded bin that may universally mount to either of cross wires or cross bars in a retail merchandising environment as shown. The bin includes a receptacle and has hooks and retainers projecting from the back wall of the receptacle to provide for the universal mount structure. Partition walls with a mounting structure can be used to divide the merchandise holding chamber into different merchandising compartments.
US08152004B2	Dispenser for disposable cutlery and components therefor The present invention relates to dispensers for disposable cutlery. The invention also relates to banded packets of disposable cutlery that can be used in the cutlery dispenser of the present invention, as well as other cutlery dispensers that do not use a cartridge therein. The present invention also relates to disposable cutlery that has been adapted to make it better suited to stacking, such as for use in cutlery dispensers that do not include a cartridge.
US08152000B2	Apparatus and method for housing electronic equipment and increasing floor space utilization in a secure environment A secure electronic equipment rack with horizontal side panels on which components are mounted vertically. The side panels of the rack are shorter than the depth of components to be mounted, thus allowing space to be saved. The rack can include tamper resistance by adding baffling of ventilation areas, for example in both top and bottom vent patterns, and can be designed to be assembled in an overlapping fashion which allows no exposed hardware with the last piece to be assembled being the first to be removed in sequence.
US08151999B1	Plastic septic tank having layered composite wall A septic tank or storage tank has a corrugated thermoplastic wall which has a composite layered structure. A tank wall comprises an inner layer of solid plastic for containing liquid; an outer layer made of solid plastic, for resisting external mechanical forces, and a middle layer of closed cell foam plastic for both resisting liquid flow which penetrates the inner or outer layer and for heat retention which encourages biological processes. In an embodiment, the middle layer has less than about 55 percent of the density of the inner and outer layers, and the inner layer is substantially thinner than the outer layer. The three layers are integrally attached at the time of formation of the tank by rotational molding. The tank has good resistance to mechanical forces and provides insulation.
US08151997B2	Horizontal belt vacuum filter with overhead fluid removal A horizontal belt filter incorporates a filter web, a belt carrying the web in a substantially horizontal plane, at least one fluid removal member disposed above the web, at least one fluid guide disposed at an end of the fluid removal member and adjacent the web and the belt for receiving liquid runoff channeled to the guide by the fluid removal member, and a rake member disposed above the web on a downstream side of the fluid removal member. The fluid removal member may include at least two linear or straight bars each disposed at an acute angle relative to a respective edge of the filter web, the linear bars being connected to one another to form a V-shaped composite bar having an apex at an upstream side of the direction of belt travel.
US08151994B2	Superimposed motion drive A vibratory separator including a frame, a screen configured to connect to the frame, a first actuator coupled to the frame, and a second actuator coupled to the frame, wherein the first actuator imparts a high frequency motion to the frame, and wherein the second actuator imparts a low frequency acceleratory motion to the frame is disclosed. Also, a method for processing drilling waste including imparting a low frequency acceleratory motion to a frame of a vibratory separator and imparting a high frequency motion over the low frequency acceleratory motion is also disclosed.
US08151991B2	Method and system for providing a three dimensional stored value token that contains movable consumer goods A method and system provides a stored value token that includes a three dimensional, closed volume which can include a movable cover for allowing access to the closed volume. The closed volume can contain various movable objects such as consumer goods, like plant seeds, edible food stuffs like mints, and/or utilitarian objects that can be used by the consumer such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts, etc. The closed volume can comprise human readable printed media on one side that identifies the volume as a stored value card and that identifies the contents being contained within the closed volume.
US08151990B2	Blister package arrangement A blister package arrangement comprises a blister package (1) and a conductor carrier strip (10) attached thereto, wherein openings (4) of the carrier strip (10) are oriented toward pockets (3) of the blister package (1). When a tablet (2) is removed from a pocket (3), the sealing film (13) of the blister package (1) closing the pocket (3) is separated in such a way that the tablet (2) is removable through the opening (4) associated therewith. The openings (4) are formed by stamped cutting lines (41) which are disposed in the conductor carrier strip (10) and surround the pockets (3) of the associated areas in a ring shape. These stamped lines are interrupted by at least two spars or “bridge parts” (43) by means of which a cover (30), covering the pocket (3) and separated from the conductor carrier strip (10), is connected with the carrier strip.
