最新美国发明专利第2012-05-29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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US08188033B2	Anti-microbial peptidomimetic compounds and methods to calculate anti-microbial activity This invention encompasses synthetic antimicrobial peptide analogs having certain un-natural amino acids, including the un-natural amino acids hydrophobic tetrahydroisoquinolinecarboxylic acid (Tic) and octahydroindolecarboxylic acid (Oic), incorporated into the polypeptide backbone. These antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are useful to treat infection in humans and other mammals of such bacteria as Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and Mycobacterium. Many of the AMPs also exhibit the property of reduced hemolytic activity. The invention also entails 3D-QSAR models and mathematical equations that calculate the biological activity of any peptide sequence against Staphylococcus aureus or Mycobacterium ranae.
US08188024B2	Surfactant composition According to the present invention, provided is a surfactant composition having excellent fluidity after long-term storage at a low temperature (5 degrees Celsius) and excellent foamability when diluted. It is considered that the reason why the composition of the present invention has excellent fluidity after long-term storage at a low temperature (5 degrees Celsius) and excellent foamability when diluted is because the sulfate surfactant has a predetermined amount of oxypropylene groups, thereby suppressing crystallization.
US08188011B1	Optimization of ligand affinity for RNA targets using mass spectrometry The present invention provides methods for the identification ligand compounds that bind to target molecules such as proteins or structured RNA with as little as millimolar (mM) affinity using mass spectrometry. The methods may be used to determine the mode of binding interaction between two or more of these ligand compounds to the target as well as their relative affinities. Also provided are methods for designing compounds having greater affinity to a target molecule by identifying two or more ligands using mass spectrometry methods of the invention and linking the ligands together to form a novel compound.
US08188010B2	Composite superconductive wire-material, manufacturing method of composite superconductive wire-material, and superconductive cable A thin film superconductive wire material (16) and an electro conductive tape (15) are immersed in a solder bath (35) containing a solder, which includes Sn(tin) and Bi (bismuth), to bond the thin film superconductive wire material (16) and the electro conductive tape (15) and a composite superconductive wire material (10) is formed.
US08188002B2	3-amino-2-nitro-substituted benzoyl derivatives and use thereof as herbicides A description is given of 3-amino-2-nitro-substituted benzoyl derivatives of the formula (I) as herbicides. In this formula (I), X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are radicals such as hydrogen, organic radicals such as alkyl, and other radicals such as halogen.
US08187999B2	Thermal transfer sheet It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer sheet which has a conductive primer layer having adequate adhesion and heat resistance without using a binder resin, has an excellent antistatic property, and hardly causes troubles in printing.The present invention pertains to a thermal transfer sheet formed by providing a thermally-transferable color material layer on one side of a substrate sheet and providing a heat resistant slipping layer on the other side of the substrate sheet with a primer layer interposed between the slipping layer and the substrate sheet, wherein the primer layer is formed by using a conductive colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particle.
US08187991B2	Methods for regeneration of adsorbent material A method of regenerating adsorbent material includes providing a spent adsorbent material and contacting the adsorbent material with a solvent composition to facilitate removing oil and impurities from the spent solvent material.
US08187988B2	Blue glass composition intended for the manufacture of windows The invention relates to a glass composition of silica-soda-lime type colored blue which comprises the coloring agents below in a content varying within the following limits, by weight: Fe2O3 (total iron)0.2 to 0.51% CoO10 to 50ppm Cr2O310 to 300ppm CuO0-400ppm the glass exhibiting a redox factor of less than 0.35, a dominant wavelength λD of between 485 and 489 nm, an excitation purity of less than 13% and a selectivity at least equal to 1.1 under a thickness of between 3 and 5 mm. It also relates to the glass sheet obtained from the abovementioned composition, said sheet being intended in particular to form an automobile window or for the construction industry.
US08187985B2	All purpose abrasive non-woven pad/scrubber and a process for its manufacture Abrasive pads/scrubbers used for cleaning utensils and the like which usually involve rubbing of the pad along with some applied detergent/cleansing agent on the surface to be cleaned. More particularly, the invention is directed to an all purpose abrasive pad obtained of treated white coir which would be user friendly, durable with the loose fibers effectively interlocked and also having glossy, flexible, non-odour and tack free touch abrasive texture. Unlike the conventional synthetic fibers and metallic wool based abrasive pads, the treated white coir abrasive pad is found to be hygienic and free of any odour or be prone to microbes and advantageously durable maintaining its desired shape and texture even after repeated use and applications. The simple natural fibre based abrasive pads having effective lifespan and also safe and hygienic favoring handling conditions in various applications.
US08187981B2	Substrate processing method, substrate processing system, and computer-readable storage medium A substrate processing method includes preparing a substrate having a low-k interlayer dielectric film as a to-be-etched film and a photoresist film, formed on the low-k interlayer insulating film, serving as an etching mask with a predetermined circuit pattern; etching the low-k interlayer insulating film through the photoresist film to form grooves and/or holes in the low-k interlayer insulating film; ashing the photoresist film by using hydrogen radicals generated by bring a hydrogen-containing gas into contact with a catalyst of a high temperature; and recovering damage to the low-k interlayer insulating film due to the ashing by supplying a specific recovery gas. The method further includes recovering damage to the low-k interlayer insulating film due to the etching by supplying a specific recovery gas.
US08187980B2	Etching method, etching apparatus and storage medium An etching method for forming a groove by etching a silicon layer of a substrate by using a mask which has a first region where an opening with a first opening width is formed and a second region where an opening with a second opening width larger than the first opening width is formed, the method includes: mounting the substrate on a mounting table in a processing chamber; converting a processing gas containing Cl2 gas, HBr gas, and one of CO gas and CO2 gas into a plasma; and etching the silicon layer by the plasma.
US08187975B1	Hydrochloric acid etch and low temperature epitaxy in a single chamber for raised source-drain fabrication A raised source-drain structure is formed using a process wherein a semiconductor structure is received in a process chamber that is adapted to support both an etching process and an epitaxial growth process. This semiconductor structure includes a source region and a drain region, wherein the source and drain regions each include a damaged surface layer. The process chamber is controlled to set a desired atmosphere and set a desired temperature. At the desired atmosphere and temperature, the etching process of process chamber is used to remove the damaged surface layers from the source and drain regions and expose an interface surface. Without releasing the desired atmosphere and while maintaining the desired temperature, the epitaxial growth process of the process chamber is used to grow, from the exposed interface surface, a raised region above each of the source and drain regions.
US08187974B2	Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices and optical proximity correction Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices and methods of optical proximity correction methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes determining an amount of reactive ion etch (RIE) lag of a RIE process for a material layer of the semiconductor device, and adjusting a size of at least one pattern for a feature of the material layer by an adjustment amount to partially compensate for the amount of RIE lag determined.
US08187962B2	Self aligned silicided contacts Structures and methods of forming self aligned silicided contacts are disclosed. The structure includes a gate electrode disposed over an active area, a liner disposed over the gate electrode and at least a portion of the active area, an insulating layer disposed over the liner. A first contact plug is disposed in the insulating layer and the liner, the first contact plug disposed above and in contact with a portion of the active area, the first contact plug including a first conductive material. A second contact plug is disposed in the insulating layer and the liner, the second contact plug disposed above and in contact with a portion of the gate electrode, the second contact plug includes the first conductive material. A contact material layer is disposed in the active region, the contact material layer disposed under the first contact plug and includes the first conductive material.
US08187953B2	Method of manufacturing SOI substrate An object of the present invention is to improve use efficiency of a semiconductor substrate without lowering efficiency of a fabrication process. Another object of the present invention is to achieve cost reduction by effective use of a semiconductor substrate whose thickness is reduced due to repeated use in a process of manufacturing an SOI substrate. In a process of manufacturing an SOI substrate, a semiconductor substrate is used as a bond substrate a predetermined number of times, or as long as it meets predetermined conditions. In a case where a first single crystal semiconductor substrate cannot be used as a bond substrate, it is bonded to a second single crystal semiconductor substrate. Then, a stacked-layer substrate formed from the first single crystal semiconductor substrate and the second single crystal semiconductor substrate bonded to each other is used as a bond substrate in a process of manufacturing an SOI substrate.
US08187951B1	CVD flowable gap fill Methods of lining and/or filling gaps on a substrate by creating flowable silicon oxide-containing films are provided. The methods involve introducing vapor-phase silicon-containing precursor and oxidant reactants into a reaction chamber containing the substrate under conditions such that a condensed flowable film is formed on the substrate. The flowable film at least partially fills gaps on the substrates and is then converted into a silicon oxide film. In certain embodiments, the methods involve using a catalyst, e.g., a nucleophile or onium catalyst, in the formation of the film. The catalyst may be incorporated into one of the reactants and/or introduced as a separate reactant. Also provided are methods of converting the flowable film to a solid dielectric film. The methods of this invention may be used to line or fill high aspect ratio gaps, including gaps having aspect ratios ranging from 3:1 to 10:1.
US08187948B2	Hybrid gap-fill approach for STI formation A method of forming a shallow trench isolation region is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a top surface; forming an opening extending from the top surface into the semiconductor substrate; performing a conformal deposition method to fill a dielectric material into the opening; performing a first treatment on the dielectric material, wherein the first treatment provides an energy high enough for breaking bonds in the dielectric material; and performing a steam anneal on the dielectric material.
US08187945B2	Method for obtaining smooth, continuous silver film A method for forming a semiconductor device including a resistive memory cell includes providing a substrate having an upper surface. A first conductive layer is formed over the upper surface of the substrate. An amorphous silicon layer is formed over the first conductive layer. A surface of the amorphous silicon layer is cleaned to remove native oxide formed on the surface of the amorphous silicon layer. A silver layer is deposited over the amorphous silicon layer after removing the native oxide by performing the cleaning step. The resistive memory cell includes the first conductive layer, the amorphous silicon layer, and the second conductive layer. The surface of the amorphous silicon layer is cleaned to prevent silver agglomeration on the native oxide.
US08187943B2	MOS device resistant to ionizing radiation An embodiment of a MOS device resistant to ionizing-radiation, has: a surface semiconductor layer with a first type of conductivity; a gate structure formed above the surface semiconductor layer, and constituted by a dielectric gate region and a gate-electrode region overlying the dielectric gate region; and body regions having a second type of conductivity, formed within the surface semiconductor layer, laterally and partially underneath the gate structure. In particular, the dielectric gate region is formed by a central region having a first thickness, and by side regions having a second thickness, smaller than the first thickness; the central region overlying an intercell region of the surface semiconductor layer, set between the body regions.
US08187942B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device having a dual gate insulation layer A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a dual gate insulation layer is presented. The method includes a step of forming a first insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate which has a first region and a second region. The method includes a step of selectively removing a portion of the first insulation layer formed the second region of the semiconductor substrate. The removal of the portion of the first insulation layer is conducted using an etching solution comprising propylene glycol, HF and amine. The method also includes a step of forming a second insulation layer on the first insulation layer in the first region and on the semiconductor substrate in the second region.
US08187941B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A trench gate type power transistor of high performance is provided. A trench gate as a gate electrode is formed in a super junction structure comprising a drain layer and an epitaxial layer. In this case, the gate electrode is formed in such a manner that an upper surface of the epitaxial layer becomes higher than that of a channel layer formed over the drain layer. Then, an insulating film is formed over each of the channel layer and the epitaxial layer and thereafter a part of the insulating film is removed to form side wall spacers over side walls of the epitaxial layer. Subsequently, with the side wall spacers as masks, a part of the channel layer and that of the drain layer are removed to form a trench for a trench gate.
US08187938B2	Non-volatile memory device and method for fabricating the same A method for fabricating a non-volatile memory device includes alternately stacking a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers and a plurality of conductive layers over a substrate, etching the interlayer dielectric layers and the conductive layers to form a trench which exposes a surface of the substrate forming a first material layer over a resulting structure in which the trench is formed, forming a second material layer over the first material layer, removing portions of the second material layer and the first material layer formed on a bottom of the trench to expose the surface of the substrate, removing the second material layer, and burying a channel layer within the trench in which the second material layer is removed.
US08187935B2	Method of forming active region structure A method of forming an active region structure includes preparing a semiconductor substrate having a cell array region and a peripheral circuit region, forming upper cell mask patterns having a line shape in the cell array region, forming first and second peripheral mask patterns in the peripheral circuit region, the first and second peripheral mask patterns being stacked in sequence and covering the peripheral circuit region, and upper surfaces of the upper cell mask patterns forming a step difference with an upper surface of the second peripheral mask pattern, forming spacers on sidewalls of the upper cell mask patterns to expose lower portions of the upper cell mask patterns and the second peripheral mask pattern, and removing the lower portions of the upper cell mask patterns using the spacers and the first and second peripheral mask patterns as an etch mask.
US08187916B2	Liquid compositions for inkjet printing of organic layers or other uses A method of forming an organic layer for an organic electronic device (e.g., an OLED) by using a liquid composition comprising a small molecule organic semiconductor material mixed in a solvent preparation in which the content of higher boiling impurities is reduced. The solvent preparation comprises a high boiling point solvent and 0.1 wt % or less of impurities having a higher boiling point than the solvent. The liquid composition is deposited on a surface by inkjet printing to form the organic layer. Also, provided are liquid compositions which can be used to make organic layers.
US08187913B2	Process for producing photoelectric conversion devices In a process for producing a photoelectric conversion device comprising a bottom electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer, a buffer layer, and a transparent conductive layer, which are stacked in this order on a substrate, all film forming stages ranging from a stage of forming the buffer layer to a stage of forming the transparent conductive layer are performed with a liquid phase technique. The buffer layer is formed with a chemical bath deposition technique, and the transparent conductive layer is formed with an electrolytic deposition technique.
US08187910B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor substrate, the method comprises: a first irradiation step of irradiating a first irradiated region with a focused ion beam so as to selectively remove a first portion corresponding to the first irradiated region of the wiring pattern, the first irradiated region being positioned on an inner side of a short defect portion of the wiring pattern in a direction along a plane parallel to the principal surface; and a second irradiation step of, after the first irradiation step, irradiating a second irradiated region with a focused ion beam so as to remove a second portion corresponding to the second irradiated region of the wiring pattern, the second irradiated region including a region that is positioned on an outer side of the short defect portion in the direction along the plane parallel to the principal surface.
US08187908B2	Light-blocking layer sequence having one or more metal layers for an integrated circuit and method for the production of the layer sequence In an integrated circuit, a light sensitive area is protected against radiation by arranging a light blocking layer sequence (504) on top of the light sensitive area. The light blocking layer sequence comprises one or several metal layers (504a) and a silicon layer (503b, 1) for the purpose of absorption. A moth eye structure is provided on the silicon layer. Thereby, a radiation incident by reflection is minimized in such a way that also stray light can effectively be kept from the light sensitive area below the light blocking layer sequence (504).
US08187905B2	Method of forming a microlens and a method for manufacturing an image sensor A microlens, an image sensor including the microlens, a method of forming the microlens and a method of manufacturing the image sensor are provided. The microlens includes a polysilicon pattern, having a cylindrical shape, formed on a substrate, and a round-type shell portion enclosing the polysilicon pattern. The microlens may further include a filler material filling an interior of the shell portion, or a second shell portion covering the first shell portion. The method of forming a microlens includes forming a silicon pattern on a semiconductor substrate having a lower structure, forming a capping film on the semiconductor substrate over the silicon pattern, annealing the silicon pattern and the capping film altering the silicon pattern to a polysilicon pattern having a cylindrical shape and the capping film to a shell portion for a round-type microlens, and filling an interior of the shell portion with a lens material through an opening between the semiconductor substrate and an edge of the shell portion. The image sensor includes a microlens formed by a similar method and a photodiode having a cylindrical shape.
US08187894B2	Method and apparatus for controlling the flow resistance of a fluid on nanostructured or microstructured surfaces A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the flow resistance of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is controlled. A closed-cell feature is used in a way such that, when the pressure of at least a first fluid within one or more of the cells of said surface is decreased to or below a desired level, a droplet disposed on that surface is caused to at least partially penetrate the surface. In another illustrative embodiment, the pressure within one or more of the cells is increased to or above a desired level in a way such that the droplet of liquid is returned at least partially to its original, unpenetrated position. In yet another embodiment, a closed-cell structure feature pattern is used to prevent penetration of the nanostructured or microstructured surface, even when the pressure of the fluid disposed on the surface is relatively high.
US08187891B2	Methods for detection and determination of vitamin C by luminescence The present invention provides a method for detection or determination of vitamin C by luminescence that employs a redox-responsive fluorogenic probe consisting of porphyrin or phthalocyanine with a nitroxide radical(s), or that employs a liposome preparation comprising the said redox-responsive fluorogenic probe. The present method can overcome the problems of prior art methods, and in particular, are applicable for bioimaging to allow elucidation of the behavior of vitamin C in vivo.
US08187889B2	Protein markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian and breast cancer Plasma samples of ovarian and breast cancer patients were used to search for markers of cancer, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. Truncated forms of cytosolic serine hydroxymethyl transferase (cSHMT), T-box transcription factor 3 (Tbx3) and utrophin were aberrantly expressed in samples from cancer patients, as compared to samples from noncancer cases. Aberrant expression of proteins was validated by immunoblotting of plasma samples with specific antibodies to cSHMT, Tbx3 and utrophin. A cohort of 79 breast and 39 ovarian cancer patients, and 31 individuals who were either healthy or had noncancerous conditions was studied. We observed increased expression of truncated cSHMT, Tbx3 and utrophin in plasma samples obtained from patients at early stages of disease. The results indicate that cSHMT, Tbx3, utrophin and truncated forms thereof can be used as components of multiparameter monitoring of ovarian and breast cancer.
US08187888B2	Fluidic system for a flow cytometer The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.
US08187882B2	Multiple shoot proliferation and regeneration system for plants Improved methods for the regeneration of transgenic plants using apical dominance inhibitors are disclosed. Use of dikegulac to induce multiple shoot formation in culture is particularly disclosed.
US08187879B2	Collection and selection methods to isolate a stem cell population from human adult periodontal follicular tissues Methods for the isolation, expansion and storage of a population of stem cells belonging to human dental follicles, called FENC (Follicle-derived Embryonic Neural Crest stem cells,) including: a) Collection of the follicular sack in sterile conditions, digestion and primary culture growth and expansion; b) Optional amplification; c) FACsorting.
US08187869B2	Biogas installation for production of biogas from biomass, and methods for operation of the biogas installation A biogas installation for production of biogas from biomass and methods for starting and shutting down a fermenter are disclosed. When biomass in a fermenter is used up, biogas production must stop, the fermented biomass removed, and the fermenter filled with fresh biomass. Biogas production and utilisation is maintained for as long as possible. When the methane concentration in the biogas outlet falls below an upper limit, the biogas line is disconnected. The biogas/off-gas mixture is fed out via an exhaust chimney until the methane concentration has fallen to a lower limit. The fermenter to be shut down is purged with fresh air, and the off-gas/biogas/fresh air mixture is fed out via the exhaust chimney until the carbon-dioxide concentration in the off-gas/biogas/fresh air mixture has fallen to a first limit. The fermenter is then opened to unload the consumed biomass and load fresh biomass.
US08187866B2	Optical scanning system An optical scanning system including a switchable light source, a detector, a substrate and a plurality of optical sensing sites, as well s methods and kits for use thereof are provided. The substrate is coupled to and in optical communication with the switchable light source and the detector. Additionally, the substrate includes a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides, the excitation waveguides and collection waveguides crossing to form a two-dimensional array of intersection regions where an excitation waveguide and a collection waveguide cross and provide optical communication with the intersection region at each crossing. The plurality of optical sensing sites are each in optical communication with an intersection region.
US08187863B2	Cell-chip and automatic controlled system capable of detecting conditions for optimizing differentiation of stem cell using mechanical stimulus Provided are a cell chip and a system thereof that are capable of detecting optimal conditions for stem cell differentiation by mechanical stimuli. The cell chip for cell differentiation experimentation includes a plurality of cell chambers for storing cells and culture media, cell and culture medium injection ports for transferring the cells and culture media to corresponding cell chambers, fine passages for moving the cells and the culture media injected into the cell and culture medium injection ports to the cell chambers, pneumatic injection ports for injecting pneumatic pressures applied to the cell chambers, and apertures having circular films for transferring the pneumatic pressures injected through the pneumatic injection ports to corresponding cell chambers. Here, at least two of the apertures may have different areas to vary the magnitude of pneumatic pressure applied to corresponding cell chambers.
US08187862B2	Bioremediation methods A method and composition for bioremediation of environmental material. In one embodiment, material to be bioremediated is debris is obtained from a metropolitan street cleaning operation. An environmentally safe all natural non-pathogenic microbial composition is used under conditions sufficient to bioremediate the material.
US08187860B2	Recombinant microalgae cells producing novel oils Disclosed herein are obligate heterotrophic microalgae cells containing an exogenous gene. In some embodiments the gene is a sucrose utilization gene, and further disclosed are methods of manufacturing triglyceride oils using sugar cane or sugar beets as a feedstock in a heterotrophic fermentation. In other embodiments the feedstock is depolymerized cellulosic material. Also disclosed are cells that produce medium chain fatty acids at levels not produced in non-recombinant cells of the same species and genus.
US08187859B2	Modulating urea degradation in wine yeast The invention provides yeast strains transformed to reduce nitrogen catabolite repression of a gene encoding a urea degrading enzymatic activity expressed by the yeast strain under fermenting conditions. Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are for example provided having enhanced DUR1,2 urea carboxylase-allophanate hydrolase activity under wine fermenting conditions.
US08187858B2	Hansenula polymorpha gene coding for dolichyl-phosphate-mannose dependent alpha-1,3-mannosyltransferase and process for the production of recombinant glycoproteins with Hansenula polymorpha mutant strain deficient in the same gene The present invention relates to a process for producing a human-type glycoprotein having reduced glycosylation by genetically manipulating an enzyme involved in glycosylation using a Hansenula polymorpha system. In detail, the present invention relates to a process for producing a human-type glycoprotein by identifying a dolichyl-phosphate-mannose dependent ¥á-1,3-mannosyltransferase gene from H. polymorpha, constructing a H. polymorpha mutant strain producing a glycoprotein exhibiting reduced glycosylation by disrupting the identified gene, and subjecting the mutant strain to various genetic manipulations for the synthesis of human-type glycan.
US08187857B2	Multicellular organisms derived from normal/nondiseased and diseased mammalian tissues The present invention relates to pleomorphic cells (“morphotes”), which exhibit morphologic and genetic characteristics of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including resemblance to prokaryotic cells at the unicellular level, and resemblance to eukaryotic cells at the multicellular level due to their ability to self-organize in vitro into multicellular, mammalian tissue-like patterns consisting of tissue-like sheets, capillary-like networks, and trabecular (spongy) bone-like structures. Morphotes have a number of applications in the diagnostic medical, therapeutic medical, biological, biomaterials, bionanotechnological, and industrial fields.
US08187856B2	Recombinant halohydrin dehalogenase polypeptides The present disclosure provides engineered halohydrin dehalogenase (HHDH) polypeptides having improved enzyme properties as compared to the wild-type HHDH enzyme HheC and other reference engineered HHDH polypeptides. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered HHDH enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered HHDH enzymes, and methods of using the engineered HHDH enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds including chiral epoxides and chiral alcohols.
US08187853B2	β-galactoside-α2,6-sialyltransferase, a gene encoding thereof, and a method for enhancing enzyme activity The present invention provides an extremely useful and novel β-galactoside-α2,6-sialyltransferase having an optimum reaction pH in a neutral to alkaline range, and a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase. The present invention further provides a vector carrying a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase, and a host cell transformed with the vector, as well as a method for producing a recombinant β-galactoside-α2,6-sialyltransferase.
US08187852B2	Porous film A porous film is used as a cell culture substrate that is a scaffold for a spheroid. The porous film has a plurality of pores whose diameters gradually increase in a direction A. The diameters of the pores gradually increase from a first area P1 to a third area P3 in this order. The first to the third areas P1 to P3 are located on the porous film along the direction A. The diameters and depths of the pores increase in proportion to the distance in the direction A.
US08187845B2	Enhanced production of lipids containing polyenoic fatty acid by very high density cultures of eukaryotic microbes in fermentors The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
US08187841B2	Method for evaluating or selecting agent for preventing or curing photodamage of skin A method for evaluating or selecting a substance capable of preventing or curing photodamage of skin is provided. Provided is a method for evaluating or selecting an agent for preventing or curing photodamage of skin, the method including: (A) contacting cells that are capable of expressing TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein, with a test substance; (B) measuring the expression level of the TIMP-1 gene or the TIMP-1 protein in the cells; (C) comparing the expression level obtained in (B), with the expression level of TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein in a control group in which the cells capable of expressing TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein have not been contacted with the test substance; and (D) evaluating or selecting the test substance which increases the expression level of TIMP-1 gene or TIMP-1 protein, as an agent for preventing or curing photodamage of skin, based on the results of (C).
US08187838B2	β-Galactoside-α2, 6-sialyltransferase, a gene encoding thereof, and a method for producing thereof The present invention provides a novel β-galactoside-α2,6-sialyltransferase having high productivity and/or high activity, and a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase. The present invention also provides a microorganism producing the sialyltransferase. The present invention further provides a vector carrying a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase, and a host cell transformed with the vector, as well as a method for producing a recombinant β-galactoside-α2,6-sialyltransferase.
US08187830B2	Method for determining insulin sensitivity with biomarkers Biomarkers relating to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy are provided, as well as methods for using such biomarkers as biomarkers for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy. In addition, methods for modulating the respective disorders or conditions of a subject are also provided. Also provided are suites of small molecule entities as biomarkers for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy.
US08187829B2	Method for fabricating pattern on a biosensor substrate and biosensor using the same The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a pattern on a biosensor substrate and a biosensor using the same. The present invention provides a method of fabricating a pattern on a substrate of a biosensor in which an amine group is formed on a substrate by using polyethylenimine (PEI), and a site to which a biosubstance is immobilized is masked and irradiated with ultraviolet rays, such that a pattern having a desired shape can be formed on the substrate and a biosensor in which the biosubstance is immobilized on the pattern acquired by using the above-mentioned method.
US08187825B2	Thiol detection method It is an object of the present invention to provide: a novel thiol-detecting reagent, which can be used in vivo and which solves the problem regarding the generation of background fluorescence due to hydrolysis; and a method for detecting thiol using the aforementioned reagent. The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein each R2 independently represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, or a hydrogen atom.
US08187822B2	Methods to identify modulators Sucralose-binding TAS2R bitter taste receptors have been identified. Novel methods to identify modulators and in particular inhibitors to the bitter taste of sucralose, and an inhibitor, are provided.
US08187821B2	Compositions and methods for the modulation of PGRMC1 The present invention provides for novel assays and the use of such assays for screening compounds that affect PGRMC1's and related homologue's ability to catalyze the incorporation of cholesterol into membranes. The present invention also provides for methods and compositions for affecting incorporation of cholesterol into membranes. The invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic kits for the methods described herein.
US08187819B2	Methods of identifying compounds that bind TANGO240 The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 228 nucleic acid molecules, which encode secreted proteins with homology to the rat MCA-32 protein, isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 240 nucleic acid molecules, which encode secreted proteins with homology to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis hypothetical protein Rv0712, and isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 243 nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins with homology to human PLAP (phospholipase A2-activating protein).The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US08187817B2	Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vascular disorders using IL-1 autoantibodies Methods of detecting individuals at risk for atherosclerosis and related vascular diseases involving the detection of IL-1α autoantibodies, as well as therapeutic methods to prevent or treat atherosclerosis and related vascular disease by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising IL-1α autoantibodies.
US08187803B2	Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 62 to 64 or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.
US08187802B2	Cell lines useful for assessing modulation of autophagy Methods for screening for modulators of autophagy are disclosed. Methods for identifying genes whose expression inhibits autophagy, as well as genes whose expression promotes autophagy, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds that stimulate autophagy, as well as compounds that inhibit autophagy. Cell lines that may be used in the methods of identification are also disclosed.
US08187798B2	Method of forming fine patterns It is disclosed a method of forming fine patterns comprising: subjecting a substrate having photoresist patterns to a hydrophilic treatment, covering the substrate having photoresist patterns with an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns, applying heat treatment to cause thermal shrinkage of the over-coating agent so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened by the resulting thermal shrinking action, and removing the over-coating agent substantially completely.
US08187797B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A template having a first recess pattern is brought into contact with a mask material formed on a substrate. The mask material with which the first recess pattern is filled is cured. A mask material pattern is formed on the substrate by releasing the template from the mask material. A resist pattern is formed to cover a part of the mask material pattern by forming a resist on the mask material pattern and selectively irradiating radiation onto the resist and thereafter developing the resist. The substrate is processed by using the mask material pattern and the resist pattern as a mask.
US08187794B2	Ablatable elements for making flexographic printing plates Flexographic printing plates and other relief images can be formed from a laser-ablatable element having a laser-ablatable layer that is at least 20 μm in thickness. The laser-ablatable layer includes a film-forming material that is a laser-laser-ablatable material or the film-forming material has dispersed therein a laser-ablatable material. The laser-ablatable material is a polymeric material that when heated to 300° C. at a rate of 10° C./minute, loses at least 60% of its mass to form at least one predominant low molecular weight product. The element can be imaged by ablation at an energy of at least 1 J/cm2 to provide a relief image.
US08187792B2	Processing of positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor Positive-working imageable elements can be imaged and processed using a processing solution that comprises at least 0.03 N of an organic amine or a mixture thereof, whose conjugated acids have a pKa greater than 9 and a boiling point greater than 150° C. The imageable element is a single-layer, infrared radiation-sensitive positive-working imageable element comprising a substrate and an infrared radiation absorbing compound. It also has an imageable layer that comprises a developability-enhancing compound and a poly(vinyl acetal) in which at least 25 mol % of its recurring units comprise pendant phenol, naphthol, or anthracenol groups that are substituted with one or more electron-withdrawing groups.
US08187786B2	Pattern forming materials and pattern formation method using the materials A pattern forming materials includes a thermal sensitive material layer formed on a target substrate, a first light-to-heat converting layer formed between the thermal sensitive material layer and the target substrate, and a second light-to-heat converting layer formed on a surface of the thermal sensitive material layer opposite to the first light-to-heat converting layer, the thermal sensitive material layer being interposed between the first and second light-to-heat converting layers. A higher aspect ratio fine pattern can be formed in the thermal sensitive material layer made of photoresist using heat generated in the first and second light-to-heat converting layers formed on both surfaces of the thermal sensitive material layer.
US08187785B2	Method of manufacturing toner A method of manufacturing the toner comprising dispersing at least one of a binder resin or a precursor thereof, a coloring agent and a releasing agent in an organic solvent to obtain an oil phase, dispersing the oil phase in an aqueous medium with a shearing force to obtain a dispersion emulsion, wherein the dispersion emulsion process has plural stages and the shear speed A of the emulsification process of stage n is faster than the shear speed B of the emulsification process of stage n+1.
US08187782B2	Full color image formation process Disclosed is a process of forming a full color image according to electrophotography, employing a yellow toner, a magenta toner and a cyan colorant, the process comprising the step of forming a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image and a cyan toner image on a recording material, wherein the yellow toner image has reflectance (in terms of %) satisfying formulas (11) through (14) below, the magenta toner image has reflectance (in terms of %) satisfying formulas (21) through (24) below, and the cyan toner image has reflectance (in terms of %) satisfying formulas (31) through (34) below. 2≦A415+A460≦24 Formula (11) 20≦A510−A490≦40 Formula (12) 2≦A550−A530≦16 and Formula (13) 70≦A550 Formula (14) 30≦B450−B520≦85 Formula (21) 1≦B530+B570≦25 Formula (22) 2≦B670−B600≦50 and Formula (23) 80≦B670 Formula (24) 4≦\|C480−C450\|≦16 Formula (31) 15≦C550−C570≦35 and Formula (32) 20≦C570≦50 Formula (33) 0≦C620+C650≦30 Formula (34)
US08187781B2	Resin-filled ferrite carrier for electrophotographic developer, production method thereof and electrophotographic developer using the ferrite carrier Employed are a resin-filled ferrite carrier for an electrophotographic developer filled with a resin in voids of a porous ferrite core material, wherein the resin filled in the voids is a silicone resin which has a softening point of 40° C. or above and is cured at or above such softening point, and the filled amount is 7 to 30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the core material, a method for producing thereof band an electrophotographic developer using this ferrite carrier.
US08187778B2	Method for correcting a position error of lithography apparatus A method for correcting a position error of a lithography apparatus comprises inputting position data of exposure pattern, irradiating laser light onto a position reference mask from a position measurement laser system, calculating actual position data of the laser light irradiated onto the position reference mask, and comparing the position data of the exposure pattern with the actual position data of the laser light irradiated onto the position reference mask. With this method, circuit patterns can be accurately formed at predetermined positions on a photomask, and the circuit patterns on the photomask can be accurately formed at predetermined positions on a wafer.
US08187776B2	Color filter substrate, electronic apparatus and manufacturing method thereof A color filter substrate is provided. The color filter substrate includes a substrate, a light-shielding layer, and a plurality of color filter patterns. The substrate has a plurality of annular trough areas, a plurality of central areas, and a light-shielding area positioned among the annular trough areas. Each of the annular trough areas has an inner edge connected to the central area and an outer edge connected to the light-shielding area. The light-shielding layer is disposed on the light-shielding area and extends from the outer edges of the annular trough areas to the top of the annular trough areas. The color filter patterns are disposed on the annular trough areas and the central areas, and the color filter patterns are in contact with a side surface and a part of the bottom surface of the light-shielding layer.
US08187774B2	Mask for EUV lithography and method for exposure using the same Disclosed is a mask for an EUV lithography, which includes: a mirror layer which reflects EUV incident on a substrate; an absorber pattern formed on the mirror layer so as to expose a first region and a second region in the mirror layer; and a first groove formed by recessing a third region in the first region of the mirror layer by a first depth and a second groove formed by recessing a fourth region in the second region of the mirror layer by a second depth, which is deeper than the first depth.
US08187772B2	Solid immersion lens lithography Lithography using solid immersion lenses is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a resist film that has a first side and a second and opposite side. One or more solid immersion lenses are positioned over the first side of the resist film. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a resist film and exposing the resist film with radiation transmitted through one or more solid immersion lenses.
US08187771B2	Multi-layer body with volume hologram Described is a process for the production of a multi-layer body having a volume hologram with at least two different items of image information, wherein a photosensitive layer (46) of the multi-layer body is directly or with the interposition of a transparent optical medium (44s, 45) brought into contact with the front side of a master (44), in which interlaced regions with different asymmetrical surface structures or kinoform structures are shaped, which embody the at least two different items of image information. The photosensitive layer (46) and the master are exposed with a coherent light beam (47) whereby a volume hologram is formed in the photosensitive layer (46). Also described are a master for the production of the multi-layer body and a security element having said multi-layer body.
US08187769B2	Supported catalyst for fuel cell, method of preparing the same, electrode for fuel cell including the supported catalyst, membrane electrode assembly including the electrode, and fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly Provided are a supported catalyst for a fuel cell, a method of preparing the same, an electrode for a fuel cell including the supported catalyst, a membrane electrode assembly including the electrode, and a fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly. Specifically, the supported catalyst for a fuel cell has a layered structure obtained by sequentially depositing a carbonaceous support, metal oxide particles, and catalyst metal. The supported catalyst has excellent electrical activity, excellent durability, and can be easily mass-produced at low cost. The membrane electrode assembly including the supported catalyst and a fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly each show excellent output density and high performance.
US08187768B2	Separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack The present invention relates to a separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack. The separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a substrate, upper and lower micro channel plates and upper and lower sealing guides. The substrate includes a fuel inflow/outflow manifold and an air inflow/outflow manifold disposed opposing to each other in a diagonal direction, a fuel channel having a pair of horizontal channels and an inclined channel connecting ends of the horizontal channels so as to connect the fuel inflow/outflow manifold, and an air channel having a pair of vertical channels and an inclined channel connecting ends of the vertical channels so as to connect the air inflow/outflow manifold. The upper and lower micro channel plates are attached to upper and lower parts of the substrate and includes a plurality of micro channels so as to distribute uniformly fuel flowing in the fuel channel and air flowing in the air channel. The upper and lower sealing guides keep a constant gap with the upper and lower micro channel plates and are attached to the upper and lower parts of the substrate.
US08187767B2	Polymeric materials A polymer electrolyte membrane or gas diffusion electrode includes an ion-conducting polymeric material which includes moieties of formula (A) which are substituted on average with more than 1 and 3 or fewer groups (e.g. sulphonate groups) which provide ion-exchange sites and hydrogen atoms of said moieties are optionally substituted, wherein each X in said moieties of formula A independently represent an oxygen or sulphur atom. The ion conducting polymeric material is suitably prepared by controllably sulphonating a polymeric material using about 100% sulphuric acid at 34° C. to 36° C.
US08187766B2	Benzoxazine-based monomer, polymer thereof, electrode for fuel cell including the polymer, electrolyte membrane for fuel cell including the polymer, and fuel cell using the electrode A benzoxazine-based monomer includes a halogen atom-containing functional group and a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group. A polymer formed from the benzoxazine-based monomer may be used in an electrode for a fuel cell and electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell.
US08187764B2	Fuel cell with moisture retentive layer in MEA A fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode, and a porous layer containing a moisture retentive material. The anode includes an anode catalyst layer adjacent to the electrolyte membrane and an anode diffusion layer adjacent to the anode catalyst layer, and the porous layer is disposed between the anode catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane. The performance of the fuel cell can be stably maintained even when a fuel supply is temporarily interrupted due to a malfunction of a pump or clogging of a fuel channel.
US08187754B2	Coin-type non-aqueous electrolyte battery The non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode includes a molded body including Si-containing negative electrode active material particles and a conductive agent. The conductive agent includes a first conductive agent and a fibrous second conductive agent. The first conductive agent covers at least a portion of the surface of the Si-containing negative electrode active material particles, and the second conductive agent is in contact with at least two Si-containing negative electrode active material particles with the first conductive agent on the surface thereof.
US08187753B2	Electrode material with enhanced ionic transport properties Materials useful as electrodes for lithium batteries have very good electronic and ionic conductivities. They are fabricated from a starting mixture which includes a metal, a phosphate ion, and an additive which enhances the transport of lithium ions in the resultant material. The mixture is heated in a reducing environment to produce the material. The additive may comprise a pentavalent metal or a carbon. In certain embodiments the material is a two-phase material. Also disclosed are electrodes which incorporate the materials and lithium batteries which incorporate those electrodes.
US08187752B2	High energy lithium ion secondary batteries Lithium ion secondary batteries are described that have high total energy, energy density and specific discharge capacity upon cycling at room temperature and at a moderate discharge rate. The improved batteries are based on high loading of positive electrode materials with high energy capacity. This capability is accomplished through the development of positive electrode active materials with very high specific energy capacity that can be loaded at high density into electrodes without sacrificing performance. The high loading of the positive electrode materials in the batteries are facilitated through using a polymer binder that has an average molecular weight higher than 800,000 atomic mass unit.
US08187749B2	Positive electrode for lithium ion secondary battery and lithium ion secondary battery using the same According to a positive electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery comprising a current collector and a mixture layer containing a transition metal-containing complex oxide as a positive electrode active material formed on the current collector, wherein the mixture layer has surface roughness of 0.1 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less in terms of a Ra value and the mixture layer has a surface treated layer treated with a coupling agent on the surface, it is possible to obtain a positive electrode which is excellent in suppression of moisture absorption. By using the positive electrode, it is possible to obtain a lithium ion secondary battery which is excellent in storage characteristics and causes less battery swelling since the amount of a gas generated upon charging and discharging decreases.
US08187747B2	Positive Electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte-based secondary battery, production method therefor and non-aqueous electrolyte-based secondary battery using the same The present invention provides a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte-based secondary battery, composed of a lithium/nickel composite oxide with high capacity, low cost and excellent heat stability, an industrially suitable production method therefor, and a high safety non-aqueous electrolyte-based secondary battery. A lithium/nickel composite oxide is produced by the following steps (a) to (c): (a) Nickel hydroxide or nickel oxyhydroxide having a specified component is prepared at a temperature of 600 to 1100° C., under air atmosphere. (b) Fired powders are prepared after mixing said nickel oxide and a lithium compound, and then by firing at a maximal temperature range of 650 to 850° C., under oxygen atmosphere. (c) Obtained fired powders are washed with water within a time satisfying the following equation (2) and then filtered and dried. A≦B/40 (2) wherein, A represents washing time represented by unit of minute; and B represents slurry concentration represented by unit of g/L).
US08187744B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is produced using a non-aqueous electrolyte including: a non-aqueous solvent that primarily contains a solvent mixture of ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate and includes a fluorine-substituted ether having a divalent group represented by a formula: —CFX—CH(CH3)—O—, where X is a hydrogen atom or fluorine atom, in a molecule thereof; and a lithium salt that is dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent. The non-aqueous electrolyte has favorable wettability towards a polyolefin separator, and improves the cycle characteristics and the load characteristics of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery.
US08187743B2	Cylindrical type secondary battery with upper and lower battery assemblies and fabrication method thereof A secondary battery having an upper battery assembly including an upper can housing a cap unit having an electrode terminal adapted to electrically connect to an external device and a gasket inserted between the cap unit and one end portion of the upper can for sealing and insulating the cap unit and the upper can. The secondary battery also has a lower battery assembly including a lower can housing an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode for preventing a short circuit between the two electrodes. A first electrode tap connects the first electrode to the cap unit and a second electrode tap connects the second electrode to the lower can.
US08187740B2	3-D microbatteries based on interlaced micro-container structures An electrical energy storage device (20,70) includes a substrate (22), which is formed so as to define a multiplicity of micro-containers separated by electrically-insulating and ion-conducting walls (32). A first plurality of anodes (A) is disposed in a first subset (24) of the micro-containers, and a second plurality of cathodes (C) is disposed in a second subset (26) of the micro-containers. The anodes and cathodes are arranged in an interlaced pattern.
US08187733B2	Architectural fabric An article useful as an architectural fabric consisting of (a) a layer of fabric having a first surface and a second surface made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers that are densified or contain a filler or both; and (b) a fluoropolymer coating disposed on at least the first surface of the fabric.
US08187732B2	Media lubricant for high temperature application A lubricant layer for a magnetic recording medium may include a perfluoropolyether having monomer units and end groups selected to provide high thermal stability and good reliability.
US08187725B2	Welding alloy and articles for use in welding, weldments and method for producing weldments A nickel, chromium, iron alloy and method for use in producing weld deposits and weldments formed therefrom. The alloy comprises, in weight percent, about 28.5 to 31.0% chromium; about 0 to 16% iron; less than about 1.0% manganese; about 2.1 to 4.0% niobium plus tantalum; 1.0 to 6.5% molybdenum; less than 0.50% silicon; 0.01 to 0.35% titanium; 0 to 0.25% aluminum; less than 1.0% copper; less than 1.0% tungsten; less than 0.5% cobalt; less than about 0.10% zirconium; less than about 0.01% sulfur; less than 0.01% boron; less than 0.03% carbon; less than about 0.02% phosphorous; 0.002 to 0.015% magnesium plus calcium; and balance nickel and incidental impurities. The method includes the steps of forming a welding electrode from the above alloy composition and melting the electrode to form a weld deposit. A preferred weldment may be in the form of a tubesheet of a nuclear reactor.
US08187721B2	Laser welded seat structure A structure includes a first part provided in a first plane and second and third parts provided in a second plane located under the first plane. The second and third parts are welded together at a welded seam. The first part has at least one recess configured to receive a welding mechanism that forms the welded seam on the second and third parts. Another structure includes an “n” number of layers, n being at least three. Adjacent layers are in contact with one another and are connected by a welded seam. The structure also includes an outer surface. The layers between the outer surface and the respective welded seam define a recess through which a welding mechanism is configured to be passed as far as the respective layers to be welded to produce the welded seam.
US08187719B2	Method for obtaining a bio-stabilised woodland substrate from the integral cycle of urban solid waste treatment A method for obtaining a woodland substrate from the complete recycling of the materials recovered from treatment of urban solid waste is disclosed. The woodland substrate obtained by the process is also described.
US08187715B2	Rare-earth-containing glass material and substrate and device comprising such substrate A rare-earth-containing glass material having a composition, expressed in mole percentages on and oxide basis, comprising: SiO2: 66-75 Al2O3: 11-17 B2O3: 0-4 MgO: 1-6.5 CaO: 2-7 SrO: 0-4 BaO: 0-4 Y2O3: 0-4 La2O3: 0-4 Y2O3+La2O3: 0.1-4. The inclusion of Y2O3 and/or La2O3 in the composition reduces the T2.3 of the glass thereby allowing higher annealing-point glasses to be produced. The glass is particularly useful for low-temperature polycrystalline silicon-based semiconductor devices.
US08187713B2	Coated article with low-E coating including tin oxide interlayer A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics. In certain example embodiments, a zinc oxide inclusive layer is provide over an IR reflecting layer in order to improve thermal stability. A zirconium oxide overcoat may also be provided in certain example instances.
US08187712B2	Plastic polarized lens and method of producing the same To provide a plastic polarized lens which is excellent in processability and the like as well as in adhesion property of the polarized film, and a method of producing the same. In the plastic polarized lens of the present invention, layers comprised of thiourethane-based resins obtained by reacting (A) isocyanate compounds with (B) active hydrogen compounds are stacked on both sides of a polarized film comprised of thermoplastic polyester formed under a predetermined temperature condition.
US08187709B2	Light wood-based materials having good mechanical properties and low formaldehyde emission A light wood-containing material having an average density in the range from 200 to 600 kg/m3, comprising, based in each case on the wood-containing material: A) from 30 to 95% by weight of wood particles; B) from 1 to 15% by weight of a filler having a bulk density in the range from 10 to 100 kg/m3, selected from the group consisting of foamable plastic particles and already foamed plastic particles; C) from 3 to 50% by weight of a binder comprising an aminoplast resin and an organic isocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups and, if appropriate, D) additives.
US08187707B2	Hydrophobic coating Hydrophobic film or coating, comprising primary particles, secondary particles, adhering to the surface of the primary particles and having an average diameter that is smaller than the average diameter of the primary particles, and a hydrophobic layer covering at least partly the surface of the secondary particles and adhering to that surface, characterized in that the secondary particles are adhering to the surface of the primary particles by covalent chemical bonds.
US08187703B2	Fiber-reinforced polymer composites containing functionalized carbon nanotubes The present invention is directed to methods of integrating carbon nanotubes into epoxy polymer composites via chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes, and to the carbon nanotube-epoxy polymer composites produced by such methods. Integration is enhanced through improved dispersion and/or covalent bonding with the epoxy matrix during the curing process. In general, such methods involve the attachment of chemical moieties (i.e., functional groups) to the sidewall and/or end-cap of carbon nanotubes such that the chemical moieties react with either the epoxy precursor(s) or the curing agent(s) (or both) during the curing process. Additionally, in some embodiments, these or additional chemical moieties can function to facilitate dispersion of the carbon nanotubes by decreasing the van der Waals attractive forces between the nanotubes.
US08187699B2	Optical multilayer body, polarization plate using same, and image display An optical laminate is provided which has anti-dazzling properties and can realize excellent glare preventive properties and black reproducibility (gradation rendering of black at low brightness). The optical laminate includes a light transparent base material and an anti-dazzling layer or a light diffusion layer provided on the light transparent base material, wherein the outermost surface of the anti-dazzling layer or light diffusion layer has a concavoconvex surface. The anti-dazzling layer satisfies the requirements that Sm is not less than 100 μm and not more than 600 μm, θa is not less than 0.1 degree and not more than 1.2 degrees, and Rz is more than 0.2 μm and not more than 1 μm, wherein Sm represents the average spacing of concavoconvexes in the anti-dazzling layer, θa represents the average inclination angle of the concavoconvexes, and Rz represents the average roughness of the concavoconvexes.
US08187698B2	Coated cutting tool for fine to medium-rough turning of stainless steels The present invention relates to a cutting tool insert comprising a cemented carbide body and a coating particularly useful in fine to medium-rough turning of stainless-steels. The cemented carbide body consists of a cemented carbide with a composition of 5.0-9.0 wt-% Co, 5.0-11.0 wt-% cubic carbide forming metals from group IVb, Vb and VIb of the periodic table, preferably Ti, Nb and Ta, and balance WC with a 10-30 μm essentially cubic carbide phase free and binder phase enriched surface zone. The coating comprises an MTCVD Ti(C7N) as the first layer adjacent the body having a thickness of from 2.5 to 7.0 μm, on top of which an α-Al2O3 layer is present, with a thickness of between 2.0 and 5.0 μm, and a total thickness of the coating between 5.5 and 9.5 μm. The alumina layer has a (006) texture.
US08187696B2	Circuit materials, circuits laminates, and method of manufacture thereof A circuit substrate laminate, comprising a conductive metal layer; and a dielectric composite material having a dielectric constant of less than about 3.5 and a dissipation factor of less than about 0.006, wherein the dielectric composite material comprises: a polymer resin; and about 10 to about 70 volume percent of cenospheres having a ferric oxide content of less than or equal to 3 weight percent.
US08187693B2	Surface for controlling liquids A liquid-controlling surface, comprising a formation comprising a plurality of individual open topped, closed bottomed cells for containing liquid, each of the cells having a cell wall integral with the closed bottom and defining a well; a plurality of distribution channels extending between adjacent cells and being position on the cell wall at a height to permit liquid to drain to the adjacent cell when a cell liquid level exceeds a predetermined limit and to permit liquid to be retained in the well up to the limit; and a perimeter wall surrounding the cells. The perimeter wall having a height higher than the distribution channels to prevent liquid from leaking from the cells to an area outside the perimeter, and where the formation and perimeter wall comprise rubber.
US08187688B2	Foldable labels According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, an adhesive label configured to be fed into a printer includes a main layer having a first side configured to be printed and a second side and a liner configured to releasably attach to the second surface of the main layer. The second surface of the main layer comprises one or more creases configured to facilitate folding of the label in a desired manner. In some embodiments, the crease enables folding of the label along a longitudinal centerline. In one embodiment, the crease does not extend across an entire width of the label. In other arrangements, the main layer comprises an intermediate layer and a printable layer secured to the intermediate layer.
US08187687B2	Reinforcing matrix for spoolable pipe A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier that includes a solid hydrocarbon matrix. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).
US08187677B2	Method of silver plating and articles and/or objects formed by the method of silver plating A process for electroless silver plating of a work piece includes simultaneously spraying a silver nitrate solution and a reducer on a work piece to form a reflective layer on the work piece, applying a water-based urethane coating on the reflective layer, and applying either a top coat that is solvent based or a powder based on the water-based urethane coating.
US08187676B2	Process for preparing articles having anti-fog layer by layer coating and coated articles having enhanced anti-fog and durability properties Disclosed are processes for preparing articles having anti-fog properties, comprising providing a substrate having at least one main surface coated with an intermediate coating obtained by applying and at least partially curing an intermediate coating composition comprising at least one monoepoxysilane and/or an hydrolyzate thereof and at least one polyepoxy monomer comprising at least two epoxy groups, forming onto said intermediate coating at least one bi-layer, and curing said at least one bi-layer by heating at a temperature of 150° C. or less at atmospheric pressure and in the absence of added water steam. Also disclosed are articles made and/or makeable by these processes.
US08187675B2	Image forming method The invention provides an image forming method including at least: applying, onto a recording medium, an ink composition containing at least a water-soluble solvent, a pigment, a polymer particle and water; and removing at least a part of the volatile solvent from the ink composition on the recording medium. Herein, the water-soluble solvent contains at least a volatile water-soluble solvent having an SP value of 27.5 or more at an amount of 30 mass % thereof.
US08187674B2	Method for coating with coating liquid, coating apparatuses for use therein, and method for designing the same A method for coating with a coating liquid according to the present invention is a method for coating an object-to-be-coated with a coating liquid containing dispersed particles, using a die, wherein the flowage of the coating liquid within a manifold 5 provided within the die is such that the deviation of the average flow rate of the coating liquid in the direction of the width becomes equal to or less than 60% of an average flow rate over the entire area of the manifold 5, in at least 80% of the area from a liquid supplying portion 8 in the manifold to an end portion P of the manifold.
US08187673B2	Methods utilizing scanning probe microscope tips and products thereof or produced thereby The invention provides a lithographic method referred to as “dip pen” nanolithography (DPN). DPN utilizes a scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip (e.g., an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip) as a “pen,” a solid-state substrate (e.g., gold) as “paper,” and molecules with a chemical affinity for the solid-state substrate as “ink.” Capillary transport of molecules from the SPM tip to the solid substrate is used in DPN to directly write patterns consisting of a relatively small collection of molecules in submicrometer dimensions, making DPN useful in the fabrication of a variety of microscale and nanoscale devices. The invention also provides substrates patterned by DPN, including submicrometer combinatorial arrays, and kits, devices and software for performing DPN. The invention further provides a method of performing AFM imaging in air. The method comprises coating an AFM tip with a hydrophobic compound, the hydrophobic compound being selected so that AFM imaging performed using the coated AFM tip is improved compared to AFM imaging performed using an uncoated AFM tip. Finally, the invention provides AFM tips coated with the hydrophobic compounds.
US08187669B2	Composition, film manufacturing method, as well as functional device and manufacturing method therefor Disclosed are compositions, useful in ink jet printing methods, that prevent clogging during dispensing, achieve stable dispensing, prevent precipitation of content matter during dispensing, and prevent phase separation during film formation. Also disclosed are uniform, homogenous, functional films formed using the compositions and manufacturing methods therefor, as well as organic EL devices and other such display devices and manufacturing methods therefor. The compositions contain a functional material and a solvent comprising at least one benzene derivative having one or more substituents, whereby the substituents have at least three carbon atoms in total.
US08187667B2	Method for disposing a component A method for disposing a component comprises: a step of preparing a substrate and a first liquid; a step of preparing a component-containing liquid containing the components and a second liquid; a step of disposing the first liquid in a hydrophilic region; a step of bringing the component-containing liquid into contact with the first liquid disposed on the hydrophilic region; a step of removing the first liquid and the second liquid to dispose the component on the hydrophilic region. The hydrophilic region is composed of a component-disposing region and a liquid-capturing region formed on the periphery of the component-disposing region. The liquid-capturing region comprises a surface represented by X—(CH2)nS-(substrate) or Y—(CH2)n—S-(substrate), where X represents N+R3Q− (Q represents Cl, Br, or I), OR, or halogen atom, R represents lower alkyl group, n represents a natural number of not less than 1 and not more than 3, Y represents COOH or OH, and m represents a natural number of not less than 1 and not more than 22.
US08187665B2	Thin film forming method and color filter manufacturing method A method for forming a thin film by discharging a liquid including a material for forming the thin film, the material being dissolved or dispersed in a solvent, from a plurality of nozzles so as to dispose the liquid into a plurality of predetermined areas included in an effective area set on a substrate to form the thin film while the plurality of nozzles and the substrate are relatively scanned, includes: (a) forming a plurality of reception parts surrounded by a plurality of partitions and bottoms of the predetermined areas, the partitions being provided around the predetermined areas; and (b) forming a plurality of thin films by disposing the liquid from the nozzles into the reception parts. In step (a), a plan view area of at least one of the reception parts in a peripheral area of the effective area is made smaller than a plan view area of the reception part in a central area of the effective area.
US08187660B2	Method for fabricating a medical implant component and such component A method of fabricating a medical implant component. The method may include the steps of producing a substrate from a first material wherein the substrate has a bearing portion, spraying particles of a second material onto the bearing portion in accordance with a predetermined spraying technique to provide a coating thereon, and subjecting the coated bearing portion to a hot isostatic pressing process, a vacuum sintering process, or a controlled atmospheric sintering process. The first material may be the same as or different from the second material. The predetermined spraying technique may be a thermal type spraying process such as a plasma spraying process or a high velocity oxygen fuel spraying process.
US08187657B2	Prepared foods containing triglyceride-recrystallized non-esterified phytosterols A dietary supplement is provided which includes at least one triglyceride-based edible fat and between 3% and 50% by weight of triglyceride recrystallized phytosterols. The dietary supplement can be in the form of a capsule, pill or wafer. Additionally, the dietary supplement can be combined with protein, vitamins, minerals, or combinations thereof.
US08187656B2	Purified green tea extract A purified green tea extract is improved in bitterness and aftertaste.The purified green tea extract, which comprises satisfying the following conditions: (1) a ratio of a sum of content weights of (A) myricetin, (B) quercetin and (C) kaempferol to a sum of content weights of (D) epigallocatechin gallate and (E) gallocatechingallate, ((A)+(B)+(C))/((D)+(E)), is from 0.0000001 to 0.010, (2) a sum of content weights of (D) the epigallocatechin gallate and (E) the gallocatechin gallate in non-polymer catechins, ((D)+(E))), is from 0.01 to 29 wt %, and (3) a percentage of gallate body in the non-polymer catechins is from 0.01 to 49 wt %.
US08187655B2	Dehydration method The present invention relates to a method of dehydrating pieces of intact plant or animal tissue, said pieces containing at least 30 wt. % of water, the method comprising (i) contacting the pieces of intact tissue with a pressurized gas to reduce the water content of the pieces by at least 50%, said pressurized gas having a pressure of at least 0.5×Pc and a temperature of at least Tc−60° C., Pc representing the critical pressure of the gas and Tc representing the critical temperature of the gas, and (ii) separating the pressurized gas from the dehydrated pieces, wherein at least 80 wt. %, preferably at least 90 wt. % of the matter removed by the gas from the pieces of intact plant or animal tissue is water. The invention also provides a method of dehydrating a material containing at least 30 wt. % of water, using a method as described before, followed by drying the separated pressurized gas by contacting said pressurized gas with a water absorbent water adsorbent; and recirculating the dried pressurized gas to the partially dehydrated material.
US08187654B2	Process for preparing aged garlic The invention concerns a method of producing aged garlic in which its antioxidation capability is significantly increased as compared to that of raw garlic which is used as a raw material for producing the aged garlic without reducing the essential effectiveness of garlic, S-arylcysteine that does not exist in raw garlic is generated, and the content of polyphenol is increased. The method of producing aged garlic according to the invention is characterized by comprising the steps of aging raw garlic with hot air at 40 to 90° C. for about 300 hours, naturally drying the resultant garlic for approximately 40 hours and then ageing the garlic with hot air at 20 to 30° C. for 30 to 50 hours again. In the step of aging the garlic with hot air at 40 to 90° C. for 280 to 320 hours, a plurality of pieces of the raw garlic is placed in a steel bin and then the steel bins are put into a container for aging.
US08187652B2	Methods for washing carcasses, meat, or meat products with medium chain peroxycarboxlyic acid compositions The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on carcass, meat, or meat product; or on surfaces used in processing the carcass, meat, or meat product; employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to carcass, meat, meat product or surface.
US08187649B2	Packaged, non-developed dough product in low pressure package, and related compositions and methods Described are methods and compositions relating to non-developed dough compositions leavened by chemical leavening systems that include an encapsulated basic chemical leavening agent, wherein the dough composition can be refrigerated in a low pressure package and can exhibit desired browning upon baking.
US08187643B2	Shampoo formulation for treatment of hair loss and method of use A shampoo formulation comprising a shampoo, bicarbonate soda, and onion skins used alone or in combination with a conditioner comprising acetic acid for the treatment of hair loss and promotion of hair growth.
US08187641B2	Chlorella extract-containing product and method for improving the storage stability of the same A chlorella extract-containing product of excellent safety and storage stability is provided without using a benzoate, which is a common preservative. A chlorella extract-containing product containing a capsicum extract at 0.020-1.63% by weight on a dry weight basis relative to a chlorella extract in an aqueous liquid for drinking having the chlorella extract as an principal ingredient. This chlorella extract-containing product is to be used as a chlorella-containing beverage or a chlorella-containing food additive. A method for improving the storage stability of a chlorella extract-containing product, comprising adding a capsicum extract to a chlorella extract at 0.020-1.63% by weight on a dry weight basis in an aqueous liquid for drinking having the chlorella extract as an principal ingredient.
US08187639B2	Amniotic membrane preparations and purified compositions and anti-angiogenesis treatment Compositions having a combination of specific biological components have been found to exert a number of useful effects in mammalian cells, including modulating TGF β signaling, apoptosis, and proliferation of mammalian cells, as well as decreasing inflammation in mice. These components can be obtained commercially, or can be prepared from biological tissues such as placental tissues. Placental amniotic membrane (AM) preparations described herein include AM pieces, AM extracts, AM jelly, AM stroma, and mixtures of these compositions with additional components. The compositions can be used to treat various diseases, such as wound healing, inflammation and angiogenesis-related diseases.
US08187637B2	Formulations decreasing particle exhalation Formulations have been developed for pulmonary delivery to treat or reduce the infectivity of diseases such as viral infections, especially tuberculosis, SARS, influenza and respiratory synticial virus in humans and hoof and mouth disease in animals, or to reduce the symptoms of allergy or other pulmonary disease. Formulations for pulmonary administration include a material that significantly alters physical properties such as surface tension and surface elasticity of lung mucus lining fluid, which may be isotonic saline and, optionally, a carrier. The formulation may be administered as a liquid solution, suspension, aerosol, or powder where the particles consist basically of an osmotically active solute. Drugs, especially antivirals or antibiotics, may optionally be included with the formulation. These may be administered with or incorporated into the formulation.
US08187626B2	Wound dressings containing complexes of transition metals and alginate for elastase-sequestering Transition metal (e.g., silver and copper) derivatized phosphorylated polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, gauze) provide antimicrobial and elastase sequestration properties to wound dressings, and the wound dressing have enhanced water sorption and elastase sequestration when used with alginates. Wound dressings with alginates (e.g., silver alginate, crosslinked alginates, etc.) provide enhanced wound fluid absorption as well as elastase sequestration.
US08187625B2	Cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a wetting agent Disclosed is a biocompatible, hemostatic, cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a biocompatible material comprising cross-linked gelatin and a sufficient amount of wetting agent to permit uniform wetting of the sponge in the presence of an aqueous solution.
US08187621B2	Methods and compositions for treating post-myocardial infarction damage Methods and compositions for treating post-myocardial infarction damage are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, a carrier with a treatment agent may be fabricated. The carrier can be formulated from a bioerodable, sustained-release substance. The resultant loaded carrier may then be suspended in at least one component of a two-component matrix system for simultaneous delivery to a post-myocardial infarction treatment area.
US08187619B2	Enhanced compositions containing cells and extracellular matrix materials Described are medical graft materials and devices having improved properties relating to their component profiles.
US08187616B2	Method for silk fibroin gelation using sonication This invention provides for a process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation through ultrasonication. Under the appropriate conditions, gelation can be controlled to occur within two hours after the ultrasonication treatment. Biological materials, including viable cells, or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated in the hydrogels formed from the process and be used as delivery vehicles.