US08151987B2	Peelable pouch for transdermal patch and method for packaging A peelable pouch comprises a substantially flat enclosure formed by first and second opposing flexible plies. A seat extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the opposing plies. A flat, flexible transdermal patch is disposed in the enclosure and includes a bioactive agent dissolved in a layer of adhesive. A release liner is removably attached over the layer of adhesive, with the patch and the release liner together being sufficiently resilient so as to generate a spring force when displaced out of the flat configuration. The first and the second plies each being separable along the seal and displaceable out of the flat configuration. The spring force generated by the patch and the release liner being sufficient to overcome an adhesive force created by the adhesive between the patch and one of the plies.
US08151986B1	Telescoping tool box A tool box includes: a first casing having a receiving space, a first horizontal slot and a first arcuate slot being formed on an outer face of a first left board section of the first casing, a second horizontal slot and a second arcuate slot being formed on an outer face of a first right board section of the first casing; a locating seat having multiple receiving holes and pivotally disposed in the receiving space; and a second casing. A first and a second raised sections are disposed on an inner face of a second left board section of the second casing. A third and a fourth raised sections are disposed on an inner face of a second right board section of the second casing. The first and second raised sections are engaged in the first horizontal slot and the third and fourth raised sections are engaged in the second horizontal slot.
US08151985B2	Containers for storing at least two substances for subsequent mixing A container for storing at least two substances separately, for subsequent mixing, comprises two storage chambers. Both substances are maintained separately through means of an intervening seal that in one embodiment includes molded threads on its inner walls, a breakable bottom, and a seal rim portion. Activation occurs when the first chamber is screwed downward toward the second chamber. A second embodiment includes the same seal, but with no threads and simply a press activation system within a bellows sleeve. The first chamber may include various cap means through which the mixed substances may be poured out, including screw, spouted, snap-fitted, and plug-types. The seals of both embodiments may be reconfigured into two parts to adapt to a modified second chamber to accomplish the same results. The container may be enclosed in tamper-evident film that includes a perforated pull strip. Both embodiments can be adapted for beverage, medical, cosmetic, chemical, and many other container applications.
US08151980B2	Jewelry holder and organizer A jewelry holding apparatus is adapted for attachment to a flat surface, and particularly the inner surface of a medicine cabinet door in the interest of convenience, privacy and space efficiency. The apparatus has a two-part frame which clips together to suspend a mesh screen for storing a variety of hook-type or loop earrings, as well as accessory hooks. The apparatus further includes an arrangement of adjacently positioned foam pillows that are packed tightly together for holding various items of jewelry between the foam pillows. An arrangement of hooks on the frame allow for storage of bracelets, watches, small necklaces, rings and earrings. One or more posts on either side of the top of the frame allow for hanging of longer necklaces. The apparatus mounts to the inner side of a medicine cabinet door using built-in magnets or adhesive pads.
US08151979B2	Bottle box package A package for shipping and displaying bottles of beverage vertically upright. A rectangular box is provided for receiving and holding a bottle therein. The box is formed from a top and bottom panels connecting to side panels and front and back support members at the top and bottom of the box. An additional longitudinal member extending along the top at the rear of the box supports the bottle neck with a moveable bar or rod extending across the body of the bottle through a hole in the side panel abutting and engaging a slot or depression formed in the opposing side panel. A retaining means such as a peg or lock secures the rod from moving.
US08151972B2	Turnstile system A turnstile system for rotating manufacturing carts. The turnstile system includes a rotary assembly defining a longitudinal and a mounting assembly including a plurality of turnstile arms. Each of the plurality of turnstile arms has a first portion, a second portion, and a manufacturing cart connection.
US08151969B2	Baggage conveying system A transport system for piece goods includes a conveyor for moving the piece goods along a conveying path, an unloading device including a multi-axis manipulator for unloading piece goods from the conveyor, and a clearing tool. The clearing tool is moved relative to the conveyor by the multi-axis manipulator to discharge a piece good from the conveyor, and the movement of the clearing tool includes a directional component transverse to the direction of movement of the conveying path and a directional component in the direction of movement of the conveying path.

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