US08187610B2	Streptococcus equi strain The invention provides Streptococcus vaccine strains (e.g. S. equi which is causative of ‘strangles’) comprising the following modifications in their genomes: (i) attenuation of one or more essential biosynthetic genes, (ii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a haemolytic toxin, or protein involved in the production thereof, plus preferably any one, two, or most preferably three of the following modifications: (iii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a protein responsible for immune evasion (iv) modification of one or more genes such as to permit serological discrimination of the vaccine strain based on analysis of a protein encoded by said genes, and (v) attenuation of one or more genes which encode an enzyme responsible for recombination repair of the genome. The invention provides inter alia live attenuated vaccine strains which generate an immune response to multiple protective epitopes presented in a context resembling the live pathogen.
US08187607B2	Hapten-carrier conjugates and uses thereof The present invention provides compositions comprising a conjugate of a hapten with a carrier in an ordered and repetitive array, and methods of making such compositions. The conjugates and compositions of the invention may comprise a variety of haptens, including hormones, toxins and drugs, especially drugs of addiction such as nicotine. Compositions and conjugates of the invention are useful for inducing immune responses against haptens, which can use useful in a variety of therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic regimens. In certain embodiments, immune responses generated using the conjugates, compositions and methods of the present invention are useful to prevent or treat addiction to drugs of abuse and the resultant diseases associated with drug addiction.teh
US08187605B2	Means for the inhibition of anti-β1-adrenergic receptor antibodies Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel peptides of use for detection and/or inhibition of anti-β1-adrenergic receptor antibodies. Certain embodiments concern uses of cyclic and/or linear peptides. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to novel peptides of use in diagnostic and/or pharmaceutical compositions. Some embodiments concern diagnosing and/or treating cardiac conditions. Cardiac conditions of the instant invention can concern infectious heart disease, non-infectious heart disease, ischemic heart disease, non-ischemic heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, myocarditis, cardiac dilatation, idiopathic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, immune-cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and any cardiac arrhythmia condition.
US08187603B2	Antibodies to human IL-22 The present application provides human antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-22 (IL-22). The antibodies can act as antagonists of IL-22 activity, thereby modulating immune responses in general, and those mediated by IL-22 in particular. The disclosed compositions and methods may be used for example, in diagnosing, treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, septic shock, infectious disorders, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.
US08187598B2	Methods of treating cancer by administering antibodies to CD200 Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.
US08187593B2	FcγRIIB specific antibodies and methods of use thereof The present invention relates to antibodies or fragments thereof that specifically bind FcγRIIB, particularly human FcγRIIB, with greater affinity than said antibodies or fragments thereof bind FcγRIIA, particularly human FcγRIIA. The present invention also encompasses the use of an anti-FcγRIIB antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, as a single agent therapy for the treatment, prevention, management, or amelioration of a cancer, preferably a B-cell malignancy, particularly, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, an autoimmune disorder, an inflammatory disorder, an IgE-mediated allergic disorder, or one or more symptoms thereof. The present invention also encompasses the use of an anti-FcγRIIB antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, in combination with other cancer therapies. The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an anti-FcγRIIB antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, in amounts effective to prevent, treat, manage, or ameliorate a cancer, such as a B-cell malignancy, an autoimmune disorder, an inflammatory disorder, an IgE-mediated allergic disorder, or one or more symptoms thereof. The invention further provides methods of enhancing the therapeutic effect of therapeutic antibodies by administering the antibodies of the invention to enhance the effector function of the therapeutic antibodies. The invention also provides methods of enhancing efficacy of a vaccine composition by administering the antibodies of the invention with a vaccine composition.
US08187591B2	Methods of treating coagulopathy The invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing clearance of coagulation factors {e.g., VWF) and platelets from the blood stream of a patient in need thereof. The methods comprise administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that increases clearance of coagulation factors or platelets. Such an agent can be, for example, a neuraminidase.
US08187588B2	Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine The invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA.
US08187586B2	Methods of inducing apoptosis in hyperproliferative cells Methods of inducing apoptosis in hyperproliferative cells, particularly cancer cells are provided. Such method involves increasing the levels of a potassium channel modulatory protein in the cell. Examples of such proteins are native KChAP protein, a biologically active variant of native KChAP protein, or a biologically active KChAP-related protein (collectively referred to hereinafter as “KChAP protein”). In one embodiment, the cells are contacted with the KChAP protein under conditions permitting uptake of the protein by the cells. In another embodiment, the cells are contacted with (i) a nucleic acid encoding the KChAP protein, and (ii) a promoter active in the cancer cell, wherein the promoter is operably linked to the region encoding the KChAP protein, under conditions permitting the uptake of the nucleic acid by the cancer cell. Methods of detecting cancerous cells in a biological sample selected from the group consisting of a colorectal tissue sample or brain tissue sample are also provided. Such method comprises assaying for the presence of elevated levels of KChAP mRNA or KChAP protein in the sample.
US08187583B2	Oil-in-water emulsions Improved oil-in-water emulsions are provided and a method for their manufacture. In particular, the emulsions comprise a means to control delivery of oil-soluble or water-soluble actives in a core comprising a liquid oil or gel oil continuous phase, which actives can be delivered with improved deposition to surfaces such as, in particular, the skin, gastro-intestinal tract and that defined by the oral cavity. The emulsions are also noted for their improved stability.The stable emulsion comprises a stable droplet dispersed in an aqueous phase, the stable droplet comprising a core, a first inner layer coating the core, and a second outer layer coating the first inner layer, wherein the core comprises at least a liquid oil or gel oil continuous phase, wherein the first inner layer comprises at least one at least partially solid uncharged emulsifier and at least one anionic or cationic or zwitterionic emulsifier, the second outer layer comprises a first polycation or first polyanion or first polyzwitterion of opposing charge to the first inner layer, and wherein the at least partially solid uncharged emulsifier forms a solution in the aqueous phase or the liquid oil phase or the gel oil phase at temperatures greater than room temperature, preferably greater than 40, more preferably greater than 50, even more preferably greater than 60 degrees centigrade.The invention also provides a product selected from the group consisting of a food product, a home care product, a personal care product and a pharmaceutical product, wherein each product comprises emulsion of the invention.
US08187581B2	Surfactant-containing cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical agents The invention provides surfactant-containing cosmetic, dermatological, and pharmaceutical agents comprising at least one water-soluble or water-swellable copolymer obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of A) acryloyldimethyltaurine and/or acryloyldimethyltaurates, B) if desired, one or more further olefinically unsaturated, noncationic comonomers, C) if desired, one or more olefinically unsaturated, cationic comonomers, D) if desired, a silicon-containing component(s), E) if desired, a fluorine-containing component(s), F) if desired, one or more macromonomers, G) the copolymerization taking place if desired in the presence of at least one polymeric additive, H) with the proviso that component A) is copolymerized with at least one component selected from one of the groups D) to G).
US08187580B2	Polymeric assisted delivery using separate addition Benefit agent delivery systems, compositions incorporating such benefit agent delivery systems, and methods for making the delivery system in the compositions are provided. The benefit agent delivery systems of the present invention employ polymer particles having affinities for selected benefit agents, such as perfume, to form the polymeric assisted benefit agent delivery systems, which can effectively deposit benefit agents onto, onto the surface of a substrate, e.g., fabrics being laundered, hard surfaces, hair, skin or nails.
US08187579B2	Thickening agent Thickening agents which containing a specific N-acylamino acid (component A) and a specific amideamine (component B) are capable of generating, when used in combination with a wide variety of oily bases including a hydrocarbon oil and silicone, a creamy thickening composition having a practical dissolution temperature and a smooth feeling in use when applied to the skin.
US08187571B1	Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles, wherein each nanoparticle comprises N-palmitoyl chitosan that is conjugated with at least two different moieties, the moieties including a donor moiety and an acceptor moiety having a distance of 10 nm or less enabling Förster resonance energy transfer.
US08187570B1	Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery The invention discloses particulate complexes composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent, wherein equal moles of the positively charged chitosan and the negatively charged poly-glutamic acid substrate form an electrostatic network enabling improved loading the bioactive agent.
US08187569B2	Process for manufacturing molecular sieve of MFS framework type and its use A method of making a crystalline molecular sieve of MFS framework type, said method comprising the steps of (a) adding at least one source of ions of tetravalent element (Y), at least one source of ions of trivalent element (X), at least one hydroxide source (OH−), at least one structure-directing-agent (R), at least one seed source (Seed), and water (H2O) to form a mixture having the following mole composition (expressed in term of oxide): YO2:(n)X2O3:(x)OH−:(y)R:(z)H2O+(m)Seed wherein the m is in the range of from about 10 wtppm to about 2 wt. % (based on total weight of the synthesis mixture), the n is in the range of from about 0.005 to 0.05, the x is in the range of from about 0.01 to about 0.3, the y is in the range of from about 0.03 to about 2; and the z is in the range of from about 3 to about 30; and (b) treating said mixture under crystallization conditions to form said crystalline molecular sieve substantially free of non-MFS material, wherein said crystallization conditions comprise a temperature in the range of from about 150° C. to about 250° C., and crystallization time less than 100 hr, the weight hourly throughput is at least 0.001 hr−1.
US08187565B2	Embedded nanoparticle films and method for their formation in selective areas on a surface The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.
US08187564B2	Process for producing boron added purified silicon Provided is a process for producing a boron added silicon (purified silicon) in an energy saving mode from a reduced silicon obtained by reducing a silicon halide with a metal aluminium. The production process of the invention comprises reducing a silicon halide with a metal aluminium to give a reduces silicon, heating and melting the resulting reduced silicon, and adding boron thereto followed by solidification for purification under the condition of a temperature gradient provided in one direction in a mold. Preferably, after washed with an acid, the reduced silicon is heated and molten, and boron is added thereto. After the reduced silicon is heated and molten under reduced pressure, boron is added thereto. After heated and molten, the reduced silicon is purified by solidification in one direction, then heated and molten, and thereafter boron is added thereto.
US08187562B2	Method for producing cerium dioxide nanopowder by flame spray pyrolysis and cerium dioxide nanopowder produced by the method Disclosed is a method for producing a cerium dioxide nanopowder by flame spray pyrolysis. The method comprises dissolving a cerium compound in an organic solvent to prepare a precursor solution, atomizing the precursor solution into microdroplets using an ultrasonic atomizer, transferring the microdroplets together with an argon gas as a carrier gas to a central portion of a high-temperature diffusion flame burner, subjecting the microdroplets to pyrolysis and oxidation in the central portion of the diffusion flame burner to produce a cerium dioxide nanopowder, and collecting the cerium dioxide nanopowder using a collector. According to the method, a cerium dioxide nanopowder can be continuously produced on a large scale by flame spray pyrolysis. In addition, the particle size and uniformity of the cerium dioxide nanopowder can be controlled by appropriately selecting the kind of the solvent and the concentration of the raw material. Furthermore, flame spray pyrolysis allows the cerium dioxide to have a fluorite crystal structure.
US08187560B2	Fuel reformers utilizing Taylor Vortex Flows Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.
US08187558B2	Containers for reducing or eliminating foaming A method for reducing or eliminating the aspiration of foam into a metering probe includes the steps of providing a reagent supply container having a baffle having sealed ends and having a liquid reagent in it. A metering probe movable in a direction toward and away from the reagent supply container is provided. A closure is moved away from the opening of the container and both seals covering the first and second openings of the baffle are pierced allowing liquid to enter the baffle from the end of the baffle submerged in the liquid thereby providing a foam reduced or foam free zone. The metering probe is moved into the first opening of the baffle and into contact with the liquid in the baffle. A selected amount of liquid in the baffle is aspirated and the metering probe is moved out of the baffle.
US08187555B2	System for cadmium telluride (CdTe) reclamation in a vapor deposition conveyor assembly A conveyor assembly for use in a vapor deposition apparatus wherein a sublimed source material is deposited as a thin film on a photovoltaic (PV) module substrate. The assembly includes a conveyor movable in an endless loop path that includes an upper leg that moves in a conveyance direction to carry a substrate through a deposition area of the vapor deposition apparatus. A heat source is disposed relative to the endless loop path so as to heat the conveyor at a location generally after the point where substrates leave the conveyor. The heat source heats the conveyor to a temperature effective for sublimating source material from the conveyor. A cold trap is disposed relative to the endless loop path downstream of the heat source in a direction of movement of the conveyor and is maintained at a temperature effective for causing sublimated source material generated from heating the conveyor to plate out onto a collection member configured with the cold trap. An associated process for reclamation of source material from conveyor components is also provided.
US08187553B2	Microreactors A microreactor may include a reaction channel having at least one curved microchannel, the at least one curved microchannel having an outer and inner curved surfaces and being configured to generate a centrifugal force, an inlet configured to supply at least one reactant into the reaction channel, and an outlet bifurcated into a first sub-outlet in communication with the inner curved surface of the at least one curved microchannel and a second sub-outlet in communication with the outer curved surface of the at least one curved microchannel.
US08187549B2	Chemical reactors with annularly positioned delivery and removal devices, and associated systems and methods Chemical reactors with annularly positioned delivery and removal devices, and associated systems and methods. A reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a light-transmissible surface proximate to a reaction zone, and a movable reactant delivery system positioned within the reactor vessel. The reactor can further include a product removal system positioned within the reactor vessel and positioned annularly inwardly or outwardly from the delivery system. A solar concentrator is positioned to direct solar radiation through the light-transmissible surface to the reaction zone.
US08187547B2	Methods and systems for controlling polymer particle size Techniques are provided for producing polymer particles of a size just slightly larger than the size of polymer fines. The technique may prevent or limit the occurrence of reactor fouls associated with large polymer particles. The technique also may provide a greater weight percentage of solids in the reactor. The desired polymer particle size may be achieved by employing a catalyst having particles of a size determined based on the expected catalyst productivity. In certain embodiments, the catalyst particle size may be determined based on the expected catalyst productivity, the polymer particle density, the catalyst particle density, and/or the polymer particle size.
US08187546B2	Method of operating a high pressure ethylene polymerisation unit The invention relates to a method of operating a high pressure ethylene polymerization unit comprising a tubular reactor, the method characterized in that the electrical conductivity of the aqueous cooling medium is monitored in at least one location. Furthermore, the invention also covers a high pressure ethylene polymerization unit comprising a tubular reactor, the unit characterized in that one or more cooling circuits comprise an electrical conductivity meter. The use of such a polymerization unit is also disclosed.
US08187545B2	Hourglass-shaped cavitation chamber with spherical lobes An hourglass-shaped cavitation chamber is provided. The chamber is comprised of two large spherical regions separated by a smaller cylindrical region. Coupling the regions are two transitional sections which are preferably smooth and curved. Although the chamber is preferably fabricated from a machinable material, such as a metal, it can also be fabricated from a fragile material, such as a glass. An acoustic driver assembly is incorporated within the chamber wall at one end of the cavitation chamber. The driver can be threadably coupled to the chamber or attached using an epoxy, diffusion bonding, brazing or welding. O-rings or other seals can be used to seal the driver to the chamber. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flush, recessed, or extended from the internal chamber surface. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flat or shaped. If desired, a second acoustic driver assembly can be incorporated within the chamber wall at the other end of the cavitation chamber. Preferably the driver or drivers are attached such that their central axis is coaxial with the central axis of the cavitation chamber. Coupling conduits which can be used to fill/drain the chamber as well as couple the chamber to a degassing and/or circulatory system can be attached to one, or both, ends of the chamber. When used, preferably the conduit or conduits are attached off-axis.
US08187542B2	Optical detection field having diamond-like carbon thin film formed therein An optical detection field, wherein a diamond-like carbon thin film containing therein fluorine is formed on a surface facing an existence region of a substance.
US08187535B2	Robotic handling system and method with independently operable detachable tools An analytical system and method that enables more efficient transport of movable devices (22) among stations (24, 25, 26). According to one aspect of the invention, the system and method permit operational timesharing of a transport mechanism (34) for the movable devices. According to another aspect of the invention, control of the transport mechanism is effected on an event-driven basis. The invention has particular application to an adaptive, motion and fluids system for automating the sample handling/management process associated with analytical processes and especially bioanalytical processes such as introducing samples into LC and HPLC systems.
US08187531B2	Wire for welding nickel based heat resistant alloy A wire for welding Ni-based heat resistant alloy, comprising: a composition containing, in mass %, Cr: 14.0 to 21.5%, Co: 6.5 to 14.5%, Mo: 6.5 to 10.0%, W: 1.5 to 3.5%, Al: 1.2 to 2.4%, Ti: 1.1 to 2.1%; Fe: 7.0% or less, B: 0.0001 to 0.020%, C: 0.03 to 0.15%, and a balance of Ni and unavoidable impurities, wherein a content of S and P contained in the unavoidable impurities is controlled to be, in mass %, S: 0.004% or less, and P: 0.010% or less, wherein the wire has a texture in which M6C type carbide and MC type carbide are uniformly dispersed in the matrix.
US08187528B2	Molten metal post assembly The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for degassing, submerging, agitating and pumping molten metal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanical apparatus for moving or pumping molten metal such as aluminum, zinc or magnesium. Specifically, the present invention is related to a drive for such an apparatus in which a motor is positioned above a molten metal bath and rotates a vertical shaft. The lower end of the shaft drives an impeller or a rotor to impart motion to the molten metal.
US08187527B2	Energy efficient modular gas fluidized sand heat treating apparatus and sand return system A modular air fluidized sand bed for the heat treatment of metal products is disclosed. This technology provides for the heat-treatment of steels, particularly long products, and other alloys and shapes using fluidized-sand heat transfer media. The technology directs gas burners into U-tube assemblies suspended in the media. The fluidizing agent is hot exhaust gas recovered from the U-tubes. Blended exhaust gases and cool air can maintain fluidizing gas, plenum and retort temperatures at nearly the same temperature as the sand. Constant volume and pressure of fluidizing gas maximizes heat transfer between sand and product. For extreme heating applications, a thermally insulated cover held in direct contact with the hot fluidized sand improves energy efficiency. A sand return system returns sand lost from the bed exit to entrance. The modular air fluidized sand bed includes a fluidization pressure and volume that are altered independent of a fluidization media temperature.
US08187526B2	Method and device for operating a change converter unit of an oxygen steel-making plant A method for operating a change converter unit of an oxygen steel-making plant, in which, for the change process, a worn converter, including the entire converter unit, made up of not only the converter, but also the converter carriage, carrier ring, tilting drive, bottom flushing device and, if present, a carrier ring cooling device, is moved out of the steel-making stand into an empty delivery and waiting stand for repair, and, at the same time, a further structurally identical complete converter unit, made up of a repaired, ready-to-use converter, is moved from a further delivery and waiting stand into the steel-making stand.
US08187522B2	Method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object, and three dimensionally shaped object A method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object, includes the steps of: (i) forming a solidified layer by irradiating a light beam on a specified portion of a powder layer placed on a shaping table to sinter or melt the specified portion; (ii) forming another solidified layer by placing a new powder layer on the solidified layer thus obtained, and irradiating the light beam on a specified portion of the new powder layer to sinter or melt the specified portion of the new powder layer; and (iii) repeating the step (ii) to produce a three-dimensionally shaped object. When performing the steps (i) to (iii) within a chamber, at least a part of an ambient gas in the chamber is exhausted from the chamber through a gas passage of a shaping tank.
US08187518B2	Method for manufacturing substrate by imprinting While releasing property between a resin layer and an imprinting mold is given by using a metal thin film layer, a method for manufacturing a substrate advantageous for forming a conductive layer by plating and a substrate manufactured by the method are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a substrate by imprinting, the method comprising: laminating a metal thin film layer on top of a resin layer; pressurizing the resin layer and the metal thin film layer by an imprinting mold which comprises a side having a pattern in correspondence with a wiring pattern; curing a resin which forms the resin layer; and removing the imprinting mold from the resin layer and the metal thin film layer, may be presented.
US08187517B2	Use of a tool and a method for producing a surface member A helical tool (1′, 1″) having a rigid outer helical support surface (2) is used as support for a non-rigid material for producing a hollow elongated member onto and as an integral part with a surface member (3) in manufacturing of a surface member having at least one hollow elongated stiffening member integral therewith.
US08187516B2	Method of producing a bent rod and rod A method of producing a bent rod includes impregnating fibers (1) with resin (2), introducing the impregnated fibers into a flexible plastic tube (3), bringing the flexible plastic tube to a desired bent form and crosslinking the resin with the fibers to produce the rod with the desired bent shape. The flexible plastic tube is formed from a material that has a very low friction coefficient and the flexible plastic tube remains in its position after the crosslinking to permit sliding movement of the bent rod relative to an adjacent structure.
US08187513B2	Method for producing articles consisting of polymer materials having a medicamentous depot effect The process for the preparation of articles from polymer materials having a medicamentous depot effect is performed by mixing the starting materials, shaping the mixture, cross-linking the polymer material at least until a sufficient dimensional stability is reached, performing all the necessary processing work, introducing the article into a protective package, sterilizing the packaged article, optionally with further cross-linking of the polymer material.
US08187509B2	Granulation process and apparatus A granulation process wherein a liquid is sprayed into a prilling tower (1) by means of a rotating prilling bucket (15) having a perforated side wall (15a), and the liquid jets exiting said perforated side wall are subjected to a vibrating action according to the axial direction (A-A) of the prilling tower (1), while the remaining liquid mass inside the bucket is kept substantially free from said vibrating action. A suitable apparatus is also disclosed, wherein the peripheral side wall (15a) of the prilling bucket (15) is connected to vibration imparting means and has a flexible connection with the frame (15b, 15c) of the bucket.
US08187499B2	Composition intended to be applied in steels for corrosion protection of their surfaces and process for preparing the same The invention is related to a composition destined to protect steels against corrosion by utilization of the steel's own rust as a passivating element, the rust being removed from the steel and/or being synthetically prepared and agglutinated with a resin, where the resin can have or cannot have as an electric conductivity promoter material an intrinsically conductor polymer (ICP), in this case polyaniline, in its conducting form (emeraldine salt) or non conducting (emeraldine base), besides filler(s) and a dispersant oil.
US08187497B2	Phosphor, method for preparing the same, and light emitting diode using the same Disclosed are a phosphor, method for preparing the same, and light emitting diode using the same. The method comprises the steps of preparing a precursor solution by mixing strontium nitrate (Sr(NO3)2), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and europium oxide (Eu) with each other, forming a gel by heating the precursor solution, drying the gel specimen, performing calcination by removing water and organic materials from the dried gel, and preparing a phosphor by reducing the Eu of the gel.
US08187494B2	Four- or five-ring liquid crystal compound having lateral fluorine, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device The invention provides a liquid crystal compound having stability to heat, light and so forth, a wide temperature range of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, and a suitable elastic constant K33, and further having a suitable and negative dielectric anisotropy and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, and a liquid crystal composition having stability to heat, light and so forth, a low viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a suitable and negative dielectric anisotropy, and a suitable elastic constant K33, a low threshold voltage, a high maximum temperature (phase-transition temperature on a nematic phase-isotropic phase) of a nematic phase, and a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase. The liquid crystal compound which has a specific structure having fluorine at a lateral position and also having phenylene in which hydrogen on the benzene ring is replaced by fluorine, and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound are prepared.
US08187493B2	PDLC films A grafted polymer and its use in polymer/liquid crystal composite films, and more particularly in PDLC films, is disclosed. The grafted polymer includes (alkyl)acrylic acid or (alkyl)acrylamide moieties. At least one of the moieties is grafted with an alkylphenol or with an alkoxylated alkylphenol.
US08187492B2	Medical device employing liquid crystal block copolymers and method of making the same A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is formed of mesogenic repeat units and the B block is a soft block.
US08187491B2	Liquid crystal display device and electronic device having the same A liquid crystal display device includes an illuminator and a liquid crystal panel for performing displaying by using light which is emitted from the illuminator. The liquid crystal panel includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer provided therebetween. The liquid crystal layer is formed of a liquid crystal material which contains molecules having at least one of a carbon-carbon triple bond and a polycyclic group. The illuminator includes a light source causing primary generation of at least blue light, among other light which is used for displaying.
US08187489B1	Biodegradable ionic liquids for aircraft deicing A process and deicing composition.
US08187486B1	Modulating etch selectivity and etch rate of silicon nitride thin films Etching of nitride and oxide layers with reactant gases is modulated by etching in different process regimes. High etch selectivity to silicon nitride is achieved in an adsorption regime where the partial pressure of the etchant is lower than its vapor pressure. Low etch selectivity to silicon nitride is achieved in a condensation regime where the partial pressure of the etchant is higher than its vapor pressure. By controlling partial pressure of the etchant, very high etch selectivity to silicon nitride may be achieved.
US08187485B2	Plasma processing apparatus including etching processing apparatus and ashing processing apparatus and plasma processing method using plasma processing apparatus A diameter of a mounting unit of the stage of an ashing processing apparatus is less than a diameter of a mounting unit of the stage of an etching processing apparatus, and the diameter of the mounting unit of the stage of the etching processing apparatus is less than a diameter of an objective item.
US08187481B1	Random texture anti-reflection optical surface treatment A surface relief structure consisting of a random distribution of surface features with varying feature profile and depth, is described. The texture serves to suppress the reflection of electromagnetic waves in the optical region of the spectrum without dispersing any portion of the spectrum by diffraction. Processes for fabricating the random distribution anti-reflecting textures in common materials are also described. The disclosed textures are particularly useful as anti-reflecting covers for displays, and as directly molded anti-reflecting surfaces in eyeglass lenses. Other applications such as covers for artwork, and improved solar cells are made practical by the invention.
US08187477B2	Methods and apparatus for isolating platelets from blood A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.
US08187473B2	Functional transition metal silicates The present invention provides a functional transition metal silicate (FTMS) effective as a decontaminant, a disinfectant, a detoxificant, a protectant, a microbicide or combination thereof, comprising a ratio of transition metal to silica in the transition metal silicate in a predetermined range and a structural composition for said effectiveness, said FTMS being capable of being immobilized on a suitable materials or incorporating into resins and/or coating along with resins on suitable materials.
US08187469B2	Separation of fluids using zeolite ITQ-32 The invention relates to a method of separating fluids from mixtures using a zeolite known as ITQ-32 consisting of a two-dimensional pore system comprising channels with openings formed by 8 tetrahedra which are interconnected by channels with openings formed by 12 tetrahedra. The inventive method comprises at least the following steps: a) the zeolite ITQ-32 material is brought into contact with the mixture of fluids, b) one or more of the components are adsorbed in the zeolite ITQ-32 material, c) the non-adsorbed components are extracted, and d) one or more of the components adsorbed in the zeolite ITQ-32 material are recovered.
US08187466B2	Safety vent structure for extracorporeal circuit In general, this disclosure relates to extracorporeal fluid circuits. In some aspects, an air-release device for allowing air to be released from a liquid in extracorporeal circuitry includes an elongate chamber having a bottom region and a top region and a fluid entry port and fluid exit port at or near the bottom region. The air release device also includes a vent structure at or near the top region of the elongate chamber that includes a porous material capable of swelling when moistened such that the vent structure can inhibit liquid from escaping the air-release device during use.
US08187462B2	Process for maximizing PHA production in glycogen accumulating organisms A process is provided for increasing the production of PHA in a mixed culture biomass. In a first stage of the process, organic material associated with a substrate is converted to volatile fatty acids. In the case of a wastewater treatment process, if the wastewater includes sufficient volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to support the process, then it is unnecessary to convert organic material to VFAs. In a second stage of the process, an anaerobic-aerobic selection process is utilized to select glycogen accumulating organisms that cause these organisms to proliferate and dominate the open mixed culture biomass. By providing relatively high organic loading in the form of VFAs in the anaerobic treatment phase of the selection process, glycogen accumulating organisms having a relatively high level of stored glycogen are produced. In a third stage, the PHA accumulation process is practiced where the glycogen rich organisms are fed VFAs under anaerobic or aerobic conditions or combinations thereof. Through the consumption of externally supplied VFAs and internally stored glycogen, relatively high levels of PHA in the biomass are produced. Thereafter PHA is separated from the residual biomass.
US08187455B2	Voltammetric technique to determine the individual concentration of different antioxidants of the same class Disclosed in certain embodiments is a method of determining the individual concentration of different antioxidants of the same class in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an effective amount of phenol; and analyzing the sample by voltammetry.
US08187453B2	Triglyceride and cholesterol sensing method and sensor A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in a sample is provided. The method typically provides a breakdown of the HDL and LDL cholesterol contents of the sample.
US08187451B2	Method and device for manufacturing integrally bladed rotors A method for manufacturing integrally bladed rotors (preferably gas turbine rotors) is provided. The method includes the steps of a) providing a basic rotor body; b) placing the basic rotor body into an electrolyte; c) electrochemically machining the basic rotor body by simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of unmachined blades; and d) subsequently machining the unmachined blades to provide hydrodynamic surfaces, in particular a suction side and a pressure side, in the area of each unmachined blade.
US08187450B2	Method and apparatus for electrowinning copper using ferrous/ferric anode reaction The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e., LME Grade A copper cathode or equivalent), which is advantageous.
US08187447B2	Zinc ferrite thin film, method for manufacturing the same and application thereof Electrochemical methods for manufacturing a zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) thin film include preparing an electrodeposition solution and forming the zinc ferrite thin film on a conductive substrate under suitable conditions. The electrodeposition solution includes about 10−2 M to about 10−1 M zinc nitrate aqueous solution and about 10−3 M to about 10−2 M ferric nitrate aqueous solution.
US08187446B2	Method of manufacturing a disposable electrochemical sensor strip A disposable electrochemical sensor strip is provided. The sensor strip includes an isolating sheet having at least a through hole, at least a conductive raw material mounted in the through hole, a metal film covered on the conductive raw material to form an electrode which comprises an electrode working surface for processing an electrode action, and an electrode connecting surface, at least a printed conductive film mounted on the isolating sheet and having a connecting terminal for being electrically connected to the electrode connecting surface, and a signal output terminal for outputting a measured signal produced by the electrode action.
US08187445B2	Process for manufacturing a thick plate electroformed monobloc microwave source Microwave source and polarizer which is formed of an electroformed monobloc comprising a thick plate or septum, greater than 1 mm in thickness. Frequencies of application include the 7.25 GHz and 8.4 GHz frequency bands.
US08187440B2	Methods of coating magnesium-based substrates A method of coating a magnesium-based substrate includes applying a first potential of electric current to the substrate and, after applying, immersing the substrate in an electrocoat coating composition. After immersing, a second potential of electric current is applied between the substrate and a counter electrode to deposit the electrocoat coating composition onto the substrate. The second potential is greater than the first potential. The method also includes curing the electrocoat coating composition to form a cured film and thereby coat the substrate. An electrocoat coating system includes the magnesium-based substrate, and the cured film disposed on the substrate and formed from the electrocoat coating composition. The substrate exhibits a negative charge from an applied first potential of electric current of ≦ approximately 40 V prior to contact with the electrocoat coating composition. The magnesium-based substrate is substantially free from magnesium dissolution when in contact with the electrocoat coating composition.
US08187434B1	Method and system for large scale manufacture of thin film photovoltaic devices using single-chamber configuration A system for large scale manufacture of thin film photovoltaic cells. The system includes a chamber comprising a plurality of compartments in a common vacuum ambient therein. Additionally, the system includes one or more shutter screens removably separating each of the plurality of compartments. The system further includes one or more transfer tools configured to transfer a substrate from one compartment to another without breaking the common vacuum ambient. The substrate is optically transparent and is characterized by a lateral dimension of about 1 meter or greater for a solar module. Embodiments of the invention provide that at least some of the plurality of compartments are configured to subject the substrate to one or more thin film processes to form a Cu-rich Cu—In composite material overlying the substrate and at least one of the plurality of compartments is configured to subject the Cu-rich Cu—In composite material to a thermal process to form a chalcogenide structured material.
US08187423B1	Fiber reinforced composites In one aspect, the invention is directed to an efficient and economical process for dispersing fiber in water and clay. In another aspect, the process for dispersing fiber in water and clay is used in methods of making fiber reinforced composite products. In another aspect, the dispersed fiber/clay material is formulated to make products which include, but which are not limited to, fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, paperboard products, kitty litter, and/or lightweight building materials comprising fiber.
US08187422B2	Disposable cellulosic wiper A high efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper includes (a) pulp-derived papermaking fiber; (b) up to 75% by weight regenerated cellulosic microfiber having a characteristic CSF value of less than 175 ml, the microfiber being selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a Laplace pore volume fraction at pore sizes less than 15 microns of at least 1.5 times that of a like wiper prepared without regenerated cellulose microfiber. The wipers of the invention exhibit remarkable residue removal efficiency.
US08187421B2	Absorbent sheet incorporating regenerated cellulose microfiber An absorbent paper sheet includes cellulosic papermaking fiber and up to about 75 percent by weight fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber which may be regenerated from a cellulosic dope utilizing a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent or selected ionic liquids. Fibrillation of the microfiber is controlled such that it has a reduced coarseness and a reduced freeness as compared with unfibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber from which it is made and provides at least one of the following attributes to the absorbent sheet: (a) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated SAT value and an elevated wet tensile value as compared with a like sheet prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; (b) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated wet/dry CD tensile ratio as compared with a like sheet prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; (c) the absorbent sheet exhibits a lower GM Break Modulus than a like sheet having like tensile values prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; or (d) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated bulk as compared with a like sheet having like tensile values prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber.
US08187420B2	Method for coating dry finish paperboard A method for coating paperboard including the steps of preparing a paperboard substrate having a basis weight of at least about 85 pounds per 3000 ft2, with the proviso that the paperboard substrate is not subjected to a wet stack calendering process, applying a basecoat to at least one surface of the paperboard substrate to form a coated paperboard structure, the basecoat including at least one pigment, the pigment having a sediment void volume of at least about 45 percent, and applying a top coat over the basecoat of the coated paperboard structure to form a top-coated paperboard structure having an outermost coating surface, wherein the outermost coating surface has a Parker Print Surf smoothness of at most about 3 microns.
US08187419B2	Soft tissue paper having a polyhydroxy compound and lotion applied onto a surface thereof The present disclosure provides a paper product having at least two plies. Only one outer surface of the tissue paper product has a lotion and a polyhydroxy compound having a molecular weight ranging from about 150 to about 4,000 and selected from the group consisting of glycerols, polyglycerols, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes, and combinations thereof applied thereto by slot extrusion. The polyhydroxy compound provides the tissue paper product with a Wet Burst greater than about 90 g, a Dynamic Coefficient of Friction less than about 0.9, and a Bending Flexibility less than about 0.042 gf cm2/cm.
US08187418B2	Method of making multilayer nonwoven fibrous mats A multilayer fibrous nonwoven mat containing at least one transition zone comprised of a mixture of the slurries used to form the layers on each side of the transition zone, the transition zone having a thickness of at least 1 percent of the thickness of the mat. At least one of the layers contains glass fibers. The multilayer mats are particularly useful as facers on gypsum wall board, insulating foam, a wood material and a broad range of other materials. The multilayer mats are made by a method that involves using a lamella in the forming box on a wet laid mat machine, between slurries, the lamella ending a significant distance prior to a moving forming wire. The transition zone or zones provide superior interlaminar shear strength and other properties compared to multilayer fibrous mats produced on wet laid machines having two or more separate forming boxes.
US08187415B2	Plasma etch reactor with distribution of etch gases across a wafer surface and a polymer oxidizing gas in an independently fed center gas zone A plasma etch reactor for plasma enhanced etching of a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer includes a housing defining a process chamber, a workpiece support configured to support a workpiece within the chamber during processing and comprising a plasma bias power electrode. The reactor further includes a first process gas inlet coupled to receive predominantly or pure oxygen gas and a second process gas inlet coupled to receive a polymerizing etch process gas. The reactor has a ceiling plasma source power electrode including a center circular gas disperser configured to receive a process gas from the first process gas inlet and to distribute the process gas into the chamber over the workpiece, and an inner annular gas disperser centered around the center gas disperser configured to receive the process gas from the second process gas inlet and to distribute the process gas into the chamber over the workpiece through an inner plurality of injection ports.
US08187414B2	Anchoring inserts, electrode assemblies, and plasma processing chambers A silicon-based showerhead electrode is provided where backside inserts are positioned in backside recesses formed along the backside of the electrode. The backside inserts comprise a threaded outside diameter, a threaded inside diameter, and a tool engaging portion formed in the threaded inside diameter. The tool engaging portion is formed such that the backside insert further comprises one or more lateral shielding portions between the tool engaging portion and the threaded outside diameter to prevent a tool engaged with the tool engaging portion of the backside insert from extending beyond the threaded outside diameter of the insert. Further, the tool engaging portion of the backside insert comprises a plurality of torque-receiving slots arranged about the axis of rotation of the backside insert. The torque-receiving slots are arranged to avoid on-axis rotation of the backside insert via opposing pairs of torque receiving slots.
US08187413B2	Electrode assembly and plasma processing chamber utilizing thermally conductive gasket The present invention relates generally to plasma processing and, more particularly, to plasma processing chambers and electrode assemblies used therein. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly is provided comprising a thermal control plate, a silicon-based showerhead electrode, and a thermally conductive gasket, wherein respective profiles of a frontside of the thermal control plate and a backside of the showerhead electrode cooperate to define a disjointed thermal interface comprising portions proximal to showerhead passages of the showerhead electrode and portions displaced from the showerhead passages. The displaced portions are recessed relative to the proximal portions and are separated from the showerhead passages by the proximal portions of the thermal interface. The gasket is positioned along the displaced portions such that the gasket is isolated from the showerhead passages and may facilitate heat transfer across the thermal interface from the showerhead electrode to the thermal control plate.
US08187406B2	Method of producing a high security film and high security film produced by said method The invention relates to a high security film, optionally in the form of a slit thread or a micro tape, which is then inserted into high security paper such as a bank note paper and the like during the paper making process. The invention envisages a novel method of producing such a high security film using a print transfer method, wherein one or more security features are incorporated on one or more indicia including letters, optionally graphics, during such a production process, using multiple printing stations and lamination.
US08187401B2	Enhanced thickness fabric and method of making same The present invention provides thickened fabrics and reinforcements for use as a spacer or reinforcement for a matrix system. The fabric includes in a first embodiment a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated into a sinusoidal path forming a generally “C” shaped bridge between adjacent warp yarns which results in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin or bonding agent, for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making such fabric by increasing the thickness of a woven or non-woven material by such methods as applying tension to warp yarns having opposite twists during weaving operations, or using unbalanced yarns, for example.
US08187399B2	Rotary wax transfer decorating system A label applicator system transfers labels from a web to items moving on a rotary item transport. The applicator system includes a supply for supplying the web with the labels thereon and a take-up for taking up the web after transfer of the label from the web to the item. The supply and take-up are vertically oriented. The applicator includes a movable label applicator head. A rotary table moves the items along a path defined by rotation of the table and rotates the items relative to an axis of the items. The label applicator head is movable toward and away from the item and the item is rotated to apply the label to the item as it moves passed the applicator head.
US08187396B2	Method of making a self-expanding stent A method of making a self-expanding stent includes disposing a stent comprising a shape memory alloy about an inflatable body, and applying a coolant to a surface of the stent. The inflatable body is inflated to radially expand the stent to an expanded diameter from an initial diameter, and the coolant is reapplied to the surface of the stent. The inflatable body is deflated, and the stent is positioned about a mandrel sized to accommodate the expanded diameter of the stent, where the stent reaches a mandrel-defined diameter. The stent is heat set at the mandrel-defined diameter so as to impart a memory of an expanded configuration of the stent to the shape memory alloy.
US08187393B2	Boronization process and composition with improved surface characteristics of metals Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide methods of boronizing titanium and other metals and metal alloys. The method proceeds, in an embodiment of the disclosed technology, by using a boron source, and placing it in a heated environment, followed by a reduced pressure environment, as is described in the disclosure. In a solid phase embodiment of the disclosure, boronized stainless steel alloys are produced having zero galling at 17,000 psi.
US08187387B2	Dryer and method of controlling cleaning operation thereof Disclosed herein are a dryer and a method of controlling a cleaning operation thereof that are capable of supplying moisture into a drying chamber of the dryer to wet contaminants in the drying chamber and blowing air to the wetted contaminants to remove the contaminants. The method includes supplying moisture into a drying chamber to wet contaminants in the drying chamber and removing the contaminants wetted by the moisture.
US08187384B2	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.
US08187380B2	Method of growing single crystal diamond in a plasma reactor Synthetic monocrystalline diamond compositions having one or more monocrystalline diamond layers formed by chemical vapor deposition, the layers including one or more layers having an increased concentration of one or more impurities (such as boron and/or isotopes of carbon), as compared to other layers or comparable layers without such impurities. Such compositions provide an improved combination of properties, including color, strength, velocity of sound, electrical conductivity, and control of defects. A related method for preparing such a composition is also described, as well as a system for use in performing such a method, and articles incorporating such a composition.
US08187375B2	Compositions for use in construction and methods of applying the same A composition for use in construction that is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that when applied to a surface produces a smooth or textured, water-shedding (hydrophobic properties), aesthetically-pleasing, protective continuous coating. The coated surface as well as the method of preparing and applying the composition is also provided.
US08187373B2	Printing inks for offset and/or high printing containing NIR absorbers and NIR absorbers soluble in offset and/or high printing inks Printing inks for offset and/or letterpress printing which comprise NIR absorbers, and solubility of the NIR absorber in the printing ink is at least 0.1% by weight. NIR absorbers consisting of cyanine cation with an anion which has long-chain alkyl or aralkyl groups. Use of such printing inks for printing processes in which the curing of the printing ink is promoted by using IR lasers. NIR absorbers comprising a cyanine cation with an anion which has long-chain alkyl or aralkyl groups.
US08187368B2	Low power consuming desorption apparatus and dehumidifier using the same The present invention provides a low power consumption desorption apparatus, which utilizes a pair of electrodes coupled to an absorbing material to provide an electric current flowing through the absorbing material so as to desorb the substances absorbed within the absorbing material. By means of the desorption apparatus of the present invention, the absorbing material is able to enhance the desorbing efficiency and reducing power consumption during desorption. The present invention further provides a dehumidifier using the low power consumption desorption apparatus for providing a continuous dry air flow to desorb and regenerate the moisture from the absorbing material so that the dehumidifier is capable of removing moisture in the air repeatedly to reduce the humidity.
US08187364B2	Method and apparatus for removing volatile contaminants from industrial plants A method and apparatus for simultaneously removing alkali chlorides from an industrial process and purifying vaporizable contaminants such as mercury from a particulate material. Gases containing alkali chlorides are cooled to a temperature above the boiling point of the contaminants and below the boiling point of the alkali chlorides. Particulates rich in alkali chlorides are removed from the gas stream with a first dust collector. The gas stream cleaned of alkali chlorides is directed to a reaction area where particulate material containing mercury contaminants is inserted into the gas stream to vaporize the contaminants from the material and entrain the cleaned material in the gases. The gases are directed to a second dust collector to remove the entrained particulate material, after which a sorbent or chemical reagent is injected in the gases to interact with the contaminants and form a contaminant containing product that is entrained in the gases and thereafter separated from the gases.
US08187361B2	Effluent gas recovery system in polysilicon and silane plants Purified SiHCl3 and/or SiCl4 are used as a sweep gas across a permeate side of a gas separation membrane receiving effluent gas from a polysilicon reactor. The combined sweep gas and permeate is recycled to the reactor.
US08187358B2	Apparatus and method for clean, rapidly solidified alloys One non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for forming an alloy powder or preform includes a melting assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a field generating assembly, and a collector. The melting assembly produces at least one of a stream of a molten alloy and a series of droplets of a molten alloy, and may be substantially free from ceramic in regions contacted by the molten alloy. The atomizing assembly generates electrons and impinges the electrons on molten alloy from the melting assembly, thereby producing molten alloy particles. The field generating assembly produces at least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field between the atomizing assembly and the collector. The molten alloy particles interact with the at least one field, which influences at least one of the acceleration, speed, and direction of the molten alloy particles. Related methods also are disclosed.
US08187353B2	Filtration structures for improved particulate filter performance A particulate filter may comprise an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of channels disposed and configured to flow fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end, wherein the channels are defined by porous walls configured to trap particulate matter. The porous walls may have a total porosity greater than about 45%, a median pore size ranging from about 13 micrometers to about 20 micrometers, and a pore size distribution such that pores less than 10 micrometers contribute less than about 10% porosity.
US08187346B2	Stabilization of pygas for storage A method for stabilizing pyrolysis gasoline in storage involves adding an effective amount of a quinone methide compound to the pyrolysis gasoline. The quinone methide does not require oxygen for activity. Embodiments of the quinone methide do not contain nitrogen and will have a reduced tendency for ammonia production.
US08187341B2	Finishing composition that inhibits dye bleed from basic dyed nylon fibers The present invention provides a process for improving the colorfastness, ozonefastness, and stainresistance of cationic dyeable nylon fibers dyed with basic dyestuffs wherein the process comprises the steps of treating the nylon fibers with a tannic acid product and then fixing the treated nylon fibers by a fixation method.
US08187340B2	Coloring agents and methods of use thereof Dyes, compositions comprising dyes and methods for using the same are provided.
US08187338B2	Foam oxidative hair colorant composition An oxidative hair colorant composition to be dispensed from a manually-actuable, non-aerosol dispenser as a foam. The oxidative hair colorant composition contains a foam stabilizing agent and is essentially free of surfactant.
US08187337B2	Trouble-free safety prosthesis joint A trouble-free safety prosthesis joint, which has a below-knee connector device with a main body, a base, a drive element and a restoring unit. The restoring unit is provided in a receiving space located in the interior of the main body and is connected to the drive element. The base extending downward from the main body serves for connection to the below-knee prosthesis. A thigh connector device is arranged on the below-knee connector device. One end of the brake element is connected to the restoring unit and the other end is connected pivotably to the thigh connector device. A brake element and a brake stirrup are also located in the receiving space of the below-knee connector device, which is connected to the thigh connector device and the brake stirrup is connected to the brake element. The brake stirrup engages the brake journal and is connected to the below-knee connector device.
US08187336B2	Device and method for reconstruction of osseous skeletal defects A synovial joint implantable apparatus for the reconstruction of skeletal defects with a flexible member, which is preferably resorbable, attached to a rigid structural prosthesis such as a total hip or total knee replacement implant. The cavitary space defined and surrounded by the flexible member is filled with osteoconductive and/or inductive materials which eventually matures into new column of bone. The prosthesis is supported by the bed of graft material surrounding it and is gradually unloaded as the bed matures into solid bone. The fixation of the prosthesis into native bone depends on the specific implant and the anatomic area of its use. The flexible member is secured to the margins of the prosthesis using rails, runners, sutures, or other attachment devices that prevent the escape of the bone graft and maintain an initial column of support for the implant. Should the metal implant even need removal, the reconstituted bone can be separated from the implant in such a way as to restore bone stock and facilitate future revision surgical procedures.
US08187333B2	Intervertebral disc prosthesis and method for implanting and explanting Prosthesis for inserting into a damaged intervertebral disc having an elongated tubular main prosthesis body with a length to fit laterally from one side of a disc to the other at its mid-plane. The main prosthesis body has a vertical height slightly greater than the height of normal disc space of the damaged intervertebral disc into which it is to be implanted, and a shape in cross section normal to its longitudinal axis so that main prosthesis body makes appropriate contact with vertebrae abutting to the damaged intervertebral disc. Heads having a vertical height greater than the vertical height of the main prosthesis body are mounted on the ends of the main prosthesis body. A method for implanting from one side only and a method for explanting from one side only.
US08187330B2	Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a variable length elongated member Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a single dampener set. Compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
US08187324B2	Telescoping apparatus for delivering and adjusting a medical device in a vessel A medical device that can be used for treating a defective heart valve. One aspect of the invention pertains to a longitudinally adjustable medical device that comprises a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a cord member. The distal portion comprises a distal anchoring member, a distal telescope, and a distal backbone. The proximal portion comprises a proximal anchoring member, a proximal telescope, and a proximal backbone. The distal backbone and the proximal backbone are configured to provide a structural support to the device while providing flexibility to the device. The cord member is disposed within the device and used to facilitate longitudinal adjustment for the device.
US08187321B2	Expandable medical device for delivery of beneficial agent An expandable medical device has a plurality of elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of said strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles.
US08187320B2	Medical implants containing FK506 (tacrolimus) Implants and methods of making same are provided for treatment or prophylaxis of coronary or peripheral vascular constrictions or vascular occlusions, and particularly, stenoses or restenoses, that comprise FK506 in chemically covalently bound, non-covalently bound or physically immobilized form.
US08187318B2	Covered stent with proximal and distal attachment, delivery catheter, and method of making same A metallic or pseudometallic covered stent in which the stent component and the cover component are each fabricated of biocompatible metallic or pseudometallic materials, in which the cover and the stent are joined by at least one juncture at each of a proximal and distal end of the stent and the cover. A method of joining the stent and the cover is also disclosed.
US08187317B2	Endoprosthesis, and method for producing an endoprosthesis The endoprosthesis is designed to be implanted in an aneurysm (12) of a patient, the aneurysm (12) resulting from deformation of a vessel wall, in particular the wall of an artery (14), the endoprosthesis including: a tubular envelope (22, 24) that extends in a direction (Y-Y′), and a plurality of pressure probes (26) fixed on the envelope (22, 24), each probe (26) including: a sensor (28) for measuring pressure, and elements (34, 36) for transmitting the pressure measurement to a monitoring apparatus located outside the patient. The elements (34, 36) for transmitting the pressure measurement from each probe (26) are designed to generate an electromagnetic pressure measurement transmission signal including at least one distinctive characteristic of the probe (26) of which these elements (34, 36) form part.
US08187312B2	Method for treating intervertebral disc A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the functional element is positioned at a selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. Then the functional unit treats the annular fissure. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to seal the fissure. An externally guidable intervertebral disc apparatus also is disclosed.
US08187309B2	Screw locking systems for bone plates Bone screws have heads which are provided with a hex socket as well as a threaded portion. A screw driver system includes a hex driver and a threaded driver. The screw driver system permits driving the screw through a plate system into a bone until desired compression is obtained. Then the screw is locked to the plate while maintaining the imparted compression.
US08187307B2	Structures and methods for constraining spinal processes with single connector Spinous process constraint structures include a first attachment element for placement over a first spinous process and a second attachment element for placement over a second spinous process. The attachment elements are joined by a single connector which may optionally include a compliance member for providing controlled elasticity between the spinous processes.
US08187302B2	Osteointegration apparatus A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use an osteointegration apparatus that includes a porous ossomeric mesh and a frame member.
US08187301B2	Suture lock A suture lock to be used with a suture thread. The suture lock comprises at least one passageway for receiving a suture thread, with the passageway having at least a portion of its length having a longitudinal side opening arranged to slidably receive the suture. The passageway is tapered inwardly and including an interior surface having inwardly converging teeth. The invention may also comprise a suture lock having an adjustable channel located within the suture lock. The channel may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, thereby allowing the suture to be secured. Translation of the suture itself may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the channel. The suture lock may contain a releasable device to retain the channel in multiple positions between the closed and open position.
US08187297B2	Devices and methods for treatment of obesity Devices, methods for treatment of obesity, as well as instruments and tools used in placing, adjusting and maintaining devices for treatment of obesity. Various embodiments of devices that are implanted extra-gastrically are provided. Various embodiments of devices that are implanted intra-gastrically are provided. Methods include laparoscopic, percutaneous and/or trans-oral methods. Alternatively, devices describe can generally also be implanted by open surgical procedures.
US08187295B2	Puncture device The invention provides a lancing apparatus for moving a lancet holder (32) retaining a lancet in a lancing direction (N1) from a standby position to a lancing position together with the lancet so as to cause the lancet to stick into an object. In the lancing apparatus the lancet is inserted into the lancet holder (32) in a retreating direction (N2), thus to be retained by the lancet holder. The lancet holder (32) includes a first member and a second member (33, 34) relatively movable with respect to each other, so that the first and the second members (33), (34) are relatively moved so as to fix the lancet. Preferably, the lancet holder (32) is constructed such that at least either of the first and the second members (33, 34) applies a pressing force to the lancet, so as to fix the lancet.
US08187294B2	Rotating surgical cutter A rotating surgical system is provided that includes a base, a first member rotably engaged with the base, and a second member fixed with said first member such that said first member and said second member rotate together.
US08187290B2	Method and apparatus for vascular and visceral clipping Devices and methods for achieving hemostasis and leakage control in hollow body vessels such as the small and large intestines, arteries, and veins as well as ducts leading to the gall bladder and other organs. The devices and methods disclosed are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting, and most especially during damage control procedures. In such cases, the patient may have received trauma to the abdomen, extremities, neck or thoracic region. The devices utilize removable or permanently implanted, broad, soft, parallel jaw clips with minimal projections to maintain vessel contents without damage to the tissue comprising the vessel. These clips are applied using either standard instruments or custom devices that are subsequently removed leaving the clips implanted, on a temporary or permanent basis, to provide for hemostasis or leakage prevention, or both. These clips overcome the limitations of clips and sutures that are currently used for the same purposes. The clips come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The clips may be placed and removed by open surgery or laparoscopic access.
US08187286B2	Apparatus and method for compressing body tissue A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed. The surgical clip can be a deformable clip that is deployed in a non deformed configuration, and is then deformed so as to apply compression on selected tissue. The surgical clip can be a multi-legged clip, having a plurality of legs that can be locked in a closed position to apply compression to body tissue.
US08187285B2	Method and apparatus for processing dermal tissue A portable and disposable device is provided for processing harvested dermal tissue. The device includes a housing presenting a handle having a gripping surface and a cutting head attached to the handle. A cutting assembly is supported by the cutting head and includes a plurality of spaced cutting blades that are rotatable with respect to the housing. A receptacle is disposed downstream of the cutting assembly and receives the sliced tissue from the cutting blades. The device is thus operable to slice harvested tissue into strips, and further into fine particles, that can be used for transplantation onto a wound site.
US08187276B1	Odd angle internal bone fixation device for use in a transverse fracture of a humerus The present invention is an improved unique odd angle internal fixation device for both a transverse and longitudinal fracture located at the junction of the metaphysis and diaphysis of a long bone such as the proximal humerus. The improved odd angle internal fixation device includes an elongated lag screw and a rectangular shaped guide plate having multiple holes throughout the plate to host pins and screws and four tips on the front side of the plate. A lag screw with a cylindric head having a hexagonal cavity introduced through the diaphyseal segment of the fracture at three angles, 90, and 150 and 160 degrees, cross fixing the respective bone longitudinal and transverse fracture line and settling in the depth of the epiphysis. An additional locking screw is introduced on the top of the lag screw head to securely lock the lag screw after being settled into the epiphysis. The guide plate serves as a guide for the lag screw and allows the engagement of the head of the lag screw to the inner wall of its short barrel portion. The engagement would cause the guide plate which is attached to the barrel, to be compressed against the diaphyseal cortex as the lag screw advances deeper into the epiphysis at said three angles.
US08187275B2	Orthopaedic implant and fastening assembly Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of an implant, such as an intramedullary nail, and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and compression screw assembly. The implant in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the implant. In some embodiments, the engaging member and the compression device are configured so that the compression device interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments. This configuration is useful for, among other things, compressing a fracture.
US08187273B2	Apparatus, system, and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.
US08187271B2	Endoscopic instrument An endoscopic instrument includes: a high-frequency knife for carrying out incisional intervention; a wire having a distal end connected to the high-frequency knife; an outer sheath for allowing the wire to pass therethrough; a main body having a proximal end of the sheath fixed thereto; a first slider, capable of freely sliding on the main body, having the wire fixed thereto; at least a stopper projecting radially outward relative to the wire; a first abutment member making contact with the stopper and regulating distal sliding movement of the wire; and a projection-length-adjusting member, provided in the outer sheath, for regulating proximal sliding movement of the wire by making contact with the stopper. This configuration allows the high-frequency knife to be maintained at different projection lengths based on the stopper making contact with the first abutment member and the stopper making contact with the projection-length-adjusting member.
US08187270B2	Hemostatic spark erosion tissue tunnel generator with integral treatment providing variable volumetric necrotization of tissue A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounding the elongated body prevents leakage of RF energy from the elongated body when the catheter is being inserted into the tissue of the patient. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers first RF energy capable of producing sparks that erode the tissue of the patient and create a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve is retracted to expose a portion of the RF electrode. Second RF energy is delivered to the volume of tissue around the catheter to necrotize the tissue by heating without producing sparks.
US08187264B2	Electrode needle device with temperature sensor In a needle electrode device with a temperature sensor, having a hollow outer needle (1), which can be pierced into an affected area and is coated with an insulating layer (11) on an outer peripheral surface except at its distal end, and an inner needle (2), which is passed through the outer needle and has the temperature sensor (21) at its distal end, so that a high frequency current is supplied to the outer needle through the inner needle, and having a coupled tube (3) coupled to the rear end of the outer needle, so that the rear end (22) of the inner needle is inserted into the coupled tube in such a way as to be freely adjustable in its position in an axial direction, the position adjustment of the inner needle is provided with a simple operation. The coupled tube (3) is provided inside with a spring member (32) including a winding portion (32a) around the outer circumference of the rear end (22) of the inner needle (2) and a fixed portion (32b) fixed to the coupled tube (3). Moreover, the rear end (22) of the inner needle (2) can be moved in the axial direction by rotating the rear end (22) of the inner needle (2) in the opposite direction to a winding direction of the winding portion (32a).
US08187262B2	Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The electrosurgical generator includes a power supply for generating a DC voltage. The electrosurgical generator also includes a first parallel inductor-capacitor circuit being driven by a first signal at a first predetermined frequency and a second parallel inductor-capacitor circuit driven by a second signal at the first predetermined frequency phase shifted 180 degrees. The electrosurgical generator further includes a series inductor-capacitor resonant circuit operably connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer. The first and second parallel inductor-capacitor circuits are operably connected to the transformer, such that the first inductor-capacitor circuit generates a positive half sine wave and the second inductor-capacitor circuit generates a 180 degrees phase-shifted positive half sine wave to generate a full sine wave in a secondary winding of the transformer.
US08187259B2	System and method for stabilizing delivered laser energy Systems and methods provide for stabilizing the amount of laser energy delivered to a target from a laser device. Generally, delivered laser energy is measured over multiple laser pulses or over time in the case of a constant wave laser. A decrease is then calculated in the delivered energy, the decrease being caused by accumulation of one or more substances, such as ozone, along the laser beam delivery path due to passage of the laser beam along the path. Using this calculated decrease, a laser device may be adjusted to compensate for the decrease in delivered energy due to the accumulated substance(s), thus stabilizing the amount of energy delivered to the target.
US08187258B2	Apparatus for determination and decrease of dynamic positioning errors of an ablating laser during refractive laser surgery The above described apparatus and methods provide the possibility to reduce or even eliminate the effects of delay between image acquisition and laser ablation. Thus this will lead to less positioning errors and therefore to better ablation results in laser refractive surgery. The importance of this invention will increase with decreasing ablating beam diameter. The use of synchronization leads to shorter delay times. Hence it follows that the duration of the whole treatment decreases as well.
US08187257B2	Optical devices and methods for selective and conventional photocoagulation of the retinal pigment epithelium The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto the retina. A scanner is optically coupled to the radiation source to control movement of the beam in two dimensions to allow a scan over the retina. A controller applies control signals to the scanner to adjust beam movement to illuminate a plurality of retinal locations in a temporal sequence according to a predefined pattern. The device can be operated in one mode to effect selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelial cells, or in another mode to effect thermal photocoagulation of the retina.
US08187255B2	Medical devices having nanoporous coatings for controlled therapeutic agent delivery According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which include a substrate, at least one porous reservoir containing at least one therapeutic agent disposed over the substrate, at least one nanoporous layer disposed over the at least one porous reservoir, and at least one plugged aperture, which may be located within the substrate, within the nanoporous layer, or both. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a medical device is provided which includes (a) forming a porous reservoir over a substrate, (b) forming a nanoporous layer over the porous reservoir, (c) forming an aperture within the substrate or the nanoporous layer, (d) filling the porous reservoir with therapeutic agent through the aperture, and (d) plugging the aperture.
US08187254B2	Biodegradable drains for medical applications The invention relates, generally, to medical appliances. More particularly, it relates to tubular shaped devices used as drains for draining fluids (liquids and/or gases) from antrums or other parts of the human or animal body. According to the present invention a drain is provided, which is suitable for draining a human or animal antrum, which drain comprises a synthetic biodegradable material, preferably a biodegradable polymer.
US08187253B2	Low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter A low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter. In one embodiment, the adaptor comprises a lower connector portion, an upper connector portion and a valve. The lower connector portion comprises a tubular portion and an annular portion, the annular portion radially surrounding the tubular portion along an intermediate length thereof. A helical thread is formed on the inside surface of the tubular portion. A circular lip projects upwardly a short distance from the top surface of the annular portion. The upper connector portion comprises a tubular section adapted for insertion into the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. An external helical thread is formed on the tubular section of the upper connector portion for mating engagement with the thread on the interior of the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. The upper connector portion also includes an annular base. The top of the base is shaped to include a cavity for receiving the valve, the cavity being in fluid communication with the tubular section. A double-walled circular lip is formed on the bottom of the base, the double-walled lip being sized and shaped to define a groove adapted to matingly receive the lip on the upper connector portion. In use, the lower connector portion is inserted into the end of a catheter, and the tubular section of the upper connector portion is screwed into the tubular portion of the lower connector, with the catheter being ensnared between the lips of the upper and lower connector portions.
US08187250B2	Peritoneal dialysis methods and apparatus A peritoneal-based (“bloodless”) artificial kidney processes peritoneal fluid without need for additional fluids (“waterless”). Fluid is separated into a protein-rich stream and a protein-free stream. The protein-rich stream is regenerated using a sorbent assembly, and its protein composition can be modified by removal of selected protein(s) (“dialysate-pheresis”). It is then reconstituted with additives and returned into the peritoneal cavity, thereby reducing protein-loss and providing oncotic-pressure for ultrafiltration. The protein-free stream is used to produce free water, and an alkaline or acid fluid for optimization of the composition of the regenerated stream. The unused protein-free stream can be used to “reverse flush” the separator to maintain its patency and the excess discarded for fluid-balance regulation. Compared to prior art, immobilization of urease allows more protein rich fluid to be regenerated and re-circulated into the peritoneal cavity for toxin removal and allows practicable development of portable and wearable artificial kidneys.
US08187248B2	System and device for removing pharmaceutical products A system for removing or transferring a pharmaceutical product from a reservoir including an ampoule with a moveable piston therein and an adaptor which includes, generally along a longitudinal axis, a reservoir connector and an ampoule connector for coupling to the ampoule, wherein the ampoule connector includes at least one locking mechanism which, in a side wall, includes a resilient element generally corresponding to a portion of the side wall which extends along the periphery thereof and, at opposing ends, merges with the side wall.
US08187243B2	Disposable absorbent article containing an unapertured skinless elastomeric layer The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region between the front and back waist regions, said chassis having two opposing longitudinal edges and two perpendicularly placed end edges, said chassis further comprising: a. a liquid permeable topsheet spanning at least the crotch region; b. a backsheet spanning at least the crotch region; c. an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and backsheet; and d. a elastic member disposed along at least one opposing longitudinal edge in either the front waist or back waist region of said chassis wherein said member comprises an unapertured, skinless elastomeric layer wherein said layer exhibits an Energy Recovery Value of at least about 0.77.
US08187232B2	Needle insertion systems and methods A housing may have a needle, plunger, and bias mechanism supported within the housing by a tab configured to retain the plunger in position and to allow the plunger to move under bias force imparted by the bias mechanism to move the needle to an insert position when the tab is removed. A base and a structure may be configured for relative movement there between and may be adapted to be secured to a user with a cannula extending through a body of the structure into the user during use of a medical device. A housing may be adapted to be secured to a user to support a medical device operable with an insertion needle, the housing having a magnifying material for increasing visibility of an injection site.
US08187231B2	Catheterization system The present disclosure relates to catheterization systems and components thereof. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a catheterization system is disclosed that includes a catheter including a body with proximal and distal ends and defining first and second lumens extending therethrough, and a stylet. The stylet includes first and second stylet portions each having proximal and distal end regions, wherein the distal end regions of the first and second stylet portions together define a tapered penetrating portion. The first and second stylet portions are configured and dimensioned to be slidably positioned within the first and second lumens of the catheter, respectively. The first and second stylet portions extend from the proximal end of the catheter and beyond the distal end of the catheter, and are independently movable in relation to each other to facilitate selective removal of the first stylet portion and/or the second stylet portion from the catheter.
US08187230B2	Indwelling needle assembly and method of using the same An indwelling needle assembly, including an inner needle having a sharp needle point at a distal end thereof; an inner needle hub which is fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle and which has a proximal end face; a hollow outer needle into which the inner needle is inserted; and an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, the inner needle is adhered and fixed to the inner needle hub with an adhesive at a proximal portion thereof, and the inner needle hub is provided with a projected part formed by projecting the adhesive toward a proximal side relative to the proximal end face.
US08187223B2	Anti-restenosis drug covered and eluting balloons for valvuloplasty of aortic valve stenosis for the prevention of restenosis In one embodiment, balloons are intended for use in valvuloplasty of stenosed aortic valves, with a potential use for valvuloplasty of other heart valves as well. Their common special feature is that the entire or part of their external surface is covered by a drug that is eluted at the valve tissues during the balloon brief contact with them at the time of dilatation. The drug acts against the process of restenosis, which almost uniformly occurs after some time. The shape of the balloon can be the classical cylindrical or an hour-glass shape that facilitates targeted delivery of the drug at the valve tissues. Additional balloon shapes are described for usage after valvuloplasty is carried out in order to achieve targeted drug delivery in the upper or both surfaces of the leaflets, and for prolonged contact with the valve tissues without interruption of blood circulation. An advantage of the balloons is that the local delivery of the drug will significantly reduce the likelihood of restenosis. As a result the procedural benefits for the patient are sustained in the long term, and the procedure from alleviating progresses into end-therapy.
US08187221B2	Nanotube-reinforced balloons for delivering therapeutic agents within or beyond the wall of blood vessels, and methods of making and using same A dilatation catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent within a body lumen having a wall with a thickness is provided having a balloon having a flexible wall including a polymer with dispersed nanotubes and pores configured to close below a predefined pressure and to open at or above a predefined pressure. In some embodiments, an actuator is provided to controllably inflate the balloon with a fluid at a pressure sufficient to bring the flexible wall of the balloon into contact with at least a portion of the wall of the body lumen but below the predefined pressure, and to controllably increase the pressure of the fluid within the inflated balloon to at least the predefined pressure at a rate and with a force sufficient to deliver the therapeutic agent from the pores and through at least a portion of the thickness of the wall of the body lumen.
US08187217B2	TMR shunt A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration. In one embodiment, a conduit is provided having a distal top which is more preferably a ball top, wire top, flare top or flip-down top. These top configurations anchor the shunt at one end in the coronary artery.
US08187216B2	Hollow fiber membrane-type artificial lung A hollow fiber bundle that is formed by arranging a plurality of porous hollow fiber membranes 8 in one direction; a heat exchange pipe bundle that is formed by arranging and laminating a plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 in one direction crossing the hollow fiber membranes and is apposed with the hollow fiber bundle; and a potting material 10 that is filled in a region including both end parts of the hollow fiber membranes and the heat exchange pipes and forms a blood channel extending across the hollow fiber membranes and the heat exchange pipes are provided. The housing includes: blood ports 3a, 3b that face both ends of the blood channel; gas headers 4a, 4b that form gas ports 5a, 5b facing both ends of the hollow fiber bundle; and heat exchange headers 6a, 6b that form heat exchange liquid ports 7a, 7b facing both ends of the heat exchange pipe bundle. The blood flows through the blood channel and an oxygen-containing gas flows through a bore of the hollow fiber membrane so as to perform the gas exchange, and the heat exchange liquid flows through a bore of the heat exchange pipe so as to perform the heat exchange. A hollow fiber membrane-type artificial lung, in which the heat exchange part is apposed with the gas exchange part without unnecessarily increasing a priming volume, can be structured.
US08187215B2	Device allowing serial use of clean and alternative blood filters during blood filtration A device that allows for serial (time) use of clean blood filters during the use of a heart lung machine. The device is comprised of a series of filters and a switching mechanism that allows the new filter to be placed in the blood flow pathway while at the same time removing the old (previous) filter. A clean filter is always available, and filters for specific components of blood or those able to bind and remove specific biochemicals can be used.
US08187214B2	Apparatus for making extracorporeal blood circulation available The present invention relates to an apparatus for making extracorporeal blood circulation available, in a particular a heart-lung machine, comprising machine, comprising a venous connection and an arterial connection, between which a blood reservoir, a blood pump and a bubble detector for the detection of air bubbles are provided, with, downstream of the bubble detector, an arterial line leading to the arterial connection via an arterial clamp and a bypass leading via a bypass clamp back into the blood reservoir which is connected to a pump extracting air from the blood reservoir. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of operating such an apparatus.
US08187205B2	Integrated spot monitoring device with fluid sensor A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to breach the skin surface and allow bodily fluid to emerge from the breach location. The bodily fluid sampling device further evaluates the amount of bodily fluid emerged from breach location and determines whether the amount is sufficient or insufficient for a particular purpose, such as sampling and testing. The determination is accomplished automatically without moving the device. The user may also intervene to perform a variety of tasks following the determination of the amount of bodily fluid.
US08187201B2	System and method for applying continuous positive airway pressure The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for titration of airway pressure in the treatment of hypoventilation. An exemplary method comprises examining both a signal indicative of ventilation of a patient and a signal indicative of oxygen saturation of the patient to determine a condition of hypoventilation, and applying a pressure to the nasal passage of the patient if the condition of hypoventilation is identified.
US08187194B2	Method of mounting a transducer to a driveshaft A method of mounting a transducer to a driveshaft which eliminates the need for a transducer housing, the improved method directly attaches the transducer to a rigid distal tip of a driveshaft which is part of a rotatable imaging core of a catheter assembly. The method contemplates heat treating the distal tip of the driveshaft to make it rigid, machining the distal tip to be dimensioned to hold the transducer, and attaching the transducer to the distal tip by clamping, crimping, or an adhesive.
US08187189B2	Imaging via blood vessels A method and system are described for generating a signal indicative of an intravascular image received at least partly via a light transducer and invoking circuitry for passing the generated signal out of a subject's body.
US08187187B2	Shear wave imaging Shear wave imaging is provided in medical diagnostic ultrasound. A region is imaged to determine a location in which to calculate shear velocity. The shear velocity is estimated for the location. The imaging may guide the identification of the location, reducing the time to determine useful shear information. The estimate of shear may be validated, such as using cross-validation, to indicate the confidence level of the shear value. The shear velocity may be displayed relative to a scale of shear velocities associated with a type of tissue, such as tissue for an organ. The location on a scale may be more intuitive for a user.
US08187183B2	Continuous glucose monitoring system and methods of use A continuous glucose monitoring system including a sensor configured to detect one or more glucose levels, a transmitter operatively coupled to the sensor, the transmitter configured to receive the detected one or more glucose levels, the transmitter further configured to transmit signals corresponding to the detected one or more glucose levels, and a receiver operatively coupled to the transmitter configured to receive transmitted signals corresponding to the detected one or more glucose levels, and methods thereof, are disclosed. In one aspect, the transmitter may be configured to transmit a current data point and at least one previous data point, the current data point and the at least one previous data point corresponding to the detected one or more glucose levels.
US08187182B2	Sensor fusion for activity identification A mobile device monitors accelerations using one or more inertial sensors. A user activity is identified based on the accelerations. A first estimation is made of a user activity statistic associated with the user activity based on the accelerations. Location information is obtained by one or more location based sensors. A second estimation is made of the user activity statistic based on the location information. The user activity statistic is calculated based on the first estimation and the second estimation.
US08187181B2	Scoring of sensed neurological signals for use with a medical device system A medical device system capable of scoring a severity of sensed neurological signals relating to a nervous system disorder. The system comprises a monitoring element that receives a neurological signal having at least one event to be scored. The medical device system identifies one or more features of the neurological signal to use in scoring and computes a score of relative severity of the event using the identified feature. Once two or more events have been scored, the events may be ranked by severity relative to each other.
US08187175B2	Endoscope, endoscope apparatus, and method of connecting external equipment to endoscope An endoscope according to an aspect of the invention includes an image pickup connector portion projecting from one end side of an endoscope connector and connected to a first electrical contact of a video processor, and a magnification change connector portion projecting from the other end side of the endoscope connector opposite to the one end side and connected to a second electrical contact of a magnification control device.
US08187169B2	Medical apparatus A medical apparatus includes a first medical device, a second medical device, an integrated inputting device, and an integrated control device. The first medical device includes an insertion portion having a bending portion that is bent by a first driving portion and a first control device controlling the first driving portion. The second medical device includes an external force applying portion applying an external force to the insertion portion, a second driving portion allowing the external force applying portion to be operated, and a second control device controlling the second driving portion. The integrated inputting device instructs a distal end of the insertion portion to be moved to a target position or a target posture or in a target direction. Integrated control device controls at least one of the first driving portion and the second driving portion on the basis of an instruction from the integrated inputting device.
US08187154B2	Training scripts A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
US08187150B2	Control apparatus and control method for automatic transmission An ECU executes a program including the steps of: starting monitoring the turbine revolution speed and the output shaft revolution speed when a direct shift is started (YES in S100) (S102); performing complete disengagement control on a disengagement element (1) (S106), lowering control pressure of a disengagement element (2) to preliminarily fixed control pressure (S110); starting engagement control on an engagement element (1) when a set time period Is (1) passes (YES in S112) (S114); performing complete disengagement control on the disengagement element (2) when a set time period Is (2) passes (YES in S118) (S120); and starting the engagement control on an engagement element (2) when turbine revolution speed NT is equal to or larger than (the synchronous revolution speed of a gear after a shift—a set value Ns) (YES in. S 122) (S 124).
US08187149B2	Coasting control systems and methods for automatic transmission A coasting control system for a vehicle includes a coasting monitoring module and a glide mode activation module. The coasting monitoring module determines whether the vehicle is in a coasting state. The glide mode activation module operates a transmission in a freewheeling state based on a determination that the vehicle is in the coasting state.
US08187145B2	Method and apparatus for clutch torque control in mode and fixed gear for a hybrid powertrain system A method for controlling hydraulic line pressure of a hydraulic control system in an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member via selective application of a plurality of hydraulically-applied torque transfer clutches includes monitoring requirements for transmission of clutch reactive torque in one of the clutches, monitoring a hydraulic line pressure within the hydraulic control system, determining a minimum clutch torque capacity required to keep the clutch from slipping, determining a hydraulic line pressure required to create the minimum clutch torque capacity, and modulating hydraulic line pressure applied to the clutch by modulating operation of the hydraulic control system based upon the hydraulic line pressure required to create the minimum clutch torque capacity.
US08187143B2	Control apparatus for vehicular drive system A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including (a) an internal combustion engine, and (b) a first transmission portion and a second transmission portion disposed in a power transmitting path between the internal combustion engine and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the first transmission portion having an electrically controlled differential portion which includes a first electric motor and a differential state of which is controllable by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, the control apparatus includes an internal-combustion-engine control portion configured to change an operating state of the internal combustion engine when it is determined that a shifting action of the second transmission portion is abnormal.
US08187140B2	Planetary gear mechanism A planetary gear mechanism which has at least one drive unit, at least one output unit and a freewheel unit. The freewheel unit is provided for blocking a moment which is introduced at the output unit.
US08187135B2	Continuously variable transmission This invention relates to a transmission system for transmitting a driving force from a driving unit D to a driven unit F, a transmission adjustment system for adjusting the transmission system to obtain a continuous shift ratio, a guide cone system for maintaining a concentric circle of a rotation radius when a transmission element such as a chain is rotated, a guide cone/transmission adjustment system and a continuously variable transmission system which are made by combination of the above systems. The transmission system includes the transmission element with a tooth portion for transmitting the driving force from the driving unit D to the driven unit F. A transmission adjustment method in the transmission adjustment system is varied depending upon rotation or stop of a carrier. The guide cone system includes a guide cone having a portion of which comes in contact with the transmission element is formed in a shape of a cone having a constant slope. A coupling method of the above systems and an input/output method are selected in the continuously variable transmission system. With the above construction, this invention can be applied without being restricted to the output capacity of the engine, have a simple construction, and transmit a rotation force to an output shaft from an input shaft with high efficiency to reduce energy. Particularly, this invention is widely applied to an industrial machinery as well as a transportation machinery.
US08187134B2	Friction roller type power transmission device Under control of rotation of a crankshaft 41, a friction roller 32 is pressed against a friction roller 31 in a radial direction, so as to achieve torque transmission between the rollers 31, 32. An inter-roller radial pressing reaction is canceled as an internal force in bearing supports 23, 25, with no input to a housing 11. Each bearing support 23, 25 is formed with a constricted portion at a center section of the bearing support between bearing-fitting portions at end sections of the bearing support, for lowering support stiffness of the bearing support against the inter-roller radial pressing reaction.
US08187132B2	Vehicle controller and control method When initial control ends, an ECU executes a program that includes the steps of: calculating a return control progression degree; calculating a target amount of change in turbine speed; calculating a feedback gain; calculating a target turbine speed; calculating a deviation between the target turbine speed and turbine speed NT; determining a hydraulic pressure command value; outputting the hydraulic pressure command; and when the turbine speed is synchronized with a first gear synchronization speed, outputting the maximum hydraulic pressure command.
US08187131B2	Propulsion system for all-wheel drive motor vehicles The invention relates to a propulsion system for all-wheel drive motor vehicles, having a device for propulsion distribution to the front and the rear differential which transmit the drive output to the wheels assigned at the time, and with a device for coupled, variable distribution of the propulsion forces in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the vehicle depending on the operating situation of the vehicle for influencing the driving behavior, especially for improving the driving agility and driving stability. In the process the rear differential is combined with an overriding drive, by means of which the drive torques can be shifted to the rear wheels in alternation in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the rpm ratio or rpm error being dictated by means of the overriding drive at the design point so that at a given curve radius which is assigned to the design point and which does not correspond to the narrowest curve, a reversal of the direction of the rotational speed difference takes place and thus the torque is not shifted to the wheel on the outside of the curve. By means of the propulsion distribution device the drive torques can be shifted in alternation between the front differential and rear differential in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US08187123B2	Portable target to enable an individual to practice kicking soccer balls through what is considered the most difficult location for a goal tender to guard against A portable target for a soccer goal designed with rods that enable an individual to stand on the ground and lift the portable target so that it can be lifted over the top horizontal crossbar of the soccer goal and then set in place. The target has elongated rods with curved hook attaching members designed in a manner that enables an individual to stand on the ground and simply lift the target so that the curved hook attaching members can be extended over the top horizontal crossbar of a soccer goal and then lowered onto the top horizontal crossbar of a soccer goal to be removably affixed thereto. The rod are removably retained within interior channels within the target.
US08187119B2	Golf club head An exemplary golf club head having additional discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing light-weight materials, a favorable average vertical distance, and/or articulation points. By using a preferred break length, the additional discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.
US08187117B2	Golf club head A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a strike face, a rear wall behind the strike face, and a perimeter-weighting element at least partially surrounding the rear wall. The club head may further include an insert, associated with the rear wall and the perimeter-weighting element, having a first portion and a second portion. Preferably, the second portion engages a supplementary component, associated with the perimeter-weighting element and dissociated from the rear wall.
US08187116B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads Aspects of this disclosure relate to golf club heads which include a wood type golf club head body with a double wall structure that includes a ball striking face portion, which is configured to be disengaged from a rear portion of the golf club head body. Further aspects relate to a second wall portion which is configured to be disengaged from the golf club head body. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making such golf club and golf club heads also are provided.
US08187114B2	Golf back-board A one piece, golf accessory formed from a flexible thin flat plastic sheet which assembles into a three dimensional golf target structure and maybe disassembled. The three dimensional golf target structure includes a rounded cup with a backboard above it having wings extending to either side of the cup capable of guiding a golf ball to the cup. The wings each have a ground insertion spike to hold them in position on the ground above the cup. The cup has a bottom to capture a golf ball. The is cup sized and designed to fit into a regulation sized golf hole with a target on the center of the backboard for a golfer to aim at.
US08187111B2	Child motion device A child motion device includes a frame providing a structural support relative to a reference surface and including an arm pivotably coupled to the structural support for reciprocating movement with a resonant frequency, a child supporting device coupled to the arm and spaced from the reference surface by the frame, and a drive system including a motor configured to drive the arm such that the child supporting device reciprocates along a motion path at a frequency matched to the resonant frequency. The drive system is configured to adjust a duty cycle of the motor to control a speed at which the child support device moves along the motion path.
US08187108B2	Longitudinal shaft assembly for a motor vehicle A longitudinal shaft assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first shaft and a second shaft, a ball-type constant velocity joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft and at least one central bearing for supporting the longitudinal shaft assembly with respect to a body of the motor vehicle.
US08187106B2	Coupling device A coupling device for transmitting a torque from a first shaft to a second shaft. The coupling device includes the first shaft with a first end section having radially opposite, radially extending projections and/or recesses. The second shaft has a second end section with radially opposite, radially extending projections and/or recesses. The first shaft is axially opposite the second shaft. The coupling device includes a coupling member having coupling projections and/or recesses, wherein the projections and/or recesses of the first and second end sections are respectively configured to engage with at least one of the coupling projections and/or recesses. The coupling projections and/or recesses corresponding to the first end section are arranged at a displacement of about 90° relative to the coupling projections and/or recesses corresponding to the second end section and the coupling member at least partially surrounds the first and second end sections. The first and second sections are disposed axially directly opposite to each other, and the coupling member is positionally fixed by the first and second end sections.
US08187100B1	Shared execution of hybrid states An application is executed in a first state on a handheld device. The first state is combined with a second state being executed on an additional device to generate a hybrid state, execution of the hybrid state being shared between the handheld device and the additional device. A first aspect of the hybrid state is displayed on the handheld device.
US08187098B2	Two-sided electronic game and remote controller A remote control device, including: a housing having first and second elongated sides opposite each other, the first side including a plurality of user-operable switches for controlling a display device, and the second side including a plurality of user-operable switches for enabling a user to play a video game on the display device.
US08187093B2	Game sound output device, game sound control method, information recording medium, and program An overlap identifying unit (205) obtains respective directions of the sound emitting objects with respect to the hearing position and identifies each one of sound emitting objects whose directions overlap. A sound volume estimation unit (206) estimates respective sound volumes of sounds as heard at the hearing position, emitted from the sound emitting objects that the overlap identification unit identified as overlapping. A sound emission control unit (207) cancels the sound emission of either one of the identified sound emitting objects identified, in a case where a difference between sound volumes obtained from those respective sound volumes estimated by the sound volume estimation unit (206) is at a predetermined level or greater. A sound source (208) reproduces sound effects or the like of the predetermined volumes. A game sound output unit (209) suitably outputs the game sound reproduced from the sound source (208).
US08187091B2	Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.
US08187087B2	System and method for collecting and using player information A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
US08187083B2	Gaming machine executing free game and control method thereof According to a gaming machine 1 of the present invention, a specific number of free games are generated when three or more trigger symbols 100 have been stop-displayed in a normal game. Further, when one or two trigger symbols 100 have been stop-displayed in a free game, numeric values in number equivalent to the number of stop-displayed trigger symbols 100 are selected, and then the number of times obtained by summing up the selected numeric values is added to the number of free games.
US08187082B2	Bonus game A game for a gaming machine having a plurality of different items to be selected by a player, each item having a value in an amount preset for a given bonus round, and a respective initial quantity in a preset amount. The player selects an item, such as one of many items for purchase in a store, and the value for that item is registered, along with subtraction of a unit from the quantity of that item. Provided that the quantity for that item selected is not then zero, the player continues to select another item, with registration of the value for that item and subtraction until an item is selected thereby having a zero quantity.
US08187081B2	Gaming system and a method of gaming A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a corresponding plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning symbol combination by evaluating symbols disposed in defined win lines, and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning symbol combination exists in a defined win line. At least one display position is of different size to at least one other display position and the defined win lines are dependent on the respective sizes of and locations of the display positions. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
US08187080B2	Gaming system and a method of gaming A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to evaluate a game outcome based on the selected symbols and to identify a scatter outcome when a plurality of special symbols are disposed in the display area at any display position, and a prize allocator. The prize allocator is arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a scatter outcome exists and to determine the prize awarded to a player using the plurality of special symbols. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
US08187078B2	Game server, game machine, and game control method In a collective control of plural game machines placed in the same parlor, it is detected whether there is a player change with each game machine and, based on the detection result, the cumulative credit consumption with each game machine is controlled per player. When the cumulative credit consumption of a certain player reaches a predetermined upper limit, return is executed to this player. The upper limit value is changed properly. Therefore, the player can perform a game without anxiety while enjoying amusement of the game. As the result, it may be avoided losing customers.
US08187076B2	Slot machine performing payout of a predetermined amount of credits when the number of games reaches a predetermined number The gaming machine 10 executes a game which pays out the amount of credits corresponding to a rearrangement state of a plurality of the symbols, switches a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode based on a predetermined condition, counts the number of games executed after switching to an insurance mode, in a case where a game which paid out more than a predetermined amount of credits has been executed before the number of games counted reaches a specified number of games, the rearrangement state of the plurality of symbols matches a predetermined symbol combination, and alternatively, the specified winning is generated, continues without resetting the insurance mode to which it was switched, and pays out a predetermined amount of credits when the number of games counted reaches a specified number of games.
US08187075B2	Gaming machine A gaming machine includes a gaming table, antennas and a control unit. The antennas are arranged to placement areas formed on the gaming table. The antennas are employed to determine whether or not at least one gaming medium is placed on any of the placement areas. The control unit drives at least two antennas simultaneously so that a direction of magnetic field generated by one antenna is opposed to one generated by at least one other antenna adjacent to the one antenna.
US08187073B2	Personalized gaming apparatus and gaming method A system, apparatus, and method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data.
US08187070B2	Games of chance based on event databases A system and method for implementing a game of chance based on historical events. The method consists of randomly selecting a set of competitors from an event database. The competitors are presented to a player. A set of criteria comprising a subset of the competitors are received from the player. The database of events is filtered to produce a set of events comprising those events that match the set of criteria. A single event is randomly selected from the set of events to determine an outcome for the game.
US08187069B2	Online gaming system for simulating a soccer game using an electronic deck of playing cards An online gaming system for simulating a soccer game comprising a server with a processor, a network in communication with the server, at least one client device in communication with the network, wherein the at least one client device has an input device, a display device, and a monetary acceptance feature, and a database in communication with the processor. The database comprises an electronic deck of playing cards comprising offensive play cards and defensive play cards and an electronic deck of special plays cards. Computer instructions in the database instruct the processor to permit input of bets, electronically deal cards from the electronic decks, designate offensive and defensive players, permit selection of cards by players, make game plays using a chess like strategy, determine game outcomes based on the selected cards, and award winnings based on bets and game outcomes.
US08187068B2	System and method of an interactive multiple participant game A plurality of linked gaming machines are disclosed that enhance the community participation and enjoyment of a game on multiple gaming machines. Players participate in an interactive game, either simultaneously, alternatively or in a systematic sequence, as a group or community. The participating players compete in the game such that the actions and results of each player affect the other players in the community. The interactive game combines skill and luck to improve play of the game. The interactive game could be a bonus game which players need to qualify in order to participate. If a player does not qualify, a wager can be placed to participate in the game. Players with different wagers can participate in the same game and players can wager on the outcomes of other players.
US08187061B2	Butchering processes for the beef clod A method for mass-production butchering of a chuck roll of beef includes: sectioning the beef clod into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising triceps brachii long head muscle and essentially being free of triceps brachii lateral head muscle, and the second portion comprising triceps brachii lateral head muscle and essentially being free of triceps brachii long head muscle; and sectioning the first portion generally with or parallel to the grain into a first set of separate portions. Another method for mass-production butchering of a beef clod may include: sectioning the beef clod into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising the teres major; and sectioning the first portion generally with or parallel to the grain into a first set of separate portions.
US08187059B2	Device for polishing optical fibers mounted in a connector The invention relates to a device for polishing the end of at least one optical fiber mounted in a connector, the device comprising a moving part supporting at least one connector and another moving part carrying a polishing film, the movement of these two parts being synchronized. According to the invention, these two parts are in direct contact via a movement transmission element, movement of one of them giving rise to movement of the other.
US08187055B2	Polishing apparatus and polishing method A polishing apparatus polishes a periphery of a substrate. This polishing apparatus includes a rotary holding mechanism configured to hold the substrate horizontally and rotate the substrate, plural polishing head assemblies provided around the substrate, plural tape supplying and recovering mechanisms configured to supply polishing tapes to the plural polishing head assemblies and recover the polishing tapes from the plural polishing head assemblies, and plural moving mechanisms configured to move the plural polishing head assemblies in radial directions of the substrate held by the rotary holding mechanism. The tape supplying and recovering mechanisms are located outwardly of the plural polishing head assemblies in the radial directions of the substrate, and the tape supplying and recovering mechanisms are fixed in position.
US08187054B2	Adjustable breast positioning system for women's garment An adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment comprising a platform situated within a lower region of the breast cup; a shaping member at least partially overlaying the platform wherein the platform and shaping member are open to the top portion of the breast cup; and a connector having one end coupled to the platform and another end connected to an anchor moveably mounted to the garment for adjusting the platform for reducing the available volume for the breast within the breast cup and for concomitantly pushing the shaping member upward and inward for displacing the breast upward, forward, and inward toward the center of the wearer's chest while simultaneously increasing the volume of the breast outside the top portion of the breast cup for providing an improved visual presentation of the breast.
US08187052B2	Motorized yo-yo having improved efficiency The invention is a yo-yo that that has at least one side that incorporates components that create a powered rotation system. The system is connected to either a circuit board or a weighted board that is similarly rotatable and is located in the yo-yo's other side and/or employs a circuit board that is non-symmetric about its rotational axis and/or uses the powered rotation system to only push on a side portion's body member.
US08187049B2	Transformable toy vehicle A remotely controlled transformable toy vehicle that is remotely transformable from a standing position to a flying position, where the toy performs like a helicopter and also to a driving position, where the toy performs like a wheeled vehicle. Transformations are carried out on-the-fly by remote control and the toy vehicle has the ability to maintain proper center of gravity for stable flight, takeoff and landing.
US08187047B1	Tethered flotation device and method of use thereof A child's canvas floatation device for use in an ocean, lake, or pool environment comprising a seat system for the child as well as a tether line for connection to a parent's or care provider's wrist is herein disclosed. The flotation device is toroidal being approximately two (2) to three (3) feet in diameter and provided with an inflation port and a series of grasping handles. The device is also provided with a textile covering over most of the entire tube area. The cover is wrapped back upon itself and covers the interior of the inner tube. The center is then provided with a pair of leg holes in which a child can insert his or her legs and be provided with a seat. As such, the child is not in danger of falling through the inner tube as is the case with conventional inner tubes. Additionally, the device is provided with an attached tether line approximately six (6) feet long that attaches to the parent's or care provider's wrist.
US08187043B2	Crimp terminal and method of producing crimp terminal A crimp terminal includes a bottom plate portion for mounting a wire conductor of a wire thereon, a pair of press-fastening portions extended respectively from opposite side edges of the bottom plate portion to press-fasten the wire conductor, a raised portion provided on the bottom plate portion, and that has slanting surfaces slanting along an axis of the wire conductor mounted on the bottom plate portion to form a curved shape projecting toward the wire conductor, and an auxiliary contact portion protrudingly formed on at least one of the slanting surfaces. The auxiliary contact portion is moved in a direction along the axis of the wire conductor by a pressing load applied for crimping the wire conductor so that the wire conductor is elongated.
US08187037B2	Electronic signal connector having a filter module, method for fabricating filter module for electronic signal connector An electronic signal connector includes an electrically insulative housing, metal abutting contacts and metal transmission contacts arranged in front and rear sides in the electrically insulative housing, and a filter module, which includes two symmetric flat substrates electrically connected between the metal abutting contacts and the metal transmission contacts and a metal core set between two electrically connected sets of radially arranged metal wire conductors in an induction zone at the flat substrates to provide a continuous winding type metal magnetic coil inductive effect.
US08187036B2	Shield connector A shield connector is provided with terminal fittings (10) having shield cables (11) connected thereto, a connector housing (20), into which the terminal fittings (10) are to be mounted, a shield shell (40) to be accommodated into the connector housing (20), and resilient pieces (45) each including a contact portion (47) which is provided on the shield shell (40) and comes into contact with a connection portion (19B) of the shield cable (11). Each resilient piece (45) includes projecting pieces (49) for preventing the resilient piece (45) from being excessively deformed by coming into contact with restricting portions (38) provided in the connector housing (20).
US08187034B2	Electrical connector system A wafer assembly of an electrical connector system may include a metal center ground plane and a plurality of plastic ribs overmolded on the metal center ground plane. The plastic ribs may be positioned in a configuration that forms a plurality of electrical contact channels on the metal center ground plane. An array of electrical contacts may be positioned substantially within the plurality of electrical contact channels. In some implementations, the electrical connector system may also include a wafer housing and a header module that include guidance components that align the header module with the wafer housing when the wafer housing mates with the header module. The electrical connector system may also include a power contact that passes through aligned openings in the wafer housing and the header module to provide a power transmission path between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08187032B1	Guided missile/launcher test set reprogramming interface assembly J2 connector clamp A guided missile/launcher test set reprogramming interface assembly J2 connector clamp includes a frame having an upper side, a lower side, and at least one aperture with a threaded portion that extends through the frame and is adapted to threadingly associate with threads on a connector. Rotational torque is transferred away from the frame and connector when a securing mechanism is actuated.
US08187029B2	Electrical connector with stacked spacers An electrical connector includes a housing with a number of passageways, a plurality of contacts retained in the passageways, and a spacer assembly assembled to a rear side of the housing. The contacts are arranged in plural rows along an insertion direction of a mating plug. Each contact has a connecting portion extending along an up to down direction. The spacer assembly has at least two spacers stacked with each other along the up to down direction to jointly receive and position the connecting portions.
US08187024B2	Connector assembly with a light indicative of a connector status A connector assembly includes a housing, a light source located within the housing, and a cover element covering at least a portion of a mating face of the housing. The housing includes a connector that is arranged to electrically mate with a peripheral connector proximate to the mating face of the housing. The light source generates light directed toward the mating face of the housing to indicate a status of the connector. The cover element includes a light transmissive area that is positioned to receive the light generated by the light source and transmit the light outward from the mating face in order to indicate the status of the connector.
US08187022B2	Lighting connector devices and uses thereof A multi-way connector connects a plurality of lighting apparatuses together. The multi-way connector comprises: (a) a plurality of lighting connectors, each lighting connector comprising: (i) an upper housing having: plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; and (ii) a lower housing, the lower housing having a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions, the lower housing being connectable with the upper housing to form each lighting connector by coupling at least one of the one or more interlocking grooves with at least one of the one or more interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes; (b) a multi-way connecting portion configured to permit power and/or signals to pass between and among the plurality of lighting connectors; and (c) plural flexible connectors electrically connecting an inner side of each lower housing with the multi-way connecting portion.
US08187020B2	Plug-in system for trailer vehicles A plug-in system for trailer vehicles provided with an automatic coupling system of the supply lines, including a plug (1) supporting the line contacts (1a) and a socket (2). The plug (1) has guide elements (4) that actively engage when approaching the guide elements (5) of the socket (2). The centering of a plug system for an automatic coupling system of supply lines on an articulated train is achieved by the guide elements (4) include a main guide pin (6) and at least one centering pin (7a, 7b) arranged at a distance therefrom. At least the centering pin (7a, 7b) and/or the associated guide element (5, 9) is elastic in the radial direction.
US08187018B2	Connector and connecting unit A connector includes a connector protrusion to be inserted into a connector socket and including a locking lever provided on a first surface and a connecting terminal provided on a second surface opposing the first surface or on a front surface; and a connector frame surrounding the connector protrusion and having an opening in a surface opposing the first surface of the connector protrusion. When the connector frame is moved in a direction opposite to the direction where the connector protrusion is inserted while the connector protrusion is in the connector socket, an end of the locking lever fits into the opening and the locking lever is unlocked.
US08187016B2	Terminal assembly including a junction box for a photovoltaic module and method of forming A terminal assembly and a junction box for a photovoltaic module are provided. The terminal assembly includes a terminal connector, a power cable, and a gasket. The junction box is positioned over the terminal connector and attached to a first surface of the photovoltaic module. The terminal connector extends through the first surface of a photovoltaic module. The power cable is attached to the terminal connector and extends through the junction box. The gasket is housed between the first surface of the photovoltaic module and the junction box. The gasket comprises a first material and a second material and provides a seal about an end portion of the power cable. A method for forming the terminal assembly is also provided.
US08187013B2	Electronic apparatus An electronic apparatus including a first wiring board formed having a first area, a second area, and a third area, wherein the first area is formed extending in a first direction from the third area, and the second area is formed extending in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, from the third area, a second wiring board connected to the first wiring board, a first connector for connection to an external device, wherein the first connector is mounted on the first area of the first wiring board, a second connector for connection to an external device, wherein the second connector is mounted on the second area of the first wiring board, and a third connector connected to the second wiring board, wherein the third connector is mounted on the third area of the first wiring board, and is formed with a first terminal array and a second terminal array facing each other, wherein on the first wiring board a first differential transmission line is formed in a region from the first connector to the first terminal array, and a second differential transmission line is formed in a region from the second connector to the second terminal array.
US08187012B1	Electrical cord with tamper resistent mechanism An electrical cord including a plug on a first end and at least one socket on a second end opposite the first end, a protective shutter assembly disposed within the at least one socket, the shutter assembly including a first and second shutter members positioned proximate the cover assembly and each of the first and second shutter members is at least partially aligned with separate cover openings in the cover assembly and being configured to move from a closed position to an open position in response to engaging at least one plug blade, a third shutter member positioned behind the first shutter member, a fourth shutter member positioned behind the second shutter member, and wherein the first and second shutter members pivot from the closed position to the open position and the third and fourth shutter members slide from the closed position to the open position.
US08187010B2	Power supply system and electrical plug connector A power supply system for the internal power supply of a supporting mast of a wind power installation is provided in order to assist the work of servicing personnel in the wind power installation. The power supply system includes a power bus line, at least one tap on the power bus line for tapping off an electrical potential, and an electrical appliance connected to the tap. The electrical appliance is both electrically connected and mechanically adapted to the tap. An electrical plug connector is also provided.
US08187008B2	Oblique parts or surfaces Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces.
US08187005B1	Interactive chalkboard Communicating in an educational environment includes placing a chalkboard in a private mode that allows a user of the chalkboard to view information exclusive of others in the educational environment. Information is displayed on the chalkboard according to the private mode. The chalkboard is placed in a public mode that allows the chalkboard to control a common display, and information is controlled on the common display using the chalkboard. The common display is viewable by others in the educational environment according to the public mode.
US08187001B2	Apparatus and method for removing enamel from a person's tooth According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion and includes first and second regions, the first region is proximal and the second region is distal to the blade portion. The first region includes a substantially solid cross-section with a substantially circular perimeter. The second region includes a substantially solid cross-section with at least a substantially semi-circular perimeter, the solid cross-section defining a notched region. The apparatus is adapted to be inserted via a pressure fit into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion and the abrasive surface.
US08186998B2	Blank-holding means and method of surveying same The invention relates to holding means for a blank for the production of dental fitted shells, including connection geometry for the blank and a shaft for attachment thereof in a chuck of a processing machine. The holding means has, above the shaft, survey geometry, the orientation of the connection geometry relative to the survey geometry being known.
US08186996B2	Combustion apparatus Provided is a combustion apparatus capable of preventing a heat loss from a combustion cabinet without deteriorating a combustion performance thereof. According to the present invention, a part of an inner side surface of a combustion cabinet (1), which encloses a combustion chamber where a mixture gas erupted from a combustion plate (22) is combusted, is covered with a cover (7) made of an insulation material; and the cover (7) is provided with a concave portion (7a) at an outer side surface thereof having contact with the inner side surface of the combustion cabinet (1), and an insulation air layer (7b) is defined by the concave portion (7a).
US08186994B2	Sucker pin bushing An improved sucker pin bushing for an injection mold is disclosed. In various preferred embodiments, the improved sucker pin bushing maintains much of the configuration of a conventional sucker pin bushing, namely a body portion and a head portion having a larger diameter than the body portion. A shoulder is formed where the body portion meets the head portion. However, the need for a jam screw or other retaining means is eliminated by the present invention by the inclusion of threads on the head portion of the bushing.
US08186990B2	Device for a layerwise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. A feed (96) that supplies the building material to a building space (10) in the device (1) and at least two filler portions (98a, 98b) that are provided at the feed (96) and are independent from one another are provided, wherein one connector (99a, 99b) is provided for each building material supply container (100a, 100b) in order to supply the building material from outside of the device (1).
US08186989B2	Injection molding machine and control method thereof When controlling each operational process in a molding cycle by variably controlling the number of revolutions of a drive motor 3 in a hydraulic pump 2, a hydraulic pump 2 where at least multiple fixed discharge flow rate Qo and Qs can be set is used as the hydraulic pump 2. At the same time, the fixed discharge flow rates Qo . . . are set corresponding to operational processes based upon predetermined conditions in advance, respectively, and the hydraulic pump 2 is switched to the fixed discharge flow rates Qo . . . by corresponding to each operational process at the time of molding. At the same time, each operational process is controlled by variably controlling the number of revolutions of the drive motor 3.
US08186987B2	Nano-fiber manufacturing apparatus Provided is a nano-fiber manufacturing apparatus which manufactures nano-fibers by an electrostatic explosion, and has a low possibility of explosion even when a flammable solvent is used. The nano-fiber manufacturing apparatus (101) having an ejection unit (110) which ejects solution (200) that is raw material liquid for nano-fibers (200) to a manufacturing space in which the nano-fibers (200) are manufactured by an electrostatic explosion of the solution (200), and a charging unit which charges the solution (200). The nano-fiber manufacturing apparatus (101) includes a gas supply source (103) which supplies safety gas to change an atmosphere of the manufacturing space, in which the solution (200) is ejected, into a low oxygen atmosphere, and a partition (102) which maintains the manufacturing space at a lower oxygen atmosphere than an atmosphere of an outside space of the partition (102).
US08186977B2	Pumping system A pumping system for pumping drilling fluid during the driving or sinking of bore holes includes a pump unit, a rotary drive unit configured to drive the pump unit, a gearbox that includes a driving gear and a driven gear, and a pump shaft drive. The rotary drive unit is operatively connected with the pump unit via the gearbox, and the driven gear of the gearbox is nonrotatably connected with the pump shaft drive.
US08186976B2	Combination compressor and vacuum pump apparatus and method of use A combination compressor and vacuum pump apparatus comprising a common drive mechanism, a compressor piston-cylinder unit mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the compressor piston-cylinder unit comprising a hollow first piston rod connected to the drive mechanism at a first free end substantially opposite a first piston operable within a first cylinder so as to form the compressor piston-cylinder unit, and a vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit comprising a hollow second piston rod connected to the drive mechanism at a second free end substantially opposite a second piston operable within a second cylinder so as to form the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit, whereby air is pulled into the compressor piston-cylinder unit through the first piston rod for compression therein and air is exhausted from the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit through the second piston rod.
US08186973B2	Tubular pump A tubular fluid pump is provided. The pump includes a chamber for receiving and discharging fluid, and a squeezing mechanism for pumping fluid through the chamber. The chamber has a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and a length of resilient tubular material extending between the first and second openings. One-way valves disposed at the openings cooperate to permit fluid to pass through the chamber in only one axial direction. The squeezing mechanism includes a substantially rigid base and a substantially rigid displaceable actuator. The tubular material is mounted on the base of the squeezing mechanism, and the actuator is aligned to alternately squeeze the tubular material against the base to pump fluid out of the chamber, and release the tubular material from the base to draw fluid into the chamber. A steam appliance incorporating a one-way tubular pump is also provided.
US08186972B1	Multi-stage expansible chamber pneumatic system A multi-stage expansible chamber pump system includes a HP pump unit, and first and second LP pump units. The LP units each include a LP air chamber and a pumped fluid chamber, separated by a piston. The HP unit includes left and right HP air chambers separated by a piston. Pistons are coaxial on a common piston rod for reciprocating movement in unison. A direction control DC valve includes a valve spool movable between first and second positions. The DC valve receives high pressure shop air as Control air and Process air. Control air moves the DC valve spool alternately to first and second positions. The DC valve, as determined by the position of the spool, directs Process air alternately to one side, then the other, of the HP unit, whereby the pistons reciprocate in unison to pump fluid through the fluid chambers.
US08186966B2	Offshore wind turbine generator Provided is an offshore wind turbine generator capable of withstanding unevenly distributed stress with a simple and inexpensive structure and of maintaining reliability in terms of strength. An offshore wind turbine generator includes a nacelle that rotatably supports a rotor head, and a tower portion that supports the nacelle and yaws integrally with the nacelle, and a structure portion that bears the strength of the tower portion has a higher strength against a load in a direction included in a plane having a rotation axis of the rotor head and an extending direction of the tower portion than the strength of the structure portion against a load in a direction included in other planes including the extending direction of the tower portion.
US08186965B2	Recovery tip turbine blade A turbine blade includes an airfoil having first and second tip ribs extending along the opposite pressure and suction sides thereof. A tip baffle bifurcates the airfoil tip into two pockets, with a first pocket being laterally open at its aft end to recover leakage flow, and a second pocket being laterally closed.
US08186963B2	Airfoil shape for compressor inlet guide vane An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete inlet guide vane airfoil shape.
US08186951B2	Mounting assembly for a propeller system component A mounting assembly for a propeller assembly component includes a monolithic piece having a housing and a mounting pad. An auxiliary component is directly mounted to the mounting pad of the monolithic piece.
US08186945B2	System and method for clearance control A system, in one embodiment, includes a turbine clearance controller. The turbine clearance controller is configured to independently adjust clearances of a plurality of shroud segments about a plurality of blades via first and second magnets opposite from one another in fixed and movable portions of each shroud segment.
US08186943B2	Exhaust-gas turbine in an exhaust-gas turbocharger In an exhaust-gas turbine of an exhaust-gas turbo-charger including a turbine wheel which is rotatably supported in a housing and to which exhaust gas can be supplied via an inlet channel and discharged out of the exhaust-gas turbine via an outlet duct, wherein a guide vane structure and an axial slide which interacts with the latter, are disposed in the turbine inlet at the transition from the inlet channel to the turbine wheel, the guide vane structure is fixedly mounted with respect to the housing and the axial slide is arranged at the turbine outlet side and is movably supported on an outlet duct contour sleeve and provided with an axial opening for accommodating the guide vane structure, and the contour sleeve includes openings which conduct exhaust gas from the inlet channel directly to the outlet duct and which are arranged so that they are covered by the axial slide when the axial slide is moved out of its open position, the guide vane structure extending axially over the contour sleeve openings so as to impart a swirl to the exhaust gas being discharged via the contour sleeve openings when the slide member is in an open position.
US08186940B2	Ventilation arrangement A ventilation arrangement for a wind turbine includes an air inlet opening located in a nose cone of said wind turbine, a manhole cover for covering a manhole of a rotor hub of said wind turbine, the manhole cover providing a vent opening for venting hot air from an internal space of said rotor hub, and a flexible piping establishing fluid communication between the internal space of the rotor hub and the air inlet opening.
US08186938B2	Turbine apparatus A gas turbine engine comprising a rotor and a stator which define first, second and third cavities; the rotor and stator define a seal therebetween and which is located for sealing between the second and third cavities, the rotor comprises an aperture through which a gas flow passes from the first cavity to the second cavity characterized in that the seal comprises a deflector that extends axially over at least a portion of the aperture to deflect at least a part of the gas towards the rotor.
US08186935B2	Steam turbine having exhaust enthalpic condition control and related method A steam turbine includes a casing including a steam inlet and an exhaust, the casing enclosing operative structure of the steam turbine; a valve controlling introduction of a steam flow at a location of the steam turbine to impact an enthalpic condition of steam exiting the exhaust; and a controller controlling operation of the valve to attain a desired enthalpic condition of steam exiting the exhaust. Controlling operation of the valve allows for attainment of a desired enthalpic condition of the steam exiting the exhaust for use in another industrial process without having to modify the steam turbine structure.
US08186929B2	High density variable access storage library A media storage library for storing a plurality of media cartridges is provided. The media storage library includes at least one media transfer mechanism, and a plurality of storage panels for storing media cartridges, including at least a first movable storage panel. The first storage panel is movable from the first position to a second position, and each storage panel of the plurality of movable storage panels includes at least a first access face for the at least one media transfer mechanism to access the media cartridges. An access space is formed between the first movable storage panel and a second storage panel, and the at least one media transfer mechanism is able to access the media cartridges via the access space and the first access face.
US08186928B2	Device and method for accommodating and transporting steps of an escalator or pallets of a moving walkway An accommodating and transport device for prefabricated steps of an escalator which are reduced in terms of their overall height or prefabricated pallets of a moving walkway includes a frame body separate and independent of the escalator or moving walkway. The frame body includes lateral guide tracks to receive rollers connected to the steps or pallets. The steps or pallets are stackable inside the frame body for transport purposes.
US08186924B1	Hold down fastener assembly A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One is movable relative to the other one in a first direction, and locked in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the members to urge the one in the first direction. The members include opposing first and second cylindrical walls, respectively. A resilient member is disposed between the walls. One of the walls includes a first receiving volume configured to fully receive the resilient member and the other wall a plurality of second receiving volumes configured to only partially receive the resilient member. The resilient member is shifted between the first and second receiving volumes such that the one can move in the first direction but locked in the second direction; and the first and second receiving volumes are configured such that the resilient member is captured within a locking volume formed between the first volume and an opposing second volume when the first and second cylindrical members are locked together, the locking volume having an entrance opening that prevents the resilient member from shifting out of the locking volume and into the first receiving volume.
US08186923B2	Connecting arrangement and method of fastening a bolt A connecting arrangement is provided. The connecting arrangement includes a bolt with a fastening portion at one end thereof, which has one or more grooves; a cotter having a conical shape and one or more convex cuts on the inner side of the cotter adapted for fitting with the one or more grooves of the fastening portion of the bolt; two support blocks, each having a thread on the outer side, wherein at least one of them is on the inner side adapted for fitting to the conical shape of the cotter; and a fastener having a thread on the inner side, wherein the fastener is adapted for being screwed on the support blocks.
US08186920B2	Clinch element and method and apparatus for attaching a clinch element to a panel A clinch element including a body portion having an annular lip portion projecting from an end face of the body portion including an arcuate free end and a frustoconical outer surface. One embodiment includes an annular lip projecting from both end faces of the body portion. A method of attaching the clinch element to one or two panels which includes driving the free end of the lip portion against an outwardly inclined frustoconical chamfered face of a die cavity, deforming the annular lip over the panel and a die member having a projecting piloting point and an annular die cavity surrounding the piloting point.
US08186919B2	Lock washer A lock washer includes a planar washer body formed of a sheet of resilient metal having a selected thickness no less than the pitch thread of the bolt with which it is to be used. First and second lock tabs integral with the body extend radially outward of the central aperture, wherein each of the tabs has a radially inward facing, straight, free edge transverse to a radius of the body, and each of the tabs is displaced by a spring bend to one side of the plane of the body. The washer body is etched to a selected lesser thickness in the area of the spring bend to provide a selected spring force when the tab is pushed down to the plane of the body.
US08186910B2	Universal method and apparatus for deploying flying leads In one embodiment, the subsea deployment system may be used to install flying leads with integral buoyancy. In another embodiment, the subsea deployment system may be used to install flying leads with separate buoyancy modules. The installation sling assembly may be used with the subsea deployment system or with other systems to deploy flying leads subsea. The universal removable cartridge may be interchanged for use on a horizontal drive unit and a mud mat.
US08186907B1	Slab leveling system and method A system for leveling a slab by raising and filling in voids under the slab. A mixture of compressed air and well dried sand is pumped through hose to a gun nozzle. The slab to be leveled is supplied with at least one hole for receiving the gun nozzle in a fluid tight connection. The compressed air is used to lift the slab while the sand is used to fill the void and keep the slab in a level position. The operator may supply successive burst of pressure to lift the slab as needed, while adjusting the air and sand flow. Finally, the gun nozzle is removed from the hole which is then patched thus, completing the repair of the damaged slab.
US08186905B2	Apparatuses, systems and methods for selectively affecting movement of a motor vehicle A non-lethal vehicle device provides for the selective, remotely-deployed controlled stop of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/membrane deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more membranes with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed.
US08186892B2	Optoelectronic subassembly with integral thermoelectric cooler driver Optical subassemblies including integral thermoelectric cooler (TEC) drivers. In one example embodiment, an optical subassembly includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) driver, a first substrate to which the TEC driver is structurally mounted, a second substrate, a laser temperature sensor structurally mounted on the second substrate, a TEC thermally coupled to the second substrate, and a thermal resistance mechanism including a thermally insulating material. The laser temperature sensor is structurally coupled directly between a laser and the second substrate with the laser being in direct contact with the laser temperature sensor. The thermal resistance mechanism structurally connects the first substrate to the second substrate and provides thermal resistance between the first substrate upon which the TEC driver is structurally mounted and the combination of the second substrate, the laser and the laser temperature sensor such that heat that is generated by the TEC driver is restricted by the thermal resistant mechanism.
US08186891B2	Embedded parametric monitoring of optoelectronic modules An optoelectronic module for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber including a housing having an electrical input for coupling with an external electrical cable or information system device and for transmitting and receiving information-containing electrical signals over such input, and a fiber optic connector adapted for coupling with an external optical fiber for transmitting and receiving an optical signal; an electro-optic subassembly coupled to the information containing electrical signal and converting it to and/or from a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical signal; and parametric storage means disposed in said housing for storing environmental and/or operational data associated with the module, and an optional method for time-biased lossy compression of such stored data.
US08186886B2	Turbocharger shaft bearing system An improved bearing system is provided for use in high speed rotating machinery such as a turbocharger, wherein a turbocharger shaft is rotatably supported at opposite ends by a pair of angular contact bearings subjected to a predetermined and substantially constant thrust pre-load. The angular contact bearings are carried respectively within a pair of generally cylindrical bearing sleeves which cooperatively define an axially split bearing carrier mounted within a turbocharger housing. A spring reacts between these bearing sleeves for applying a substantially constant axial thrust pre-load transmitted by the bearing sleeves to the angular contact bearings. The mechanical spring thrust pre-load may be supplemented or substituted by an hydraulic axial thrust load attributable to oil circulated through the split bearing carrier.
US08186885B2	Bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus with a back-to-back double row tapered roller bearing has an outer member integrally with a body mounting flange and double row outer raceway surfaces tapered open respectively axially inward and outward. An inner member include a wheel hub and an inner ring or an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The wheel hub has a wheel mounting flange and one inner raceway surface arranged oppositely to one of the double row outer raceway surfaces and a cylindrical portion. The inner ring or the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint are press fit onto the cylindrical portion and include the other inner raceway surface arranged opposite to the other raceway surface of the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row tapered rollers are freely rollably held between the outer and inner raceway surfaces by cages. Seals are arranged in annular openings formed by the outer and inner members. The cages are formed of synthetic resin. Posts between pockets of the cages are arranged to be positioned radially inward of the pitch circle diameter of the tapered rollers. The width of an opening radially inward of each pocket is set so that each tapered roller is held within the pocket. The contacting tapered surfaces of the posts open radially outward so that the rollers do not fall out radially inward.
US08186883B2	Cover-bearing arrangement and method for mounting an actuator shaft A cover-bearing arrangement for mounting a shaft which extends into a housing in the region of a housing opening and for closing off the housing in the region of the housing opening. The arrangement comprises a sleeve section which surrounds the shaft and which can be inserted into the housing opening, and a flange section which can be fastened to the housing. A bearing for rotatably mounting the shaft is arranged in the sleeve section. The sleeve section and the flange section are produced as a single-piece component from plastic.
US08186879B2	Panel support device and X-ray apparatus A panel support device for detachably supporting an X-ray receiving panel includes a support plate configured to be in contact with the surface of the panel opposite to an X-ray receiving surface of the panel while the panel is mounted, a locking member for locking the panel on the support plate while the panel is mounted, and a drive device for driving the locking member so that the locking member is withdrawn from a locking position when the panel approaches the support plate and the locking member returns to the locking position when the panel comes in contact with the support plate in a process for mounting the panel.
US08186875B2	Method for determining reheat cracking susceptibility System, computer software and method for determining a susceptibility to reheat cracking of a sample of material, which includes a welded area. The method includes measuring a length of the sample, applying a first stress to the sample to achieve a predetermined elongation of the sample, exposing the elongated sample to a predefined heat treatment, applying a second stress to the sample until the sample breaks at least into two different pieces, and determining the susceptibility of the broken sample to reheat cracking.
US08186873B1	Determination of thermal resistance using infrared thermography Various techniques are provided for determining thermal resistance values of building materials through the use of infrared cameras. In one example, an infrared camera may be used to capture one or more infrared images of a wall. Using temperatures obtained from the images, a thermal resistance value such as an R-Value associated with the wall may be determined. Potential cost savings associated with adjusting the thermal resistance value may also be determined.
US08186864B2	Light source device A light source device includes an excitation light source which generates excitation light, a fluorescent member containing a fluorescent substance which absorbs the excitation light to generate fluorescence, an emitting side optical member which is provided on an emitting end face of the fluorescent member, and a reflector which is provided on the side surface of the fluorescent member. The reflector has an optical property of reflecting the excitation light and the fluorescence. The emitting side optical member has an optical property of reflecting the excitation light and transmitting the fluorescence.
US08186863B2	Linear light source having light guide with tapered saw tooth structures The present invention discloses a linear light source having light guide with tapered saw tooth structures for Charge Coupling Device Module (CCDM). The linear light source comprises a light guide and at least two Light Emitting Diodes (LED's). The light guide includes two incident surfaces, a reflective surface, two refractive surfaces and an ejective surface. The reflective surface has a tapered saw tooth structure; the LEDs are disposed at two ends of the light guide. Upon emission of light from the LEDs, light enters into the light guide, reflected by the tapered saw tooth structures, and then ejected from the ejective surface. It is possible to form a U-shaped lambert distribution in the sub scanning direction, thereby generating the complementary effect for the pickup lens and the CCD image sensor of CCDM, as well as to create a linearly converged lambert distribution in the main scanning direction.
US08186861B2	Vehicular headlamp Each of a pair of lower reflection areas, which are located on both left and right sides of an optical axis in a lower end portion of a reflective surface of a reflector, respectively, is formed so as to converge light from a light source at a position located forward of a rear side focal point of a projection lens in a horizontal direction, and on the same lateral side as that of each of the lower reflection areas with respect to the optical axis. Thus, the pair of light ray bundles are emitted from the projection lens, whereby a pair of additional light distribution patterns are formed on both sides of a lateral direction central portion in an upper area of a high-beam distribution pattern, respectively. The upper area of the high-beam distribution pattern is thus made bright widely in a lateral direction.
US08186860B2	System for on-ground simulation of the ambient lighting conditions in the cockpit of an aircraft during flight A dome structure has dimensions such as to house the cockpit of an aircraft. An ordered arrangement of light-emitting panels (10), able to be switched on or off selectively, forms at least a part of the inner vault of the dome. A floodlight (16) is mounted on a movable support arm (17) such that it can be selectively positioned around or above the cockpit and directed so as to project a beam of light onto the cockpit. Preferably a part of the inner vault of the dome consists of an ordered arrangement of reflective panels (11).
US08186858B2	Auxiliary illuminating structure for hand tool An illuminating structure for a hand tool contains a lamp comprised of a light seat, an illuminating set, a cover member, and two magnetic members, wherein the light seat includes a receiving portion disposed on a top surface thereof to receive the illuminating set, and includes a plurality of holes mounted on two sides thereof and communicating with the receiving portion, includes a slot mounted on a bottom surface thereof to receive the magnetic members, and the slot includes two bores fixed on two sides thereof individually and communicating with the receiving portion to connect with the illuminating set; the illuminating set is used to make light; the cover member is covered to the receiving portion; the magnetic member is a magnet made of metal material to conduct electricity and fixed to the slot so as to contact with the electrode conducting piece of the illuminating set.
US08186856B2	Thermally managed lamp assembly A lamp assembly comprises at least one light source such as a high-power LED (106), a housing (heat sink (108), metal base (109) with holes (126), lens (118)) in or on which the light source is located, and a fan (120) adapted to produce a current of air to cool the light source. The fan is arranged to draw air away from the light source through the holes (126) and to eject it from the housing; to this end the fan is preferably located directly underneath the light source in a self-contained package.
US08186855B2	LED lamp apparatus and method of making an LED lamp apparatus A device for illuminating a space comprising is discussed. In one variation, the device includes: a central body portion, with a length and a width, and including two plates running along the length of the central body portion wherein the two plates are separated by a spacer; an opening for the removal of heat during operation of the device that extends along a portion of the length of the central body portion, a light emitting diode on the central body portion; a reflector, extending from the central body portion, for reflecting light emitted by the light emitting diode towards the illuminated space. Other variations are also discussed as are methods for using suitable variations for retrofitting existing non-light emitting diode light sources.
US08186847B2	LED lighting assembly An LED lighting assembly includes an emitting-light apparatus, an inserting apparatus connected electrically to the emitting-light apparatus and a base cover received the emitting-light apparatus. The emitting-light apparatus includes a PCB and at least one LED unit welded on the PCB. The inserting apparatus includes a pedestal and at least two connecting springs received in the pedestal. The base cover has a first side groove and a second side groove. The two ends of the bottom of the base cover have a fixing gap and an inserting slot. The emitting-light apparatus is inserted into the second side groove, the inserting apparatus are inserted into the first side groove, the bottom of the pedestal is received in the fixing gap. The LED lighting assembly can link with another the same, and the distances of the LED units adjacent to other are same.
US08186844B2	Front-to-back showcase lighting for a refrigerator A refrigeration appliance includes an appliance housing and a liner within the housing, defining an interior storage chamber at least partially enclosed by the liner, and providing a storage chamber rear wall, a first storage chamber sidewall, and a second storage chamber sidewall. The first storage chamber sidewall has a plurality of openings through the first storage chamber sidewall. The second storage chamber sidewall has another plurality of openings through the second storage chamber sidewall. A plurality of lighting devices illuminates the interior storage chamber. Each of the lighting devices is mounted within a respective one of the openings and emits light toward the storage chamber rear wall providing a showcase lighting effect. Each of the lighting devices includes a cover located in the interior storage chamber and a device housing located within the respective one of the openings. An illumination level within the storage chamber, due to light emitted by the plurality of lighting devices, is substantially vertically uniform.
US08186843B2	Booklight for a protective cover of an eReader A booklight for a protective cover for an eReader, wherein the protective cover includes a pocket for supporting the booklight, the booklight including a base, a light housing assembly having a light source, a manipulatable neck coupled between the base and the light housing assembly, and a base tab rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the base tab includes a first end rotatably coupled to the base tab, and a second end extending from the first end, wherein the second end is a free end, and wherein at least a portion of the free end is configured to engage the pocket of the protective cover.
US08186841B2	Backlight device, liquid crystal display device, and method for assembling backlight device A fluorescent tube is prevented from being wrongly attached and broken when being attached, and luminance nonuniformity of backlight due to luminance difference generated in a tube axis direction of the fluorescent tube is reduced. A backlight device 2 is provided with a plurality of fluorescent tubes 21 having electrodes 211 at both ends; a bundling member 213 for bundling wirings 212 pulled out from the electrode 211 on one side of two or more of the fluorescent tubes 21; and a conducting means 31 for achieving conduction between the electrodes of the two fluorescent tubes among the fluorescent tubes 21 by being connected with the bundling member 213. The conducting means 31 permits a current to be carried between the electrodes of the two fluorescent tubes 21, which are bundled by the one bundling member 213, and the conducting means are arranged on inverter circuit substrate 28, respectively, not to be adjacent to each other.
US08186837B2	Wide angle display device A wide angle viewing apparatus for security applications is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a wide-angle lens and a diffusing screen. The wide-angle lens incorporates an image inverter and a means for eliminating stray light.
US08186836B2	Mobile Projector apparatus and method of controlling the same A mobile projector apparatus includes a light source, a modulation unit modulating light of the light source using a picture signal, a projection lens magnifying and projecting the modulated light of the light source, a battery supplying electric power to the light source, an acceleration measuring unit measuring an acceleration applied to the mobile projector apparatus, a usage state detecting unit detecting whether or not the mobile projector apparatus is in an unused state, and an extinguishing unit extinguishing the light source based on outputs of the acceleration measuring unit and the usage state detecting unit.
US08186834B2	Illumination apparatus and projection-type image display apparatus An illumination apparatus includes: a red light valve configured to modulate red component light according to a red input signal; a green light valve configured to modulate green component light according to a green input signal; a blue light valve configured to modulate blue component light according to a blue input signal; a fourth color light valve configured to modulate a fourth color component light; and a color combiner configured to combine light emitted from the red light valve, the green light valve and the blue light valve. The fourth color component light emitted from the fourth color light valve enters a certain light valve, which is any one of the red light valve, the green light valve and the blue light valve.
US08186833B2	Method and system for electroholographic display with zeroth-order diffraction suppression An electroholographic display system (300, 700) includes: a coherent light source (330, 730); a spatial light modulator (SLM) (320, 720) that modulates a coherent collimated light beam; and a processor and driver unit (310, 710) that generates hologram data and applies appropriate voltages to the pixels of the SLM to modulate the coherent collimated light beam with the hologram data and to suppress a zeroth order component of the modulated light beam at an image plane where the holographic image is reproduced. The processor and driver unit suppresses the zeroth order component of the modulated light beam by selecting the voltages to apply to the pixels of the SLM to cause a first group of pixels to provide a phase shift of 180 degrees to first portions of the collimated light beam with respect to portions of the collimated light beam modulated by a second group of pixels.
US08186831B2	Wide color gamut projector A wide color gamut projector having a plurality of dichroic prisms configured to split a light beam into six primary color components and direct each of the six primary color components to separate digital micromirror devices is disclosed. The projector further comprises a translucent rotatable drum having different polarization sections, wherein the light beam is capable of being passed orthogonally through a wall of the drum.
US08186829B2	Progressive ophthalmic lens The invention provides a progressive ophthalmic lens suitable to be worn by a person engaged in a sporting activity. For this purpose the lens has a far vision region which is enlarged, and a peripheral field of vision which is separated and whose mean sphere gradients are gentle. When a progressive lens of this kind is allocated to a wearer, the lens can have an addition value that is approximately equal to a prescribed value, or an addition value that is less than the prescribed value.
US08186824B2	Image forming apparatus with leading-edge detection sensor An image forming apparatus including a recording head, a transport belt, a pressure roller, an inlet detection sensor, a leading edge detection sensor, and a control unit. The control unit controls the leading edge of the sheet to stop at the nip portion of the pressure roller and the transport belt based on the detection by the inlet detection sensor. When the leading edge of a sheet is not detected by the leading edge sensor, the leading edge position of the sheet is set based on a stop position at a nip portion of the pressure roller and the transport belt.
US08186822B2	Inkjet inks containing crosslinked polyurethanes Inkjet inks that have, as a principal component, a crosslinked polyurethane dispersoid binder additive with selected diols used to prepare the polyurethane. The diols include a polyether diol, an ionic diol and polycarbonate, polyamide and/or poly(meth)acrylate diols. These inks can be used for printing on different media, and are particularly suitable for printing on textiles. The printed textiles are particularly durable to wash fastness and crock.
US08186811B2	Inkjet printing apparatus and method of driving inkjet printing apparatus An inkjet printing apparatus according to example embodiments may include a flow channel plate including an ink inlet for introducing ink, a pressure chamber containing the introduced ink, and a nozzle connected to the pressure chamber and configured to eject ink. A piezoelectric voltage applier may apply a piezoelectric driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator in such a way that the volume of the pressure chamber is reduced so as to eject an ink droplet. An electrohydrodynamic voltage applier may apply a first electrohydrodynamic driving voltage and a second electrohydrodynamic driving voltage to the electrohydrodynamic actuator. The first electrohydrodynamic driving voltage may generate a jet from the ink droplet such that the jet is ejected towards a printing medium, and the second electrohydrodynamic driving voltage (which has an opposite polarity to that of the first electrohydrodynamic driving voltage) may restore the ink droplet to the nozzle.
US08186810B2	Liquid ejecting head with heater for heating ink A liquid ejecting head includes: a flow path unit including a nozzle forming member with a plurality of nozzle orifices provided in a row, and a flow path forming substrate made of a metal, in which pressure generating chambers in communication with the nozzle orifices are formed; and an actuator unit for giving a pressure fluctuation to the pressure generating chambers, wherein a recess portion is formed in a side of the flow path forming substrate, which faces the nozzle forming member, in a sunken state from a surface of the flow path forming substrate, and a heater is received in the recess portion.
US08186807B2	Actuator, method for manufacturing actuator, droplet ejection device, droplet ejection head and printer A droplet ejection device includes a pressure chamber that includes a cavity surrounded by a side wall and a bottom wall, a deformable substrate that is provided above the pressure chamber to cover the cavity and that is parallel to the bottom wall, a magnetic body having an opening that is provided above the deformable substrate and that is fixed to the deformable substrate, and a coil that is disposed above the deformable substrate, that surrounds the magnetic body, and that is fixed to a fixing portion provided above the side wall.
US08186806B2	Head unit, liquid droplet discharging apparatus, method for discharging liquid, and methods for manufacturing color filter, organic EL element and wiring substrate A head unit includes a plurality of nozzle groups. Each group has a plurality of nozzles discharging liquid as liquid droplets. The nozzles are arranged at an approximately equal distance from one another when viewed from a first direction. The nozzle groups are arranged at the distance when viewed from the first direction and in a direction intersecting with the first direction, and adjacent nozzles of the nozzle groups adjacent when viewed from the first direction discharge an approximately equal amount of the liquid droplet.
US08186805B2	Printer and waste ink collecting device thereof A waste ink collecting device includes a ratchet wheel defining a receiving groove for receiving waste ink, a detent, a reciprocatingly movable transmission pole, and immovable first and second poles. The detent includes a hook, and a main body defining elongated first, second and third holes. The second hole is between the first and third holes. The hook extends from the main body away from the first hole. The transmission pole extends into the first hole. The first pole extends into the second hole. A diameter of the first pole equals to a width of the second hole. The second pole extends into the third hole. A diameter of the second pole is smaller than a width of the third hole. When the transmission pole moves forward, the hook engages with and rotates the ratchet wheel. When the transmission pole moves backward, the hook moves away from the ratchet wheel.
US08186804B2	Ink jet recording apparatus configured to clean a blade An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head having an ink ejection surface; a blade for wiping the ink ejection surface; a blade cleaning device that cleans the blade by collecting contamination liquid deposited on the blade and including at least ink; a cleaning liquid supplying device that supplies, to the blade, cleaning liquid mainly comprising liquid having a volatility lower than the ink; a residual ink absorbing material provided at such a position that it is out of contact to the blade; and a discharge path for discharging the contamination ink collected by the blade cleaning device to the residual ink absorbing material.
US08186800B2	Printer system, main printer to be used therefor, and method for discharging waste ink A printer system includes a main printer having a first head and a waste ink tank for accommodating any waste ink; and a portable type sub printer having a second head which is detachable with respect to the main printer. The waste ink tank accommodates the waste ink discharged from the second head of the sub printer installed to the main printer. Accordingly, the printer system is provided, wherein it is unnecessary to provide any waste ink tank in the portable type sub printer, an ink tank of the sub printer can be allowed to have a large volume, and it is unnecessary to provide any exclusive station for processing any waste ink of the sub printer.
US08186797B2	Inkjet printer having temperature raising preventing device An inkjet printer includes a platen having a placing face, a printing device, and a printing medium feeding device. A guide is provided on a feeding-out side via which a printing medium is to be fed out from the platen. The guide has a guide face. A printing medium temperature raising device is to heat the guide face so as to raise a temperature of the printing medium placed on the guide face. A temperature raising preventing device is provided between the guide face of the guide and a portion of the placing face facing a printing target region. The temperature raising preventing device is configured to prevent an extended portion of the printing medium from being heated by the printing medium temperature raising device. The extended portion corresponds an area which is extended to the feeding-out side by a predetermined length from the printing target region.
US08186796B2	Element substrate and printhead An element substrate capable of obtaining a high-quality printed image for a long period. The element substrate has a plurality of heaters, driving elements each of which is provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of heaters to selectively drive the plurality of heaters, an input terminal to receive a driving mode selection signal, and a block selection circuit which time-divisionally drives, in blocks of different timings, heaters in each of a plurality of groups each including a predetermined number of heaters and driving elements. The element substrate includes a logic circuit which time-divisionally drives the heaters in the group when the selection signal input from the input terminal is a signal for selecting a first driving mode, and simultaneously drives all heaters in the group when the selection signal is a signal for selecting a second driving mode.
US08186789B2	Inkjet printing apparatus and ink ejection control method For a temperature adjustment process that uses high viscosity ink and is based on a first table, in a low temperature environment, an ink refill failure may occur and lower density may appear in high duty printing. Also for a temperature adjustment process that uses high viscosity ink and is based on second and third tables, in a low temperature environment, an ink refill failure may occur and lower density may appear. On the other hand, for a temperature adjustment process that employs a fourth table, a smaller pre-heat pulse width than that for the first table, for the conventional temperature adjustment, is employed in the same low temperature environment. Therefore, an ink refill failure does not occur, and horizontal or vertical gaps do not appear during high duty printing.
US08186783B2	Printing apparatus and method of acquiring correction value of conveying error While a conveying error of a roller depends on the eccentricity of the roller, the amount and the state of the eccentricity sometimes makes the roller have different conveying errors from one point in the longitudinal direction of the roller to another. There is provided a construction for obtaining a correction value that is suitable for the correction of the conveying error even in such a case as described above. To this end, plural test patterns are formed in the longitudinal direction of the roller. Then, a suitable correction value for correcting the conveying error that depends on the eccentricity of the roller is obtained on the basis of these test patterns.
US08186781B2	Articulated hinges using non-circular gears A hinge for controlling the movement of a door on a refrigerator is disclosed, the hinge allowing the refrigerator to be installed flush to adjacent cabinets. The door translates and rotates in order to allow access to the refrigerator cabinet interior without contacting the adjacent cabinets.
US08186774B2	Core for rubber track and rubber track A rubber track (1) has formed in it simple means that can carry a part of abnormal tensile force acting on substantially the entire length in the circumferential direction of the rubber track (1). The construction secures smooth operation of the rubber track and reliably prevents cutting of a steel cord (s1) due to such abnormal tensile force. A core (3) has an engagement section (3b) located in the center region in the longitudinal direction of the core, guide projections (3a) on the outer sides of the guide projections (3a). The core (3) further has tensile force carrying sections (4a, 4b) arranged at positions that are located in the thickness direction of the core and are closer to the outer periphery of the rubber track than the outer peripheral-side d-surfaces of the wing sections (3c). The tensile force carrying sections (4a, 4b) carry tensile force acting in the lateral direction of the core and also carry pressing force acting in the thickness direction of the core. Corresponding tensile force carrying sections (4a, 4b) of cores adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rubber track are engaged with each other. Further, a fixation belt layer in the circumferential direction of the rubber track is provided in a rubber track body (1a) at positions related to tensile force carrying sections (4a, 4b).
US08186773B2	Method for controlling a braking system of a motor vehicle Disclosed is a method for controlling a brake system (1) of a motor vehicle, which includes an electric generator (4) and a number of hydraulic, electronically controllable friction brakes (2) being allocated to axles of the motor vehicle, and the brake torque of which is composed of the brake torque of the generator (4) and the brake torque of the friction brakes (2), is intended to safeguard great brake comfort of the brake system (1). To this end, a number of friction brakes (2) are connected only when the total nominal brake torque exceeds the total actual brake torque by a selected maximum brake torque difference.
US08186772B2	Vehicle brake apparatus A pressure regulating valve unit is configured to regulate the output hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic pressure generating source through electrical control for application to a boosted hydraulic pressure chamber, and a release valve is interposed between the boosted hydraulic pressure chamber and a reservoir which is adapted to the hydraulic pressure in the boosted hydraulic pressure chamber to the reservoir side when the pressure regulating valve unit fails.
US08186769B2	Two-wheeled motor vehicle brake control method and system To enable, with respect to a vehicle whose vehicle body is easily lifted to a relatively large extent even in a relatively early stage when rear wheel lifting is detected, more rapid and reliable securement of the safety of the vehicle body with respect to that rear wheel lifting.When lifting of a rear wheel is detected, in contrast to what has conventionally been the case, pressure reduction of brake pressure of a front wheel is immediately started (S100, S102) regardless of whether or not there is occurrence of skidding of the front wheel, a stepwise reduction of brake pressure is performed while lifting of the rear wheel is being detected, and when the integrated amount of that amount of pressure reduction reaches a predetermined value, pressure reduction is ended even in a state where rear wheel lifting is being detected.
US08186768B2	Quick release, especially for bicycles A quick release for bicycles comprising a pull rod extending in the axial direction, an end element at a first end of the pull rod, a clamping element at the second end of the pull rod, and a tensioning device for tensioning the clamping element. The tensioning device comprises a lever for applying the clamping force and a tensioning sleeve with a transmitter portion for transmitting the clamping force to an engaging portion of the clamping element. The lever is positioned to be movable relative to the clamping element in the axial direction of the pull rod and against the biasing force of a biasing spring is movable outwardly in the axial direction of the pull rod from an engaged position to a turn position. In the turn position an angular position of the lever can be set independently of the state of tensioning.
US08186765B2	Method of manufacturing toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles, and toothbrush manufactured by the same The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a toothbrush having needle-shaped bristles and a toothbrush manufactured using the method. The method of the present invention includes the step of grinding bristles, which have been set in a head part of a toothbrush, using a grinder provided with protrusions (11) having heights ranging from 1.5 mm to 7 mm. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, a toothbrush having needle-shaped bristles can be manufactured without a separate chemical immersion process such that the thicknesses of the end points of the needle-shaped bristles range from 0.01 mm to 0.03 mm and the lengths of the tapered portions thereof range from 3 mm to 9 mm. Furthermore, because the process is simplified, the time required for production and the defective proportion is markedly reduced. As well, in the present invention, materials other than polyester can be used as the material for the bristles, unlike the conventional arts, in which this is impossible.
US08186762B2	Cutting trolley with a front and a rear attachment device A cutting trolley having a frame structure and at least two rear wheels on a rear shaft and at least one front wheel, for a cutter of the type that includes a front handle, a rear handle, and a circular cutting blade in the front end of the cutter. The trolley also includes a cutter carrier having a front attachment device and a rear attachment device for the attachment of a cutter on the carrier via a front handle and a rear handle of the cutter, respectively, for trolley carried operation of a cutter. The cutting trolley has an adjustment means, as part of a displacement device, that can adjust the position of the cutter carrier and hence the cutter and the cutting blade for alignment control and/or curve cutting adjustment, such that the adjustment is possible without interrupting the cutting operation.
US08186760B2	Adjustable width seats A seating system may comprise a first seat, a second seat, and a plurality of armrests. The plurality of armrests may be located between the first seat and the second seat. The plurality of armrests may be capable of being deployed to change a seating space for the first seat.
US08186758B2	Automobile seat having a four-link backrest pivoting mechanism and a two-link seat portion pivoting mechanism An automobile seat is provided that includes, but is not limited to a backrest, a seat portion, a backrest pivoting mechanism, and a two-link seat-portion pivoting mechanism. The seat portion is fastened to the backrest or the backrest pivoting mechanism so that it is pivotable about a first transverse axis and the backrest is fastened to the backrest pivoting mechanism so that it is pivotable about a second transverse axis, so that the backrest may be pivoted from a usage position in which the seat portion adopts a first position, forward about the second transverse axis into a non-usage position, in which the seat portion occupies a second position, in which the seat portion is displaced rearward with respect to the first position. The backrest pivoting mechanism is a four-link backrest pivoting mechanism, which is configured in such a manner that the second transverse axis may be displaced rearward into the non-usage position by pivoting the backrest.
US08186756B2	Adjustable body support An adjustable body support, including a number of mutually displaceable members, where a first plate-shaped basic member includes means for releasable fastening on a piece of furniture, a second plate-shaped basic member includes means for releasable fastening to the first basic member at varying positions, and a number of support members that may be releasably fastened to the second basic member.
US08186755B2	Collapsible canopy along with article of furniture and method incorporating the same A canopy for an article of furniture, such as a chair, having a seat portion and a back portion. The canopy includes a pair of arm structure and a flexible covering extending therebetween. Each arm structure includes an upright member including a proximal end portion extending from the back portion of the chair, a distal end portion, and a medial portion extending therebetween. The arm structure also includes a cantilever member pivotable about the distal end portion and a brace pivotably attached to the cantilever member and selectively positionable along the medial portion, thereby providing angle adjustment of the cantilever member relative to the seat portion. The flexible covering may include a plurality of panel sections, extending between the pair of arm structures and retained thereto by a pair of tethers or tabs each connecting to one of the cantilever members.
US08186753B2	Seat apparatus for vehicle A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a seat for the vehicle, a seat moving mechanism moving the seat between a seating position and a stowed position, a plurality of engagement members provided at a vehicle floor, a plurality of locking members provided at the seat to face the plurality of engagement members respectively and engaging with the plurality of engagement members to lock the seat at the seating position, and an engagement position adjusting mechanism adjusting a position of at least one of the engagement member and the locking member that face each other in an engaging movement locus direction where the locking member moves to engage with the engagement member.
US08186746B2	Passively deployable air dam for a vehicle An air dam assembly mounted under a front end of a vehicle includes a passively deployable air dam assembly. The passively deployable air dam assembly includes a passively deployable air dam having a front surface at least partially exposed to ram air when the vehicle is traveling in a forward direction, and a passive deployment assembly including at least one spring biasing the passively deployable air dam into a retracted position, with the passive deployment assembly engaging the passively deployable air dam to allow the passively deployable air dam to move, against the bias of the spring, from the retracted position to a deployed position closer to ground under the vehicle when a forward speed of the vehicle reaches or exceeds a predetermined activation speed.
US08186745B2	Device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular body disposed above rear wheels, comprising a plurality of flexible opposing flat sheets and a plurality flexible load bearing struts attached to the bottom of the rectangular body, that bend to resist damage when struck by the ground, and guide airflow around the rear wheels of the vehicle to reduce its aerodynamic resistance when moving.
US08186739B2	Topper lift system and method The invention includes a lift system for lifting a topper relative to a pickup truck box. The system is configured to lift the topper in a translational manner, such that the topper does not pivot with respect to the pickup box.
US08186734B2	Door opening and closing device A door opening and closing device has a rotational mechanism configured to switch a door between a closed position and an open position relative to a base member. The door opening and closing device includes a latch mechanism for latching the door in the closed position on the base member. The latch mechanism includes a latch device attached to the base member, a case disposed above the latch device, a slider slidably situated in the case above the latch device, and a latching member pivotally supported by the case and including a base end slidably connected with the slider and a tip configured to engage a portion of the door. When the door is moved to the closed position, the slider is moved by the door and is engaged with the latch device while the latching member is pivoted to engage the door.
US08186733B2	Solenoid gripper An electrical gripper has a housing and a solenoid plunger. A pair of jaws are movably mounted with the housing. The jaws are movable towards and away from each other. The jaws are coupled with the solenoid plunger to provide movement to the jaws. A first mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a first position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. A second mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a second position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. Thus, the jaws are actively locked in an open or close position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger.
US08186732B2	Clamping device A hoist clamp device for clamping an object. The device includes a frame, a first clamping part, movably connected to the frame and provided with a first gripping surface, a second clamping part, coupled to the frame, provided with a second gripping surface, and arranged with respect to the first clamping part so as to clamp the object between the second gripping surface and the first gripping surface, in which the first clamping part is movable with respect to the second clamping part in order to clamp the object by moving the first clamping part from a free position into a clamping position, and in which the second clamping part is furthermore provided with a gripping part, provided with the second gripping surface, which gripping part is designed to allow a displacement with respect to the frame as long as a clamping force of the first clamping part on the second clamping part is below a minimum value.
US08186728B2	Draw latch with safety catch A draw latch with a safely catch for fastening two members, where the latch comprises a base attached to one of the two members, a lever pivotally connected to the base for movement between closed and open positions, a draw bar pivotally connected at one end with the lever providing toggle action upon the latch lever closing and another end of the draw bar is for engagement with a draw plate attached to the other of the two members. The safety catch comprises a safety catch bolt with thumb knob, with the colt biased into a locked position by a compression spring to prevent the latch from opening. The safety catch can be placed into an open position by pushing the knob, so the safety catch bolt will disengage from a sidewall of the lever, allowing the lever to be lifted to open the latch.
US08186726B2	Latching mechanism and electronic device using the same A latching mechanism to connect a cover to a housing includes a catch and a catching portion. The catch is disposed on the cover. The catch includes a latching end and a connecting portion. The catching portion is defined in the housing. The catching portion includes a first hole and a second hole communicating with each other. The first hole is larger than or substantially equal to the diameter of the latching end, the second hole is larger than the connecting portion and smaller than the latching end, and a joint of the first hole and second hole is smaller than the diameter of the connecting portion. The present disclosure further provides an electronic device including the latching mechanism.
US08186725B2	Apparatus and method for supporting a pipe coupling A pipe coupling support having a substantially rigid body with an inner surface formed to mate with at least a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe coupling installed on pipe. In many cases, the exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling will be non-cylindrical. For example, when pipes of differing diameters or pipes manufactured from different materials must be joined with commonly available pliable couplings. In this instance the inner surface of the body of the pipe coupling support may be formed to mate with a majority of or substantially the entire exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling.
US08186722B2	Super high torque dope-free threaded joint A high torque threaded joint comprising a box member having threads and a pin member having threads (10) configured and positioned to mate with the threads of the box member. There is a flank-to-flank contact thread profile using trapezoidal threads with both a positive and very low load flank angle, (β1 or a); and a positive and very low stabbing flank (14) angle, (β2, or b), wherein the threads are coated with a solid, dopefree surface treatment.
US08186721B2	Spherical annular seal member, exhaust pipe joint device using the same, and method of manufacturing spherical annular seal member A spherical annular seal member includes a spherical annular base member defined by a cylindrical inner surface, a partially convex spherical outer surface, and large- and small-diameter-side annular end faces and of the partially convex spherical outer surface, as well as an expandable annular coating layer formed integrally on the cylindrical inner surface of the spherical annular base member. The coating layer consists of a mixture of acid-treated graphite and wax.
US08186717B2	Wheel segment for a supporting leg made of cast iron A wheel segment for the pivotal mounting of a base plate to a support jack, wherein the wheel segment has a partially cylindrical jacket element having a winding surface that is curved on the underside of said jacket element, and two side walls positioned radially on the jacket element, wherein a stop point is configured in the upper section thereof. An arrangement of a wheel segment is further protected at a support jack. The aim of the invention, among others, is to produce a wheel segment in a cost-effective manner while maintaining equal stability. Said aim is attained according to the invention by a wheel segment that is produced as a one-piece casting.
US08186711B2	Separation of abuse conditions and crash events to control occupant restraint devices A method of controlling a restraint device in a vehicle. The method comprises sensing an acceleration of the vehicle, analyzing the acceleration with at least two independent thresholds, and activating the restraint device when the analyzed acceleration exceeds the at least two independent thresholds.
US08186710B2	Vehicle curtain airbag A post-deployment, position-stabilized curtain airbag has a top edge from which an inflatable safety cushion is supported by a vehicle for deployment into a vehicle passenger compartment between occupant and occupant enclosure. A fill chamber is secured to the top edge of the safety cushion. An inflatable structural member is mechanically connected to the safety cushion. The fill chamber directs pressurized gas into the safety cushion and the structural member. The structural member deploys into the passenger compartment between the safety cushion and occupant enclosure limiting outboard displacement of the safety cushion. The structural member fully deploys after the safety cushion. Another structural member deploys along the top edge of the safety cushion limiting pivoting of the safety cushion there relative to the fill chamber. Pressurized gas enters each structural member through auxiliary passageways having oppositely directed entrances and outlets.
US08186708B2	Asymmetric side airbag for improved head and neck protection A side airbag for an automotive vehicle includes an outboard panel having a perimeter edge and a first vertical length, and an inboard panel having a perimeter edge and a second vertical length shorter than the first vertical length, the inboard and outboard panels joined to one another around their respective perimeter edges to form an enclosed volume such that when the airbag is inflated a mid-thickness line is concave toward the inboard panel. When the inflated airbag is positioned between an occupant seat and a side wall of the vehicle, the inboard-curved shape provides early engagement between an occupant of the seat and the airbag to offer improved protection for the head and neck.
US08186706B2	One-hand fold stroller frame A foldable stroller frame has a frame structure with two laterally spaced apart frame sides. The frame structure is three dimensionally foldable from an in-use configuration to a folded configuration. A fold joint assembly is provided on a part of the frame structure and is configured to maintain the frame structure in the in-use configuration. An actuator is coupled to the frame structure and is capable of actuation with one hand of a user to release the fold joint assembly. The frame structure can then move from the in-use configuration to the folded configuration using only the one hand and the frame sides are laterally closer to one another in the folded configuration than in the in-use configuration.
US08186704B2	Gooseneck trailer attachment assembly and center deck elevation system Taught herein is a trailer having a gooseneck that can be engaged with the fifth wheel of a road tractor, rear truck unit, and a detachable cargo deck connecting the gooseneck with the truck unit. The cargo deck may be detached from the gooseneck and rested on the ground to allow heavy equipment to be loaded onto the cargo deck. The cargo deck can be reattached to the gooseneck, and elevated and locked into any one of three positions, each substantially parallel with the road, by an elevating means in the gooseneck and the truck unit. Thus the trailer of the present invention can be configured to accommodate cargo have a wide range of weight and size.
US08186703B2	Tow cable kit A tow cable kit is mounted to a pin support member which is attached to a frame of the vehicle. The pin support member includes an upper plate and a lower plate. Each plate has a front bore and a rear bore. The front bores receive a front towing pin, and the rear bores receive a rear towing pin. The front towing pin is received by a towing cable, the rear towing pin is received by a drawbar. The tow cable kit includes a floater plate which is spaced apart from the pin support member and is coupled to both towing pins. The floater plate has a pair of spaced apart bores for receiving the towing pins and for protecting snap rings which are mounted on the towing pins.
US08186701B2	Method and apparatus for transferring a wheelchair bound person The present invention provides a modular lateral transfer assembly (MLTA) adaptable to a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person, and a modular wheel assembly (MWA) adaptable to a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person laterally. The present invention also provides a wheelchair integrating the MLTA and MWA either individually or in combination.
US08186699B2	Wheelchair lever drive system A manual propulsion mechanism for wheelchairs utilizes a lever pivotally mounted to the hub of each rear wheel such that the wheelchair user can propel the chair with push/pull movements of the levers. Forward and reverse propulsion directions are accomplished by a system of one-way reversible clutches contained in the propulsion wheel hubs which also allow the levers to be operationally disconnected such that the chair can freewheel. Operator control of direction shifting is through pivoting motions imparted to the grip handles of the propulsion levers. In a preferred embodiment, improved ergonomics for propulsion direction changes are made possible by coordinating the direction of the shift pivot motion with the push/pull movement of the levers. This allows the operator to retain a comfortable, stable grip on the grip handle while simultaneously propelling and controlling direction of movement.
US08186697B2	Suspension arrangement for rear castered wheels on a work machine A work machine is provided having a suspension arrangement between an axle of the machine and a caster wheel assembly. The suspension arrangement comprising a torsion spring assembly. The torsion spring assembly having a first spring housing, a second spring housing, and an inner member. The inner member being integrated directly with a wheel arm of the caster wheel assembly. The first and second spring housings being fastened together around the inner member wherein a plurality of elastomeric members are interposed between the inner member and the first and second spring housings. A torsion spring assembly is provided having a first spring housing, a second spring housing, and an inner member, the first and second spring housings being fastened together around the inner member wherein a plurality of elastomeric members are interposed between the inner member and the first and second spring housings.
US08186696B2	Steering tie rod end made of steel and method of manufacturing the same A steel tie rod end includes a shaft portion and first and second fitting portions. A minimum area portion having a small radially cross-sectional area is provided for the shaft portion, and 90% or above of a steel structure of the minimum area portion is formed of martensite or tempered martensite. The surface hardness of the minimum area portion and the average hardness of the radial cross section of the minimum area portion are 600 Hv or below, and the average hardness of the radial cross section of the first fitting portion and the average hardness of the radial cross section of the second fitting portion are 300 Hv or below. A method of manufacturing a steel tie rod end includes a quenching process of heating only a prospective shaft portion by high frequency to an austenitizing temperature and then rapidly cooling the prospective shaft portion by water or cooling medium.
US08186694B2	Steering assemblies, vehicles including a steering assemblies, and methods of steering a vehicle A vehicle includes a chassis, a suspension system, and a steering system operably coupled to the chassis and to the suspension. The chassis includes a mounting member that has a first elongated slot. The suspension system includes a beam that is pivotally coupled to the mounting member. The steering system includes a first axle, a second axle, a tie bar that extends between first and second tie bar ends, and a slider. The first and second axles are pivotally coupled with respect to the beam. The tie bar is operably coupled to the first and second axles and includes a second elongated slot that is configured to overlie the first elongated slot. The slider is positioned in the first and second elongated slots, and is configured to move in the first and second elongated slots to select a ratio of the tilting of the mounting member to the steering of the first and second axles.
US08186693B2	Transportation device with pivoting axle Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.
US08186690B2	Metal gasket A metal gasket includes at least one structural plate having a sealing bore and bolt holes located around the seal bore. An inner bead is formed on the at least one structural plate to surround the sealing bore. The inner bead has first neighboring portions near the bolt holes and first outer portions outside the first neighboring portions. The first neighboring portion has a compression resistance smaller than that of the first outer portion. An outer bead is formed on the at least one structural plate to surround the inner bead such that the bolt holes are located inside thereof. The outer bead has second neighboring portions near the bolt holes and second outer portions outside the second neighboring portions. The second neighboring portion has a compression resistance greater than that of the second outer portion.
US08186689B2	Sealing device for gear chamber In a gear chamber 10, a sealing member 21 is attached to a rotary shaft 12 of an electric motor 11, and a grease return part 21a is provided on this sealing member 21. Thus, grease raked by a helical gear 12a is blown off diagonally forward with respect to a radial direction as a result of a centrifugal force, and it is possible to prevent the grease from leaking out of a ball bearing 20.
US08186684B2	Form for constructing a thrower's circle A form for constructing a thrower's circle includes a pair of half sections. Each half section has an upper surface and a base surface and two full length members and two half length members. The full length members and the half length members are connected together substantially at right angles to form a rectangle with four corners. A corner brace is located in each of the four corners. An inside cross member and an outside cross member extend between the half length members and are generally parallel to the full length members. A pair of semi-circles, each having substantially the same diameter that is larger than the length of the half length members and less than the length of the full length members. Means are provided for securing the half sections together so that the semi-circles form a full circle. Tubes extend from the circle toward the base to drain water from with in the circle.
US08186683B2	Method and apparatus for providing target game mats utilized with a game A kit of components for playing a game and a method of using the components of the kit is provided. The kit may include a plurality of game mats. Each of the game mats may include a plurality of sections and each of the sections may be assigned a different point value that is marked on respective sections of the game mats. The different point values of each of the sections may be marked on an upper surface of the game mats. The kit may also include a plurality of tossable objects that are tossable on one or more of the sections of the game mats to obtain points associated with the value of the sections. The kit may also include a set of instructions or rules for playing the game and a case for carrying the game mats, the tossable objects and the instructions or rules.
US08186678B1	Spin box A device for developing hand-eye coordination of the type having a drum (90) with a furrow (92) meandering around drum (90) with drum pin (94A and 94B) mated to slot (120A and 120B) of hoop (116). Marble (10) is negotiated over furrow (92) by turning drum pin (94A and 94B) with each hand while simultaneously using drum pin (94A and 94B) to roll hoop (116) to complete the length of furrow (92).
US08186675B2	Systems and methods for controlling substrate flatness in printing devices using vacuum and/or the flow of air Systems and methods are provided for controlling substrate flatness for sensor measurements in printing device using vacuum and/or the flow or air. A source of low pressure, such as a vacuum, may be provided. A printed sheet of media may be transported between upper and lower transport baffles that are generally spaced apart to permit the sheet of media to pass. Located on one of transport baffles may be a sensor to measure a property of the printed sheet. The source of low pressure is connected to the one of the transport baffle so as to draw the surface of the sheet toward the sensor. In addition, air flow may be directed to the opposite surface of the sheet to urge it toward the sensor.
US08186671B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus with rear end restriction members A sheet cassette includes a cassette main body, an intermediate plate, a pressure spring, and a first rear end restriction member provided slidably along a sheet feeding direction and restricting a rear end of a sheet. The sheet cassette also includes a second rear end restriction member provided slidably in the first rear end restriction member along the sheet feeding direction and restricting the rear end of the sheet. The first rear end restriction member includes a first height restriction portion restricting a height of a sheet of a predetermined size loaded in the cassette main body to a first height. The second rear end restriction member includes a second height restriction portion restricting a height of a sheet of a size smaller than the predetermined size loaded in the cassette main body to a second height smaller than the first height.
US08186668B2	Stack feeding aeration device and method An aeration device adapted to aerate one or more sheets of a stack of sheets includes a side blower configured to selectively provide an air stream at an outlet thereof along an airstream direction so as to impinge against at least a portion of the stack. A height detecting device is configured to detect a height of an uppermost sheet of the stack. A side blower adjustment device is configured to adjust a height of the side blower and/or an angle of the airstream direction so as to track, by the air stream, the uppermost sheet of the stack based on an input from the height detecting device.
US08186667B2	Card transfer system and card reader Card transfer system in which a card is transferred may include transfer roller which touches and transfers the card, and rotary shaft on which transfer roller is fixed, and rotating member rotatably supported on rotary shaft, and drive mechanism coupled to rotating member to rotate rotating member, and clutch mechanism which interrupts the power transmission between rotary shaft and rotating member. Rotating member is rotatably supported on rotary shaft by antifriction bearings. Rotary shaft is rotatably supported by multiple bearings and, at the same time, at least bearing arranged closest to rotating member is a plain bearing or sliding bearing.
US08186664B2	Sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method A sheet processing apparatus includes a first detector configured to detect a leading edge of a sheet conveyed in a conveying direction, a second detector provided on a downstream side of the first detector in the sheet conveying direction to detect the leading edge of the sheet conveyed, a punching portion, in the downstream side of the first detector in the sheet conveying direction, to move in a sheet width direction crossing the sheet conveying direction and perform a punching process for the sheet, an edge detector configured to move in the width direction together with the punching portion and detect the edge of the sheet conveyed in the width direction, and a controller, on the basis of at least either of information of a conveying speed of the sheet and a sheet length in the conveying direction, when the edge detector starts movement in the width direction after the first or second detector detects the leading edge of the sheet, to judge whether the edge detector can detect the edge of the sheet or not, as a result of the judgment, selecting the detector positioned on the most downstream side in the conveying direction among the first and second detectors which can be used, and when the selected first or second detector detects the leading edge of the sheet conveyed, permitting the edge detector to start movement to detect the edge of the sheet in the width direction.
US08186663B2	Spine formation device, saddle-stitch bookbinding apparatus, sheet-edge cutting apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus A spine formation device includes a sheet conveyer, a presser, and a spine formation member. The sheet conveyer conveys a bundle of folded sheets with a folded portion of the bundle of sheets forming a front end portion of the bundle of sheets. The presser is disposed downstream from the sheet conveyer in a sheet conveyance direction in which the sheet conveyer conveys the bundle of sheets. The presser is movable to press opposed sides of the front end portion of the bundle of sheets. The spine formation member is movably disposed downstream from the presser in the sheet conveyance direction. The spine formation member includes a groove portion that contacts and positions the bundle of sheets to define an amount by which the bundle of sheets protrudes from the presser and a spine formation face that forms a spine at the folded portion of the bundle of sheets.
US08186659B2	Suspension device Interplate rubber members 15 are interposed between abutting front and rear ends of spring leaves 2A and 2B. The spring leaves 2A and 2B have paired curved portions 14A and 14B, respectively, which are symmetrically S-shaped with respect to a connected position of an axle 3 in side view. A curvature radius of continuous and mutually reverse curves of each of the curved portions 14A of the upper spring leaf 2A is greater than a curvature radius of continuous and mutually reverse curves of each of the curved portions 14B of the lower spring leaf 2B. The upper curved portions 14A have longitudinally outward bend starts longitudinally outward of longitudinally outward bend starts of the lower curved portions 14B and have longitudinally inward bend ends longitudinally inward of longitudinally inward bend ends of the lower curved portions 14B.
US08186657B2	Air spring modular piston A modular piston assembly is associated with an air spring assembly that has a bellows rolling over a surface of the piston assembly. The modular piston assembly includes a first piston portion adapted to fasten to an associated air spring bellows. A second piston portion separate from the first portion, is adapted to fasten to an associated mounting component. Interlocking members are provided to secure the first and second piston portions together, and/or any desired intermediate piston portions. Discrete air reservoirs may also be included in the modular piston assembly to increase the volume of the air spring.
US08186656B2	Sauna device To provide a sauna device having a small number of components without any special heat source, operable at a low running cost, and capable of turning a sauna room into a high humidity space with low noise. The sauna device has a heating/humidifying unit for heating/humidifying air, a ventilating unit for exhausting the air in the sauna room, and a control unit for controlling the heating/humidifying unit and the ventilating unit. The heating/humidifying unit has a heating section for heating the air through a circulation blowing section for circulating the air in the sauna room and a humidifying section for humidifying the heated air having passed through the heating section. The humidified air is blown out into the sauna room through the humidifying section. A bent portion where the air-blowing duct through which the humidified air having passed through the humidifying section passes is bent is provided.
US08186654B2	Sieve tray for use in gas treatment towers A sieve tray is used in a gas treatment tower, wherein the tray openings are hexagonal in shape, enabling a higher open area in the tray while maintaining the tray structural integrity, thereby enabling use of the tray in higher velocity towers.
US08186650B2	Line retrieval system and method A line retrieval system comprises a retrieval device having a radially magnetized magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to an object disposed on an opposite side of a structure for drawing the object in a desired direction relative to the structure.
US08186648B2	Method of shutting off conduit and pipe conduit shutoff apparatus To enable efficient and easy attachment of a shutoff operation cover at a proper attaching position relative to two joining flange portions and also to restrict deformation in a leading end portion of a gate plate valve. A shutoff operation cover B is attached to two pipe portions 2, 3 jointed and fastened together with a fastener 5. The shutoff operation cover B is capable of surrounding outer peripheries of the two joining flange portions 2A, 3A under a sealed condition, and there is provided a gate plate valve 10 in the form of a thin plate, the valve being insertable and withdrawable for shutting off conduits of the two pipe portions 2, 3. As the gate plate valve 10 is inserted to a conduit shutting position through a gap S formed between the two joining flange portions 2A, 3A in association with a loosening operation of the fastener 5, the conduit is shut off between the two joining flange portions 2A, 3A. When the shutoff operation cover B is attached to the two pipe portions 2, 3, a leading end 10b of the gate plate valve 10 located at a conduit opening position is advanced into an annular gap 26 formed on the outer peripheral sides of opposing faces of the two joining flange portions 2A, 3A.
US08186646B2	Valve trim retention apparatus Valve trim retention apparatus for use with valves are described. An example valve trim retention apparatus includes a liner to retain a valve seat within a valve body. The liner includes an outer surface having first external threads to engage a first threaded opening of the valve body. A ring retainer engages the liner and has second external threads to engage a second threaded opening of the valve body. The first and second threaded openings cause the liner and the ring retainer to move in opposite directions when the liner and the ring retainer are rotated in same direction.
US08186645B2	Tilt-up concrete form brace A brace for use in tilt-up construction is disclosed. The brace includes a bottom surface and a vertical side surface. The bottom surface of the brace is affixed to a permanent horizontal surface (e.g., a slab) in a manner that allows the brace to be removed without damaging the permanent horizontal surface. The vertical side surface of the brace is attached to a concrete pour form. The bottom surface of the brace is affixed to the permanent horizontal surface using an adhesive. Alternatively, a shoe is attached to the permanent horizontal surface and the brace sits in the shoe. A flange is releasably securable with the brace to batter the form when the flange is place in contact therewith. Alternatively, the shoe has an upwardly extending inclined ramp that is operable to orient the brace so that the vertical side surface of the brace is disposed at a battering angle to batter the form.
US08186642B2	Portable device accessory A portable device accessory is used to hold, grip or manipulate a portable device such as and not limited to mobile phones, MP3 players, portable entertainment/computing devices, and/or gaming devices. The accessory possesses two suctions cups connected by a neck and having an aperture for receiving a jack on earphone. Certain embodiments of the accessory will have tabs, ridges, groove and/or a space to receive earphones. The accessory permits a jack of earphones to be threaded through an aperture and the cord of the earphones to be wrapped around the accessory. The suction cups may be inverted to conceal the cord wrapped around a neck of the accessory and tabs may be used to hold inverted suction cups together.
US08186639B2	Bracket for tablet electronic device The present invention is to provide a bracket, which comprises a main body having a first end with two sides horizontally pivoted to a first end of a horizontal support element respectively and a second end vertically pivoted to a first end of a vertical support element, so that a second end of each of the horizontal support elements can be opened away from each other and a second end of the vertical support element can be extended to an inclined angle away from the horizontal support elements. Thus, when lower surfaces of the two horizontal support elements are placed on a plane (such as a desk surface), a user can place a table electronic device stably on a virtual inclined support plane formed between the vertical and horizontal support elements.
US08186636B2	Configurable mounting bracket A multiply configurable bracket formed of a substantially rigid elongated body having a groove oriented crosswise of the elongated body and formed partway therethrough, and a pair of fastener clearance passages formed through the body straddling the groove and oriented crosswise of both the elongated body and the groove. A first part-spherical ball mount is coupled to one end of the elongated body and is aligned substantially along a longitudinal axis thereof. A second part-spherical ball mount is coupled to the body opposite from the groove and oriented substantially crosswise to the longitudinal axis thereof. Both the first and second part-spherical ball mounts are formed of a resiliently deformable material with a substantially smooth outer surface.
US08186632B2	Panel-mounted aircraft control stick A panel-mounted control stick for aircraft providing for roll and pitch input that emulates the response of a traditional floor-mounted control stick. The panel-mounted control stick incorporates a pitch beam input assembly and a roll input assembly for translating the movements of the control stick into movements of aircraft control surfaces.
US08186622B2	Aircraft component A method of manufacturing an aircraft component such as a wing rib. The method comprises: providing a body with two or more connectors arranged in a line on the body, each connector having an arm extending from the body, a first flange positioned on a first side of the line, and a second flange positioned on a second side of the line; and attaching a separate connector to the body, the separate connector having an arm extending from the body, a first flange positioned on a first side of the line and a second flange positioned on a second side of the line. A connector for transferring load between a body of an aircraft component and a cover, the cover having an aerodynamic external surface, the connector comprising: a plate for securing the connector to the body of the aircraft component; the plate having a first face on a first side of the connector, a second face on a second side of the connector, and an edge between the first and second faces; an arm extending from the edge of the plate; a first flange carried by the arm on a first side of the connector, and a second flange carried by the arm on a second side of the connector. The arm has a relatively wide base adjacent to the edge of the plate and a relatively narrow distal end which carries the flanges.
US08186621B2	Assembly between a front fitting and the traction coupling of the two lateral boxes of the horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft The invention relates to an assembly between a front fitting and the traction coupling of the two lateral boxes of the horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft comprising a front fitting (1, 1a and 1b), a front shear plate (2), an upper shear plate (4), a lower shear plate (5) and a “rib post” union piece (3) in such a way that the loads being transferred to the lateral boxes are minimized, and at the same time it allows a proper trimming of the horizontal stabilizer. Moreover, the present invention describes a compact front fitting, made of one piece, as a whole, and in composite material.
US08186616B2	Hybrid transonic-subsonic aerofoils A hybrid transonic-subsonic airfoil is provided that combines subsonic and transonic features for achieving simultaneously acceptable aerodynamic characteristics at low subsonic and high transonic Mach numbers.
US08186610B2	Roof shingle stripper, grinder, blower, and hopper A hopper for a roof shingle stripper, grinder, and blower includes: a hopper; a catch area on the hopper, adapted to receive the debris; an output opening on the hopper, adapted to output the debris; a plate to urge the debris toward the output opening; and a manipulator connected to the plate having a portion that extends outside of the hopper. The manipulator pushes upon the plate thereby urging debris in the hopper toward the output opening. The grinder machine may include a motor, self-propelled wheels, a lifting blade for roof shingles, a shredder, and a conduit with a wall that channels the debris to one of two outputs.
US08186609B2	Fuel injector having an additional outlet restrictor or having an improved arrangement of same in the control valve The present invention relates to a fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, having a valve piston that is displaceably guided in an injector body in terms of lifting motions, whereby the lifting motion of the valve piston can be controlled by a control valve. The control valve has a valve needle with a guide bore, so that the needle is displaceably guided in the direction of a lifting axis in terms of lifting motions. A guide section integrally formed on an end of a valve piece extends into the guide bore for the displaceable guidance of the valve needle in terms of lifting motions. Along the lifting axis a vertical bore extends through the valve piece into the guide section, such that fuel is able to flow through the bore from a control chamber into an annular chamber introduced between the guide bore and the guide section for controlling the lifting motion of the valve piston. The fuel volume conducted through the vertical bore furthermore flows through at least one outlet restrictor, which is disposed in the region of the transition from the vertical bore into the annular chamber.
US08186608B2	Apparatus for wetting a glass pane In an apparatus for wetting a glass pane, in particular a glass pane of a motor vehicle, a spherical body (15) which supports a nozzle body (20) is inserted into an accommodation space (10) which is formed in a bearing head (9) of an insert body (1). The accommodation space (10) exhibits the spherical body (15) together with resistance projections (12) which fix an annular shoulder and also serve to fluidically stabilize a liquid fluid, which flows into a flow expansion space as a subregion of the accommodation space (10), in the form of, for example, wash water. An oscillating fan-like stream can be reliably generated as a result.
US08186605B2	Fluid injector A fluid injector has a valve body with a recess in which a valve needle is arranged axially movable preventing a fluid flow and being mechanically coupled to an axial end of a first spring preloaded to exert a force on the valve needle. A first armature is mechanically coupled to the valve needle. A second armature is arranged in the recess axially movable away and towards a protrusion of the valve body mechanically coupled to an axial end of a second spring preloaded exerting a force on the second armature which is arranged and designed such that from a closing to a first given position, the first and second armature are mechanically decoupled, and from the first given position further away from the closing position, the first and second armature are mechanically coupled. A solenoid drive magnetically actuates the first and second armature to move axially.
US08186603B2	Contactless smart sticker A method for manufacture of a contactless smart card device including mounting at least one antenna and at least one smart card module onto a substrate layer, placing paramagnetic material over at least part of the at least one antenna, and laminating the substrate layer and the paramagnetic material to provide a laminate.
US08186598B2	Transaction card The present invention relates to a process for producing a transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features. An optically recognizable compound may be associated with a portion of the card for blocking infrared radiation and may comprise an infrared ink having nanocrystalline indium tin oxide particles. Moreover, a portion of the transaction card may include a second optically recognizable compound disposed thereon. The second optically recognizable compound may comprise an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink may be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.
US08186597B1	Magnetic method for securing a scanner An indicia reading system including: a hand held indicia reader for reading information bearing indicia; a cradle having a first magnetic attachment device disposed in the cradle arm for removably holding the indicia reader; a second attachment device disposed on the indicia reader to removably attach the indicia reader to the first magnetic attachment device.
US08186592B2	Universal stand for indicia readers A universal stand for holding a reading device that collects and processes machine readable data comprising: a base adapted for placement on a surface for providing holding stability for the reading device; a cradle arm having a flange portion and a cradle portion; and, a hinge for rotatably connecting the cradle arm to the base, wherein the cradle arm is adapted to be replaceable so that the base may be utilized for providing holding stability for more than one reading device.
US08186591B2	Contactless management between a smart card and mobile terminal Certain existing commands, such as USAT/SAT/CAT commands, are modified to allow management of various types of contactless applications to be performed. Such commands are exchanged via a communication bus between a secure element and a contactless function (CLF) module to support a contactless service. The secure element may be a type of smart card and the external device may be an access gateway for transportation, a point-of-sale (PoS) terminal, or some other application for the user.
US08186590B2	High speed personalization machine The present invention concerns a high speed machine for personalizing portable objects, incorporating an integrated circuit comprising at least one memory, the machine comprising a transfer device (3) for the portable objects to be personalized and a compact rotating drum (20) containing a plurality of interface electronic circuits, called couplers, each of these couplers being connected to at least one personalization station (22i) comprising at least one linking device with the integrated circuit of a portable object, characterized firstly in that each of these couplers is removably mounted so that it can be adapted to the type of programming used for the personalization data, and secondly in that the personalization stations (22i) are also removable for their adaptation to the type of portable objects (4) to be personalized and/or to the couplers used, the rotating drum (20) comprising grooved sections containing a plurality of grooves for latching of the personalization stations (22i).
US08186588B2	Shared drive launcher/weapon interface A weapon launch system includes at least a command and control system, a launcher system and at least one weapon system. The command and control system generates command signals received by the launcher system. The launcher system comprises a launcher operating system that maintains a mapping server connected to a hard drive and a network layer. The mapping server partitions the hard drive into any number of virtual drives accessible by the network layer and each virtual drive maintains operational data for a specific weapon system. The weapon system is coupled to the launcher system and comprises a weapon and a weapon operating system that maintains a mapping client which mounts a designated virtual drive and obtains operational data therefrom and transfers the operational data to the weapon.
US08186583B1	Storefront purchases utilizing non-negotiable credits A conversion of a quantity of non-negotiable credits to a quantity of negotiable funds can be initiated for a storefront purchase. The non-negotiable credits can be earned from previous interactions with an entity. The converting can be performed by a different legal entity than the entity. The storefront purchase can be completed, during which at least a portion of the non-negotiable credits are expended. The vender providing a good or service for the storefront purchase may not directly honor the non-negotiable credits in absence of the converting. Responsive to the conversion and the completing of the storefront purchase, the good or service can be provided to a purchaser and the quantity of negotiable funds for the storefront purchase can be provided to the vender.
US08186582B2	Metal-containing transaction card and method of making the same A method of creating a single transaction card is disclosed and comprises embossing the single transaction card within a pocket to form embossed characters on a first surface of the single transaction card, filling the pocket with a fill panel to provide a substantially flush surface on a second surface of the single transaction card, wherein a third surface of the fill panel is in uniform, direct contact with an interior of the pocket. Another method is disclosed for machining a face pocket within a single transaction card and disposing a microchip therein. In various embodiments, a single transaction card is comprised of a continuous metal layer, such as, for example, titanium.
US08186579B2	Automated banking machine that outputs interference signals that jam reading ability of unauthorized card readers A cash dispensing automated banking machine includes a card reader associated with a card slot. An anti-fraud sensing device is able to sense ambient light or generated radiation that passes to the sensing device through the card reader slot. The installation of an unauthorized card reading device on the machine changes at least one property sensed by the sensing device. A controller in the machine receives signals from the sensing device, and determines if an unauthorized card reading device has been installed.
US08186576B2	Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records A banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that can read identifying data from user cards. The system can authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the read data. The machine can provide an electronic transaction receipt to the machine user. A bank host computer is operable to submit the receipt to a system address of record with the bank. The address can correspond to an e-mail address, phone number, or other address associated with an account involved in the transaction. The receipt can also include an image associated with the transaction. The system can also operate to image a check deposited at the machine, and then electronically send the image to the check maker, the payee, and/or a clearinghouse.
US08186573B2	Method of marking a document or item; method and device for identifying the marked document or item; use of circular polarizing particles Optical identification and/or authentication of a document or item with the help of a marking comprising a random distribution of circular polarized light reflecting particles, the marking being applied to the document or item through an ink, and the reading device exploiting circular polarization to discriminate the flakes from the background.
US08186571B2	Cup sling A cup sling is a carrier for a frusto-conical container that is a sleeve with straps for retaining and carrying the container. The sleeve defines an opening to receive the cup. The sleeve is cut in such a manner so that, when the top portion and the bottom portion of the sleeve are twisted in opposite directions, the center portion will form two loops, or straps, that will extend out to the sides of the container. These straps can be retained above the container to hold the container in a generally vertical position allowing the user to hang the container from a finger or hook. In addition, the user can tote the container in the cup sling while using the hand concurrently to hold or tote other items.
US08186569B2	Regulated fluid dispensing system packaging A packaging container is used to package a regulated fluid dispensing system including a regulated fluid dispensing device and a beverage container. The packaging includes carry handles, and a perforation pattern that allows a front panel of the packaging container to be removed thus exposing working parts of the dispensing device. The dispensing system may remain housed within the packaging during use that assists in stabilizing and protecting the dispensing system.
US08186566B2	Method for cohesively bonding metal to a non-metallic substrate A process for cohesive bonding between a metal surface and a nonmetallic substrate is provided. The non-metallic substrate may comprise a plurality of microfilaments and/or nanofilaments dispersed into and below the surface of the substrate. The application of pressure and laterally-oriented high frequency and low amplitude vibration may allow for diffusion bonding between the metal surface and material of the nanofilaments. Another method includes discharging energy from a bank of capacitors to melt adjoining surfaces of the metal surface and nonmetallic substrate. Additionally, a cohesive bonding method may further comprise converting electrical oscillations of ultrasonic frequency into ultrasonic vibrations which are transmitted to the metal body and/or substrate for fusing the two materials together.
US08186565B1	Method of bonding aluminum-boron-carbon composites An aluminum-boron-carbon (ABC) ceramic-metal composite bonded to a metal or metal-ceramic composite other than ABC composite is made by forming a porous body comprised of particulates being comprised of a boron-carbon compound that has a particulate layer of titanium diboride powder on the surface of the porous body. The porous body is infiltrated with aluminum or alloy thereof resulting in the simultaneous infiltration of the TiB2 layer, where the layer has an aluminum metal content that is at least about 10 percentage points greater by volume than the (ABC) composite. The ABC composite is then fused to a metal or metal-ceramic body through the infiltrated layer of titanium diboride, wherein the metal-ceramic body is a composite other than an aluminum-boron-carbon composite.
US08186564B1	Brazing preform manufacture A method and apparatus for forming a brazing preform. The preform is made utilizing a brazing preform member having a first shaped end and a second shaped end. The first and second shaped ends are mated in a friction fit without any welding to provide the brazing preform.
US08186561B2	Solid state processing of hand-held knife blades to improve blade performance A system and method for friction stir processing of a hand-held cutting edge, wherein friction stir processing techniques are used to modify the properties of the hand-held cutting edge to obtain superior edge retention and superior resistance to chipping of the hand-held cutting edge.
US08186557B2	Surgical stapling apparatus with clamping assembly A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position.
US08186555B2	Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with mechanical closure system A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.
US08186550B2	Bathing unit apparatus Embodiments described herein relate to a bathing unit that sits in a bathtub and helps the elderly, handicapped and/or persons with problems that need assistance getting in and out of a bathtub. The bathing unit is a lightweight frame system that comprises four stair-stepped seated levels.
US08186548B2	Shoe-cover dispenser A shoe-cover dispenser is described, including, for example, features that facilitate the simultaneous loading of multiple shoe covers and/or features that prevent incomplete release of shoe covers. The shoe-cover dispenser can include a shell and a removable shoe-cover cartridge sized to fit within the shell. The removable shoe-cover cartridge can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of shoe covers, such as by releasably holding three or more clips attached to an elastic element of each shoe cover. These clips can be preloaded into the removable shoe-cover cartridge prior to delivery to an end-user. Release of a shoe cover can be initiated by downward movement of a foot pad. To prevent tilting of the foot pad, the shell can include a guide plate substantially abutting a substantially vertical side of the foot pad and/or an alignment rod positioned within a substantially vertical hole in the foot pad.
US08186545B2	Metering valve comprising a fixed inner conduit and a mobile outer sleeve The invention concerns a valve (1) for measuring a liquid or powdery product, comprising a fixed conduit (5) for supplying the product; a closure (13) mounted at a lower end (11) of the conduit (5); and a coaxial sleeve (15), mounted outside the conduit (5), having a lower end (19) shaped into a valve seat, said sleeve (15) being mobile in translation relative to the conduit (5) between a so-called closed position wherein the valve seat (19) co-operates tightly with the closure (13), and a so-called open position wherein the valve seat (19) is spaced apart from the closure (13) to allow the product to flow.
US08186544B2	Dispensing device for edible goods and/or novelties A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
US08186543B1	Automated toothpick dispenser A automated toothpick dispenser includes a chamber for carrying a plurality of toothpicks and a lift system for dispensing a single toothpick to a position outside the dispenser. A drive system is coupled to the lift system and is activated by a sensor that detects the presence of a user.
US08186542B2	Medicine supply apparatus and tablet case An object is to provide a medicine supply apparatus capable of reducing a time required for charging medicines without causing any trouble during counting of the medicines, the apparatus comprises: a discharge drum which discharges the medicines from a tablet case; a medicine detecting sensor which detects the medicines discharged from the tablet case, and a control device, and this control device controls a rotating motor for rotating the discharge drum to discharge the medicines from the tablet case, counts the discharged medicines based on a detecting operation of the medicine detecting sensor, and changes a discharge speed of the medicine by the discharge drum depending on a type of medicine in the tablet case.
US08186541B2	Tissue sheet dispenser and process for making same A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a removable panel that is attached to the first sheet in the stack contained in the container. When the removable panel is pulled off the container, the first sheet in the stack is partially or completely withdrawn from the container. The removable panel may be adhered to the first sheet using an adhesive material. The adhesive material may be contained in a recess formed in the removable panel. The recess is designed to protect the adhesive material during manufacture of the product and/or to prevent the adhesive material to adhering to other portions of the product. In one embodiment, after the stack of sheets are loaded into the dispenser, the recess is inverted forming a protrusion that contacts the first sheet in the stack and forms a bond between the removable panel and the first sheet.
US08186533B1	Food storage device A device for storing food products in combination with a component, such as a plate or a bowl, such that a visual indication of secure engagement is provided and the device does not require a specific corresponding mating structure in order to provide an air-tight seal between said device and the component.
US08186527B2	Vacuum sealing cap A vacuum sealing cap for a container includes an outer cap body, an inner cap body movable toward or away from the outer cap body, a sealing gasket compressible by the outer cap body to abut sealingly against the mouth of the container when the inner cap body moves toward the outer cap body, a slide member connected to the inner cap body, and an operating member connected pivotally to the slide member and pivotable between first and second positions, where the operating member pulls upwardly and pushes downwardly the slide member to move the inner cap body upwardly toward and downwardly away from the outer cap body. The sealing gasket is pressed and is not pressed sealingly against the mouth of the container in the first and second positions, respectively.
US08186523B2	Stackable rack A stackable rack includes two side supports and a shelf plate between the two side supports. The side supports comprises of at least one support unit. The support unit comprises a rectangular frame and a foot support. The rectangular frame is provided with a cross bar to support the shelf plate. The foot support is bent into trapezoid with an oblate metal ring. The two ends of the trapezoid are close and bent into horizontal foot loops. The inner distance of the horizontal foot loops is a little longer than the width of the rectangular frame. The upper side of the foot support clamps the lower side of the rectangular frame and is fixed by welding. The horizontal foot loops of the support of one support unit can fit over the upper corners of the rectangular frame of another support unit, so as to stack up.
US08186522B2	Product display assembly and tester security apparatus A product display assembly having a tester security apparatus for at least one tester of a product, includes a base having a top surface, and at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base. At least one retractor each corresponding to the at least one tester holder is disposed on the top surface of the base. Each retractor has a retractable line located therein with a free end extending therefrom. A fastening element is adapted for attachment to the exterior of the tester and forms a tab portion extending away from the tester upon attachment to the tester. A coupling member is adapted for operative engagement with the tab portion of the fastening element and includes retaining structure for receiving and retaining the free end of the retractable line of a corresponding retractor.
US08186520B2	Product display tray A product display tray configured for use on a shelf is disclosed. The product display tray includes a base and at least one side wall. The base includes a front end, a back end, a left side, a right side, a lower surface and an upper surface for supporting items. The side wall is selectively positionable a distance from a side of the base and is substantially parallel to the side.
US08186517B2	Strainer housing assembly and stand for pump A pump for use with a fluid circulation system for a recreational water body is disclosed. The pump includes a strainer housing, an impeller housing integrally formed with respect to the strainer housing, and an impeller cover mounted with respect to the impeller housing. The strainer housing includes a top portion having an outer surface adapted to engage with a strainer housing cover for mounting the strainer housing cover with respect to the strainer housing. A plurality of cams are formed circumferentially with respect to the outer surface of the top portion of the strainer housing. The cams are configured and dimensioned to cooperate with corresponding cam members formed with respect to an inner surface of the strainer housing cover. A positioning tab is formed with respect to the top portion of the strainer housing for appropriate alignment of the strainer housing cover. A positioning notch is formed with respect to the inner surface of the strainer housing cover. The notch cooperates with the tab to ensure proper strainer housing cover alignment. A stand is provided that defines a receiving chamber for receiving a securing feature that is mounted with respect to downwardly extending base portions associated with an impeller housing and an impeller cover.
US08186509B2	Display hanger for curtain rod A hanger is provided for mounting a curtain rod, such as a shower curtain tension rod, on a display. The hanger includes a body and a resilient collar, pivotally connected to the body, for engaging the rod in a “snap-fit” fashion. The body has a first opening adapted to receive the curtain rod end and a second opening adapted to be engaged by a prong of the display, to mount the curtain rod on the display. The curtain rod end may include a part, such as a finial, with an exterior surface having a contour. The first opening has a shape substantially corresponding to that contour. The second opening preferably includes three recesses such that conventional single prong and double prong displays can be accommodated.
US08186505B1	Expansible ballistic containment bag An expansible ballistic containment bag is adapted for safely storing weapons ammunition. The containment bag includes a blast-resistant flexible body defining an ammunition storage compartment, and having an access opening to the storage compartment for receiving weapons ammunition. A reinforcement webbing is attached to an outside of the flexible body, and incorporates an arrangement of spaced-apart longitudinal straps and spaced-apart lateral straps. At least one of the spaced-apart longitudinal straps extends substantially from one end of the flexible body to an opposite end of the flexible body, and is substantially continuously affixed along its length to the outside of the flexible body. At least two of the spaced-apart lateral straps substantial encircle the flexible body, and are substantially discontinuously affixed along their respective lengths to the containment bag.
US08186503B1	Adjustable curved fence assembly An adjustable curved fence assembly for a conveyor includes a curved guide fence and a number of pneumatic cylinders attached to the curved guide fence. The cylinder piston rods move between extended and retracted positions to change the radius of curvature of the curved guide fence.
US08186502B2	Multifunction conveyor side extrusions A belt conveyor (100) for an agricultural harvester comprises first and second conveyors that include side rails (102, 104, 120, 122) made of extrusions in which the side rails (102, 104) of the first conveyor have extruded profiles that engage extruded profiles of the side rails (120, 122) of the second conveyor (130), wherein the mating extruded profiles permit relative sliding movement between the first and second conveyors. The two mating pairs of side rails (102, 120 and 104, 122) may be driven in parallel by a common motor (706).
US08186495B2	Method for operating a transport unit for transporting paper currency from an intake and testing unit to a storage device A method for the operation of a transport system for bank notes whereby a bank note is conveyed from a tester unit to a bank note storage device, as well as a device for taking up bank notes in which a bank note storage and stacking unit is controlled by differing transport speeds such that the transport speed in the transport unit that takes up the bank note is higher than the transport speed in the device that delivers the bank note to a second transport unit.
US08186494B2	Electronically controlled fluid coupling device with fluid scavenge control and enhanced cooling A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley, a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. Enhanced cooling can be provided with breather openings in the pulley, breather slots in the body member, and fins in the reservoir.

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